Patent ID: 6044295
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: A61N,H01M

Abstract:
An implantable battery-operated, multi-function medical device comprising:a first therapy assembly having a low current requirement;a second therapy assembly having a large current requirement;a first battery component adapted to be used with a device having a low current requirement and connected to said first therapy assembly;a second battery component adapted to be used with a device having a large current requirement;a sensor comprising a measuring device for detecting a measured value that is characteristic of the residual energy of the first battery component, taking into consideration the current and/or voltage requirement of the second therapy assembly, the measuring device having input and output sides, the input side of the measuring device being connected to an input side of the sensor, and being arranged to emit a control signal when the residual energy of the first battery component no longer suffices for low-current operation of the first therapy assembly, said measured value being the terminal voltage or the internal resistance of said first battery component; anda switching device connected to the output side of the measuring device and connecting the second battery component only to the second therapy assembly until the control signal is emitted, which indicates that the available residual energy of the first battery component is less than a predetermined residual energy value, upon which the switching device connects the second battery component to the first therapy assembly, while also leaving the second battery component connected to the second therapy assembly.