Patent ID: 7295878

Claim:
An implantable device comprising: electronic circuitry that performs a specified function; an implantable rechargeable battery that provides operating power for the electronic circuitry; and battery charging and protection circuitry for receiving power from an external charger and controls the charging of the rechargeable battery to protect the rechargeable battery from overcharge and undercharge conditions; wherein the implantable rechargeable battery comprises a lithium-ion or lithium-ion polymer battery having an anode electrode with a substrate made substantially from a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, titanium alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, and stainless steel, wherein the rechargeable battery may discharge to zero volts without damage, wherein the battery charging and protection circuitry applies a trickle charge current I 1 to the rechargeable battery when a rechargeable battery voltage ranges from zero volts to a first voltage V 1 , and applies a second charging current I 2 to the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery voltage ranges from the first voltage V 1 to a second voltage V 2 , and wherein the trickle charge current I 1 is less than the second charging current I 2 .