"The monolithically formed battery charger includes at least one step-down converter having a given duty ratio coupled to a battery-terminal interface that provides a stepped-down output voltage and current that may be used to charge a rechargeable battery."

broadening it up a bit...

E.digital, with its earlier patent recognition, has a redirected charge pump circuit (which is what the above is) for use of the micro-controller.

Norris broadened up as well..

"It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications to circuitry and design could be made the to embodiment disclosed herein. It is to be understood that such modifications are intended to be comprehended within the present invention, as defined by the following claims."

doni