The Battery Doctor ~~1powershop.com

Break In New Batteries
New batteries come in an uncharged condition. To break in a new battery, we suggest charging and then discharging the battery 2 to 4 times so they can reach their full, rated capacity. You can discharge most batteries by unplugging the AC adapter and leaving them turned on until completely discharged. Some phones have a desktop charger/conditioner which will speed up the process.
Charging Your Battery
Never charge your battery for more than 14 hours. If you are using a Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMh) or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery, your charging time should be less than 14 hours. Manufacturers’ manuals normally state not to charge a battery for more than 24 hours, but if you leave it on the charger for more than 14 hours you risk damaging the battery by overcharging.
Eliminate Memory Effects
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) batteries suffer from an affliction known as the memory effect. The battery will only charge to the level of which the battery was last discharged due to an accumulation of gas bubbles on the cell plates. If a battery is discharged to 30% and then recharged, the battery will only charge to 30% of its capacity and thus shrinking the battery’s "gas tank."
Burp Your Battery
The best way to eliminate memory and remove the accumulated gas bubbles on the cell plates is to "burp", or condition it. This means draining the battery until your portable phone shuts off, and then recharging it. Again, the desktop charger/conditioner will speed up this process