Abstract: A reusable battery indicator includes a voltage sensor configured to convert sensed analog characteristics of a battery to digital information; a communication circuit communicatively connected to the voltage sensor; an antenna operatively coupled to the communication circuit; and a connection mechanism having at least a first connector and a second connector that are electrically connected to the voltage sensor, the first connector and the second connector being adapted to be removably connected to a first battery terminal and to a second battery terminal, respectively, thereby completing an electrical circuit between the voltage sensor and the first and second battery terminals when the connection mechanism is coupled to the first battery terminal and to the second battery terminal. One or more of the fist connector and the second connector include part of a mechanical lock and key assembly.

Abstract: Techniques for charging a rechargeable battery having at least one rechargeable cell are described. A battery charger applies a constant current to charge the rechargeable cell and periodically measures a value of voltage of the rechargeable cell. The value of voltage is tracked over a time period required to charge the rechargeable cell to have the measured value of voltage be substantially equal to a crossover value of voltage for the rechargeable cell. A constant voltage is applied substantially equal to the crossover voltage for a second period of time, with the second period of time selected based on the tracked time period. The charging is terminated after the second period of charging time has elapsed.

Abstract: Battery cartridges are disclosed that include a housing having a plurality of air access openings configured to selectively control flow of air into the housing; and at least two adjacent metal-air electrochemical cells within the housing, each electrochemical cell having an outer gas permeable barrier membrane layer that defines the exterior surface of the electrochemical cell; wherein there is a gap between adjacent electrochemical cells in the housing and wherein the air access openings in the housing are positioned over or partially overlapping each gap.

Abstract: A non-hermetically sealed, electrochemical power source, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a membrane in fluid communication with an environment external to the battery. The second electrode is between the separator and the membrane. The membrane includes a first portion having a different property, e.g., density, porosity, mass transport resistance, thickness, or gas permeability, than a second portion of the membrane. Methods of designing an electrochemical cell cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery includes a battery can housing an cell that supplies electrical energy at terminals of the cell by an electro-chemical reaction with oxygen, the can including, a first member having at least one hole that is exposed to air; and a second member. The battery also includes a mechanism coupled to one of the first and second members to move the one of the first and second members such that when current is drawn from the battery, the opening in the member allows air to pass into the battery, and to move the one of the first and second members such that when current is not drawn from the battery, the opening in the member is not in registration to inhibit air to pass into the battery. The battery also includes a circuit to control the mechanism. In one embodiment the circuit monitors levels of O2 in a air plenum that surrounds the cell.

Abstract: A battery includes a battery can housing an cell that supplies electrical energy at terminals of the cell by an electro-chemical reaction with oxygen, the can including, a first member having at least one hole that is exposed to air; and a second member. The battery also includes a mechanism coupled to one of the first and second members to move the one of the first and second members such that when current is drawn from the battery, the opening in the member allows air to pass into the battery, and to move the one of the first and second members such that when current is not drawn from the battery, the opening in the member is not in registration to inhibit air to pass into the battery. The battery also includes a circuit to control the mechanism. In one embodiment the circuit monitors levels of O2 in a air plenum that surrounds the cell.

Abstract: A battery includes a battery can housing an cell that supplies electrical energy at terminals of the cell by an electro-chemical reaction with oxygen, the can including, a first member having at least one hole that is exposed to air; and a second member. The battery also includes a mechanism coupled to one of the first and second members to move the one of the first and second members such that when current is drawn from the battery, the opening in the member allows air to pass into the battery, and to move the one of the first and second members such that when current is not drawn from the battery, the opening in the member is not in registration to inhibit air to pass into the battery. The battery also includes a circuit to control the mechanism. In one embodiment the circuit monitors levels of O2 in a air plenum that surrounds the cell.

Abstract: A battery includes a cathode having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and defining a cavity and two open ends; a separator disposed adjacent to the interior surface of the cathode; an anode disposed adjacent to the separator and inside the cavity; an air-permeable, liquid-impermeable barrier layer disposed adjacent to the exterior surface of the cathode, and defining an exterior surface of the battery; two end members connected to the open ends of the cathode; and an anode current collector extending through the two end members. Methods designed such a battery is also disclosed.

Abstract: An end cap assembly for a primary lithium cell is disclosed. The end cap has a principal application in closing and sealing a primary lithium cell having wound electrodes. The cell may typically have an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2). The end cap assembly has a metal cathode contact cup therein having a closed end and opposing open end with integral side walls therebetween. The cathode contact cup is electrically connected to the cathode and is within the electrical pathway between the cathode and terminal end cap. The cathode contact cup has one or more grooves formed at the closed end thereof resulting in thinned or rupturable portions of remaining metal underlying said grooves. The thin or rupturable remaining metal portions are exposed directly to gas within the cell interior and are designed to rupture when gas within the cell builds to a predetermined level.

Abstract: Fuel cell systems, as well as related components and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A non-hermetically sealed, electrochemical power source, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a membrane in fluid communication with an environment external to the battery. The second electrode is between the separator and the membrane. The membrane includes a first portion having a different property, e.g., density, porosity, mass transport resistance, thickness, or gas permeability, than a second portion of the membrane. Methods of designing an electrochemical cell cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-hermetically sealed, electrochemical power source, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a membrane in fluid communication with an environment external to the battery. The second electrode is between the separator and the membrane. The membrane includes a first portion having a different property, e.g., density, porosity, mass transport resistance, thickness, or gas permeability, than a second portion of the membrane. Methods of designing an electrochemical cell cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery includes a battery can housing an cell that supplies electrical energy at terminals of the cell by an electro-chemical reaction with oxygen, the can including, a first member having at least one hole that is exposed to air; and a second member. The battery also includes a mechanism coupled to one of the first and second members to move the one of the first and second members such that when current is drawn from the battery, the opening in the member allows air to pass into the battery, and to move the one of the first and second members such that when current is not drawn from the battery, the opening in the member is not in registration to inhibit air to pass into the battery. The battery also includes a circuit to control the mechanism. In one embodiment the circuit monitors levels of O2 in a air plenum that surrounds the cell.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells and electrochemical cell systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A non-hermetically sealed, electrochemical power source, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a membrane in fluid communication with an environment external to the battery. The second electrode is between the separator and the membrane. The membrane includes a first portion having a different property, e.g., density, porosity, mass transport resistance, thickness, or gas permeability, than a second portion of the membrane. Methods of designing an electrochemical cell cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coiled electrode assemblies having conductive tabs, methods of attaching the conductive tabs to the coiled electrode, and electrochemical cells employing such assemblies. An electrode plate which is coated with active material has a designated area for tab attachment. The conductive tab area's active material is pierced with opposing, offset piercing plates which have raised surface probes which penetrate the conductive tab area's coating and substrate. This tab area is cleared of active material and reinforced with a reinforcing material and a conductive tab is welded to the thus treated area resulting in an electrode plate having a strong integrated tab assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coiled electrode assemblies having conductive tabs, methods of attaching the conductive tabs to the coiled electrode, and electrochemical cells employing such assemblies. An electrode plate which is coated with active material has a designated area for tab attachment. The conductive tab area's active material is pierced with opposing, offset piercing plates which have raised surface probes which penetrate the conductive tab area's coating and substrate. This tab area is cleared of active material and reinforced with a reinforcing material and a conductive tab is welded to the thus treated area resulting in an electrode plate having a strong integrated tab assembly.