Abstract: Novel lithium alloy anodes compatible with non-aqueous ammonia based electrolytes are described therein. Said anodes are supporting higher voltage and permit the use of ammonia electrolyte with broad range of salt concentrations, which results in low cost, fast response time and high power density batteries over prior art. Various cathodes, separators and cell constructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Material is incorporated in each of the cell separator membranes of an electrochemical cell having a layered construction wherein a plurality of commonly connected metal anode layers and a plurality of commonly connected cathode layers are arranged in a closely packed, stacked sandwich construction, separated by a plurality of thin insulating separator membranes which gives each cell separator a known resistance value which can be measured thereby allowing total cell resistance to be readily tested.

Abstract: An overvoltage control circuit for a reserve battery includes a current limiting resistor connected in series with a thermal-lag type circuit interrupter such as a thermal-lag fuse or circuit breaker. The series combination is connected across a selectively activatable reserve battery which is connected across an electrical load to be energized by the battery. A high current drain through the circuit interrupter and the resistor during an initial activation of the reserve battery is effective to stabilize the output voltage of the battery at a level below a desired working limit of battery potential without an overshoot of the working limit. Subsequently, the current drain operates the circuit interrupter to isolate the limiting resistor to interrupt the current drain and allow the battery output to reach a level approximating the working limit.

Abstract: A reserve activated electrochemical cell uses a frangible glass ampule for storing an electrolyte. The ampule is located within a first cylindrical cup-shaped metal housing containing a pair of cell electrodes. One of the electrodes is formed by an electrically conductive ring electrically isolated from the wall of the housing while the other electrode is constituted by an electrically active coating on an inner surface of the wall of the housing. The first cylindrical housing is arranged to form a contiguous extension of a second cylindrical metal housing and is attached by an electrically conductive weld bead located along a peripheral edge of an open end of the cup to the second housing to form a fluid-tight seal therewith while facilitating an electrical connection to the first one of the electrodes. An electrical connection to the other one of the electrodes is provided by a wire extending through a fluid-tight seal in a wall of the second housing and connected to the other electrode.

Abstract: An improved header device for use with an electrochemical cell requiring a hermetic seal between the header, the terminal pin, and the body of the cell is disclosed. A stainless steel header is sized to fit the cell body and hermetically sealed to the body. An annular glass ring is bonded to the header. Centered in and bonded to the ring is a composite, corrosion resistant terminal pin consisting of a solid central core of stainless steel surrounded on its sides and bottom by a stainless steel case. The case prevents corrosion of the pin and allows the pin to be used as either the positive or negative terminal.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus for selectively providing a stored fluid to a working environment for the fluid includes a container for storing the fluid. The container is arranged as a metal thimble with longitudinal score lines evenly spaced about its diameter. A weight is attached to one end of the thimble to provide a force on the thimble in a longitudinal direction as a result of a corresponding acceleration of the thimble. The scoring lines produce stress concentrations and serve to weaken the thimble in its radial direction. The longitudinal force produced by the weight during acceleration results in a collapse of the thimble and a rupture of the walls of the thimble along the score lines to produce exit orifices for the fluid stored in the thimble. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is an electrolyte, and the fluid control apparatus is used in a reserve activated battery housing to store the electrolyte until the acceleration induced collapse of the thimble.

Abstract: A container for a non-aqueous electrochemical cell is molded from a partially hologenated alkaline polymer and has integral electrical leads and vents.

Abstract: A reserve battery having a plurality of galvanic cells and a series of ports through which electrolyte can flow into the cells. A spring activated valve opens the ports during periods of angular acceleration of the battery and closes the ports when there is no acceleration.

Abstract: A heat activated vent for releasing an excess internal pressure in a container which pressure is accompanied by an abnormal rise in an internal temperature of the container uses a spring to store sufficient energy to propel a barb or spike to pierce a thin diaphragm. The spring is retained within a hollow vent housing between an end wall of the housing and a movable plate located within the housing and carrying a diaphragm piercing upright barb. A pierceable thin diaphragm is positioned adjacent to the sharp end of the barb and is arranged to provide a leak proof seal across an open end of the housing. The barb carrying plate is normally retained in a position wherein the barb is spaced from the diaphragm by a rigid pin extending between the plate and the housing and having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the housing. In one embodiment of the invention, one end of the pin projects through a hole in the plate and has a radially expanded head which engages the barb carrying plate.

Abstract: The use of lithium hexafluroarsenate dissolved in acetronitrile as an electrolyte in a reserve electrochemical cell having a lithium anode, a sulfur dioxide depolarizer and a means for maintaining the electrolyte and depolarizer remote from the anode prior to activation.