Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a thermal battery testing apparatus and a method for testing a thermal battery. The method includes one or more of the following steps: connecting the thermal battery in series with a resistance; connecting the thermal battery and resistance in series with a sinusoidal voltage source; applying a sinusoidal voltage to the thermal battery, measuring an impedance, reactance and/or capacitance across two terminals of the thermal battery, comparing the measured impedance, reactance and/or capacitance to a reference impedance, reactance and/or capacitance; and indicating whether the tested thermal battery is “in family” or “out of family.” The battery testing apparatus may include a testing device configured to apply a sinusoidal voltage to the thermal battery and to measure the impedance, reactance and/or capacitance across two terminals of the thermal battery. The testing apparatus may further be configured to report “out of family” batteries.

Abstract: A battery having a complete discharge mechanism includes a spring-biased switch with an element spring-biased from the switch and acts to close the switch when in a fully extended position. A block is position above the element with a passageway aligned with the element. A flexible positioned between the element and the passage prevents the element from extending into the passage. The tab extends through the battery casing. When pulled the tab allows the element to extend into the passage thereby closing the spring-biased switch and completing the discharge circuit.

Abstract: A prismatic cell for implantable medical devices includes an elongated anode and cathode folded together to form a prismatic cell. The anode includes an anode tab which does not extend to the bottom edge of the anode, with heat-resistant tape on the opposite side of the anode, likewise not extending to the bottom edge of the anode. This provides a strip of anode material below the anode tab which acts as a current collector reducing the increase in impedance as the cell is discharged.