Abstract: A method of detecting false state information reported by a battery unit, wherein the battery unit comprises a monitoring system configured to monitor and report state information of the battery unit. A log of state information reported by the battery unit is inspected in order to determine whether or not there is a change in state information which is inconsistent with normal operation of the battery unit. If there is a change in state information which is inconsistent with normal operation of the battery unit, then it is determined that the battery unit has reported false state information.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-prismatically shaped electrochemical cell. An elongate, substantially planar electrode strip is provided, having an anode on one of its major surfaces, a cathode on the other of its major surfaces, and a separator between the anode and the cathode, the strip tapering in its plane along the length of the strip. The electrode strip is rolled up along its length from its wider end to its narrower end. Also provided are a non-prismatic cell, and an electrode strip and electrode roll for use in such a cell.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing charged battery units into a tank of an electrically powered apparatus. The dispenser comprises a dispensing container for accommodating a plurality of charged battery units, and a conduit having a first end coupled to the dispensing container and a second end adapted to be coupled to a tank to be filled. The dispenser further comprises a dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing battery units to the tank through said conduit, the dispensing mechanism comprising a metering unit for monitoring and controlling the number and or state of battery units dispensed.

Abstract: A battery unit comprising an electric energy reservoir having positive and negative voltage supply terminals, three or more electric contact pads on an outer surface of the battery unit, and a dynamically configurable connection unit for electrically connecting each of said positive and negative voltage supply terminals to any one or more of said electric contact pads, wherein electric energy can be drawn from the electric energy reservoir via selectively different combinations of electric contact pads.

Abstract: An electric energy storage and supply system comprising a tank capable of accommodating a plurality of battery units where each battery unit comprises an electric energy reservoir having positive and negative voltage supply terminals, three or more electric contact pads on an outer surface of the battery unit, and a dynamically configurable connection unit for electrically connecting each of said positive and negative voltage supply terminals to any one or more of said electric contact pads, wherein electric energy can be drawn from the electric energy reservoir via selectively different combinations of electric contact pads. The system further comprises at least two inwardly facing tank contact pads provided on the inside of the tank for contacting electric contact pads of neighboring battery units and for delivering electrical energy from the system towards an external load.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing charged battery units into a tank of an electrically powered apparatus. The dispenser comprises a dispensing container for accommodating a plurality of charged battery units, and a conduit having a first end coupled to the dispensing container and a second end adapted to be coupled to a tank to be filled. The dispenser further comprises a dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing battery units to the tank through said conduit, the dispensing mechanism comprising a metering unit for monitoring and controlling the number and or state of battery units dispensed.