Abstract: An apparatus and method for completely discharging a battery by use of a tab that initiates activation of a discharging circuit when the tab is pulled out of the battery case. The tab is operatively coupled with the actuator of a switch which in turn is coupled to a discharging circuit. The tab extends from the battery case and may be covered by a protective cover, or may also be attached to the protective cover. The tab is attached to an actuator of a switch and detaches from the actuator after actuation, thereby indicating actuation and preventing the switch from subsequently being moved. The switch completes the circuit, initiating the discharging process, when a movable contact engages a stationary contact and completes the discharge circuit.

Abstract: A lithium ion cell with a polymeric anode and cathode and a separator therebetween. The separator, such as of non-woven polymeric fibers is provided with its own discrete structure, without carrier substrate, and with structural integrity, apart from being laminated/compressed between the polymeric anode and cathode elements. Operable cells are made thinner despite the self supporting discrete structure, with obtained improved rate capacity and high temperature performance.

Abstract: Cells, especially solid state rechargeable lithium ion-containing cells having significantly improved cell shelf-life, cycle life and reduced impedance growth. A non-cathode active lithium compound containing one or more non-metallic elements, such as Li.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and Li.sub.2 B.sub.4 O.sub.7, substantially insoluble in the non-aqueous electrolyte of the cell, is dispersed throughout the cathode and is further dispersed within at least one of the anode and separator.

Abstract: A method for production of porous electrodes and separators in polymer type electrochemical cells and batteries wherein electrodes and separator elements are mixed with polymeric filler materials such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The polymeric filler material is then removed to provide the requisite porosity for the electrodes and separator. The polymeric filler material, normally removed by use of volatile solvents, is instead removed by extraction with supercritical fluids, such as CO.sub.2, which do not result in any hazardous residue or gases.

Abstract: A low pressure vented battery structure comprised of lithium ion polymer cells contained within a flexible container. The flexible container is punctured to provide a venting aperture. The venting aperture is externally sealingly covered with a vent structure comprising a first chemically inert plastic film layer having a central aperture which is adhered to the flexible container around the periphery of the central aperture, with the central aperture being in registration with the venting aperture. A second film chemically inert layer membrane is partially adhered to the first layer, whereby the membrane is stretched and anchored in a position covering the central aperture and the venting aperture, and partially separated from the first layer to provide a venting pathway from the venting aperture to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: Lithium manganese ternary oxide Li Mn.sub.2 0.sub.4+x is produced, where 0.ltoreq..times..ltoreq.0.2, by adding carbon to a manganese-containing solution such as manganese acetate and reacting the solution in an inert atmosphere with a lithium-containing compound such as lithium hydroxide and ammonia. Carbon is added in a proportion up to 8 percent of the weight of the Li Mn.sub.2 0.sub.4+x produced, and preferably the proportion of carbon added is in the range 2 to 6 percent by weight of Li Mn.sub.2 0.sub.4+x. The carbon is preferably carbon powder such as carbon black. Preferably, the Li Mn.sub.2 0.sub.4+x produced as a gelatinous precipitate is dried and heat treated. Alternatively, lithium manganese ternary oxide Li Mn.sub.2 0.sub.4+x is produced by reacting a manganese-containing compound with lithium carbonate. The reaction takes place in water and a precipitate is formed which is dried. The dried precipitate may be heat treated. The manganese-containing compound comprises manganese acetate.

Abstract: Internal intercell and terminal cell electrical connector elements in an electrochemical battery are protected from corrosion and build-up of high internal resistance by coating the electrical connector elements with a layer of a protective preferably non-conductive viscous material such as silicone, prior to pressure contacting or welding of the electrical connector elements. The silicone is removed only at the point of contact between the connector elements while retaining a surrounding protective barrier against the corrosive effects of the cell components and particularly corrosive fluid organic electrolyte materials in high energy density cells.

Abstract: A battery having a metallic foil coated rigid plastic housing impedes adverse affects on the battery electrolyte.