Abstract: An economical method for manufacturing an electrode assembly of virtually any shape to fit into a similarly shaped casing without compromising volumetric efficiency is described. This is accomplished by providing an electrode assembly of multiplate anode and cathode plates that substantially match the internal shape of the casing. That way, no matter what shape the device being powered by the cell dictates the electrode assembly assumes, as little internal volume as possible is left unoccupied by electrode active materials.

Abstract: A method for providing a physician with an elective replacement indicator (ERI) for an implantable medical device is described. The medical device is powered by an electrochemical having a lithium anode coupled to a sandwich cathode comprising the configuration: SVO/current collector/CFx, with the SVO facing the anode. The indicator is predicated on when the cell's discharge capacity is nearing end-of-life (EOL) based on the theoretical capacity and the discharge efficiency of the SVO and CFx active materials. This serves as an indicator when it is time to replace the medical device.

Abstract: An insulator ring for preventing short circuit contact between the opposite polarity electrode in a case-terminal cell design is described. Typically, a lithium/silver vanadium oxide cell is built in a case-negative design with the casing serving at the negative terminal. The cathode is connected to an insulated terminal pin. In a conventional cell construction, the electrode assembly is enclosed in an insulator bag in addition to the electrode separator envelopes before being housed inside the casing. The insulator bag ensures the cathode electrode will not come into short circuit contact with the casing. In the present invention, the insulator bag is replaced with an insulator ring which only protects those portions of the electrode assembly vulnerable to short circuit contact.

Abstract: It is known that reforming implantable defibrillator capacitors at least partially restores and preserves their charging efficiency. An industry-recognized standard is to reform implantable capacitors by pulse discharging the connected electrochemical cell about once every three months throughout the useful life of the medical device. A Li/SVO cell typically powers such devices. The present invention relates to methodologies for significantly minimizing, if not entirely eliminating, the occurrence of voltage delay and irreversible Rdc growth in the about 25% to 70% DOD region by subjecting Li/SVO cells to novel discharge regimes. At the same time, the connected capacitors in the cardiac defibrillator are reformed to maintain them at their rated breakdown voltages.

Abstract: A rod-shaped coupler for connecting a current collector to a terminal pin, is described. The coupler is secured to the entire width of the current collector, preferably the cathode in a cell of a case negative design, and is generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the electrode assembly. An extension portion of the coupler extends beyond the electrode assembly and is of a hollow, tubular structure crimped or otherwise collapsed into surrounding contact with the terminal pin. The coupler and terminal pin are then welded together. Preferably, the terminal pin is roughened prior to effecting the connection. This method of attachment is suitable for either primary lithium or secondary lithium ion cells, particularly those powering implantable biomedical devices.

Abstract: A new cathode design has a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability contacted to a first cathode current collector and a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability in contact with a second cathode current collector, is described. The first and second cathode current collectors are connected to a common terminal lead. The present cathode design is useful for powering an implantable medical device requiring a high rate discharge application.

Abstract: A lithium ion electrochemical cell having high charge/discharge capacity, long cycle life and exhibiting a reduced first cycle irreversible capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one phosphate additive having the formula: (R1O)P(?O) (OR2) (OR3) and wherein R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different, wherein at least one, but not all three, of the R groups is hydrogen, or at least one of the R groups has at least 3 carbon atoms and contains an sp or sp2 hybridized carbon atom bonded to an sp3 hybridized carbon atom bonded to the oxygen atom bonded to the phosphorous atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a current collector for an electrochemical cell. The current collector has a unique grid structure comprised of a frame supporting a plurality of radial strands as conductors radiating outwardly from a focal point on a connector tab. The frame and radial conductors are maintained in a fan-like orientation with respect to each other by two groups of concentric conductor strands, one located adjacent to the tab, the other spaced a substantial distance therefrom. The radiating conductors provide a more direct path to the connector tab for electron flow. This results in the current collector having reduced internal resistance in comparison to conventional current collector designs.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method of preparing a cathode material in a sequential two-part reaction process. In the first step, silver nitrate and vanadium oxide are decomposed by heat under an inert atmosphere. In the second part of the process, the resulting intermediate material is heat treated under an oxidizing atmosphere. The sequential combination of steps produces a highly crystalline silver vanadium oxide cathode material which has properties not heretofore exhibited by SVO prepared by prior art methods.

Abstract: Structures for serially connecting at least two capacitors together are described. Serially connecting capacitors together provides device manufactures, such as those selling implantable medical devices, with broad flexibility in terms of both how many capacitors are incorporated in the device and what configuration the capacitor assembly will assume.

Abstract: A bonding pad for connecting an electrical energy storage device to an implantable medical device, is described. The bonding pad comprises at least two contact surface, one have a channel for receiving the terminal lead of the electrical storage device, the other being relatively planar for contact to the medical device. That way, the channel provide for increased surface area contact with the terminal lead for a more robust connection while the opposite, planar contact surface provides flexibility for contact to a lead of the medical device.

Abstract: New designs that provide two anodes and their associated feedthroughs incorporated into one capacitor are described. The feedthrough wires can be in their own glass-to-metal seal or, they can be combined into one glass-to-metal seal as long as they are electrically insulated from each other. One embodiment has the anode feedthroughs left unconnected, while in other embodiments; they are joined externally of the capacitor casing. Several interconnect designs are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to at least partially replacing PC and/or DME with a linear carbonate, preferably dimethyl carbonate, and a linear mono-ether, the most preferred being diisopropyl ether, in electrolytes useful for activating alkali metal-containing cells. This electrolyte has improved conductivity and provides electrochemical cells with enhanced discharge performance. A most preferred electrolyte comprises 1,2-dimethoxyethane, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate and diisopropyl ether.

Abstract: A family of spacers of various sizes for securing a standardized terminating electrical protection device (such as one of the “snap-cap” type) to an electrical energy power source (i.e., a lithium electrochemical cell) is described. The terminating protection device is mounted on a header for an electrochemical cell and contains a circuit board provided with electrical components, such as diodes and fuses. The function of the circuit board is generally to protect the cell from being overcharged or too rapidly discharged, and the like. The spacers are sized to take up the space between the edge of the cell and the edge of the terminating protection device. That way, only variously sized spacers need to be stocked. The spacers are relatively simple to manufacture and inexpensive to stock.

Abstract: An electrode assembly constructed of continuous anode and cathode electrodes that are overlaid in overlapping fashion and wound into a cell stack suitable for prismatic and cuboidal-shaped cases. The cathode electrode strip has some regions where the electrode material is pressed to a high density and has some regions where the active material is substantially removed from the current collector screen.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the preparation of an improved cathode active material for non-aqueous lithium electrochemical cell. In particular, the cathode active material comprises &egr;-phase silver vanadium oxide prepared by using a &ggr;-phase silver vanadium oxide starting material. The reaction of &ggr;-phase SVO with a silver salt produces the novel &egr;-phase SVO possessing a lower surface area than &egr;-phase SVO produced from vanadium oxide (V2O5) and a similar silver salt as starting materials. Consequently, the low surface area &egr;-phase SVO material provides an advantage in greater long term stability in pulse dischargeable cells.

Abstract: A battery pack having a first secondary cell and a second secondary cell, preferably of a non-aqueous chemistry, is described. Each secondary cell has a discharge capacity and an internal resistance to a direct charge current. To diminish and alleviate problems associated with extended cycling of battery packs, the internal resistance to the direct charge current and the discharge capacity of each secondary cell is substantially matched. Thereby, the battery packs have longer running voltages and increased energy density.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an SVO electrochemical cell having high rate capability. The cathode is produced by coating a mixture of an active material, conductive additives, a mixed binder, and an aluminum foil current collector. The mixed binder consists of a mixture of heat treated polyamic acid with PVDF. The use of heat treated polyamic acid maintains adhesion to the conductive current collector while the PVDF portion of the binder gives flexibility. A particularly preferred couple is of a lithium/silver vanadium oxide (Li/SVO) chemistry and the binder mixture enables an active slurry of SVO to be coated onto a current collector without delamination.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pump comprising an armature comprising a pole portion joined to a plunger portion, wherein the plunger portion comprises a one-piece structure including shaft portions of increasing diameters and a head portion comprising a diameter greater than the shaft portions, the plunger portion and a pole portion located internal to the pump housing for magnetic attraction by an electromagnet means. A retainer element is joined with the plunger portion and a main spring urges on the retainer element to move the plunger thus allowing for a return stoke of the plunger as the pump cycles. Guiding of the armature is performed exclusively by a cooperating relationship between the armature plunger portion and an adjacent portion at the pump housing.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the preparation of an improved cathode active material for non-aqueous lithium electrochemical cell. In particular, the cathode active material comprises &egr;-phase silver vanadium oxide prepared by using a &ggr;-phase silver vanadium oxide starting material. The reaction of &ggr;-phase SVO with a silver salt produces the novel &egr;-phase SVO possessing a lower surface area than &egr;-phase SVO produced from vanadium oxide (V2O5) and a similar silver salt as starting materials. Consequently, the low surface area &egr;-phase SVO material provides an advantage in greater long term stability in pulse dischargeable cells.