Abstract: Disclosed is a tab for use with an electrochemical cell. The tab is designed so that it can be replicated relatively easily in an automated manufacturing process and/or so it can be properly positioned on an electrochemical cell utilizing an automated process. The tab preferably includes a contact lead, a neutral lead and one or more contact strips connecting the contact lead and the neutral lead.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cell housing containing active components of the cell and having an inner cover and vent passage provided in the inner cover. A vent with a seal member is force-fitted within the vent passage. A current interrupt contact is provided on an outer cover and facing the seal member for providing electrical contact between the outer cover and a current path of the cell. Upon reaching a predetermined internal cell pressure, the seal member is forcibly released from the vent passage and, at the same time, forcibly engages the current interrupt contact to interrupt the flow of current from within the cell to the outer cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming porous carbon cathode collectors for electrochemical cells by mixing carbon black with binder and liquid to form a dough, drying it at an elevated temperature, compacting the dried mix at an elevated temperature, milling it to a particle size greater than 0.05 mm and preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm, and molding the dry milled mix, preferably by auger feeding, to form a collector having a pore size at least 50% by volume being 10 microns or larger and most preferably in the range of 10 to 90 microns.

Abstract: The housing of an electrochemical cell system has a vent passageway defined by a flared flange. The flange is flared outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the passageway so that the opening of the vent passageway facing to the interior of the housing is smaller than the opening of the vent passageway facing to the exterior of the housing. An electrically insulating material, such as glass, is fused in the passageway to form a hermetic seal. The outwardly flared flange facilitates removal of the seal material responsive to excessive internal cell pressures so the cell can be vented safely.