Abstract: A separator for a Li-ion polymer battery comprised of a plurality of separator layers that are laminated together. The plurality of separator layers including a first layer formed of a first separator material, and a second layer formed of a second separator material, wherein the second layer is compositionally and structurally different from the first layer.

Abstract: A separator for a Li-ion polymer battery comprised of a plurality of separator layers that are laminated together. The plurality of separator layers including a first layer formed of a first separator material, and a second layer formed of a second separator material, wherein the second layer is compositionally and structurally different from the first layer.

Abstract: There is described an lithium--alloy/molten salt/metal sulfide electrochemical cell which eliminates the use of perforated baskets to restrain active materials and uses simple mechanical seal made from ceramic material. It also uses high melting point salt as the electrical insulator between the electrodes and the cell can. In the cell, the positive current collector is made from flexible graphite and a corrosion resistant metal. The cell is assembled in a low carbon steel case with side closure.

Abstract: An insulator for use in a monopolar cell battery is provided in which the battery includes a first electrode in contact with the case and a second electrode which is not in contact with case. The insulator is a plate which is formed from a higher melting point salt which is provided adjacent the edges of the second electrode. The plate insulates the second electrode from the case. The salt used for the insulator has a melting point that is greater than the operating temperature of the battery.

Abstract: An improved positive terminal feedthru for a lithium/metal sulfide battery cell is provided which permits electrical access to the positive terminal of the battery cell from outside the case. The positive terminal feedthru assembly includes a first annular compressible seal which is provided about the positive feedthru and abuts the positive terminal. A first bushing is provided around the positive feedthru adjacent to the first compressible seal. A second annular compressible seal is provided about the positive feedthru between the first bushing and the battery case. A second annular bushing is provided about the positive feedthru adjacent the opposite side of the case from the second compressible seal. An annular washer is provided around the positive feedthru adjacent the second annular bushing. This washer maintains a compressive load on the first and second compressible seals to account for expansion and contraction due to temperature cycling.

Abstract: An improved case is provided for a lithium/metal sulfide battery. The improved case is arranged such that the largest surface, corresponding to the side of a traditional cell case, is left open. The remaining five sides of the case can be formed in a drawn form from a single sheet of metal. The electrode plates can be provided within this drawn case and a cover can then be welded to the case to form the cell assembly. Utilizing the side of the cell case rather than the top of the cell case provides easier handling and installation of the electrode plates within the cell case.

Abstract: A current collector for use in a cell. The current collector has a thin sheet of conductive material having oppositely directed planar faces. The sheet is preferably graphite. The current collector also has a metal tab having oppositely directed planar faces. A face of the tab is in planar contact with a face of the sheet. The current collector may further have a second thin sheet of conductive material, preferably graphite, having oppositely directed planar faces. The second sheet is placed in planar contact with the tab such that the tab is disposed between the two conductive sheets.

Abstract: A device for compressing the cell stack disposed within the battery case of a multicell battery and providing a gas-tight, electrically isolated seal for one of the battery terminals. The device comprising an expandable unit disposed between the cell stack and a surface of the battery case. The unit having a cavity disposed therein and a sealable port through which a pressurized fluid may be provided to the cavity thereby expanding the unit. The unit is preferably comprised of two concentric annular metal bellows.

Abstract: An improved battery of the type formed of cells stacked in series. The positive and negative electrodes of each cell being separated by a separator and each cell being separated by a respective bipolar wall. A sleeve-like seal is provided around the periphery of each cell. The seal is preferably made of a nonwettable material that can be made in a flexible form, such as boron nitride. The barrier seal being in sealing contact with opposed planar faces of bipolar walls bounding each cell. The seal is preferably affixed to the bipolar walls by a paintable cement made of a mixture of boron nitride powder and a clay binder suspended in a nonaqueous organic vehicle.

Abstract: An improved battery of the type formed of cells stacked in series, each cell comprised of a positive and a negative electrode that contain an electrolyte. The cells are separated from one another by respective bipolar walls. The seal material is affixed to and encapsulates an outer edge of each bipolar wall. The battery preferably also includes a continuous insulating gasket provided around the periphery of each cell. Each gasket opening to a first end and opening to a second end opposite the first end. The first gasket end is in contact with the seal material of a bipolar wall and the second gasket end is in contact with the seal material of another bipolar wall with the electrodes being disposed within the gasket.

Abstract: A battery, having a plurality of cells stacked in series. Each of the cells having a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator that contain an electrolyte. The battery utilizes a thin section of carbon provided between adjacent cells as the bipolar walls. The bipolar wall may be a thin, preferably flexible, sheet of graphite. The carbon bipolar wall may also be formed by tape casting.