Abstract: An improved, expanded metal grid anode current collector is provided for supporting the active metal of the anode in a high energy density, non-aqueous active metal electrochemical cell in which the anode substrate is fabricated from expanded stainless steel or nickel having interspersed expanded metal and solid segments such that the leads can be attached to the solid metal segments.

Abstract: A reserve activated electrochemical cell with a cell condition checking apparatus uses a sealed electrochemical fluid, e.g., an electrolyte, storing reservoir having an expandable pressurized capsule within the reservoir for pressurizing the fluid. The reservoir is provided with a rupturable diaphragm arranged as a fluid-tight seal across an opening in a wall of the reservoir. A selectively operable lance is arranged with a pointed end adjacent to the diaphragm for activating the cell by piercing the diaphragm to release the fluid into the electrode assembly. A reservoir leak indicator is located in the reservoir to provide an indication of a leakage path between the pressurized capsule and the fluid stored in the reservoir allowing a migration of the fluid into the capsule. In a first embodiment of the reservoir leak detector, a visual indication of fluid leakage is provided through a transparent window in a wall of the reservoir by a visual change in a fluid reactive substance located in the capsule.

Abstract: A stable electrolyte composition for use in a lithium anode electrochemical cell which includes an electrolyte comprising lithium hexafluroarsenate dissolved in methyl formate. A stabilizing amount of lithium tetrafluroborate is included. Also included is a stabilizing amount of a lithium alloy. These alloys typically have a Mohs hardness of greater than 0.7. Typical lithium alloys include metals selected from the group consisting of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, silicon, zinc, and mixtures thereof.