Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. A separator, which includes an expansion joint, surrounds and seals the first electrode. The separator may comprise a first major surface and a second major surface substantially opposite the first major surface, and the expansion joint may be coupled between the first major surface and the second major surface.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided comprising a housing and circuitry disposed within the housing. A torroidal battery is disposed within the housing and coupled to the circuitry. The battery comprises a torroidal canister having a central opening therethrough and an electrode assembly disposed within the canister. An insulative body is disposed between the torroidal canister and the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum actuated pick-up tool for transporting a current collector is provided. The pick-up tool comprises a housing having an external surface, an interior compartment, and a plurality openings extending from the external surface to the interior compartment. The interior compartment is configured to be coupled in fluid communication with a vacuum source to pneumatically secure the current collector to the external surface. The pick-up tool further comprises at least one protrusion extending from the external surface for contacting and spatially orienting the collector when pneumatically secured to the external surface.

Abstract: A battery for use with implantable medical devices, and a method of making the battery. The battery includes a battery housing, a connector block connected to the battery housing, a feedthrough assembly having a ferrule, where at least a portion of the ferrule extends outside the battery housing, and within the connector block.

Abstract: A battery having an electrode assembly located in a housing that efficiently utilizes the space available in many implantable medical devices is disclosed. The battery housing provides a cover and a shallow case a preferably planar, major bottom portion, an open top to receive the cover opposing the bottom portion, and a plurality of sides being radiused at intersections with each other and with the bottom to allow for the close abutting of other components located within the implantable device while also providing for efficient location of the battery within an arcuate edge of the device. The cover and the shallow case being substantially hermetically sealed by a laser weld technique and an insulator member disposed within the case to provide a barrier to incident laser radiation so that during welding radiation does not impinge upon radiation sensitive component(s) disposed within the case.

Abstract: According to the present invention an improved insulator cup, or case liner, enhances electrode coil insertion by reducing the possibility of damage to the coil during insertion, protects electrode and separator from laser radiation during welding, and eases manual inspection of partially assembled components, among other advantages. The improved insulator cup includes a mechanical joint, or hinge-like feature, which pivotably couples opposing parts of the cup and greatly enhances coiled electrode insertion and subsequent component inspection prior to sealing a cover member over an electrode assembly disposed within a housing. The mechanical joint can comprise additional parts that adhere to a divided insulator cup or can be formed as an integral part of an insulator cup (e.g., a linear area of reduced thickness, of apertures, and/or perforations, etc.).

Abstract: A method of forming a head space insulator for an electrochemical cell is presented. A polymer is selected. The polymer has a melting point lower than the melting point of separator material. The polymer is heated to place the polymer into a liquid state. The liquid polymer is introduced over one or more tabs associated with one or more electrode plates.

Abstract: A separator container is presented. The separator container includes a plurality of containers to alternately receive an anode plate or a cathode plate.

Abstract: An anode subassembly for use in an implantable electrochemical cell includes a solid anode current collector and an alkali metal anode pressed onto the solid anode current collector such that the solid anode current collector is located on the outer side of the outermost winding of a coiled electrode assembly formed when the anode subassembly is wound with a cathode subassembly. The anode subassembly may further include a spacer formed from a microporous, non-conductive material pressed onto the alkali metal anode on the opposite side from the solid anode current collector.

Abstract: The separator subassembly includes a spacer layer formed from a film of microporous, non-conductive material joined to a separator by a heating process, wherein the separator is formed from an elongated piece of microporous, non-conductive film. When an anode subassembly is enveloped within the separator subassembly, the spacer aligns with a surface-mounted anode current collector of the alkali metal anode. The spacer serves as an additional protective layer between the cathode material and the anode current collector as the anode depletes.

Abstract: An anode subassembly is provided for use in an implantable electrochemical cell wherein the anode subassembly includes an anode current collector designed to eliminate perforation edges in the final, outermost turn of a coiled electrode assembly. The anode current collector may be of a reduced size, discontinuous, or formed from alternating perforated and solid areas. The anode subassembly may further include reinforcing elements to support a thin anode layer in the outermost coil of a coiled, anode-limited cell. Reinforcing elements may take the form of a spacer, extensions extending from a reduced-size anode current collector, or strips of alkali metal.