Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a current collector assembly having a current collector, a seal and a compression means wherein the compression means and collector exert minimum tension and maximum compressive stresses on the seal thereby avoiding leakage of electrolyte either through or around the seal.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a current collector assembly having a current collector, a seal and a compression means wherein the compression means and collector exert minimum tension and maximum compressive stresses on the seal thereby avoiding leakage of electrolyte either through or around the seal.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a vent orifice defined in the cover of the cell and a conductive spring member is employed to electrically connect one of the electrodes of the cell to the cover so as to adapt the cover as the terminal for the electrode.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells are comprised of a seal member that has a centrally located cylindrical hub joining a base, which base has a ventable diaphragm portion and a nonventable diaphragm portion, which hub has an end extending above the base and an end extending below the base, into which a current collector is inserted in an interference fit with the end extending above the base, which ventable diaphragm portion joins the hub at an interface forming an arc of between about 135 degrees and 250 degrees, and which interface is the thinnest portion of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell employing a resettable safety disconnect device operable by a nonresettable shape memory alloy element. The shape memory alloy element is preferably in the form of a twisted wire that is restrained in the normal operation of the cell and expands when the internal temperature exceeds a preselected value whereupon the shape memory alloy wire will exert force on a moveable element in the electrical circuit of the cell to break contact in the electrical circuit thereby rendering the cell inoperative. This device could also include an opposing spring member to restore the shape memory alloy element to its original shape upon cooling and thus restore electrical contact.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells employ a current collector-safety switch member comprised of a shape memory alloy in the electric circuit in the cell. The collector-safety switch member has a base portion and a plurality of legs extended therefrom and when the internal temperature of the cell rises, the legs of the collector-safety switch member are retracted to thereby disconnect the electrical circuit in the cell. These cells can also be comprised of a resettable thermal switch for inhibiting the flow of current in the cell at a temperature below the disconnect temperature of the current collector-safety switch member.