Abstract: Battery-powered implantable medical devices require a suitable method for indicating end-of-service of the power source so that there is ample time for elective replacement of the device and/or power source. The present invention utilizes mixed cathode materials preferably comprising a major portion of a fluorinated carbon and a minor portion of a metal-containing material. This mixed cathode formulation is characterized by two, discretely different operating voltages, the second of which may be used as an end-of-life indicator.

Abstract: A cell construction that makes use of unbalanced electrode components or portions comprising one of the electrodes of an electrochemical cell to provide an end-of-life indication, is described. The unbalanced electrode components can have dissimilar physical dimensions or dissimilar percent loading of electrode active material. This renders the one dissimilar electrode component having the lesser physical dimension, i.e., lesser surface area or thickness, or lesser quantity of electrode active material electrochemically unreactive prior to the other electrode component during the course of cell discharge. Upon the early exhaustion or unreactiveness of the one dissimilar electrode component, the total cell interelectrode working capacity is reduced by a predetermined factor. The remaining functional electrode component provides the cell with sufficient capacity for electrical discharge at a predetermined lower energy level.

Abstract: A fabric separator woven from synthetic halogenated polymeric fibers for use in an electrochemical cell comprising a Group IA, IIA and IIIB metal anode and a depolarizer/catholyte or a solid cathode/electrolyte system, is described. The separator is resistant to the highly oxidizing components present in the cell, is tear resistant and has a reduced thickness to minimize the diminishing effect of the separator on the volumetric amount of active components in the cell. The separator can be used by itself or as a laminate with a microporous film, preferably made of a fluoropolymeric fiber.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided having a metallic anode comprising a lithium-aluminum alloy, a solid cathode of electronically conductive material and an ionic conductive non-aqueous electrolyte solution operatively associated and in direct contact with the anode and cathode. The metallic anode comprises a lithium-aluminum alloy wherein aluminum comprises from about 0% to about 50% by weight of the alloy. The solid cathode comprises a fluorinated carbon such as poly carbon monofluoride, a metal oxide or a metal oxide bronze. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution comprises a first component consisting of a high boiling aprotic solvent or combinations thereof, and a second component consisting of at least one lithium salt. The electrochemical cell demonstrates an energy density of about 0.6WH/CC and exhibits consistent performance predictability over an operational range of from about -20.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C.

Abstract: A solid cathode liquid organic electrolyte lithium cell for delivering high current pulses comprising a casing, a cathode structure in the casing comprising a plurality of plates in spaced apart relation, a lithium anode comprising a plurality of anode sections interposed between the cathode plates, a non-aqueous liquid organic electrolyte comprising the combination of a lithum salt and an organic solvent in the casing operatively contacting the anode and the cathode an electrical connection provided to the anode and an electrical connection provided to the cathode. In accordance with one aspect of the invention the cathode includes as active material Ag.sub.x V.sub.2 O.sub.y where x is in the range from about 0.5 to about 2.0 and y is in the range from about 4.5 to about 6.

Abstract: A solid cathode liquid organic electrolyte lithium cell for delivering high current pulses comprising a casing, a cathode structure inthe casing comprising a plurality of plates in spaced apart relation, a lithium anond comprising a plurality of anode sections interposed between the cathode plates, a non-aqueous liquid organic electrolyte comprising the combination of a lithum dalt and an organic solvent in the casing operatively contacting the anode and the cathode an electrical connection provided to the anode and an electrical connection provided to the cathode. In accordance with one aspect of the invention the cathode includes as active material Ag.sub.x V.sub.2 O.sub.y where x is in the range from about 0.5 to about 2.0 and y is in the range from about 4.5 to about 6.