Electrochemical cell having continuous depletion gauge

Abstract

The electrochemical cell comprises an outer conductive housing, a cathode material within the housing and in direct electrical contact with the housing, and at least one anode material within the housing. The anode material includes first and second major surfaces and is separated from the cathode material by porous insulating separators, and an electrolyte is contained within the housing and within the porous insulating separators. A resistive strip member is positioned within the anode material and extends generally diagonally therethrough and has an insulative layer thereon for insulating the strip member from the anode material. The insulative layer has conductive passageways therethrough for electrically connecting the anode materalial with the resistive strip member. An electrical conductor connected to the proximal end of the strip member extends out of and is insulated from the conductive housing whereby an initial voltage potential is developed between the electrical conductor and the housing. The conductive passageways are exposed one by one to the electrolyte and rendered nonconductive thereby as the anode material is consumed. This results in an increase of resistance in series with the conductor, the increase in resistance of the strip member as the anode material is consumed serving to indicate the level of discharge of the cell.