The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 29, 1997
Filed:
Jun. 07, 1995
Barry C Muffoletto, Alden, NY (US);
Neal N Nesselbeck, Lockport, NY (US);
Rodney E Stringham, Corfu, NY (US);
Wilson Greatbatch Ltd., Clarence, NY (US);
Abstract
An electrochemical cell including an alkali metal anode and a cathode, one of the anode or cathode being connected to a structure for making electrical connection from a load to the cell, the other of the anode or cathode having main and alternate portions, a main terminal connected to the main anode or cathode portion for making electrical connection between a load and the cell, and an alternate terminal connected to the alternate anode or cathode portion for making electrical connection between a load and the cell, so that the main anode or cathode portion first is discharged with the alternate portion held in reserve, whereupon when the main portion reaches end of life the alternate anode or cathode portion is discharged. The main and alternate anode or cathode portions are insulated from each other, and the anode preferably is of lithium. There is also provided a voltage responsive switch means in combination with the cell and connected electrically between a load and the main and alternate terminals for connecting the main terminal initially to the load and then disconnecting the main terminal and connecting the alternate terminal to the load when the main portion reaches end of life. The cell can be provided with a casing of electrically conductive material with one of the anode or cathode being connected to the casing for making electrical connection to the load through the casing.