Patent ID: 7687189

Claim:
An electrochemical battery cell comprising a housing, an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator disposed between the electrodes, and an electrolyte, the housing comprising: a container with an open end in which the electrode assembly and electrolyte are disposed; and a collector assembly, disposed between the electrode assembly and the open end of housing, the collector assembly having: a contact spring, defining a pressure release channel, having at least one tab in electrical contact with either the positive or the negative electrode; a pressure release vent closing the vent channel, said pressure release vent rupturing in response to a predetermined internal cell pressure; a retainer, also defining the pressure release channel, crimped in a C-shape around the contact spring and the pressure release vent, said retainer forming a conductive path with the contact spring; and an insulating gasket disposed around the retainer, said insulating gasket separating the collector assembly from making electrical contact with the container and sealing the cell to prevent electrolyte leakage.