Patent ID: 7211348

Claim:
A multifunctional battery for supplying power to an electrical circuit having a first terminal and a second terminal, said battery comprising: an open cell interconnected structure comprised of a plurality of open cells, wherein said structure comprises a structural electrode, said structure being configured to be a load bearing member and connected to the first terminal; at least one interstitial electrode, said interstitial electrodes being a counter electrode to said structural electrode, said interstitial electrode being at least partially received within said plurality of open cells of said structure and connected to the second terminal; wherein said structural electrode and said interstitial electrode are counter electrodes with respect to one another, wherein: if said structural electrode is a cathode then said interstitial electrode is an anode; or alternatively, if said structural electrode is an anode then said interstitial electrode is a cathode; said cathode comprises: a cathode nickel layer, and a cathode active metal disposed on said cathode nickel layer; said anode comprises: an anode nickel layer, and an anode active metal disposed on said anode nickel layer; and a separator portion disposed between said structural electrode and said interstitial electrodes to serve as an electrical insulator between said structural electrode and interstitial electrodes.