Patent ID: 6878481

Claim:
An axially extending rechargeable electrochemical cell comprising: (a) an outer can defining an internal cavity with an open end, an electrode disposed in the internal cavity, and a terminal end cap enclosing the open end; and (b) an end cap assembly including: i. a flexible member supported by the can, wherein the flexible member flexes from a first position towards a second position in response to internal cell pressure; ii. a first conductive element in electrical communication with the terminal end cap; iii. a second conductive element in electrical communication with the electrode, and in removable electrical communication with the first conductive element, wherein the second conductive element is in mechanical communication with the flexible member; and wherein the flexible member biases the second conductive element out of communication with the first conductive element when the flexible member flexes towards the second position in response to an internal pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold during charging.