Patent ID: 7108942

Claim:
An electrochemical cell, which comprises: a) a casing comprising a sidewall extending to an open end thereof; b) a first electrode comprising first and second portions, wherein the first portion comprises a first current collector having first and second major sides supporting a first electrode active material, and wherein the second portion of the first electrode comprises the first electrode active material directly contacted to an inner surface of the casing sidewall serving as a first terminal for the first electrode; c) a conductor extending from the first current collector comprising the first portion of the first electrode to either the inner surface of the casing sidewall or to the first electrode active material comprising the second portion of the first electrode directly contacted to the inner surface of the casing sidewall; d) a second, counter electrode comprising a second current collector having third and fourth major sides supporting a second electrode active material, wherein the second electrode is connected to a second terminal electrically insulated from the first terminal; e) a separator segregating the first and second electrodes from each other; f) an electrolyte provided in the casing to activate the first and second electrodes; and g) a lid closing the open end of the casing.