Patent ID: 7651814

Claim:
An electrochemical cell, comprising: (a) an anode including: i. a single anode can having a top wall and an annular side wall extending axially downstream therefrom to define an anode cavity; and ii. an anode material disposed within the anode cavity; (b) a cathode including: i. a single cathode can having a bottom wall and an annular side wall extending axially upstream therefrom, the cathode side wall overlapping the anode side wall such that the anode can is received by the cathode can to enclose the anode cavity; and ii. a cathode assembly disposed adjacent the bottom wall of the cathode can; and iii. a separator disposed between the cathode and anode cavity; (c) a sealing element disposed between and in contact with the inner surface of the cathode can side wall and the outer surface of the anode can side wall at one end of the cell to prevent leakage of anode material therebetween; and (d) an insulating element, separate from the sealing element, extending upstream from the sealing element between and in contact with the outer surface of the anode can side wall and the inner surface of cathode can side wall, wherein the anode can side wall terminates at a terminal end, wherein the sealing element comprises a gasket that defines an axially extending slot that receives the terminal end therein, and wherein the sealing element and the insulating element each have a thickness, as measured between the inner surface of the cathode can side wall and the outer surface of the anode can side wall, the thickness of the sealing element being greater than the thickness of the insulating element.