Patent ID: 7763375

Claim:
A battery comprising: a container with an opening; at least one electrochemical cell having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator and an electrolyte, said electrochemical cell disposed within the container; a terminal cover fitted within the opening; an insulating washer proximate to the terminal cover; a sealing plate forming an electrical circuit between the terminal cover and either the positive or negative electrode, said sealing plate having a pressure relief vent, a lower portion which defines an internal surface of the electrochemical cell and an upper portion extending through an aperture in the insulating washer to contact the terminal cover; a gasket compressed between the container and the sealing plate; wherein the sealing plate cooperates with the gasket and the insulating washer to change shape at a predetermined temperature value so as to break the electrical circuit; and wherein the sealing plate maintains contact with either the positive or negative electrode irrespective of the shape of the sealing plate.