Method and apparatus for regulating charging of electrochemical cells

11 The electrochemical cell as recited in claim 10, further comprising a plug disposed within the opening that is displaceable when the internal pressure reaches a second predetermined threshold.

The electrochemical cell as recited in claim 11, wherein the plug is elastically deformable.

The electrochemical cell as recited in clami 17, wherein the varying current charge is an alternating current offset by a direct current.

A method for charging a rechargeable cell of the type having an outer can defining an internal cavity having an open end, an anode and cathode disposed in the internal cavity, a terminal end cap enclosing the open end, an electrical linkage that removably connects the end cap with the cathode, and a switch controlling the linkage, the method comprising;

• (a) supplying a constant voltage charge to the cell, wherein internal pressure accumulates within the internal cavity in response to the constant voltage charge;
• and
• (b) activating the switch to terminate the linkage when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.

A method for charging a rechargeable cell of the type having an outer can defining an internal cavity having an open end, an anode and cathode disposed in the internal cavity, a terminal end cap enclosing the open end, an electrical linkage establishing a removable electrical connection between the end cap and cathode, and a switch controlling the linkage, the method comprising;

• (a) supplying a varying current charge to the cell, wherein internal pressure accumulates within the internal cavity in response to the charge;
• and
• (b) activating the switch to terminate the linkage when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.

A method for charging a rechargeable cell of the type having an outer can defining an internal cavity having an open end, an anode and cathode disposed in the internal cavity, a terminal end cap enclosing the open end, an electrical linkage that removably connects the end cap with the cathode, and a switch controlling the linkage, the method comprising:

• (a) supplying an voltage charge to the cell that varies between a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum, wherein internal pressure accumulates within the internal cavity in response to the charge;
• and
• (b) activating the switch to terminate the linkage when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, wherein the linkage is re-established when the internal pressure falls below the predetermined threshold.

A rechargeable electrochemical cell charging system comprising:

• a rechargeable cell having a gauge on its outer surface operable to send a signal indicating that the outer surface is expanded at a rate that is beyond a predetermined threshold;
• and
• a battery charger configured to (1) supply a charge to the rechargeable cell, wherein the outer surface of the battery expands as the charge is supplied, (2) receive the signal from the gauge, and (3) terminate the charge based on a predetermined rate of change of outer surface expansion.