Lithium cell with internal automatic safety controls

A self-controlling electric primary cell constructed to limit or prevent internal pressure likely to lead to explosive rupture, said cell comprising

• a. a container enclosure;
• b. anode means;
• c. cathode means comprising a depolarizer cathodic body disposed within the cell container;
• d. an electrolyte for electrochemically relating said anode means and said cathode means to generate an electric current between them for conduction to an external circuit;
• e. an outer electrode element disposed on the outside of said container;
• f. an electrical circuit conductor extending from said depolarizer body to said outer electrode element, said circuit conductor consisting of a filling tube for introducing a fluid electrolyte component into the container can during manufacture, and wherein said filling tube serves as a stationary switch element;
• g. electrical switching means disposed within said cell enclosure and responsive to an undesirable operating condition within the cell, which prevent the aggravation of said condition by opening the circuit between the electrical circuit conductor, the depolarizer and the outer electrode element, wherein the undesirable condition is excessive pressure caused by excessive temperature and excessive current;
• h. said electrical switching means including a movable switch element, which cooperates with the stationary switch element and is controlled by said condition within the container.