Method of filling electrochemical cells with electrolyte

Abstract

Electrochemical cells containing highly reactive anodes are filled with a volatile electrolyte under controlled pressure conditions in a controllable pressure chamber. The cells are placed in the chamber with the fill port down and the chamber evacuated to a high vacuum for a given period of time. Thereafter, the pressure is increased to above the boiling point of the electrolyte being employed. A measured amount of electrolyte is then introduced to the chamber and the chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure and then raised to a pressure above atmospheric to force the electrolyte into the evacuated cell. The pressure is maintained at this level for a time sufficient to allow absorption of the electrolyte by the porous electrodes in the cell and then the excess electrolyte is blown from the chamber under pressure. Upon removal of the electrolyte the chamber is vented to the atmosphere and the cells removed and positioned with the fill ports up. The cells are now ready for final hermetic sealing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.