Separator for electrochemical cell and process for assembling it into the cell

An electrochemical cell assembled in a housing comprising a container having a closed end and an open end closed by a cover;

• a first active electrode material positioned within and contacting the inner wall of the container and defining a centrally disposed cavity;
• a separator comprising at least two separator strips with each strip having a bottom segment with extending walls and each wall being defined by two edges;
• the bottom segment of one strip superimposed on the bottom segment of the other strip with the extending walls of each strip arranged to face the edges of the walls of the other strip so that the walls define a cavity in said separator and wherein each edge of at least one strip has a notch formed in it at the area of the edge adjacent the bottom segment of the strip to substantially eliminate the usual projected folds in the edge of the strip formed at said area;
• said separator positioned within and contacting said first active electrode material;
• a second active electrode material positioned within said cavity of the separator;
• a first terminal on the housing electrically connected to said first active electrode material;
• and a second terminal on the housing electrically insulated from the first terminal and electrically connected to said second active electrode material.