Method and apparatus for regulating charging of electrochemical cells

A rechargeable electrochemical cell charging system comprising:

• (a) an electrochemical cell including:
• i. an outer can defining an internal cavity with an open end, an anode and a cathode disposed in the internal cavity, and a terminal;
• ii. a linkage for establishing an electrical connection between the terminal and a first electrode;
• and
• iii. a reversible switch for responding to a predetermined threshold pressure within the electrochemical cell, generated during the charging thereof, to break the linkage and terminate charging, and reestablish the linkage once pressure within the electrochemical cell falls below the predetermined threshold pressure;
• and
• (b) a cell charger for receiving the electrochemical cell therein and supplying a varying current charge thereto.

A rechargeable electrochemical cell charging system comprising:

• (a) an electrochemical cell including:
• i. an outer can defining an internal cavity with an open end, an anode and a cathode disposed in the internal cavity, and a terminal;
• ii. a linkage for establishing an electrical connection between the terminal and a first electrode;
• and
• iii. a reversible switch that is for activating in response to a predetermined threshold pressure generated during charging of the electrochemical cell to break the linkage and terminate charging, and reestablish the linkage once pressure within the electrochemical cell falls below the predetermined threshold pressure;
• and
• (b) a cell charger for receiving the electrochemical cell therein and supplying a voltage charge thereto, wherein the voltage alternates between a maximum threshold and a minimum threshold.