NOVELTY - Lithium battery (20) comprises battery cell on a support (24), having electrodes about an electrolyte; protective casing (21) comprising cover (66) spaced apart from and covering the battery cell to form gap; and polyvinylidene chloride polymer filling the gap; and first (25a) and second (25b) terminals extending out of the protective casing, where both terminals are connected to different electrodes of the battery cell; where the battery further comprises protective shell covering at least a portion of polyvinylidene chloride polymer or cover, having first and second layers.    USE - Lithium batteries packaged in protective packages are used in applications that require small battery with high energy density such as portable electronics, medical devices and space systems.    ADVANTAGE - The battery has a conformal cover comprising multiple layers of ceramic and polymer materials, providing benefits of both classes of materials, where polymer material is flexible allowing conformal cover to flex with applied thermal or mechanical stresses; and ceramic material having higher resistance to permeation by gases and vapors providing better protection against external environment. Also, the ceramic material can withstand higher temperatures if the battery is exposed to higher temperatures during use, or if the battery generates higher temperatures during charge and discharge cycles. The lithium battery comprises at least one lamination spacer which is placed between pedestal and cover of battery cell, this lamination spacer prevents excessive pressure being applied to top surface off the battery cell, to prevent damage to the battery cell. The gap distance and the resultant thickness or width of the polymer is sufficiently small to reduce permeation of harmful gases from the environment into the battery cell. The fixed height of the battery having rigid cover plate allows more reproducible design specifications for the battery. The flexible cover reduces the space occupied by the battery which can increase its energy density.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) battery manufacturing method involving forming battery cell on a support; covering the battery cell with polyvinylidene chloride polymer having top surface (26); placing a cover such that it comes in contact with top surface of polyvinylidene chloride polymer; laminating polyvinylidene chloride polymer and cover by heating while applying pressure; and extending first and second terminals out of polyvinylidene chloride polymer; and    (2) pressure-applying apparatus comprising chamber having vacuum tube connected to vacuum pump, and pressurized gas tubing connected to pressurized gas source; flexible sheet attached to the chamber, and capable of being inflated by pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source; pedestal to support a battery in the chamber; and heater to heat the battery on the pedestal.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows sectional side view of battery.    Lithium battery (20)    Protective casing (21)    Support (24)    First terminal (25a)    Second terminal (25b)    Top surface (26)    Cover (66)