Abstract: A plug-holder strip for an accumulator battery includes a plurality of plugs to be fitted in complementary holes in a cover of a battery, and a support structure which interconnects the plugs, the plugs being connected to the support structure by a yielding connection which allow the plugs to move relative to the support structure to enable the plugs to be aligned with the holes in the cover, and wherein each plug is fitted in a through-hole in the support structure, and the connection includes an annular sealing member which surrounds the hole and forms a seal between the plug and the support, and a retainer which are associated with the support structure and compress the plug onto the sealing member to ensure leaktightness while maintaining the ability of the plug to move relative to the support.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of: moving a strip through an expansion machine having at least one expansion punching tool and an associated complementary tool or matrix, causing the expansion machine to operate in synchronism with the movement of the strip so as to form a grid strip having an non-expanded central portion and two longitudinal grid portions adjacent the central portion, and forming, in the non-expanded central band, a plurality of openings or windows separated by transverse bridges which are to form the connection appendages or lugs of the plates. These openings or windows are formed, in the expansion machine, by punches operated in phase with the operation of the expansion punching tool.

Abstract: A plug-holder strip for an accumulator battery comprises a plurality of plugs to be fitted in complementary holes in a cover of a battery, and a support structure which interconnects the plugs, the plugs being connected to the support structure by yielding connection means which allow the plugs to move relative to the support structure to enable the plugs to be aligned with the holes in the cover, and wherein each plug is fitted in a through-hole in the support structure, and the connection means comprise an annular sealing member which surrounds the hole and forms a seal between the plug and the support, and retaining means which are associated with the support structure and compress the plug onto the sealing member to ensure leaktightness whilst maintaining the ability of the plug to move relative to the support.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of: moving a strip through an expansion machine having at least one expansion punching tool and an associated complementary tool or matrix, causing the expansion machine to operate in synchronism with the movement of the strip so as to form a grid strip having an non-expanded central band or portion and two longitudinal grid portions adjacent the central band or portion, and forming, in the non-expanded central band, a plurality of openings or windows separated by transverse bridges which are to form the connection appendages or lugs of the plates. These openings or windows are formed, in the expansion machine, by punches operated in phase with the operation of the expansion punching tool.