Abstract: A gas-blowing device used in an apparatus for carrying out a process for producing pore-free cast-on-strap joints for lead-acid batteries. The device includes a metallic pipe closed at both ends having a plurality of groups of aligned gas outlets, gas inlets and inner plugs, all of which are evenly distributed along the pipe's length, and leveling plates. The gas-blowing device is used to give a simultaneous final cleaning and drying to a plurality of negative and positive plate lug surfaces immediately after water rinsing the plate lugs under ultrasonic vibration and prior to joining the plate lugs by the cast-on-strap process. This is done by means of gas jets coming out at high pressure from the gas outlets, and which are directed towards the plate lug surfaces. A uniform distribution of gas pressure and flow rate for all gas outlets, as well as a correct direction for all gas jets, are assured along the entire pipe's length.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and chemical activation of a plurality of plate lug surfaces. The apparatus includes an ultrasonically-stirred flux vessel, an ultrasonically-stirred rinsing water vessel and a gas-blowing device contained inside a dirt collection vessel. Each vessel has an independent movement capability in the upward or downward directions, and all three vessels are mounted on a common supporting frame which allows their simultaneous horizontal displacement. When coupled to a conventional cast-on-strap machine, the apparatus allows the manufacture of pore-free cast-on-strap joints for lead-acid batteries.

Abstract: A method for producing pore-free cast-on-strap joints for lead-acid batteries including the steps of cleaning a plurality of positive and negative plate lugs by a combined action of flux and ultrasonic vibration, water rinsing the plate lugs under ultrasonic vibration, and drying the plate lugs by gas blasting. The gas blasting occurs prior to the formation of the cast-on-strap joint. The cast-on-strap joint is formed by introducing the plate lugs into a molten lead-based strap alloy contained in a strap mold and solidifying the molten strap alloy in the strap mold.