Abstract: A lead-acid battery includes a compartmented case and a polarity of electrochemically lead-acid cells serially connected via respective positive and negative terminals. Each cell includes planar positive and negative plates and resides in one compartment of the case. The battery further includes an electrochemically inactive cell serially connected with the electrochemically active cells and being intermediately disposed respecting the electrochemically active cells. Plates of the inactive cell preferably have connecting lugs extending therefrom which align with corresponding connecting lugs of the positive and negative plates of the active cells. Rigid homogeneous foam separates the inactive cell plates from one another and fills the inactive cell compartment thereby providing support for the inactive cell plates.

Abstract: A lead-acid cell includes a case, positive and negative plates within the case, microporous separator material between adjacent plates and electrolyte in a starved amount, with the case having jar and covers joined by a weldment along overlapping cover and jars. The positive plates include a grid frame with an intermediate member extending between spaced apart generally peripheral portions of the frame, with pasted active material on the grid frame separated substantially into two portions by the intermediate member. Compressive force is adjustably continuously applied to the positive and negative plates within the case. The plates are suspended within the case at positions removed from the wall of the case, while plate growth is permitted in a manner that plate shorting is avoided.

Abstract: A lead-acid cell includes a case, positive and negative plates within the case, microporous separator material between adjacent plates and electrolyte in a starved amount, with the case having jar and covers joined by a weldment along overlapping cover and jars. The positive plates include a grid frame with an intermediate member extending between spaced apart generally peripheral portions of the frame, with pasted active material on the grid frame separated substantially into two portions by the intermediate member. Compressive force is adjustably continuously applied to the positive and negative plates within the case. The plates are suspended within the case at positions removed from the wall of the case, while plate growth is permitted in a manner that plate shorting is avoided.

Abstract: A lead-acid cell includes a case, positive and negative plates within the case, microporous separator material between adjacent plates and electrolyte in a starved amount, with the case having jar and covers joined by a weldment along overlapping cover and jars. The positive plates include a grid frame with an intermediate member extending between spaced apart generally peripheral portions of the frame, with pasted active material on the grid frame separated substantially into two portions by the intermediate member. Compressive force is adjustably continuously applied to the positive and negative plates within the case. The plates are suspended within the case at positions removed from the wall of the case, while plate growth is permitted in a manner that plate shorting is avoided.

Abstract: A spacer for keeping cell casings spaced from one another when supported side-by-side in a rack is provided by an elongated member having a bottom adapted to rest on the rack supporting the cells and sidewalls spaced apart from one another the distance of the desired spacing between adjacent cell casing. The sidewalls terminate in a top edge space from the bottom a greater distance than the designated spacing of the sidewalls in less than a quarter of the casing height. Preferably ventilating holes are provided through the spacer to allow circulation of air between the adjacent cells spaced apart by the spacer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring operation and recording status of at least one battery component of an uninterruptable power supply is provided. Physical parameters of a battery are sensed and stored upon deviation from preselected limits. In addition, the present value of the physical parameters are displayed. Back-up power is supplied upon the interruption of utility power. Furthermore, an operator is signaled with an alarm when utility power is interrupted or there is deviation from preselected battery operation limits.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling rate of battery current discharge, comprising, variable means applying resistance load to the battery output, comparator means connected for defining and communicating a targeted battery discharge current level set point, sensor means connected for sensing the rate of current discharge from the battery, and connected to the comparator for comparing the actual battery discharge current rate to the targeted battery discharge current, and adjusting means connected to the variable means and operative responsively to the comparitor means for incrementally increasing or decreasing the resistive load in response to signals from the comparator means as to whether the battery discharge current exceeds the targeted current set point.

Abstract: In a device for providing stand-by power to an electrical apparatus, such as a telephone switching system, the battery contained therein is maintained at a positive plate polarization of about 20 to 40 millivolts per cell.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery having electrolytic-absorbent separator is formed in situ to produce sponge lead and lead dioxide active material. The method includes cooling the electrolyte to below room temperature, introducing a quantity of cooled electrolyte into the battery and charging the battery to a preselected degree. The battery is further filled with electrolyte to provide electrolyte saturated plates and separators and is further charged to a preselected degree defining a fully charged state.