Abstract: Apparatus for automatically stacking battery plates and separators is disclosed. Battery plates and separators elements are alternately and automatically combined on a conveyor belt to form sandwiches wherein a plurality of such sandwiches are later assembled for use in battery cells. Prior to combining the elements, the plates and separators are arranged in respective chutes for access by pivotably mounted vacuum pickup heads, which cycle between the chutes and the conveyor belt. The vacuum pickup heads capture the topmost elements in the chutes irrespective of the height at which the plates and separators may be stacked therein. In order to access the elements within the chutes, a jet sensor is provided with the pickup head that acts as a proximity detector. When vacuum is not being utilized for pickup purposes, it is utilized in an environmental mode where it is used to remove lead dust and particles around the stacking area.

Abstract: A storage battery shrink wrap enclosure which includes foam pads to protect battery terminals and vent covers, and an outer form fitting shrink wrap covering. The enclosure allows batteries to be stacked, reduces potential for user contact with acid, and provides access to battery terminals for testing the battery charge level or boost charging the battery. The enclosure also includes a handle to facilitate battery handling and installation.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically stacking battery plates and separators is disclosed. Battery plates and separators elements are alternately and automatically combined on a conveyor belt to form sandwiches wherein a plurality of such sandwiches are later assembled for use in battery cells. Prior to combining the elements, the plates and separators are arranged in respective chutes for access by pivotably mounted vacuum pickup heads, which cycle between the chutes and the conveyor belt. The vacuum pickup heads capture the topmost elements in the chutes irrespective of the height at which the plates and separators may be stacked therein. In order to access the elements within the chutes, a jet sensor is provided with the pickup head that acts as a proximity detector. When vacuum is not being utilized for pickup purposes, it is utilized in an environmental mode where it is used to remove lead dust and particles around the stacking area.

Abstract: A vent cap for enclosing filler openings of a storage battery comprises a base terminating at a ring including a generally U-shaped channel and a cover, the periphery of which engages the channel of the base. The periphery of the cover is provided with an essentially planar face having a chamfered termination and a plurality of circumferentially spaced, secant-shaped portions formed therein. The inner and outer faces of the cover are provided with relieved portions adjacent to the secant-shaped portions formed in the cover's periphery. The secant-shaped portions formed in the periphery of the cover and the relieved portions formed in the inner and outer faces of the cover cooperate with the U-shaped channel to develop a series of apertures between the base and cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging electric storage batteries comprises a host computer for providing charging information to and receiving status information from a plurality of slave computers. The slave computers are coupled to the host computer by means of a fiber optic data link. A plurality of control modules are coupled to each slave computer. Each control module applies charging current to a plurality of electric storage batteries in response to instructions received from the slave computer. Each control module also sends charging and battery temperature status information back to its respective slave computer.

Abstract: An apparatus, for use in conjunction with a high voltage tester, for confirming that the high voltage test has been successfully completed. The apparatus detects currents caused by the application of a high test voltage to an article under test. If the detected current is not present throughout a predetermined test time interval, the apparatus provides a retest indication and alarm, signifying that a malfunction in the test has occurred. If the current is detected throughout the predetermined time period, a test complete indicator is activated, signifying the successful completion of the high voltage test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for applying an electrical welding current between contacting members upon detecting a predetermined electrical resistance therebetween. Measurement current pulses are applied through the contacting members prior to the initiation of a weld current therethrough. Measurement voltage pulses, induced by the applied measurement current pulses, are compared against a reference voltage level. When the magnitude of the voltage pulses decreases to a value less than the reference voltage level, a weld signal is generated which causes the application of the weld current through the contacting members for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system for charging a storage battery initially charges the battery at a maximum rate of current which tapers in magnitude until the battery attains a selected voltage, and thereafter charges the battery with a continuing reduction of current until termination. Termination is accomplished by sensing current delivered to the battery over time, monitoring a curve representative of such data, and discontinuing charger operation when the slope of the curve attains a selected value.

Abstract: A novel formation method is disclosed which is compatable for use in forming high antimony as well as, maintenance free (i.e., low antimony calcium, etc.) batteries. The method includes constant circulation of a cooling fluid around the batteries to be formed while the batteries are stepped through various charging cycles of different lengths and currents. The preferred method is a "one shot" method, thus eliminating the necessity of adding successive electrolyte solutions to the batteries. Unlike prior "one shot" formation techniques, however, formation times are relatively short while plate clearance characteristics and the completeness of formation are excellent.

Abstract: A lightweight battery grid having an array of grid wires arranged to define a plurality of parallelogram of substantially equal size; whereby a battery plate having substantially equal paste pellets may be formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically stacking battery plates and separators is disclosed. Battery plates and separators elements are alternately and automatically combined on a conveyor belt to form sandwiches wherein a plurality of such sandwiches are later assembled for use in battery cells. Prior to combining the elements, the plates and separators are arranged in respective chutes for access by pivotably mounted vacuum pickup heads, which cycle between the chutes and the conveyor belt. The vacuum pickup heads capture the topmost elements in the chutes irrespective of the height at which the plates and separators may be stacked therein. In order to access the elements within the chutes, a jet sensor is provided with the pickup head that acts as a proximity detector. When vacuum in not being uitlized for pickup purposes, it is uitlized in an environmental mode where it is used to remove lead dust and particles around the stacking area.

Abstract: A vent cap for enclosing filler openings of a storage battery comprises a base terminating at a rim including a generally U-shaped channel and a cover, the periphery of which engages the channel of the base. The periphery of the cover is provided with an essentially planar face having a chamfered termination and a plurality of circumferentially spaced, secant-shaped portions formed therein. The inner and outer faces of the cover are provided with reliefed portions adjacent to the secant-shaped portions formed in the cover's periphery. The secant-shaped portions formed in the periphery of the cover and the reliefed portions formed in the inner and outer faces of the cover cooperate with the U-shaped channel to develop a series of apertures between the base and cover.

Abstract: Members are welded together by indirect application of heat, as for welding internal battery posts for connecting groups of plates or terminal posts electrically, through the use of a plurality of heated elements simultaneously engaging posts to be welded together, and wherein the configuration of molten material is controlled as the weld cools, by the use of a templet. The elements are heated, preferably by application of open flame through a plurality of mixing systems for the fuel, with one system being provided for each heated element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically testing individual elements of multi-cell batteries comprises sequentially locating batteries at a test location whereat they are engaged by test probes which are sequentially associated with a testing device which tests the individual cells. If faults are detected, the individual faulty cell is marked. Auxiliary test indicator lights provide a visual indication of the individual testing of each cell as it occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel electrode construction, for use in extrusion-fusion type battery intercell welders, which uniformly controls the area of contact between members to be welded at the completion of the extrusion process in order to produce consistent, high-quality welds exhibiting higher strength and superior durability.