Abstract: Apparatus operable to charge a controlled volume of an electrolyte through a filling opening into a battery case is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an electrolyte charging station, a manifold head having a vacuum outlet and a vacuum passageway connected to the vacuum outlet, an electrolyte reservoir and an electrolyte passageway connected to the reservoir, a manifold positioner operable to move the manifold head to and to support the head in a first position, in a second battery case evacuating position, and in a third battery case filling position, and a valve having a fluid discharge which is surrounded by a tube and is in fluid communication with the filling opening of a battery in the charging station when the manifold is in the second position and when the manifold is in the third position, and is spaced from the battery in the charging station when the manifold is in the first position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure activated fluid retaining system and method. A flexible inflatable member in the form of hose means is positioned beneath threshold means. The threshold means is movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position. The hose means is selectively pressurized and expanded so that it contacts and moves the threshold means from the horizontal position to the fluid retaining vertical position.