Abstract: A multi-functional spacer is provided for which comprises a body portion removably attachable to the bottom of the battery and one or more auxiliary spacer members removably attached to the body portion and, when detached from the body portion, the auxiliary spacer members being attachable to a side or end wall of the battery. The body portion defines a top surface adapted to receive the battery and a bottom surface adapted to be received by a battery mounting device. The distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the spacer body portion is coordinated such that when the body portion is attached to the battery, the combined height of the body portion and battery is generally equivalent to the height requirement of a battery mounting device for a first vehicle having a height requirement greater than the height of the battery itself.

Abstract: A wet, multicell, lead-acid electric storage battery is provided for. The battery comprises a container, a cover, one or more partition walls dividing the space within the container and cover into two or more cell cavities. The cover defines generally cylindrically shaped process holes associated with each cell cavity. The battery further comprises a venting system. The venting system comprises a manifold defined by the cover, the manifold having at least one opening in each process hole and at least one opening in the cover. The manifold is adapted to provide gaseous communication between the process holes and the ambient. The venting systems also comprises a venting plug associated with each process hole and adapted for insertion therein. The venting plugs have a generally cylindrical side wall, a closed upper end, an open lower end, and a central cavity. A vent aperture is located in the side wall of the venting plug and is in gaseous communication with the manifold and the venting plug central cavity.

Abstract: An electric storage battery is disclosed which includes a handle which can be locked in an upright position, such as for installation of the battery into a vehicle by robotics, yet where the handle can be then readily moved to a service position alongside the battery after installation into a vehicle, the container including a button and shaft for connection to apertures formed in the arms of the handle which provide an upright position and a service position, and locking in the upright position is achieved by a locking tongue formed on the container button which rests in a locking groove formed between locking tabs on the handle arms.