Abstract: A recombinant lead-acid battery, and method for operating thereof, are provided wherein the battery includes a case with a a plurality of lead-acid cells therewithin. The cells are in vapor communication one with another, and in vapor communication with discrete catalyst units. The catalyst units act to enhance recombination within the case of hydrogen and oxygen into vapor phase water. The number of discrete catalyst units is fewer than the cells.

Abstract: An expandable, flexible connection between a battery cell case cover and a terminal is provided which compensates for expansions of plates or grids of one polarity connected to that terminal. The expandable design encompasses a flexible battery case which facilitates movement of the battery terminal without compromising the scal between the case and the terminal. Preferably, a tubular thermoplastic sleeve is formed integrally with the case cover and extends into an opening between the cover and a terminal bushing which supports battery plates of one polarity. An annular flexible thermoplastic connector connects the sleeve to the case or to the bushing, with the connector being thinner than the case cover to afford more flexibility than the case cover.

Abstract: A vent valve is capable of mechanical attachment to a lead acid battery through vent hole structure provided in the case cover. The vent valve is a molded hollow tubular housing having a cup portion, the bottom of which rests atop the battery case, and a neck portion extending through an opening into the battery case. The neck carries cam members on its outer surface which are engaged by similar opposed surfaces or pins on a portion of the case so that, when the cup bottom is seated on a sealing gasket on the case cover and the vent valve is rotated, it is secured and sealed to the case cover. A barrier extends across the inside of the vent valve housing and blocks passage of gases. A pair of oppositely directed valve openings through the barrier establish vent passages which are defined by nozzles protruding through the barrier in opposite directions. Each nozzle is covered by a resilient cup valve member arranged to yield to a higher pressure within a cup at predetermined pressure differentials.

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 explosion-proof battery vent and filler plug (10) is disclosed, which provides a flame barrier (16) to prevent external ignition of gas evolved from a battery during operation from causing ignition of the larger volume of gas within the battery itself, without simultaneously allowing a high rate of evaporation of the electrolyte. In accordance with the invention, the flame barrier means (16) is provided with an indirect, restricted outlet (64) for the evolved gases to pass to the atmosphere, thus reducing the flow of air through the electrolyte space of the battery. The preferred embodiment includes a filler tube (14) with a funnel-shaped entrance (24) within a shell member (12) which sealingly engages an opening of a battery.

Abstract: An electrical insulator for covering interconnected terminals of adjacent batteries includes a pair of terminal cover members each covering a battery post along with a portion of a conductor bolted to the battery posts and an intermediate cover member having an inverted trough-shaped configuration for receiving the length of the conductor extending between the pair of terminal covers and overlapping a portion of the terminal cover members, thereby enabling the length of the insulator to be adjusted to cover battery terminals interconnected with different lengths of conductors. The insulator is fastened to the battery connection by providing the intermediate cover with inwardly extending flanges and forming it from a resilient material so that it will yieldingly flex as it is placed into position, whereupon the flanges are resiliently urged beneath the interconnecting conductor to secure the insulator to the battery connection.