Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a work function, such as, for example, welding, requiring the control of at least one parameter according to a predetermined sequence, the apparatus including at least one work station where the work function is carried out, a slave controller associated with the work station for controlling the work function, at least one interface operably connected to the slave controller capable of receiving and storing information for a first parameter of the work function and preventing transmission of the parameter information to the slave controller until being probed by the slave controller, and a master controller operably connected to the interface to transmit thereto the parameter information, and the master controller being further operably connected to the slave controller to cause the slave controller to probe the interface to allow transmission of the parameter information to the slave controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding through-the-partition intercell connections in a lead-acid battery container wherein each partition has at least two spaced apertures therein for making such intercell connections includes in the exemplary embodiment three weld stations and a crimping station through which the containers are sequentially conveyed, and the containers are aligned and retained at dual positions in each station so that the welding or crimping operation can be carried out. A microprocessor based programmable controller serves as a master control to operate the apparatus, and a slave control is associated with each welding station.