Abstract: An apparatus and method for activating and sealing a storage battery in an uncontrolled atmosphere. A tubular structure is coupled to a fill port of the battery, the battery is evacuated by connecting the tubular structure to a source of vacuum, and the battery is thereafter filled by connecting the tubular structure to a source of pressurized electrolytic fluid. After the battery has been evacuated and filled, a check valve, slideably positioned in the passage through which the battery has been evacuated and thereafter filled is driven along the passage into a press fit with a valve seat defined proximate the fill port of the battery to seal the battery from contaminants while allowing escape of gas from the interior of the battery housing.

Abstract: In the method of the invention, plasticizer is extracted from a polymeric film electrode, electrolyte or laminated film structure thereof, by contacting the film, with an extraction solvent mixture comprising a polar co-solvent, and carbon dioxide which is in a solvent fluidic state, at a temperature greater than or equal to 31.degree. C. and less than 35.degree. C. The pressure of extraction is sufficient to maintain the fluidic state at the temperature range stated. The co-solvent is present in an amount up to about 10% by weight of the extraction solvent mixture. The co-solvent is characterized by having a liquid state at the temperature and pressure of extraction.