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: A method of arc welding to build the thickness of a high sulfur, low alloy steel workpiece comprises the steps of preparing the surface of the high sulfur, low alloy workpiece; applying a layer of metal over the prepared surface using a low energy arc; and applying additional layers of metal using a high energy welding arc.

Abstract: An improved wire, rod, stick, and the like to be stored, packaged, transported, and fed into welding apparatus is manufactured so that the ultimate alloying stage is performed when used as filler material, or consumable electrode during welding operation. The wire, rod, stick, according to the invention, which may be with or without fluxing agent, is obtained by selecting constituents in relation to a desired alloy system, mixing the selected constituents, and forming a wire, rod or stick cold working, or by extrusion, the alloy system being obtained at the ultimate welding step with the intermediary wire, rod or stick.