Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for melting metal, and particularly for melting lead. The apparatus 10 comprises a reservoir 11, a heat exchange tube 12, which extends through the reservoir, a burner nozzle 13 at the inlet 14 of the tube and a flue 15 at the outlet 16 of the tube 12. Heating of air in the tube induces a draught through the tube and up the flue 15, so that air is drawn into the tube at the inlet 14. This flow of air causes the flame from the burner nozzle 13 to be sucked downwardly into the tube. The tube, and hence lead surrounding it, is thus heated.

Abstract: A multiple punching machine for punching out holes in the partition walls of a battery box. To accommodate all the different sizes and shapes and dimensions of battery boxes, the machine has multiple punching heads which are independently operated and independently positioned longitudinally, laterally, and vertically. Each head consists of a pair of pivoted punch jaws of small transverse dimensions to fit into small battery cells and each head is operated by an independent pneumatic ram with the piston rod moving along the length of the limbs of the jaw to minimize transverse diemensions. By using independent heads the reaction force at each punch is absorbed thus eliminating a heavy frame.

Abstract: Method of connecting a battery plate to a battery strap or post in a mould 50 provided with a number of separate mould cavities 51 arranged on each side of a duct or channel 52 for receiving molten lead. Between each mould cavity 51 and the channel 52 is positioned a weir or barrier 60 which determines the level of lead in each cavity. Lead pumped into the channel 52 flows into the cavities 51 over the weirs 60, the level of lead in channel 52 then drops below the top of the weirs 60 so that the level of lead in the cavities 51 falls to the level of the top of the weirs 60. The lugs 22 of battery plates 23 are then dipped into the lead in the cavities and the lead solidifies to form finished straps or posts. During the moulding process the lead is maintained in a molten state using heaters 78 and the mould cavities are cooled with a flow of cooling water.