Abstract: Apparatus for transferring freshly pasted battery panels from a battery grid paster and oven to a slitting device while supporting the panels in a generally horizontal additude. The apparatus includes a first sensing device for detecting the entry of individual battery grid panels into a pasting machine, a second sensing device for detecting the position of the pasted panels as they pass through the oven, and a third sensing device for detecting the position of transfer lugs on a conveyor mechanism which receives the pasted panels after leaving the oven. Signals generated by the sensing devices are directed to a control system for adjusting the speed of the conveyor mechanism so that the conveyor lugs for engaging the battery panels are correctly positioned for engaging the panels from the oven.