Abstract: A vertical tower support is provided within a vertical dust collection channel that is attached to a dust collecting conduit. On either side of the vertical tower support within the channel are a plurality of modified battery cases that are attached to chains disposed around upper and lower wheels or sprockets and which travel in a carousel-like fashion around the vertical tower. A small opening on one side of the channel is provided so that stacks of battery plates may be inserted between the partitions of the modified cases within the channel. A motor activated by a manual push button, foot pedal shut-off, or, alternatively, a limit switch allows indexing of only one case at a time and is provided so that the cases will be advanced to receive stacks of battery plates as needed. An air blow-off mechanism triggered by an electric eye and limit switch combination located adjacent the top of the dust collection channel blows oxide dust from the empty modified cases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel electrode construction and application for use in extrusion-fusion type battery intercell welders, which alters the current carrying characteristics of the electrodes and produces a homogeneous weld exhibiting a superior grain structure, higher strength, and superior durability.

Abstract: A punching apparatus for punching a strip of lead alloy material into a battery grid is provided with a support for supporting the material to be punched thereon and biased punch members above the support for punching through the material. Rotating cams engage the punch members and force the punch members downward through the material on the support. Rollers provided adjacent the support and the material to be punched move the material across the support means synchronously with the motion of the rotating cams engaging the punches.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of extrusion-fusion welding of lead parts through an aperture in a battery case which uniformly controls the area of contact between members to be welded at the completion of the extrusion process in order to produce consistent, high-quality welds exhibiting higher strength and superior durability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for producing a homogenous weld exhibiting a superior grain structure, higher strength, and superior durability, using an extrusion-fusion type battery intercell welder having a novel electrode construction which provides improved current carrying characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the between the ribs space in a thermal plastic battery container is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a heated non-circular wiping member which when rotated about a fixed centerline defines a first circumference having a diameter substantially equal in length to the minimum between the ribs space and a second concentric circumference having a diameter greater in length than the first diameter.

Abstract: Battery plates are assembled into stacks forming positive and negative rows of lugs and the stacks are placed within the cells in a battery case. Molding channels are automatically formed around the positive and negative rows of lugs and molten lead alloy is automatically introduced into the molding channels to cast the straps and intercell connections simultaneously within the battery case.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of extrusion-fusion welding of lead parts through an aperture in a battery case which uniformly controls the area of contact between members to be welded at the completion of the extrusion process in order to produce consistent, high-quality welds exhibiting higher strength and superior durability.

Abstract: A novel battery dumping apparatus is described which is uniquely suited for dumping corrosive substances, such as battery acid, simultaneously from a number of automotive batteries. The novel apparatus generally comprises a sealed tube adapted for rotation through an arc of less than 360 degrees. Within the tube are disposed two parallel spaced apart baffles which together form a sealed battery processing channel. This battery processing channel is pierced by a plurality of rods disposed in a plane which bisects the aforementioned baffles. These rods are ultimately caused to rotate in opposite directions by a gear drive disposed outside of said battery processing channel but within said tubular member. These gears are, in turn, caused to drive said rods by a pneumatic motor which is mounted outside of said tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the movement of a fluid-actuated hydraulic cylinder. A pumping mechanism is provided to pump fluid into the hydraulic cylinder; and a tank receives the fluid expelled from the hydraulic cylinder. A reversing valve between said pumping means and said hydraulic cylinder means controls the flow direction of the fluid into and out of the hydraulic cylinder and a valve mechanism between the pump means and the hydraulic cylinder, and operatively connected to the hydraulic cylinder, controls the fluid flow rate into and out of the cylinder corresponding to the motion of the hydraulic cylinder. One embodiment of the invention is specifically designed to power the main drive gear of an apparatus for stacking battery plates and separators.

Abstract: An automatic tumble dumper for automatically removing the electrolyte from lead-acid storage batteries and particularly batteries intended for automotive use is disclosed. The device comprises carrier means adapted to transport the batteries through the system. Once the batteries are inside the unit, upset means automatically turn them first onto their side and then invert them so that the bulk of the electrolyte passively drains out. To achieve complete electrolyte removal, the batteries are jostled via a jostling means which cooperates with said carrier to actively shake the batteries as they travel through the device. At the conclusion of this shaking, now drained batteries are returned to an upright position and travel out of the machine for further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating paired battery plates into individual plates is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus has an improved alignment means which assures that the plates are separated about a fixed centerline. The apparatus is also suited for separating a plurality of stacked plates in a single cycle.

Abstract: An industrial battery cell lifting apparatus which includes an outer framework to which are attached, and adjustably spaced from each other, two endplate members. Inflatable bags are attached to the insides of the endplate members and the bags are connected by tubing through a control valve to a fluid source suitable to inflate the bags. Suitable lift members, such as eye bolts, are connected to the endplate members so that cables may be attached thereto for lifting the entire framework and endplate members. The battery cell to be lifted is positioned between the inflatable bags and is held securely in that position by inflating the bags. To release the battery cell, the bags are deflated. The bags may also be covered with a protective covering.

Abstract: A novel "cast-on" method and apparatus are disclosed wherein in the preferred embodiment only one major moving part is provided which is indexed through various positions to cast a group or element from a battery plate stack engaged thereby. In the preferred embodiment, a mold carriage block having a plurality of mold voids formed therethrough slidingly reciprocates along a base plate on which are defined fluxing (loading), casting and part-release positions. In the casting position, lead gravitationally siphons into the mold voids defined in the mold carriage through molten lead supply orifices defined in the base plate along which the carriage slides. Once the casting operation is completed, sliding the carriage out of the casting position effectively seals the molten lead supply orifices. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use by a single operater who manually loads stacks into the apparatus and subsequently unloads completed groups or elements from the apparatus.

Abstract: A storage battery has a temporary side terminal cast integrally with the permanent side terminal.

Abstract: An optic art kit is disclosed comprising one or more pieces of a pre-cut frame material (a section of which is constructed with an internal light source), a sheet of abradable material, a one scriber having engraving and abrasive portions, several triangular supports for freestanding assembly, and line drawings or other pictorial material for use as a pattern when abrading the sheet material. The pre-cut frame material is extruded from plastic and has a flat base, substantially perpendicular side portions and rounded top portions which terminate in parallel spaced apart clamping flanges which engage opposing sides of the sheet material. This frame material is preferably mitered so that it may adhere to all the edges of the sheet material to frame the sheet or, alternatively, to cooperate with one or more triangular supports to create a freestanding assembly. The resulting kit produces a professional, attractive edge-lit product which may be used for decoration or to provide information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel electrode construction for use in extrusion-fusion type battery intercell welders, which alters the current carrying characteristics of the electrodes and produces a homogeneous weld exhibiting a superior grain structure, higher strength, and superior durability.

Abstract: Battery plates are assembled into stacks forming positive and negative rows of lugs and the stacks are placed within the cells in a battery case. Molding channels are automatically formed around the positive and negative rows of lugs and molten lead alloy is automatically introduced into the molding channels to cast the straps and intercell connections simultaneously within the battery case.

Abstract: Battery plates are assembled into stacks forming positive and negative rows of lugs and the stacks are placed within the cells in a battery case. Molding channels are automatically formed around the positive and negative rows of lugs and molten lead alloy is automatically introduced into the molding channels to cast the straps and intercell connections simultaneously within the battery case.

Abstract: A novel conveying apparatus particularly adapted for use with electric storage batteries of the automotive type which is designed to reliably receive, convey, station and discharge batteries, to be impervious to acid, such as sulfuric acid, which may be discharged in the vicinity of those batteries, and to collect acid which spills in the vicinity of those batteries.