Abstract: An automated assembling machine for a positive electrode plate Ni-MH battery is provided.

Abstract: A battery cell 10 is attached in an apparatus loaded in a revolving body, etc., such that the negative electrode 2 side of the battery cell 10 is oriented, within a prescribed angular range, in the direction in which centrifugal force acts.

Abstract: A simple method of mass producing a plurality of solid electrolytic capacitor elopements can be performed to produce capacitors with reduced leakage current and excellent reliability. The method includes supplying a band metal, a first portion of which contains protrusions on which a dielectric layer, then a conductor layer are formed. A conductive polymer film is formed on the conductor layer by electrolytic polymerization starting from a conductive tape adhered on a second portion of the band metal. The conductive tape acts as a common positive electrode for polymerization and a plurality of electrodes connected independently to the protrusions as negative electrodes. Finally a plurality of capacitor elements are formed by laminating individual protrusions cut off from the band metal.

Abstract: A device for producing pockets for plates (10) of batteries has a conveyor element (1) for supply of separator strip in a first plane (11), a means (4, 5) for cutting the separator strip sections from the supplied separator strip, another conveyor element (2) for preparing the separator strip sections at one folding site (15) and a unit (9) for supply of the plates (10) which are to be jacketed to the folding site (15) in a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane (11). Next to the plane (11) in which the separator strip section is prepared at the folding site (15), with reference to the feed direction of the separator strip section after the folding rollers (13, 14) there is a negatively pressurized roller (17) as the device (16) for tensioning the separator strip section which is prepared in the folding site (15).

Abstract: An apparatus for loading battery plate groups into a battery box. The apparatus includes a compression frame which includes a number of relative movable walls and stops for gripping and retaining battery groups. The wall carry guide shins for projecting into respective cells in a battery box and guide the groups into the cells as they are pushed by a pusher. The movable nature of the walls allow the groups to be loaded into frame, when it is in released position. The walls can then be drawn together compressing the groups and retaining them in a compressed state as they are loaded.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a current collector for a secondary battery. In the current collector manufacturing method, a current collector source material is first prepared, pre-treated and then passed between rollers, one of which has patterns shaped like openings to be formed in the source material to then coat a pattern forming composition. Then, the resultant is dried and etched to form the openings, thereby completing the current collector. The current collector manufacturing apparatus includes a main roller, a guide roller coupled to the main roller so that the current collector passes therebetween, and a pattern forming composition storage unit, installed under the main roller, for supplying the pattern forming composition to a patterned portion.

Abstract: On the delivery side of a device in which tubular sleeves (25) for battery plates are produced from web-shaped separator material, there is a compartmented star (40) with several compartments (41). After a sleeve (25) has been inserted into the compartment (41), the compartmented star (40) is turned to move the compartment (41) with the sleeve (25) held in it into the insertion position. In the insertion position the sleeve (25) in the compartment (41) is pushed by a stop (52) so far that its insertion-side end is pushed over the legs (56) of the spreading elements (55). Through the end of the sleeve (25) held open by the spreading elements (55) a plate is inserted until it rest against the stop (52). Then the sleeve (25) with the plate pushed into it is pulled out of the compartment (41) laterally by rollers (60) and delivered for further use.

Abstract: A battery cell manufacturing apparatus comprises a vacuum indexing conveyor for vertically suspending an anode material web, wherein a die punch is used to form a discrete anode from the anode material web. A pick and place mechanism is operable with the die punch for positioning the discrete anode between first and second separator webs for subsequent lamination. A laminator vertically receives the separator webs suspended for longitudinally extending them a force of gravity for smoothing out web surfaces adjacent the discrete anode carried therebetween prior to lamination of the separator webs to the discrete anode. A cathode assembly section includes a vacuum conveyor for guiding cathode material webs and vertically suspending them for die punching discrete cathodes which are then placed onto exposed outside surfaces of the vertically suspended separator webs in alignment with the anode laminated therewith.

Abstract: A system for making a thin-film device includes a substrate-supply station that supplies a substrate having a major surface area. The substrate has a first layer on a first surface area of the substrate's major surface area. Also included is a device for depositing a second layer onto the first layer, wherein the device supplies energy to the second layer to aid in layer formation without substantially heating the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembling machine for Ni-MH batteries and an assembly process thereof, more particularly, to an automated assembling machine for a negative electrode plate Ni-MH battery wherein the negative electrode plate for Ni-MH batteries can be made through an automated on-line production process so that cost, time, and reject rate of production thereof can be substantially reduced, and hence production efficiency can be maximized.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading battery plate groups into a battery box. The apparatus includes a compression frame which includes a number of relative movable walls and stops for gripping and retaining battery groups. The wall carry guide shins for projecting into respective cells in a battery box and guide the groups into the cells as they are pushed by a pusher. The movable nature of the walls allow the groups to be loaded into frame, when it is in released position. The walls can then be drawn together compressing the groups and retaining them in a compressed state as they are loaded.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising an ion conducting membrane and one or more electrode layers that comprise nanostructured elements, wherein the nanostructured elements are in incomplete contact with the ion conducting membrane. This invention also provides methods to make the membrane electrode assembly of the invention. The membrane electrode assembly of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrolyzers, chlor-alkali separation membranes, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode plate of a nonaqueous secondary battery comprises means for moving a sheet conductive base material in a first direction, a die nozzle for injecting an electrode material composition onto the sheet conductive base material, a pump disposed in supplying pipes, a valve disposed at the pipes between the pump and the die nozzle, a suction system disposed at the pipes between the valve and the die nozzle, and means for drying the electrode material composition. To form uncoated areas, either the die nozzle or sheet conductive base material may be configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to one another, or the die nozzle may be configured to move along the first direction. Additionally a coated amount of the electrode material composition per unit area along the first direction may be continuously increased or decreased.

Abstract: Positive and negative electrode plates, after being dried, are layered alternately upon one another with intervening separators therebetween to constitute electrode plate groups. These electrode plate groups are transferred in succession from one to another of a plurality of preliminary chambers, which are respectively constructed to be able to create vacuum of various levels and arranged so that the vacuum level is gradually increased, and finally introduced into a processing chamber in which the vacuum level is highest, where the welding of collector plates to the electrode plate groups is performed with an electronic beam irradiating device. After that, the electrode plate groups are taken out through a post-processing chamber.

Abstract: A lug brushing assembly (10) that brushes the lugs of battery plates in an in-line manner so as to eliminate extra battery plate handling procedures. The lug brushing assembly (10) more effectively cleans the lugs of battery plates without causing excessive wearing of the brushes or abrasion on the lugs.

Abstract: A workpiece, in which a lead is laid on top of a three-dimensional porous metal body, is placed between an ultrasonic horn and an anvil with a lead portion facing the ultrasonic horn. A support is raised so that the lead portion of the workpiece is pressed between the ultrasonic horn and the anvil. While being rotated around a central shaft with a motor, the ultrasonic horn vibrates at a frequency of 20 kHz in the shaft direction. Thus, the workpiece is advanced continuously, so that the lead is bonded ultrasonically to the three-dimensional porous metal body (i.e., metal-to-metal bonding is established). It is possible to provide a battery electrode that can be produced continuously at a lower running cost, reduce the faulty welding with a current collecting plate, and prevent short-circuits.

Abstract: (a) supplying a capacitor element manufacturing apparatus, in which the capacitor element manufacturing apparatus includes a polymerization tank, a polymerization solution contained in the polymerization tank, and a negative electrode put in the polymerization solution in the polymerization tank, (b) supplying a core material having a plurality of capacitor elements, in which each capacitor element of the plurality of capacitor elements has an anode lead-out portion and a cathode lead-out portion, (c) forming a formation film on the surface of the core material, (d) installing a conductive substance on the formation film, (e) adhering each anode lead-out portion of the plurality of capacitor elements having the conductive substance to a conductive tape, (f) immersing the core material having the anode lead-out portion adhered to the adhesive tape in the polymerization solution, and (g) forming a polymerization film on the cathode lead-out portion of the capacitor element by applying a voltage to the conductiv

Abstract: An apparatus having at least two separate workstations to which workpieces are alternately advanced to provide at substantially all times, in at least one workstation, a workpiece ready to be worked on by a tool carried by a shuttle which transfers the tool between the workstations. Desirably, after working on a workpiece in a first workstation, the shuttle carries the tool to a second workstation to work on a workpiece waiting in the second workstation. Simultaneously, the workpiece in the first workstation, that was just worked on by the tool, is moved downstream away from the tool and a subsequent workpiece is advanced into the first workstation so that it is ready to be worked on by the tool when the tool returns to the first workstation. Thus, the tool does not have to wait for a new workpiece to be advanced into position after performing work on a workpiece.

Abstract: A battery accommodates elements for electromotive-force within a metal case. This metal case is a metal case having a bottom wherein the bottom thickness/side thickness ratio has a value of 1.2-4.0 and has a cylindrical, prismatic or similar shape. The metal case is constructed of a metal material whose chief constituent is aluminum. Furthermore, it is desirable that a multiplicity of shallow grooves perpendicular to a bottom face are formed in at least a battery inside face of the metal case and moreover that a nickel layer is provided on the battery inside face. The metal case is made by DI processing involving drawing and ironing, to have a value of bottom thickness/side thickness ratio which was hitherto unavailable,i.e., 1.2-4.0 can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing a silver layer, in situ, on an internal wall of a cathode container of an alkaline cell and the alkaline cell produced by the process. In the process a silver compound is dissolved in the cathode, which is in contact with the metal container of the cell, and silver ions diffuse through the cathode and displace metal on the inside surface of the container to coat the container surface with silver.

Abstract: Method for automatic mass production and packaging of electrochemical cells where a current collector web with attached masked terminals is rolled onto a spool, which spool is placed in a cathodic coating machine where the web is pulled through a dip tank for coating and then pulled vertically through a solidification tower, the terminals are unmasked, an insulating plastic net is provided in an electrolyte coating chamber where it is pulled through a dip tank filled with liquid polymer electrolyte, and is laid on top of the cathode web while still wet and tacky, and then travels through a solidification chamber after which an adhesive tape carrying leaf anodes is laid on top, pressed together to form cell assemblies which are cut between the anode leafs to prevent shorting and, to form individual cell assemblies, which are picked up, stacked into multiple packs, heat sealed in a plastic coated metal foil bag which is inserted into a hard casing.

Abstract: A battery plate stacker is delineated for enveloping expanded metal battery plates and stacking positive and negative plates in an alternating pattern, comprising, a battery plate feeder; a carrier coupled to the battery plate feeder; and a wire flattener module coupled to the carrier that conveys expanded metal battery plates through the wire flattener module. The wire flattener module includes one or more pairs of rotatable members, each pair being aligned with a separate edge portion of an expanded metal battery plate while lying on the carrier. As the plate is conveyed through the pair(s) of members, they force any wires extending away from the surfaces of the plate back into positions flush with the plate surfaces, thereby avoiding puncturing of the separator material when it is crimped around the plate.

Abstract: A battery tester device that may be integrated into a label of battery. The battery tester device includes first dielectric layer, a conductive layer adjacent the first dielectric layer, a temperature sensitive indicator layer in thermal contact with the conductive layer, and thermal insulation adjacent the conductive layer. The thermal insulation includes a second dielectric layer and thermally insulative material combined with the second dielectric layer for enhancing the structural strength of the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for assembling a battery. The invention includes an improved apparatus and method for sealing a battery case closure to a battery case. The apparatus comprises a device for moving a carrier with fluid pressure through fluid conduits disposed internal a shaft. A novel case stop is disclosed for stopping and positioning a battery case on a support. A method is disclosed for heating a battery case with a case heater. A conveyor system is included for sequentially moving a plurality of flat battery components such as case closures.

Abstract: Improvements to direct feed methanol fuel cells include new protocols for component formation. Catalyst-water repellent material is applied in formation of electrodes and sintered before application of ionomer. A membrane used in formation of an electrode assembly is specially pre-treated to improve bonding between catalyst and membrane. The improved electrode and the pre-treated membrane are assembled into a membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of molten carbonate fuel cell matrices in which an aluminate precursor material and a lithium salt are mixed in an aqueous or organic solvent, resulting in formation of a suspension, the suspension is heated to a temperature less than a boiling of the solvent, resulting in formation of a slurry comprising a lithium aluminate precursor material, at least one casting additive is added to the slurry, the slurry is formed into a desired shape, the desired shape is dried or cured to yield a green molten carbonate fuel cell structure, and the green molten carbonate fuel cell structure is heated after assembly into a molten carbonate fuel cell to the molten carbonate fuel cell operating temperature, resulting in transformation of the lithium aluminate precursor material to lithium aluminate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for assembling a battery. The invention includes an improved apparatus and method for sealing a battery case closure to a battery case. The apparatus comprises a device for moving a carrier with fluid pressure through fluid conduits disposed internal a shaft. A novel case stop is disclosed for stopping and positioning a battery case on a support. A method is disclosed for heating a battery case with a case heater. A conveyor system is included for sequentially moving a plurality of flat battery components such as case closures.

Abstract: A device for conveying and sectioning of separator strip in devices for producing pockets for battery plates with a conveyor means which conveys the separator strip to a device for dividing the separator strip into separator strip sections, and with another conveyor means which feeds the separator strip sections to a means for folding the separator strip sections around battery plates. The conveyor means for the separator strip and the separator strip sections are continuous conveyor belts supplied with negative pressure, which have several rows of holes and which are routed over chambers supplied with negative pressure. The side of the chamber supplied with negative pressure which faces the continuous conveyor belt has slot-like openings which align with the rows of holes in the continuous conveyor belt. The effective length of the slots of the chamber supplied with negative pressure, that is, the chamber of the conveyor means which is located after the means for dividing the separator strip, can be changed.

Abstract: The method of recovering useful materials from spent secondary batteries for electric vehicles comprises a step of separating spent secondary batteries for electric vehicles into a cover portion and a housing portion, a step of taking out electrode plates to separate them from the housing portion, a step of disassembling electrode plates into positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates, and a step of cutting the pole section so that the positive electrode plates can be separated from the negative electrode plates.

Abstract: An outer casing and a center shaft of an electrode body are so disposed unparallel as to oppose each other by a swing mechanism, a side surface portion of the electrode body is brought into contact with an inner end portion of an opening of the outer casing by a moving mechanism, the outer casing and the center shaft of the electrode body are located substantially parallel to each other by utilizing the push force at the time of movement and the swing mechanism, and the bottom of the electrode body and the opening of the outer casing are automatically fitted and coupled so that the outer casing and the electrode body are fitted smoothly and automatically.

Abstract: A cylindrical guide sleeve has a larger-diameter portion formed at an upper portion thereof, a smaller-diameter portion formed at a lower portion thereof, and a tapered portion formed therebetween. The smaller-diameter portion has an inner diameter substantially identical with or slightly larger than an outer diameter of a cylindrical battery casing. A lower spindle supports a bottom surface of the cylindrical battery casing. An upper spindle pushes a seal plate downward along an inner surface of the cylindrical guide sleeve. In this case, the seal plate is inclined in a floating condition with respect to an axial direction of the cylindrical guide sleeve and connected via a lead to an electrode assembly accommodated in the cylindrical battery casing. A guide actuator shifts the cylindrical guide sleeve upward so as to surround the seal plate in the larger-diameter portion.

Abstract: A method of fabricating electrochemical cells and batteries wherein the successive anode and cathode layers are separated by a polymeric electrolyte layer having a protruding polymer edge around its perimeter which reduces the likelihood of inadvertent contact between the anode and cathode current collectors is provided. The polymer edge functions as a non-conducting physical barrier positioned between adjacent current collectors. An apparatus for preparing electrochemical cells is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for applying an electrode paste onto a substrate for use in an electrolytic cell. The apparatus includes a mixing device which mixes, and then dispenses, predetermined amounts of an electrode paste and a polymerization initiator onto a substrate. The mixing device is constructed so as to substantially preclude polymerization of the electrode paste during such mixing, as well as to preclude polymerization prior to application of the mixture onto the substrate.

Abstract: A battery core winding apparatus for winding into an electrochemical cell, a plurality of flexible strip members comprising a first conducting flexible electrode having a first leading edge, a second conducting flexible electrode having a second leading edge, and a separator, includes a first elongate feeder bed and a second elongate feeder bed longitudinally disposed from the first feeder bed. A winding cavity is formed between the feeder beds. A first arbor half having a first flat surface and a first curvilinear winding surface is rotatingly supported within the winding cavity substantially midway between the first and the second feeder beds, and a second arbor half having a second flat surface and a second curvilinear winding surface is rotatingly supported within the winding cavity such that the second flat surface faces the first flat surface and the first and second flat surfaces are interspaced to form a slot.

Abstract: A method for removing plasticizers such dibutyl phthalate from the anode, cathode, and polymeric matrix components of electrochemical cell precursors using carbon dioxide in the supercritical state is provided. The method forms porous polymeric structures that enhances the mass transport of ions in the cell which results in improved electrochemical performance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to prepare battery plate lugs for use with automated machines for cast on operations. The apparatus comprises an anvil having top and opposite side walls for receiving a battery cell including a plurality of plates with lugs attached thereto. The tops of the plates are placed over the top of the anvil with the lugs positioned along the sides of the anvil and in contact therewith. A pair of rams on opposite sides of the anvil are moved inward to engage and partially flatten the lugs to render the lugs thinner and to remove whatever oxides have been formed on the surfaces of the lugs. A pair of knives on opposite sides of the anvil are moved inwardly to cut the lengths of the lugs to a uniform size.

Abstract: The battery disposal and collection apparatus includes a terminal connection having a terminal electrode pressed by a pressing structure on an upper cover, a battery guide case having a battery container to which the terminal electrode is inserted when the upper cover is closed, and which contains batteries, a rotary plate having an electrode terminal and a battery dropping hole on the plane of a rotary plate under the battery guide case. The electrode terminal contacts the terminal of a battery at the side opposite to the one at the terminal electrode when the terminal of the battery contained in the battery container contacts the terminal electrode. A battery discharger discharges current flowing between the terminal electrode contacting the terminal of the battery contained in the battery container and the electrode terminal. A battery receiver stores the battery which is discharged by the battery discharger and dropped through the battery dropping hole of the rotary plate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing storage batteries. The method is directed toward manufacture of a storage battery with a single weld between intercell connectors, positive and negative plates and external terminals. The apparatus comprises a frame, holding and positioning components, a lead dispensing assembly and an edge-heater assembly for sealing the battery case. The apparatus and inventive method permit dispensing of molten lead into selective segments of the battery case substantially simultaneously with sealing of the battery case.

Abstract: A system for casting straps and terminals on lugs of storage batteries includes a loading station including means for receiving at least one non-metallic battery case having a plurality of plates and separators partially inserted in the case with lugs extending out of the case. Clamping structure holds the battery case in position and includes metallic structure for overlying edges of the case to insulate the edges of the battery case from heat. Means rotates the receiving means to position the lugs in a downward substantially vertical direction. Included is a casting mold for receiving molten lead. Transportation means moves the receiving means over the casting molds and lower the lugs into the casting mold. Following the setting of the lead, the receiving means is transported to an un-loading station where the battery case is removed from the receiving means. The casting mold includes a vent for letting air from the mold as molten lead is added to the mold.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus 10 and methods for loading groups of battery plates or the like in adjacent cells 1 to 6 in a holder. The apparatus includes guide means 13 which defines, by means of walls 37, 38, spaces 40 for receiving respective battery groups 30. The walls can be collapsed around the groups 30 in the spaces 40 until the position and spacing corresponds to that of a row cells 1 to 3, in which point in the groups are pushed through the guide means 13 in to the respective cells.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a thin-film battery and a battery structure formed with the method utilizes a plurality of deposition stations at which thin battery component films are built up in sequence upon a web-like substrate as the substrate is automatically moved through the stations. At an initial station, cathode and anode current collector film sections are deposited upon the substrate, and at another station, a thin cathode film is deposited upon the substrate so to overlie part of the cathode current collector section. At another station, a thin electrolyte film is deposited upon so as to overlie the cathode film and part of the anode current collector film, at yet another station, a thin lithium film is deposited upon so as to overlie the electrolyte film and an additional part of the anode current collector film.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatic mass production and packaging of electrochemical cells where a current collector web with attached masked terminals is rolled onto a spool, which spool is placed in a cathodic coating machine where the web is pulled through a dip tank for coating and then pulled vertically through a solidification tower, the terminals are unmasked, an insulating plastic net is provided in an electrolyte coating chamber where it is pulled through a dip tank filled with liquid polymer electrolyte and is laid on top of the cathode web while still wet and tacky, and then travels through a solidification chamber after which an adhesive tape carrying leaf anodes is laid on top, pressed together to form cell assemblies which are cut between the anode leafs to form individual cell assemblies, which are picked up, stacked into multiple packs, heat sealed in a plastic coated metal foil bag which is inserted into a hard casing.

Abstract: An electric energy storage device comprises a casing and a coiled winding disposed within the casing. The winding includes a cathode plate, an anode plate, and a separator located between the cathode and anode plates. The cathode and anode plates are wound in an offset relationship. Two current collectors are secured to the casing, one current collector being pressed against the first side of the winding to contact the cathode plate, and the other current collector being pressed against the second side of the winding to contact the anode plate. A pressure vessel is provided to hold at least one of the casings having at least one of the windings therein. An electric vehicle is provided including a plurality of the energy storage devices.

Abstract: A cold formed side wall terminal for a storage battery, the terminal being formed from a lead slug having a cavity at one end, a stainless steel nut positioned in the cavity and encapsulated therein on cold working the lead slug, the terminal further including a spline ring at the other end and a number of seal rings formed on the outside of the terminal intermediate the ends thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a lead-acid battery includes providing continuous lengths of end separator stock (24) and intermediate separator stock (26) and stacks of positive (81,98) and negative plates (83,93) with optional use of end separators. The separators are individually severed from the continuous length of stock and sequentially formed into an assembly with the individual positive and negative plates. The assembly is introduced into a battery cell container (28). A plurality of assemblies may be established prior to introduction into the battery cell container (28). In a preferred embodiment, the assembly zone (38) moves linearly relative to the cutting stations for the respective continuous lengths of separator stock and the stacks of plates and facilitates sequential establishment of the assembly without intermediate storage of the individual separators and elements. Some or all of the separators may be supplied from stacks disposed in magazines.

Abstract: The invention provides a refueling system for automated recharging of zinc-air batteries of the type having a plurality of active zinc anode elements formed of active zinc material attached to a support frame immersed in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte in a battery casing, each anode element being in alternate array with an air cathode, the system comprising automated means for simultaneously separating a plurality of spent anodes from the casing, means for removing used electrolyte from the casing, transport means for conveying spent anodes to an anode processing station, the anode processing station, at which zinc which has been at least partly oxidized is removed from the support frame, means for attaching new or reconstituted active zinc material to a cleaned support frame to form an active zinc anode, automated means for simultaneously introducing a plurality of active zinc anodes into the casing, and means for introducing fresh electrolyte into the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for pasting a battery collector assembly having a current collector and enlarged members having a top surface and a bottom surface and a thickness greater than the current collector is provided. The current collector has at least one predetermined area into which paste is to be filled. The apparatus comprises a paste-dispensing nozzle having an orifice located in a dispensing end of the nozzle. The nozzle is mounted to dispense paste in at least one paste area of the collector assembly. The nozzle dispensing end is adapted to size a first level of paste dispensed in the paste area on one side of the current collector, and a surface is provided opposite the dispensing end of the nozzle which is adapted to size a second level of paste dispensed in the paste area on the other side of the current collector.

Abstract: An electric energy storage device comprises a casing and a coiled winding disposed within the casing. The winding includes a cathode plate, an anode plate, and a separator located between the cathode and anode plates. The cathode and anode plates are wound in an offset relationship. Two current collectors are secured to the casing, one current collector being pressed against the first side of the winding to contact the cathode plate, and the other current collector being pressed against the second side of the winding to contact the anode plate. A pressure vessel is provided to hold at least one of the casings having at least one of the windings therein. An electric vehicle is provided including a plurality of the energy storage devices.

Abstract: A method of making a lead-acid battery includes providing continuous lengths of end separator stock (24) and intermediate separator stock (26) and stacks of positive (81,98) and negative plates-(83,93) with optional use of end separators. The separators are individually severed from the continuous length of stock and sequentially formed into an assembly with the individual positive and negative plates. The assembly is introduced into a battery cell container (28). A plurality of assemblies may be established prior to introduction into the battery cell container (28). In a preferred embodiment, the assembly zone (38) moves linearly relative to the cutting stations for the respective continuous lengths of separator stock and the stacks of plates and facilitates sequential establishment of the assembly without intermediate storage of the individual separators and elements. Some or all of the separators may be supplied from stacks disposed in magazines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in the fabrication of an electrical chemical cell having a spiral wound core. An anode plate and a first separator sheet are Juxtaposed in an adjacent relationship and restrained against relative lengthwise displacement. A cathode plate is Juxtaposed with a second separator sheet in an adjacent relationship and also restrained against relative lengthwise displacement. Portions of the first and second separator sheets are overlapped and restrained against relative movement while the restrained overlapping end portions are rotated Continuously about an axis so as to wind the plates and separator sheets into a coiled core which can be inserted into an electrochemical cell casing. The apparatus includes a vacuum holding member for holding the anode plate and first separator sheet together, and includes a vacuum holding member for holding the cathode place and second separator sheet together.