Gnb Batteries Inc.

Douglas J Olszewski

Anthony Sabatino

Edward G Schaumburg

Daniel Orlando

Peter A Recht

Richard T Strait

An apparatus and method for assembling battery cell elements having a plurality of electrode plates of alternating polarity separated by a continuous interleaved insulating sheet. The apparatus includes a separator sheet supply station; a creaser for forming transverse creases in a length of separator sheet at longitudinally spaced fold points; a first plate loader for positioning a first set of electrode plates of common polarity onto a pre-fold mechanism; a sheet transfer mechanism for transferring a cut and creased length of separator sheet from the creaser onto the first set of plates; a second plate loader for positioning a second set of electrode plates of common polarity opposite to that of the first set onto the separator sheet at locations directly above the plates of the first set; the pre-fold mechanism including a collapsible pre-fold paddle assembly for folding the separator sheet into relatively loose accordian folds with the plates of the first and second sets occupying alternate folds on opposite sides of the separator sheet; an intermediate fold mechanism for engaging the pre-folded element, positioning the plates thereof into relatively precise alignment, and compressing the element into a tighter intermediate folded assembly; and a final fold mechanism for engaging the intermediate folded assembly, compressing the assembly into final element form, transporting the element through a series of tape applicators to secure it in its final form and then to a discharge station. The apparatus includes a master controller that controls operation of the plurality of mechanisms to permit automatic and continuous high volume production of such battery cell elements.

Apparatus and method for assembling battery cell elements

An apparatus and method for supplying electrode plates in the assembly of battery cell elements. The apparatus includes a shuttle feed device for containing a plurality of stacks of electrode plates of common polarity and successively dispensing a single plate from each stack, a walking beam transfer device for successively receiving plates from said shuttle device and moving the plates into a row with the plates commonly oriented and in predetermined spaced relation, and a plate loader for simultaneously engaging and removing from said walking beam transfer device the number of plates of common polarity required in the assembly of a battery cell element. The feeding device is adapted for easy plate loading, and in conjunction with the transfer device, is adapted to provide a reliable supply of electrode plates for use in the automated assembly of cell elements.

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Inver Grove Heights, MN, United States of America

Douglas J Olszewski