Gnb Batteries Inc.

Eugene F Stanefski

Edward G Schaumburg

Anthony Sabatino

Ronald N Romanchuk

A method and apparatus for providing a compound (22) in each of the cell spaces of a multicell battery case (10). The compound comprises a bituminous material delivered to a plurality of the cell spaces concurrently through a plurality of nozzles (25) of a dispensing head (24). The battery case (10) is accurately positioned against a back stop (45) and a forward stop (36). A sensor (49) determines the accurate alignment of the battery case (10) in the fill position and cooperates with a controller (81) for controlling operation of the automatic dispenser (23). In the dispensing operation, the nozzles (25) are moved along a first plurality of cells. The nozzles are then retracted and moved lengthwise of the case to be aligned with a second group of cells. The nozzles are then moved along the case cells while dispensing compound to the second group of cells. A drip shield (62) is automatically positioned under the nozzles when they are being moved between cells and during movement of the battery case to and from the delivery position. Microswitches (69,70,90,91) are provided for accurately sensing the position of the dispenser head and adjustable control rods (71,72,75,76) are provided for permitting adjustment of the operation of the microswitches to accommodate the dispensing operation to different size battery cases. Structure is provided for maintaining the compound hot prior to its delivery into the battery case. Control of the dispensing operation is coordinated with other process steps in the manufacture of the battery by way of the controller (81).

Compound dispensing method and apparatus

A method and apparatus for assembling battery components including a battery case (10) having a plurality of divider walls (32) defining a plurality of side-by-side cell spaces (26,27,28,29,30,31) opening through a top portion of the case. A plurality of intermediate cell elements (34,35,36,37) are provided in the cell spaces intermediate the end cell spaces (26,31) and end cell elements (38,39) having terminal post portions (101) are inserted in the end cell spaces (26,31). The apparatus effects an automatic pickup of the cell elements at one or more insert stations from delivery conveyors (19,20) suitably positions the picked-up cell elements for proper polarity relationship in the inserted disposition within the battery case, and after moving the picked-up cell elements to overlying relationship with the battery case, inserts the cell elements automatically into the proper cell spaces. Control of delivery of the battery cases to the respective insert positions is effected and coordinated with the delivery of the necessary cell elements from apparatus for preforming the cell elements. Apparatus (106) is provided for accurately spacing the end cell elements upon delivery thereof to the pickup position. The pickup structure (50) includes finger devices (59,60) arranged to engage plate connecting straps (45,98,100) provided on the cell elements in effecting positive pickup, transfer and insertion thereof.

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South St. Paul, MN, United States of America

Eugene F Stanefski