Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Larry D Spangler

Robert C Matter

Improved extrusion-fusion-type intercell connectors and process involving: casting the plate strap lugs to be welded from a hypoeutectic lead-antimony alloy containing at least about 2 percent by weight antimony; initially extruding the lugs into contact through an aperture in a battery intercell partition, the contact area being between 15 and 75 percent of the area of the aperture; and gradually heating the lug extrusions through a softening stage, an antimony-rich-phase melting stage, and an antimony-lean-phase melting stage. Force applied by rapid-response, declining-force welding electrodes causes (1) the softened extrusions to reshape somewhat prior to melting, and (2) the antimony-rich-phase of the alloy to exude out of the welding zone filling voids in the aperture before any substantial melting of the antimony-lean-phase occurs. The resulting weld is dense (void-free), has an antimony-rich ring adjacent the aperture wall, and after rupturing, displays an indicator core useful for evaluating the welds made and monitoring the stability of the manufacturing process/equipment for making them.

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Yorktown, IN, United States of America

Larry D Spangler