Gould Inc.

Gnb Batteries Inc.

Richard T Strait

Anthony Sabatino

Edward G Schaumburg

Alby H Wolf

Peter A Recht

Douglas J Olszewski

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

A battery side terminal assembly which includes a metal terminal insert keyed into the external portion of the battery side wall with a body portion which passes through an aperture in the side wall to the inner area of the battery container. The terminal insert is held in close contact with the battery side wall by a plastic ring which is force fit onto the body portion of the terminal insert. Subsequently a side terminal strap is resistance welded to the body portion of the insert to create a tightly sealed assembly. The plastic ring advantageously cooperates with the body portion of the insert and the strap to retain molten lead during the resistance welding operation.

Battery side terminal assembly

Growing community of inventors

Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Richard T Strait