The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 26, 1982
Filed:
Jan. 19, 1981
Jimmy L Stewart, Clinton, IN (US);
General Battery Corporation, Reading, PA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for the sequential testing of series connected lead-acid storage batteries for short circuits between plates of opposite polarity within a cell and for electrical continuity between cells of said battery is disclosed. The apparatus comprises power and control circuitry working in conjunction with a terminal block containing a plurality of pins which are connected to the intercell lugs on the positive and negative straps which when welded together form the intercell connections within the battery. Within this block, the pins are partially wired together so that if there is complete continuity of the intercell welds a continuous electrical circuit is formed. Midway in the electrical wiring is a blocking diode which acts to permit the passage of a DC test current in only one direction. If a positive polarity voltage is impressed on the cathode side of the diode, current will only flow if there is a short circuit between plates of opposite polarity within the cell. If a positive polarity voltage is impressed on the anode side of the diode, current will only flow if there is continuity through the intercell welds. The apparatus further contains sequencing means adapted to control said polarity changes within said apparatus. Alarm means adapted to indicate to an operator the presence of either or short or open circuitry is also provided as are enabling means to control a reject mechanism which will remove batteries having such conditions from the production stream for either repair or scrap. The apparatus can be adapted for use either by itself or in conjunction with other battery production line equipment.