Separator basket preforms for primary cells and methods of forming and inserting same

摘要

A system of forming and manipulating primary cell separator basket preforms produced in strip form and tandem relationship with a dentent associated with each preform, e.g., a transverse slit in the strip for each preform displaced so its edge is outstanding from the generally flat strip. The preforms are fed to forming and insertion equipment by guiding the strip into alignment with a cut-off which is arranged to sever the lead preform and into alignment with a forming and insertion mandrel path of travel, engaging a detent on the strip with a dog and advancing the dog and strip along the path to present the lead preform for cut-off, opening and mandrel insertion. The severed preform is supported and compressed transversely between a support member having a groove to embrace a side portion of the preform and the dog or dog and cut-off blade so that it is opened and restained to receive the forming and insertion mandrel. Further restraint of the preform motion along the mandrel insertion path is provided by a support across that path which is displaced by mandrel advance toward a cell subassembly adapted to receive the separator basket.