摘要 |
<p>A novel "cast-on" method and apparatus are disclosed wherein in the preferred embodiment only one major moving part is provided which is indexed through various positions to cast a group or element from a battery plate stack engaged thereby. In the preferred embodiment, a mold carriage block having a plurality of molds voids formed therethrough slidingly reciprocates along a base plate on which are defined fluxing (loading), casting and part-release positions. In the casting position, lead gravitationally siphons into the mold voids defined in the mold carriage through molten lead supply orifices defined in the base plate along which the carriage slides. Once the casting operation is completed, sliding the carriage out of the casting position effectively seals the molten lead supply orifices. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use by a single operator who manually loads stacks into the apparatus and subsequently unloads completed groups or elements from the apparatus.</p> |