ck suitable for new batteries
(shipped filled and fully charged), batteries in "wet" storage,
rental batteries, etc.]

[Fig. 88b End view of rack in Fig. 88]

[Fig. 89 Working drawing of a 12-foot rack suitable for new batteries
(shipped filled and fully charged), batteries in "wet" storage,
rental batteries, etc.]

[Fig. 89b End view of rack in Fig. 89]

[Fig. 90 Working drawing of bins suitable for battery parts]

BATTERY STEAMER

Steaming is the most satisfactory method of softening sealing
compound, making covers and jars limp and pliable. An open flame
should never be used for this work, as the temperature of the flame is
too high and there is danger of burning jars and covers and making
them worthless. With steam, it is impossible to damage sealing
compound or rubber parts.

A soft flame from a lead burning torch is used to dry out the channels
in the covers before sealing, and is run over the compound quickly to
make the compound flow evenly and unite with the jars and covers. But
in such work the flame is used for only a few seconds and is not
applied long enough to do any damage.

With a steaming outfit, it is also possible to distill water for use
in mixing electrolyte and replacing evaporation in the cells. The only
additional equipment needed is a condenser to condense the steam into
water.

[Fig. 91]

Fig. 91. Battery Steamer, with Steam Hose for Each Cell

[Fig. 92 Condenser for use with battery steamer]

Figure 91 shows a steaming outfit mounted on a wall, and shows the
rubber tube connections between the several parts. The boiler is set
on the stove, water being supplied from the water supply tank which is
hung above the boiler to obtain gravity feed. The water supply tank is
open at the top, and is filled every morning with faucet water. This
tank is suitable for any shop, even though a city water supply is
available. A water pipe from the city lines may be run to a point
immediately above the tank and a faucet or valve attached. Where there
is no city water supply, the tank may, of course, be filled with a
pail or pitcher.

The boiler is equipped with a float operated valve which maintains a
one to one and one-half inch depth of water. As the water boils away,
the float lowers slightly and allows water to enter the boiler. In
this way, the water is maintained at the proper level at all times. A
manifold is fitted to the boiler and has six openings to wh