re placed in the jars.

After the element is in the jar and the cover in position, sealing
compound is applied hot so as to make a leak proof joint between jar
and cover.

[Fig. 17 Inter-cell connector]

The completed cells are now assembled in the case and the cell
connectors, Fig. 17, burned to the strap posts. After filling with
electrolyte the battery is ready to receive its "initial charge,"
which may require from one day to a week. A low charging rate is used,
since the plates are generally in a sulphated condition when
assembled. The specific gravity is brought up to about 1.280 during
this charge. Some makers now give the battery a short high rate
discharge test (see page 266), to disclose any defects, and just
before sending them out give a final charge. The batteries are often
"cycled" after being assembled, this consisting in discharging and
recharging the batteries several times to put the active material in
the best working condition. If the batteries are to be shipped "wet,"
they are ready for shipping after the final charge and inspection.
Batteries which are shipped "dry" need to have more work done upon
them.

Preparing Batteries for Dry Shipment

There are three general methods of "dry" shipment. The first method
consists of sending cases, plates, covers, separators, etc.,
separately, and assembling them in the service stations. Sometimes
these parts are all placed together, as in a finished battery, but
without the separators, the covers not being sealed, or the connectors
and terminals welded to the posts. This is a sort of "knock-down"
condition. The plates used are first fully charged and dried.

The second method consists of assembling a battery complete with
plates, separators, and electrolyte, charging the battery, pouring out
the electrolyte, rinsing with distilled water, pouring out the water
and screwing the vent plugs down tight. The vent holes in these plugs
are sealed to exclude air. The moisture left in the battery when the
rinsing water was poured out cannot evaporate, and the separators are
thus kept in a moistened condition.

The third method is the Willard "Bone Dry" method, and consists of
assembling the battery complete with dry threaded rubber separators
and dry plates, but without electrolyte. The holes in the vent plugs
are not sealed, since there is no moisture in the battery. Batteries
using wooden separators cannot be shipped "bone-dry," since wooden
separators