Part 21 (1/2)

Fig. 82. Typical Stockroom, Showing Heavy Shelving Necessary for Storing Batteries.

Figures 84 and 85 show two receiving racks for batteries which come in for repairs. In many shops batteries are set on the floor while waiting for repairs. If there is plenty of floor s.p.a.ce, this practice is not objectionable. In any case, however, it improves the looks of the shop, and makes a better impression on the customer to have racks to receive such batteries. Note that the shelves are arranged so as to permit acid to drain off. Batteries often come in with wet, leaky cases, and this shelf construction is suitable for such batteries.

The racks shown in Figures 86 and 87 are for repaired batteries, new batteries, rental batteries, batteries in dry storage, and for any batteries which do not have wet leaky cases.

Figures 88 and 89 show racks suitable for new batteries which have been s.h.i.+pped filled with electrolyte, batteries in ”wet” or ”live”

storage, rental batteries, and so on. Note that these racks are provided with charging circuits so that the batteries may be given a low charge without removing them from the racks. Note also that the shelves are s.p.a.ced two feet apart so as to be able to take hydrometer readings, voltage readings, add water, and so on, without removing the batteries from the racks.

BINS

Figure 90 gives the dimensions for equipment bins suitable for covers, terminals, inter-cell connectors, jars, cases, and various other parts. These bins can be made with any desired number of sections, and additional sections built as they are needed.

[Fig. 83]

Fig. 83. Corner of Workshop, Showing Lead Burning Outfit, Workbench and Vises.

[Fig. 84 Working drawing of a 6-foot receiving rack]

[Fig. 85 Working drawing of a 12-foot receiving rack]

[Fig. 86 Working drawing of an 8-foot rack for repaired batteries, new batteries, rental batteries, batteries in dry storage, etc.]

[Fig. 87 Working drawing of a 16-foot rack for repaired batteries, new batteries, rental batteries, batteries in dry storage, etc.]

[Fig. 88 Working drawing of a 16-foot rack suitable for new batteries (s.h.i.+pped 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 (s.h.i.+pped 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