METODO Y APARATO PARA SELLAR UN POSTE TERMINAL DE BATERIA

The interface between the plastic cover (3) of a battery container and the lead (2) or other metal terminal post which extends therethrough is sealed with a rubber bushing (10) which is compressed and extruded along the terminal post during installation and locked tightly in its compressed and extruded state. The bushing preferably has a pair of oppositely angled intersecting frustoconical surfaces (12, 15) on its exterior surface which are adapted to cooperate with mating surfaces surrounding the opening in the cover and on a locking retainer (16). The assembly provides a flexible seal which will accommodate the inevitable vertical movement of the terminal post as a result of battery element expansion. Most importantly, the assembly provides an extremely effective barrier to the migration of electrolyte along the terminal post to prevent outer terminal corrosion. The rubber bushing is preferably impregnated with silicone oil which, when the bushing is installed, fills the surface voids in the cast terminal post which otherwise provide paths for electrolyte migration. The silicone oil also provides a lubricant for the controlled compression and extrusion of the bushing.