NOVELTY - Manufacture of a battery comprises attaching a conductive connecting strap to projecting tabs of positive electrode plates. A cap material is applied to portions of the projecting tabs and adjacent upper portions of the positive plates. The cap material is allowed to harden to provide a cap attached to the projecting tabs and the adjacent upper portions of the positive plates.    USE - For manufacturing a battery.    ADVANTAGE - The invention can assist fracture resistance at the joint between the positive electrode plate tabs and the connecting strap during vibration and other rigorous tests. It provides a cell in which the joints between the positive electrode plate tabs and the connecting strap are rigidified and/or protected from oxidation, each of which can improve performance in mechanical testing.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Manufacture of a battery comprises providing a cell (10) for a battery having alternating positive and negative electrode plates (12, 14) in overlying relationship. Each of the plates is separated by an electrically insulating layer and includes a projecting tab (12a, 14a) extending from an adjacent upper portion. The projecting tabs of the positive and negative plates are aligned. A conductive connecting strap is attached to the projecting tabs of the positive electrode plates. A cap material is applied to portions of the projecting tabs and the adjacent upper portions of the positive plates. The cap material is allowed to harden to provide a cap attached to the projecting tabs and the adjacent upper portions of the positive plates.    An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a battery comprising a housing, positive and negative electrodes, a conductive connecting strap, and a cap.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a perspective view of a stack of positive and negative plates and separators of a battery cell.    Cell (10)    Positive electrode plate (12)    Negative electrode plate (14)    Projecting tabs (12a, 14a)