Filling system for hermetically sealed batteries

A method of introducing a fluid component into a cell container, comprising:

• providing a filler opening having a polymeric body positioned therein, the body having a relatively small diameter opening extending therethrough and leading into the container interior;
• introducing a tight fitting needle-like conduit through the opening in the polymeric body and into the container interior;
• exerting a vacuum on the conduit to substantially evacuate the container;
• connecting a supply of the fluid component to the conduit and allowing the vacuum established in the container to draw a predetermined amount thereof into the container;
• removing the needle-like conduit from the polymeric body;
• force-fitting a metal insert into the opening in the polymeric body to seal it closed, and
• attaching the outer portion of the metal insert to the container to fix it in its sealing position in the polymeric body.