IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE LAYING OF UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC WIRES AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Phillips Thompson of the Liverpool and London
Agency for Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street Liverpool in the County
of Lancaster. Civil Engineer for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND
RELATING TO THE LAYING OF UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC WIRES AND IN
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH a communication to him from John
Francis Martin, a person resident at Chicago, in the County of Cook and state
of Illinois, United States of America
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Phillips Thompson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th October 1883.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON of the Liverpool and London Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors 6 Lord Street, Liverpool in the county of Lancaster Civil
Engineer "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE LAYING OF UNDERGROUND
ELECTRIC WIRES AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH "-A communication
to me from John Francis Martin a person resident at Chicago, in the County of
Cook and State of Illinois, United States of America.
.
This invention relates to underground systems for electric wires, and has for its
objects to provide a system for underground wires in which means are provided
in an underground conduit and its branches for allowing the wires to be carried
through the conduit and its branches as they are needed.
Also to provide means for allowing access to be had to the wires at any point
along the route for the purpose of laying, tapping, or repairing the wires.
Also to provide means for insulating the wires, and for supporting and separating
them from each other.
Also to provide supports for the insulated wires whereby currents of air induced
through the conduit can circulate around the wires and the supports.
Also to provide means for coupling the insulating tubes for the wires.
Also to prevent induction..
Also to provide elevated distributors from which the wires carried up from the
conduit or its branches can be led off to the points to be supplied.
The pipe sections enter boxes in the well, and each box has at its front a
perforated indicator board in which insulating tubes fit.
These insulating tubes are placed within the conduit when the latter is laid and
passing from the conduit pipe through the boxes project out from the indicator

page_text: boards, which have numbers alongside their perforations to separately designate
the wires which will be drawn through said tubes as needed.
The boxes have top doors and front doors, and are also provided with rotary
fans arranged in suitable casings and driven by electricity or in any other way,
said fans being arranged to induce air currents through the conduit and boxes so
as to keep the interior thereof dry, and thereby prevent such disturbances as may
result from moisture in the conduit.
The ends of the insulating tubes projecting from the indicator boards are
connected by flexible insulating tubes, which can be bent when lateral branch
pipes connect with the well, said tube being coupled with the insulating tubes by
means of coupling.
The well has a hinged cover and a shed is placed over the boxes to protect
them.
The perforations in the indicator boards are classed under appropriate headings,
whereby not only the number, but also the kind of wire can be known by a person
entering the well, which will have its cover flush with the street or side walk
of a city.
Drain pipes are used for draining off water from the wells, so that they can be
kept dry and clean.
The insulating tubes that are supported in the conduit can be constructed in
several ways as follows.
They may be composed of a sheet of paper or some suitable textile material
wound to form a tube consisting of consecutive layers of the material, or of a
cylinder composed of some woven fabric rolled to form a series of consecutive
layers.
Intermediate layers of rubber or some insulating compound can be incorporated
in the tube if desired.
Any suitable cement can be used for holding the layers of the material together.
The ends of the tubular insulators may be coupled together by coupling sleeves
made of paper.
These coupling sleeves are slipped on the ends of the insulating tubes which
meet in the sleeves, and when the tubes are branched, separate the tubes from each
other for the circulation of air and better insulation.
The insulating tubes can also be made in which a paper sheet is provided at
intervals with transverse rows of perforations that register when the sheet is
rolled up.
Cement is filled into the perforations after the sheet is rolled and also perforations
can be arranged so that the inner layer, or inner face of the tube shall be
imperforate.
This incorporates a large mass of non-conducting compound into the tube, and
also serves to rivet the layers of the sheet together.
The tube may be formed of a sheet of paper rolled up. Before rolling it up, a
sheet of rubber is laid on the paper sheet and rolled in with the same.
The paper sheet can also have perforations in one end so that cement can be
filled in the same to hold the sheet in tubular form.
The tubes can also be made of paper, or paper and cloth, or other flexible
material in two layers, the outer layer being imperforate and the inner layer made
with perforations in which cement fillings are placed, so that when the sheet is
rolled up it will be held in tubular form, and a large quantity of some insulating
cement incorporated in the tube.
For supporting and separating the insulating tubes in the conduit pipe, perforated
segment discs of wood or paper having dovetailed projections are fixed in grooves
made longitudinally in longitudinal ribs running from end to end of each pipe
section.
It is proposed to locate these discs at proper intervals in the conduit-pipe, and
to admit of their introduction therein, the sets of discs will be connected by rods
or bars, a longitudinal partition is inserted in longitudinal grooves made in ribs

page_text: running from end to end of each pipe section, and in laying the pipes, the ends of
the partitions can be connected together by tongue and grooved joints.
The tubes may be fitted on the perforated supports and the latter then introduced
into the pipe sections, as the sections are laid, after which wires can be passed
through the tubes as required, the wells or other drawing-in boxes employed
allowing such operation to be at any time performed.
Spaces for the circulation of air are left around these perforated supports.
Another construction of support consists of a paper or equivalent perforated
disc having a central air passage.
Each perforation is enlarged at its outer end so that flexible tubes can be passed
on the ends of tube and pushed back against shoulders at the inner ends of
said enlargements.
This support is to be used where wires are to be branched off, and where bends
in the line of tubing are attained by means of flexible connecting tubes.
The perforated paper discs may have lugs through which rods pass for holding
two or more discs together.
Tubes can be fitted in these discs and the latter then inserted in a pipe section
having longitudinal ribs with grooves in which the lugs are received.
In lieu of continuous lines of tubes, short bell-mouthed insulating tubes for the
wires can be fitted in the discs, the flaring end of the tubes preventing injury to
the parts as the wires are drawn through.
The perforations in the perforated paper disc may in lieu of short tubes, flare at
their ends.
:
In this case the wires are drawn through said perforations.
The coupling boxes for the insulating tubes are each made in two cylindrical
cap-shaped parts fitted together upon a central perforated disc.
The insulating tube passes through perforations in the ends of the two halves
of the box, and meet in the perforations in the disc, some insulating cement or
compound is then filled in the box through holes so as to hold the parts together.
An air passage is made through the box by means of tubes formed on the ends
of the box, and meeting at their inner ends.
Two or more of these boxes are connected by rods or bars so that they can be
pushed in a conduit pipe.
The disc has an annular rib against which the edges of the cap abut so as to
keep the disc centred in the box.
In a modification of this arrangement one disc is omitted and the meeting edges
of the halves of the box overlap, one of which has an annular bead against which
the edge of the other half abuts.
The tubes fit one within the other, and in lieu of omitted disc the insulating
tubes have their ends meeting in short sleeves in the box, the space around said
tubes being filled in with a filling of cement, all of these boxes have ears or wings
to which the connecting strips are attached.-
Another form of support may be used consisting of a perforated disc having lugs
received in longitudinal grooves in the pipe.
Two or more of these discs will be connected together by rods or bars attached
to said lugs.
A solid asphaltum cylinder is formed with parallel longitudinal bores or passages
for the wires. These bores are enlarged at their ends to allow room for coupling
sleeves or tubes. The ends are connected by coupling tubes inserted in the
enlarged ends and enclosed by an insulating cement body formed by placing a ring
around the meeting ends of the cylinders filling in the cement, and then removing
the ring.
A box is inserted in the main line of pipe, and adapted to allow the wires to be
tapped, inspected, or drawn through the line, or carried off through branches. The
pipe section is made with a vertical wall around an opening, and also formed with
branch-pipe sections. The tubes for the wires are indicated by wires carrying

page_text: numbered labels, and connected with the tubes and with hooks or other means in
the box.
The box is grooved along its top edge and the flanges of its cover received in
said groove.
In another means for supporting the insulating wires, the insulating tubes are
passed through a perforated paper tube in each of which is fitted a longitudinal
partition through which the tubes also pass, and some insulating cement then
filled into the paper tube.
The projecting ends of partitions are then fitted and suitably secured in notches
formed in the inner edge of a paper ring.
Two or more of these rings can be connected together by rods or metal strips,
and if desired each ring can be composed of two annular halves and the projecting
ends of the partitions clamped in between said rings or halves.
The box of the distributor has hollow legs connecting with the main pipes and
branch pipes.
Insulating tubes for the wires, connect with flexible tubes in the box, and said
tubes pass through, and are supported by inclined perforated boards supported at
their lower ends on a horizontal support in the box, and at their upper ends resting
on an inner ledge provided on the inner side of the box near its top edge.
These boards are detachably secured in place by pins, and can be shifted to
facilitate drawing wires through the box..
The tubes are indicated by tags upon wires connected to the tube and suspended
from hooks in the box.
The box has a double cover the top of which will be flush with the ground or
pavement.
This box can be located under a street at the entrance to an alley way and one
of the branch pipes run to a drawing-in box located at the base of a hollow post
upon which the elevated distributing box is supported.
Insulating tubes run from the underground box, to the distributing box through
the pipes, supports being arranged in the pipes and flexible tubes and couplings
being provided at the bends, and also in the distributing box from which wires
can be led off through insulating tubes through a branch along the alley-way to an
auxiliary distributing box located at or about the middle of the alley way, and
from thence the wires be conducted to the rear sides of any or all of the houses
in a square.
Other wires are carried through openings in the sides of the box, and thence
through short downwardly bent spouts projecting from the outer sides of the box.
Passing from these spouts which are bent down to exclude rain, the wires are
carried around insulating knobs and thence led off to points to be supplied.
The box has a suitable door and a vertical central partition.
The wires are designated by numbered tags that can be suspended on wires
attached to the insulated wire and connected with loops or other supports in
the box.
The box has openings in the top protected by sheds and rotary fans driven by
electricity or in any other way, are arranged under these sheds for inducing
currents through the conduit and box or boxes, so as to keep the interior
thereof dry.
Pipes for the auxiliary distributor can be supported on brackets and the latter
can when convenient, be supported on a hollow post connected at the base with a
branch from the main conduit, and a pipe be arranged to lead from the box to a
chimney flue so as to induce a circulation of air. The auxiliary box will have
'a suitable door and also be provided with bent spouts for the wire, and with
insulating knobs around which the wires are carried.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Phillips Thompson in the Patent Office on the 17th April
1884.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, of the Liverpool and London Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Civil
Engineer IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE LAYING OF UNDERGROUND
ELECTRIC WIRES, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH."-A communication
to me from John Francis Martin, a person resident at Chicago, in the County of
Cook, and State of Illinois, United States of America.
This invention relates to underground systems for electric wires, and has for its
objects to provide a system for underground wires in which means are provided in
an underground conduit and its branches for allowing the wires to be carried
through the conduit and its branches as they are needed.
Also to provide means for allowing access to be had to the wires at any point
along the route for the purpose of laying, tapping, or repairing the wires.
Also to provide means for insulating the wires and for supporting and
separating them from each other.
Also to provide supports for the insulated wires whereby currents of air induced
through the conduit can circulate around the wires and the supports.
Also to provide means for coupling the insulating tubes for the wires.
Also to prevent induction.
Also to provide elevated distributors from which the wires carried up from the
conduit or its branches can be led off to the points to be supplied.
Figs. 1 and 2 represent sections taken on vertical planes at right angles to each
other through one of a series of wells A designed to interrupt the conduit pipes 1
at intervals along the route.
The pipe sections enter boxes 2 in the well, and each box has at its front a
perforated indicator board 3 in which insulating tubes B fit.
These insulating tubes are placed within the conduit when the latter is laid, and
passing from the conduit pipe through the boxes project out from the indicator
boards which have numbers alongside their perforations to separately designate
the wires 4 shown in Fig. 17 which will be drawn through said tubes as needed.
The boxes have top doors 5 and front doors 6 and are also provided with rotary
fans 7 arranged in suitable casings 8 and driven by electricity or in any other
way, said fans being arranged to induce air currents through the conduit and
boxes so as to keep the interior thereof dry, and thereby prevent such disturbances
as may result from moisture in the conduit.
The ends of the insulating tubes projecting from the indicator boards are
connected by flexible insulating tubes 9 which can be bent when lateral branch pipes
connect with the well, said tube 9 being coupled with the insulating tube 4 by
means of coupling.
The well has a hinged cover 10, and a shed 11 is placed over the boxes to protect
them.
The perforations in the indicator boards are classed under appropriate headings,
whereby not only the number but also the kind of wire can be known by a person
entering the well which will have its cover flush with the street or side walk of
a city.
'
Drain pipes 12 are used for draining off water from the wells so that they can
La alaan

page_text: i
The insulating tubes that are supported in the conduit can be constructed in
several ways as follows:-
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section and
Fig. 4 an end view of an insulating tube composed of a sheet of paper or some
suitable textile material wound to form a tube consisting of consecutive layers 14
of the material.
Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section and
Fig. 6 an end view of one of the insulating tubes B which consist of a cylinder
composed of some woven fabric rolled to form a series of consecutive layers.
Intermediate layers of rubber or some insulating compound can be incorporated
in the tube if desired.
Any suitable cement can be used for holding the layers of the material together.
Fig. 7 is a part longitudinal section, and
Fig. 8 an end view of the tubular insulators B having their ends coupled
together by coupling sleeves 13 made of paper.
These coupling sleeves are slipped on the ends of the insulating tubes which
meet in the sleeves as shown, and when the tubes are branched, separate the tubes
'from each other for the circulation of air and better insulation.
The insulating tubes B can also be made as in Figs. 9 and 10 in which a paper
sheet 17 is provided at intervals with transverse rows of perforations that register
when the sheet is rolled up.
Cement is filled into the perforations after the sheet is rolled as in Fig. 10, and
also perforations can be arranged so that the inner layer or inner face of the tube
shall be imperforate. This incorporates a large mass of non-conducting compound
into the tube, and also serves to rivet the layers of the sheet together.
Fig. 11 shows a paper sheet 17 partially rolled up to form a tube. Before rolling
it up a sheet 19 of rubber is laid on the paper sheet and rolled in with the same.
The paper sheet can also have perforations 18 in one end so that cement can be
filled in the same to hold the sheet in tubular form.
The tubes B can also be made as in Fig. 12 which shows a sheet partly rolled
into tubular form, Fig. 13 being a section through said sheet.
This sheet of paper or paper and cloth or other flexible material is composed of
two layers, the outer layer 17 being imperforate, and the inner layer 20 made with
perforations 21 in which cement fillings 22 are placed so that when the sheet is
rolled up it will be held in tubular form, and a large quantity of some insulating
cement incorporated in the tube.
Fig. 14 is a transverse section through a conduit pipe 1 and shows means for
supporting and separating the insulating tubes B therein.
In this Fig. 23 indicates perforated segment discs of wood or paper having
dovetailed projections 24 received in grooves made longitudinally in longitudinal
ribs 25 running from end to end of each pipe section.
It is proposed to locate these discs at proper intervals in the conduit pipe, and
to admit of their introduction therein the sets of discs will be connected by rods
or bars as in Fig. 17 or 20 presently to be described, a longitudinal partition 26 is
inserted in longitudinal grooves made in ribs 27 running from end to end of each
pipe section, and in laying the pipes the ends of the partitions can be connected
together by tongue and grooved joints.
Fig. 16 is similar to Fig. 4 with the exception that two partitions 26 are used
to separate the perforated discs, and a central perforated support 28 used in which
the perforations can be enlarged for tubes for electric-light wires.
The tubes B are fitted on the perforated supports and the latter then introduced
into the pipe sections as the sections are laid, after which wires can be passed
through the tubes as required, the wells or other drawing in boxes employed
allowing such operation to be at any time performed.
It will be seen that spaces for the circulation of air are left around these
perforated supports.
Fig. 16 is a section through another construction of support,

page_text: It consists of a paper or equivalent perforated disc 29, having a central air
passage 30.
Each perforation is enlarged at its outer end as at 31 so that flexible tubes 9
can be passed on the ends of tube B and pushed back against shoulders at the inner
ends of said enlargements.
This support is to be used where wires are to be branched off, and where bends
in the line of tubing are attained by means of flexible connecting tubes 9.
Fig. 17 shows two perforated paper discs 29 having lugs 24 through which
rods 32 pass for holding two or more discs together.
Tubes B can be fitted in these discs and the latter then inserted in a pipe section
having longitudinal ribs with grooves in which the lugs 24 are received.
In lieu of continuous lines of tubes, short bell mouthed insulating tubes 33 for
the wires 4 can be fitted in the discs, the flaring end of the tubes preventing injury
to the parts as the wires are drawn through.
Fig. 18 is a section through a perforated paper disc 29 in which in lieu of short
tubes the perforations flare at their ends.
In this case the wires are drawn through said perforations.
Fig. 19 shows a-side and sectional view of coupling boxes for the insulating
tubes.
Each box is made in two cylindrical cap-shaped parts 35 and 36 fitted together
upon a central perforated disc 37.
The insulating tube B pass through perforations in the ends of the two halves
of the box and meet in the perforations in disc 37, some insulating cement or
compound is then filled in the box through holes 38 so as to hold the parts
together.
An air passage is made through the box by means of tubes 39 formed on the
ends of the box, and meeting at their inner ends.
Two or more of these boxes are connected by rods or bars 40 so that they can be
pushed in a conduit pipe.
The disc 37 has an annular rib 41 against which the edges of the cap abut so as
to keep the disc centred in the box.
Fig. 20 is a modification of Fig. 19 and shows the two part boxes in section and
elevation.
In said Fig. 20 disc 37 is omitted, and the meeting edges of the halves 35, 36, of
the box overlap, one of which has an annular bead 42 against which the edge of the
other half abuts.
The tubes 39 fit one within the other and in lieu of disc 37 the insulating
tubes B have their ends meeting in short sleeves 43 in the box, the space around
said tubes being filled in with a filling 44 of cement, all of these boxes have ears or
wings 45 to which the connecting strips 40 are attached.
Fig. 21 is and end view of a conduit pipe containing another form of support
consisting of a perforated disc 46 having lugs 24 received in longitudinal grooves
in the pipe.
Two or more of these discs will be connected together by rods or bars attached
to said lugs.
Fig. 22 shows in part section a solid asphaltum cylinder 47 formed with
parallel longitudinal bores or passages 48 for the wires: These bores are enlarged at
their ends 49 to allow room for coupling sleeves or tubes.
Fig. 23 shows in longitudinal section two of these cylinders in a conduit pipe.
The ends of the section are connected by coupling tubes 50 inserted in the
enlarged ends 48 and enclosed by an insulating cement body 51 formed by placing
a ring around the meeting. ends of the cylinders, filling in the cement, and then
removing the ring.
Fig. 24 is a part sectional view of the insulator 47 as employed when the wires
branch off from the main.
The tubes 50 are inserted in the enlarged ends 40 of the bores and flexible
couplings 9 are placed on tubes 50 and fitted in enlargements 52 of the ends 42

page_text: the bores 48, the insulating tubes B. being connected with the flexible insulating
tubes 9.
The wires of course pass through bores 48, and through said tubes.
Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a box C formed integral with the main line of
pipe, and adapted to allow the wires to be tapped, inspected, or drawn through the
line or carried off through branches. B are the insulating tubes, and 9 the flexible
tubes for the branches.
The pipe section 1 is made with a vertical wall 53 around an opening, and also
formed with branch pipe sections 54.
The tubes for the wires are indicated by wires carrying numbered labels and
connected with the tubes and with hooks 55 or other means in the box.
.
Fig. 26 is a vertical transverse section showing said box enclosed by a casing 56,
the cover 57 of which will be flush with the street or side walk.
Box C is grooved along its top edge and the flanges of oover 58 received in said
groove.
Fig. 27 is a transverse section through a conduit pipe and shows in end elevation
one of the boxes illustrated in Figs 19 and 20.
Fig. 28 shows a pipe section containing another means for supporting the
insulating tubes for the wires.
In this view 59 is a paper ring having a peripheral set of lugs received in
longitudinal grooves in the conduit pipe.
The insulating tubes B are passed through a perforated paper tube 60 in each of
which a longitudinal partition 61, through which the tubes B also pass, is fitted and
some insulating cement then filled in tube 60. The projecting ends of partitions 61.
are then fitted and suitably secured in notches formed in the inner edge of the
ring 59.
Two or more of these rings can be connected together by rods or metal strips,
and if desired each ring can be composed of two annular halves, and the projecting
ends of partitions 61 clamped in between said rings or halves.
Fig. 29 shows one of the tubular supports removed from the ring.
Fig. 30 shows in transverse section the supports 60 made rectangular in cross
section with a filling of cement.
Fig. 31 shows another construction of drawing in or flush-box connected with
an overground distributor and
Fig. 32 is an enlarged vertical section through the distributor. The box D has
hollow legs 62 connecting with the main pipes 1 and branch pipes 54.
Insulating tubes B for the wires connect with flexible tubes 9 in the box, and
said tubes 9 pass through and. are supported by inclined perforated boards 63,
supported at their lower ends on a horizontal support 64 in the box, and at their
upper ends resting on an inner ledge 65 provided on the inner side of the box near
its top edge.
These boards 63 are detachably secured in place by pins, and can be shifted to
facilitate drawing wires through the box.
The tubes are indicated by tags upon wires connected to the tube and suspended
from hooks 6 in the box.
The box has a double cover 67 the top of which will be flush with the ground
or pavement. This box can be located under a street at the entrance to an alley.
way, and one of the branch pipes 54 run to a drawing-in box 68 located at
the base of a hollow post 69 upon which the elevated distributing box E is
supported.
Insulating tubes B run from the box D to the box E through the pipes, supports
as hereinbefore described being arranged in the pipes, and flexible tubes 9 and
couplings being provided at the bends and also in the box E from which wires can
be led off through insulating tubes B, through a branch 70, along the alley way to
an auxiliary distributing box F located at or about the middle of the alley way,
and from thence the wires be conducted to the rear sides of any or all of the houses
in a square.

page_text: Other wires are carried through openings in the sides of the box, and thence
through short downwardly bent spouts 71 projecting from the outer sides of
the box.
Passing from these spouts, which are bent down to exclude rain, the wires are
carried around insulating knobs 72 and thence led off to points to be supplied.
The box has a suitable door 73 and a vertical central partition 74.
The wires are designated by numbered tags that can be suspended on wires
attached to the insulated wire, and connected with loops or other supports in
the box.
The box has openings in the top protected by sheds 75, and rotary fans 76
driven by electricity or in any other way are arranged under these sheds for
inducing currents through the conduit and box or boxes so as to keep the interior
thereof dry.
;
Pipes 70 for the auxiliary distributor can be supported on brackets 77, and the
latter can when convenient be supported on a hollow post 78 connected at the base
with a branch from the main conduit, and a pipe 79 be arranged to lead from the
box to a chimney flue so as to induce a circulation of air. Box F will have a
suitable door 80 and also be provided with bent spouts 81 for the wire, and with
insulating knobs 82 around which the wires are carried.
Having thus described the invention as communicated to me, what I claim and
desire to secure by Letters Patent is :-
1 The combination with the two pipe sections of an underground conduit
which opens into a well, of the boxes located within the well and connected with
the pipe sections, and the perforated indicator boards formed with or secured to
said boxes, substantially as described.
2nd The combination with a pipe section of an underground conduit opening
into a well, of a perforated indicator board and a set of insulating tubes arranged
within the well and fitted in the perforations of the indicator board, substantially
as described.
3 The combination with the pipe sections of an underground conduit opening
into a well, of the boxes provided with perforated indicator boards and doors, and
connected to the pipe sections, substantially as described.
an
4th The combination with the rigid insulating tubes extending from
underground conduit into a well, of flexible insulating tubes within the well
coupled with the rigid tubes to form continuous lines of tubing that can be bent
within the well in any desired direction, substantially as described.
5th. The combination with the pipe sections of an underground conduit opening
into a well, of the perforated indicator-boards, the insulating tubes extending from
the pipes to the indicator-board, and the flexible insulating tubes connected with
the ends of the insulating tubes that are extended from the conduit to the
indicator-board, substantially as described.
6th The combination with the rigid insulating tubes extending from the pipe
section of an underground conduit into a well, of means for supporting the end of
the tubes within the well, flexible tubes intermediate of the rigid tubes, coupling
for connecting the rigid and flexible tubes and wires laid within the tubular
insulators from which they can be at any time withdrawn, substantially as
described.
7th The combination with the pipe sections of an underground conduit opening
into a well, of the boxes with perforated indicator-boards, and for the insulating
tubes through which the wires pass extending from the conduit through the boxes
to the indicator-boards, said boards being provided with numerals for individually
designating the wire passing through the tube, and the perforations in which the
tubes are fitted being arranged in sets that are classed under appropriate letters,
substantially as described.
8th An electric wire insulator composed of woven fabric wound in concentric
layers about itself in a tubular form, substantially as described...
9th An electric wire insulator composed of concentric layers of woven fabric

page_text: and intermediate layers of impervious insulating compound, substantially as
described.
10th An electric wire insulator of tubular form composed of concentric layers of
woven fabric, and provided with an internal lining of glass or rubber, substantially
as described.
11th An electric wire insulator the walls of which are provided with a series of
perforations filled with a non-conducting compound, substantially as described.
12th An electric wire insulator composed of sheet paper or woven fabric wound
in concentric layers about itself in tubular form, and having incorporated therewith
the rubber sheet or compound, substantially as described.
13th The opposing sections of a tubular electric wire insulator composed of
paper or woven fabric connected together by a coupling composed of a short tube
of rubber, paper, or woven fabric, wound spirally about itself, into which the
sections are projected and tightly fitted, substantially as described.
14th An insulator for electric wires composed of a perforated and an imperforate
sheet rolled into tubular form, with the openings of the perforated sheet filled with
some insulating compound, substantially as described.
15th The combination with the conduit pipe provided with internal ribs having
mortises formed therein, of the supports for the insulating tubes provided with
projections which are received in the said mortises, substantially as described.
16th The combination with the perforated supports for insulating tubes located
within a conduit pipe, of one or more removable longitudinal partitions fitted
within the pipe between said supports, substantially as described.
17th The perforated supporting disc adapted to fit in a conduit pipe and having
shoulders formed in its opening through which the straight insulating tubes pass,
whereby flexible tubes can be fitted upon said straight tubes, and pushed back to
the shoulders in order to constitute a tight joint, substantially as described.
18th The combination of the conduit with two or more perforated supports
detachably connected by dovetail or equivalent connections with the inner wall of
the pipe, insulating tubes fitted within the perforations of the said supports, and
a partition or partitions located between these supports, substantially as described.
19th The combination with the pipe sections of a conduit provided with
longitudinal grooves, of the longitudinal partitions fitted within said grooves and
connected together at their end, substantially as described.
20th As a means for supporting electric wires within a conduit, a transverse
portion removably fitted within the conduit and composed of two or more perforated
plates arranged in substantially one and the same plane with each other, and
separated, substantially as aud for the purpose described.
21
The combination with a conduit, of ti ausverse partitions each composed of
two or more parts with intermediate air spaces, said partitions being provided with
distinct perforations receiving wire insulators, substantially as described.
22nd Two or more solid perforated paper discs formed with lugs upon their
peripheries, and connected together by rods that are secured to their said lugs, the
whole being adapted to fit within a conduit pipe, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
23 The tubular insulators for electric wires made flaring at their ends,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
24th The combination with perforated insulating supports adapted to fit within
a conduit pipe, of the tubular insulators for electric wires having flaring ends,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
25th A perforated paper disc adapted to fit within a conduit pipe for the purposes
described, and having the holes that are formed through it made flaring at their
ends substantially as specified.
26th The disc composed of insulating material and having perforations enlarged
at their ends to form shoulders with the tubular insulators passing through said
perforations, and the flexible tubes slipped on the end of the tubular insulators and
pushed back to the shoulders in said perforations, substantially as described.

page_text: 27th A coupling for tubular insulators for electric wires consisting of a box
adapted to receive the ends of the tubes and also to contain a filling of some
insulating compound, substantially as described.
28th The two part.coupling box for tubular insulators for electric wires provided
with perforated ends for the insertion of the tubes, and means for allowing the
introduction of soine insulating compound into the box, substantially as described.
29th The two part coupling box for tubular insulators for electric wires provided
with perforated ends for introducing the tubes, an opening extending centrally
through the box for the passage of air, and side openings through which an
insulating compound can be introduced into the box, substantially as described.
30th The combination with a coupling box for tubular insulators for electric
wires provided with perforated ends through which the wires are introduced, of
means substantially as described for covering the joints at the junction of the tube
sections within the box, substantially as described.
31 The combination with a coupling box having perforated ends for the
insertion of insulating tubes for electric wires, of an inner support or supports in
which the meeting ends of the tubes are fitted, and a filling of some insulating
compound in which portions of the tubes are imbedded, substantially as described.
32nd The coupling box for tubular insulators for electric wires provided with
means substantially as described for holding the opposing ends of the tube together
so as to form separate continuous lines of tubing, and further provided with a
peripheral set of ears adapted to fit in longitudinal grooves in a conduit pipe, for
the purpose described.
33 The combination with a conduit pipe provided with internal longitudinal
grooves, of two or more coupling boxes for tubular insulators for electric wires
connected together by longitudinal strips which are adapted to fit in the grooves
in the conduit pipe, substantially as described.
34th The combination with a. coupling box for tubular insulators for electric
wires provided with perforated ends, and composed of two sections adapted to
be fitted together as described, of the central perforated disc or equivalent support,
and the cement filling at the sides of said disc or support, substantially as and for
the purpose described.
35th The combination with the two part coupling box for tubular insulators for
electric wires, of the tube adapted to fit together substantially as described, said
box being provided with side openings for the introduction of an insulating
compound, and with end openings through which the insulating tubes are passed
into the box, for the purpose specified.
36th The combination with a branch pipe leading from the main pipe of a conduit
for electric wires, of tubular insulators passing through perforated supports in
the branch pipe, and a filling of some insulating compound, substantially as
described.
37th The combination with a conduit pipe of the perforated asphaltum insulator
fitted within the pipe and connected therewith by a tongue and groove, substantially
as described.
38th The combination with the asphaltum insulator provided with a series of
parallel longitudinal bores, of the coupling tubes connected with the said bores of
the insulators, substantially as described.
39th The combination of the perforated insulators having their passages connected
by coupling tubes with the cement filling, substantially as described.
40th The herein described asphaltum cylindrical insulator provided with a series
of longitudinal bores extending from end to end, and formed with seats at their
ends in which a series of coupling tubes are fitted, substantially as described.
41 The combination with an underground conduit, of a series of insulators
removably fitted therein, and provided with longitudinal passages and a series of
coupling tubes connecting the opposing passages of adjoining insulators so as to
provide through the conduit continuous chambers for the electric wires which are
carried separately through the said chambers, substantially as described,

page_text: 42nd The straight conduit pipe having an opening surrounded by a vertical wall
forming a box, in combination with the branch pipes, the insulating tubes and
branch flexible insulating tubes, said box being provided with a cover, the whole
inclosed in a covered box or casing, substantially. as described.
€ 43rd As a means for supporting tubular insulators for electric conductors within
a conduit pipe, a set of perforated insulating supports secured within a circular
frame which is adapted to be fitted within the conduit pipe, substantially as
described.
1
44th The combination with the tubular insulators for electric conductors, of the
paper casings fitted within a frame and containing some insulating compound,
substantially as described.
45th The insulating perforated supports for tubular insulators each composed of
a casing of paper or analogous material with an inclosed partition piece having its
ends extended beyond the ends of the casing and fitted within a frame, substantially
⚫as described.
46th The combination with the tubular insulators for electric conductors, of the
casings each inclosing a body of cement divided by a longitudinal partition, and a
circular frame in which the casings are supported so as to leave openings between
the casing, substantially as described.
47th The combination of two or more paper frames provided upon their
peripheries with lugs, and connected together by longitudinal strips, of the tubular
insulators and the insulating supports through which the tubular insulators pass,
the said supports consisting of casings provided with an enclosed body of some
insulating compound, and means for holding the casing within the circular frame,
substantially, as described.
48th A drawing-in box for insulated electric conductors, provided with a suitable
cover and having hollow legs which. are connected with the ends of the sections of
a conduit pipe or pipes, substantially as described.
49th The adjustable perforated supports for insulated electric conductors fitted
within a drawing-in box, substantially as described.
50th The combination with the drawing-in box having hollow legs connected
with sections of a conduit pipe, of the perforated supports for the insulated
conductors adjustably secured within the box, substantially as described.
51 The combination of the drawing-in box having a centrally located rest, and
a rest located along its inner walls, of the perforated supports for the insulated
conductors adjustably secured upon said rests, substantially as described.
52nd The combination of the drawing-in box having an upper horizontal ledge
along its inner walls, and a lower rest also supported within the box, of the inclined
supports for the insulated conductors adjustably held upon said rests, substantially
as and for the purpose described.
53 The drawing-in box provided with hollow legs, a double cover, and internal
supports for the insulated wires, substantially as described.
54th The combination with an elevated distributing box mounted upon a hollow
support, of a branch pipe leading from a conduit for the wires, and connected with
the hollow support, said branch pipe being provided with one or more .drawing-in
boxes, substantially as and for the purpose described.
55th The distributing box for electric wires mounted upon a hollow support, and
provided with tubes and insulators as a means for conducting the wires from the
box, substantially as specified.
56th The elevated distributing box for electric wires mounted upon a hollow
support through which the wires are carried from a conduit up into the box, said
box being provided with means substantially as described for inducing air currents
from the conduit through, the hollow support, and through the interior of the box,
for the purpose of keeping the insulated wires dry.
5
57 The combination with the hollow support of an elevated distributor for
electric wires, of the bent branch connected with an underground conduit and
provided with the drawing-in boxes which are provided with removable covers and

page_text: located at the connection between the branch pipe and the conduit and at the
point where connection is made between the branch pipes and the hollow support,
substantially as described.
58th The combination with a main elevated distributing box for electric wires
which is connected with an underground conduit, of an auxiliary distributing box
connected by pipe connection with said main distributing box, substantially as
described.
59th An elevated distributing box for electric wires mounted upon a pipe which
extends down and is connected with an underground conduit, in combination with
a pipe branching out from the elevated distributing box, and brackets secured in
an elevated position and adapted to support said branch pipe, substantially as
described.
In witness whereof I the said William Phillips Thompson have hereunto set
my hand and seal this sixteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and eighty four.
WP. THOMPSON (L.S.)