IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS OR CABLES
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS OR CABLES."
A communication from abroad by Henry Augustus Clark, of Boston,
Massachusetts, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th January 1882.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE of the Firm of Haseltine Lake & Co. Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRICAL
CONDUCTORS OR CABLES." [A communication from abroad by Henry Augustus
Clark, of Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.]
One object of this Invention is to prevent the inductive action between the
different conductors of a series lying adjacent one to another.
Another object, is in electric cables composed of a series of wires, each and all
surrounded and coated and thus insulated with india-rubber or gutta percha
or restored waste vulcanized india-rubber or gutta percha in any of their vul-
canizable compounds or with any other gum or gums capable of vulcanization, and
suitable for insulation, to ensure and maintain the proper separation and position
for insulation of the several wires making up an electric cable as to each other
during the process of vulcanization.
To secure the first named object I place a conductive body of considerable size
relatively to the size of the wires close to the insulating coating of a series of
insulated conductors laid side by side so that the electric impulses in any one of
thesal lines will expend their energy on the said conducting body rather than on
the other lines of the series.
I also provide an arrangement of the wires when laid, so that no pair of wires
shall remain next to each other for the entire distance that they traverse
together.
To secure the second object of this Invention I place such cables in an oven, to

page_text: be vulcanized, in moulds of a shape to maintain them in a practically straight
condition from end to end of such moulds and then vulcanize them in the
ordinary manner, whereby the proper and relative positions for insulation of the
wires on the cables are maintained and the mould containing a portion of a cable
being vulcanized as above stated is made to project from the vulcanizing oven or
chamber at the opposite ends thereof as and for a purpose in the vulcanization of
the cable which will hereinafter appear.
In carrying the first part of this Invention into practice each conducting wire is
provided with a covering of insulating material and they are laid side by side upon
a sheet or strip of conducting material which may be lead or iron, or any other
suitable material in contact with the insulating-coatings of the said wire. The
distance between any one of the wires and this outer conducting body is equal to
the thickness of the insulating coating while the distance between two neighbouring
wires is equal to the added thickness of both their coatings:-
As the effect produced by induction in a conducting body is proportional to its
proximity to the inducing current, and as, of two conductors in equal proximity, the
one of greater conductivity will absorb the greater portion of the inductive effect,
it will be seen that the main portion of the energy derived from a current passing
through one of the insulated conductors will be expended upon the outer conductor
rather than upon the neighbouring insulated conductors.
If desired another series of conductors may be placed on the other side which
would then prevent inductive action from passing from the conductors on one side
to those on the other sido as well as preventing most of the inductive action
between the different conductors on the same side, as just described.
When desired the outer conductor with its series of insulated conductors may be
rolled up or made in a tubular form, when the outer or external conductor will serve
-also-to-protect the insulated conductors from injury.
Several concentric series of insulated conductors separated by tubular conductors
may be employed to form a compact cable, in which case the tubular conductors on
either side of a given insulating conductor will both co-operate to divert the
inductive effect of any of the conducting wires from its neighbours.
There may still be some inductive action between the different conductors and as
this action is almost entirely confined to the wires next to the one through which
the inducting-current is passing tho effect produced thereby may be diminished by
changing the relative position of the conductors from point to point so that no two
remain in immediate juxtaposition for the entire distanco.
Where a largo number of wires is included in one cable, their relative position
can be greatly varied so that no two will be in the closest proximity to each other
for more than a small part of the entire distance, they being also interchanged from
one to another of the concentric layers. For instance when there are six con-
ductors in the middle series and eighteen in the next outer series the following
change might be made at a point about one-fourth the entire distance from one end
of the cable, namely, the six middle wires might be interchanged with the six
outer wires while six other outer wires might each be moved past two wires to
the right, each one then occupying the placo previously filled by the one removed/
at its right.
A similar change might be made with the wires thus arranged at the middle and
three-fourth points in the cable so that each of the wires would have traversed only
one fourth the whole distance by the side of any other individual wire included in
the cable.
The outer conductors or conductive material may be made with a series of parallel
grooves in which to lay the insulated conductors and when one form is employed
the interstices between the insulating coverings and the outer conductors may be
filled with a liquid or other conducting material.
The outer conductors will have to be connected with the ground at or near their
ends and preferably also from point to point throughout their length whenever
convenient.

page_text: They may be made of such material as to serve to strengthen the cable if
necessary.
The cable may be encased with a strip of cloth; this however is not necessary
but, as is obvious, it is convenient to use to keep the conductive material in place
against the insulated part of the cable and to prevent the cable if its wires are
insulated with a vulcanizable gum such as india-rubber or gutta percha, or restored
waste vulcanized india-rubber or gutta percha or other gum when vulcanized from
adhering to the sides of the mould.
In carrying the second part of this Invention into practice I employ a
vulcanizing oven or chamber having steam-pipes running in parallel lines through
it from end to end and a cover or top capable of being secured in place and
removed and replaced when so desired. I provide a mould in two parts, the
ono shaped to receive a round or cylindrical shaped cable and the other a cable
in the form of a flat belt or band.
The moulds run in the direction of the length of the vulcanizing oven or chamber,
and they pass through an opening of corresponding shape, in each end of the oven
and project therefrom. The moulds are thus supported in position, and in addition,
they may be also supported in the oven by resting directly upon the steam pipes or
upon other supports suitably located therefor, by preference however all so as to
place the moulds in close proximity to the steam-pipes.
The moulds are made of an upper and of a lower part together adapted interiorly
to receive the cable to be vulcanized and for it to lie flat within and between them,
running from end to end theroof.
The cable is made up of several wires, each and all surrounded with india-rubber
or gutta percha or waste vulcanized india rubber or gutta percha in any of their
vulcanizable compounds suitable for insulation, or with any other gum or gums
capable of being vulcanized and suitable for insulation.
The parts of the moulds are secured together in any suitable manner.
With the cable to be vulcanized in its mould, and the mould in the oven as
described the vulcanization of the cable then proceeds in the usual manner, and as
a consequence the part of the cable in that portion of the mould within the oven
is vulcanized, after which the top of the oven and the upper portion of the mould
are removed and the cable is then moved along in the mould, bringing the next and
adjoining part of the cable into position in the mould which is then again closed
as also the oven, and the vulcanization is again proceeded with as before and so on
until the whole length of the cable is vulcanized.
In the vulcanization of the cable, one portion after the other, as herein described,
by the said projections of the moulds from each end of the oven, the effect of the
heat within the oven is communicated to the cable in the portions of the mould
outside of the oven but obviously the effect of the heat upon such portions of the
cable diminishes outwardly from the oven ends, being the greatest at the oven ends,
and the least at the further end of the projection and thus the vulcanization of the
cable is graded outwardly from the oven ends whereby abrupt and sharp lines
or divisions in the cable of its successive lengths vulcanized, are prevented.
The vulcanization of cables in a straight condition as described secures and
maintains absolutely the proper separation of the several wires making the cable
as is obvious without explanation.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
24th July 1882.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRICAL,
CONDUCTORS OR CABLES." A communication from abroad by Henry Augustus
Clark, of Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.
One object of this Invention is to prevent the inductive action between the
different conductors of a series lying adjacent one to another.
Another object is, in electric cables composed of a series of conductors, each and
all surrounded and coated, and thus insulated, with india-rubber or gutta-percha,
or restored waste vulcanized india-rubber or gutta-percha in any of their
vulcanizable compounds, or with any other gum or gums capable of vulcanization
and suitable for insulation, to ensure and maintain the proper separation and
position for insulation, of the several conductors making up an electric cable,
relatively to each other, during, the process of vulcanization.
To secure the first named object, I place a body of conductive material of
considerable size relatively to the size of the conductors, close to the insulating
coating of a series of insulated conductors, laid side by side, so that the electric
impulses in any one of the said lines will expend their energy on the said
conducting material; rather-than-on-the other lines of the series.
I also provide an arrangement of the conductors when laid, so that no two-of-
them shall remain next to each other for the entire distance that they traverse.
To secure the second object of this Invention I place such cables in an oven, to
be vulcanized in moulds of such shape as will maintain them in a practically
straight condition from end to end of such moulds, and then vulcanize them in the
ordinary manner, whereby the proper and relative positions, for insulation of the
wires on the cables, are maintained, and the mould containing a portion of a cable
being vulcanized as above stated, is made to project from the vulcanizing oven or
chamber at the opposite ends thereof, as and for a purpose in the vulcanization
of the cable which will hereinafter appear.
In the accompanying Drawing,
Figure 1 is a plan of the interior of a vulcanizing oven, some parts being shewn
in section.
Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal section on the line 2, 2, Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an end view.
Figures 4 and 5 are transverse vertical sections on the line 4, 4, (Figure 1)
shewing the cable in one Figure, of a cylindrical shape; and in the other Figure
of a flat band or belt shape, and the moulds of corresponding shape therefor.
Figure 6, is a transverse vertical section, shewing two moulds as arranged within
one and the same oven.
Figure 7 is a vertical transverse section of a series of conductors as arranged
according to the first part of this Invention.
Figure 8 is a vertical transverse section illustrating a modification thereof.
Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a series of conductors so arranged that no two
of thein shall remain next to each other for the entire distance that they traverse.
Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of a portion of a cable similar to that shewn
in Figure 8; it also illustrates the arrangement of wires shewn in Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a vertical transverse section, similar to Figure 7, but differing
therefrom in that it shews the several electric conductors, as encased and insulated

page_text: in a common mass of insulating material, instead of each being separately and
distinctly insulated, and laid side by side.
In carrying the first part of this Invention into practice I proceed as follows:
Each of the conducting wires a, a, Figure 7 is provided with a covering b of insulating
material, they are then laid side by side upon a sheet or strip of conducting
material c which may be lead iron, or any suitable material, in contact with the
insulating coatings of the said wires. The distance between any two of the wires a
and the conducting material c is equal to the thickness of the insulating coating b
while the distance between any two adjacent conductors, is equal to the total
thickness of both their coatings.
As the effect produced by induction in a conducting-body, is proportionate to its
proximity to the inducing current and as, if two conductors be placed in equal
proximity thereto, the one of greater conductivity will absorb the greater portion
of the inductive effect, it will be seen, that the main portion of the energy derived
from a current passing through one of the conductors a, will be expended upon the
conducting material c, rather than upon the neighbouring conductors a.
If desired another series of conductors may be placed upon the opposite side of
the conducting material c Figure 7, this would prevent inductive action between
the conductors on one side and those on the other side, as well as prevent most of
the inductive action between the different conductors on one side, as just
described.
When desired, the conducting material c with its series of insulated conductors a
may be rolled up, or mado in a tubular form, as shewn in Figure 8, when the
external conducting material c, will serve also to protect the insulated conductors a
from injury.
Several concentric series of insulated conductors a, separated by tubular conducting
material c may be employed to form a compact cable, in which case the tubular
conducting material c on both sides of an insulating conductor a will co-operate, to
divert the inductive effect of any of the conductors a from those adjacent to it.
There may still be some inductive action between the different conductors a and
as this action is almost entirely confined to the conductors adjacent to the one
through which the inducing current is passing I diminish the effect thus produced
by changing the relative position of the conductors a from point to point as shewn
in Figure 9, so that no two remain in immediate juxtaposition for the entire
distance.
When the conductors are arranged as shewn in Figure 9 the wire 1 will exert
its inductive action chiefly upon the wire 2 for a part of the distance; after which,
being transferred to a position between the wires 3 and 4 for the remaining part of
the distance it has but little effect upon the wire 2, in the same manner all the
wires 2, 3 and 4 may be interchanged. Where a large number of conductors are
included in one cable, as shewn in Figures 8 and 10 their relative position can be
greatly varied, so that no two will be in close proximity to each other for more
than a small part of the entire distance traversed they being interchanged from one
to another of the concentric layers, as shewn in Figure 10. For instance when
there are six conductors in the middle series and eighteen in the next outer series,
as shewn in Figure 8, the following change might be made, at a point about one-
fourth, the entire distance from one end of the cable namely, the six middle con-
ductors might be interchanged with the six outer conductors marked with a cross
in the Drawing while the six other conductors marked with an arrow might ench
be removed, past two conductors to the right, each one then occupying the place
previously filled by the one removed at its right. A similar change might again
be made with the conductors thus arranged, at the middle, and three-fourths points
in the cable, so that each of the conductors would havo traversed only one-fourth
of the whole distance, by the side of any other individual conductor included in
the cable.
The conducting material c Figure 7 may be made with a series of parallel
grooves, in which to lay the insulated conductors a and when the form shewn in

page_text: Figure 8 is adopted, the interstices between the insulating coverings b and the
conducting material c may be filled with a liquid or other conducting material.
The conductors c will have to be connected with the ground at or near their
ends, and preferably also from point to point throughout their length, whenever
convenient. They may be made of such material as to serve to strengthen the
cable if necessary.
The cable as shewn in Figure 11 may be encased with a strip, of cloth; this
however is not necessary, but as is obvious, it is convenient to use it, in order to
keep the conductive material c in place against the insulated part of the cable, and
if its conductors are insulated with a vulcanizable gum, such as india-rubber, or
gutta-percha, or restored waste vulcanized india-rubber or gutta-percha, or other
gum to prevent them from adhering to the sides of the mould during the process
of vulcanization.
In carrying the second part of this Invention into practice I employ a vul-
canizing oven or chamber A, having steam-pipes B B running through it parallel
to each other from end to end, and a movable cover or top C capable of being
secured in position. D, D, Figures 4, 5, and 6 are moulds each in two parts, one
shaped to receive a round or cylindrical shaped cable, and the other two a cable in
the form of a flat belt or band.
The moulds run in the direction of the length of the vulcanizing oven or
chamber and they pass through an opening E of corresponding shape, in each
end F of the oven and project therefrom. The moulds are thus supported in
position, and in addition they may be also supported in the oven by resting
directly upon the steam pipes B, B or upon other supports suitably located
therefor, by preference however, so as to place the moulds in close proximity to the
steam pipes.
The moulds are made of an upper and lower part, together adapted internally
to receive the cable to be vulcanized, and for it to lie flat within and between them
running from end to end thereof. G, Figures 1, 2, and 4 is an electric cable to be
vulcanized, it is composed of several conductors a surrounded with india-rubber
or gutta-percha, or waste vulcanized india-rubber or gutta-percha in any of their
vulcanizable compounds, or with any other gum or gums capable of being
vulcanized and suitable for insulation. The parts of the moulds are secured
together in any suitable manner.
The cable G to be vulcanized being in its mould, and the mould in the oven, as
described, the vulcanization proceeds in the usual manner, after the part of the
cable in that portion of the inould within the oven, is vulcanized, the top of the
oven and the upper portion of the mould are removed, and the cable itself moved
along in the mould, bringing the next and adjoining part into position, the mould
is then, again closed, as also the oven, and the vulcanization proceeds as before, the
same course is adopted until the whole length of the cable is vulcanized.
In the vulcanization of one portion of the cable after the other (as herein
described) in consequence of the moulds projecting from each end of the oven, the
effect of the heat within is communicated to the cable in the portions of the mould
outside of the oven; but obviously the effect of the heat upon such portions of the
cable diminishes outwardly from the oven ends, being the greatest at the oven
ends and the least at the further end of the projection, and thus the vulcanization
of the cable is graded outwardly from the oven ends, whereby abrupt and sharp
lines or divisions of its successive lengths vulcanized are prevented.
The vulcanization of cables in a straight condition as described secures and
maintains the proper separation of the several conductors forming the cable.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,
First. A series of electric conductors, each provided with a covering of insulating
material, and laid side by side, in combination with a strip of conducting material,
of considerable size relatively to the size of the conductors, lying adjacent to the

page_text: insulating coverings of the said conductors, whereby the inductivo effect of electric
impulses in one of the conductors of the series is diverted from the others,
substantially as described.
Second. In an electric cable, a series of concentric layers of independent insulated
conductors combined with tubes of conducting material interposed between the
said layers, whereby inductive disturbances aro diverted from the insulated
conductors, substantially as described.
Third. In an electric cable, two or more concentric series of independent oloctric
conductors arranged as described, the single continuous conductors being located
in different series in different portions of their length, substantially as, and for the
purpose, set forth.
Fourth. The vulcanization of a cable for electric purposes (composed of
conductors embedded in india-rubber, guttapercha, or other vulcanizable gum,
which surrounds and separates the several conductors) by means of a mould shaped
to receive such cable, and hold it in a straight position while the india-rubber or
the like, is being vulcanized, all substantially as described and for the purpose
specified.
Fifth. In the vulcanization of cables for electric purposes (composed of conductors
embedded in india-rubber, gutta-percha, or other vulcanizable gum) in moulds
adapted to receive and confine them in a straight position while being so vulcanized,
the projection of such moulds at and from each end of the vulcanizing oven or
chamber, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
In witness whereof I the said William Robert Lake have herounto set my
hand and seal this Twenty second day of July in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
DANT T