IMPROVE- MENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS OR CONDUCTING WIRES CONDUITS FOR THE SAME, AND DEVICES FOR USE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Harris Lake of the firm of Haseltine Lake & Co
Patent Agents Southampton Buildings London for an Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS OR CONDUCTING WIRES
CONDUITS FOR THE SAME, AND DEVICES FOR USE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
communicated to him from abroad by Christian Henry Goebel and George
Washington Bratton both of Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States of
America
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Harris Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th December 1883.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, " IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO
"
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS OR CONDUCTING WIRES, CONDUITS FOR THE SAME, AND
DEVICES FOR USE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH [A communication to him from
abroad by Christian Henry Goebel and George Washington Bratton both of
Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States of America]
This invention relates to electrical conductors, to underground conduits for the
same, and to apparatus for use in connection therewith.
The said invention comprises improvements in the manufacture of electrical
conductors, in the construction of underground channels or conduits for the same,
and apparatus or devices for use in connection therewith.
According to one part of the said invention, I provide a conduit having three
tubes, the first tube forms a curb of a street or roadway, the second tube a gutter,
and the third tube a portion of the street adjacent to the gutter. Each of the said
tubes is disconnected from the other so that the conduit may be readily laid and
either tube removed, and replaced without disturbing the remaining tubes. Each
tube has a lid or cover so that access is readily had to the interior thereof for the
purpose of laying, repairing, inspecting, testing, and removing the wires.
On the sides of the tubes are hooks which are cast with, or secured to, the said
tubes and support the electric wires or cables.

page_text: The first tube is in cross section of the form of a right angled triangle, the base
being above and the perpendicular on the outside or curb line, so that as the
hypothenuse comes next to the ground the tube acts as a wedge which, when
driven into position, tightens the tubes one against the other and compresses the
earth of the side walk, thus producing a firm and compact support for the said tube.
The third tube may also be wedge-shaped, so as to compress the earth of the
street.
The wires are enclosed in articulated blocks of vulcanite, hard india-rubber,
celluloid, porcelain, concrete or other suitable material which may be moulded or
otherwise produced, the said blocks being strung on the wires and closely connected
so as to fully cover, and reliably protect, the said wires and form cables. For the
purpose of splicing the wires I employ sleeves which are fitted within the said
blocks and internally threaded for engagement with the threaded ends of the wire.
The sleeves being connected with the block serve to hold the blocks one against
the other or tighten the series, and are also employed where the direction of the
line is changed, or at bends. The blocks may be of the form of balls and sockets
to provide a flexible cable and a similar result is produced by making the
contiguous ends of the blocks respectively convex and concave.
Sometimes the blocks are rigid and have extra coverings, the inner faces of which
are flanged or tongued to interlock with grooves on the exterior surfaces of the
inner blocks, so that the blocks are prevented from shifting in the longitudinal
direction of the wire.
The wires are constructed with ribs which extend in the longitudinal direction
thereof, and are embedded in grooves in the blocks or coverings. This construction
prevents turning of the wires in the blocks or coverings and consequent twisting
and breakage of the same.
The said sleeves may be enclosed by couplings which connect the blocks or
coverings of the wires in sections, and protect the said sleeves. After the wires are
connected by the sleeves the parts of the couplings are brought together and the
nut of the coupling properly rotated, whereby the coupling is secured, the lengths
of blocks firmly held together, and the connecting sleevees of the wires enclosed
and guarded. When the nut is rotated in the reverse direction the parts of the
coupling separate, thus disconnecting the sections of wire and exposing the said
sleeves; the separation of the wires is then readily accomplished.
For the purpose of insulating the wires which are ordinarily covered with gutta
percha and to protect the said covering from the injurious action of the earth and
atmosphere, I apply to the covering a coating of tar, on which is wrapped or placed
a sufficient quantity of jute. A coating of tar is again applied and tape wound
thereover, the whole receiving a coating of tar as the surface of the cable. Sulphur
may also be employed as an insulating substance.
The tar employed is preferably Stockholm tar combined with raw linseed oil in
the proportion of two gallons of the former to one quart of the latter and in using
the same for this purpose it is applied warm.
In practice it is designed to place in one of the three tubes electric light wires, in
another telephone wires, and in the other telegraph wires, and likewise string on
the wires the blocks the desired length of the route, employing bends of curved and
angular form for turn-offs, change of direction, and the like.
The underground conduit is sometimes formed of slabs of slate, stone, iron or
other suitable material, the base, sides, and top pieces of which are separate
pieces which may be readily set up and securely connected.
Posts or standards are secured to the side pieces of the conduit and provided
with hooks on which are sustained the pipes through which the wires are
passed; the said standards having openings at coincident places into which are
introduced branches for making connections of the wires in the pipes with those
required above the surface,
The conduit being constructed of slabs or pieces of slate, stone, iron or the like
forms a tube in which numerous wire-containing pipes may be laid or sustained

page_text: independent of each other, its interior being dry and readily permitting the
entrance and passage of persons whose work requires it.
The hooks are formed of horizontal parts or shanks which are secured to the
sides or posts of the conduits and vertical parts or limbs, the lower ends of which
have openings or are in the form of bosses and fitted on the shanks. By this
construction the limbs may be moved on the shanks and thus adjusted nearer to,
or further from, the sides of the conduits and more than one of such limbs may be
placed on each shank and adjusted relatively to each other for different sized
wires or cables or numbers thereof.
As the conduit is formed of slabs of material the posts may occupy such
position at the joints of the slabs as to be necessarily formed of separated pieces.
For this purpose the conduit and pieces are perforated at coincident places, and
through the perforations are passed forked pieces the forks of each piece having
on their inner ends openings which receive a wedge or key, which, tightening
against the post, serves to connect the section thereof and securely attach it to the
conduit.
The pipes are split in their longitudinal direction and within each of them is
fitted a covered wire. The said wire is readily applied in position, first by
separating the sections, and next, laying the said wire in the pipe between the
separated sections; after which the pipe is encircled with a screw clamp of less
diameter than the pipe when separated, so that when the screw of the clamp is
tightened, the clamp closes the pipe, thus inclosing the wire. This feature is
especially serviceable for a covered wire whose diameter is greater than that of the
pipe prior to splitting or separation, the covering being preferably india rubber, or
gutta percha, in which case the pipe is compressed against the covered wire, and
the latter entirely fills the space of the pipe, the covering hugging the wire at
every point of its surface, whereby the insulation of the wire is perfect. Further-
more, the wire is securely held within the pipe, in which condition the pipes may
be transported and handled without danger of displacement of the wire or abrasion
of the insulating material
In order to afford access to the wires in the pipes at the places where the
branches are connected I employ T-pieces or branches which are split or separated,
so that one section may be removed thus exposing the insulating covering of the
wire, or for the purpose of change of direction of the wire to the right or left
the T-pieces may be employed, and lateral connections being readily fitted in
position after removing one section of the J-piece, after which the said section is
restored and screwed, or clamped, to the other part.
I provide a double branch or bend which is adapted for the "loop" or wire
introduced into houses or the like, the continuity of the line being preserved by
said loop, as well known. In this case the branch or bend is split and the sections
are clamped together, the advantages being the same as before stated.
The lengths of pipes are connected by union couplings each of which is swivelled
to the end of one pipe and engages with a screw collar on the adjacent pipe thus
securely connecting the pipes.
In order to control the passage of electric currents to a house or other locality
a box is employed which properly located along the route provided with binding
screws attached to branch wires. The said box also has binding screws to which is
attached the loop leading to and from a house or other place of service. Within
the box are mounted on vertical axes two tootbed segments which engage with
each other the axis of one of the segments being squared for engagement of a
proper key, whereby rotation may be imparted to the segments.
To the axis or post of each segment is secured a finger or bar which rotates with
the post, and attached to the cover of the box and depending therefrom on the
underside thereof, is a piece which is so arranged that when the segments are
rotated the fingers or bars come in contact with it.
.
The post of each binding screw in contact with the boss of the respective finger

page_text: or bar and the post of each binding screw is in contact with the end of the
respective finger or bar, the proper parts being suitably insulated.
When a house or other locality is to be supplied with electricity it is directed by
the branch wire through the finger or bar and wire or loop to the place of service,
the electric current continuing by means of the wire or loop through the other
finger and branch wire to the next place of service.
When however it is desired to cut out the loop or the supply of electricity in
the house, the segments are rotated whereby the fingers leave the posts of the
binding screws and come in contact with the said piece. The circuit of the branch
wire is now through the two fingers and the said piece thus cutting out the other 1
loop or wire.
The sides of the conduit have circular openings the wall of each of which is
notched or slotted, and the inner face or back of the side has inclined pieces
circumscribing the walls. A plate is provided for covering the said opening the
same having projecting from its periphery lugs which are adapted to enter the said 1
notches. When the lugs are fitted in the notches and the plate is rotated, the lugs
ride on the inclined pieces and clear the notches, thus tightening and locking the
plate in position and fully closing the side opening of the conduit. When access is
required to the conduit from the side the plate is rotated, until the lugs register
with the notches, whereby the plate may be removed and the opening of the
conduit is uncovered.
Sometime the connection of the branches leading to a locality is broken, or the
wires of the branches are connected with opposite sides of a box. A rotatable
insulated plug adapted to be operated from the surface of the ground is fitted to
the said box and carries a bar or wire which in one position of the plug connects
the ends of the wires of the branches and in the other position is connected from
said ends, these operations forming and breaking the electric circuit being
accomplished simply by turning the plug, the supply of electricity being thereby
let on, or cut off, or controlled.
I sometimes form the conduit of two tubes coupled together by two tubes of
smaller diameter.
The ends of the larger tubes have screwed or otherwise connected with them
caps of the form of annuli, to the inner walls of which the smaller tubes are
screwed or otherwise attached, the said large and small tubes thus being in
communication and forming continuations, one of the other.
On the outer faces of the caps are nipples which are secured to, or formed with,
said caps and communicate with the interior of the large tubes by means of
openings in the caps; and to coincident nipples on opposite caps are attached
sectional wire receiving pipes which thus form continuations of the large tubes
outside of the smaller tubes.
The pipes may be telescopic and formed in two lengths, one sliding freely within
the other; or the sections may be telescopic and the contiguous faces threaded;
other forms of connection may be adopted, the object in either case being to
connect the sections of the pipe with each other and with the respective nipples of
the opposite caps, and thus enclose the wires passed through them and by proper
rotation or movement of the sections to separate them and uncover the wires.
The wires that are passed through the larger tubes are run to remote points,
station to station, and the wires that are passed through the wire receiving pipes
may be employed in like manner, but when it is desired to make lateral
connections, the proper sections of the latter pipes are unscrewed, thus uncovering
the wires which are then cut at the proper placed, and the sections of the pipes
disconnected from the nipple. Branch pipes are now attached to the said nipples
the ends of the severed wires being passed through them, and connections may be
made with the ends of the wires, for the use of the latter in houses, on the side
walk in the street, or elsewhere.
The conduit may be formed of tubes of successively reduced diameters

page_text: The outer tube is connected with the next tube by means of a cap which is of
the form of an annulus screwed or otherwise secured on its outer circumference to
the end of the outer tube and has the end of the second tube screwed or otherwise
secured to its inner circumference. The outer face of the cap has a circular row of
openings, and to it are secured at coincident places nipples which are covered by
caps or plugs.
The second tube is connected with the third tube by means of a second cap
which is of the form of an annulus secured on its outer circumference to the end. of
the second tube, and has the end of the third tube secured to its inner
circumference. The outer face of the second cap has a circular row of openings, and
to it are secured, at coincident places, nipples which are covered by caps or plugs.
The third tube may be connected with another tube of reduced diameter and
additional connections made, the length of the conduit being thereby extended as
desired
In the wall of each tube are openings which communicate with the interior of
the respective tubes, and covering said openings are plates which are held in place
by screws fitted to an annulus or yoke which circumscribes the plates.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Harris Lake in the Patent Office on the 18th June 1884.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE of the Firm of Haseltine Lake & C° Patent Agents
Southampton Buildings London "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO
"
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS OR CONDUCTING WIRES, CONDUITS FOR THE SAME, AND
DEVICES FOR USE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH a communication to me from
abroad by Christian Henry Goebel and George Washington Bratton, both of
Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States of America
This invention relates to electrical conductors, to underground conduits for the
same, and to apparatus for use in connection therewith, and comprises the
improvements hereinafter described.
In the accompanying drawing.
Figure 1 is a plan or top view of a pipe through which the conducting wire
passes.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal section thereof.
Figure 3 is a transverse section on the line xx Figure 1.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 are views of modifications.
Figure 7 is a plan or top view of the conduit for containing the said pipes.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal vertical section and
Figure 9 is a transverse vertical section thereof.
Figure 10 is a sectional view drawn to an enlarged scale of a circuit forming and
breaking device adapted to be operated from the surface of the ground.
Figure 11 is a view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 8 detached.
Figure 12 is a horizontal section on the line y, y, Figure 11.
Figure 13 is a view drawn to an enlarged scale of a portion of the side of a
conduit
Figure 14 is a horizontal section thereof.
Figure 15 is a top or plan view of another form of conduit.
Figure 16 is a transverse vertical section thereof.
Figures 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 are longitudinal sectional views of different forms
of cables constructed according to this Invention.
Figure 22 is a longitudinal section of a coupling for the cables or wires.
Figure 23 is a transverse section drawn to an enlarged scale of an electric wire.
Figure 24 is a longitudinal section of another form of conduit.
Figure 25 is an end view thereof.
Figure 26 is a longitudinal section of a modification thereof.
Figure 27 is a horizontal section, on the line x, x, Figure 28, of a cut out.
Figure 28 is a vertical section on the line y, y, Figure 27
Figure 29 is a side elevation partly broken away of another form of conduit.
Figure 30 is a transverse section thereof on the line x x Figure 29.
Referring to Figures 1 to 14 inclusive and Figures 27 and 28 of the drawing.
A indicates an underground conduit formed of slabs a of slate, stone, iron or other
suitable material, the base, sides and top pieces of which are separate pieces which
may be readily set up and securely connected.
B B indicate posts or standards secured to the side-pieces of the conduit and
provided with the hooks b on which are sustained the pipes C through which the
wires E are passed the said standards having openings d at coincident places, into
which are introduced the pipes or branches C₁, for making connections of the wires
in the pipes C with those required above the surface.
The conduit A being constructed of slabs or pieces of slate, stone, iron or the
like forms a tube in which numerous wire containing pipes may be laid or sustained

page_text: independently of each other, its interior being dry and readily permitting the
entrance and passage of persons whose work requires it.
The hooks b are formed of horizontal parts or shanks b¹ which are secured to the
sides or posts of the conduits and vertical parts or limbs b¹¹ the lower ends of which
have openings or are in the form of bosses, and fitted on the shanks b'. By this
construction the limbs 6" may be moved on the shanks and thus adjusted nearer
to or further from the sides of the conduits and more than one of such limbs may
be placed on each shank and adjusted relatively to the others for different sized
wires or cables or numbers thereof, see Figure 9.
As the conduit is formed of slabs of material, the posts may occupy such positions
at the joints of the slabs as to be necessarily formed of separated pieces. For this
purpose the conduit and pieces are perforated at coincident places, and through the
perforations are passed forked pieces D see Figures 11 and 12 the prongs of each
piece having on their inner ends openings for receiving a wedge or key B¹ which
tightening against the post serves to connect the section thereof and securely
attach it to the conduit.
The pipes C are split in their longitudinal direction and within each of them is
fitted a covered wire E. The said wire is readily applied in position, first, by
separating the sections; and next, laying the said wire in the pipe between the
separated sections after which the pipe is encircled with a screw clamp F of less
diameter than the pipe when separated so that when the screw F' of the clamp is
tightened, the clamp closes the pipe, thus enclosing the wire. This feature is
especially serviceable for a covered wire whose diameter is greater than that of the
pipe prior to splitting or separation, the covering being preferably india rubber or
gutta percha, in which case the pipe is compressed against the covered wire, and
the latter entirely fills the space of the pipe, the covering hugging the wire at
every point of its surface whereby the insulation of the wire is perfect. Further-
more, the wire is securely held within the pipe, in which condition the pipes may
be transported and bandled without danger of displacement of the wire or abrasion
of the insulating material
In order to afford access to the wires in the pipes C at the places where the
branches C are connected. I employ T-pieces or branches C" which are split or
separated, so that one section may be removed, thus exposing the insulating
covering of the wire, or for purposes of change of direction of the wire to the right
or left, the T pieces may be employed, and lateral connections formed with the
main length of wire the said connections being readily fitted in position after
removing one section of the T pieces after which the said section is restored and
screwed or clamped to the other part.
In Figure 4 I show a double branch or bend which is adapted by the "loop" or
wire introduced into houses or the like the continuity of the line being preserved
by said loop, as well known. In this case the branch or bend is split and the
sections are clamped together, the advantages being the same as before stated.
The lengths of pipes C are connected by union couplings G, each of which is
swivelled to the end of one pipe and engages with a screw collar on the adjacent
pipe, thus securely connecting the pipes.
In order to control the passage of electric currents to a house side walk or other
locality a box J Figures 27 and 28 properly located is employed provided with
binding screws K attached to branch wires H¹ the said box also has binding
Screws K to which is attached the loop H" leading to and from a house or other
place of service Within the box are mounted on vertical axes two toothed
segments L which engage with each other, the axis of one of the segments being
squared for engagement of a proper key, whereby rotation may be imparted to the
segments
To the axis or post of each segment is secured a finger or bar M which rotates
with the post, and attached to the cover of the box, and depending therefrom on
the underside thereof is a piece N which is so arranged that when the segments
are rotated the fingers or bars M come in contact with it,

page_text: The post of each binding screw K is in contact with the boss of the respective
finger or bar, and the post of each binding screw K' is in contact with the end of
the respective finger or bar, the proper parts being suitably insulated.
When the house or other locality is to be supplied with electricity, it is directed
by the branch wire H' through the finger or bar M and wire or loop H to the 5
place of service, the electric current continuing by means of the wire or loop H"
through the other finger M and branch wire H¹ to the next place of service.
When however it is desired to cut out the loop H or the supply of electricity in
the house or elsewhere the segments L are rotated, whereby the fingers M leave the
posts of the screws K' and come in contact with the piece N as indicated by lines 1
Figure 10. The circuit of the branch wire H H is now through the two fingers
and the piece N thus cutting out the loop or wire H"
The sides of the conduit have circular openings L Figures 13 and 14 the wall of
each of which is notched or slotted as at f, and the inner face or back of the side
has inclined pieces L¹ circumscribing the wall. A plate M is provided for covering
the said opening, the same having projecting from its periphery lugs N which are
adapted to enter the notches f. When the lugs N are fitted in the notches f and
the plate is rotated, the lugs ride on the inclined pieces L¹ and clear the notches
thus tightening and locking the plate in position and fully closing the side opening
of the conduit. When access is required to the conduit from the side, the plate M 2
is rotated until the lugs N register with the notches f whereby the plate may be
removed and the opening of the conduit is uncovered.
Referring to Figure 10 the connection of the branch C¹ and pipe C leading to
the said locality is broken, as at e, or the wires of the branches C₁, C1, are
connected with opposite sides of a box H. A rotatable insulated plug J adapted 2
to be operated from the surface of the ground is fitted to the said box H and
carries a bar or wire K which in one position of the plug connects the ends of the
wires of the pipes C, C, and in the other position is disconnected from said ends,
these operations forming and breaking the electric circuit being accomplished
simply by turning the plug J, the supply of electricity being thereby let on or cut 3
off or controlled.
Referring to Figures 15 to 23 inclusive A indicates a conduit formed of
tubes a, b, c, the tube a occupying the position of a curb of a street or roadway
the tube that of a gutter a¹ and the tube c that of the portion of a street
adjacent to the gutter Each of the said tubes is disconnected from the other so 3
that the conduit may be readily laid and either tube removed and reapplied without
disturbing the remaining tubes Each tube has a lid or cover d so that access is
readily had to the interior thereof for the purpose of laying repairing inspecting
testing and removing the wires.
On the sides of the tubes are hooks e which are cast with or secured to the said 4
tubes and support the electric wires or cables as clearly shown in Figure 16.
The tube a is in cross section of the form of a right angled triangle, the base
being above and the perpendicular on the outside or curb line, so that as the
hypothenuse comes next to the ground the tube acts as a wedge which when
driven into position, tightens the tubes one against the other and compresses the 4
earth of the side walk, thus producing a firm and compact support for the tube a.
It is evident that the tube c may also be wedge shaped so as to compress the earth
of the street.
The wires are enclosed in articulated blocks B of vulcanite hard india rubber
celluloid, porcelain concrete or other suitable material which may be moulded or 5
otherwise produced, the said blocks being strung on the wires and closely
connected so as to fully cover and reliably protect the wires and form cables. For
the purpose of splicing the wires I employ sleeves C (see Figure 18) which are
fitted within the said blocks B and internally threaded for engagment with the
threaded ends of the wire. The sleeves being connected with the blocks serve to 5
hold the blocks one against the other or tighten the series, and are also employed
where the direction of the line is changed, or at bends, as in Figure 18. The,

page_text: blocks may be of the form of balls and sockets to provide a flexible cable as in
Figure 18 and a similar result is produced by making the contiguous ends of the
blocks respectively convex and concave as in Figure 21. In Figures 19 and 20 the
blocks are rigid, those in figure 20 having extra coverings, the inner faces of which
are flanged or tongued to interlock with grooves on the exterior surfaces of the
inner blocks so that the blocks are prevented from shifting in the longitudinal
direction of the wire.
The wires are constructed with ribs D which extend in the longitudinal direction
thereof and are embedded in grooves in the blocks or coverings. This construction
prevents turning of the wires in the blocks or coverings and consequent twisting
and breakage of the same.
In Figure 22 the sleeves C are enclosed by couplings E which connect the blocks
or coverings of the wires in sections and protect the said sleeves. After the wires
are connected by the sleeves the parts of the couplings are brought together and
the nut E' of the coupling properly rotated, whereby the coupling is secured, the
lengths of blocks firmly held together, and the connecting sleeves C of the wires
enclosed and guarded. When the nut E' is rotated in the reverse direction the
parts of the coupling separate, thus disconnecting the sections of wire and
exposing the sleeve C the separation of the wires is then readily accomplished.
For the purpose of insulating the wires which are ordinarily covered with
gutta percha, and to protect the said covering from the injurious action of the earth
and atmosphere I apply to the covering a coating of tar on which is wrapped or
placed a sufficient quantity of jute. A coating of tar is again applied and tape
wound thereover, the whole receiving a coating of tar as the surface of the cable.
Sulphur may also be employed as an insulating substance.
The tar employed is preferably Stockholm tar combined with raw linseed oil in
the proportion of two gallons of the former to one quart of the latter and in
using the same for this purpose it is applied warm.
In practice it is designed to place in one of the tubes a b c, electric light wires,
in another telephone wires, and in the other telegraph wires, and likewise string
on the wires the blocks B the desired length of the route, employing bends of
curved and angular form for turn offs, change of direction and the like.
Referring to Figures 24, 25 and 26 A A indicate two tubes and B B represents
tubes of less diameter coupled together and connecting the tubes A A.
The ends of the tubes A have screwed or otherwise connected with them caps C
of annular form, to the inner walls of which the tubes B are screwed or otherwise
attached the tubes A A B thus being in communication and forming continuation
one of the other.
On the outer faces of the caps C are nipples D which are secured to or formed
with said caps and communicate with the interiors of the tubes A A. by means of
openings in the caps and to coincident nipples on opposite caps are attached
sectional wire receiving pipes E which thus form continuations of the tubes A A
outside of the tubes B.
In Figure 24 the pipes E are telescopic and formed in two lengths one sliding
freely within the other and in Figure 26 the sections are telescopic and the
contiguous faces threaded other forms of connection may he adopted, the object
being to connect the sections of each pipe with each other and with the respective
nipples of the opposite caps, and thus enclose the wires passed through them and
by proper rotation or movement of the sections to separate them and uncover the
wires.
The wires F that are passed through the tubes A. A are run to remote points
station to station, and the wires G that are passed through the pipes E may be
employed in like manner, but when it is desired to make lateral connections, the
proper sections of the pipes E are unscrewed, thus uncovering the wires G which
are then cut at the proper place and the sections of the pipes disconnected from the
nipple D, branch pipes H are now attached to the said nipples D, the ends of the
severed wires being passed through them, and connections may be made with

page_text: the ends of the wires, as at H¹ for the use of the latter in houses, on the side
walk, in the street or elsewhere.
Referring to Figures 29 and 30 A indicates a conduit formed of tubes A' Al Al
of successively reduced diameters.
The tube A¹ is connected with the tube A" by means of a cap B of the form of
an annulus screwed or otherwise secured on its outer circumference to the end of
the tube A¹ and has the end of the tube A¹ screwed or otherwise secured to its
inner circumference. The outer face of the cap B has a circular row of openings a
and to it are secured at coincident places nipples C which are covered by caps or
plugs D.
The tube A is connected with the tube A¹¹ by means of a cap B' of the form
of an annulus which is secured on its outer circumference to the end of the
tube A, and has the end of the tube A1 secured to its inner circumference.
The outer face cap B¹ has a circular row of openings a¹, and to it are secured
at coincident places nipples C which are covered by caps or plugs D¹.
The tube A may be connected with another tube of reduced diameter and
additional connections made, the length of the conduit being thereby extended as
desired.
In the wall of each tube are openings E which communicate with the interior
of the respective tubes and covering said openings are plates F which are held in
place by screws G fitted to an annulus or yoke G₁ which circumscribes the plates.
The arrangement of the wires is as follows, wires N° 1, to be run on the main or
entire length of the route are passed through the centre of the conduit and thus
through the centres of the lengths of the tubes A¹ A¹¹ A¹¹¹, and wires N° 2 for
intermediate points or stations are run through the tubes A¹ and A" around the
main length of wires, In order to make connections with the wires N° 2, the caps
or plugs D¹ are unscrewed and the plates F of the tube A¹ are removed by loosening
the screws G. Wires are now introduced through the nipples C¹ into the tube A¹¹,
and attached to the wires Number 2, the openings E of the tube A" readily
admitting the hand and tools, whereby such attachment or connection is
accomplished. The plates F are now reapplied and the screws G tightened whereby
the tube A is again securely closed, and the branch wires passing therefrom may
be enclosed in tubes or other protectors screwed to the nipples C¹.
Wires number 3 for other points are run through the tube A¹ around the
lengths of wires Numbers 1 and 2, and their ends in the tube A¹ are accessible by
removing the plates F of the said tube, for which purpose the screws G are
loosened. The plugs or caps of the nipples C are also removed and the branch
wires are passed through the said nipples C and connected with the wires Number 3
as described for the wires number 2, the plates F being reapplied and secured, thus
closing the tube A¹ similarly to the tube A¹¹.
It will be seen that the different series or groups of wires are separated and do
not interfere with each other, and access is had to either series or group in a
convenient and practicable manner, as the openings E and plates F provide means
for tapping the tubes and reaching the wires whether of the main line or branches
and turnouts, as well as affording entrance to the tubes for the purpose of
repairing testing and examining the wires, and generally inspecting the condition
of the conduit.
It is evident that when additional tubes are connected with the tubes A¹ A1 A111
they are furnished with the opening plates, annuli or the like, so that there is
increased provision for the distribution of wires for branches and turn offs.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign Correspondents and the manner of performing the same I wish it understood
that I claim
:-
First An underground conduit for electric wires having a tube formed of
separate slabs a of slate, stone, iron or other suitable material, posts attached to the
sides thereof and hooks fixed to the said posts, said hooks being constructed of
adjustable parts b¹ b¹¹, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth,

page_text: Second-The conduit and post in combination with the forked piece D and
key B', substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Third: The wire-containing pipe formed of separated parts or split and an
encircling clamp, combined and operating, substantially as, and for the purpose, set
forth.
:
Fourth A wire-containing pipe having a T-piece of separated parts or split,
and connecting screws, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Fifth Wire containing pipes formed of separate parts or split and having
T-pieces formed of separated parts or split, substantially as, and for the purpose,
set forth.
Sixth An underground conduit for electric wires having means for making
and breaking a circuit, adapted to be operated from the surface of the ground,
substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Seventh A cut out provided with rotatable fingers and a piece substantially
as described, the said fingers when moved to engage with the said piece, being
adapted to direct the circuit from the loop or wire in the house, for the purpose
set forth.
Eighth-The box with geared wheels, binding screws and posts, in combination
with fingers connected with the said wheels and a contact piece, substantially as,
and for the purpose, set forth.
Ninth An underground conduit having in its side an opening the wall whereof
is notched and on its inner face inclined pieces in combination with a covering plate
formed with lugs projecting from its periphery, substantially as, and for the purpose,
set forth.
Tenth In an underground conduit the box H with wire containing pipes,
CC separated, as at e, in combination with a rotatable insulated plug J, provided
with a bar or wire K substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Eleventh The conduit formed of the separated tubes a b c, constituting the
curb, gutter and portion of a street, substantially as and for the purpose, set forth.
Twelfth The conduit formed of a tube of wedge shape, substantially as, and
for the purpose, set forth.
Thirteenth-The wires having coverings consisting of articulated blocks,
substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Fourteenth The wires in combination with connecting sleeves C, substantially
as, and for the purpose, set forth.
:-
Fifteenth The wires in combination with the covering blocks B the connecting
sleeves C engaging with the wires, and the coupling E E' connected with the blocks,
substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Sixteenth-An electric wire formed with ribs D, substantially as, and for the
purpose, set forth.
Seventeenth-The method of insulating electrical wires consisting in applying
jute to the wires, coating the same with tar, wrapping tape on the tarred jute and
coating the latter with tar, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Eighteenth-A wire receiving tube, in combination with a connected wire
receiving tube of reduced diameter, the former having end caps through which
wires may be passed outside of the latter, substantially as, and for the purpose, set
forth.
Nineteenth-A wire-receiving tube A and a wire-receiving tube B of reduced
diameter, in combination with a cap which is of the form of an annulus, provided
with nipples attached to the end of the said tube A and having attached to it the
tube B of reduced diameter, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Twentieth-A tube in combination with an end cap provided with nipples, and
removable pipes attached to the said nipples, substantially as, and for the purpose,
set forth.
Twentyfirst: A conduit for electric wires formed of a series of tubes of
successively reduced diameter, the ends of the tubes having means for making
branch or turn out connections, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth,

page_text: Twentysecond: A wire receiving tube having an end cap of the form of an
annulus, and side openings, the said annulus being perforated and the side openings
covered by removable plates, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Twenty third: A wire-receiving tube having a side opening, in combination
with a covering plate, an encircling yoke and securing screw, substantially as, and
for the purpose, set forth.
Twenty fourth :-Tubes of reduced diameters with openings in their sides and
annular caps at their ends, in combination with covering plates for the said
openings, encircling yokes and securing screws, the said caps having openings for
branch or turn off wires, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
In witness whereof I the said Henry Harris Lake have hereunto set my
hand and seal this eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty four.
HENRY. H. LAKE
(•c) T