Improvements in Junction-boxes for Use in the Distribution of Electricity
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 24th July, 1896
Con plele Specification Left, 25th Apr., 1897-Accepted, 19th June, 1397
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Junction-boxes for Use in the Distribution of
Electricity.
We, WILLIAM ILLINGWORTH of 15 Mildred Street, Lower Broughton Road,
Salford in the County of Lancaster. Outdoor Superintendent of Electrical Mains,
and THOMAS SMITH of 3, The Polygon, Eccles in the County of Lancaster,
Electrical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
Our invention which relates to junction-boxes for use in electric circuits and
consists in improvements which while applicable to electric circuits generally are
especially applicable to junction-boxes for use in high tension electric light circuits
and circuits used in the electrical transmission of power and for use under ground
has for its objects to enable the making of joints between electric cables and the
placing in position of junction-boxes to be effected more easily and conveniently
and with less damage to the cables than is caused in the use of junction-boxes of
the kinds hitherto provided, to facilitate the connection and disconnection of
electric cables to and from one another, to ensure that the joints made between
such cables and the means employed to connect them shall be efficiently made
without injury to such cables or the insulation thereof, and to enable cables of
different sizes to be efficiently connected together, and to facilitate the testing of
electric cables, and also enable repairs and connections to electric mains or cables
to be made with the least possible interference with the supply of current by means
of such mains or cables.
According to our invention in constructing a junction-box we provide it with a
slot or slots or open notch or notches, and a detachable part or detachable parts.
capable of being readily attached by means of bolts or studs and nuts or set-screws to
the body of the junction-box, so as to close the slot or notch or slots or notches therein,
and we form planed or other surfaces upon such part or parts and the body of the
junction-box, at which such part or parts is or are to be secured in order that the
joint or joints between such part or parts and the junction-box may be made
water-tight. Packing of any suitable kind may be employed if it be considered
desirable in the making of the joint or joints between the said part or parts and
the body of the junction-box. The said detachable part or parts is or are provided
with screw-threads or other means enabling it or them to be fitted or secured in a
substantial manner upon the electric cables to be led into the junction-box, and we
screw or otherwise secure the said cables into or to the said detachable part or
parts before the junction-box is placed in the position which it is required to
occupy, and thus enable the said cables to be led into such junction-box without
being subjected to any bending or other treatment likely to injure such cables.
When the cables to be led into the said junction-box have been secured in or to the
said detachable part or parts the junction-box is placed in position and the said
detachable part or parts is or are secured thereto.
In the case of lead-covered cables, and in other cases in which it may be
convenient or possible to do so, we secure by means of solder or otherwise, ferrules
of brass or other suitable metal or alloy upon the cables to be led into the said
junction-box to protect them from injury, and screw or otherwise secure the said

page_text: ferrules in the detachable part or detachable parts with which the junction-box is
provided in accordance with our invention.
In order to connect together the cables to be connected together in a junction-
box constructed according to our invention, we provide in such junction-box, a
switch, consisting of terminal pieces to which the cables to be connected by means
of such switch are connected, and a movable piece capable of being placed between
or withdrawn from the said terminal-pieces, and provided with a flapper or movable
part made of a spring of metal or any suitable elastic material or hinged or
otherwise made capable of being turned in relation thereto, and provided with a
spring tending to make it move with such movable piece and arranged to act as
will be hereinafter further mentioned in conjunction with a projecting-pin or part
on one of the said terminal-pieces. We mount the said movable piece upon an
arm or lever formed of vulcanized fibre or other insulating material and provided
with a flange or collar also of vulcanized fibre or other insulating material and
mount such arm or lever upon an axle or spindle capable of being turned in
bearings formed in brackets secured or formed in or upon the interior surface of
the body of the junction-box, and made to pass through a gland provided upon the
cover of the junction-hox and adapted to be turned by means of a key or other
suitable means in order that the said movable piece may be placed between or
withdrawn from the said terminal-pieces. In order that the said movable piece
may be retained or locked between or away from the said terminal-pieces, we form
in suitable positions in a part of or upon the spindle above mentioned notches
adapted to receive a catch or pawl to be brought by the action of a spring or other
suitable means into engagement with any notch which may at any time be brought
opposite to it, and preferably provided with a padlock or other means by which
unathorised interference with such pawl and the said spindle may be prevented.
In order that when the said spindle is to he turned to withdraw the movable piece
above mentioned from the terminal-pieces aforesaid, the withdrawal of such
movable-piece from such terminal-pieces may be quickly effected in order to
minimise the danger of the formation of an are, we provide a spring which may
be a plate or spiral or other spring and is connected to the side or other part of
the junction-box by means of screws or other means and insulated therefrom by
means of vulcanized fibre or other suitable material, and is caused to act upon or
connected to the lever or arm above mentioned. If a plate spring be employed it
is preferably subjected to the requisite tension by being passed between blocks of
vulcanized fibre or other insulating material carried by brackets secured or formed
upon the interior of the junction-box. The flapper above mentioned is provided
in order to break or destroy any are which may be established on the withdrawal
of the said movable piece from the said terminal pieces, and is arranged so that it
will be held from moving with such movable piece in the earlier part of the
withdrawal of the said movable piece from the terminal pieces, and will be released
as or just after the said movable piece ceases to keep the said terminal pieces in
electrical connection with each other. The terminal-pieces above mentioned are
secured upon or in a block or blocks of porcelain or other suitable insulating
material secured upon the interior of the junction-box. We provide the cables to
be connected to the said terminal-pieces with ferrules soldered or otherwise secured
thereon to preserve them from injury and to enable proper and efficient contact
with such cables to be secured and cause such ferrules to be fitted into cavities
formed to receive them in the said terminal-pieces and provided with caps provided
upon the said terminal-pieces and secured thereto by screws so as to be capable of
being made to bear securely and with an intimate contact upon such ferrules.
any case in which besides cables requiring to be connected to each other or to a
circuit or circuits by means of a switch such as is hereinbefore described, other
cables which only require to be connected by a metal strip or metal strips or wire
or other such connections which may from time to time need to be disconnected for
testing or repairs or other purposes may be required to pass through a junction-
box constructed according to our invention, we secure ferrules upon the cables to
In

page_text: be connected to such metal strip or strips or wire or other such connections, in
order to protect such cables from injury and ensure that proper contact with such
cables shall be made, and we secure the said ferrules in parts, provided with
recesses to receive such ferrules, and provided with caps secured in position by
screws or bolts so as to secure such ferrules in connection and intimate contact
with the said parts, and we so form the said parts that the connection thereto of
the metal strip or strips or wire or other such connection to be employed therewith
may be made in parts of the junction-box which are easy of access.
In a junction-box constructed according to our invention there may be provided
any requisite number of switches similar to that herein before described and
provision may be made also for any requisite number of cables being connected
otherwise than by means of such switches.
In connecting by means of junction-boxes constructed according to our invention
concentric cables or in other cases in which it may be desirable to do so, we secure
ferrules upon the outer surfaces of the insulating covering of such cables as well
as upon the wires or metal strips to which electrical connection is to be made, and
so preserve such insulating covering from being injured in the making of electrical
connection with the wires or metallic strips in such cables.
Junction-boxes constructed according to our invention are adapted for use with
either concentric cables, triple-concentric cables or ordinary cables or cables of
other kinds.
Although we have hereinbefore generally described junction-boxes constructed
according to our invention, as being arranged for the connection of cables we would
have it understood that junction-boxes constructed arcording to our invention are
also capable of use in the connection of cables to electric circuits of other kinds
by the various parts being adapted in the manner requisite for such use.
In a junction-box constructed according to our invention, any insulating oil or other
insulating compound or material which may be suitable for use therein may be
employed to cover the portions of the cables or the parts of other circuits led
into such box as in other junction-boxes hitherto constructed and provision of any
suitable kind may be made for the use of calcium chloride or any other substance
or liquid which it may be desirable to employ in order to keep the parts contained
in such junction-box free from moisture.
Although we have above described the above mentioned detachable part or
detachable parts as being employed in conjunction with the other parts above
described as employed in a junction-box constructed according to our invention, we
would have it understood that detachable parts such as we have herein before
described may be employed in conjunction with junction-boxes of other kinds and
consequently form in themselves a distinct part of our invention.
Although we have above only described the switch arranged according to our
invention and the means used to move such switch and the arrangements employed
to secure it against accidental movement or unauthorized interference as being
intended for use in conjunction with a junction-box constructed according to our
invention, we would have it understood that such switch and the means used to
move it and the arrangements employed to secure such switch against accidental
movement or unauthorized interference being capable of use in junctin-boxes
other than those constructed according to our invention in the manner herein before
described and being advantageous in respect of simplicity and efficiency in
comparison with the appliances hitherto employed for analogous purposes, form
in themselves distinct parts of our invention.
Dad Twant third day of July 1896.
HOWARD CHEETHAM,
Manchester, Agent to the Applicants.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Junction-boxes for Use in the Distribution of
Electricity.
We WILLIAM ILLINGWORTH of 15 Mildred Street, Lower Broughton Road,
Salford in the County of Lancaster, Outdoor Superintendent of Electrical Mains
and THOMAS SMITH of 3 The Polygon, Eccles, in the County of Lancaster,
Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the saine is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
Our invention which relates to junction-boxes for use in electric circuits and
consists in improvements which while applicable to electric circuits generally are
especially applicable to junction-boxes for use in high tension electric light circuits
and circuits used in the electrical transmission of power and for use under ground
has for its objects to enable the making of joints between electric cables and the
placing in position of junction-boxes to be effected more easily and conveniently
and with less damage to the cables than is caused in the use of junction-boxes of
the kinds hitherto provided, to facilitate the connection and disconnection of
electric cables to and from one another, to ensure that the joints made between
such cables and the means employed to connect them shall be efficiently made
without injury to such cables or the insulation thereof, and to enable cables of
different sizes to be efficiently connected together, and to facilitate the testing of
electric cables, and also enable repairs and connections to electric mains or cables
to be made with the least possible interference with the supply of current by means
of such maius or cables.
According to our invention in constructing a junction-box we provide it with an
open slot or open slots or open notch or open notches and a detachable part or
detachable parts capable of being readily attached by means of bolts or studs and
nuts or set-screws to the body of the junction-box so as to close the slot or notch
or siots or notches therein, and we form planed or other surfaces upon such part or
parts and the body of the junction-box, at which such part or parts is or are to
be secured in order that the joint or joints between such part or parts and the
junction-box may be made water-tight. Packing of any suitable kind may be
employed if it be considered desirable in the making of the joint or joints between
the said part or parts and the body of the junction-box. The said detachable
part or parts is or are provided with screw-threads or other means enabling it or
them to be fitted or secured in a substantial manner upon the electric cables to be
led into the junction-box, and the said detachable part or detachable parts enables
or enable the said cables to be led into such junction-box without being subjected
to auy bending or other treatment likely to injure such cables.
In the case of lead-covered cables, and in other cases in which it may be
convenient or possible to do so, we secure by means of solder or otherwise, ferrules
of brass or other suitable metal or alloy upon the cables to be led into the said
junction-box to protect them from injury, and screw or otherwise secure the said
ferrules in the detachable part or detachable parts with which the junction-box is
provided in accordance with our invention.
In order to connect together the cables to be connected together in a junction-
box constructed according to our invention, we provide in such junction-box a
switch, consisting of terminal-pieces to which the conductors of the cables to be
connected by means of such switch are connected, aud a movable piece capable of
being placed between or withdrawn from the said terminal-pieces. We mount the
said movable piece upon an arm or lever formed of ebonite or other insulating

page_text: material and provided with a flange or collar also of ebonite or other insulating
material and mount such arm or lever upon an axle or spindle capable of being
turned in bearings formed in brackets secured or formed in or upon the interior
surface of the body of the junction-box, and made to pass through a gland
provided upon the upper part or cover of the junction-box, and adapted to be
turned by means of a key or other suitable means in order that the said movable
piece may be placed between or withdrawn from the said terminal-pieces. In order
that the said movable piece may be retained or locked between or away from the
said terminal-pieces, we form in suitable positions in a part of or upon the spindle
above mentioned notches adapted to receive a catch or pawl to be brought by the
action of a spring or other suitable means into engagement with any notch which
may at any time be brought opposite to it, and preferably provided with a padlock
or other means by which unauthorised interference with such pawl and the sail
spindle may be prevented. In order that when the said spindle is to be turned to
withdraw the movable piece above mentioned from the terminal-pieces aforesail the
withdrawal of such movable piece from such terminal-piece may be quickly effected
in order to minimise the danger of the formation of an arc, we provide a spring
which may be a plate or spiral or other spring but is preferably a spiral spring
and is connected to the side or other part of the junction-box by means of screws
or other means and if a plate-spring insulated therefrom by means of vulcanized
fibre or other suitable material, and is caused to act upon or connected to the lever
or arm above mentioned. If a plate spring be employed it is preferably subjected
to the requisite tension by being passed between blocks of vulcanized fibre or other
insulating material carried by brackets secured or formed upon the interior of the
junction-box. The terminal-pieces above mentioned are secured upon or in a block
or blocks of porcelain or other suitable insulating material secured upon the interior
of the junction-box. We provide the conductors to be connected to the said
terminal-pieces with ferrules soldered or otherwise secured thereon to preserve them
from injury and to enable proper and efficient contact with such cables to be
secured and cause such ferrules to be fitted into cavities formed to receive them in
the said terminal-pieces and provided with caps provided upon the said terminal-
pieces and secured thereto by screws so as to be capable of being made to bear
securely and with an intimate contact upon such ferrules. In any case in which
besides conductors requiring to be connected to each other or to a circuit or circuits
by means of a switch such as is hereinbefore described, other conductors which
only require to be connected by a metal strip or metal strips or wire or other such
connections which may from time to time need to be disconnected for testing or
repairs or other purposes may be required to pass through a junction-box
constructed according to our invention, we secure ferrules upon the conductors to
be connected to such metal strip or strips or wire or other such connections, in
order to protect such conductors from injury and ensure that proper contact with
such conductors shall be made, and we secure the said ferrules in parts, provided
with recesses to receive such ferrules, and provided with caps secured in position
by screws or bolts so as to secure such ferrules in connection and intimate contact
with the said parts, and we so form the said parts that the connection thereto of the
metal strip or strips or wire or other such connection to be employed therewith
may be made in parts of the junction-box which are easy of access.
In order that our invention may be more fully understood and more readily
carried into effect we will now proceed to further describe it with reference to
Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate two forms
of junction-box constructed according to our invention.
In Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 which illustrate one form of junction-box constructed
according to our invention, Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section taken on the plane
indicated by the line (A) (A) of Figs. 2, 3 and 4, Fig. 2 is a horizontal section
taken on the plane indicated by the line (B) (B) of Figs. 1 and 3, Fig. 3 is a
transverse section taken in part on the plane indicated by the line (C) (C) of
Fig. 1, in part on the plane indicated by the line (D) (D) of Fig. 1 and in part on

page_text: the plane indicated by the line (E) (E) of Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 is a plan. In Fig. 2
a part of the shaft or spindle (i) to be hereinafter further mentioned which projects
above the plane indicated by the line (B) (B) of Figs. 1 and 3 is shown, and in
Fig. 4 one of the detachable parts () to be hereinafter further described is only
shown in part.
The casing (a) of the junction-box illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 is formed in
two parts (a) (a 2), one of which, that is to say the part (a) constitutes a lil.
The part (a) of the junction-box and the part (a 2) thereof are provided with
flanges in which are formed slots through which bolts to secure the said
parts (a) (a2) together may be passed, and the part (a) is provided with a
rib (a3) which overlaps the adjacent parts of the part (2) when the two
parts (a) (a 2) of the junction-box are placed together and so serves to prevent
the asbestos or other packing which it is necessary to place between the Hange of
the part (a) and the Hange of the part (a 2) in order that the joint between such
parts may be made water-tight, from being pushed too far or entirely within the
interior of the junction-box. In the ends of the parts (a') (a 2) of the junction-box
are formed open slots (a4) which are surrounded by facings or projections (a 5)
each of which is formed in part on the part (a) of the junction-box and in part on
the part (a2) thereof. Each of the facings or projections (a 5) is adapted to have
placed against it one of the detachable parts (b) which we provide according to
our invention and cause to be secured upon the mains or cables to be led into the
junction-box illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 and to close the open slots (a4)
formed in such junction-box. Each of the detachable parts (4) is provided with a
flange (1) of a form corresponding to that of the facing or projection (a5) to
which it is to be applied and is formed with holes through which may pass set
screws (a 6) screwed into the parts (a) (a2) of the junction-box and serving to
secure the said detachable part (b) to the parts (a) (a2) of the junction-box.
Each of the detachable parts (4) is provided with a boss in which are formed
screw-threads enabling it to be fitted or secured upon the cable or main to be led
into the junction-box through the opening which the said detachable part () is
intended to close. Each detachable part (6) illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 is
shown as being provided with a ferrule (62) to he placed upon the lead or other
covering of the cable to be secured to the said detachable part and is provided with
screw-threads upon which the said detachable part (6) is screwed. The ferrule (62)
when intended for use with a lead-covered cable is made of the form illustrated in
the accompanying drawings and sweated or soldered by means of a plumber's wiped
joint upon the lead covering of the cable to which it is applied and when intended
for use with a cable other than a lead-covered cable is provided with a cavity or
groove to be filled with any water-proof non-conducting cement or filling such as
bitumen or paraffin wax by which water may be prevented from leaking between
such ferrule and the covering of the cable to which such ferrule is to be applied.
Between each detachable part (4) and the facing or projection (a 5) to which it is
to be secured a packing of asbestos or other suitable material is placed in order
that the joint between the said detachable part (b) and the parts (a) (a 2) of the
junction-box may be made water-tight.
In Figs. 5 and 6 which illustrate another form of junction-box constructed
according to our invention, Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section taken on the plane
indicated by the line (F) (F) of Fig. 6 and Fig. 6 is an end elevation.
The body or casing (a) of the junction-box illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 is
formed in two parts (a) (a 2), one of which, that is to say the part (a) constitutes
a lid. The part (a) and the part (a 2) of the junction-box are provided with
flanges and in the flange of the part (a 2) are secured studs which being provided
with screw-threads are passed through holes formed in the part (a) of the junction-
box and are made to receive wing-nuts by means of which the part (a) of the
casing of the junction-box may be secured to the part (a 2) thereof. When the
part (a) of the junction-box is to be secured to the part (a 2) thereof a packing of
asbestos or other suitable material is placed between the part (a 2) and the part (a¹)

page_text: in order that a water-tight joint may be made and the part (a) of the junction-
box is provided with a projecting ib (a 3) which entering the cavity in the
part (a 2) of such junction-box prevents the said packing from being pushed too
far into or within the interior of the junction-box. In the ends of the part (a 2)
of the junction-bex are formed slots or holes (a 4) which are open at their upper
ends when the lid (a) of the junction-box is removed from the part (a). The
detachable parts (6) which we provide according to our invention to be secured
upon the mains or cables to be led into the junction-box illustrated in Figs. 5
and 6 and to close the slots (a4) formed in such junction-hox are applied to
facings (a 5) which surround the said slots or holes when the lid (4) is applied to
the part (a 2) of the junction-box and are formed in part on the said part (a 2)
of the junctis n-box, and in part on projections (a) formed upon the lid (a) and
when the lid (a) is applied to the part (a 2) projecting into the slots or holes (a4)
and so closing the parts thereof which are not closed by the detachable parts (b).
Each detachable part (b) is provided with a flange () corresponding in shape
to the facing (a 5) to which it is to be applied and is formed with holes through
which may pass studs (a 6) secured in the part (a 2) of the junction box and one
of the projections (a) and provided with nuts serving to secure the said detach-
able part to the parts (a') (a 2) of the junction-box. In each of the detachable
parts () are formed screw-threads enabling it to be fitted or secured upon the
cable to be led into the junction-hox through the opening (a 4) which the said
detachable part (6) is intended to close. The detachable parts (4) illustrated in
Figs. 5 and 6 are shown as being provided with ferrules (2) adapted to be
sweated or soldered by a plumber's wiped joint upon the lead coverings of lead-
covered cables to be secured to the said detachable parts (6) and are provided with
screw-threads upon which the said detachable parts may be respectively secured,
but instead of being of the form illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 the said ferrules (42)
may be of any formi adapted for use with cables of other kinds. Between each
detachable part (6) and the facing (a 5) to which it is to be secured a packing of
asbestos or other suitable material is placed in order that the joint between the
said detachable part () and the part (a 2) of the junction-box may be made
water-tight.
In Fige. 1, 2, 3 and 4, (e) and (d) are the terminal pieces to which the con-
ductors of the cables to he connected by means of the switches employed according
to our invention in the junction-hox illustrated in Figs, 1, 2 3 and 4+ are connected,
and (e) is the movable piece capable of being placed between or withdrawn from
the said terminal pieces (e) (d). The terminal pieces (c) and (d) employed in the
said junction-hox are seenred by means of set-screws in a block ()uf porcelain
or other suitable non-conductor of electricity secured by means of set-screws (¹),
indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, in the lower part of the casing of the junction-box.
The set-screws () are passed through counter-sunk holes in the block (/) and
when the set-screws () have been screwed into the casing of the junction-box
the said counter-sunk holes are filled with any suitable insulating cement.
of the terminal pieces (c) (d) is formed with a recess or socket to receive the
ferrule (g) sweated or soldered upon or otherwise secured upon the end of the
conductor () to be connected to such terminal piece (c) or (d) as the case may
be and is provided with a cap (4) adapted to fit upon the said ferrule (9) and to
be secured by means of set-screws (') to the terminal piece with which it is to be
employed and so serve to connect the said conductor to such terminal piece. The
muvalle piece (e) is formed of upper and lower plates of brass or other suitable
alloy or metal, slit so as to be more flexible, which are secured in electric connection
by means of bolts provided with nuts and washers to an arm or lever (e) formed
of ebonite or other suitable material which will not conduct electricity. The arm
or lever (e) is secured upon a shaft or spindle (i) mounted and capable of being
turned in a footstep (a 7) provided upon the botton of the casing (a) and in a
bearing (a 8) which is provided in or upon the top of the junction box and is
provided with a stuffing-box or gland (a 9) in which is placed a packing of any

page_text: suitable material such as asbestos or indiarubber which will prevent water
from passing through the said bearing (a 8) into the interior of the junction
box, but will not interfere with the easy turning of the shaft or spindle (). The
arni or lever (e) is provided near to the movable part (e) of the switch with a
flange or plate (e 2) of considerable size in comparison with the sectional area of
the said arm or lever (el). The plate or flange (e 2) which is formed of chonite
or other suitable non-conductor of electricity, is provided in order that should
there be any deposition of moisture upon the said arm or lever (el) the moisture
deposited thereon will be prevented from conducting electricity from the movable
part (e) of the switch to the axle or spindle () and the casing (a) of the junction-
box. The arm or lever (e) is secured to the spindle or axle (1) by means of a
collar formed upon such spindle or axle (i) and a collar and washer and nut placed
thereon and the spindle or axle (i) is provided with a square portion which
fitting a hole of corresponding form in the arm or lever (e) ensures that
such arm or lever (e) shall turn with the spindle or axle (). In the arm
or lever (e) is inserted a pin or stud (e 3) which projects from the lower
side thereof. Upon the pin orstud (3) is hooked one end of a spiral
spring () which surrounds the axle or spindle () and is at its lower end
passed through and hooked in a set-screw (az³°) secured in the bottom of the
casing (a) of the junction-box. The tension of the spring () is so adjusted that it
will always tend to turn the arm or lever (el) and axle or spindle (i) in the directio
indicated by the arrow (K) and withdraw and hold the movable piece (e) from
between the terminal pieces (c) (d). In order to prevent the arm or lever (¹) and
movable part (e) from being moved by the spring (j) too far in the direction
indicated by the arrow (K) a stop (k) of indiarubber or other suitable material is
secured on the side of the casing (a) of the junction-box. Upon the upper end of
the spindle or axle (i) is formed a square part () upon which is placed a socket of
corresponding form formed in a plate (m) provided with notches (m) (m2) into
which may enter the hook (a) projecting from a catch or pawl (n) which is capable
of being oscillated on a stud or pin (n 2) secured in a boss formed upon the upper
part of the part (a 2) of the junction-box. The catch or pawl (n) is provided with
a projecting pin (3) and is pressed upon by a spring (4) secured to a
projection (5) formed upon the part (a2) of the junction-box. The spring (4)
tends to turn the arm (') in the direction indicated by the arrow (L) and bring or
keep the projecting hook (n) upon the arm (¹) into and in engagement with either
of the notches (m) (m2) which may be brought opposite to it by the plate (m)
being turned into different positions. In the upper end of the axle or spindle (i)
and above the square part (i) thereof is secured a stud (o) upon which is mounted
a key or trigger (o) capable of being turned or oscillated upon the said stud (o')
and provided with an inclined face (o 2) which when the key or trigger (o) is
turned in the direction indicated by the arrow (K) by force applied to such key or
trigger (o) by a person desiring access to the interior of the junction-box or to the
switch therein or to cause the movable part (e) to be withdrawn from between the
terminal pieces (c) (d) bears against the pin (n 3) projecting from the catch or
pawl (n) and causing the said catch or pawl (a) to turn in the direction opposite
to that indicated by the arrow (L) causes the hook (n) upon the catch or pawl (n¹)
to be withdrawn from the notch (m) in which it was previously engaged and
allows the spring (j) to turn the axle or spindle () and arm or lever (el) and move
the movable part (e) of the switch from between the terminal pieces (c) (d) rapidly
so as to guard against the formation of an are in the interruption of the electrical
circuit of which the conductors connected to the said terminal pieces (c) (d) form
part. If it be considered desirable in order to further guard againrt the formation
of an are a flapper may Le connected by means of a spring to the armi (e) so as to
be released fium between the terminal pieces (c) (d) as the movable piece (e)
ceases to keep such terminal pieces in electrical connection with each other. When
the spring (j) has turned the movable part (e) of the switch into contact with the

page_text: stop (k) the hook (n) entering the notch (m2) in the plate (m) will prevent the
said movable part from being accidentally turned between the terminal pieces (c) (d)
so as to complete the circuit of which the conductors connected to such terminal
pieces (c) (d) form part. The plate (m) is formed with a part (m 3) projecting
upwards so that the key or trigger (o) may bear against it when turned in the
direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow (K) and so turn the shaft or
axle (i) as to bring the movable part (e) between the terminal pieces (e) (d). The
key or trigger (o) is formed with a square part (o 3) projecting upwards to receive
a key by means of which such key or trigger (o) may be turned in the direction
indicated by the arrow (K) or in the direction opposite to that indicated by the
arrow (K) as may be desirable from time to time.
The conductors (p) to be connected to the terminal pieces (c) (d) are provided
at the parts to be connected to the said terminal pieces with the ferrules (g)
sweated or soldered or otherwise secured thereon on the outer surfaces and with
other ferrules soldered or otherwise secured in their interiors to preserve them
from injury and to enable proper and efficient contact between such conductors ()
and the terminal pieces (e) (d) to be secured.
Besides the conductors (p) to be connected to the terminal pieces (c) (d) of the
switch illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 the junction-box illustrated in the said figures
is shown as having led into it conductors (2) only requiring to be connected by a
metal strip (7) which may from time to time need to be disconnected for testing or
repairs or other purposes and in order to protect the said conductors (q) from
injury and in order to enable the said strip (r) of metal to be connected to the said
conductors (g), the said conductors (9) are at the parts to be connected to the
parts (1) provided in their interiors with ferrules which are not shown in the
accompanying drawings and are sweated or soldered or otherwise secured into
the said conductors (9) and ferrules (s) are sweated or soldered or otherwise
secured to the outer surfaces of the said conductors (2) and secured in recesses
formed in parts (t) placed upon the said conductors and secured thereon by means
of caps (1) connected to such parts (t) by means of screws (2). The parts (t) are
as is clearly indicated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 so formed that the connection thereto of
the metal strip (r) to be counected to such parts (t) may be made in parts of the
junction-box which are easy of access. The metal strip (r) may be connected to
the parts (t) by means of screws (13) passing through such metal strip (r) and
screwed into the parts (!).
The parts employed within the junction-box illustrated in Figs. 5, and 6 are
exactly similar to those employed within the junction-box illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3
and 4.
When a junction-box constructed according to our invention is to he employed
in the making of the connection between electric cables or conductors the cables or
conductors to be connected in such junction-boxes are provided with ferrules as
hereinbefore described after being laid or drawn into the conduits or pipes in
which they are intended to be laid and then before or after the junction-box is
placed in position the detachable parts (b) with which the junction-box is provided
and the ferrules (62) used with such detachable parts (4) are placed loosely upon
the outer covering of the said cables and then the part (a 2) of the junction-box is
placed in position and then the requisite connections of the conductors (p) (1) of
such cables to the terminal pieces (c) (d) of the switch in the said junction-box and
the parts (t) to be used therein for the connections to be made by means of a
readily detachable metal strip (r) are made and then the detachable parts (6) are
secured to the casing (a) of the junction-box and the ferrules (62) are secured in the
said detachable parts (6) and upon the outer coverings of the cables. After the
part (a 2) of the junction-box has been placed in position and the conductors (p)
have been connected to the terminal pieces (c) (d) and the connections between the
conductors (7) and the parts (4) and between the parts () and the metal strip (r)
have been made and the various parts hereinbefore described as placed or mounted
B

page_text: within the junction-box have been placed in position, the part (a) of the
junction-b. x is secured to the part (a 2) thereof, the packing above mentioned
being interposed between them and in case the shaft or spindle (i) passes through
the part (a) of the junction-box as in the form of junction-box illustrated in
Figs. 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings the cover of the gland or stuffing
hox (a 9) and the plate (m), pawl or catch (a) and key or trigger (o) are placed in
position and the stud (o) is screwed into the shaft or spindle (i) to keep the
plate (m) and key or trigger (o) in position.
The open slots or notches (a 4) are provided in order that the cables to be
connected in a junction-box arranged according to our invention, may be led into
or withdrawn from such junction-box without being necessarily threaded through
holes in the casing of such junction-box and so being subjected to any bending
liable to injure them.
In order to prevent the key or trigger (o) from being moved accidentally or by
unauthorized persons we may provide the pawl or catch (nl) with a projecting part
which may be secured by means of a padlock to a stud in the casing of the
junction-box when the hook (n) is in engagement with the notch (m) or we may
provide a box or cover capable of being secured by means of a padlock upon the
casing of the junction-be x and of enclosing the mechanism by means of which the
spindle (i) may be turned.
In a junction-box constructed according to our invention there may be provided
any requisite number of switches similar to that herein before described and provision
may be made also for any requisite number of cables being connected otherwise
than by means of such switches.
It is obvious that the terminal pieces (c) (d) of the switches employed
according to our invention will need to be placed in different positions or made
in different curved r bent forms in different cases in order that cables or
conductors in different numbers and in different relative positions may be connected
in the junction-boxes in which such switches are to be employed.
It is also obvious that in order that cables or conductors in different numbers
and in different relative positions may be led into the junction-boxes with which
detachable parts provided according to our invention are used the detachable parts
employed according to our invention will need to be made of different forins in
different cases.
Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate the form of casing which it is preferable to employ in a
junction-box in which three or more cables or conductors are to be connected by
means of a switch as the use of a part (a) of the form illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6
by enabling all the shafts or spindles () which it is necessary to employ to be
similarly mounted enables the detachable parts (b) which are to be secured to the
cables to be disposed at any required inclinations to each other without it being
necessary to mount one or more of the requisite shafts or spindles in the fixed
part (a 2) of the junction-box while the other or others is or are mounted in the
part (a) of such junction-box as would often be requisite in the use in a junction-
box in which three or more cables or conductors are to be connected, of a casing
such as is illustrated by Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Although the junction-box illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the accompanying
drawings, is shown as being used in conjunction with concentric cables it is obvious
that junction-boxes constructed according to our invention are adapted for use with
either concentric cables, triple-concentric cables or ordinary cables or cables
of other kinds, by the requisite changes being made in the form of the terminal
pieces (c) (d) and parts (t) employed according to our invention.
It is obvious that in junction-boxes in which cables each with only a single
conductor are to be joined together the parts (t) are omitted.
Although we have hereinbefore generally described junction-boxes constructed
according to our invention as being arranged for the connection of cables we
would have it understood that junction-boxes constructed according to our

page_text: invention are also capable of use in the connection of cables to electric circuits
of other kinds by the various parts being adapted in the manner requisite for
Buch use.
In a junction-box constructed according to our invention, any insulating oil or
other insulating compound or material which may be suitable for use therein may
be employed to cover the portions of the cables or the parts of other circuits led
into such box as in other junction-boxes hitherto constructed and provision of any
suitable kind may be made for the use of calcium chloride or any other substance
or liquid which it may he desirable to employ in order to keep the parts contained
in such junction-box free from moisture.
Although we have above described the above mentioned detachable part or
detachable parts as being employed in conjunction with the other parts above
described as employed in a junction-box provided with a switch according to our
invention, we would have it understood that detachable parts such as we have
hereinbefore described may be employed in conjunction with junction-boxes of
other kinds so long as such junction-boxes are each formed with an open slot
or open slots or an open notch or open notches to be closed by means of such
detachable parts and the use of such detachable parts in conjunction with
such junction-boxes renders it easy to lead cables into and remove them from
such junction boxes without subjecting such cables to injurious ben. ing.
Although we have above only described the switch arranged according to our
invention and the means used to move such switch and the arrangements employed
to secure it against accidental movement as being intended for use in conjunction
with a junction-box constructed according to our invention, we would have it
understood that such switch and the means used to move it and the arrangements
employed to secure such switch against accidental movement being capable of use
in junction-boxes other than those constructed according to our invention in the
manner bereinbefore described and being advantageous in respect of simplicity and
efficiency in comparison with the appliances hitherto employed for analogous
purposes, form in themselves a distinct part of our invention.
The form of switch herein before described is very applicable in cases in which
duplicate sets of concentric cables are employed.
The recesses formed in the terminal pieces (c) (d) and the parts (t) to receive
the ferrules upon the conductors to which such terminal pieces (c) (d) and parts (t)
are to be applied and the detachable parts (b) to receive the exterior surfaces of
the cables to be led into junction-boxes constructed according to our invention
must obviously be made to fit the conductors or cables to which they are to be
applied and by providing terminal pieces (c) (d), parts (t) and detachable parts (6)
adapted to fit upon conductors and cables of different sizes we enable junction-
boxes constructed according to our invention to be readily used in the connection
with one another of conductors and cables of different sizes.
Junction-boxes made according to our invention enable the making of joints
between the conductors of electric cables and the placing in position of junction-
boxes to be effected more easily and conveniently and with less damage to the
cables than is caused in the use of junction-boxes of the kinds hitherto provided
and enable the connection and disconnection of electric cables to and from one
another to be easily effected and enable the joints between the cables and the
nieans employed to connect them to be efficiently made without injury to such
cables or the insulation thereof and enable cables of different sizes to be efficiently
connected together and facilitate the testing of electric cables and also enable
repairs and connections to electric mains or cables to be made with the least
possible interference with the supply of current by means of such mains or cables
by enabling the circuits to be broken or disconnected at points adjacent to those at
which repairs or connections require to be effected.
The employment of the detachable parts hereinbefore described in conjunction
either with a junction-box constructed according to our invention or in conjunction

page_text: with junction-boxes of any other kinds provided with open slots or notches to be
closed by means of such detachable parts enables the leading of cables into such
junction-boxes to be effected readily and with less bending of or injury to the
cables employed than is involved in the use of junction-boxes of the kinds hitherto
provided.
The combination of a switch or switches with a junction-box enables the testing
of cables to be effected without any cutting of such cables and also facilitates the
making of repairs and connections to and the testing of electric mains or cables by
enabling the circuits to be broken or disconnected at points near to those at which
repairs or connections or tests require to be effected and so enables repairs
connections and tests to be effected with less interference with the supply of current
by means of such mains than in the arrangements hitherto employed in which the
breakage or disconnection of circuits requires to be effected at the stations from
which electricity is supplied.
Ilaving now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. The combination with a junction-box for use in an electrical circuit of a
switch or switches to enable the circuit or some or all of the circuits formed by
eables or mains which are counected in such junction-boxes to be completed or
broken or disconnected as may be requisite.
2. The combination in a junction-box for use in an electrical circuit of a body
formed of parts (a) (a 2) and provided with an open slot or open slots or an open
notch or open notches, of a detachable part or detachable parts (6) capable of being
readily attached to the body of the junction-box so as to close the slot or slots or
notch or notches therein and of being secured upon the cables to be led into such
junction-box of a switch or switches formed of terminal pieces (c) (d) and a movable
piece (e) connected to a shaft or spindle (i), a spring to turn such shaft or spindle (i)
so as to remove the movable piece (e) from between the terminal pieces (c) (d), a
plate (m) and pawl or catch (a) to keep the said movable piece (e) between the
terminal pieces (c) (d) when it is placed between them and to hold such movable
piece (e) away from the said terminal pieces (c) (d) when it is turned away from
them, and a key or trigger (o) which when turned in one direction will cause the
said pawl (n) to be disengaged from the plate (m) and when turned in the opposite
direction will bear against a projection upon the said plate (m) and so turn the
shaft or spindle (i) and bring the movable piece (e) hetween the terminal pieces (c) (d),
all arranged and employed for the purposes and substantially in the manner
bereinbefore described,
3. The combination with a junction box for use in an electrical circuit and pro-
vided with an open slot or open slots or open notch or open notches, of a detachable
part or detachable parts (b) capable of being readily attached to the body of the
junction-box so as to close the slot or slots or notch or notches therein and of being
secured for the purposes and substantially in the manner hereinbefore described
upon the cables to he led into such junction-box.
4. The combination with a junction-box for use in an electrical circuit, of a
switch formed of terminal pieces (e) (d) and a movable piece (e) connected to a
shaft or spindle (i), a spring to turn such shaft or spindle (), a plate (m) and pawl
or catch to keep the movable piece (e) between the terminal pieces (e) (d) when it
is placed between them and to hold such movable piece away from the said terminal
pieces when it is turned away therefrom, and a key or trigger (o) which when
turned in one direction will cause the said pawl (n) to be disengaged from the
plate (m) and when turned in the opposite direction will bear against a projection
upon the said plate (m) and so turn the shaft or spindle (i) and bring the movable
piece (e) between the terminal pieces (c) (d), all arranged, and employed for the
purposes and substantially in the manner hereinbefore described.
5. The combination with a switch for use in a junction-box for use in an

page_text: electrical circuit of a plate (m) and pawl (n') and a key or trigger (o) arranged
and employed for the purposes and substantially in the manner hereinbefore
described.
Dated this Twenty-fourth day of April 1897.
HOWARD
CHEETHAM,
Manchester, Agent to the Applicants.