IMPROVEMENTS IN INSULATED ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Bell, of Southwark, in the County of Surrey,
Asbestos Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN INSULATED
ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS."
Sealed the 30th April 1880, and dated the 8th November 1879.
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Bell at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th November 1879.
JOHN BELL, of Southwark, in the County of Surrey, Asbestos Manufacturer.
IMPROVEMENTS IN INSULATED ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS."
The object of my Invention is to so combine materials in the manufacture of the
said agents that conductors are provided wherein the insulation has high efficiency,
and the insulating material or materials is or are of a much more durable nature
than those heretofore in use, the vegetable and other gums and fibres employed
being perishable in a comparatively short space of time.
For that purpose I combine, as of the essence of my Invention, copper or other
metallic conducting wire with asbestos or amianthus, the latter being employed to
coat the former.
In producing or making conductors under my Invention I proceed in manner
following:
First. I wrap asbestos or amianthus paper spirally or otherwise around the
metallic conductor, and secure such paper in position by any suitable adhesive
agent.
Second. I plait or braid the conducting wire or wires with asbestos or amianthus
fibres or thread.
Third. I pass the conducting wire or wires through pulped asbestos or amianthus,
80 as to leave a coating thereof on the said conducting wire or wires.
Fourth. I surround or insulate the electric conductor with asbestos or amianthus
fibres arranged and combined therewith in any suitable manner, such as wrapping
spirally.
Fifth. I coat conductors constructed as described above with silicate of soda or
other agent to bind the whole and withstand moisture.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Bell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th May
1880.
JOHN BELL, of Southwark, in the County of Surrey, Asbestos Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN INSULATED ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS."
The object of my Invention is to so combine material in the manufacture of the
Baid agents that conductors are provided wherein the insulation has high efficiency,
and the insulating material or materials is or are of a much more durable nature
than those heretofore in use, the vegetable and other gums and fibres employed
being perishable in a comparatively short space of time.
For that purpose I combine, as of the essence of my Invention, copper or other
metallic conducting wire with asbestos or amianthus, the latter being employed to
coat the former.
In producing or making conductors under my Invention I proceed in manner
following:
First. I wrap asbestos or amianthus paper spirally or otherwise around the
metallic conductor, and secure such paper in position by any suitable adhesive
agent.
Second. I plait or braid the conducting wire or wires with asbestos or amianthus
fibres or thread.
Third. I pass the conducting wire or wires through pulped asbestos or amianthus,
so as to leave a coating thereof on the said conducting wire or wires.
Fourth. I surround or insulate the electric conductor with asbestos or amianthus
fibres arranged and combined therewith in any suitable manner, such as wrapping
spirally.
Fifth. I coat conductors constructed as described above with silicate of soda or
other agent to bind the whole and withstand moisture.
Fig. 1 is a side elevation, and Fig. 2 a transverse section of an insulated telegraph
wire illustrative of the first part of my Invention. a, wire or conductor; b, b',
asbestos or amianthus paper in strips or ribands wound spirally around the con-
ductor a alternately in opposite directions, and secured by any suitable adhesive
substance.
Fig. 3 is a side elevation, and Fig. 4 a transverse section under the second part
of my Invention of conducting cable c, insulated by asbestos thread & braided
around it.
Fig. 5 is a side elevation, and Fig. 6 a transverse section of an insulated con-
ductor under the third part of my Invention. e, conducting wire surrounded by
pulped asbestos or amianthus f.
Fig. 7 is a side elevation, and Fig. 8 a transverse section of an electrical con-
ductor insulated in accordance with the fourth part of my Invention. g, asbestos
or amianthus fibres wrapped spirally around the conductor h.
Under the fifth part conductors insulated under my Invention are coated with
silicate of soda or like substance.

page_text: Having now described and illustrated the said Invention in such manner that
others will be enabled to carry my improvements into effect, I claim,—
The insulated electrical conductors constructed of the materials named, combined
substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Bell, have bereunto set my hand and
seal, this Seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and eighty.
Witness,
GEO. JAS. DAVIS,
13, Bredon Rd.,
Brixton,
Surrey.
JOHN BELL. (L.S.)