IMPROVEMENTS IN CONTINUOUS UNDERGROUND PIPES, AND IN METHODS OF FORMING AND LAYING THE SAME
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Calvin Detrick, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United
States of America, Manufacturer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
CONTINUOUS UNDERGROUND PIPES, AND IN METHODS OF FORMING AND
LAYING THE SAME."
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Calvin Detrick at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th August 1881.
CALVIN DETRICK, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America,
Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CONTINUOUS UNDERGROUND PIPES, AND IN
METHODS OF FORMING AND LAYING THE SAME."
My Invention relates in general to such tubing, pipes, or underground conduits
or passages as are employed for purposes of drainage, sewerage, water supply, gas
supply, enclosure of electric, telegraphic, or telephonic wires, or are employed for
pneumatic, hydraulic, or other kindred uses.
The object of the first part of my Invention is the construction of a wholly
continuous seamless pipe, adapted by virtue of the method of its construction to
be formed of any required length and of any desired exterior dimensions and
configuration and interior arrangement, and to be constituted of any suitable
plastic or readily moulded substance, adapted to harden into a rigid and impervious
mass of a predetermined configuration.
The object of the second part of my Invention is the construction of a wholly
continuous composite pipe, embodying one or a series of seamless hermetically
tight ducts or passage ways, adapted by virtue of the method of its construction
to be formed of any required length, and to be constituted of suitable plastic or
readily moulded fluid or semi-fluid material, adapted to solidify into a rigid and
impervious mass of the predetermined configuration and arrangement.
The object of the third part of my Invention is the manufacture continuously of
a pipe, the bores of which are provided with a smooth and a practically continuous
inside lining, which lining is itself utilized to aid in the making of the improved
pipe.

page_text: In this part of my Invention I employ hollow formers of paper, sheet metal, or
other suitable pliable substance which I leave in the bores, and which themselves
constitute the permanent interior lining of the bores.
The resultant pipe is thus enveloped or surrounded by an outer envelope of
artifical stone or kindred hard material, the bores formed in the plastic non-
conducting substance, embraced by said artificial stone and constituting the pipe
proper, being formed by the employment of hollow formers remaining permanently
embedded after the application of the plastic material.
This part of my Invention further provides for the employment of insulating
wires in connection with the ducts or passage ways, imbedded in the substance of
the fibre.
The object of this part of my Invention is the construction of a wholly continuous
composite pipe embodying one or a series of continuous seamless hermetically-
tight and suitably lined ducts or passage ways, which pipe is adapted by virtue of
the method of its construction to be formed of any desired length and to be
constituted of suitable plastic or readily moulded fluid or semi-fluid material
adapted to solidify into a rigid and impervious mass of a pre-determined
configuration and arrangement.
And its further object is to provide in connection with a pipe of the above
construction, one or a series of encased, enclosed, or embodied insolated wires which
can either be used or not used at will.
In the accompanying Drawings, Figures 1 to 15 inclusive refer to the first part
of my Invention; Figures 16 to 28 to the second part; and Figures 29 to 44 to the
third part.
The first part of my Invention consists in the method of laying and forming
continuous pipe, hereinafter set forth and claimed.
In the accompanying Drawings, Figure 1 represents in longitudinal sectional
elevation a trench, in which in its successive stages is being conducted my method
of making pipe according to the first part of this Invention.
Figures 2 to 8 inclusive represent transverse sectional elevation views across the
trench of Figure 11, taken respectively on the lines whose numerals correspond
with the numerals of the respective Figures, the said Figures 2 to 8, taken in
connection with Figure 1, representing as fully as is possible by means of pictorial
representations the method by which pipe under this part of my Invention is
formed and laid.
Figures 9, 10, and 11 are end sectional elevations of three forms of pipes
conveniently embodying this part of my Invention.
Figure 9 representing a pipe with a small central bore adapted to contain, for
instance, a single electric wire; Figure 10 representing a pipe of such dimensions,
and with a bore of such size as to contain several distinct wires or a twisted
cable; and Figure 11 representing a pipe formed with a series of independent and
unconnected bores or continuous passage ways.
Figure 12 represents inside sectional elevation a man hole, or the like, into
which pipes constructed according to this part of my Invention centre, and into
which wires represented as emerging from said pipes can be conducted and led off
to a telephonic or telegraphic station.
Figure 13 is a top plan view of the man hole of Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a transverse sectional elevation on the line a, a of Figure 15,
looking from the left hand side of said Figure, of a form of collapsible core or
former which I find it convenient to employ in the practising of this part of my
Invention in the formation of pipes of large bore; and
Figure 15, a longitudinal sectional elevation of the same. Pipe according to this
part of my Invention is laid and made in the following manner :-
A trench "A" is first dug in the ground to the required depth, and in the
required direction from the point of departure of the intended pipe to the point at
which such pipe is to terminate.
The bottom of the trench is then by suitable means, as by tamping, ramming,

page_text: or by impress with a mould or stamping device, solidly compacted or formed into,
for instance, a central semi-circular longitudinally-extending gutter, of the character
represented at b, b', in Figures 2 and 3, and at lines 2 and 3 of Figure 1, or into a
channel (lengthwise of the trench) of such interior configuration as it is desired
that the exterior of the pipe should assume.
After the above groove or channel has been formed in the trench it is suitably
hardened by pressure, percussion, or impact (unless the form. consistency of the
ground through which the trench is cut renders hardening unnecessary), and the
groove is then filled or nearly filled with such soft or plastic material as it is
desired to form the pipe of firmly compacted as by pressure, impact, or kindred
means thereinto, as represented in Figure 4, and at line 4 of Figure 1.
It is proper here for me to state that the plastic material of which pipe con-
structed according to this part of my Invention may be composed is variable in
character.
Broadly speaking, any composition or substance capable of being moulded and
adapted subsequently to harden will answer the purposes of the Invention, while
specifically considered many artificial stone compounds or asphalt, asphalt concrete,
or the like will answer the purpose.
I find a compound of clean sharp sand, cement, any chemical solution adapted
to cause subsequent hardening of the same well fitted for my purpose.
When employed the above elements are to be intimately commingled and
moulded while in a damp state.
.
The compacted mass of plastic material C is then, while in a damp and easily
moulded state, in readiness to receive a core or former a (Figures 1, 6, and 7)
designed to impress a portion of the bore e thereinto.
This core or former is an internal solid or hollow mould or die of the exact
exterior shape and size of the desired interior of the bore of the pipe, and it best
has its forward extremity bent up at a right angle to form a hook f, by means of
which the former can be withdrawn from the formed pipe as the process of pipe-
formation continues, whereof hereafter.
The first effect of the laying and pressing of the former upon the compacted mass
is to produce the impress of a semi-bore along the central length of the plastic mass
within the groove of the trench, as shown at e in Figure 5, and at 5 in Figure 1.
The former is embedded to the extent (when circular) of half its breadth, and
the operation is then in readiness for its next step on that of covering the former
or embedding it under a further mass of the plastic pipe-forming material g which
is superimposed upon it and the previously formed plastic material, as indicated
in Figure 6, and at the line 6 in Figure 1, and which is then compacted by means
of any suitable stamp, mould, die, or kindred instrumentality, or. by any other
method until the former is enveloped by a mass of plastic material h, Figure 7, and
line 7, Figure 1, which when hardened and freed from the core or former constitutes
a continuous seamless stone, concrete, or composition pipe i, Figure 8, and line 8,
Figure 1, of uniform exterior contour, and having a smooth, uniform, and continuous
bore of such exact interior sectional shape as is derived from the exterior con-
figuration of the former.
The former is then withdrawn from the mass of plastic material surrounding it
by hard or other fit means, such withdrawal being best gradual, that is to say, the
former not being entirely withdrawn but being left partially in the previously
formed pipe, as at j in Figure 1, so that its forward portion only is exposed to be
surrounded by fresh covering of plastic material.
After the pipe so as above formed has hardened sufficiently, the time depending
upon the character of the composition employed, the trench is filled in, as at K,
Figure 1, and the ground surface restored.
When it is desired to terminate one or several lines of pipe in a common junction,
a man hole or the like is constructed, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, and the
pipe or pipes caused to enter or terminate therein.

page_text: In said Figures M indicate electric wires contained in the pipes, and emerging
therefrom into the man hole.
Such forms of pipe, as are shown in Figures 9 and 10, are formed in the manner
above described.
When however it is desired to construct according to this part of my Invention
a pipe with more than one independent bore, the method is to be modified by
employing the steps of the above described process seriatem as to each bore, that is
to say, by making several pipes, so to speak, in the given manner in one pipe, the
moulding of the plastic material about the separate bores being accomplished by
the use of as many separate, although if desired connected, formers as there are
desired to be bores, and the whole being conducted upon the principle of con-
struction employed with a pipe of a single bore.
The resultant product of carrying out the process as last above described with
five formers will be a pipe of the character shown in cross-section in Figure 11.
For bores of ordinary diameter a solid metal rod constitutes a good core or
former, and is easily withdrawn by traction so as to leave a smooth interior to the
resulting bore; when however the bore of the tube is to be of large diameter the
area of frictional contact between former and bore being increased will prevent
the end wise tractional withdrawal of the former and render the employment of a
collapsible former requisite.
In Figures 14 and 15 I have represented a convenient form of collapsible former,
in which A, B, C, D, E, F, are segmental pieces of the same and the required length,
which when placed together, as shown in full lines in Figure 14, constitutes the
exterior of the former.
The segmental pieces are respectively supported upon sets of bracket arms A¹, B¹,
C, DE, F, of which the arms B', C, D, and E₁ are pivoted to dises G set in a
plane transverse to the axis of the former, while the arms F' are affixed thereto,
and A¹ are arranged to move inwards towards the centre of the dise by means of
pins H working in radial slots I formed in the discs through the medium of crank
and link connections J, K, the links being attached to the bracket arms A¹ and
the cranks to a central shaft L journalled through the discs, and provided with a
cross handle H, through the medium of which the shaft is revolved, and the
segmental piece A, through the crank and link connections and its sliding bracket.
arms, is caused to approach the shaft or recede from the position which it
previously occupied. Upon the withdrawal of the piece A the pieces B, C, D,
and E readily move about their pivots towards the centre of the composite former,
às indicated in dotted lines in Figure 14, thus collapsing the former and enabling
its ready withdrawal in its collapsed condition from the pipe which has been
formed about it. When it is desired to construct the pipe about a curve or corner
it is simply necessary to curve the trench, groove, and plastic material in the
desired direction, and to employ either a curved former or one of pliable material
adapted to conform to the desired curvature.
From the description of this part of my Invention herein before given it will
readily be comprehended that it is contradistinguished from continuous pipes or
continuous methods of forming pipes per se to be subsequently laid, in the fact that
it is of the essence of this part of my Invention that the pipe should be con-
tinuously formed and laid beneath the ground in such position and relation thereto
as it is intended that it should permanently occupy.
It is obvious that this part of my Invention enables the dispensing with of all
pipe joints or couplings and of all handling or transportation. of sections of pipe,
and provides a means whereby seamless pipe of any desired configuration and
extension can be simultaneously manufactured and laid in position for its sub-
sequent permanent use.
The second part of my Invention consists in the method of laying and forming
continuous pipe hereinafter set forth and claimed.
In the accompanying Drawings Figure 16 represents in longitudinal sectional

page_text: elevation a trench in which in its successive stages is being conducted this part of
my method of laying pipe.
Figures 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 represent in transverse sectional
elevation views across the trench of Figure 16, taken respectively on dotted lines
of Figure 16, marked with numerals corresponding to those of the several sectional
views referred to, the said cross sectional views referred to, taken in connection
with Figure 16, representing as fully as is possible by means of frictional illus-
trations the method by which pipe constructed according to this part of my
Invention is formed and laid.
Figure 20 is a transverse sectional view of a convenient form of die adapted to
form the passages to the shape indicated, for instance, in Figures 22 to 25 of the
Drawing.
Figure 26 is a transverse central sectional elevational view of a slightly modified
form of what I term the slab.
Figure 27, a similar view of the same, representing a construction in which the
slab is provided with longitudinally extending tongues designed to form or to
register within corresponding grooves in the substance of the layer of asphalt,
concrete, or other material in which the ducts or passages are formed, and
Figure 28 a transverse sectional view of a convenient form of joint where it is
desired to form the slab in separate parts and unite the parts.
Pipe constructed according to this part of my Invention is laid and made in the.
following manner :-
A trench (ax) is first dug in the ground to the required depth and in the required
direction from the point of departure of the intended pipe to the point at which
such pipe is to terminate.
The bottom of the trench is preferably levelled, as indicated at Figure 17, and on
line 17-17 of Figure 16.
This levelling is effected by any convenient means.
After the trench has been formed and levelled as above, it is if desired suitably
hardened, as, for instance, by pressure, percussion, or impact, unless the consistency
of the ground renders such hardening unnecessary.
The bottom of the trench is then supplied with a walled layer or trough (b*),
as I find it convenient to term the formation of artificial stone, as indicated in
Figure 18, and at a line 18-18 of Figure 10.
This trough (b*) may be formed in any desired manner, that is to say,
it may
either be constructed by the laying upon the floor of the trench of blocks of
artificial stone or kindred hard material, or else by the flowing of plastic material
upon said floor, and its subsequent moulding thereon into the form represented in
Figure 18 of the Drawings, that it is to say, as a longitudinally extending base
provided with side walls (cx); or, again, this trough may be previously formed in
sections, and subsequently laid in place in the trench.
When the trough has been laid as above and is hard, it is then filled or. nearly
filled with such soft or plastic fluid or semi-fluid material as it is desired to form
the passage or passages in, as represented at (ax) in Figure 19, and at line 19-19,
Figure 16, such material being preferably asphalt concrete, although many other
substances adapted to subsequently solidify will answer the purpose.
Into the substance of this layer by any suitable die (ex), stamping device, or other
means is then impressed the form of the passages or ducts (*), as represented in
Figure 21, and at line 21-21, Figure 10.
I have devised the die (ex) represented in Figure 20 as a convenient means of
forming these ducts.
It is to be understood that one or a series of these ducts is to be formed in the
layer, according to the proportions desired.
In the Drawing, as a convenient number, I have represented three.
The impress of the form of the ducts is to be made before the layer hardens.
After the layer has hardened to the required extent, a slab or covering of artificial
stone (g), Figure 22, and line 22-22, Figure 16, hardened asphalt, concrete, glass,

page_text: or other vitreous material, covered if desired with asphalt, iron, or wood, likewise
coated or felted with asphalt, is to be superimposed upon the layer, preferably to
the entire width of the trench, so as likewise to rest upon the walls of the trough
to form a covering to the ducts.
In laying the slab it is preferable that the portions of the layer with which it is
to be in contact should be hot, or otherwise be in a soft, plastic, or glutinous
condition, so as to ensure the hermetical enclosing of the ducts by the slab. After
the slab has been thus laid, the earth in the trench, when the slab is not level with
the surface, is to be replaced upon it; or if the trench is a deep one, and it is so
desired, a second trough, as indicated in Figure 23, and at line 23--23, Figure 16,
can be formed and laid as described upon the slab, a layer impressed with ducts
formed in said trough in the manner of the layer first above described, and a second
slab or covering superimposed thereupon, all as indicated in Figure 24, and at line
24-24 of Figure 16, after which the earth (0) of the trench can be replaced upon
the uppermost slab, as indicated in Figure 25, and at line 25-25 of Figure 16.
The composition of which the layer within the trough may be composed is, broadly
speaking, any substance capable of being moulded or impressed, and adapted
subsequently to solidify in its impressed form.
The trough, as stated, may be of any desired material, artificial stone or concrete
compounds being well adapted to perform the functions sought for.
When desired the slab can be provided with grooves (*), as represented in
Figure 26, correspondent to the ducts in the layer, so that when the slab is applied
the ducts can be formed of an approximately circular section, or, in fact, of any
section desired. In Figure 27 is represented a construction of slab in which dove-
tails or tongues (ix) are provided to the slab, which are designed to be embedded
in the substance of the layer as represented.
In Figure 28 is represented a convenient joint (*) to be employed when the
slab is jointed either longitudinally or transversely.
This joint is designed to be filled with a luting of cement or other suitable
material.
It will be obvious from the foregoing description that this part of my Invention
enables the continuous formation of a continuous seamless pipe, provided with
either one or a series of independent bores of any desired configuration. It will
also be obvious that such pipe is adapted to be formed and laid below the ground,
in such position and relation thereto as it is designed that the pipe should
permanently occupy.
It will likewise be obvious that all joints and couplings are dispensed with, as
indeed is all handling and transportation of sections of pipe; this part of my
Invention equally with the first part providing a means whereby seamless pipe
having one or many bores or ducts of any desired configuration and extension can
be simultaneously manufactured and laid in position for its subsequent permanent
use. -
The third part of my Invention consists in the pipe and in the method of
continuously laying and forming the same, hereinafter set forth and claimed.
In the accompanying Drawing, Figure 29 represents in longitudinal sectional
elevation a trench, in which in its successive stages is being conducted my improved
method of laying pipe according to this my third part of my Invention.
Figures 30, 31, 34, and 36 represent in transverse sectional elevation views
across the trench of Figure 29 taken respectively on dotted lines of Figure 29,
marked with numerals corresponding to those of the several sectional views referred
to, the said views representing as fully as is possible by means of pictorial illus-
trations the method by which pipe constructed according to this part of my
Invention is formed and laid.
Figure 32 is the side elevation, and Figure 33 a top view of a convenient
support for the formers; Figure 35 represents in side elevation former supports of
the above description as applied to the support of tlie formers prior to the casting
or introduction of the plastic material thereabout.

page_text: Figures 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 represent in end elevation various convenient
constructions of pipe embodying my Invention, and formed by the method herein
set forth.
Figure 43 represents in transverse sectional elevation a method whereby attach-
ment of side and separate wires can be made to a main wire or conductor imbedded
in the pipe.
Figure 44 represents in longitudinal sectional elevation the same operation.
Pipe according to this part of my Invention is laid and made in the following
manner:—
A trench (x), Figures 29 and 30, is first dug in the ground to the required
depth, and in the required direction from the point of departure of the intended
pipe to the point at which such pipe is to terminate. The bottom of this trench
is preferably leveled, as shown in Figure 30 and on line 30-30 of Figure 29.
This leveling is effected by any convenient means. After the trench has been
formed and leveled, as above, it is, if desired, suitably hardened, as, for instance, by
pressure, percussion, or impact, unless the consistency of the ground renders such
hardening unnecessary. The trench is then supplied with a walled layer or
trough (ex) as I find it convenient to term the formation of artificial stone, which
is indicated in Figure 31 and at line 31-31 of Figure 29. This trough may be
formed in any desired manner, that is to say, it may either be constructed by the
laying upon the floor of the trench of blocks of artificial stone or kindred material
adapted to subsequently solidify into a strong envelope, outer casing, or jacket, so
to speak, to the enclosed pipe, or else by the flowing of plastic material of a nature
kindred to that of artificial stone upon said floor, and its subsequent moulding
thereon into the form represented in Figure 31 of the Drawings, which is that of
a longitudinally extending base provided with side walls (m*); or again this trough
may be previously formed in sections and subsequently laid in place in the trench.
I here remark that it is not vital that this walled trough which subsequently
constitutes the outer integument or envelope of the enclosed bore-provided mass
should consist in every instance of artificial stone, or even of a plastic substance
adapted to subsequently solidify, as it well may be that some other suitable
substance or material may be employed with however less beneficial effect than
artificial stone, but it is of the essence of my Invention so far as the same relates
to this walled trough and its peculiar construction and office that there should be
first constructed or laid within the trench a trough, gutter, or channel of some
description and of a hard substance, which trough should be employed to receive
and contain the plastic insulating material which is subsequently flowed or cast
about the formers, which should support the same until hardened, and which
should be subsequently efficacious as a protecting device to guard and protect the
bore-provided mass after the pipe is completed.
Thus far I have described substantially a portion of the operation resorted to by
me in the carrying out of my second part of my Invention. When the trough has
been laid or formed as above and is hard, I next erect, preferable in a transverse
vertical position within the same, two former supports (*) as I term them, which
are provided with as many holes of such diameter and in such arrangement and
relation therein as it is desired that the bores of the pipe should subsequently
occupy with respect to a transverse section through the pipe.
For greater clearness of illustration I have represented in certain of the
Figures of the Drawing 32 and 33 former supports provided with sixteen holes,
and designed to support the sixteen formers, and thereby enable the production of
a pipe with sixteen bores. In said Figures 32 and 33 a suitable former support is
shown which is for convenience to be of such dimensions as will fill transversely
across both in breadth and heighth the walled trough.
In Figure 35 in side elevation is represented two former supports with the
formers in place. It is here proper to state that the former supports themselves
are a mere expedient to enable me to support in proper relative arrangement a
given number of hollow formers (o*,) designed to form the subsequent bores of the
,

page_text: pipe, and that many other devices in the nature of supports may be employed in
lieu of the specific supports represented, which will equally well effectuate this
portion of my Invention.
Under the supposition however that the former supports represented have been
erected in one end of the trough within the trench, the next step of this part of
my Invention is to introduce and rest in said former supports a sufficient or desired
number of hollow formers, Figures 34 and 35, and Figure 29, lines 34-34, whereof
hereafter and while they are supported in such manner (or in any other convenient
mauner which causes them to take the proper position) to surround, cast, overflow,
or otherwise cause to assume position around, between, and among the formers a
proper quantity of such soft or plastic fluid or semi fluid insulating material (px) as
it is desired to form the substance of the pipe of, as represented at lines 36-36 of
Figure 29 and at Figure 36.
Such material is preferably asphalt, concrete, real Trinidad or Cuban, or artificial
asphalt, although many other substances adapted to subsequently solidify and best
possessing insulating properties will answer the purpose.
The hollow formers which I prefer to employ are sections of a given length, say,
ten feet of cylinders of light sheet metal, such as brass, zinc, or tinned iron, of
wood, wood pulp, paper pulp, prepared paper, rendered if desired hard, stiff
textile fabric, or other like substance, hard and at the same time smooth on the
surface. These formers are to be previously prepared in any preferred manner.
After the plastic material cast between the former supports at the end of the
trench in which the operation of laying is commenced has been allowed to harden,
it will be found that it has rigidly set and enveloped the formers, so as to have
caused them to assume and retain given fixed positions relatively to each other;
when as before stated the section of plastic material containing the formers and
located between the former supports are to be withdrawn in an end wise direction,
or otherwise removed, and a second series of hollow formers applied over or against
the projecting extremities of the first series, and suitably supported, and the
operation repeated as to the new series, that is to say, a further mass of plastic
material is to be applied in such a manner as to surround the new series of formers
between the end of the mass first applied and hardened, and the former support
employed with the new series, and after such section has been allowed to harden
the operation is to be repeated continuously throughout the walled trough until
the entire pipe is laid.
After the embodying mass of plastic material has hardened to the required
extent, a slab, layer, or covering of artificial stone (*), Figure 37 and line 37-37,
Figure 29, hardened asphalt, concrete, glass, or other vitreous material, colored if
desired with asphalt, iron, or wood, likewise coated or felted with asphalt, or
preferably whatever material has been employed in the formation of the substance
of the trough, is to be super-imposed upon the top of the mass of plastic material
to the entire width of the trench, so as to rest upon the walls of the trough, and
form a covering or complete the envelope or casing which the trough constitutes.
In laying this covering it is preferable that the surfaces intended to be brought
into contact should be in a soft or glutinous condition so as to ensure the
hermetically inclosing of the plastic layer or mass by the slab or covering. After
the slab or covering has been thus laid the earth (*) in the trench, Figure f29,
lines 38-38, when the slab is not level with the surface, is to be replaced upon it;
or if the trench is a deep one, and it is so desired, a second trough can be formed
and laid, as described, upon the slab, and the entire operation be repeated in said
upper or superimposed trough.
The composition, of which the layer or plastic mass (*) within the trough may
be composed, is, broadly speaking, any substance capable of being moulded,
impressed, flowed, or otherwise caused to spread, while in a soft plastic or fluid
condition, and which is adapted subsequently to solidify in the position and relation
which it has assumed while soft and prior to hardening.
It will be obvious from the foregoing description that this part of my Invention,

page_text: equally with the first and second parts, enables the continuous formation of a
continuous seamless pipe provided either with one or a series of independent lined
bores, and also has all the other advantages incident to the other parts.
It will be also understood that the formers instead of being circular in section
may be square, triangular, or polygonal, or of such other sectional contour as is
desired, the plastic mass flowing with equal ease about the formers be their
exterior shape regular or irregular. In practice a cylindrical tube is the best form,
as it enables the introduction of wires with the greatest ease, is adapted to contain
as many wires for its area as any other form, and is readily butted or overlapped
at the points where coupling or jointing to the adjoining section is necessary.
In Figure 41 is represented a pipe provided with but five bores, while in
Figure 42 is represented a pipe provided with 25 bores, and in Figure 40 a pipe
with but a single central bore.
I have discovered that in connection with the construction of my pipe as above
set forth I can most advantageously and by the very means employed to form the
lined bore of the pipe itself imbed one or a series of conducting wires. In the
Drawings I have represented in certain of the views, namely, Figures 29, 38, 39, 43,
and 44, certain arrangements of wires, and have designated these wires by the
|letter (8x). I introduce the wires in the same manner that I introduce the formers
in the construction of the pipe, namely, by stretching singly or in series, and in
such position and relation to the formers as it is desired that they should perma-
nently occupy a given number of wires by means of the same supports which
retained the formers, and which are in such employment provided with the proper
orifices or holes for the reception of the ends or end of the wires. The wires of
course do not require to be jointed as the hollow formers do, but are applied by
unwinding from reels which are carried by hand or other suitable means along the
trench as the pipe is progressively constructed. I thus produce a pipe which
contains if desired a sufficient number of ducts or passage ways as will fit it for
pneumatic uses, and for the containing within any of said bores of a series of wires,
themselves properly insulated and placed to the required number in such bore, and
which in addition contains if desired a series of permanent conductors which can
be used or not at will, and which can at small cost be applied and embodied within
the pipe at the time the latter is being made, and which may at any time be con-
nected with at different points without removing the pipes from the ground, by
excavating to the outer envelope of the pipe and cutting through said envelope,
and down through the substance of the plastic mass to a given wire desired to be
connected with, as indicated in Figures 43 and 44. Connection with a side wire
to a house can thus be made without the necessity of the separate laying of wires,
and without the necessity of the raising up of the pipe, it being of course under-
stood that after connection is made with wire the connecting wire is made
hermetically tight by the use of plastic material and artificial stone to replace the
substances as cut into in the making of the connection.
In constructing the walled trough within the trench, it may be found convenient
after the floor of said trough has been formed and laid to erect temporarily boards
or the like to constitute the side walls, and to contain the plastic mass as the same
is flowed about the formers, and subsequently to remove these boards after the
plastic mass has hardened upon its contained formers, and then construct the side
walls of the permanent material (artificial stone) of which it is designed that the
entire envelope of the plastic mass should consist. In such points of construction
as this as well as in that referred to of the former supports I address myself to the
intelligence of the mechanics employed to construct the pipe, as it is obvious that
while the principal of a series of ducts or passage ways lined with sheet metal or
paper, or such material, enveloped and insulated by a hardened plastic mass, which
mass as a whole is surrounded by a protecting integument, envelope or casing is
the vital principle of the Invention, yet that many methods of construction will

page_text: enable the carrying out of such principle, effectuate perhaps equally well the
practice of the Invention itself.
Having thus described my Invention I claim,-
1. The method of forming continuous séamless pipe hereinbefore described, which
consists, first, in excavating to the required depth, shape, and extent, and in
the required direction, a trench or channel in the ground in which it is desired that
a pipe should be laid; second, in progressively laying within said trench a layer
stratum, bed, or continuous mass of plastic material adapted to subsequently
solidify third, in superimposing upon or embedding in said layer of soft plastic
material, one or more cores or formers of exterior shape corresponding with the
desired interior shape of the bore or bores of the pipe; fourth, in superimposing
upon said former or formers superimposed upon or embedded in said layer or mass
of soft plastic material, and upon said soft plastic material a covering, layer, or
continuous mass of plastic material adapted to subsequently solidify; fifth, in
removing the former or formers and replacing the excavated substance of the
trench, substantially as described.
2. The method of forming continuous seamless pipe herein before described,
which consists in progressively forming in a trench about one or more formers or
cores, substantially in the manner herein before described continuous pipe of plastic
material, and in progressively advancing said former or formers, substantially in
the manner and for the purposes shown and described.
3. The method of forming continuous seamless pipe hereinbefore described,
which consists, first, in excavating to the required depth, shape, and extent, and in
the required direction, a trench or channel in the ground in which it is desired that
a pipe should be laid; second, in progressively laying, constructing, or otherwise
forming within said trench a walled layer or trough of artificial stone or kindred
material; third, in progressively placing within said trough a layer, stratum, bed, or
continuous mass of plastic, fluid, semi-fluid, or kindred material adapted to
subsequently solidify; fourth, in impressing in said layer by any suitable means
one or more ducts or passage ways; fifth, in superimposing upon said layer with its
formed ducts a slab or covering of artificial stone, glass, or other vitreous material,
coated metal, wood, or the like, all substantially as described.
4. A continuous seamless pipe formed of a walled layer or trough of artificial
stone or kindred material containing within its walls a layer, stratum, bed, or
continuous mass of hardened plastic, fluid, semi-fluid, or kindred material, formed
with ducts or passage ways covered by a slab or other covering of artificial stone
or kindred material, substantially as set forth.
5. The method of forming continuous seamless pipe herein before described, which
consists, first, in excavating to the required depth, shape, and extent, and in the
required direction, a trench or channel in the ground in which it is desired that a
pipe should be laid; second, in progressively laying, constructing, or otherwise
forming within said trench a walled layer or trough of artificial stone or kindred
material; third, in progressively placing in proper position and relation in said
trough one or a series of hollow formers of paper, sheet metal, or other suitable
fabric; fourth, in surrounding said hollow former or formers placed within the
trough with a continuous mass of plastic, fluid, semi fluid, or kindred material
adapted to solidify about the formers, and to retain them rigidly and in an
insulated condition in position; fifth, in super imposing upon said mass of plastic
material enveloping the formers a covering of artificial stone, or any hard material
adapted to complete the enclosure and afford protection to the hardened plastic
mass enveloping the formers, all substantially as described.
6. A continuous seamless pipe formed of a walled layer or trough of artificial
stone or kindred material, in which trough is contained a continuous mass, layer,
stratum, or bed of hardened plastic, fluid, semi-fluid, or kindred material, in which
mass is enclosed one or a series of hollow suitably shaped tubes of sheet-metal,

page_text: paper, or the like, and which is covered by a layer or other covering of artificial
stone or kindred material which completes the enclosure of the mass.
7. A continuous seamless pipe formed of a walled layer or trough of artificial
stone or kindred material which contains a continuous mass, layer, stratum, or bed
of hardened plastic, fluid, semi fluid, or kindred material, which mass encloses one
or a series of hollow suitably shaped tubes of sheet metal, paper, or the like, and
also encloses one or a series of connecting wires imbedded in such position and
relation therein, as it is desired that said wire should assume, and which is covered
by a layer or other covering of artificial stone or kindred material which completes
the enclosure of the mass.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Sixteenth day
UTY, A,D, 1001.
Witness at signing,
J. BONSALL TAYLOR,
W. C. STRAWBRIDGE.
CALVIN DETRICK. (L.S.)