INVENTORS' RECORD. CLASSIFIED DIGEST OF U. S. ELECTRICAL PATENTS ISSUED MARCH 27 AND APRIL 3, 1894. MARCH 27. Accumulators : Secondary Battery, G. L. Ballard, Toronto, Can., 517,018. Filed April 27, 1893. Relates to the arrangement for supporting the grids within the cell. Apparatus for Supplying or Removing Storage Batteries, W. E Worthen, New York, 517,134. Filed Aug. 5, 1893. Alarms and Signals: Electric Calling Apparatus, D. H. Rice, Dec'd., C. M. Williams, W. R. Ches ter and 'L. H. Rice, Executors, Brookline, Mass., 517,299. Filed Feb. 11, 1892. Electrical Apparatus for Controlling Signals, M. B. Leonard, Richmond, Va., 517,419. Filed June 17, 1893. An interlocking electrical block signal system for steam railways. Dynamos and Motors : Electric Motor or Dynamo Electric Machine, J. W. Henderson, Philadelphia, Pa., 517,105. Filed Nov. 1, 1890. Employs an armature having independent sets of coils of unequal length and independent commutators for the respective sets. Heating: Electric Heater, L. Rowley, Ashland, Wis., 517,170. Fiied Jan. 28, 1893. Consists of a plurality of tubes of non-conducting material containing resistances, and means for varying the resistance of the material within the Lube. Lamps and Appurtenances :— Incandescent Electric Lamp. R. P. Ashwell, Newark, N. J., and G. W. Tuttle, New York, 517,017. Filed Aug. 11, 1893. Claim 1 follows: An incandescent electric lamp having an inclosing glass bulb and stopper, films reduced from a solution or paste of a metallic compound applied on the adjacent surfaces of said bulb and stopper, and solder or similar material uniting said films, to form an air tight joint. Electrode for Arc Lamps, S. Heimann, New York, 517,042. Filed Sept. 15, 1893. Consists of a mixture of powdered ashes, carbon, plumbago, asbestos and a binding substance. Electric Lamp, F. C. Rockwell, Hartford, Conn., 517,069. Filed Nov. 6, 1893. Claim 1 follows: An electric lamp receiver consisting of a transparent globe, and a base molded to fit the open mouth of the globe to which it is sealed, said base being grooved so as to render it elastic. Measurement : Electrical Measuring Instrument, R. M. Hunter, Philadelphia, Pa., 517,162. Filed March 12, 1893. Depends for its action upon an expansible conductor influenced by the current to be measured. Electrical Indicator, A. E. Kennelly, Orange, N. J., 517,163. Filed Oct. 26, 1892. Employs a magnet of constant strength between the poles of which is a pivoted armature controlling a pointer movable over a graduated scale. Galvanometer, E. G. Willyoung, Philadelphia, Pa., 517,253. Filed June 23, 1893. Miscellaneous : Electric Appliance for Dumb-Waiters, J. H. Roberts, Brooklyn, N. Y., 517,169. Filed Sept. 11, 1893. Valve, J. E. Stannard, Springfield. Mass., 517.199. Filed July 24, 1893. 1891. Relates to the construction of interior wiring conduit. Electrical Keyboard. C. E. Allen, Salem, Mass., 517,402. Filed Dec. 29, 1893. A keyboard for electrical typewriting or type printing machines employing circuit closing keys having mercury contact. Electric Elevator, F. E. Herdman, Winnetka, Ill., re-issue 11,408. Filed Dec. 29. 1891. Relates to the arrangement of the switches and circuit connections. Electrically Operated Elevator, F. E. Herdman, Winnetka, Ill., re-issue 11,409. Filed Dec. 29, 1891. Employs a worm shaft, a lever moving with the shaft and having a tension device connected with it, and intermediate connection between the lever and the source of power. Railways and Appliances : Electric Railway Trolley, F. S. Church, Detroit, Mich., 517,028. Filed Apl. 17, 1893. Claim 1 follows: A trolley formed of two wheels having complementary grooved beveled faces. Trolley Catcher, L. G. Mowry, Buffalo, N. Y., 517,166. Filed Dec. 11, 1893. Electrical Railway, B. Bidwell, Philadelphia, Pa., 517,258. Filed Jan. 8, 1885. Has for its object to place the cars in telephonic communication with the station along the line of way. Switches and Cut-Outs : Electric Switch, J. S. Gibbs, Hartford, Conn., 517,100. Filed Oct. 4, 1833. An automatic cut-out especially adapted to series incandescent lamps. Telephones and Apparatus :— Single Line Telephone System, J. I. Sabin & W. Hampton, San Francisco, Cal., 517,243. Filed Mch. 13, 1893. Provides means whereby one of two connected subscribers may transmit to the operator a selective signal instead of the usual disconnecting signal. Telephone Switch, F. R. Colvin, New York, 517,263. Filed Dec. 6, 1893. Claim 1 follows: A telephone switch provided with a tilting hook or support for the telephone, the free end of the hook normally pointing upward, the angle of tilt to shift the switch to its abnormal position being sufficient to cause the hook to point downward to shed the telephone. APRIL 3. Accumulators: Process of Manufacturing Active Material for Secondary Batteries, W. A. Boese, Berlin, Germany, 517,427. Filed June 27, 1893. The process consists in mixing a metallic oxide with a sulphonic acid of anthracene, or its analogues and simultaneously removing electrolytically soluble compounds. Secondary Cell or Battery, G. B. Henry, Hartford, Conn., 517,455. Filed June 21, 1893. Employs an electrolyte composed of a spongy mass of flaxseed mixed with dilute sulphuric acid. Alarms and Signals : Electric Burglar Alarm, J. Frame & R. B. Morden, Cooper, Iowa, 517,450, Filed Dec. 26, 1893. Burglar Alarm Spring, M. T. Gordon, Stapleton, N. Y., 517,547. Filed Dec. 12, 1893. Conductors, Conduits and Insulators : Insulating Compound, A. Gentzsch, Vienna, Austria-Hungary, 517,452. Filed Oct. 7, 1893. Consists of ozokerite, asphalt and amber from which the gas, vapors and oils have been removed Insulating Tube, M. Robinson, Newton, Mass., 517.591. Filed Jan. 6, 1894. Dynamos and Motors : Electric Motor, W. J. Still, Toronto, Can., 517,668. Filed Mch. 3, 1893. Employs arc shaped magnets and armatures, each of the latter completing the arc of the former as it rotates, the polar faces of both being substantially parallel. Electric Motor, W. J. Still, Toronto, Can., 517,669. Filed Mch. 3, 1893. Governor for Electric Motors, J. F. Winter, Baltimore, Md., 517,714. Filed Employs two sets of stationary contacts within a closed box insulated where they pass through the walls of the box and each set arranged in a part circle concentric with the shaft, and a shunt lever in the box mounted upon the shaft. Lamps and Appurtenances: Incandescent Lamp, A. C. Carey, Lake Pleasant, Mass., 517,432. Filed Feb. 3, 1894. Employs a butt of moldable non-conducting material shaped to fit any socket, having external grooves, contact pieces molded in the end and leadingin wires laid in the grooves. Miner's Safety Lamp, J. Graham and H. Chapman, Morley, Eng., 517,520. Filed Oct. 7, 1893. Miscellaneous : Electric Synchronizer for Clocks, H. S. Prentiss, Elizabeth, N. J., 517,480. Filed Nov. 3, 1892. Electric Train Lighting and Braking System, G. W. Swartz, Florence, Ala, 517.498. Filed Sept, 1, 1893. Employs a generator driven from the axle, and storage batteries in circuit with the generator. Process of Filtering and Purification of Liquids, L. Wagner, J. Marr and H. Campbell, Baltimore, Md., 517 499. Filed Sept. 12, 1893. Feeding Mechanism for Magnetic Separators, G. Conkling, Glens Falls, N. Y, 517,734. Filed June 25, 1891. Amalgamator, N. L. Raber, Corvallis, Oregon, 517,767. Filed Apl. 8, 1893. Railways and Appliances : Induction Electric Railway, C. E. Roehl, St. Joseph, Mo., 517,531. Filed May 4, 1833. Employs a continuous iron core in the road bed and a series of primary coils located upon the core, in combination with a moving vehicle carrying a secondary core and coil in inductive relation to the primary core. Conduit Electric Railway, W. C. Keithly, San Francisco, Cal., 517,549. Filed Sept. 17, 1892. Relates to special designs of the trolley and the supporting device. Conduit Electric Railway, H. A. Goreham, Decatur, Ill., 517,692. Filed Aug. 14. 1893. Employs slotted grates on either side of the slot, covering the conduit and communicating with an outer portion of the latter. Electrically Operated Railway Switch, W. S. Gavey, Brooklyn, N. Y., 517,743. Filed Apr. 1, 1893. A track switch actuated by an electromagnet. Conduit Electric Railway, W. F, Jenkins, Richmond, Va., 517,804. Filed Aug. 10, 1892. Employs brackets upon which the trolley wires rest, and an underrunning trolley. Switches and Cut-Outs : Circuit Maker. J. Weaver, Canandaigua, N. Y., 517,502 Filed Sept. 30, 1893. Electric Switch, R. Mackie, New York, 517,582. Filed Aug. 7, 1893. Employs a contact bar moved over a series of terminals against the tension of a spring and an electrically actuated releasing device. Electrical Switch, E. Ruebel, St. Louis, Mo., 517,664. Filed Sept. 9, 1893. Consists of a folded metallic band having a layer of enamel interposed between the folds. Electric Switch. C. F. Speed, E. W. Barker and C. P. Frank, Duluth, Minn., 517,773. Filed Dec. 1, 1893. A three point switch capable of regulating two independent circuits. System for Controlling Electric Lights, W. F. Bradner, Denver, Colo., 517, Microphone, W. Deckert, Vienna, Austria-Hungary, 517,564. Filed Mch. 1, 1893, In a telephone, the combination with a chair, or means of support for the body of the speaker, of a transmitter the housing of which is firmly attached to some part of said chair or other support upon and against which the body of the speaker rests, and suitable receiver. Magneto Telephone, S. D. McKelvey, Canton, Ohio, 517,763. Filed Sept. 13, 1893. Claim 1 follows: A receiver for telegraphic, telephonic, phonautographic and other apparatus, having a shell formed in two equal and similar parts which are united by a screw-cap and a handle engaged with the ends of said shell. Magneto Telephone, S. D. McKelvey, Canton, Ohio, 517,764. Filed Dec. 6, 1893. Employs an amplifying device to which is pivotally connected a rigid arm whose other end is provided with divergent points attached to the transmitting diaphragm in or between different nodal circles. Trade Notes and Novelties AND MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT. THE HARRISON INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CO. AMONG the many telephone enterprises coming into public view nowadays the Harrison company distinguishes itself by the issue of a prospectus disclosing a remarkably comprehensive plan; some elements of which are :-Capital stock $80,000,000, of which, it is said, none is for sale; an array of directors and officers comprising a considerable number of gentlemen who have been prominently before the public in a variety of capacities these many years; and the Harrison international telephone ("electric, not magnetic") together with an exchange system," magnetic bells, lightning arresters, switchboards, both automatic and manual, generators and all other devices." The company proposes to rent, not sell, ita telephones. The patents on its many devices, the prospectus says, "are all valid, having been tested in the highest Courts." Should this leave anything to be desired on the patent question it is reassuring to learn that "prominent patent attorneys have stated as their opinion that these patents are original and sound." The directors of the Harrison International Telephone Co. are: Stephen B. Elkins, ex-Secretary of War: R. C. Kerens, of St. Louis; George R. Peck, Counsel for the Santa Fe system of railroads, of Chicago; Thos. J. Hurley, Fort Worth, Texas; C. M. the apparatus described is the best in the world, or that it is superior to that of other makers. In fact, the existence of the latter is not even hinted at. Excellent illustrations are given and the text is concise and confines itself to the subject in hand. A quantity of testimonial letters in fac simile occupy the latter pages and show far better than any high sounding claims and self-laudation could do, the excellence of the apparatus to which they refer. Modesty in trade catalogues is always refreshing and should have its reward. THE QUEEN-LECHATELIER PYROMETER. THE accompanying illustrations show a pyrometer modified by Queen & Co., Philadelphia, from the construction of M. LeChatelier, which is based upon the principle of measuring the electric current generated by the heating of a thermo-electric junction. It consists of a thermo-electric couple and a D'Arsonval galvanometer. The wires which compose the couple are one of pure platinum, and the other of platinum alloyed with 10 per cent. of rhodium, both of which are perfectly homogeneous. For use, the couple, which has been first connected with the galvanometer, is inserted into the furnace or oven, when immediately a current is produced and measured on the galvanometer scale, from which the temperature is readily deduced. The pyrometer is claimed to have the following advantages: It is adapted for a very large range of temperature, i. e., from 200 to 3,000 degrees Fah., but is intended more specially for high temperatures such as are met with in the manufacture of metals, chemicals, porcelain ware, etc. It is almost instantaneous in its indications, five seconds being sufficient to subject the couple to any stationary temperature; or the couple may, if desired, be left permanently in the furnace or oven, indicating at all times the temperature, and thus enabling the operator to keep an hourly record. The metals which compose the couple are not affected by gases and hence will not become oxidized or react chemically on each other at high temperatures; nor are they altered in their Ferree, Kansas City, Mo.; Robert P. Porter, ex-Superintendent of the Census, of New York; William Warner, Kansas City; L. E. Ingalls, Chicago; H. M. Holden, banker, Kansas City; A. L. Stone, Chicago, and Dr. Harrison, the inventor of the instruments; the secretary of the company is Hon. Patrick Egan, exMinister to Chili. These names speak for themselves. The above illustration shows one of the wall telephone sets of the Harrison company. THE LODGE & SHIPLEY MACHINE TOOL Co. "Machine Tools for the Rapid Production of Lathe Work" is the title of a well printed little pamphlet recently published by the Lodge & Shipley Machine Tool Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio, and devoted to a description of the more important of their lathes, boring, drilling, tapping, facing and milling machines and brass workers. One cannot help being impressed and delighted, in glancing over its pages, with the straightforward and dignified manner in which the simple facts are set forth. The reader is not told that thermo-electric properties by rough usage or bends. The instrument is, therefore, of great accuracy and durability. The measurement of the temperature is made by means of a D'Arsonval galvanometer, contained in two wooden boxes, which are screwed against a central wall or slab as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows the two boxes unscrewed from the central slab and placed in their respective positions against the wall. The box A contains the galvanometer proper, and is also provided with set screws and a small plumb bob, so that it may be set vertically. Box B contains the lamp, having a lens and window with crosshairs for throwing an image upon the galvanometer mirror in box A, which in turn reflects it back upon the scale in box B, where there are two set screws for adjusting it vertically. The two boxes are set one metre apart. The current set up by the thermo-electric couple enters the galvanometer through the two binding posts in box A, and the deflection caused by it is shown upon the scale in box B. This scale is graduated in millimetres and it is necessary therefore that a curve be made reducing these millimetres to degrees Fahrenheit or Centigrade. This curve is very simply made from known melting points. ELECTRIC MINE HAULAGE WITH GENERAL ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES. CONCRETE examples of the adoption of electricity to the exclusion of all older methods are generally more convincing in their import to the public mind than mere hearsay or description. The accompanying illustration shows a striking example of the supersession of older haulage methods by the electric mine locomotive in a coal mine in Pennsylvania and emphasizes the vast advantage which its use confers. The mine in question is the Bear Run mine of the Blossburg Coal Co. near Landrus, Tioga county. The locomotives, of which there are two, are of the T. M. M., that as "two motor mining type, each of 30 horse power, manufactured by the General Electric Company. They are propelled by two W. P. 30 motors one being geared to each axle. Current is brought to the motors by a specially designed trolley arm, on which the trolley wheel is swiveled to admit of its adjustment to the various irregularities of the line wire. The trolley arm can be set in sockets on either side of the locomotive which may thus be run into headings on either side of the main haulageway which is lighted by incandescent lamps placed at the entrance to each cross-head 100 yards apart. The dimensions of the machines are: Horse power, 30; speed, 6 miles per hour; draw bar pull, 1,500 pounds; gauge, 36 inches; wheel base, 30 inches; diameter of wheels, 28 inches; width over all, 48 inches; length over all, 9 feet 6 inches; height above rail, 31 inches; weight, 7,500 pounds. The current is THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY AT THE MIDWINTER FAIR. THE representation made by the General Electric Company at the Midwinter Fair while, of course considerably less important than that made by them at Chicago, from the point of view of mere quantity, is still the most important among the electrical exhibits which are now delighting our Western brothers by the Golden Gate. The display of its purely mechanical exhibit as made in the Palace of Mechanical Arts, and the space allotted is occupied by many of the later types of its machinery, apparatus and instruments, the major portion being devoted to a fine exhibit of electrical mining and power transmission apparatus. The chief use of electricity on the Pacific coast is to transmit power to the cities and towns for railway and lighting work and to the mining centres for the operation of the different electrical mining apparatus such as drills, crushers, pumps, etc. The field of power transmission is very wide in the states west of the Rockies where coal is extremely costly, but where, on the other hand, there are many available water-powers which are fast being utilized. Among other apparatus the General Electric Company exhibit the following: A three-phase rotary four-pole transformer similar in design to those now in use at Redlands, Cal., and to those which will be used at Niagara Falls. It resembles a continuous current transformer in which the primary and secondary are wound on the same armature. It is wound for a potential of 200 volts at the receiving or motor brushes furnished by a General Electric D 62, 75 horse power generator driven by a Harrisburg Ideal 80 h. p. engine. The maximum load which these locomotives have been called upon to handle is 32 loaded mine wagons each weighing 3,200 pounds, and the run has at one part a 3 per cent. grade. The daily haul of these locomotives is about 650 tons. The entire plant has been pronounced eminently satisfactory, the locomotives having shown capabilities beyond the specification or the General Company's guarantee. Their presence in the mine has done away with the slow-going, limited mule, and effected great economy. The small height of the machines above the rail level allows them to go into places inaccessible to any mule, and their ease of control and operation is such as to render them invaluable. WARREN WEBSTER & CO. Warren Webster & Co. of Camden, N. J., manufacturers of vacuum feed water heaters and purifiers and oil and steam separators, report that the number of orders they received for the above-named specialties, during the month of March, was very satisfactory and showed a marked improvement over the few former months. They say that the reason that their specialties sell during these hard times is on account of their goods being fuel saving devices. Rapid progress is being made upon the new extension of their wrought iron department, connected with the new works, which they built last year. They visit steam plants at their own expense and back their guarantees by a cash indemnity. while the potential of the three-phase current is 500 volts. The most important feature is a complete three-phase power transmission plant. The generator is of 35 k. w. capacity, and is driven by means of belting by a 35 k. w. bi-polar motor. The current of the generator is led to a switchboard containing the usual set of instruments, such as Thomson-Houston indicators, recording wattmeters, switches and fuses, and the "line" is carried on oil insulators, after having been transformed in the step-up transformers from a potential of 300 to one of 6,000 volts, to the switchboard of the receiving station. Step-down transformers are there employed, which reduce the voltage to 300, under which pressure the current is delivered to a 10 h. p. three-phase motor, which is belted to what is generally termed a "drill" generator, a dynamo having rotary brushes, used to operate percussion drills. The drill exhibited is of the General Electric percussion drill type. Connection is made by means of a cable armored for its better protection in mine work. A 10 h. p. mining locomotive, 24" gauge, and equipped with two 500 volt iron-clad motors also forms part of the exhibit. This locomotive is well adapted for mine work as it is built very low, for entrance into low gang ways. The seat for the motorman is in front, and all operations, such as starting, stopping, reversing, applying sand to the rails, etc., can be quickly done, the handles of the levers for these operations being all within easy reach. Two 16 c. p. lamps in a reflector form the headlight. Portable mining outfits are also shown, one consisting of a special motor running a swiveled diamond drill, by means of bevel gears, which can be thrown out of mesh, so that a friction clutch admitting of the connection of the motor to a hoist can be thrown in, the motor serving for the two different operations. On the same truck with this apparatus is also mounted a 3 k. w. Edison motor, connected to a triplex Gould pump. There are also set up and in operation a rotary pump, driven by means of a rigid coupling from a 3 k. w. Edison motor mounted on the same base, the pump delivering about 300 gallons a minute. Another portable pump outfit, consisting of a 3 k. w. ThomsonHouston motor connected by two intermediate gears (the pinions being of rawhide) to a Gould triplex pump, delivering about 100 gallons a minute, the whole being mounted on a truck. A 10 h. p. sinking pump for deep mine work, perfectly water-tight. All these pumps are working with very little noise and vibration. A board filled, in regular style, with instruments, such as wattmeters, indicators, fuse blocks, railway supplies, etc., a few fan motors, which attempt to make things lively by means of colored ribbons attached to their frames and floating in the air currents produced; a 24" projector, marine type; four large ball clusters on poles, containing each forty 16 c. p. lamps and two cubes of fifty-four 16 c. p. each, complete the exhibit so far as the Exposition space proper for the company is concerned. A 200 k. w. railway generator furnishes current for cornice lighting, the lamps being connected five in series, as well as for the motor of the tower elevators. This is driven by a double piston valve engine of the Joshua Hendy Machine Works of San Francisco, cylinders 14" x 18", belt connected. This dynamo is on the opposite side of Machinery Hall, near the boiler house, where are also eight Thomson-Houston arc light machines, each of 50 lights. These are driven, 4 each, from two countershafts, which in turn are belted one to a Buckeye automatic cut-off slide valve engine of 200 h. p. 140 revolutions, cylinder 14" x 24", the speed being controlled by the isochronal regulator; the other one to a 150 h. p. Russell engine of 190 revolutions, cylinder 18" x 20" and fitted with the Russell automatic cut-off slide valve and fly-wheel governor. The Annex shelters a 150 k. w. Edison dynamo, supplying current for the electric fountain and the search light on top of the electric tower. This machine is belted to a 250 h. p. tandem I. F. Thompson slide valve engine, manufactured by the Golden State and Miners' Iron Works of San Francisco. Near by is a 6,000 light alternator driven through a countershaft from a 500 h. p. Corliss engine of 80 revolutions per minute, and cylinder 22" x 48". The search light on top of the electric tower is that which was exhibited at Chicago. It is a 60 inch projector with a Mangin spherical mirror, and is one of the largest in the world. The fountain is one of those which played at the World's Fair and has been fully described by us. In its new position it is much better situated for display and is not subjected to the violent competition of surrounding white buildings and blaze of light. A HOMILY ON THE ALLEN SOLDERING STICK. THE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO., of Chicago, furnish us with the following suggestive little article: In all electrical construction a very important part of the work is making joints or electrical connections in the wire. Nearly every large electrical contractor has learned to his sorrow that a properly made joint is as essential to a perfect installation as the use of high grade material or first-class workmanship. Manufacturers of high grade wires have frequently had their insulation severely criticised and even condemned on account of the failure of some particular job to properly test up, when the difficulty has not been with the wire, but with the failure to make proper joints. Many a station manager has been perplexed in measuring up the resistance of his lines and the loss of energy thereby, to know why so many miles of line of such a size should show a resistance so far in advance of what it ought to be in accordance with the tables and other data at hand, when if the truth could be known it would be very likely discovered that quite a liberal part of the coal pile each month is being required to overcome the resistance of defective joints all along the line. While it is not claimed that the Allen soldering stick in the interest of which this article is written is an absolute panacea for all of these ills, it is claimed most emphatically that by its use they will be very much lessened, and that in the hands of anything like a careful or intelligent workman a perfect joint is almost a certainty. Its application is so much more simple and convenient that a lineman can afford to give a little more care and attention to each joint and at the same time accomplish more work than he could under the old method. Even in first cost the Allen soldering stick is cheaper than any other soldering flux, as a single stick which costs only a trifle is equal in the amount of work it will accomplish to something over half a pound of the most expensive soldering salts. Further than this it is well known that more soldering salts and acids are wasted than are really used-the bottle is spilled or dropped and broken or the solution is slopped over the joint and about nine parts are wasted. This waste is impossible with the Allen Soldering Stick as the stick is simply rubbed on the heated joint, all of the flux adhering to the wire. so that in addition to there being no waste there is no dripping of a destructive acid. The compound is put up in the form of a round stick six inches long and one inch in diameter and has about the consistency of sealing wax when cold. When rubbed on a heated joint it melts and covers the joint, producing a bright surface to which the solder adheres with great readiness. Another very important feature and one on which too great stress cannot be laid is the fact that the Allen soldering stick contains nothing that will in any way corrode the wire or affect the surrounding insulation, which can hardly be said of any soldering salts or acids now on the market. To sum up the points that have been covered in the foregoing, it may be said that it is cheaper than any other soldering compound; it will make a better joint electrically; it is a great time saver; it is very convenient to carry around and use; it is always ready for use; is used without danger of injury to the wire or anything near it and without waste. The Electric Appliance Company who are the exclusive manufacturers of the Allen soldering stick feel confident that they have one of the most desirable specialties that has ever been offered to the electrical trade; and the greatest improvement that has ever been made in a soldering compound, and one that is destined to displace resin, acids and soldering salts for all electrical purposes. FIBRE CONDUIT. The Fibre Conduit Company, of 45 Broadway, is manufacturing a conduit for underground wiring made of wood fibre, treated with an insulating and preserving compound, producing a hard and solid substance. The fibre, of the best quality, is made into tubes on a machine designed for the purpose by Prof. Henry Fairbanks and Mr. Howard Parker, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., the product and machines being protected by numerous patents. The tubes are completely saturated with a treating mixture which has been prepared under the direction of eminent chemists. The finished pipe is in five-foot lengths, and is uniform in thickness, with smooth surfaces. The company furnish pipe in standard sizes from 1 inch to 2 feet in diameter together with regulation fittings, section boxes, FIBRE CONDuit Joints. etc., and make two standard joints; one a socket joint, and the other a screw joint, as shown in the accompanying illustrations. They also make, when desired, a special socket joint wholly in the pipe, which does not increase its outside diameter. As an underground electrical conduit it is claimed to make a strong and perfectly tight duct which can be readily opened at any point to tap the cables; it can be easily put together, and, when laid underground, is much more durable than iron, being unaffected by either acids or alkalies. It is also claimed not to contract or expand, or to be injured by heat or cold, and is a perfect insulator, a conduit seven-sixteenths of an inch thick having been tested on a twenty thousand volt alternating current without any perceptible effect. It is considerably cheaper than iron, and, being only one-fourth its weight, the cost of transportation and handling is comparatively small. Moisture does not condense on the surface as in metal pipes, and no injurious or disagreeable effect is produced on water passing through it. It will stand exposure to a temperature of 200 degrees Fahr. without weakening, and will carry liquids at 150 degrees Fahr. at considerable velocity without injury. It is easily cut with ordinary tools, and joints, fittings, etc., can be introduced at any point. The joints are strong and tight. On May 1 the company will remove to new offices in the Home Life Insurance Building, 257 Broadway. THE BUCKEYE ENGINE CO. MR. H. T. PORTER, the New York sales agent for the Buckeye Engine Co. has issued the following notice to the trade : We We beg to inform you that on April 1st, we will remove our office from 18 Cortlandt street to 39 & 41 Cortlandt street. will have larger and more commodious offices, where we will be pleased to see our patrons and friends at all times, and give any information or estimates they may desire. In addition to our regular line of plain, tandem compound, cross compound, and triple expansion horizontal engines, we wish to call your attention to our new vertical compound engines for electric light and railway service, ranging from 150 h. p. to 1,200 h. p. and over. This engine is specially adapted for direct connecting to dynamos, and we guarantee it to work as economically as any compound engine on the market, and to run with superior regulation. THE UNITED ELECTRIC IMPROVEMENT CO. THE UNITED ELECTRIC IMPROVEMENT CO., Drexel Building, Philadelphia, manufacturers of complete central station equipments, are advertising extensively with a view to attracting the notice of responsible electrical concerns who are actively engaged in the sale of electric lighting apparatus. It is their intention to arrange with such responsible companies for the sale of their new type of alternator, which they have operated under practical conditions a sufficient length of time now to demonstrate to their own satisfaction its superiority. They have now reached the point where they are determined to push the sale of this apparatus, and are desirous of coming in contact with the best engineers of the country through whom to work. REMOVAL OF VALLEE BROS. & CO. Messrs. Vallee Bros. & Co., now at 17 North Sixth street, Philadelphia, will remove to 617 & 619 Arch street, about April 15th. They will have in their new quarters two large floors each 30 x 160 feet, which will give them increased facilities to handle their large and rapidly growing business. It is their intention to deal in electric railway, telephone and telegraph supplies as well as their well known electric light supplies, which will also be largely increased in number. The business of this firm has grown to such large proportions in the past two years as to render their present establishment totally inadequate to handle their business with proper convenience, and they have been consequently forced to seek larger quarters. They have arranged to issue a catalogue of the various supplies they are selling, which will be mailed to their customers as soon as completed. IMPORTANT ELECTRIC RAILWAY WORK AT PROVIDENCE, R. 1. Previous to the first of August, 1893, the Union R. R. Co., of Providence, R. I., had in operation but 12 or 15 miles of electric railway. It now has an extensive system of nearly 100 miles in operation, covering not only the entire city of Providence but much of the available territory round about it. The work of construction under contract was begun about the first of July last by the Woodbridge & Turner Engineering Co., of New York, and during the summer and autumn over 75 miles of overhead line work was completed ready for operation. About half of the line is constructed with iron poles, mainly of the lattice type though a considerable number of Walworth poles have also been used. On the remainder of the line, both span and bracket construction, Georgia pine poles are used throughout. The line construction embodies all the latest and best features in this class of work, the line equipment being furnished in part by A. & J. M. Anderson and in part by the General Electric Co. by whom the entire motor and generating equipment was supplied. The feeder lines are run on the poles, there being over 80 miles of feeder wire on the whole system, mostly 500,000 C. M. The lines radiate in all directions from the central business section of the city reaching to the towns of Riverside, Rumford, Pawtucket, Centerdale, Auburn, Cranston, Olneyville and Lakewood. The work of construction was entirely in the hands of Mr. Elmer Bell, the superintendent for the Woodbridge & Turner Co., and was pushed vigorously through to completion so that the whole system was practically ready for operation by the middle of November. The Woodbridge & Turner Co. are to be congratulated on this addition to their long list of successful contracts, in the electric railway field. They regard present conditions as quiet but very hopeful. ALMON & SARGENT, is the name of a new company with headquarters at 620 Atlantic avenue, Boston, and 136 Liberty street, New York, which has been formed for the purpose of general electrical contracting as well as the furnishing of supplies. Mr. George H. Almon, is well known in New England, having been connected with the Thomson-Houston Electric Co., for eight years and later with the General Electric Co., with which companies he plants and central stations. Mr. Sargent has also had about five held the position of superintendent of construction of isolated years' experience with the Thomson-Houston Co., and is also well known to the trade. Associated with them also is Mr. L. J. Wing, who has been with the T.-H. Co. and General Electric Co. for about 10 years, and has the reputation of having sold every central station in the State of Vermont, besides many others in other states. Mr. Sargent will give his whole time to the Boston office, but Mr. Almon will divide his time between New York and Boston. The New York office is in charge of Mr. L. O. Brewster, who has wide experience in the electrical business, and is well known in this city. Almon & Sargent will act as agents for the well known dynamos and motors of the Belknap Motor Co., of Portland, Me., and will also be general agents for the L. P. & D. Transmitter Co., of Montpelier, Vt., manufacturers of the L. P. & D. system of transmitting power from engines or shafting to dynamos. The company has already a large amount of work on hand, and with such an amount of talent, should command instant success. WESTERN Notes. MR. GEO. S. ROSENTHAL, of the St. Louis office of the General Electric Co. was in Chicago last week. THE CHAS. E. GREGORY CO., Chicago, are not complaining of any lack of business, Mr. Gregory having sold nine dynamos in a single day last month. THE CHICAGO HEIGHTS WATER, LIGHT AND POWER Co. has been incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000 by Henry L. Wallace, Homer Abbott and M. H. Kilgallon. MR. H. C. WHITNEY, Manager of the Motor Department of the terior Conduit and Insulation Co. of New York, is on his way home from a very successful business trip through the West. MR. J. W. GODFREY, the General Manager of the New York Insulated Wire Co. stopped in Chicago for a few days last week, being on his way home from a very successful trip to California. THE LAGRANGE AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE Co., was incorporated at LaGrange, Ill., last week with a capital stock of $40,000. The incorporators are F. C. Elder, Edw. F. Comstock and J. R. Foss. ROWELL & CHASE Co., Kansas City, Mo., have made arrangements for handling a complete line of the products of the Sioux City Engine and Iron Works, of Sioux City, Iowa. They will also act as agents for the Watertown Engine Co., Medart Patent Pulley Co., Snow Steam Pump Works, and several other first-class houses. NEW ENGLAND NOTES. HATHAWAY AND NEW ENGLAND BUILDINGS.-The advent of several important electrical and engineering concerns who are eatablishing branch offices in Boston impels us to call attention to the Hathaway and New England Buildings situated on Atlantic avenue at the foot of Summer st. next the N. Y. & N. E. R R. Co. where these interests are centered and where many of these concerns are locating. Although the General Electric Co. have moved a number of their departments to Schenectady they still occupy several floors of these buildings and are likely to for an indefinite peried. The rentals are reasonable and the comforts and conveniences and superior light are a great attraction. Most all of the rooms face the south, having the sun in winter and the southwest breezes during the summer and the views overlooking the city are very fine. There are fast running elevators, electric lights, mailing station, public telephone, lunch club on the upper floors and an open restaurant in the basement for the benefit of the tenants and their employés. It is a little world in itself and the two buildings are larger than any other, except the Exchange Building, in Boston. PHILADELPHIA NOTES. MESSRS. C. H. & H. STANTON have the contract to install a 500 light plant in the steamer "New York" which runs from Philadelphia to the Fishing Banks. Specifications were drawn up by Mr. John McLeer, electrician, under whose supervision the work will be done. The plant promises to be the model steamer plant on the Delaware. MESSRS. PEPPER & REGISTER, Provident Building, Chestnut and Fourth streets, Philadelphia, have secured the contract for the complete track bonding of the road of the Electric Traction Company of Philadelphia. The bond which will be adopted on this work is that manufactured by the Technic Electrical Works of Philadelphia. They are also now building the overhead lines of this company's road. Departmental items of Electric Light, Electric Railways, Electric Power, Telegraph, Telephone, New Hotels, New Buildings, Apparatus Wanted, Financial, Miscellaneous, etc., will be found in the advertising pages. |