Pipe Connection – Patent No. 390,821
Inventor: Samuel E. Thomas, of Providence, Rhode Island.
Patent Number: 390,821
Date of Patent: October 9, 1888
Description: Samuel E. Thomas’s patent for a “Pipe Connection” was an improvement on existing methods for joining pipes together. The invention focused on a design that created a secure, leak-proof joint without requiring traditional methods like soldering or threading, which could be cumbersome and difficult to perform, especially in tight spaces.
The patent describes a specific type of union or coupling that uses a nut and flange system to compress a gasket or washer between the two ends of the pipes being joined. This mechanism created a tight seal, making the connection resistant to leaks and allowing it to withstand pressure. The design also made it easy to assemble and disassemble the pipes for maintenance or repair, a significant advantage over permanent connections.
Societal Impact
The late 19th century was a period of rapid urbanization and industrialization, which created an immense demand for new and more reliable plumbing and piping systems. Inventions like Samuel E. Thomas’s pipe connection, though a seemingly small detail, had a profound cumulative impact on society by contributing to:
- Improved Public Health and Sanitation: The expansion of public water and sewer systems was critical to combating diseases like cholera and typhoid that were rampant in crowded cities. Reliable pipe connections were essential for building these systems. Leaky joints could contaminate drinking water or allow sewer gas to escape, posing serious health risks. Thomas’s design helped ensure the integrity of these vital systems.
- Industrial and Urban Development: From steam engines and factories to residential buildings, all required vast networks of pipes to transport water, steam, gas, and other fluids. More efficient and secure pipe connections made the construction and maintenance of this infrastructure faster and more cost-effective, fueling the growth of industries and cities.
- Convenience and Maintenance: The ability to easily connect and disconnect pipes without specialized tools or difficult processes revolutionized plumbing. This not only reduced labor costs but also simplified repairs, making it easier for plumbers to access and fix problems, and allowing for the quick replacement of components. This type of innovation helped to build the modern infrastructure that we take for granted today.
There is limited public information available on the inventor, Samuel E. Thomas, beyond his patent records, which show he also patented improvements to waste traps. His inventions, were part of a wave of practical innovations that collectively built the technological backbone of modern society. They addressed the fundamental, day-to-day challenges of urban life, making homes and cities safer, more efficient, and more comfortable.
