Abstract: In a machine for reducing the cross-section of a number of wires by drawing each of them through a respective series of dies of decreasing diameter, a corresponding series of individual capstans is used for drawing each wire through its series of dies, and each one of several drive shafts supports at spaced positions along its length the capstans of a respective drawing stage of each series. Each capstan is driven by the shaft on which it is mounted, and the drive mechanism for the shafts can be adjusted, by presetting or otherwise, to give different peripheral speed ratios to the capstans, to suit different die sets and/or to compensate for wear. The capstans are mounted between bearings supporting the shafts, and the drive mechanism is located outside the bearing at the relevant end of the shaft. Preferably mechanism coupling adjacent shafts alternates between the two ends of the machine.

Abstract: A wire-drawing machine, suitable for use in-line with an enamelling machine, comprises a plurality of individual wire-drawing capstans mounted in individual bearings, at least one for each capstan. The capstans are arranged in a substantially planar rectangular array (comprising rows and columns of the capstans) with their axes aligned with the rows thereof. A series of parallel drive shafts, each serve all the capstans of one row or one column of the array. The capstans of one column are associated with a single wire line whereas the capstans of any one row are associated with a corresponding drawing stage for all the wires lines.

Abstract: A conductor wire is composed of an aluminium alloy consisting of between 98.0 and 99.5 weight percent aluminium; between 0.3 and 1.0, preferably 0.4 to 0.6, weight percent iron; between 0.16 and 1.2, preferably 0.3 to 1.0, weight percent silicon; and trace quantities of conventional impurities. The conductor wire has a higher tensile strength than wires of known aluminium alloys which contain similar quantities of iron and is especially suitable for use in telecommunication cables, wiring cables and overhead conductors. The conductor wire may have a cladding of copper or copper alloy.

Abstract: The thermal resistance of a joint for fluid filled electric power cables is reduced by transversely dividing the fluid-tight enclosure of the joint into three parts, electrically insulated from each other, namely two end parts each sealed to one of the cable sheaths and to a central part of low thermal resistance. The central part preferably has a cooling jacket. If an outer enclosure for the joint is provided its central part is made of low thermal resistance.