Semi-flexible gas-insulated transmission line using protection tube in conductor plug-in joint

A gas-insulated transmission line comprising:

• an elongated outer sheath;
• a cylindrical first main conductor having a first diameter disposed within said outer sheath and having an end thereto;
• a first element fixedly secured to said first main conductor end and extending radially inwardly therefrom;
• a socket member fixedly secured to said first element and extending longitudinally outwardly therefrom, said socket member having a second diameter less than said first diameter;
• a cylindrical second main conductor having said first diameter disposed within said outer sheath and having an end thereto spaced-apart from said first main conductor end;
• a second element fixedly secured to said second main conductor end and extending radially inwardly therefrom;
• an adapter member fixedly secured to said second element and extending longitudinally outwardly therefrom;
• a hollow plug member fixedly secured to said adapter member and extending outwardly therefrom into said socket member, said plug member and said socket member being in electrical contact;
• a rigid protection tube fixedly secured to said first element and extending outwardly therefrom into said plug member, said protection tube having a plurality of circumferentially extending bearing strips secured about the outer surface thereof, said bearing strips contacting the inner surface of said plug member;
• an insulating gas electrically insulating said first and second main conductors from said outer sheath;
• and
• means for insulatably supporting said first and second main conductors in said outer sheath.