Patents Assigned to Utilx Corporation
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Patent number: 9210257Abstract: Methods of testing at least a transmission line of interest within a group of transmission lines for anomalies using Time Domain Reflectometry are provided. The testing methods set forth herein aim to improve, for example, the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating signals along a length of transmission line in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. To achieve this and other benefits, the testing methods simultaneously impose, for example, pulses of equal magnitude and form onto a group of transmission lines, such as the phases cables of a three phase power transmission cable system. From this, at least one transmission line from the group is monitored for reflected signals caused by impedance change. An example TDR is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: Nelson Hall, Keith Lanan, Oscar E. Morel
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Patent number: 9110105Abstract: A capacitor component is adapted for capacitive coupling to an electrical power apparatus in which a PD is suspected, such as a shielded power cable; and an impedance transformance device has an input side connected directly to the capacitor component. Together the two components are used as a sensor to pick up and convey PD signals to a PD signal-analyzing system. Although the two components inherently form a classic high-pass RC filter, in accordance with the invention the input impedance at the capacitor side is much greater than the output impedance at the signal-analyzing system side. The effect is to pass much more of the lower frequency components of the PD signal for analysis by the PD signal-analyzing system than if the tranformance device were not included.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: Wen Shu, Nelson Hall
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Patent number: 8988099Abstract: A number of TDR systems and testing methods are provided that improve the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating a signal along a length of cable in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. One or more of the TDR systems includes, for example, a computing device, a pulse generator, and at least one capacitive test sensor. The at least one capacitive test sensor transmits/receives pulses to/from a power system component, such as an insulated power cable, in a capacitive manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: Nelson Hall, William R. Stagi
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Patent number: 8967178Abstract: A valve assembly configured to close off the flow of fluid within a fluid injection assembly includes a fluid column having a first open end and a second open end. A fluid flow path is defined between the first and second open ends of the fluid column, and a saturation valve portion is disposed within the fluid flow path. The saturation valve portion is a first configuration when no fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path, and the saturation valve portion transitions to a second configuration when fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: James Steele, William R. Stagi, Alexander Babchanik
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Publication number: 20140266271Abstract: An injection protocol for a cable includes selecting a cable for testing, selecting a pre-injection electrical discharge test for determining if electrical discharge activity occurs at or about operating voltage of the cable, configuring the cable for the pre-injection electrical discharge test; running the pre-injection electrical discharge test on the cable, and determining whether to inject the cable with a restorative fluid based upon electrical discharge activity detected at or about operating voltage of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: UTILX CorporationInventor: William R. Stagi
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Patent number: 8344252Abstract: A cable splice connection assembly for coupling a first cable to a second cable generally includes a main body having first and second ends and defining an inner cavity, the first end configured to receive at least a portion of a first cable therein, and the second end configured to receive at least a portion of a second cable therein, and a first engagement mechanism configured to couple the main body to a first cable wherein the first engagement mechanism includes a cable seal, wherein the cable seal includes an adhesive seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: James Steele, William R. Stagi
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Patent number: 7959477Abstract: A cable termination connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus generally includes a main body defining an inner cavity having first and second ends, the main body configured to receive a pressurized fluid, and the first end configured to receive at least a portion of the cable therein, and a first engagement mechanism configured to couple the main body to the cable, wherein the first engagement mechanism includes a first adhesive seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: James Steele, William R. Stagi
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Patent number: 7777131Abstract: Composition and method for enhancing the dielectric strength of an in-service solid dielectric shielded electrical cable and preventing corrosion of a central aluminum conductor of the cable by supplying the cable with an alkoxysilane composition. In one embodiment, the alkoxysilane composition includes dimethyldi(n-butoxy)silane.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Utilx CorporationInventors: Wayne J. Chatterton, James Steele, William R. Stagi
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Patent number: 7723611Abstract: Embodiments of a cable connector are provided that include an inner connector assembly and an outer connector housing. In use, the cable connector securely fastens or splices together at least two cables or cable sections and in electrical communication while also providing fluid communication therebetween. The cable connector further protects, and preferably seals off, the connection interface between the cables or cable sections and from the environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: William R. Stagi, James Steele
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Patent number: 7704087Abstract: A method and apparatus are described to prevent the unwanted energizing of equipment not normally intended to be energized when delivering a fluid to an energized power cable. The method and apparatus relate to the installation of a fluid back-flow prevention device in the line or equipment carrying a fluid to the cable, and also providing a pressure relief device that may relieve excess pressure to prevent damaging equipment.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Utilx CorporationInventors: William R. Stagi, James Steele
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Patent number: 7658629Abstract: A cable connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus. The cable connection assembly may include a main body defining an inner cavity adapted to receive a pressurized fluid and receive at least a portion of the cable. The cable connection assembly may also include an attachment mechanism adapted to couple the main body to the cable and a seal assembly adapted to sealingly couple the main body to the apparatus. The cable connection assembly may also include an inlet port passing through the main body for permitting the pressurized fluid to be injected into the inner cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: William R. Stagi, James Steele
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Patent number: 7621767Abstract: A cable connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus. The cable connection assembly may include a main body defining an inner cavity adapted to receive a pressurized fluid and receive at least a portion of the cable. The cable connection assembly may also include an attachment mechanism adapted to couple the main body to the cable and a seal assembly adapted to sealingly couple the main body to the apparatus. The cable connection assembly may also include an inlet port passing through the main body for permitting the pressurized fluid to be injected into the inner cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: William R. Stagi, James Steele
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Patent number: 7544105Abstract: A cable connection assembly (100, 200, or 300) for coupling a cable (102, 104, 204, 302, or 304) to an apparatus (106, 206, or 306). The cable connection assembly includes a collar (108, 110, 210, 308, or 310) adapted to sealingly engage the apparatus, the collar having a fastener (144) for coupling the collar to the cable by rotating the collar into locking engagement with at least a portion of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: William R. Stagi, Jorge Albe, James Steele
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Patent number: 7344396Abstract: A cable connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus. The cable connection assembly may include a main body defining an inner cavity adapted to receive a pressurized fluid and receive at least a portion of the cable. The cable connection assembly may also include an attachment mechanism adapted to couple the main body to the cable and a seal assembly adapted to sealingly couple the main body to the apparatus. The cable connection assembly may also include an inlet port passing through the main body for permitting the pressurized fluid to be injected into the inner cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: William R. Stagi, James Steele
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Patent number: 7331806Abstract: Cable terminations, junctions, or connectors having a cable affixed therein are provided, which include an internal cavity that is capable of (1) holding a selected volume of remediation fluid and (2) supplying it to the cable. Several embodiments of the cavity are capable of holding the remediation fluid under pressure for prolonged periods of time and through various environmental conditions such as temperature, moisture and sun exposure. Several embodiments of the internal cavity are divided into two or more chambers that are in physical communication through the opposition of pressure but which are chemically isolated. In several embodiments, an actuation device, such as a spring or compressed gas, pressurizes the fluid. Throughout the embodiments, individual access port(s) provide controlled access to the various internal chambers.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: UTILX CorporationInventors: William R. Stagi, James Steele
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Patent number: 7256350Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid storage and introduction device 20 constructed in accordance with aspects of the present invention are provided. One embodiment of the device 20 includes an inner assembly 24 and an outer housing 26. When assembled, the device 20 is securely coupled to a cable or cable section 30 along a portion of its span. In use, the device 20 is capable of storing remediation fluid and introducing such fluid into the cable or cable section 30.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Utilx CorporationInventors: William R. Stagi, James Steele
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Publication number: 20070049085Abstract: A cable connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus. The cable connection assembly may include a main body defining an inner cavity adapted to receive a pressurized fluid and receive at least a portion of the cable. The cable connection assembly may also include an attachment mechanism adapted to couple the main body to the cable and a seal assembly adapted to sealingly couple the main body to the apparatus. The cable connection assembly may also include an inlet port passing through the main body for permitting the pressurized fluid to be injected into the inner cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2005Publication date: March 1, 2007Applicant: UTILX CorporationInventors: William Stagi, James Steele
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Publication number: 20060169475Abstract: A connector for repairing and connecting at least one section of a first electrical cable having an outer surface, an interior end, an exterior end, and a central conductor portion. The connector includes a sleeve having first and second open ends, and a hollow interior to permit the passage of fluid therethrough. The connector also includes a port providing fluid communication with the hollow interior of the sleeve and into the central conductor portion of the first electrical cable. The sleeve is capable of receiving and forming a fluid-tight seal with the interior end of the first electrical cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2005Publication date: August 3, 2006Applicant: UTILX CorporationInventors: Glen Bertini, Bernd Grave, Keith Lanan, Albert Chau, William Stagi
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Patent number: 6929492Abstract: A cable connector, connector apparatus and method for introducing fluid to a cable. The cable connector, connector apparatus and method configured to form an electrically resistive barrier between components internal to the connector and the environment surrounding the connector after the introduction of the fluid. In one embodiment, a connector comprises a chamber adapted to affix a cable internal to the chamber, wherein the chamber is in fluidic communication with an injection port. The connector further comprises a valve operable to restrict fluid from entering the injection port from the chamber when a fluid source discontinues the introduction of fluid into the injection port. In another embodiment, a method of the present invention involves the application of an insulating material into an injection port of a connector following the application of a dielectric fluid, thereby forming an electrically resistive barrier between components internal to the connector and the external environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Utilx CorporationInventors: Glen J. Bertini, William R. Stagi
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Publication number: 20050006117Abstract: A flow-through cable for transmitting information (20) is provided. The cable includes a jacket (22) having a length and an information conducting core (26) coaxially received within the jacket. A first insulation layer (24) surrounds the information-conducting core and has a dielectric strength. The cable further includes a first conduit (28) disposed within the jacket. The first conduit is adapted to permit a compound to flow therethrough and is chemically permeable to permit at least a portion of the compound to diffuse through the first conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2004Publication date: January 13, 2005Applicant: Utilx CorporationInventors: Glen Bertini, Kim Jenkins, Keith Lanan, Glenn Jessen