Patents by Inventor Donald R. Songras

Donald R. Songras has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11561023
    Abstract: A system for use with a manhole vault having an internal atmosphere, and, optionally, with a ventilation stack connecting the vault to an external atmosphere. The system includes a manhole cover, a ventilation pipe, and an air moving assembly. The cover has one or more through-holes extending between top and bottom surfaces. Each of the through-hole(s) is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere at the top surface. The pipe has a through-channel that extends between first and second openings. The first opening is positioned proximal to either an opening into the ventilation stack or at least one of the through-hole(s) at the bottom surface of the cover. The second opening is positioned in the interior of the vault. The device is configured to cause a portion of one of the interior and external atmospheres to flow through the through-channel toward a different one of the interior and external atmospheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: NOVINIUM, LLC
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
  • Patent number: 11060754
    Abstract: A system for use with a manhole vault having an internal atmosphere, and, optionally, with a ventilation stack connecting the vault to an external atmosphere. The system includes a manhole cover, a ventilation pipe, and an air moving assembly. The cover has one or more through-holes extending between top and bottom surfaces. Each of the through-hole(s) is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere at the top surface. The pipe has a through-channel that extends between first and second openings. The first opening is positioned proximal to either an opening into the ventilation stack or at least one of the through-hole(s) at the bottom surface of the cover. The second opening is positioned in the interior of the vault. The device is configured to cause a portion of one of the interior and external atmospheres to flow through the through-channel toward a different one of the interior and external atmospheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Mark Newton, James Steele
  • Patent number: 10969136
    Abstract: A system for use with a manhole vault having an internal atmosphere, and, optionally, with a ventilation stack connecting the vault to an external atmosphere. The system includes a manhole cover, a ventilation pipe, and an air moving assembly. The cover has one or more through-holes extending between top and bottom surfaces. Each of the through-hole(s) is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere at the top surface. The pipe has a through-channel that extends between first and second openings. The first opening is positioned proximal to either an opening into the ventilation stack or at least one of the through-hole(s) at the bottom surface of the cover. The second opening is positioned in the interior of the vault. The device is configured to cause a portion of one of the interior and external atmospheres to flow through the through-channel toward a different one of the interior and external atmospheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Mark Newton, James Steele
  • Patent number: 10962253
    Abstract: A system for circulating air inside a manhole vault. The system includes an air-moving device in fluid communication with the manhole vault and configured to circulate the air inside the manhole vault to prevent a concentration of combustible gasses or to enhance cooling therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Mark Newton, Donald R. Songras, James Steele
  • Patent number: 10840678
    Abstract: A cable accessory for injecting fluid into a cable. The accessory has first and second ends configured to be coupled to the cable and an external cable accessory, respectively. The accessory has an injection port configured to introduce the fluid to a stranded conductor of the cable. The accessory may include a body and conductive rod. The body defines a through-channel configured to receive the conductor. The rod has a first portion that extends outwardly from the second end to be received inside the external cable accessory and to form an electrical connection therewith. The rod has a second portion configured to be coupled to the conductor and form an electrical connection therewith. The second portion (with the conductor coupled thereto) is positionable inside the through-channel with the first portion extending outward from the second end. The fluid is injectable into the conductor through injection port, which extends into the through-channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignees: Novinium, Inc., Richards Mfg, Co.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Glenn J. Luzzi
  • Publication number: 20200144796
    Abstract: A cable accessory for injecting fluid into a cable. The accessory has first and second ends configured to be coupled to the cable and an external cable accessory, respectively. The accessory has an injection port configured to introduce the fluid to a stranded conductor of the cable. The accessory may include a body and conductive rod. The body defines a through-channel configured to receive the conductor. The rod has a first portion that extends outwardly from the second end to be received inside the external cable accessory and to form an electrical connection therewith. The rod has a second portion configured to be coupled to the conductor and form an electrical connection therewith. The second portion (with the conductor coupled thereto) is positionable inside the through-channel with the first portion extending outward from the second end. The fluid is injectable into the conductor through injection port, which extends into the through-channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Glenn J. Luzzi
  • Patent number: 10522983
    Abstract: A cable accessory for injecting fluid into a cable. The accessory has first and second ends configured to be coupled to the cable and an external cable accessory, respectively. The accessory has an injection port configured to introduce the fluid to a stranded conductor of the cable. The accessory may include a body and conductive rod. The body defines a through-channel configured to receive the conductor. The rod has a first portion that extends outwardly from the second end to be received inside the external cable accessory and to form an electrical connection therewith. The rod has a second portion configured to be coupled to the conductor and form an electrical connection therewith. The second portion (with the conductor coupled thereto) is positionable inside the through-channel with the first portion extending outward from the second end. The fluid is injectable into the conductor through injection port, which extends into the through-channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignees: NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Glenn J. Luzzi
  • Patent number: 10522984
    Abstract: A fitting for injecting a first fluid into an injection port of a cable accessory. The fitting includes at least one seal positioned on an injection nozzle. The nozzle is configured to be inserted into the port and has an internal fluid passageway through which the first fluid is injected into the accessory. The seal forms at least one fluid tight seal between the nozzle and the port. The fluid tight seal prevents the first fluid from exiting the accessory and flowing into an outer portion of the port and prevents a second fluid from flowing into an inner portion of the port. The first and second fluids have first and second voltage potentials, respectively. The second voltage potential is different from the first voltage potential. The seal isolates the first and second voltage potentials by isolating the first fluid from the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignees: NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Jeffrey J Madden
  • Patent number: 10418794
    Abstract: A valve assembly that includes a valve body, a poppet member, and a biasing member. The valve body has an internal through-channel. The poppet member has an inside portion positioned at least partially inside the through-channel and an outside portion positioned outside the through-channel and extending outwardly beyond the valve body. The poppet member is movable within the through-channel between an open position and a closed position. The biasing member is external to the valve housing and applies a biasing force to the outside portion of the poppet member that biases the poppet member toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
  • Patent number: 10230222
    Abstract: An insert for constructing a cable accessory used to inject a fluid into a cable. The cable accessory has an outer body defining an interior configured to house a conductor of the cable. The outer body includes an injection port with an internal channel configured to receive the fluid. The insert has first and second portions. The first portion is configured to line a portion of the interior of the cable accessory. The first portion has a first through-channel configured to allow the conductor of the cable to pass at least partway therethrough. The second portion is configured to line the internal channel of the injection port. The second portion has a second through-channel in fluid communication with the first through-channel. The insert is less permeable to the fluid than the outer body of the cable accessory. The insert may be molded into the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignees: NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Jeffrey J Madden
  • Patent number: 10199805
    Abstract: A high-pressure connector for use with a cable accessory having an injection port with an opening into an interior chamber defined by one or more sidewalls. The connector includes a body portion and one or more fluid seals. The body portion has an inner fluid chamber, an outer surface, and an aperture. The inner fluid chamber is configured to allow a conductor of a cable to pass therethrough. The fluid seal(s) are positionable between the outer surface of the body portion and the one or more sidewalls to define an outer fluid chamber. The outer fluid chamber is positioned such that the opening of the injection port is positioned within the outer fluid chamber so that a fluid exiting the injection port through the opening enters the outer fluid chamber. The aperture connects the outer and inner fluid chambers and allows the fluid to flow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
  • Publication number: 20180363940
    Abstract: A system for use with a manhole vault having an internal atmosphere, and, optionally, with a ventilation stack connecting the vault to an external atmosphere. The system includes a manhole cover, a ventilation pipe, and an air moving assembly. The cover has one or more through-holes extending between top and bottom surfaces. Each of the through-hole(s) is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere at the top surface. The pipe has a through-channel that extends between first and second openings. The first opening is positioned proximal to either an opening into the ventilation stack or at least one of the through-hole(s) at the bottom surface of the cover. The second opening is positioned in the interior of the vault. The device is configured to cause a portion of one of the interior and external atmospheres to flow through the through-channel toward a different one of the interior and external atmospheres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
  • Publication number: 20170317476
    Abstract: An insert for constructing a cable accessory used to inject a fluid into a cable. The cable accessory has an outer body defining an interior configured to house a conductor of the cable. The outer body includes an injection port with an internal channel configured to receive the fluid. The insert has first and second portions. The first portion is configured to line a portion of the interior of the cable accessory. The first portion has a first through-channel configured to allow the conductor of the cable to pass at least partway therethrough. The second portion is configured to line the internal channel of the injection port. The second portion has a second through-channel in fluid communication with the first through-channel. The insert is less permeable to the fluid than the outer body of the cable accessory. The insert may be molded into the outer body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
  • Publication number: 20170317478
    Abstract: A cable accessory for injecting fluid into a cable. The accessory has first and second ends configured to be coupled to the cable and an external cable accessory, respectively. The accessory has an injection port configured to introduce the fluid to a stranded conductor of the cable. The accessory may include a body and conductive rod. The body defines a through-channel configured to receive the conductor. The rod has a first portion that extends outwardly from the second end to be received inside the external cable accessory and to form an electrical connection therewith. The rod has a second portion configured to be coupled to the conductor and form an electrical connection therewith. The second portion (with the conductor coupled thereto) is positionable inside the through-channel with the first portion extending outward from the second end. The fluid is injectable into the conductor through injection port, which extends into the through-channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
  • Publication number: 20170312960
    Abstract: A fitting for injecting a first fluid into an injection port of a cable accessory. The fitting includes at least one seal positioned on an injection nozzle. The nozzle is configured to be inserted into the port and has an internal fluid passageway through which the first fluid is injected into the accessory. The seal forms at least one fluid tight seal between the nozzle and the port. The fluid tight seal prevents the first fluid from exiting the accessory and flowing into an outer portion of the port and prevents a second fluid from flowing into an inner portion of the port. The first and second fluids have first and second voltage potentials, respectively. The second voltage potential is different from the first voltage potential. The seal isolates the first and second voltage potentials by isolating the first fluid from the second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
  • Publication number: 20170317477
    Abstract: A high-pressure connector for use with a cable accessory having an injection port with an opening into an interior chamber defined by one or more sidewalls. The connector includes a body portion and one or more fluid seals. The body portion has an inner fluid chamber, an outer surface, and an aperture. The inner fluid chamber is configured to allow a conductor of a cable to pass therethrough. The fluid seal(s) are positionable between the outer surface of the body portion and the one or more sidewalls to define an outer fluid chamber. The outer fluid chamber is positioned such that the opening of the injection port is positioned within the outer fluid chamber so that a fluid exiting the injection port through the opening enters the outer fluid chamber. The aperture connects the outer and inner fluid chambers and allows the fluid to flow therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
  • Publication number: 20170314692
    Abstract: A valve assembly that includes a valve body, a poppet member, and a biasing member. The valve body has an internal through-channel. The poppet member has an inside portion positioned at least partially inside the through-channel and an outside portion positioned outside the through-channel and extending outwardly beyond the valve body. The poppet member is movable within the through-channel between an open position and a closed position. The biasing member is external to the valve housing and applies a biasing force to the outside portion of the poppet member that biases the poppet member toward the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
  • Publication number: 20160356521
    Abstract: A system for use with a manhole vault having an internal atmosphere, and, optionally, with a ventilation stack connecting the vault to an external atmosphere. The system includes a manhole cover, a ventilation pipe, and an air moving assembly. The cover has one or more through-holes extending between top and bottom surfaces. Each of the through-hole(s) is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere at the top surface. The pipe has a through-channel that extends between first and second openings. The first opening is positioned proximal to either an opening into the ventilation stack or at least one of the through-hole(s) at the bottom surface of the cover. The second opening is positioned in the interior of the vault. The device is configured to cause a portion of one of the interior and external atmospheres to flow through the through-channel toward a different one of the interior and external atmospheres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Mark Newton, James Steele
  • Publication number: 20160356522
    Abstract: A system for circulating air inside a manhole vault. The system includes an air-moving device in fluid communication with the manhole vault and configured to circulate the air inside the manhole vault to prevent a concentration of combustible gasses or to enhance cooling therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Mark Newton, Donald R. Songras, James Steele
  • Patent number: 8475194
    Abstract: A connector for introducing fluid to an electrical cable affixed in a chamber internal to the connector, the connector comprising an injection port exposed to at least one exterior surface of the cable connector, wherein the injection port is in fluidic communication with the chamber, and a reticulated plug is positioned within an insulated segment of the injection port and sized to fill at least a portion thereof. The reticulated plug may be used in combination with various types of conventional injection connectors to allow swapping of an insulative permanent plug for an injection plug after a dielectric enhancement fluid has been introduced into the interior of a cable using the reticulated plug, wherein the cable is energized during the swapping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Novinium, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras