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).
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Patent number: 11561023Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: NOVINIUM, LLCInventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
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Patent number: 11060754Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Mark Newton, James Steele
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Patent number: 10969136Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Mark Newton, James Steele
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Patent number: 10962253Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Mark Newton, Donald R. Songras, James Steele
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Patent number: 10840678Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignees: Novinium, Inc., Richards Mfg, Co.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Glenn J. Luzzi
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Publication number: 20200144796Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Glenn J. Luzzi
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Patent number: 10522983Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignees: NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Glenn J. Luzzi
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Patent number: 10522984Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignees: NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Jeffrey J Madden
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Patent number: 10418794Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
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Patent number: 10230222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignees: NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Jeffrey J Madden
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Patent number: 10199805Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
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Publication number: 20180363940Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
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Publication number: 20170317476Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
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Publication number: 20170317478Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
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Publication number: 20170312960Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
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Publication number: 20170317477Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
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Publication number: 20170314692Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras
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Publication number: 20160356521Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Mark Newton, James Steele
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Publication number: 20160356522Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Mark Newton, Donald R. Songras, James Steele
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Patent number: 8475194Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Novinium, Inc.Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras