Patents by Inventor Francesco Portas

Francesco Portas 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: 9613735
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying an elastic tubular sleeve onto a splicing region between at least one pair of cables, wherein the tubular sleeve is supported in a radially expanded condition on at least one supporting element, may include axial-movement devices configured to axially move the at least one supporting element relative to the tubular sleeve at an adjustable speed, so as to cause a radial elastic shrinkage of the tubular sleeve capable of inducing an axial ejection thrust on the at least one supporting element, and counter devices configured to counteract the axial ejection thrust induced by the elastic shrinkage of the tubular sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN CAVI E SISTEMI ENERGIA S.R.I.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Ubaldo Vallauri
  • Patent number: 9590410
    Abstract: A screen connector for electrical cables may include: a conductive shield sock extending about a longitudinal axis and configured to couple to a conductive screen of at least one electrical cable or to at least one jointing assembly for the electrical cables; a shrinkable protective sleeve arranged in a radially outer position with respect to the conductive shield sock; at least one first removable support element arranged in a radially inner position with respect to the conductive shield sock and configured to hold the conductive shield sock and the shrinkable protective sleeve in a radially expanded state; and/or at the axially opposite end portions of the screen connector, at least one watertight element. The at least one watertight element may be radially interposed between the conductive shield sock and the shrinkable protective sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Tania Collina, Javier Gracia Alonso
  • Patent number: 9270031
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a jointing assembly for medium or high voltage electrical cables may include: forming a tubular element made from semi-conductive material; cutting out of the tubular element first and second cylindrical elements; machining an end portion of the first and second cylindrical elements to provide the end portions with an at least partially rounded profile; arranging the first cylindrical element at a radially inner surface of an elastomeric sleeve made from dielectric material; arranging the second cylindrical element at a free end portion of the elastomeric sleeve, spaced apart from the first cylindrical element, with the at least partially rounded profile end portion of the second cylindrical element facing the at least partially rounded profile end portion of the first cylindrical element; and elastically expanding the elastomeric sleeve by inserting at least one removable support element in a radially inner position with respect to the elastomeric sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Portas
  • Patent number: 9219318
    Abstract: A jointing assembly for electrical cables may include: a connector extending about a longitudinal axis and provided, at at least one end portion thereof, with at least one housing seat for at least one free end of a respective electrical cable; and a shrinkable sleeve coaxially arranged in a radially outer position with respect to the connector. The shrinkable sleeve may be held in a radially expanded state by at least one removable support element radially interposed between the connector and the shrinkable sleeve. The connector may be mechanically coupled to the at least one removable support element by at least one stop element that radially projects from at least one of the connector and the at least one removable support element, and that contacts the other one of the connector and the at least one removable support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Tania Collina, Javier Gracia Alonso
  • Patent number: 9184576
    Abstract: A method of coating the junction area between elongated elements, in particular between electric cables. This method includes the steps of: arranging a rigid tubular support having two axially separable tubular halves; mounting an elastic tubular sleeve in an elastically radially expanded condition on an outer surface of the support; interposing a lubricating material between the support and sleeve; arranging a circumferentially continuous sealing element between the halves to prevent the lubricant from percolating between the halves; positioning the support around the junction area; and moving the halves apart from each other to enable the sleeve to collapse on the junction area. A device for coating the junction area between elongated elements and a method of making the device and a joint for electric cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN CAVI E SISTEMI ENERGIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ubaldo Vallauri, Francesco Portas
  • Patent number: 8789570
    Abstract: An apparatus for disposing a tubular covering sleeve for electric-cable joints on a supporting element may include a support for the tubular covering sleeve; a pair of expanders; driving means configured to introduce the expanders into respective ends of the tubular covering sleeve and to cause radial expansion of the tubular covering sleeve; and devices for disposing the tubular covering sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element. The expanders may be configured to be placed in substantially coaxial positions relative to the tubular covering sleeve at the respective ends of the tubular covering sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi e Sistemi Energia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Ubaldo Vallauri
  • Publication number: 20140166359
    Abstract: A method of coating the junction area between elongated elements, in particular between electric cables. This method includes the steps of: arranging a rigid tubular support having two axially separable tubular halves; mounting an elastic tubular sleeve in an elastically radially expanded condition on an outer surface of the support; interposing a lubricating material between the support and sleeve; arranging a circumferentially continuous sealing element between the halves to prevent the lubricant from percolating between the halves; positioning the support around the junction area; and moving the halves apart from each other to enable the sleeve to collapse on the junction area. A device for coating the junction area between elongated elements and a method of making the device and a joint for electric cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: PIRELLI CAVI E SISTEMI ENERGIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ubaldo Vallauri, Francesco Portas
  • Patent number: 8697995
    Abstract: A method of coating the junction area between elongated elements, in particular between electric cables. This method includes the steps of: arranging a rigid tubular support having two axially separable tubular halves; mounting an elastic tubular sleeve in an elastically radially expanded condition on an outer surface of the support; interposing a lubricating material between the support and sleeve; arranging a circumferentially continuous sealing element between the halves to prevent the lubricant from percolating between the halves; positioning the support around the junction area; and moving the halves apart from each other to enable the sleeve to collapse on the junction area. A device for coating the junction area between elongated elements and a method of making the device and a joint for electric cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi E Sistemi Energia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ubaldo Vallauri, Francesco Portas
  • Publication number: 20140007421
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying an elastic tubular sleeve onto a splicing region between at least one pair of cables, wherein the tubular sleeve is supported in a radially expanded condition on at least one supporting element, may include axial-movement devices configured to axially move the at least one supporting element relative to the tubular sleeve at an adjustable speed, so as to cause a radial elastic shrinkage of the tubular sleeve capable of inducing an axial ejection thrust on the at least one supporting element, and counter devices configured to counteract the axial ejection thrust induced by the elastic shrinkage of the tubular sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: PRYSMIAN CAVI E SISTEMI ENERGIA S.R.L
    Inventors: Francesco PORTAS, Ubaldo VALLAURI
  • Publication number: 20140000928
    Abstract: A screen connector (10) for electrical cables and/or for jointing assemblies for electrical cables, comprises a conductive shield sock (11) extending about a longitudinal axis (X-X) and adapted to be coupled to a conductive screen of at least one electrical cable or to at least one jointing assembly for electrical cables. A shrinkable protective sleeve (12) is arranged in a radially outer position with respect to said conductive shield sock (11) and at least one removable support element (13) is arranged in a radially inner position with respect to said conductive shield sock (11) to hold said conductive shield sock (11) and said shrinkable protective sleeve (12) in a radially expanded state. A jointing assembly for electrical cables is also disclosed, said jointing assembly being either in a radially expanded state or radially collapsed onto an end portion of at least one electrical cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: PRYSMIAN S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Tania Collina, Javier Gracia Alonso
  • Publication number: 20130341087
    Abstract: A jointing assembly (10) for electrical cables (100a, 100b) comprises a connector (11) extending about a longitudinal axis (X-X) and provided, at at least one end portion (11a, 11b) thereof, with at least one housing seat (12a, 12b) for at least one free end of a respective electrical cable (100a, 100b). A shrinkable sleeve (20) is coaxially arranged in a radially outer position with respect to said connector (11). Said shrinkable sleeve (20) is held in a radially expanded state by at least one removable support element (30a, 30b) radially interposed between said connector (11) and said shrinkable sleeve (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: PRYSMIAN S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Tania Collina, Javier Gracia Alonso
  • Publication number: 20130333945
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a jointing assembly (10) for medium or high voltage electrical cables (100a, 100b), comprises: forming a tubular element (25) made from a semi-conductive material; cutting out of said tubular element (25) a first cylindrical element (21) having a first length and a second cylindrical element (22a, 22b) having a second length; machining an end portion (23a, 23b) of said first cylindrical element (21) and an end portion (24a, 24b) of said second cylindrical element (22a, 22b) to provide them with an at least partially rounded profile; arranging said first cylindrical element (21) at a radially inner surface of an elastomeric sleeve (20) made from a dielectric material and extending about a longitudinal axis (X-X); arranging said second cylindrical element (22a, 22b) at a free end portion (20a, 20b) of said elastomeric sleeve (20), and spaced apart from said first cylindrical element (21), with the rounded end portion (24a, 24b) of said second cylindrical element (22a, 22b) facing the
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: PRYSMIAN S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Portas
  • Patent number: 8555499
    Abstract: A method of splicing first and second cables may include providing an elastic tubular sleeve, supported by at least one supporting element, in a radially expanded condition; arranging the sleeve in the radially expanded condition around one cable; connecting the cables to obtain a splicing region; positioning the sleeve in the radially expanded condition around the splicing region; axially moving the at least one supporting element relative to the sleeve to cause radial elastic shrinkage of the sleeve capable of inducing axial ejection thrust on the at least one supporting element; counteracting the axial ejection thrust; and adjusting axial movement speed of the at least one supporting element to adapt the axial movement speed to a speed of the elastic shrinkage. Counteracting the axial ejection thrust may include applying axial reaction force to one end of the at least one supporting element axially projecting from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi e Sistemi Energia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Ubaldo Vallauri
  • Publication number: 20130061465
    Abstract: An apparatus for disposing a tubular covering sleeve for electric-cable joints on a supporting element may include a support for the tubular covering sleeve; a pair of expanders; driving means configured to introduce the expanders into respective ends of the tubular covering sleeve and to cause radial expansion of the tubular covering sleeve; and devices for disposing the tubular covering sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element. The expanders may be configured to be placed in substantially coaxial positions relative to the tubular covering sleeve at the respective ends of the tubular covering sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Francesco PORTAS, Ubaldo Vallauri
  • Patent number: 8273200
    Abstract: A method of disposing a tubular covering sleeve for electric-cable joints on a supporting element may include arranging the sleeve in a rest and not yet expanded condition; causing radial expansion of the sleeve starting from axially opposite end portions; and arranging the sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element. Radial expansion of the sleeve may be carried out gradually, starting from the end portions of the sleeve toward an axially intermediate portion of the sleeve. The method of may include arranging the sleeve; arranging a pair of expanders, each at a respective end of the sleeve and at a substantially coaxial position relative to the sleeve; introducing the expanders into the respective ends of the sleeve; abutting distal ends of the expanders against each other at an axially intermediate portion of the sleeve; and arranging the sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi e Sistemi Energia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Ubaldo Vallauri
  • Publication number: 20120073498
    Abstract: A method of coating the junction area between elongated elements, in particular between electric cables. This method includes the steps of: arranging a rigid tubular support having two axially separable tubular halves; mounting an elastic tubular sleeve in an elastically radially expanded condition on an outer surface of the support; interposing a lubricating material between the support and sleeve; arranging a circumferentially continuous sealing element between the halves to prevent the lubricant from percolating between the halves; positioning the support around the junction area; and moving the halves apart from each other to enable the sleeve to collapse on the junction area. A device for coating the junction area between elongated elements and a method of making the device and a joint for electric cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: PRYSMIAN CAVI E SISTEMI ENERGIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ubaldo VALLAURI, Francesco Portas
  • Patent number: 8119193
    Abstract: A method of coating the junction area between elongated elements, in particular between electric cables. This method includes the steps of: arranging a rigid tubular support having two axially separable tubular halves; mounting an elastic tubular sleeve in an elastically radially expanded condition on an outer surface of the support; interposing a lubricating material between the support and sleeve; arranging a circumferentially continuous sealing element between the halves to prevent the lubricant from percolating between the halves; positioning the support around the junction area; and moving the halves apart from each other to enable the sleeve to collapse on the junction area. A device for coating the junction area between elongated elements and a method of making the device and a joint for electric cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi E Sistemi Energia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ubaldo Vallauri, Francesco Portas
  • Patent number: 7872197
    Abstract: A tubular covering sleeve for joints of electric cables may include a primary tubular body and a coating sheath. The primary tubular body may include at least one annular insert of semiconductive material integrated into at least one layer of insulating material. The coating sheath may include one or more layers of semiconductive material mechanically engaged in a condition of resilient radial expansion around the primary tubular body so as to exert a centripetal tightening action on the primary tubular body. A junction for electric cables may include devices for mutual connection between the conductors of the cables and a covering sleeve applied around the devices for mutual connection and around the cables. Each cable may include at least one conductor disposed in an insulating coating and a shielding coating externally applied to the insulating coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi E Sistemi Energia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ubaldo Vallauri, Francesco Portas
  • Patent number: 7838770
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method as well as to a joint assembly (12) for splicing a first and a second eclectic cable (1, 2) by means of a tubular elastic sleeve (15) at a splicing zone (11) between such cables (1, 2), said tubular sleeve (15) being supported in an expanded condition on a removable hollow supporting element (16) detachable in a first supporting portion (17) and a second supporting portion (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi e Sistemi Energia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Ubaldo Vallauri
  • Publication number: 20100146785
    Abstract: An elastic tubular sleeve (8) in engagement with a tubular supporting element (9) is set to a substantially coaxial position around one of the electric cables (2a, 2b). Subsequently, the conductors (3a, 3b) of the cables (2a, 2b) are mutually connected to obtain a splicing region between said cables. The tubular sleeve (8) in engagement with the supporting element (9) is positioned around the splicing region. By use of a suitable apparatus (100, 101, 102) previously engaged on the sleeve (8) and the supporting element (9), the supporting element (9) is drawn out of the tubular sleeve (8) so as to cause a radial elastic shrinkage of the tubular sleeve (8) capable of inducing an axial ejection thrust on the supporting element (9) itself. Counter devices (12) associated with the apparatus (100, 101, 102) counteract the axial ejection thrust so as to allow the speed at which the supporting element (9) is drawn out of the sleeve (8) itself to be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Francesco Portas, Ubaldo Vallauri