Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Wideman
Thomas W. Wideman 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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Publication number: 20190145631Abstract: A water storage tank with passive enhanced thermal energy management is provided. The tank is formed of substantially cylindrical central section comprising a majority of the length along its axis and a dome-shaped section at each end, A first system of managing energy management includes providing insulation covering all or most of the tank in order to prevent heat flow energy leaving the tank. The strength of the insulation, is varied such that one end of the tank has less insulativity than the other end of the tank. Preferably change occurs gradually along the axial length of the tank. The second system for providing passive energy management is using insulation formed of a material that has a glass phase change temperature at or near the temperature of the water when it enters the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: FLEXCON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas W. Wideman
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Publication number: 20190113054Abstract: An expansion tank with an improved diaphragm seal includes a seal for the joint between the flexible diaphragm and either an optional. non-flexible diaphragm or the tank wall, the providing of a seal support that prevents collapse, delamination, or tearing of the 5 tank shell wall. The tank shell may be formed of two substantially hemispherical domes joined together, either directly or at the two ends of a substantially cylindrical section. One of the segments forming the shell of the expansion tank, further comprises an extension lip, extending inwardly of the tank and around the entire circumference of the inner surface of the shell wall, located substantially near the junction of two of the sections 10 forming the tank. This extension lip may be made from the same material as the tank wall, or may be part of a separate circumferential connector interconnecting two of the sections of the tank wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2017Publication date: April 18, 2019Applicant: FLEXCON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Lucas Murphy, Travis Bergmiller, Anthony Palaza
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Publication number: 20190085536Abstract: An improved expansion tank is provided for at least temporarily storing a pumped liquid under pressure, the expansion tank comprising a thin walled outer shell formed of two substantially hemispherical domes joined together, either directly or at the two ends of a central, substantially cylindrical section, and a flexible diaphragm located internally of the tank and secured to the inner surface of the shell of the tank to divide the internal volume of the tank into a fluid-tight section holding a gas under pressure and a fluid-tight section for holding an aqueous liquid under pressure. The improvement comprising diaphragm coupling ring formed as a discrete part of the diaphragm tank that can be fabricated independent of the domes and any cylinder. The diaphragm coupling ring provides a robust, leak-proof seal with the diaphragm, so that it can be connected onto an inner surface of an expansion tank in a separate, secondary operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: FLEXCON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Lucas Murphy, Travis Bergmiller, Robert Lombari, Gretchen Sharfman, Nelson Sharfman, Michael Kennedy
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Patent number: 8763647Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of composite tubing having properties tailored to meet a wide variety of environmental and working conditions. Composite tubes disclosed herein may include one or more of the following layers: a internal liner, a composite layer, a thermal insulation layer, a crush resistant layer, a permeation barrier, buoyancy control layer, a pressure barrier layer, and a wear resistant layer. Grooves may be provided in one or more layers of the composite tube to provide increased axial permeability to the composite tube. A venting system, including vent paths, may be provided in the composite tube to vent fluid that may become trapped within the wall of the composite tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Fiberspar CorporationInventors: Peter A. Quigley, Stephen C. Nolet, Thomas W. Wideman, Michael Feechan
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Patent number: 8678041Abstract: A spoolable pipe is disclosed, the spoolable pipe having an internal pressure barrier formed about a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing layer(s) enclosing the internal pressure barrier. In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer(s) can include fibers having at least a partial helical orientation about approximately thirty and about approximately seventy degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, and, the wall can include at least one external layer enclosing the reinforcing layer(s) and having a permeability at least ten times greater than the permeability of the internal pressure barrier. The reinforcing layer(s) can further include a coating. The pipe can also include an energy conductor(s) integrated with and/or located between the internal pressure barrier and/or the reinforcing layer(s).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Fiberspar CorporationInventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan, Thomas W. Wideman
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Publication number: 20130264118Abstract: Methods and apparatus for excavation of a borehole in a geological formation are provided. Such methods may include providing a thermal system capable of providing substantially hot fluid, and comprising at least one jet nozzle, providing a mechanical drilling system comprising a drill bit, directing the substantially hot fluid through the jet nozzle towards the geological formation causing an altered portion of geological formation to form, and removing the altered portion using the drill bit, thereby creating cuttings and producing a borehole in the geological formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Jared M. Potter, Donald S. Dreesen, Robert M. Potter, Jason Unzelman-Langsdorf
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Publication number: 20120266996Abstract: A spoolable pipe is disclosed, the spoolable pipe having an internal pressure barrier formed about a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing layer(s) enclosing the internal pressure barrier that includes a solid hydrocarbon matrix. The pipe can also include an energy conductor(s) integrated with and/or located between the internal pressure barrier and/or the reinforcing layer(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: Fiberspar CorporationInventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Peter A. Quigley
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Patent number: 8235140Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spalling a material, for example to thermally drill a wellhole, are provided. Such methods may include directing a fluid having a temperature greater than about 500° C. above the ambient temperature of the material and less than about the temperature of the brittle-ductile transition temperature of the material to a target location on the surface of the material, wherein the fluid produces a heat flux of about 0.1 to about 50 MW/m2 at an interface between the fluid and the target location, and thereby creating spalls of the material.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Potter Drilling, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Jared M. Potter, Donald Dreesen, Robert M. Potter
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Patent number: 8187687Abstract: A spoolable pipe is disclosed, the spoolable pipe having an internal pressure barrier formed about a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing layer(s) enclosing the internal pressure barrier that includes a solid hydrocarbon matrix. The pipe can also include an energy conductor(s) integrated with and/or located between the internal pressure barrier and/or the reinforcing layer(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Fiberspar CorporationInventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Peter A. Quigley
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Publication number: 20120118423Abstract: A spoolable pipe is disclosed, the spoolable pipe having an internal pressure barrier formed about a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing layer(s) enclosing the internal pressure barrier. In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer(s) can include fibers having at least a partial helical orientation about approximately thirty and about approximately seventy degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, and, the wall can include at least one external layer enclosing the reinforcing layer(s) and having a permeability at least ten times greater than the permeability of the internal pressure barrier. The reinforcing layer(s) can further include a coating. The pipe can also include an energy conductor(s) integrated with and/or located between the internal pressure barrier and/or the reinforcing layer(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan, Thomas W. Wideman
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Patent number: 7807013Abstract: A composite article is provided that includes a polyolefin layer, a tie-layer, and a non-polyolefin. The tie-layer may comprise a silicon modified polyolefin. Methods are also provided for adhering a polyolefin to a non-polyolefin. Such articles may used, for example, in composite tubing.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Fiberspar CorporationInventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Michael Feechan
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Publication number: 20100218993Abstract: Methods and apparatus for excavation of a borehole in a geological formation are provided. Such methods may include providing a thermal system capable of providing substantially hot fluid, and comprising at least one jet nozzle, providing a mechanical drilling system comprising a drill bit, directing the substantially hot fluid through the jet nozzle towards the geological formation causing an altered portion of geological formation to form, and removing the altered portion using the drill bit, thereby creating cuttings and producing a borehole in the geological formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Jared M. Potter, Donald S. Dreesen, Robert M. Potter, Jason Unzelman-Langsdorf
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Publication number: 20100101676Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of composite tubing having properties tailored to meet a wide variety of environmental and working conditions. Composite tubes disclosed herein may include one or more of the following layers: a internal liner, a composite layer, a thermal insulation layer, a crush resistant layer, a permeation barrier, buoyancy control layer, a pressure barrier layer, and a wear resistant layer. Grooves may be provided in one or more layers of the composite tube to provide increased axial permeability to the composite tube. A venting system, including vent paths, may be provided in the composite tube to vent fluid that may become trapped within the wall of the composite tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Stephen C. Nolet, Thomas W. Wideman, Michael Feechan
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Publication number: 20100089577Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spalling a material, for example to thermally drill a wellhole, are provided. Such methods may include directing a fluid having a temperature greater than about 500° C. above the ambient temperature of the material and less than about the temperature of the brittle-ductile transition temperature of the material to a target location on the surface of the material, wherein the fluid produces a heat flux of about 0.1 to about 50 MW/m2 at an interface between the fluid and the target location, and thereby creating spalls of the material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: Potter Drilling, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Jared M. Potter, Donalds Dreesen, Robert M. Potter
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Publication number: 20100089574Abstract: Methods for enhancing existing wells, such as increasing the diameter of an existing well by hydrothermal spallation are provided. Such methods may include providing a housing comprising a reaction chamber and a catalyst element held within the reaction chamber, providing at least one jet nozzle, contacting one or more unreacted fluids or solids with the catalyst element, wherein the unreacted fluid or solid is adapted to react with the catalyst element, thus generating a reacted fluid, and emitting the reacted fluid through the at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one nozzle may be directed to a production zone of an internal wall of the existing well.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: Potter Drilling, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Jared M. Potter, Donald S. Dreesen, Robert M. Potter
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Publication number: 20100089576Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spalling a geological formation, for example to thermally drill a wellhole, are provided. Such methods may include providing a housing comprising a reaction chamber and a catalyst element held within the reaction chamber, providing at least one jet nozzle, contacting one or more unreacted fluids or solids with the catalyst element, wherein the unreacted fluid or solid is adapted to react over the catalyst element, thus generating a reacted fluid, and emitting the reacted fluid through the at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one nozzle is directed to an excavation site within or on the geological rock formation, thereby creating spalls and/or a reacted rock region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: Potter Drilling, Inc.Inventors: THOMAS W. WIDEMAN, JARED M. POTTER, DONALD S. DREESEN, ROBERT M. POTTER
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Publication number: 20090173406Abstract: A spoolable pipe is disclosed, the spoolable pipe having an internal pressure barrier formed about a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing layer(s) enclosing the internal pressure barrier. In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer(s) can include fibers having at least a partial helical orientation about approximately thirty and about approximately seventy degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, and, the wall can include at least one external layer enclosing the reinforcing layer(s) and having a permeability at least ten times greater than the permeability of the internal pressure barrier. The reinforcing layer(s) can further include a coating. The pipe can also include an energy conductor(s) integrated with and/or located between the internal pressure barrier and/or the reinforcing layer(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan, Thomas W. Wideman
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Patent number: 7523765Abstract: A spoolable pipe is disclosed, the spoolable pipe having an internal pressure barrier formed about a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing layer(s) enclosing the internal pressure barrier. In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer(s) can include fibers having at least a partial helical orientation about approximately thirty and about approximately seventy degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, and, the wall can include at least one external layer enclosing the reinforcing layer(s) and having a permeability at least ten times greater than the permeability of the internal pressure barrier. The reinforcing layer(s) can further include a coating. The pipe can also include an energy conductor(s) integrated with and/or located between the internal pressure barrier and/or the reinforcing layer(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Fiberspar CorporationInventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan, Thomas W. Wideman
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Publication number: 20090090460Abstract: A composite article is provided that includes a polyolefin layer, a tie-layer, and a non-polyolefin. The tie-layer may comprise a silicon modified polyolefin. Methods are also provided for adhering a polyolefin to a non-polyolefin. Such articles may used, for example, in composite tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Michael Feechan
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Patent number: 7285333Abstract: A composite article is provided that includes a polyolefin layer, a tie-layer, and a non-polyolefin. The tie-layer may comprise a silicon modified polyolefin. Methods are also provided for adhering a polyolefin to a non-polyolefin. Such articles may used, for example, in composite tubing.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Fiberspar CorporationInventors: Thomas W. Wideman, Michael Feechan