Patents by Inventor Nic H. W. Smet

Nic H. W. Smet 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: 4921057
    Abstract: The head is carried by two flexible continuous drill pipes which surround each other and which are flexible enought to be uncoiled from a reel but which are still rigid enough almost not to get twisted in the ground on themselves or relative to each other during the operation of the head. The head is directed in the ground by means of fluid wich is pumped through one of the pipes and wherewith the head is repelled relative to the wall of the already formed portion of the hole. One of the pipes connects to one or more directable spray nozzles on the front end of the head, the other one connects to one or more sidewise-issueing openings wherein preferably a directable spray nozzle is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Nic H. W. Smet
  • Patent number: 4850440
    Abstract: The head is carried by two flexible continuous drill pipes which surround each other and which are flexible enough to be uncoiled from a reel but which are still rigid enough almost not to get twisted in the ground on themselves or relative to each other during the operation of the head. The head is directed in the ground by means of fluid which is pumped through one of the pipes and wherewith the head is repelled relative to the wall of the already formed portion of the hole. One of the pipes connects to one or more directable spray nozzles on the front end of the head, the other one connects to one or more sidewise-issueing openings wherein preferably a directable spray nozzle is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Nic H. W. Smet
  • Patent number: 4823888
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for making a tunnel. A flexible tube connects to a head consisting of a body and a nose mounted for movement thereon. The nose has an abutment face adjustable in position relative to said body, and carries a nozzle. The nose may be a bevelled cylinder which may be rotatable relatively to the body by a steering mechanism or be conical and be tiltable by jacks operable from above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Nic H. W. Smet