Patents by Inventor Wynand J. van der Westhuizen

Wynand J. van der Westhuizen 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).

  • Mining method
    Patent number: 4458947
    Abstract: A deep level mining method wherein conventional mining takes place to recover ore and pillars are left for support purposes. The ore in the pillars is recovered before or after their formation by drilling overlapping holes into the reef in the pillars.The holes are plugged thereafter to restore the supporting function of the pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Boart International Limited
    Inventors: Robert J. Hopley, Wynand J. van der Westhuizen
  • Borehole guide and method of boring interpenetrating holes
    Patent number: 4432422
    Abstract: A borehole guide for drilling interpenetrating boreholes which may be parallel to one another or inclined to one another. The borehole guide is clamped in position in an already drilled borehole by inflating an inflatable member. Thereafter a drill which is directed by the guide is used to drill a second borehole which overlaps the first hole. A number of the borehole guides may be used end to end, and their relative orientation may be varied to direct the second borehole, within limits, along a desired path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Boart International, Limited
    Inventors: Robert J. Hopley, Wynand J. van der Westhuizen