Abstract: System and method for core sample orientating uses an orientation data gathering device recording core sample orientation belowground at irregular time intervals, preferably while drilling is ceased and the irregular time intervals can be randomly generated by the orientation data gathering device. Target orientation data is closest to time Tx, Tx being greater than, less than or equal to T?t, where T is the time recorded by the data gathering device and t is the recorded elapsed time commenced by a communication device at the surface. The data gathering device is interrogated at the surface by the communication device. Timers in each are stopped or their individual times associated with each other (survey time T and elapsed time t). Target recorded orientation data Tx is identifiable as the largest Tx value<T?(t?W), where W is a delay period.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining orientation of a core sample core drilled from underlying rock. A core orientation recording device (116) records its orientation at random and/or non-predetermined time intervals from a reference time during a drilling operation. The time intervals are generated to be within a range of minimum and maximum time intervals. After a time interval elapsed from the reference time plus a wait time of at least the minimum random or non-predetermined time interval, the core sample is separated from the underlying rock and brought to the surface and its original orientation is determined from orientation data recorded closest in time to the elapsed time plus the minimum time interval. A remote communicator (160) having the elapsed time interrogates the core orientation recordal device (116) to identify the required orientation data and requires the core orientation recordal device to identify a correct orientation of the core sample.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining orientation of a core sample core drilled from underlying rock. A core orientation recording device (116) records its orientation at random and/or non-predetermined time intervals from a reference time during a drilling operation. The time intervals are generated to be within a range of minimum and maximum time intervals. After a time interval elapsed from the reference time plus a wait time of at least the minimum random or non-predetermined time interval, the core sample is separated from the underlying rock and brought to the surface and its original orientation is determined from orientation data recorded closest in time to the elapsed time plus the minimum time interval. A remote communicator (160) having the elapsed time interrogates the core orientation recordal device (116) to identify the required orientation data and requires the core orientation recordal device to identify a correct orientation of the core sample.

Abstract: Orientation data representing a required orientation of a core sample held in a core tube (22, 50) prior to separation of the core sample (24, 52) from the underlying rock can be recorded by a data gathering device (42, 80) at least while drilling is ceased and closest to time Tx, where Tx can be greater than, less than or equal to T?t, where T is the time recorded by the data gathering device (42, 80) and t is the recorded elapsed time commenced and recorded by a communication device (60) at the surface. Elapsed time t commences at the surface when drilling ceases and preferably before the core is to be broken from the underlying rock. For regular time intervals I between orientation data measurements, there can be a time delay W from commencing the elapsed time t. This time delay should be at least as long as (I) a time interval between taking orientation measurements plus the time to actually measure an orientation. After the delay W has elapsed, the core can be broken from the underlying rock.

Abstract: A drilling log data logger 10, and system incorporating the same, has means 14-40 to receive drilling event related data, electronic storage means to store said input data, and output means 12,42 to output said data on demand. A related drilling log data recordal method for at least one drilling operation includes entering 100 initial drilling data into a data logger 10, said initial drilling data relating to at least one said drilling operation, creating current progress drilling data 108 in the data logger based on said initial drilling data, entering subsequent drilling data 110 into the data logger relating to one or more of a drilling task, drilling progress, drilling equipment or drilling operators of said drilling operation, comparing the subsequent drilling data 110 with the current progress drilling data 108; and updating the current progress drilling data 108 using the subsequent drilling data 110.

Abstract: A facilitator computer for making electronic payments. The first and second parties are a payee and a payer, who maybe a vendor (with a vendor computer) and a purchaser (with a purchaser computer). The method involves a message from the vendor computer, identifying the vendor computer and transaction details, which is received by the facilitator computer (trusted thrid party). Subsequent processing by the facilitator computer, involving interaction with the purchaser computer leads to a secure payment transaction. In coordinating the transaction, the payment server may check as to whether the customer's computer is available (on-line) and/or whether the goods or services are supplied at a timed rate. The identity of the vendor and purchaser computers is verified and authenticated against a known list of computer identities to improve security in the system.