Abstract: A coring bit, including an outer hollow coring shaft, and a rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve disposed inside the outer hollow coring shaft. The rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve may be a non-rotating internal sleeve. The rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve may be a free-floating internal sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for coring a borehole in a hard rock sidewall of a well bore in a subterranean formation for testing purposes. The apparatus includes a drive motor for operation down hole, a flexible drive shaft coupled to the drive motor and a coring bit coupled to the flexible drive shaft, such that the coring bit is directly driven by the drive motor. The apparatus also includes a control circuit for controlling advancement of the coring bit into the subterranean formation. The apparatus also includes a rotating carousel for storing multiple core samples. The method includes the steps of activating the drive motor to rotate the output shaft; coupling the output shaft of the drive motor to the flexible drive shaft and rotating the coring bit with the flexible drive shaft.

Abstract: Core orientator for a core drill includes a face orientator and a bottom orientator supported by a shaft which extends into a shroud. A tubular extension is coupled to the shroud and is slidably coupled to a main body. The main body includes first and second latches. The first latches releasably lock the device to a core lifter case assembly disposed within the core drill, to selectively prevent the device from advancing in an uphole direction within the core drill. The latching system operates to prevent the device from falling out of the core drill. Face orientator includes a plurality of pins which can move axially to provide a plurality of profile reference points to a facing surface of a hole to be drilled. The bottom orientator includes a plurality of balls disposed within respective braces.

Abstract: A core drill assembly with replaceable fluid nozzles permitting effective total flow area adjustment (TFA), substantial optimization of hydraulic force at the cutting face to improve rate of penetration (ROP) and core quality. At least one seal assembly to restrict drilling fluid flow while permitting mutual rotation between the core head ID and the lower shoe is disposed in an annulus defined therebetween.

Abstract: A soil sampling system is provided that allows headspace screening of soil samples at spaced intervals along a soil sample liner without disturbing the soil samples to be collected and shipped to a laboratory for further testing. The soil sample liner includes a plurality of cylindrical liner sections positioned end-to-end in a linear array, with each liner section having a sidewall and open ends. A shrink-wrap material covers the liner sections and holds the liner sections together as an assembled unit. Some of the liner sections have access openings formed in a sidewall thereof for providing access to the soil samples contained therein. The liner sections having access openings are interspersed between other liner sections that do not have access openings. The access openings are used by piercing the shrink-wrap material covering the access opening, and inserting a probe tip through the access opening into a headspace to measure contamination.

Abstract: A soil sampling system that in one embodiment includes a drill rod, a sampler or core barrel and an adapter coupling, for connecting the sampler barrel to the drill rod. In one embodiment the drill rod provides vibratory drilling movement, and the sampler barrel collects soil samples. The adapter coupling may include a barrel adapter for attaching the adapter coupling to the sampler barrel, a rod adapter for connecting the adapter coupling to the drill rod, and an isolating mechanism to isolate the sampler barrel from any upward vibratory movement of said drill rod. As such, the sampler barrel receives only downward motion from the drill rod. In one embodiment, the isolating mechanism of the soil sampling system includes an isolator box connected to the rod adapter. The soil sampling system may also include an isolator pin attached to the barrel adapter. In an embodiment of the soil sampling system, the rod adapter drives the isolator pin during a downward stroke of said drill rod.

Abstract: A sponge core barrel for use in performing sponge coring and methods of assembling the sponge core barrel, as well as methods of performing sponge coring. The sponge core barrel includes an outer barrel assembly, a core bit secured to a lower end thereof, and an inner barrel assembly disposed therein. The inner barrel assembly may comprise multiple, sponge-lined inner tube sections and may also include a near-bit swivel assembly. The sponge core barrel may include a piston assembly configured to be released by contact with a core sample without imparting high compressive forces to the core. The sponge core barrel may also include a pressure compensation mechanism and, optionally, a thermal compensation mechanism cooperatively configured to maintain the pressure of presaturation fluid. The sponge core barrel may also include a valve assembly enabling the make-up and presaturation of multiple, sections of inner tube to form a single, continuous chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic and sonic mechanism of deep drilling (USMOD) that is driven by a vibrating actuator and operates in a similar manner to the gopher with regards to drilling debris removal. The actuator induces vibration in the form of a hammering actuation. The mechanism consists of a penetration bit with a diameter that is the same or larger than the actuator. The embodiment of the invention that is disclosed herein emulates a gopher. This ultrasonic gopher is lowered down into the produced borehole, cores the medium, breaks and holds the core, and finally extracts and deploys the core. A USMOD device consists of power drive and a drill-head. The power driver generates ultrasonic pulses to activate the USMOD mechanism and it allows optimized use of power by duty cycling the signal. The drill-head consists of an actuator, free mass and a penetration bit. The actuator consists of a vibration source and a horn that amplifies the amplitude of the vibration.

Abstract: A novel corer and grinder apparatus suitable for interplanetary travel and extraplanetary operation is disclosed. The corer grinder composes a claw element attached to a shaft coupled to a motor. A second motor compresses a spring forcing against a hammer unit that constitute the majority of the unit's mass. On release the energy stored in the compressed spring converts into momentum of the hammer unit that strikes against the claw element releasing the impact energy directly to the cutting end for cutting. The direction of the energy released is modified by an impact platform to produce a horizontal chipping action to aid cutting. The claw element further comprises a pair of semi-cylindrical claw elements that separate upon rotation of the shaft in a first direction, easing collection of core samples. The semi-cylindrical claw elements join upon rotation of the shaft in the opposite direction, thereby grasping the core sample during removal from the material being sampled.

Abstract: Inner core barrel head assembly (10) includes an upper latch body (24), a plurality of latching balls (26) which are retained in the latch body (24) and a locking sleeve (28) disposed within the latch body (24). The sleeve (28) has an outer circumferential latching surface (30) of a first outer diameter and an outer circumferential release surface (32) of a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. The locking sleeve is axially moveable relative to the upper latch body (24) between a latching position and a release position. In the latching position, the latching surface (30) is in radial alignment with the balls (26), forcing the balls (26) radially outwardly into a latch seat (12) provided on a core barrel (20) attached to a lower end of a drill rod (14). This latches the assembly (10) to the core barrel preventing withdrawal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for a valve, which valve comprises a movable valve body (6) having a first side (9) facing a means for supplying pressurized fluid and influenced in the supply direction by a force from said fluid, and a second side (11) influenced in opposite direction by a force from said fluid, which valve is provided with at least one connection (8) connecting the first side (9) of the valve body with the second side (11) of the valve body, and also comprising a spring (20) for opening the valve by displacing the valve body from a closed position to an open position, said method comprising the following steps: a pressurized fluid is supplied to the valve in closed position so that the valve remains closed; the supply of pressurised fluid to the closed valve ceases, a force equalization then occurs between said first (9) and second (11) sides thereby enabling the spring to open the valve, and a pressurized fluid is supplied to the valve in open position and the valve remains open.

Abstract: The soil sampler includes a sampling tube having a receiving space for receiving a soil sample, the receiving space being limited in a radial direction by a wall, being open in a distal direction for permitting soil to enter and in a proximal direction being limited by a transverse wall, the transverse wall having ducts for supplying and discharge fluid to the receiving space and a plug for closing the ducts, a free plug or piston being placed in the receiving space closely fitting in there and movable between the transverse wall and the distal area of the sampling tube and the transverse wall and the free plug or piston defining a sealed chamber for fluid when the free plug or piston is situated at a distance from the transverse wall.

Abstract: A core stabilization apparatus and method are implemented. An inner barrel having a plurality of ports disposed circumferentially and axially in a wall thereof is provided. A gas manifold is attached to a first subsets of the ports. Gas is delivered to an interior of the inner barrel via the gas manifold and the corresponding ports. Drilling mud remaining in the interior of the inner barrel is expelled through a second subset of ports. After expulsion of the drilling mud, a stabilizing compound is injected into the interior via an injection manifold attached to the second subset of ports. Upon curing of the stabilizing compound, the inner barrel and core sample contained therein may be sectioned or otherwise manipulated.

Abstract: A soil sample liner assembly having a permanently attached core catcher is disclosed for use in a dual tube sampling system. The liner assembly includes a generally cylindrical tube having an upper end, a lower end, and a substantially smooth cylindrical outer surface extending between the ends. A core catcher is positioned within the tube and permanently attached at its lower end. The core catcher includes a plurality of resilient fingers that deflect outwardly to allow soil to pass into the tube and prevent soil from falling back out. The liner assembly has its lower end supported by an inner ledge of a cutting shoe of the dual tube sampling system. The liner assembly with the permanently attached core catcher is removable through the upper end of the outer casing without disturbing the attachment between the cutting shoe and the outer casing while the sampling system remains in the ground.

Abstract: A core bit for cutting core samples in subterranean formations. The core bit has interior geometric features configured to control the quantity of drilling fluid, or flow split, flowing into a narrow annulus defined by an inside diameter of the core bit and an outside diameter of a core shoe. Reducing the flow split minimizes fluid invasion of a core being cut; thus, the core bit provides increased core quality and recoverability. The core bit is also adaptable for use with conventional core barrel assemblies and conventional coring techniques.

Abstract: A wellbore assembly is provided that is operable in wellbores in the range of six to six and one-half inches for obtaining large diameter cores, e.g., cores greater than or equal to two and seven-eighths inches in diameter. The wellbore assembly may preferably be utilized with drill pipe so that standard drilling rigs may be utilized in drilling and coring operations therewith. The drill pipe in accord with the present invention may be formed by modifying standard API drill pipe such as API four and one-half inch IF (Internal Flush) drill pipe in a special manner that renders the drill pipe still suitable for the type of drilling operations of interest and also suitable for handling by any drilling rig capable of using standard API drill pipe. Alternatively, the drill piper may be initially manufactured in accord with the specifications of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a downhole rotary coring device placeable in a drill string and comprising a head section, a motor, and a core barrel having an outer motor comprising a rotor connected to the outer barrel and a stator to the head section, whereby the rotor and the stator are movable with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction of the drill string.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking a soil sample includes a drill pipe, a first driving gear for introducing the drill pipe into the soil, a sampling bush which movably fits into the drill pipe and a second driving gear for introducing the sampling bush into the soil.

Abstract: A core stabilization apparatus and method are implemented. An inner barrel having a plurality of ports disposed circumferentially and axially in a wall thereof is provided. A gas manifold is attached to a first subsets of the ports. Gas is delivered to an interior of the inner barrel via the gas manifold and the corresponding ports. Drilling mud remaining in the interior of the inner barrel is expelled through a second subset of ports. After expulsion of the drilling mud, a stabilizing compound is injected into the interior via an injection manifold attached to the second subset of ports. Upon curing of the stabilizing compound, the inner barrel and core sample contained therein may be sectioned or otherwise manipulated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a core sample retaining sleeve for preventing loss of a cut core sample from the distal end of a coring bit, particularly during retraction of the coring bit to within the coring tool. Preferably, the core sample retaining sleeve is disposed concentrically within the coring bit to fit around the received core sample. The core sample retaining sleeve has one or more retaining fingers formed on the distal end of the coring bit. The retaining fingers are selectively closeable, preferably by urging the one or more retaining fingers against one or more guide members. A guide member is preferably provided as a stationary ridge on the inner, distal surface of the coring bit. The core sample is contained and protected within the closed retaining sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining core samples from a wellbore includes bringing a substance in contact with the core sample. The substance is adapted to retain at least a portion of fluids recovered with the core sample. A receptacle such as a core barrel contains the substance and is inserted into the wellbore and receiving the core sample in the receptacle. The substance may be sealed in the receptacle by a dissolvable plug mechanism. The substance is transformable between a highly viscous state and a substantially solid matrix.

Abstract: A core stabilization apparatus and method are implemented. An inner barrel having a plurality of ports disposed circumferentially and axially in a wall thereof is provided. A gas manifold is attached to a first subsets of the ports. Gas is delivered to an interior of the inner barrel via the gas manifold and the corresponding ports. Drilling mud remaining in the interior of the inner barrel is expelled through a second subset of ports. After expulsion of the drilling mud, a stabilizing compound is injected into the interior via an injection manifold attached to the second subset of ports. Upon curing of the stabilizing compound, the inner barrel and core sample contained therein may be sectioned or otherwise manipulated.

Abstract: A pressure and temperature core sampler comprises a tool for recovering cores specifically enabling the evaluation of methane hydrate resources. Because methane hydrate tends to decompose under conditions of pressure decrease and/or temperature increase as the samples are retrieved to the surface, a coring tool in accordance with the present invention provides a self-contained system for retrieving core samples at or near in situ pressure while cooling the core sample. The coring tool is preferably a wire line retrievable device that provides for nearly continuous coring during the drilling operation.

Abstract: A mechanism for breaking off and retaining a core sample of a drill drilled into a ground substrate has an outer drill tube and an inner core break-off tube sleeved inside the drill tube. The break-off tube breaks off and retains the core sample by a varying geometric relationship of inner and outer diameters with the drill tube. The inside diameter (ID) of the drill tube is offset by a given amount with respect to its outer diameter (OD). Similarly, the outside diameter (OD) of the break-off tube is offset by the same amount with respect to its inner diameter (ID). When the break-off tube and drill tube are in one rotational alignment, the two offsets cancel each other such that the drill can operate the two tubes together in alignment with the drill axis. When the tubes are rotated 180 degrees to another positional alignment, the two offsets add together causing the core sample in the break-off tube to be displaced from the drill axis and applying shear forces to break off the core sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a core barrel, in particular in the field of oil exploration, comprising at least an outer tube (2) and a core bit (3) forming an outer assembly (4) and at least an inner tube (5) forming with a drilling core optionally present therein, and optionally with part of the groups arranged under the drilling core base, an inner assembly (7), suspension and/or guiding means being provided for maintaining the inner assembly (7) inside the outer assembly (4), the suspension and/or guiding means being further arranged such that the inner assembly (7) maintains at least perpendicular to these means (9), with respect to the outer assembly (4), a predetermined axial and/or radial and/or angular freedom of movement greater than usual.

Abstract: A large diameter sampler for gathering an undisturbed sample includes an outer tube provided with a bit on a bottom portion thereof for excavating a ground, wherein the outer tube is rotated by applying an outer power for penetrating into the ground; unit for protecting a sample from a disturbance generated by a rotating excavation of the bit, wherein the protecting unit is located the bottom portion of the outer tube, internally, and is penetrated into the ground by weight; a sampling tube for locating the sample pulled-out by self-gravity of the protecting unit; a cutting unit for sheltering a bottom portion of the sampling tube for protecting spilling of the gathered sample, wherein the cutting unit is equipped within the protecting unit and cutting the sample pulled-out by the sample protecting unit; unit for up-lifting the sampling tube and the protecting unit by applying an up-lift force from an operating device which is located on the ground; and an outer rod for connecting the outer tube and a boring

Abstract: A pressure and temperature core sampler comprises a tool for recovering cores specifically enabling the evaluation of methane hydrate resources. Because methane hydrate tends to decompose under conditions of pressure decrease and/or temperature increase as the samples are retrieved to the surface, a coring tool in accordance with the present invention provides a self-contained system for retrieving core samples at or near in situ pressure while cooling the core sample. The coring tool is preferably a wire line retrievable device that provides for nearly continuous coring during the drilling operation.

Abstract: Core machine intended particularly to the oil prospection field, comprising a core crown (2), an external tube (3) for the rotational driving of the core crown (2), and an internal tube (4) having a free front end element (7) intended to receive a core (5), and a revolution surface (8) of the free end element (7) on the crown side (2), arranged to cooperate with an internal surface (9) thereof, or optionally of the external tube (3), so as to adjust between the two a predetermined passage for the core drilling fluid, the free end element (7) being mounted in the core drilling machine (1) so as to slide coaxially on an extremity section (13) of the internal tube (4), between a position wherein the revolution surface (8) is in contact with the internal surface (9) of the crown (2), or respectively of the external tube (3), and an extreme position away from said internal surface (9).

Abstract: A coring apparatus permitting the taking of a non-rotating core sample and testing of same, as by NMR, prior to breakage and ejection from the apparatus. A core barrel is suspended from a rotating outer sleeve by one or more bearing assemblies which permit the core barrel to remain stationary during rotation of the sleeve with attached core bit for cutting the core. A core test device is fixed with respect to the core barrel on the outside thereof to test the core as it proceeds through the barrel. The apparatus optionally includes a directional detecting device such as an inclinometer and a compact set of circumferentially-spaced steering arms for changing the direction of the apparatus during coring.

Abstract: A multiple coring bit tool and method for taking multiple core samples of a formation traversed by a borehole in one well logging run. In this tool, multiple coring bits are used to cut the core samples. One bit is used to cut each sample. Once the core sample has been taken, the cutting bit containing the core sample is stored. For the next core, a new cutting bit is used and that cutting bit contains that core sample once the coring process is completed. Multiple cutting bits are held in two or more chambers prior to use in the coring process. The bits in one chamber are used to cut core samples from formation location above a certain hardness and the bits in the second chamber are used to cut cores in formations below a certain harness. Two other chamber are incorporated in the tool for storage of the cutting bits once the core sample has been obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is a soil sampling probe where a conical piston is kept at the opening to the sampling container by a first threaded portion near the top of the piston rod which engages a threaded opening near the top end of the container. With the piston in this position the probe is more streamlined to reduce the required driving force. When the desired depth is reached, the piston rod is rotated until the first threaded portion of the piston rod is disengaged from the threaded opening at the top end of the container. The piston is then raised until a second threaded portion of the piston rod, near the piston itself, engages a threaded lock ring near the top end of the container. Thus the piston is locked in place near the top of the container. The container is then further inserted to take the core sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling, cracking, and withdrawing solid each cores, the method commencing with coring the earth using a conventional rotary core drill (20). The core drill is withdrawn to leave an attached earth core (26) and a drilled core groove (24). A hydraulically powered core cracker assembly (40) sized to fit the drilled groove is screwed into the groove. A ram drawer (44) built into the cracker assembly is activated to break off the earth core at its base. The cracker assembly is then withdrawn and a hydraulically powered core grabber/remover assembly (70) sized to fit the drilled groove is screwed into the groove, activated to engage the earth core, and hoisted to remove the earth core from the drill hole. Preferred embodiments of the core cracker and core grabber/remover assemblies are described.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for rotary drilling of core samples from the wall of a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a coring bit, a motor, a bit box rotatably mounted within a housing adapted to traverse the wellbore, a plunger for extracting the core sample from the bit and discharging the core sample into a storage barrel which has a sponge liner. The sponge liner in the barrel adsorbs liquid hydrocarbons which may be expelled from the porosity in the core sample by gas exsolution.

Abstract: A drilling tool, for example a core barrel inner tube assembly or a drilling bit, is attached to the inner end of a latch body which is removably seatable on a landing shoulder of a drill string. The inner end of the latch body mounts a drilling tool such as a core receiving tool or a drag bit. An overcenter toggle latch assembly is mounted to the latch body, the latch assembly including a pair of latches having inner ends pivotally mounted to the latch body, toggle links that at their one ends are pivotally connected to the outer ends of the latches and at their opposite ends have a retractor link extended through elongated slots. The retractor pin is extended through an axially elongated slot in the latch body to limit the axial movement of the pin between a position that the latches are locked in a latch seated position and a position retracting the latch body and the drilling tool attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for obtaining a subterranean material sample. The inventive sampling apparatus comprises an elongate housing having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, a tip member movable through the passageway, and a locking means for releasably preventing the tip member from moving from a first portion of the passageway to a second portion of the passageway. The inventive sampling method comprises the step of inserting the inventive sampling apparatus into the ground. The present invention also provides a device for retaining material in a housing, said device comprising a plurality of resilient petal members.

Abstract: A coring tool is lowered to the bottom of a wellbore through a subsurface formation. A coring bit at the lower end of the coring tool draws a core sample of the subsurface formation at the bottom of the wellbore into the coring tool. A coring barrel is positioned along the coring tool above and in juxtaposition with the coring bit. The core sample is drawn into a hollow cylindrical split member within the coring barrel, such member being split into two halves in an axial direction and comprised of a material effectively transparent to nuclear radiation. A wireline raises the split member containing the core sample upward through the coring tool to the surface of the earth. The core sample is tested for a nuclear radiation characteristic through the nuclear radiation transparent material of the split member at the well site. The split member is then reused to obtain a plurality of cores from the subsurface formation.

Abstract: A device for obtaining soil samples beneath the surface of the ground. A sample tube is provided with a removable piston tip blocking the forward opening of the sample tube. Rearward movement of the piston tip is blocked by a removable piston stop. The sample tube is driven into the soil with the piston tip blocking its forward end. Tubular probe extension may be successively added to the rear of the device to allow driving of the sample tube to the desired depth. At the desired depth, the piston stop is removed to unblock the piston tip. The piston stop may be removed by a series of threadedly connected extension rods threadedly connected via a drivehead to the piston stop. The piston stop is threadedly connected to the sample tube with left-handed threads to ensure all other connections remain tight during removal. The sample tube is then driven forward, causing the soil sample to enter the tube and the tip to slide within the tube. The tube is then withdrawn from the soil to recover the sample.

Abstract: A soil sampling device and a sample containment device for containing a soil sample is disclosed. In addition, a method for taking a soil sample using the soil sampling device and soil sample containment device to minimize the loss of any volatile organic compounds contained in the soil sample prior to analysis is disclosed. The soil sampling device comprises two close fitting, longitudinal tubular members of suitable length, the inner tube having the outward end closed. With the inner closed tube withdrawn a selected distance, the outer tube can be inserted into the ground or other similar soft material to withdraw a sample of material for examination. The inner closed end tube controls the volume of the sample taken and also serves to eject the sample. The soil sample containment device has a sealing member which is adapted to attach to an analytical apparatus which analyzes the volatile organic compounds contained in the sample.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a sample-holder comprising a tube (16) of thin aluminum, and a piston (12) slidable in the tube. The piston is mounted on a solid, robust piston rod (14). To drive the apparatus down to the depth at which the sample is to be taken, the piston and tube are locked together, and travel down in unison, most of the force of the hammer blows being taken by the robust piston rod. When sampling depth is reached, the piston rod (14) is uncoupled, and the piston (12) is restrained by means of a cable (36) to the surface; further hammering now drives only the tube (16) downwards, not the piston. The tube being thin, the drive force is must less, whereby the tube does not collapse, as the sample enters the tube.

Abstract: A well casing of an elastic metal material is placed in concentric relationship with a casing of an inert material such as a suitable plastic. A penetrating cap piece is placed on the bottom end of the metallic casing. The two concentric casings are then driven into the earth in an area to be monitored for contamination, such driving action being achieved by a sonic oscillator which is attached to the top end of the metallic casing. Preferably, the sonic energy is provided at a frequency such as to effect resonant standing wave vibration of the metallic casing. Further, water may be injected down the casing so as to lubricate the earthen structure immediately below the cap to accelerate the penetration of the casing. When the casings have been driven to the desired depth, the metallic casing is withdrawn by lifting up thereon while continuing to apply sonic energy, leaving the casing of inert material in place such that earth samples can be periodically withdrawn from the well thus formed.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use in coring holes in subsurface formations comprises a bit body having a shank for connection to a core barrel, an outer peripheral gauge portion for engagement with the peripheral wall of the hole being drilled, an inner peripheral gauge portion defining at least a part of a central, generally circular aperture extending axially through the bit body, a plurality of cutting elements mounted at the surface of the bit body, and passages in the bit body for delivering drilling fluid to the surface of the bit body. Hydraulic sealing means are provided on the inner gauge portion of the bit and, in use, engage the outer surface of the core being cut by the bit. The hydraulic seal thus formed prevents or restricts flow of drilling fluid in an axial direction between the inner gauge portion and the core, and thus substantially reduces erosion of the core.

Abstract: A continuous coring drill bit having a body forming external lands for support of cutting elements such as industrial diamonds and grooves for conducting drilling fluid during drilling. The body further forms an internal cavity receiving a tubular core breaker in freely rotatable relation therein and also forms a central throat receiving a core as the drilling operation continues. The core breaker is provided with an internal buttress and is eccentrically mounted within the body such that rotation of the body induces lateral oscillation of the buttress causing it to fracture the core into small sections. By reverse circulation the core sections are transported upwardly through the drill string to the surface for separation from the drilling fluid and analysis by geologists.

Abstract: A low-cost retrievable light-weight high-speed thin-kerf reversible electrically-driven core-sampling method and apparatus that is independent of the weight of any drill pipe, drill collars, or any other heavy cylindrical or tubular conduit associated with the coring operation. The flow direction of electric current to the direct-current electric motor of the core-sampling assembly is automatically reversed at frequent intervals so as to cause corresponding reversals in the direction of rotation of its core bit, resulting in the cancellation of any lateral forces on the core bit produced by reactive torque created during the coring operation, since such forces are alternately applied in opposite directions, thus, eliminating any corehole deviation that, otherwise, might occur from the lateral force created by the reactive torque of a down-hole motor that is rotated in just one direction.

Abstract: A flexible plug used in combination with a hollow stem auger and connected drill head which has a hollow housing. The plug includes a plurality of flexible shape-retaining arcuate projections extending towards the plug central axis.

Abstract: A hollow truncated cone made from material with elastic properties which expands around a core being cut from the sidewall of a borehole drilled in the earth with a core cutting means rigidly connected to a core barrel. The hollow truncated core is held in position inside the core barrel such that it does not rotate with the core cutting means during the cutting of a core.

Abstract: An unconsolidated or loose core is retrieved and retained within a coring tool by wrapping the core with a resilient thin film sleeve. The sleeve is compacted and stored within a concentric cylindrical storage space outside of the core and within the tool. The thin film compacted sleeve is then drawn from the storage space and wrapped about the core. The thin film sleeve is characterized by having a longitudinal length several times greater than the corresponding longitudinal length of the storage space in which it is compacted and stored. More particularly, the thin film sleeve is compactly stored in a cylindrical space defined within an inner tubular mandrel concentric with the core and an outer tubular mandrel concentric with the core. The two mandrels are concentric with each other and spaced apart to form an annular circumferential opening through which the thin film sleeve is disposed and drawn.

Abstract: A positively driven full closure core catcher for use with soft or unconsolidated cores is comprised of an inner tube shoe into which a plurality of windows have been cut. In each window is a corresponding one of a plurality of flapper valves. The flapper valves are spring-biased to a withdrawn position outside of the interior of the inner tube shoe. A cam member is in sliding contact with an inclined rear surface of the flapper valve. Longitudinal displacement of the cam member with respect to the inclined surface of the flapper valve causes the cam to ride down the inclined surface of the valve thereby forcing the rotatable flapper valve into the interior of the inner tube shoe and into a fully closed position. The cam member is substantially radially fixed and is selectively disengaged from the inner tube shoe to which it is temporarily coupled by a collet assembly. The collet assembly is coupled to a cylinder on which the cam is fixed.

Abstract: A well coring apparatus (10) includes an outer barrel (12) and an inner barrel (18). The inner barrel (18) is sealed at one end with a sealing member (80) and has a reciprocating piston (70) disposed in the other end thereof. An O-ring (68) is disposed at the receiving end of the inner barrel (18) to provide a seal therefor. Spring members (76) provide a restrictive force to the piston (70). A sponge (50) is disposed around the inner walls of the inner barrel (18) for contacting the core (82). A fluid is disposed in the inner space (78) of the inner barrel (18) and pressurized. Reciprocation upward of the piston (70) causes the fluid to flow therefrom out the receiving end of the inner barrel (18). This flow of fluid washes the sides of the core (82) to prevent drilling mud from caking about the surfaces thereof and preventing proper transfer of fluids contained within the core (82) to the sponge (50).

Abstract: An improved coring device that incorporates a nonrotatable inner barrel disposed within the outer driving structure of the drill string which is coupled to the coring bit. A woven metal mesh sleeve is circumferentially mounted outside the inner barrel and tucked around its lower end. The lower end of the mesh sleeve in the inner barrel is in turn connected to a stripper tube which is pulled upwardly during the coring operation. As the core is cut by the coring bit and enters the inner barrel, the woven metal mesh sleeve is disposed about the core and constricts about the core when pulled upwardly by the stripper tube. The opposing end of the woven metal mesh sleeve is under a weight which serves to compress the metal sleeve when outside the inner barrel, thereby increasing its diameter.

Abstract: An improved anti-jamming mechanism for use in a coring tool is devised by providing a rotary jar within the inner barrel of the coring tool. The inner barrel is connected to a bearing assembly into which a bearing shaft is axially and concentrically disposed. The bearing assembly is rotatably journaled to the bearing shaft. The bearing shaft is rotatably and longitudinally fixed with respect to the outer barrel of the coring tool. The bearing shaft and bearing assembly are longitudinally displaceable with respect to each other by Bellville washers. The bearing assembly also includes a rotary anvil which is ultimately brought into contact with a rotary hammer which in turn is fixed with respect to the outer barrel. An impulsive torsional and longitudinal force is imparted by the rotary hammer to the rotary anvil through the resilient coupling between the bearing shaft and bearing assembly disposed within the inner barrel.