Abstract: A core sampling method, particularly for the oil industry, wherein actual core sampling is performed by means of a core sampler (1) comprising at least one Inner barrel (5), an outer barrel (2) and a bit (3), and a substantially axial compressive force (F) is exerted on the top (7A) of a core sample (7) being formed, at least during a major part of the core sampling process, said force being within a range determined particularly on the basis of the material of the core sample (7), whereafter the force (F) is removed at the latest before the core sample (7) is withdrawn from the inner barrel (5). A core sampler for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A soil sampling device for collecting samples of soil provides a single use unit with an integrally molded plunger. The soil sampling device includes a cylindrical body having a first chamber and a second chamber, with each chamber comprising a cylindrical wall having a longitudinal axis and an end wall. Optionally, the sampling device may include additional chambers depending on the application. An open end of each chamber defines a mouth which is adapted for inserting into soil. A piston may be positioned within each chamber, and the end walls include a projecting member extending outwardly therefrom which defines a plunger. The end wall includes a reduced cross-section around the projecting member and is adapted to break when a force is applied to the projecting member to thereby permit the plunger enter into the body and thereby push the piston along the longitudinal axis to expel a sample of soil collected in the body.

Abstract: A tool for withdrawing a soil sample comprising a frame member including a portion including spaced vertically extending legs having lower ends, a foot portion fixed to the lower ends of the legs and including a horizontally extending slot defined by a vertically extending wall including a horizontally extending groove, and an abutment surface extending horizontally and located between the legs in upwardly spaced relation from the foot portion.

Abstract: A soil sampling device for collecting samples of soil provides a single use unit with an integrally molded plunger. The soil sampling includes a cylindrical body having first and second ends, with the body comprising a cylindrical wall having a longitudinal axis and an end wall. The cylindrical wall extends between the first and second ends of the body, with the end wall being positioned at the first end of the body. The second end of the body defines a mouth which is adapted for inserting into soil. A piston is positioned in the body, and the end wall includes a projecting member extending outwardly from the body which defines a plunger. The end wall includes reduced cross-section around the projecting member and is adapted to break when a force is applied to the projecting member to thereby permit the plunger enter into the body and thereby push the piston along the longitudinal axis to expel a sample of soil collected in the body.

Abstract: An assembly for extracting discrete soil samples from subsurface soil at a lurality of selected depths includes an elongated outer tubular housing, and a soil sample tube for disposal in the outer tubular housing. The soil sample tube is movable axially in the outer tubular housing and provided with a feature thereon for locking the soil sample tube in the outer tubular housing in a fully inserted position in the outer tubular housing. The replaceable soil sample tube defines a sample chamber proximate a distal end thereof. The assembly further includes a cone tip assembly including a cone tip member and a cone tip rod, the cone tip member being fixed to a distal end of the cone tip rod. The cone tip rod is movable axially in the soil sample tube, the cone tip member having a locking feature thereon for locking the cone tip member at the distal end of the soil sample tube with a cone portion of the cone tip member extending distally beyond a distal end of the outer tubular housing.

Abstract: A sampling device includes a barrel having a downhole end, an exterior surface, an interior surface defining a hollow interior, and an open end at the downhole end of the hollow interior. A fluid entrance penetrates the exterior surface. A fluid path having an outlet port is fluidly coupled to the fluid entrance. The device is driven into a subsurface so that a soil sample is forced into the hollow interior. While the device is still in the subsurface a fluid sample is collected through the least one fluid entrance and fluid path.

Abstract: A core drilling latch assembly for use in terrestrial core drilling operations. The latch assembly incorporates features and elements which affect the flow of drilling fluids past the latch assembly and toward the drill bit, depending upon whether the latch assembly has contacted the landing ring in the drill string and whether the latch assembly has locked in place within the string. Accordingly, the latch assembly signals the drilling crew by pressure fluctuations when the latch assembly is in proper position within the drill string, and whether it is locked in position.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus includes a sampling box for penetrating the ground first, and a shutter plate for subsequently penetrating the ground while engaging with the sampling box, thereby sampling soil layers located in a space surrounded by the sampling box and the shutter plate.

Abstract: A core barrel having an inner tube for coring and, alternately, a center plug assembly for closing the throat of the core bit at the bottom of the assembly for drilling in lieu of coring. The inner tube assembly and plug assembly are disposable and retrievable through the drill string on a wireline using an overshot. The core bit is of a stabilized, preferably anti-whirl, design and may be a low-invasion core bit used in cooperation with a low-invasion coring shoe. A logging tool and data transmission assembly may be incorporated in the plug assembly for logging while drilling. Alternatively, sensors for logging borehole parameters and a data transmission assembly may be incorporated in the inner tube assembly, in the wall of the core barrel, above the core barrel, or in a combination of such locations.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for real time in-situ measuring of the downhole chemical and or physical properties of a core of an earth formation during a coring operation. The present invention comprises several embodiments that may use electromagnetic, acoustic, fluid and differential pressure, temperature, gamma and x-ray, neutron radiation, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mudwater invasion measurements to measure the chemical and or physical properties of the core that may include porosity, bulk density, mineralogy, and fluid saturations. The present invention comprises a downhole apparatus coupled to an inner and or an outer core barrel near the coring bits with a sensor array coupled to the inner core barrel for real time gathering of the measurements. A controller coupled to the sensor array controls the gathering of the measurements and stores the measurements in a measurement storage unit coupled to the controller for retrieval by a computing device for tomographic analysis.

Abstract: A core drilling latch assembly for use in terrestrial core drilling operations. The latch assembly incorporates features and elements which affect the flow of drilling fluids past the latch assembly and toward the drill bit, depending upon whether the latch assembly has contacted the landing ring in the drill string and whether the latch assembly has locked in place within the string. Accordingly, the latch assembly signals the drilling crew by pressure fluctuations when the latch assembly is in proper position within the drill string, and whether it is locked in position.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for real time in-situ measuring of the downhole chemical and or physical properties of a core of an earth formation during a coring operation. The present invention comprises several embodiments that may use electromagnetic, acoustic, fluid and differential pressure, temperature, gamma and x-ray, neutron radiation, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mudwater invasion measurements to measure the chemical and or physical properties of the core that may include porosity, bulk density, mineralogy, and fluid saturations. The present invention comprises a downhole apparatus coupled to an inner and or an outer core barrel near the coring bits with a sensor array coupled to the inner core barrel for real time gathering of the measurements. A controller coupled to the sensor array controls the gathering of the measurements and stores the measurements in a measurement storage unit coupled to the controller for retrieval by a computing device for tomographic analysis.

Abstract: A curable gypsum-based composition for the production cured gypsum matrix. The composition comprises two-components, the first component includes calcined gypsum suspended in water, and a set retarding substance comprising (i) an organic acid containing at least two acid groups selected from the group consisting of carboxyl, sulphate, sulfonate, phosphate and phosphonate, the acid optionally also containing at least one hydroxy group per molecule; and/or (ii) inorganic anions selected from the group consisting of polyphosphate, polyborate and mixtures thereof. The second component comprises a set accelerating substance including water-soluble salts of multivalent metal ions. The water soluble salts in the second component form stable precipitates or complexes with the organic acid in the first component. The second component may also comprise easily soluble salts of ammonium and/or cations from the first group of the periodic table of the elements, which will accelerate the hardening process.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a soil testing device and other attachments necessary for soil testing near the bottom of a borehole uses a pair of clamps with gripping teeth that interlock with similar gripping teeth in the internal wall of the auger. The lateral movements of the clamps toward the auger are controlled so that the soil testing device is maintained in a proper orientation with respect to the soil sample and to avoid uncontrolled engagements of the clamps with the auger.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining subterranean soil samples includes an elongated housing having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, a tip assembly movable through the passageway, and a locking device for releasably preventing the tip assembly from moving from a first portion of the passageway to a second portion of the passageway. The sampling method includes the steps of inserting the sampling apparatus into the ground, unlocking the tip assembly, pulling the tip assembly through the passageway and retaining the tip assembly in the second portion of the passageway. A device is provided for creating a vacuum pressure above the sample material as the tip assembly is retracted and for retaining the sample material in a sample chamber.

Abstract: A sampling device includes a barrel having a downhole end, an exterior surface, an interior surface defining a hollow interior, and an open end at the downhole end of the hollow interior. A fluid entrance penetrates the exterior surface. A fluid path having an outlet port is fluidly coupled to the fluid entrance. The device is driven into a subsurface so that a soil sample is forced into the hollow interior. While the device is still in the subsurface a fluid sample is collected through the least one fluid entrance and fluid path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for protecting the integrity of a core sample during transport from a subterranean formation to the surface comprising: cutting a core sample from the subterranean formation using a drilling fluid; encapsulating the core sample with an encapsulating material separate from the drilling fluid, the encapsulating material being capable in the absence of a chemical reaction of protecting core sample integrity during transport from said subterranean formation to said surface; and, transporting the encapsulated core sample from the subterranean formation to the surface.

Abstract: A portion of a borehole wall is isolated from surrounding borehole fluids by placing a chamber of a borehole tool against the borehole wall. The chamber comprises a cylindrical recess in an exterior surface of the borehole tool. The recess is open at one end to receive borehole fluids, and closed at the opposite end by a concave ultrasonic acoustic transducer. Mudcake present within the chamber and on the isolated portion of the borehole wall is disintegrated by the concave ultrasonic transducer. This approach can be used to remove mudcake from a borehole wall with a moving or stationary borehole tool.

Abstract: A method for obtaining saturated soil samples includes conventional drilling equipment with a central hollow which receives a conventional soil sample collection device. An elongate sleeve with a closed end is nested about the sample collection device to prevent soil from entering the sample device before it is in position adjacent the soil to be sampled. Once in position, force is applied to the sample collection device to drive it into the soil. As the sample collection device is driven into the soil, it penetrates through the sleeve. The sample collection device is then withdrawn, leaving the sleeve in the hole formed by the collection device to help prevent collapse of the walls. The sleeve also helps to minimize any negative pressures which might develop as the sample collection device is withdrawn and which can result in soil plugging the central hollow of the auger.

Abstract: An improved method of estimating formation permeability is provided. Essentially, the improved method of the present invention combines a mud cake build-up/invasion model and a fully implicit near-well bore model from which radial formation resistivities can be computed and compared with log-observed values. The permeability used to compute the radial formation resistivities is varied until the computed radial formation resistivities match with the log-observed values. The improved method does not require core samples. Specifically, by using a multi-array induction log in combination with the porosity log, a petrophysical analysis of the formation is carried out and a calculated conductivity or resistivity log is provided. The calculated log values are compared with the measured log values obtained from the multi-array induction log.

Abstract: Method and system of operating an Intelligent Pump-and-Treat groundwater recovery system where the groundwater level is monitored in monitoring wells and that information transmitted to a computer controller. The computer controller calculates a new groundwater extraction flow rate required to maintain a desired capture zone and then automatically changes the flow rate of the groundwater extraction pump accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying cuttings from a wellbore is disclosed. The cuttings can be identified by measuring emissions such as alpha, beta, or gamma particles which emanate from the cuttings. A continuous wellbore profile of the alpha or beta emissions can be constructed by measuring the emissions from cuttings taken from different locations in the wellbore, and by documenting such emissions. The effects of cuttings dispersion caused by differing particle sizes can be reduced by collecting cuttings of an intermediate size for analysis. The profile of the intermediate size cuttings can be compared with a well log to identify the original elevation of the cuttings within the wellbore.

Abstract: A core barrel having an inner tube for coring and, alternately, a center plug assembly or closing the throat of the core bit at the bottom of the assembly for drilling in lieu of coring. The inner tube assembly and plug assembly are disposable and retrievable through the drill string on a wireline using an overshot. The core bit is of a stabilized, preferably anti-whirl, design and may be a low-invasion core bit used in cooperation with a low-invasion coring shoe. A logging tool and data transmission assembly may be incorporated in the plug assembly for logging while drilling.

Abstract: In combination with resonant sonic earth drilling components, and for particular use in retrieving a core sample in a core barrel seated against an internal shoulder in a sonically driven drill bit, a resilient axial loading device not only urges the bottom of the core barrel into continuous contact with the seat but also cushions the core barrel from the sonic energy in the drill bit, thereby minimizing damage to the core sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maximizing the chemical integrity and, if desired, maintaining the mechanical integrity of a core sample during transport from a subterranean formation to the surface. The method involves cutting and encapsulating the core sample as it enters the core barrel with an encapsulating material that either (a) inherently is capable of protecting the chemical integrity of the core sample, or (b) is capable of increasing in viscosity and/or solidifying in response to natural decreases in temperature to maintain the mechanical integrity and maximize the chemical integrity of the core sample during transport.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool-like cartridge for preserving a soil sample which may be contaminated with a volatile organic compound (VOC). The cartridge includes a barrel and a plug in the barrel for sealing the barrel proximal end during and after sampling and for later expelling the soil sample from such barrel. A threaded portion is on the barrel for attaching a handle and such portion has an opening through it. From the moment of sample extraction until later sample expulsion for analysis, the plug and its resilient seal member substantially prevent vaporized VOC from escaping from the cartridge. A new method for obtaining a soil sample for analysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: The obtaining of undisturbed core samples of subsurface soils for analysis and study is disclosed. Percussion-type downhole drilling equipment uses compressed air directed internally of a pipe casing to actuate a percussion-type piston adjacent the bottom of a hole being drilled. A tubular adapter is mounted in a chuck at the lower end of a casing and house the piston and the adapter for rotation and for longitudinal movement relatively thereto. The adapter has a striking face interfacing with the piston and has its opposite end provided with pipe threads for connection of an open-ended core sampler which is preferably of the split-spoon type. The adapter is provided with ports at a location spaced axially away from the core sampler for exhaust air released by the percussion means during a power stroke upwardly and thus away from the core sampler.

Abstract: A subterranean sampling system of the direct push type that employes an elongated push tube in combination with hydraulic means to force the push tube down through subterranean strata includes an improved sampler unit which basically includes a sample retaining cylinder surrounding an elongated slotted tube with a pierce member at the distal end and, at the proximal end, a tube guide member plus an adapter unit by which the sampler unit is connected to the lower end of the push tube. The system enables a new fluid sampling method in which the sampler unit is manipulated by the push tube into three modes. In the first mode, the slotted tube is within the cylinder so none of its slots extend proximally of the cylinder and no ambient fluid can enter. In the second mode, the slotted tube is moved out of the cylinder so only some of its slots extend proximally of the cylinder whereby ambient fluid may enter the cylinder.

Abstract: A pressure core barrel including an inner tube containing a non-invasive gel for encapsulating a core sample. An anti-whirl core bit is employed, and the core bit and inner tube pilot shoe are configured and arranged to prevent damage to the core from drilling fluid. A special high viscosity, low spurt loss coring fluid is employed in the coring operation. When the encapsulated, pressurized care sample is brought to the surface, pressure is bled off and the core sample's chemical and mechanical integrity are substantially preserved by the gel.

Abstract: Soil sampling apparatus for forming and containing a core sample of a predetermined depth of soil into which the soil sampling apparatus is driven. A pair of cooperable, core-defining core tube members are carried on a guide rod and are individually and sequentially driven into the soil to be sampled. The core tube members include angularly positioned panels for increased torsional rigidity, and the apparatus includes a cam and follower arrangement for permitting automatic circumferential orientation of one core tube member relative to the other core tube member before interengagement of the core tube members to define a complete core tube. The core tube members are each pointed at their lower ends to more easily penetrate the soil, and one core tube member includes a pivotable soil sample gate to retain the soil sample within the core tube as the core tube is withdrawn from the soil.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a core bit comprised of a body having blades thereon, with several cutters on each blade, and nozzles that emerge on the face of the body. The nozzles deflect liquids substantially obliquely with respect to an axis of rotation of the body, preferably according to an angle greater than 45.degree.. The nozzle defines an elbow portion formed from a molded portion of the body and from an insert opposite said molded portion on the side of the largest curvature of radius of the elbow. An inner hollow core retaining element includes an axial annular lip to engage an annular groove in the body. The annular lip and groove define a passage gap to regulate coring liquid flow therethrough. An inner portion between the blades has a cross-section with a curve having a most forward point adjacent the core, the curve having a first convex portion from the forward point to adjacent the insert and a second convex portion extending laterally outwardly.

Abstract: A remotely actuated clamping apparatus for obtaining a secure coupling between a vibration unit generating longitudinally directed driving forces and a probe designed for penetrating the earth, such as into underwater sediments at water depths too great for direct human intervention.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for taking samples of soil and other materials in an efficient manner as well as for maintaining a high level of integrity of the samples. Using a wire line and a release and retrieve assembly, the sampling tube is lowered into an auger that has been bored into the ground to the desired depth. Once lowered to the bottom of the auger, the sampling tube is locked into place and the release and retrieve assembly is removed from the auger. A portion of the sampling tube extends beyond the drill bit. As the auger is drilled farther into the ground, the sampling tube is filled with soil or whatever material is present, without such soil or other material having been disturbed by the drill bit. This provides integrity of the sample. After the sample has been collected in the sampling tube, the release and retrieve assembly is reinserted into the auger and reattached to the sampling tube, which is then unlocked and retrieved out of the auger.

Abstract: A soil sampler for taking soil samples at multiple locations around a vehicle is disclosed. The soil sampler has a probe for withdrawing soil samples from the ground. The probe is suspended on a support structure or boom assembly which can move the probe to multiple withdrawal locations around a vehicle. The soil sampler has a percussion-type vibrator to aid in inserting the probe into the ground. The vibrator assembly operates automatically off of a hydraulic line used to lower the boom assembly, such that the vibrator normally operates only when the probe is encountering significant resistance to being pressed into the ground. The support structure is raisable to allow an operator within the vehicle to collect multiple soil samples without leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a tool through a drill string in slimhole drilling operations is disclosed. A fluid passage such as a groove is formed in the inner wall of the pipe joint to permit the passage of fluid from one pipe section to an adjacent pipe section as a tool is transported through the pipe joint. In one embodiment of the invention, the tool can comprise a core barrel for retrieving a core sample from the wellbore.

Abstract: A drill string having a core sampling device at its lower end is suspended in an earth borehole by a rotary drilling rig at the earth's surface. Drilling fluid pulsations are monitored in the drilling fluid standpipe to generate characteristic signatures of normal coring operations and a precursor, abnormal, signature when the core sampling device first begins to jam, before catastrophic jamming has occurred. Responsive to the abnormal signature, remedial action is commenced, such as reducing WOB, RPM, or terminating the coring operation. The system is also used to determine that an activatable downhole tool has one or more of its parts moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determination of the deformation of the surface or subsurface of the earth resulting from an applied pressure change at a selected point, at a selected depth, in the earth, by measuring at least one physical parameter of the deformation above the point of application of pressure change. The method involves positioning a plurality of tiltmeters on or below the surface of the earth above the point of application of pressure change arranged in a known array, and measuring the change of angle of tilt of earth's surface or subsurface at the point of placement of each sensor while varying the pressure and flow rate of fluid into or out of the earth at the selected point. This invention further teaches how the individual values of incremental tilt at selected points on or below the earth's surface can be processed to determine material properties at selected points in the earth.

Abstract: A soil sampler for insertion into a pilot hole in the earth to extract contaminants in a vapor state. The sampler has an axially forward projection and an axially rearward projection that define a volume together with the body of the sampler and the wall of the pilot hole. Steam passes into the sampler so as to heat a portion of the sampler near the volume so as to volatize the contaminants. The sampler exerts a vacuum on the volume to extract the gaseous contaminants into an analyzer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maintaining the mechanical integrity and for maximizing the chemical integrity of a core sample during transport from a subterranean formation to the surface. The method involves cutting and encapsulating a core sample with an encapsulating material that increases in viscosity or even solidifies, at temperatures slightly lower than those expected downhole, or relatively early in the transport process. A preferred encapsulating material contains at least one polyglycol or chemically modified polyglycol from the oxyalkylene polymer family. The specific formulation of the encapsulating material differs depending upon the expected downhole conditions. For example, the encapsulating material can include a thickener, a nucleating agent, and a water swellable material or another inert material that is capable of sealing the core sample against water.

Abstract: Coring apparatus and method are disclosed which provide for hydraulic latching of an inner core barrel within an outer core barrel. The apparatus includes a valve face disposed around the inner core barrel and valve seat disposed around the bore of the outer core barrel that close to form a restriction in the drilling fluid flow path. A hydraulic differential force is thereby created which holds the inner barrel in place. Axially oriented bores in a hanger assembly and in stabilizers are disposed along the inner core barrel to provide a flow path for the drilling fluid after the restriction is formed. The bores are calibrated to produce a pre-determined hydraulic force on the inner barrel. A bearing assembly is used to prevent transmission of outer barrel rotation to the inner core barrel. The outer surface of the bearing assembly forms the valve face so as to form the drilling fluid restriction and also provides an axial stop that prevents further axial movement of the inner barrel towards the core head.

Abstract: Soil sampling apparatus for forming and containing a core sample of a predetermined depth of soil into which the soil sampling apparatus is driven. A pair of cooperable, core-defining core tube members are carried on a guide rod and are sequentially driven into the soil to be sampled. The core tube members include angularly positioned panels for increased torsional rigidity, and the apparatus includes structure for permitting remote axial orientation of one core tube member relative to the other core tube member. The core tube members are each pointed at their lower ends to more easily penetrate the soil, and they are individually and sequentially driven into the soil to be sampled. One core tube member includes a pivotable soil sample gate to retain the soil sample within the core tube as the core tube is withdrawn from the soil.

Abstract: A method for obtaining cores from an open borehole including rotary drilling a borehole, replacing the drill bit with an open face whipstock secured to the lower end of the drill string, positioning the whipstock above the formation to be cored and running a coiled tubing unit carrying a drilling motor and coring bit down the interior of the drill string and past the whipstock into the formation at an angle to the axis of the drill string and open hole.

Abstract: A system for reliably indexing and separating sidewall core samples obtained with a sidewall coring tool comprises markers made of a magnetic material and a mechanism body made of a combination of magnetic and non-magnetic materials to reliably insert and position markers in between successive core samples. The sidewall core is not altered in any way by the marking process. Further, a flexible rubber boot apparatus is disclosed to ensure the complete transfer of retrieved samples in cases where the sample is broken, shattered or segmented and to ensure that broken, shattered or segmented cores will be retrieved in cases where the borehole is horizontal and the tool must operate in a horizontal position or in any other rotational orientation.

Abstract: Multi-level sampling device including compartmentalized longitudinal member for lowering into loose-material to be tested at multiple levels providing for individual containers to be simultaneously filled at each respective level through a retraction of covering lids to accommodate pouring of the material into the containers followed by closing the lids and retracting the sampling device for inspection of the material in each respective container.

Abstract: An electrically-driven downhole coring method and apparatus which is powered by and conveyed to and from the bottom of the corehole by means of a heavy-duty electromechanical cable. The downhole core-sampling apparatus is equipped with a combination reamer, stabilizer, and external-reforcing component which also functions as an external axial-thrust weight, drilling-fluid circulation pump, and helical inertial-displacement elevator or excavated rock particles. During the high-speed rotation of the core-sampling apparatus by the downhole electric motor, drilling fluid with its load of excavated rock particles is displaced upward from the bottom of the corehole into the interior of a combination centrifuge/storage-chamber component where the excavated rock particles are separated from the lower-density drilling fluid and the clarified drilling fluid is circulated downward along a decreasing pressure gradient to the core bit, thus completing its circulation loop.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for diagnosing formation damage mechanisms through the use of radially oriented core samples cut from the wellbore wall. Core samples are taken from the wellbore and analyzed under a number of different analytical methods. From the analysis of the cores the operator should be able to determine the type, extent, and severity of the formation damage, as well as the distance that damage extends out into the formation.

Abstract: The invention is a coring device which has features to seal off from the well fluids prior to taking of the specimen. The apparatus can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated to move an inner string which is connected to a core barrel. Prior to moving the core barrel, an outer tube is sealingly pushed into the formation. Once the outer tube has been set into the formation, the inner tube drives the core barrel into the formation, leaving behind a rabbit. A clam shell is located at the forward end which stays open as the core barrel is driven into the formation and closes as the core barrel is withdrawn into the outer tube to retain the core. The pneumatic or hydraulic pressure continues to be applied to the inner string as the core barrel is withdrawn into the outer tube. Upon full retraction of the core barrel into the outer tube, a ball valve is actuated to seal off the core barrel. At that time, the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure is removed and the apparatus is pulled to the surface.

Abstract: A portable soil sampling device is provided that is easily positoned in confined and hard-to-reach locations. The device includes a mast assembly comprising a pair of upright masts mounted on a frame having a pair of wheels. By tilting the frame and mast assembly back using a provided handle, the device may be transported to a sampling location. Where low overhead locations are encountered, such as within buildings, the mast assembly may be lowered with the use of a hinged connection intermediate its ends. The device is powered by hydraulic power from a remote source through flexible hydraulic hose, so as to help reduce the size and weight of the device. A hydraulic motor on the device is used to position a hydraulic hammer over a tube for driving. A hydraulic cylinder on the device is used to pull the sample tube from the ground after it has been driven to the desired depth. The invention also involves the method steps in accomplishing the above operation.

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 soil sample core system includes an outer cylinder having first and sec ends; a sample tube for sliding within the outer cylinder; a tip sleeve mounted to the first end of the outer cylinder; a push pipe which may be mounted to the second end of the outer cylinder to prevent the sample tube from sliding out of the second end; a tapered tip which may be selectively extended out of the tip sleeve and which may be selectively retracted into the push pipe; an end cap having a threaded bore which may be mounted to the second end of the outer cylinder in place of the push pipe; a threaded shaft threaded in the threaded bore; a piston rotatively mounted to one end of the threaded shaft for sliding within the outer cylinder; and a torque transmitting element mounted to the other end of the threaded shaft for transferring torque to thread the shaft through the threaded aperture.