Abstract: Core samples are obtained through production wells by inserting a milling tool through the production tubing string on the distal end of coilable tubing to mill out a window in the well casing. The milling tool is deflected by a whipstock set in the casing at a predetermined point and encased in cement which, upon setting, is bored to form a pilot bore for the milling tool. A fluid-motor-driven core barrel is provided on the end of the tubing after the milling operation is complete and core drilling is carried out in an underbalanced condition by reducing wellbore pressure through a gas lift so as to minimize core invasion by wellbore fluids including spent milling motor and core drilling motor fluids.

Abstract: A sidewall coring device includes a housing (12) which is operable to be disposed on the end of a drill string. A core tube (18) is disposed on one side of the housing on the interior thereof with an opening (20) provided for receiving core material. A coring mechanism (24) is provided that tilts outward from the housing with blades (26) engaging the sidewall. A passageway (14) allows mud to flow from the drill string downward therethrough to provide a hydraulic force to a hydraulic mechanism (32) to drive saw blades (26). The stabilizing mechanism (32) is provided for forcing the housing (12) against the sidewall of the bore to bore hole (10). The drill string imparts a downward force onto the coring blades (26) to form core segments (40) which are diverted into the core tube (18) by a diverter mechanism (22).

Abstract: Core samples are obtained through production wells by inserting a milling tool through the production tubing string on the distal end of coilable tubing to mill out a window in the well casing. The milling tool is deflected by a whipstock set in the casing at a predetermined point and encased in cement which, upon setting, is bored to form a pilot bore for the milling tool. A fluid-motor-driven core barrel is run into the well on the coilable tubing after the milling operation is complete and core drilling is carried out in an underbalanced condition by reducing wellbore pressure through gas lift so as to minimize core invasion by wellbore fluids, including spent core drilling fluids.

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: The present invention is a sidewall coring assembly and method for taking a core sample at an angle to an existing borehole. The assembly includes a core barrel run at the end of a drill string and having a whipstock suspended below it, the whipstock having an anchor packer at its lower end. The packer is hydraulically inflated through the core barrel and an hydraulic line extending from the bottom thereof, the core barrel is released from the whipstock and the hydraulic line, and lowered to core at the angle and azimuth dictated by the whipstock. After coring is completed, the core barrel is withdrawn from the well and subsequently the whipstock and packer are retrieved with a stinger run on the drill string.

Abstract: An in-place soil sampler assembly includes an outer barrel or tube coupled to a corer point at one end thereof. An inner samping tube is contained within the outer tube. A soil sample retainer has a support ring connected to one end of the inner sampling tube. The support ring carries a plurality of flexible arcuate leaves each having a base portion secured to the ring and each having an apex moveable with respect to the support ring between opened and closed position. A collar is mounted at the end of the outer tube to form a cavity for receiving the soil sample retainer when the leaves are opened for passage of a soil sample from the corer point into the inner sampling tube; the leaves are closed when the support ring is removed from the cavity so as to form a convex soil sample support surface facing in the direction of the inner sampling tube for holding a soil sample therein.

Abstract: An under frame tool bar attachment, for a light truck with a frame having a pair of generally parallel spaced apart frame side bars, includes an elongated tool bar, a pair of mounting assemblies, each adapted for securing the tool bar to a respective one of the frame side bars in transversely extended relation across the underside of the light truck frame and fasteners for securing the mounting assemblies to the truck frame and the tool bar to the mounting assemblies. The under frame mounted soil sampler includes an upright outer mast supported on the tool bar, a stabilizer for transversely stabilizing the upper end of the outer mast relative to the light truck box, a drill head vertically moveable on the outer mast, a power source for raising and lowering the drill head and a soil sampler tool removably carried on the drill head.

Abstract: A sliding-weight operated hole boring tool can be used to make holes of various length or depth in varied soil conditions. A uniquely-shaped tool bit helps to form a smooth, clean hole. In preferred embodiments, detachable elongated stems are used to vary the length of the tool, and water is used to aid boring in hard soil.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel method and apparatus for sinking drill holes in underground rock formations while generating drill cores as rock samples. More particularly, the present invention discloses a method and apparatus which allows for an expanded analysis of ground formations over a larger area through the extraction of drill cores as rock samples. The method and apparatus herein disclosed allowed one to drill a number of core shaft sections from the base of a main shaft section in various directions in order to obtain a number of sample cores.

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: An elongate gun assembly with multiple gun chambers is assembled with locking keys holdinhg several chambers in place. In each, a bullet with bottom is placed adjacent to an explosive charge. An elongate cable having two end loops connects with the assembly and passes through the bullet. The cable is anchored on the bullet, and the two ends are unequal in length. They enable retrieval after firing. A method of cable coiling and retrieval is set out.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method and apparatus for taking core samples, wherein a core drilling assembly driven by a downhole fluid motor is retrievably housed within a drilling tool of larger diameter, and wherein a plurality of cores may be cut and retrieved to the surface by withdrawal of the core drilling assembly by including an extender in the core drilling assembly each time it is brought to the surface and returned to the drilling tool, and sequentially cutting another core without postdrilling the previously cored formation section. The extenders may be included either above or below the motor used to drive the core drilling assembly, and are preferably of tubular configuration with screw-threaded connectors at their ends for rapid insertion in and removal from the core drilling assembly.

Abstract: A method of taking soil samples consisting of the steps of; cutting at least one slit trench along a path transverse to bands of fertilizer in the soil; and taking a thoroughly intermixed sample from the cuttings. The samples are taken using a chain saw with a soil sampling attachment. The soil sampling attachment consists of a container with an open mouth having a slot across the mouth. A blade of a chain saw is disposed in the slot. Upon activation of the chain saw soil cuttings drop from the blade through the mouth to accumulate in the container. A bracket secures the container to the chain saw.

Abstract: A core sample of an earth formation is obtained by drilling with a coring bit and circulating a coring fluid through the coring bit. The coring fluid contains no mud solids for contaminating the core sample or, in the alternative, contains drilling mud mixed with a bulk material which invades the core sample and occupies the core sample pore spaces preferentially over mud solids. This bulk material is more readily removed from the core sample by cleaning than mud solids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for collecting subsamples of soils to be tested for infestation and nutrient content. The apparatus includes a sampling tube which is mounted on a collecting wheel which is mounted on a frame. During operation, the apparatus is lifted off the ground. To take a sample, the apparatus is lowered such that the wheel makes contact with the ground. This causes the wheel to rotate, forcing the sampling probe into the ground. The sample empties into the interior of the wheel where it mixes. The mixed sample is later removed and boxed for testing.

Abstract: A device for extracting an undisturbed sample of soil to be tested from a subsurface location uses a cutter to remove unwanted soil from above the undisturbed sample. The device is particularly intended for extraction of soil from contaminated areas without loss of contaminants which are volatile at ambient temperatures. The device also is capable of chilling or freezing the sample in situ before extraction and testing. A method of using the device to take samples whenever volatile contaminants are sensed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sliding-weight operated hole boring tool can be used to make holes of various length or depth in varied soil conditions. A uniquely-shaped tool bit helps to form a smooth, clean hole. In preferred embodiments, detachable elongated stems are used to vary the length of the tool, and water is used to aid boring in hard soil.

Abstract: A well coring apparatus is provided with the capability for monitoring the length of the core in the inner barrel (32) of a core barrel (16) and the rate at which the core enters the inner barrel (32). The device includes a Sonic Core Monitor (78) which is disposed in the upper end of the inner barrel (32) and a piston (68) which is disposed in the lower end thereof. The inner barrel (32) is filled with a pressurized fluid. The Sonic Core Monitor (78) generates an ultrasonic pulse that is transmitted down to the surface of the piston (68) and reflected back up to the Sonic Core Monitor (78). The time between the transmitted and received pulse is then measured and distance determined therefrom. Both length of core and rate of core entry into the inner barrel (32) can then be determined. If the core is proceeding at too slow a rate, a valve (50) can be opened to allow drilling fluid to bypass the core barrel (16). This provides the surface operator with an indication that a jam has occurred.

Abstract: The sampler disclosed comprises a barrel assembly (21) that is hammered into the ground, from the surface. Hammer-drive-rods are disconnectable from the barrel by manipulation from the surface by means of a left-hand-screw-thread connection (31). The barrel is pulled out of the hole by means of a draw-cable (20). The barrel includes an inner sleeve (16), made of thin aluminum or plastic. This sleeve is cut open to reveal the sample. The sleeve itself is relieved of the hammer blows and other stresses, which are taken entirely by the barrel.

Abstract: A core drilling mechanism in an elongate housing is rotated from a vertical storage position to a horizontal operable position. This permits the transport downhole of a drilling mechanism of sufficient longitudinal dimension to drill a core sample of substantial length perpendicular to the borehole sidewall. A fixed slotted plate and hydraulically actuated rotatable drive plate control the motion of the drilling mechanism, which is stored vertically for descent and ascent, and rotated 90-degrees and moved outward for core drilling. After a core sample is drilled, the drilling mechanism is tilted upward to break off the core, and then returned to its vertical storage position.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic motor for downhole oil and gas wells to drive a sidewall core cutting apparatus comprising; a motor housing having a fluid inlet channel and a fluid outlet channel directed essentially parallel to each other and tangentially intersecting a rotor cavity with the motor housing containing an eccentrically positioned rotor with radially movable vanes within the rotor in a manner such that the fluid flow enters the cavity essentially tangentially and flows around the rotor and exits tangentially on the other side of the cavity. Such a hydraulic motor exhibits significant improvement in torque and power output at a given hydraulic power input when compared to previous hydraulic motors employed in such applications.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the core sample bullet construction, a multi-piece construction is set forth. There is a forward, or removable, nose portion. It nests with and connects to a carrier portion. The two portions together define an elongate central bore formed in multiple portions, and the bore is open through the rear of the carrier. At the rear, a separate and removable bottom cap is plugged into the carrier portion and the two are joined together at the time of assembly, before firing. A release ring is included on the outer face of the nose portion and protects the shoulder of the carrier portion, engaging the formation upon entry, and is sacrifically abandoned; the ring is a mechanism for releasing the nose portion whereby retraction is easily obtained; the release ring includes drilling mud and debris relieving notches formed in the inside diameter.

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 drilling attachment for a utility truck designed for digging pole holes for ordinary utility and telephone poles is disclosed herein. The attachment is intended to replace the auger portion of a conventional auger digger when it is necessary to drill through rock or other hard materials. The excavating method contemplated employs a three step process. First, a deep kerf is cut into the rock by a plurality of drill bits that are independently driven in a rotary/percussive manner while being rotated about the circumference of the kerf. The dust and rock fragments generated by this process are removed from the kerf by an air flushing/vacuum system, that also serves to cool the drill bits. Second, a hydraulic piston is inserted into the kerf and expanded, thereby applying a lateral force to the base of the resultant core causing it to break away from the surrounding rock. Finally an expandable plug is inserted into a pilot hole located at the center of the core.

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: An axial bore is defined throughout the hydraulic lift inner barrel. This axial bore is communicated with the interior of the inner tube thereby allowing the interior of the inner tube to be flushed prior to initiation of the coring operation. When the coring operation is begun, flow of drilling fluid to the interior of the inner tube is prevented by allowing a ball dropped within the drill string to seat within a plug through which the communicating axial bore is defined. Once the flow of drilling fluid to the interior of the inner tube is stopped, the coring operation can begin. After the coring operation is completed, a second ball is dropped and allowed to seat within an inner mandrel through which the axial bore of the coring tool is also defined. Once the axial bore of the inner mandrel is closed, drilling fluid is forced into an expansion chamber within a telescopic piston disposed circumferentially outside of the inner mandrel. The piston is connected to the inner tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved core drill and a method of detachably coupling the same to a power driving unit to expedite the removal of a core therefrom. This is achieved by equipping the rear end of the drill stem with a fixedly attached externally threaded bushing. A coupling sleeve has internal threads at either end matable respectively with the bushing threads and the threaded drive shank of a power driving unit. This sleeve and the core drill are readily detached as a unit from the power drive thereby permitting the rapid removal of the core from the rear end of the drill rather than past the cutting ring at its front end.

Abstract: An improved core catcher for use within a coring tool is provided by shaping the lower portion of the core catcher so as to form a collapsible lower section. The collapsible lower section is structurally collapsed as the core catcher is longitudinally displaced within the coring tool to exert a radially compressive force against the core and to thereby seize the core and retain it within the coring tool. In one embodiment, the collapsible lower section is resilient so that it collapses and after operation resumes its original configuration for reuse. In another embodiment, the collapsible lower section is crushable and is therefore not reusable after the first use. The reusable core catcher is devised by providing the lower section of the core catcher with a plurality of thin slots appropriately aligned and extending through the lower section of the core catcher.

Abstract: A well coring apparatus is provided with the capability for monitoring the length of the core in the inner barrel (32) of a core barrel (16) and the rate at which the core enters the inner barrel (32). The device includes a Sonic Core Monitor (78) which is disposed in the upper end of the inner barrel (32) and a piston (68) which is disposed in the lower end thereof. The Sonic Core Monitor (78) generates an ultrasonic pulse that is transmitted down to the surface of the piston (68) and reflected back up to the Sonic Core Monitor (78). The time between the transmitted and received pulse is then measured and distance determined therefrom. Both length of core and rate of core entry into the inner barrel (32) can then be determined. If the core is proceeding at too slow a rate, a valve (50) can be opened to allow drilling fluid to bypass the core barrel (16). This provides the surface operator with an indication that a jam has occurred.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting core samples from the side walls of a subterranean well bore comprises an axial force generating tool insertable into the well with such tool carrying a stationary support rod and the movable element of such tool producing a movement of a housing surrounding the stationary support rod. Annular core forming tools are mounted on plural anvil plates disposed on sides of the stationary support rod and such tools are moved into penetrating relationship with the well bore side wall through association with a linkage between the movable housing, the anvil plates, and the stationary support rod. The movement of the axial force generating element is opposed by a resistance element. A limit to the maximum force applied to the core forming tools is provided by a shearable element series connected in the stationary support rod.

Abstract: Coring of a subaqueous structure having a significant water pressure head on one side is carried out through a full port valve assembly mounted on the inner or dry side of the structure. With the valve open, the barrel of a coring device is inserted, and a core is cut and removed. The valve is closed to prevent inflow of soil and water. The hole from which the core has been removed can be sealed by injecting a grouting compound through the mounted ball valve assembly, or can be injected by means of a mechanical packer. The valve assembly permits coring to be interrupted, for example, to permit rail service operations through a subaqueous railroad tunnel.

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 core spring type core catcher and a full closure core catcher are completely concealed from the core within a coring tool. The full closure catcher is reliably actuated to assume a closed configuration without dependence upon gravity or an interference diametrical fit with the core by use of a cam ring which is longitudinally displaced downwardly within the core barrel by a preloaded compression spring. The full closure core catcher is comprised of a plurality of flapper valves circumferentially disposed outside of the inner tube and concealed by the inner tube or a terminal extension of the inner tube. Disposed above the plurality of flapper valves, and also circumferentially disposed outside of and concentric with the inner tube is a cam ring. Similarly circumferentially disposed outside of and concentric with the inner tube is a preloaded coil compression spring bearing against the cam ring. The cam ring in turn is in sliding contact with a rear surface of each one of the plurality of flapper valves.

Abstract: A fragmented or unconsolidated core can be cut and retained within a coring tool without substantial disturbance of the core by the use of a shrouded core catcher. A core catcher is concentrically disposed within the coring tool and outside of a smooth, cylindrical sleeve telescopically disposed inside of the core catcher. The core catcher in turn is coupled to a lower assembly which can be selectively longitudinally fixed within the coring tool, but which is otherwise temporarily coupled to the sleeve. As the sleeve is longitudinally pulled upward after the completion of the coring operation, the lower assembly becomes longitudinally fixed within the coring tool and the sleeve, which heretofore has fully covered and concealed the core catcher, begins to be withdrawn from the core catcher, leaving it unconcealed. Ultimately, the core catcher is at least partially uncovered, thereby permitting activation and contact between the core catcher and the core disposed within the coring tool.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, rotation of the inner barrel relative of the axis of symmetry of the core barrel (indicative of core twist off or core sand erosion during coring operations) is detected by a novel sensor combination. The sensor includes a reed switch mechanically imbedded in a support sleeve of a custom safety sub attached to the outer core barrel and electrically actuated by an adjacently positioned signature magnet fitted to the inner barrel to connect a power source uphole from the core barrels with a driver valve of a mud pulser system.During coring, circumferential passage of the reed switch adjacent to the signature magnet (during rotation of the outer core barrel to generate a core), allows the power source to periodically activate the valve driver to produce a series of mud pulses of constant repetition rate. But with the occurrence of rotation of the inner core barrel irregular repetition rates are produced at uphole indicating equipment.

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 apparatus and a method to obtain continuous undisturbed sampling, by rotational boring in non-plastic granular tills. The designation of non-plastic granular till refers to a heterogeneous glacial deposit containing an unstratified and unsorted mixture of silt, sand, gravel, cobbles and boulders with no clay particles. In the geotechnical terminology, this material is generally classified as a gravely silty sand with variable percentage of cobbles and boulders (the non-cohesive matrix consisting of silt and sand). The apparatus comprises a string of drill rods having a core barrel and a new designed coring bit of preselected diameter secured at an end thereof. A drive rotates the drill rod at a predetermined rpm, dependent on the coring bit diameter, to impart rotation to the coring bit to penetrate the core barrel in the soil at a predetermined rate. The coring bit has a crown shaped drilling head having a plurality of fluid convection channels therein.

Abstract: A coring tool, which includes a flexible wire mesh in which the core is disposed, includes a mechanism for maintaining tension on the wire mesh sleeve which then seizes the core disposed within the sleeve, and which serves to retain the core and maintain it under tension. The sleeve is maintained under tension by tensile force transmitted to the sleeve through a stripper tube. The stripper tube is axially disposed through a piston ratchet assembly connected to a piston slidable within the drill string. The piston is resiliently urged upward within the drill string by a return spring but is longitudinally forced downward within the drill string and advanced downwardly with respect to the stripper tube by an increase in pressure within the drill string thereby compressing the return spring.

Abstract: Sampling bullets of the type which are fired into rock formations adjacent a well bore. Surprising and unexpected increases in the service life of the bullet and reliability in obtaining and retrieving core samples have been achieved.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing soil samples from the root zone of a potted plant includes a first longitudinal tubular member and a second longitudinal member telescopically mounted within the first tubular member. The second member has a lower blunt end which protrudes slightly beyond the lower beveled end of the outer tubular member such that when the apparatus is caused to penetrate the root system of a plant, the roots are not damaged or severed. Having reached a desired depth, the center member may be extracted a predetermined distance such that further penetration of the apparatus will result in soil being deposited in the cylinderical opening at the bottom of said outer tubular member. The outer tubular member may be graduated so as to give a visual indication of its depth of penetration. Furthermore, means may be provided for locking the central member in its extracted position and in its penetration position.

Abstract: A process and device for extracting soil samples, wherein a core sample is extracted from the ground which is to be analyzed and part of the soil is removed from the core for subsequent analysis or other after-treatment. The core sample is removed from the ground and enclosed in an encasing (32, 34) in which the core sample remains in the form and position it had in the ground prior to extraction. The required volumes of soil samples are removed via openings (46) in the encasing (32, 34) at pre-determined points, and collected for further treatment.

Abstract: A method of determining the orientation of a fracture or fractures created in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided. The method comprises creating a fracture in the formation extending from a lower end portion of the wellbore and then removing a location orientated core containing a portion of the fracture from the wellbore to thereby determine the orientation of the fracture in the formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides disclosure of a core sampler that includes a rotatably extending outer barrel containing a relatively non-rotating core barrel which is extendable with the outer barrel in response to drilling mud pressure into the material to be cored by a mud turbine which rotates the outer barrel. The core sampler may be run in and out of a drill string on a wire line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a percussion actuated wire line sampler for use in a drill string. The sampler includes a core barrel adapted to be inserted into the drill string and to be freely movable therein. A hydraulic percussion device (16) also insertable and freely movable in the drill string is connected to the core barrel. A downhole mud turbine (20) is provided and is responsive to drilling mud pressure to actuate the percussion device to drive the core barrel out of the end of the drill string into the material to be sampled.

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 a 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 connected to a weight which serves to compress the metal sleeve when outside the inner barrel, thereby increasing its diameter to prevent binding or jamming.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, rotation of the inner barrel relative of the axis of symmetry of the core barrel (indicative of core twist off or core sand erosion during coring operations) is detected by a novel sensor combination comprising a battery-powered Hall-effect device fitted to the inner barrel imbedded in a support sleeve of a custom safety sub attached to the outer core barrel adjacent to a single signature magnet.During coring, circumferential passage of the Hall-effect device adjacent to the signature magnet (during rotation of the outer core barrel to generate a core), produces a series of signals of constant repetition rate. But with the occurrence of rotation of the inner core barrel irregular repetition intervals are produced at uphole indicating equipment connected to the Hall-effect device through conventional downhole telemetering and power generating equipment.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, rotation of the inner barrel relative of the axis of symmetry of the core barrel (indicative of core twist-off or core sand erosion during coring operations) is detected by a novel sensor combination comprising a Hall-effect device imbedded in a support sleeve of a custom safety sub attached to the outer core barrel adjacent to a single signature magnet fitted to and carried by a special support ring attached to the inner barrel. In releasably attaching the inner and outer core barrels together, the special support ring is made to be locking through operation of a series of compression strings acting between the lower surface of the ring and the inner core barrel as to wedge the upper surface of the support ring against an annular stopper ring. Result: the inner core barrel does not rotate relative to the outer core barrel during the trip down to the bottom of the well bore.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, rotation of the inner barrel relative of the axis of symmetry of the core barrel (indicative of core twist off or core sand erosion during coring operations) is detected by a novel sensor combination comprising a Hall-effect device imbedded in a support sleeve of a custom safety sub attached to the outer core barrel adjacent to a signature magnet fitted to the inner barrel.During coring, circumferential passage of the Hall-effect device adjacent to the signature magnet (during rotation of the outer core barrel to generate a core), produces a series of signals of constant repetition rate. But with the occurrence of rotation of the inner core barrel irregular repetition rates are produced at uphole indicating equipment connected to the Hall-effect device through conventional downhole telemetering and power generating equipment. Result: sticking and jamming of the core can be immediately detected and uphole parameters modified to ease unsafe conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a sidewall core from a borehole which has a cylindrical housing with an opening through which a core bit and barrel are extended and retracted. In a preferred embodiment there is a fixed plate on opposite sides of the bit motor with guide slots cut therethrough. A drive plate is provided adjacent each fixed plate having guide slots. The bit motor has two pins on each side which extend through the guide slots of the drive plate. Movement of the drive plates causes the bit motor to follow the designated path.