A core sample tray

Abstract

Provided is a core sample tray 10 comprising a tray body 12 defining a plurality of side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves 14 each for operatively receiving a core sample therein. The tray body 12 is bound by first and second pairs 16 and 18 of side walls. The first pair of side walls 16 is arranged substantially parallel with said grooves 14 and the second pair of side walls 18 is arranged substantially transverse against ends of said grooves 14. The core sample tray 10 generally defines saw blade slots 22 that are configured to allow a saw blade to pass therethrough in order to saw a plurality of core samples in-situ within the core sample tray 10.

Description

A CORE SAMPLE TRAYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to core sampling, in general , and more particularly to a core sample tray and a method of sawing core samples within such a core sample tray .BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only . The discussion i s not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] Core drilling is known in the art and a core dri ll is typically a geological exploration tool that has an annular drill bit , used for extracting from a sample site an intact elongate sample representative of the strata through which the drill has passed . It is typically important to catalogue and maintain collected samples intact for subsequent analysis . The drilling and collection of core samples is quite common in the mining industry, where geologists take core samples at dif ferent geographical sites to later analyse for mineral or metal content . When core samples are taken, there is a need to house , organise , transport , catalogue and store the samples .

[0004] Accordingly, various core trays have been developed with a series of parallel channels si zed for receiving core lengths and maintaining their separation and structural integrity during transportation of f-site and during periodsof subsequent storage pending analysis, which can be considerable periods of time. Such core trays are generally used to house, organise, transport, catalogue and store the samples. Core trays are, as the name implies, a tray-like device with a number of elongate grooves, slots or channels, each channel being arranged to hold a portion of a core sample. There is generally no set standard for core trays, other than the requirement to size the troughs or channels so that core samples can fit into the channels. The length and width of the trays are generally a function of local requirements. It is quite common for different companies and / or mine sites to have different tray size requirements.

[0005] Further analyses of such collected samples often involve sawing a sample in half, which conventionally involves removing a core sample from a core tray for sawing by means of a core sample saw. Conventionally, sawing a core sample in half is done by means of some manner of variation on a table saw or a press-type saw generally used for woodworking, with such saw fitted with suitable cutting discs for cutting the sampled material, such as rock.

[0006] Such sawing of core samples is arduous work, typically requiring a person to lift the individual heavy and cumbersome core samples from a core tray or box and place it onto the saw for cutting. Some core saws incorporate a cradle for receiving the core sample to facilitate sawing, but the process requires manual labour, is dangerous and noisy work. After the core sample has been split, the halves must also be returned to the core tray at the correct position for logging and sequencing of the overall sampling process, which can lead to human errors that affect laboratory analyses later on .

[0007] In light of these arduous and manually intensive conventional practices of sawing core samples , Applicant has developed core saw technologies , as described in International Patent Application no . PCT / AU2024 / 051257 , which are broadly configured for facilitating simultaneous sawing of a plurality of core samples in-si tu within a core tray . The current invention was conceived to ameliorate conventional core trays for use with Applicant ' s core saw technologies and with a desire to provide improvements to the conventional art of core sample trays .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Broadly, aspects of the present invention provide for various embodiments of a core sample tray configured to receive a plurality of core samples therein, typically in side-by-side grooves of said core sample tray, said core sample tray further configured to define saw blade slots each configured to allow a saw blade to pass therethrough in order to saw a plurality of core samples in-si tu within the core sample tray .

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention there i s provided a core sample tray comprising : a tray body defining a plurality of side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves each for operatively receiving a core sample therein, said tray body bound by first and second opposed pairs of side walls ; wherein the first pair of side walls is arranged substantially parallel with said grooves and the second pair of side walls is arranged substantially transverse against respective ends of said grooves ; and wherein the tray body defines complementary pairs of saw blade slots therethrough proximate each second side wall alsodefining an associated saw blade slot partway therethrough, each saw blade slot in register with a groove and configured to allow a saw blade to pass therethrough so that a core sample is sawable in-si tu within the groove .

[0010] In an embodiment , the core sample tray is manufactured from a high-density polymer .

[0011] In an embodiment , the rotund cross-section of a groove has a radius analogous to a radius of the core sample to facilitate cradling of a core sample within said groove .

[0012] In an embodiment , the complementary pairs of saw blade slots are arranged substantially in register along a centre of each groove .

[0013] In an embodiment , the associated saw blade slot defined partway through each second side wall is curved to accommodate a circular saw blade passing through the associated saw blade slot defined through the tray body proximate that second side wall .

[0014] In another aspect of the invention the core sample tray comprises : a tray body defining a plurality of side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves each for operatively receiving a core sample therein, said tray body bound by first and second opposed pairs of side walls ; wherein the first pair of side walls is arranged substantially parallel with said grooves and each first side wall defines a gear rack along said first side wall ; and wherein the second pair of s ide walls is arranged substantially transverse against respective ends of saidgrooves and each second side wall defines complementary pairs of saw blade slots in register with each groove; wherein the core tray is engageable by means of a saw assembly engaging the gear racks and a circular saw blade is passable via a complementary pair of saw blade slots to facilitate automated and simultaneous sawing of a plurality of core samples in-situ within the core tray.

[0015] In an embodiment, the core sample tray defines a protruding rib extending along and between the side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves.

[0016] In an embodiment, the protruding rib defines a lug thereon which is configured to interact with the saw assembly .

[0017] In an embodiment, the protruding rib and / or lug is configured to interact with a core sample securing mechanism of the saw assembly and / or core tray sensor of the saw assembly .

[0018] In an embodiment, the gear rack along each first side wall is directed downwards from said side walls.

[0019] In an embodiment, the gear rack along each first side wall is directed laterally from said side walls.

[0020] In an embodiment, the complementary pairs of saw blade slots defined by each second side wall are defined for each groove of the tray body.

[0021] In an embodiment, a depth of each saw blade slot spans a depth of an associated groove.

[0022] In an embodiment , the first pair of side walls defines at least one set of handles .

[0023] In an embodiment , the second pair of side wall s defines at least one set of handles .

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of sawing a core sample , said method comprising the steps of : providing a core sample tray as per the aspects of the invention above ; providing at least one core sample within a groove of said core sample tray; and feeding said core sample tray into a saw assembly configured to engage said core sample tray and saw the at least one core sample in-si tu within the core sample tray .

[0025] In one embodiment , the method includes the step of simultaneously engaging both gear racks to feed the core sample tray past at least one circular saw blade passable via a complementary pair of saw blade slots to facilitate automated and simultaneous sawing of the at least one core sample in-si tu within the core sample tray .

[0026] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a core sample tray comprising : a tray body defining a plurality of side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves each for operatively receiving a core sample therein, the tray body defining at least one gear rack along a length thereof , said tray body bound by first and second opposed pairs of side walls ; wherein the first pair of side walls are arranged substantially parallel with said grooves ; andwherein the second pair of side walls are arranged substantially transverse against respective ends of said grooves ; wherein the core tray is engageable by means of a conveyor engaging the gear rack to facilitate moving said core sample tray via said conveyor .

[0027] In an embodiment , the conveyor comprises part of a saw assembly configured to saw core samples in-si tu within the core sample tray .

[0028] In an embodiment , each first side wall defines a gear rack along said first side wall .

[0029] In an embodiment , each second side wall defines complementary pairs of saw blade slots in register with each groove and a circular saw blade is passable via a complementary pair of saw blade slots to facilitate automated and simultaneous sawing of a core sample in-si tu within the core sample tray .

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a core sample tray and an associated method of sawing a core sample , substantially as herein described and / or illustrated .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a diagrammatic top-view perspective representation of a core sample tray, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side-view perspective representation of the core sample tray of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is diagrammatic bottom front-view perspective representation of the core sample tray of Figure 1 ;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic bottom side-view perspective representation of the core sample tray of Figure 1 ;Figure 5 is a diagrammatic end-view representation bottom front-view perspective representation of the core sample tray of Figure 1 ;Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of the core sample tray of Figure 1 ;Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation of an example pinion gear of a conveyor, such as a conveyor of a saw assembly, engaging a gear rack along a first side wall , or on a tray body, of the core sample tray of Figure 1 ;Figure 8 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of another embodiment of a core sample tray, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 9A is a diagrammatic top-view representation of the core sample tray of Figure 8 ;Figure 9B is a diagrammatic side-view representation of the core sample tray of Figure 9A; andFigures 10A to 10G show diagrammatic side-view representations of a sequence of a saw blade passing through saw blade slots of the core sample tray of Figure 8 in order to saw a plurality of core samples in-si tu within the core sample tray .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0032] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0033] Addit ionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide a functional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0034] Broadly, the present invention provides for various embodiments of a core sample tray 10 which is configured toreceive a plurality of core samples therein, typically in side-by-side grooves 14 of the core sample tray 10 . The core sample tray 10 is generally further configured to define saw blade slots 22 each configured to allow a saw blade 32 to pass therethrough in order to saw a plurality of core samples in-si tu within the core sample tray 10 .

[0035] In one embodiment , as exempli fied in Figures 1 to 6 , the present invention provides for a core sample tray 10 which is configured for engagement by a suitable conveyor (not shown) for moving or displacing said core sample tray 10 . For example , a saw assembly (not shown) , which may be configured for automated sawing of core samples within the core sample tray 10 , may engage the core sample tray 10 accordingly, as described in more detail within this disclosure .

[0036] With reference now to accompanying Figures 1 to 6 , there is shown one embodiment of a core sample tray 10 . Core sample tray 10 generally comprises a tray body 12 bound by first and second opposed pairs o f side walls 16 and 18 , as shown . The tray body 12 defines a plurality of side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves 14 , each for operatively receiving a core sample (not shown) therein . The rotund cross-section of a groove 15 typically has a radius analogous to a radius of a core sample to facilitate cradling of a core sample within said groove 14 . The core sample tray 10 is typically manufactured from a high-density polymer, but of course variations hereon are possible and expected .

[0037] In the exempli fied embodiment, the first pair of opposed side walls is arranged substantially parallel with the grooves 14 , with each first side wall 16 defining a gear rack 20 along a length of the first side wall , as show .However, the skilled addressee is to appreciate that variations hereon are possible. For example, in a further embodiment, the tray body 12 may define at least one gear rack along a length thereof, e.g. at the bottom of the core sample tray 10, or the like, i.e. the gear rack(s) 20 may be arranged on any part of the core sample tray 10, as per requirements .

[0038] The skilled addressee is further to appreciate that the gear racks may take various forms within the principle of mechanical equivalence. For example, while a gear rack 20 is exemplified in the accompanying figures, which is generally a straight, toothed bar or rod that meshes with the teeth of a pinion gear 28, an example of which is shown in Figure 7, any other suitable engagement structures or configurations enabling the core sample tray 10 to be engaged by a suitable conveyor is apposite. Such variations may include various projections and / or engagement surfaces defined on the core sample tray which are configured to facilitate linear displacement via a suitable conveyor.

[0039] In the exemplified embodiment, the gear rack 20 along each first side wall 16 is directed downwards from said side walls 16, i.e. the gear racks 20 are defined underneath a projecting upper lip of each side wall 16, as shown, or at the bottom of each first side wall 16, etc. In another embodiment, the gear rack 20 along each first side wall 16 may be directed laterally from said side walls 16, i.e. pointing outwards from each side wall 16, or the like. Similarly, in another embodiment, the gear rack 20 along each first side wall 16 is directed upwards from said side walls 16, i.e. the gear racks 20 are defined on top of each side wall 16, or the like. In a yet further embodiment, the gearrack 20 along each first side wall 16 may be defined inside or facing towards the grooves 16 of the core sample tray 10 .

[0040] The second pair of opposed side walls 18 is arranged substantially transverse against respective ends of the grooves 14 , as shown, with each second side wall 18 defining complementary pairs of saw blade slots 22 in register with each respective groove 14 . In one embodiment , the complementary pairs of saw blade slots 22 defined by each second side wall 18 are defined for each groove 14 of the tray body 12 , i . e . each groove 14 has a pair of saw blade slots 22 aligned therewith . In one embodiment , the complementary pairs of saw blade slots 22 are arranged substantially in register along a centre of each groove 14 , i . e . to allow a saw blade to saw a core sample within the groove 14 substantially in hal f or along a centre thereof . Accordingly, in a typical embodiment , a depth of each saw blade slot 22 typically spans a depth of an associated groove 14 to allow a saw blade to pass through an entirety of a core sample within a groove 14 .

[0041] In one embodiment , the core sample tray 10 further defines a protruding rib 24 which extends along and / or between the side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves 14 . In one embodiment , a protruding rib 24 defines a lug 26 thereon which is configured to interact with the conveyor or saw assembly . For example , in one embodiment , the protruding rib 24 and / or lug 26 is configured to interact with a core sample securing mechanism (not shown) of the saw assembly and / or core tray sensor of the saw assembly, i . e . the ribs 24 and / or lugs 26 may facilitate engagement of core samples within the grooves by a saw assembly, and / or may facilitate a saw assembly in detecting a presence or position of the core sample tray 10 , or the like . For example , a mechanism of thesaw assembly may interact with the ribs 2 to urge core samples in position within the tray 10 during sawing, with the lugs 26 sensable by means of a suitable sensor of the saw assembly to indicate where a groove starts and ends , or the like .

[0042] In one embodiment , the first pair of side walls 12 defines at least one set of handles 30 . Similarly, in one embodiment , the second pair of side walls 18 defines at least one set of handles 30 . Such handles 30 generally facilitates manual handling of the core sample tray 10 .

[0043] With reference now to Figures 8 to 10 , there is shown a further embodiment of core sample tray 10 , which generally comprises a tray body 12 defining a plurality of side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves 14 each for operatively receiving a core sample therein . As with the above embodiment , the tray body 12 is bound by first and second opposed pairs of side walls 16 and 18 . The first pair of side walls 16 is arranged substantially parallel with said grooves 14 and the second pair of side walls 18 is arranged substantially transverse against respective ends of said grooves 14 , as shown .

[0044] In this embodiment , the tray body 12 defines complementary pairs of saw blade slots 22 therethrough proximate each second side wal l 18 which also defines an associated saw blade slot 22 partway therethrough . Importantly, each second side wall 18 defines the saw blade slot 22 partway therethrough, i . e . the slot does not cut all the way through the second side wall , and the tray body 12 defines saw blade slots 22 proximate the second side wall 18 entirely therethrough, i . e . the saw blade slots 22 passes entirely though the tray body 12 , as shown .

[0045] Each saw blade slot 22 is generally in register or aligned with a groove 14 and configured to allow a saw blade 32 to pass therethrough so that a core sample is sawable f n- si tu within the groove 14 , i . e . the complementary pairs of saw blade slots 22 are arranged substantially in register along a centre of each groove 14 , as shown . In a typical embodiment , the rotund cross-section of a groove 14 has a radius analogous to a radius of the core sample to facilitate cradling of a core sample within said groove 14 .

[0046] In a typical embodiment , the associated saw blade slot 22 defined partway through each second side wall 15 is curved to accommodate a circular saw blade 32 passing through the associated saw blade slot defined through the tray body 12 proximate that second side wall 18 . For example , as shown in more detail in Figures 10 , this curved saw blade slot 22 of the second side walls 18 allows a circular saw blade 32 to plunge into an end of a groove 14 and pass entirely through the saw blade slot 22 defined in a bottom of the tray body 12 , as shown . The saw blade 32 may then be raised to traverse above a bottom of the tray body 12 and along the groove 14 in order to saw a core sample within the groove .

[0047] Once the saw blade 32 reaches an end of the groove 14 , the saw blade 32 may be lowered into the saw blade slot 22 defined in a bottom of the tray body 12 at the other end of the groove , as shown, to pass entirely through the saw blade slot 22 in the bottom of the tray body . The saw blade 32 may then be raised .

[0048] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that such an arrangement of the saw blade slots 22 that pass partway through the second side walls 18 and entirely through thetray body 12 at ends of the respective grooves 14 serves to reduce an overall length of the core sample tray 10 whilst facilitating automated and simultaneous sawing of a plurality of core samples in-si tu within the core sample tray 10 .

[0049] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the present invention includes an associated method of sawing a core sample . The method broadly comprises the steps of providing a core sample tray 10 as described herein, providing at least one core sample within a groove 14 of said core sample tray 10 , and feeding said core sample tray 10 into a saw assembly (not shown) configured to engage said core sample tray 10 by simultaneously engaging both gear racks 20 on either side of said tray 10 to feed the core sample tray 10 past at least one circular saw blade passable via the complementary pair of saw blade slots 22 to facilitate automated and simultaneous sawing of the at least one core sample in-si tu within the core sample tray 10 .

[0050] The skilled addressee is further to appreciate that the present invention further includes a method of displacing or moving a core sample tray 10 as described herein . Such a method generally comprises the step of engaging the core sample tray 10 by means of a conveyor engaging the gear rack ( s ) defined anywhere along the core sample tray 10 to facilitate moving said core sample tray 10 via said conveyor .

[0051] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for a core sample tray 10 which is engageable by a suitable conveyor in order to displace or move the core sample tray 10 , typically as part of an automated system . For example , core sample tray 10 allows automated and simultaneous sawing of a plurality ofcore samples in-situ within such a core sample tray 10 by means of a suitably-configured core sample saw assembly.

[0052] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee. Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0053] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0054] Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans toemploy such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0055] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0056] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the described contrivance in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the contrivance in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The contrivance may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and thespatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly .

[0057] Any method steps , processes , and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless speci fically identi fied as an order of performance . It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A core sample tray defining side-by-side grooves each configured to receive a core sample therein, said core sample tray defining saw blade slots configured to allow a saw blade to pass therethrough in order to saw a plurality of core samples in-si tu within the core sample tray .2 . The core sample tray of claim 1 , which comprises : a tray body defining a plurality of side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves each for operatively receiving a core sample therein, said tray body bound by first and second opposed pairs of side walls ; wherein the first pair of side walls is arranged substantially parallel with said grooves and the second pair of side walls is arranged substantially transverse against respective ends of said grooves ; and wherein the tray body defines complementary pairs of saw blade slots therethrough proximate each second side wall also defining an associated saw blade slot partway therethrough, each saw blade slot in register with a groove and configured to allow a saw blade to pass therethrough so that a core sample is sawable in-si tu within the groove .3 . The core sample tray of either of claims 1 or 2 , which is manufactured from a high-density polymer .4 . The core sample tray of either of claims 2 or 3 , wherein the rotund cross-section of a groove has a radius analogous to a radius of the core sample to facilitate cradling of a core sample within said groove .5 . The core sample tray of any of claims 2 to 4 , wherein the complementary pairs of saw blade slots are arranged substantially in register along a centre of each groove .6 . The core sample tray of any of claims 2 to 5 , wherein the associated saw blade slot defined partway through each second side wall is curved to accommodate a circular saw blade passing through the associated saw blade slot defined through the tray body proximate that second side wall .7 . The core sample tray of claim 1 , which comprises : a tray body defining a plurality of side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves each for operatively receiving a core sample therein, said tray body bound by first and second opposed pairs of side walls ; wherein the first pair of side walls is arranged substantially parallel with said grooves and each first side wall defines a gear rack along said first side wall ; and wherein the second pair of s ide walls is arranged substantially transverse against respective ends of said grooves and each second side wall defines complementary pairs of saw blade slots in register with each groove ; wherein the core tray is engageable by means of a saw assembly engaging the gear racks and a circular saw blade is passable via a complementary pair of saw blade slots to facilitate automated and simultaneous sawing of a plurality of core samples in-si tu within the core tray .8 . The core sample tray of any of claims 2 to 7 , which defines a protruding rib extending along and between the side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves .9 . The core sample tray of claim 8 , wherein the protruding rib defines a lug thereon which is configured to interact with a saw assembly .10 . The core sample tray of any of claims 7 to 9 , wherein the gear rack along each first side wall is directed downwards from said side walls .11 . The core sample tray of any of claims 7 to 10 , wherein the gear rack along each first side wall is directed laterally from said side walls .12 . The core sample tray of any of claims 7 to 11 , wherein the complementary pairs of saw blade slots defined by each second side wall are defined for each groove of the tray body .13 . The core sample tray of any of claims 7 to 12 , wherein a depth of each saw blade slot spans a depth of an associated groove .14 . The core sample tray of any of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the first pair of side walls defines at least one set o f handles .15 . The core sample tray of any of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the second pair of side walls defines at least one set of handles .16 . A method of sawing a core sample , said method comprising the steps of : providing a core sample tray in accordance with any of claims 1 to 15 ;providing at least one core sample within a groove of said core sample tray; and feeding said core sample tray into a saw assembly configured to engage said core sample tray and saw the at least one core sample in-si tu within the core sample tray .17 . The method of claim 16 , which includes the step of simultaneously engaging both gear racks to feed the core sample tray past at least one circular saw blade passable via a complementary pair of saw blade slots to facilitate automated and simultaneous sawing of the at least one core sample in-si tu within the core sample tray .18 . A core sample tray comprising : a tray body defining a plurality of side-by-side rotund cross-sectional grooves each for operatively receiving a core sample therein, the tray body defining at least one gear rack along a length thereof , said tray body bound by first and second opposed pairs of side walls ; wherein the first pair of side walls are arranged substantially parallel with said grooves ; wherein the second pair of side walls are arranged substantially transverse against respective ends of said grooves ; and wherein the core tray is engageable by means of a conveyor engaging the gear rack to facilitate moving said core sample tray via said conveyor as part of a saw assembly configured to saw core samples in-si tu within the core sample tray .19 . The core sample tray of claim 18 , wherein each first side wall defines a gear rack along said first side wall .20 . The core sample tray of either of claims 18 or 19 , which is configured to define saw blade slots each configured to allow a saw blade to pass therethrough in order to saw a plurality of core samples in-si tu within the core sample tray .

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