Device for improving core drilling sample extraction

Abstract

An improved system for diamond core sample retrieval utilizes a split collar that can be disassembled without rotation. The split collar expands by deforming to facilitate easy core sample removal with minimal breakage. During drilling, a closed ring prevents expansion. The split collar is installed to the core tube with interlocking serrations and is prevented from rotating with longitudinal keys or keyways. Compatibility with industry standard tubes is achieved with an adapter that has mating serrations, keys / keyways, and internal threads designed for non-compatible tubes. The design simplifies operations while ensuring that core samples are securely and efficiently retrieved.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 616617, filed December 30, 2023, entitled “Slotted lifter case, adapter and core tube for extracting diamond core samples and method of use thereof,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Background Art of the Invention Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates to a core retainer assembly for diamond core drilling. Background Technology

[0005] Existing technologies only contain circlip holders that require rotational movement to install or remove from the core sample tube. The device described herein, involving a circlip holder with a longitudinal slit or joint that allows installation and removal without rotation relative to the core sample tube, differs substantially from conventional concepts and designs. For example, Lindelof's U.S. Patent No. 3,340,939, entitled "Core Circlip Device," discloses a circlip holder with an internal thread at one end for engagement with the external thread of a core sample tube, thus requiring rotation to unscrew the threaded circlip holder from the core sample tube to remove the core sample. The device disclosed in this patent is used in many drilling sites worldwide. Other patents disclosing systems or apparatuses related to core sample retention and removal include: U.S. Patent No. 3,540,537 of Brown entitled "Slotted Core Snap-Ring Device"; U.S. Patent No. 3,305,033 of Pickard et al. entitled "Core Tube"; U.S. Patent No. 2,857,138 of Svendsen et al. entitled "Core Tube"; U.S. Patent No. 3,428,138 of Casper et al. entitled "Offset Core Snap-Ring Device"; and U.S. Publication No. US2015 / 0247369 of Beach entitled "Core Snap-Ring Assembly". It is noteworthy that all existing patents relating to core removal methods and apparatus disclose the use of snap-ring holders that must be screwed onto or unscrewed from the core sample tube by rotational motion. Existing patents (e.g., US2015 / 0247369 and 3,540,537) that disclose devices involving retaining springs housed within retaining springs and show longitudinal slots in the design of such retaining springs still employ conventional retaining springs that do not utilize longitudinal slots or joints to enable the installation or removal of the retaining springs.

[0006] Current technology involves a generally cylindrical device (a retainer or shoe, referred to herein as a "retainer") configured to be installed into a core sample holding device (commonly referred to as a core tube or core cylinder, referred to herein as a "core sample tube") via a threaded connection to one end of a core sample tube. Installation or removal is achieved by screwing the threaded retainer onto or off the threaded core tube to retrieve the core sample held within the retainer by a tapered sleeve, commonly referred to as a retainer. While currently available devices are marketed as reusable multiple times, they actually have a limited lifespan, which is often dependent on usage conditions.

[0007] During the removal of the conventional threaded retainer after core samples have been drilled, the act of unscrewing the threaded retainer from the threaded core tube applies a torque force to the core sample contained within the threaded core sample tube. This torque force may be sufficient to damage the core sample at least at the joint between the threaded core tube and the threaded retainer.

[0008] Core sample disaggregation can degrade sample quality in several ways, including but not limited to: making it impossible to orient the core sample using common existing core orientation methods, hindering the examination of intact samples, and reducing the quality of interpretation that would otherwise be improved if the sample were more intact. The problems caused by damage and fragmentation of core samples during removal from the core sample tube and retainer incur considerable additional costs. Preventing core sample disaggregation will bring significant economic benefits to the ultimate beneficiaries of the core sample.

[0009] In addition, the force required to remove core samples from the currently used standard threaded snap ring design often results in snap ring damage, thus requiring diamond core drill operators (who often work in extremely remote locations) to have a large inventory of snap rings and related parts on site.

[0010] Furthermore, for example, removing a threaded snap ring holder from a standard threaded core tube using pipe wrenches can create unsafe conditions due to the frequent overtightening or mis-threading issues associated with threaded snap ring holders, requiring excessive force for removal. In the typical environment of a diamond core drilling rig site, the force required to remove a threaded snap ring holder from a threaded core tube can cause acute or chronic injury to the drilling operator, especially those responsible for assembling / disassembling core drilling components and obtained core samples.

[0011] The novel device disclosed herein alleviates at least the aforementioned problems because the snap ring holder can have at least one seam that allows for reversible deformation, thereby expanding or increasing its size by opening at least one seam. This allows the slotted snap ring holder to be removed from the core sample tube without loosening or rotating, and allows for the removal of the core sample without mechanically damaging it, whether the sample is stuck in the snap ring holder due to internal or external factors during drilling or not. The slotted snap ring holder can be configured for use with compatible core tubes or modified for use with incompatible core tubes. The configuration of the device disclosed herein differs substantially from the conventional design of snap ring holders and related drilling equipment, which revolves around threaded connections and screw-on / screw-off operation. This conventional operation has dominated drilling equipment design for the past century. The novel operation of the device disclosed herein stems from the need to maintain core integrity due to the emergence of new analytical techniques that benefit from intact core samples. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This paper discloses a system for improving the retrieval of diamond core drilling samples, wherein the snap ring assembly does not require rotational movement relative to the core sample tube when removed from the core sample tube. Instead, it is constructed with a longitudinal slit or joint that allows the snap ring assembly to expand through physical deformation. The expansion of the snap ring assembly is sufficient to allow removal from the compatible core tube assembly without rotation and allows for the removal of the core sample from the snap ring assembly with less fragmentation. During drilling operations, the expansion of the snap ring assembly is prevented by a closed-loop assembly externally mounted to the snap ring assembly. The snap ring assembly is mounted and held to the compatible core sample tube by a set of serrations on the outer diameter of the compatible core sample tube, which engage with mating serrations on the inner diameter of one end of the snap ring assembly. Rotation of the installed snap ring assembly relative to the compatible core sample tube is prevented by a longitudinal key or keyway located on the snap ring assembly or compatible core tube, which engages with the key or keyway on the snap ring assembly or compatible core tube in a manner that prevents rotation of the snap ring assembly. The snap ring assembly can be used with incompatible industry-standard core sample tubes via an adapter assembly having a set of serrations and a longitudinal key or keyway on its outer diameter at one end, which engage with mating serrations and a longitudinal key or keyway on the inner diameter of the snap ring assembly. At the end opposite the serrations, the inner diameter of the adapter assembly has threads, sized and designed to fit on industry-standard incompatible core sample tubes.

[0013] The slotted or split snap ring holder assembly improves upon the threaded snap ring holder by introducing at least one longitudinal seam or slot, which may be parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slotted or split snap ring holder and may extend wholly or partially along the length of the slotted or split snap ring holder. Sufficient reversible physical deformation or expansion is achieved to detach the slotted or split snap ring holder from the core sample tube without requiring rotation, loosening, or similar movements for installation to or removal from the core sample tube.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal joint or slit can be kept closed to a minimum circumference sufficient to hold the core sample by means of a closing ring component mounted on the outer periphery of the snap ring seat component. In different embodiments, the physical locking mechanism can consist of a hook, buckle, strap, or similar structure that can be used to keep the longitudinal joint closed.

[0015] In one embodiment, axial retention of the slotted or slitted snap ring holder on the compatible core sample tube can be achieved by at least one serration or ridge surrounding the inner circumference of one end of the slotted or slitted snap ring holder, which may be located in a corresponding serration or ridge on the compatible core sample tube. The slotted or slitted snap ring holder may have at least one key or keyway parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slotted or slitted snap ring holder, which may engage with a key or keyway on the core sample tube and may be configured to prevent rotation of the slotted or slitted snap ring holder.

[0016] Another embodiment of the slotted or open-cut snap ring holder can be configured to be compatible with a core sample tube having at least one serration or ridge, and one end of which may also have at least one key or keyway. The serration or ridge and the key or keyway can be configured to engage with at least one serration or ridge and at least one opposing key or keyway on the slotted or open-cut snap ring holder, and the threads on the other end of the core sample tube are compatible with existing diamond drilling equipment.

[0017] Other embodiments may include an adapter component configured to work with an existing core sample tube that is threaded at both ends. The adapter is configured to have at least one serration or ridge on the outer diameter of one end and threads on the inner diameter of the other end that are compatible with existing diamond core drilling equipment.

[0018] Slotted or open-slotted snap ring holders can be configured to be reinstalled onto compatible core sample tubes or adapters by performing the disassembly steps in reverse.

[0019] As disclosed above, the removal of a slotted or split snap ring holder from a core sample tube and / or adapter, and the extraction of a core sample from the slotted snap ring holder, can be achieved by expanding at least one longitudinal joint or slot in the slotted or split snap ring holder. The expansion of at least one longitudinal joint of the slotted or split snap ring holder can be achieved by a variety of methods, including but not limited to: rotating an eccentric cam to press open at least one longitudinal joint of the slotted snap ring holder, or using any wrench-like tool inserted into recesses or other shaped structures arranged on both sides of at least one longitudinal joint to pry open at least one longitudinal joint of the slotted snap ring holder, thereby creating sufficient clearance to allow the slotted or split snap ring holder to be removed from at least one retaining serration or ridge on the core tube or adapter, mitigating damage to the contained portion of the core sample during removal of the slotted snap ring holder from the core tube. Any other method or tool can be used to generate deformation sufficient for snap ring holder installation or removal.

[0020] This slotted or open-cut snap ring holder improves upon existing devices by innovatively utilizing the active and reversible expansion or deformation of the circumference of the slotted or open-cut snap ring holder to allow for removal from the core sample tube, rather than using a statically sized snap ring holder that must be unscrewed from a threaded core sample tube.

[0021] The novel expansion method of slotted or open-slotted snap ring holders allows for removal of the snap ring holder from the core tube without the use of pipe wrenches. This method of use partially or completely prevents damage to the core sample held in the slotted snap ring holder and at least improves the safety and comfort of the operator performing the core sample removal operation.

[0022] A retaining spring holder device for holding a drilled core sample in a core sample tube, wherein the retaining spring holder device does not require rotation relative to the core tube when being installed into or removed from the core sample tube, wherein: a. The non-rotational installation and removal of the circlip seat is achieved by the physical deformation of the circlip seat, which is achieved by the expansion of the circlip seat allowed by the joint or opening; b. The snap ring holder device is detachably installed to the compatible core sample tube by means of circumferential serrations or ridges located on the inner diameter of one end of the snap ring holder device, the circumferential serrations or ridges cooperating with the matching serrations or ridges on the outer diameter of the compatible core sample tube. c. The rotational movement of the snap ring seat relative to the core sample tube is prevented by a key or keyway on the snap ring seat, which engages with a matching key or keyway on the compatible core sample tube; d. The snap ring seat can be held in a closed configuration by means of a closing ring that engages with the snap ring seat via a threaded connection.

[0023] A compatible core sample tube is configured to be used with both the snap ring holder device disclosed herein and standard core drilling equipment, wherein: a. The detachable installation of the snap ring seat device as described in claim 1 is achieved by using the ridge or serration on the outer diameter of one end of the compatible core tube, and the thread or other standard mounting configuration on the other end of the compatible core tube allows for use with other components required for core drilling; b. A snap ring holder for holding a drilled core sample in a core sample tube, and which does not require rotation relative to the core tube when the device is installed in or removed from the core sample tube, wherein rotational movement relative to the compatible core sample tube is prevented by a key or keyway on the core sample tube, which engages with a key or keyway of the snap ring holder. c. Other parameters, features, or specifications of the compatible core sample tubes that are not specifically configured to be compatible with the apparatus contained herein are configured to be compatible with existing or future standards for core drilling equipment.

[0024] A closed-loop component configured to cooperate with a snap ring holder device for holding a drilled core sample in a core sample tube, and which does not require rotation relative to the core tube when the device is installed into or removed from the core sample tube, the closed-loop component preventing the snap ring holder device from opening or deforming, wherein: a. The closing loop device is detachably installed to the snap ring seat via a threaded connection; b. The closing loop device may be configured to have a notch, ridge, hole or other feature that allows the closing loop device to engage with any tool that facilitates installation and removal, or to provide a better grip for manual installation or removal.

[0025] An adapter allows for the use of a snap ring holder device for holding drilled core samples in a core sample tube, which does not require rotation relative to the core tube when installing or removing the device from the core sample tube, with commonly used incompatible core sample tubes, wherein: a. The adapter is installed into a core sample tube that is not designed to be compatible with a snap ring holder device used to hold the drilled core sample in the core sample tube and which does not require rotation relative to the core tube when the device is installed into or removed from the core sample tube. b. The adapter can be detachably installed into an incompatible core sample tube using a threaded connection at one end; c. The adapter engages with a retaining spring seat device located at the opposite end of the threaded connection via a circumferential ridge or serration at the opposite end of the threaded connection. This retaining spring or serration engages with the corresponding ridge or serration of the retaining spring seat device, which is used to hold the drilled core sample in the core sample tube and does not require rotation relative to the core tube when the device is installed in or removed from the core sample tube. d. The adapter uses a key or keyway to prevent the rotational movement of the snap ring holder assembly, which engages with the key or keyway on the snap ring holder assembly used to hold the drilled core sample in the core sample tube and which does not need to rotate relative to the core tube when the assembly is installed into or removed from the core sample tube.

[0026] The following provides a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are directed to specific applications of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will recognize that the applicability of the present invention extends beyond the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a slanted perspective view of the snap ring seat component.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a side view of the snap ring seat component.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a side view of the snap ring seat component showing its internal features.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the snap ring seat component.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a slanted perspective view of the closed-loop component.

[0032] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the snap ring seat component and the closing ring component.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the assembled snap ring seat assembly and the closing ring assembly.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a side view of a compatible core sample tube component.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a slanted stereoscopic view of a compatible core sample tube component.

[0036] Figure 10This is an exploded side view showing the assembly of the compatible core sample tube assembly, snap ring assembly, and closing ring assembly.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a side view showing the assembled compatible core sample tube assembly, snap ring assembly, and closure ring assembly.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a slanted stereoscopic view of the standard core sample tube adapter component.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a side view of a standard core sample tube adapter component showing its internal features.

[0040] Figure 14 This is an exploded side view showing the assembly of the standard core sample tube, the standard core tube adapter assembly, the snap ring seat assembly, and the closing ring assembly.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a side view showing the assembled standard core sample tube, standard core sample tube adapter assembly, snap ring seat assembly, and closing ring assembly.

[0042] Detailed Implementation

[0043] The disclosure and drawings of provisional patent application No. 63 / 616617 entitled "Slotted snap ring seat, adapter and core tube for extracting diamond core drilling samples and method of use thereof".

[0044] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to those skilled in the art. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure, well-known elements may not be shown or described in detail. The following description of examples of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the invention to the precise form of any exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0045] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the drawings. A summary of the numbered elements is listed after the description of the drawings. Figures 1 to 4 The components of a slotted or open-slotted snap ring holder assembly are shown. Figure 5 The components that make up the closed loop are shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This illustrates the interaction and assembly of the slotted or open-slotted snap ring seat component with the closed loop component. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The components that make up the compatible core sample tube assembly are shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11This illustrates the interaction and assembly of compatible core tubes, slotted or open-slot circlip seats, and closed-loop components. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The components that make up the adapter assembly are shown. Figure 14 and Figure 15 This illustrates the interaction and assembly of adapters, slotted or open-slot snap ring seats, and closed-loop components with incompatible standard core sample tubes.

[0046] exist Figures 1 to 4 The image shows a slotted or open-cut snap ring holder 10, comprising a hollow cylindrical device made of a suitable material (e.g., hardened steel and / or steel alloys) having physical properties capable of providing sufficient hardness, durability, spring tension retention, and number of use cycles. Other suitable metals, plastics, composite materials, or other materials may also be used. The material of the slotted snap ring holder 10 will give it a service life substantially equivalent to or exceeding that of similar products representing the current prior art, but in other embodiments, a disposable implementation may also be used.

[0047] The slotted or open-cut snap ring holder 10 preferably includes at least one longitudinal seam 12 that extends partially or entirely along the length of the slotted or open-cut snap ring holder 10 and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slotted snap ring holder 10. In other embodiments, the routing of the seam may not be substantially parallel or completely parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slotted or open-cut snap ring holder 10, and may have a shape including at least one deviation from the path parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slotted or open-cut snap ring holder 10.

[0048] The slotted or open-end snap ring holder 10 is preferably constructed with a set of threads 14 on the outer diameter of the snap ring holder, which engage with similar threads on the closing ring 24, the construction of which is shown in... Figure 5 middle.

[0049] The slotted or split snap ring holder 10 can be opened or expanded along the longitudinal seam 12 to its maximum circumference using any tool capable of engaging a set of indentations, holes, or other shaped structures 16 on the outer periphery of the slotted or split snap ring holder 10, thereby enlarging the diameter of the slotted or split snap ring holder 10 to a extent sufficient to remove it from the core sample tube 30 and to allow the core sample (not shown) to be removed from the slotted or split snap ring holder 10. Different embodiments of the opening or expansion mechanism may involve using a special tool that engages with the slotted or split snap ring holder 10, or using a tool inserted into the inner diameter of the slotted or split snap ring holder, to achieve expansion or deformation of the slotted or split snap ring holder 10 sufficient for removal or installation.

[0050] The inner diameter of the slotted or open-cut snap ring seat 10 may have serrations, ridges 18 or similar shaped structures, which are configured to mate, match or engage with matching serrations, ridges or threads 32 on the outer diameter of the compatible core sample tube 30.

[0051] The slotted or open-cut retainer seat 10 may have a longitudinally tapering inner diameter 22, the shape of which enables it to be compatible with existing designs of industry-standard core retaining springs (not shown).

[0052] At least one key or keyway 20 is shown, constructed along the inner diameter and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slotted snap ring seat 10. This key or keyway 20 interacts with a key or keyway 34 constructed on the outer diameter of the compatible core tube (see [link to documentation]). Figure 8 and Figure 9 Both can be configured to have sufficient dimensions to prevent the slotted snap ring seat 10 from rotating relative to the core tube. Other configurations of keys and keyways can be used to prevent the slotted snap ring seat 18 from rotating relative to the core tube.

[0053] Figure 5 The diagram shows a closing ring component 24, which preferably consists of a generally annular device with an inner diameter similar to the outer diameter of the slotted or slitted snap ring seat component 10. The inner diameter of the closing ring component is threaded 26, which allows the closing ring 24 to be positioned similarly to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The arrangement shown mates with the slotted or open-end snap ring seat 10. In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the closed ring is preferably set to a size that provides sufficient clearance between it and the existing design of the drilling equipment, thereby allowing... Figure 7 The assembled slotted or open-slotted snap ring holder 10 and closing ring 24 assembly shown can be used with existing designs of industry-standard drilling equipment, including drill pipes and drill bits. In other embodiments, the assembly can preferably be sized to fit new standard specifications of drilling equipment specifically designed to work with the assembly.

[0054] The closed ring 24 is preferably made of a suitable material, such as hardened steel and / or steel alloys, brass, bronze or other materials with physical properties that provide sufficient hardness, durability and number of use cycles, but other suitable metals, plastics, composites or other materials may also be used.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the closing ring may preferably be constructed with a notch, groove, or other shaped structure 28 along its outer diameter, which allows the closing ring 24 to be installed onto or removed from the slotted or open snap ring seat 10, preferably using standard or special tools (e.g., pipe wrenches or band wrenches, wrench-type wrenches, or other implements). Manual installation or removal is also possible, and the grip provided by the notch, groove, or shaped structure 28 along its outer diameter enhances manual operation.

[0056] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the slotted or open-slotted retaining ring seat 10 and the closure ring 24 assembly are preferably designed for use with a compatible core sample tube 30. It is preferably made of steel or other materials similar to those used in standard incompatible core sample tubes. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The compatible core sample tube 30 shown is preferably constructed with serrations, ridges 32, or similar shaped structures on its outer diameter at one end, configured to mate, engage, or engage with matching serrations, ridges, or threads 18 on the inner diameter of the slotted or split circlip seat component 10. A longitudinal key or keyway is preferably present on the outer diameter of the serrated or ridged end of the compatible core sample tube 30, preferably designed to mate with a key or keyway 20 on the inner diameter of the slotted or split circlip seat 10. In a preferred embodiment, the key or keyway is preferably designed to prevent rotation of the slotted or split circlip seat 10 relative to the compatible core sample tube 30 during normal drilling operations. In other embodiments, if the particular application does not require prevention of relative rotation, the key or keyway may preferably be modified or omitted.

[0057] Features in the compatible core tube 30 that are not specifically configured to interact with the components specified in this patent can be configured to be compatible with existing designs and standards for core drilling equipment. These features may include, but are not limited to, core sample tube dimensions, core sample tube materials, core sample tube mating interfaces, or core sample tube usage methods.

[0058] The arrangement of the ridges or serrations 18 and the keys or keyways 20 on the slotted or open-cut snap ring holder 10 is preferably designed to be used with compatible core sample tubes 30, rather than with existing designs of core sample tubes that use threaded connections to install standard snap ring holders.

[0059] The system described herein preferably includes Figure 12 and Figure 13 The adapter component 36 shown is preferably composed of a generally hollow cylindrical device and made of a material similar to that used in the compatible core sample tube 30 or the incompatible core sample tube 44.

[0060] The adapter component 36 is preferably constructed with a set of ridges or serrations 38 on its outer diameter at one end, the shape of which is configured to be compatible with the ridges or serrations 18 on the inner diameter of the slotted or slitted circlip seat 10. A longitudinal key or keyway 40 is preferably also present at the serrated or ridged end, compatible with the key or keyway 20 on the inner diameter of the slotted or slitted circlip seat 10. In a preferred embodiment, the key or keyway is preferably designed to prevent rotation of the slotted or slitted circlip seat 10 relative to the adapter 36 and the incompatible core sample tube 44 during normal drilling operations. In other embodiments, if the specific application does not require prevention of relative rotation, the key or keyway may preferably be modified or omitted.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the adapter component 36, the ridges or serrations 38 on the outer diameter preferably do not extend the full length of the component, and the full length of the unserrated portion of the adapter component is preferably long enough to allow the adapter component 36 to be secured to the incompatible core sample tube 44 using pipe wrenches or other tools. In other embodiments, the outer diameter of the adapter component 36 may preferably have serrations or ridges along its entire length, and the installation of the adapter component 36 to the incompatible core tube 44 can be achieved by special tools or other means that allow the installation of an adapter component that preferably does not significantly increase the overall length of the assembled incompatible core tube 44, adapter 36, snap ring seat 10, and closure ring 24 system.

[0062] The end of the adapter component 36 opposite to the ridged or serrated end is preferably provided with a thread 42 on the inner diameter, which is compatible with the standard thread 46 used on the non-compatible industry standard core sample tube 44.

[0063] The adapter component 36 is preferably installed onto the incompatible industry standard core sample tube 44 by screwing it onto a standard thread 46 on the outer diameter of the incompatible core sample tube 44. This preferably allows for the installation of the assembly of the slotted or open-slotted retaining ring 10 and the closing ring 24 (such as...). Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown in the image).

[0064] The foregoing is intended to illustrate the principles of the invention only. The scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the entire specification.

[0065] The preferred embodiments of the invention and certain variations thereof are described and illustrated herein. The terminology, descriptions, and drawings used herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations may exist within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims (and their equivalents), wherein all terms are to be understood in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise stated. Any headings used with the specification are for convenience only and have no legal effect or limitation.

Claims

1. A retaining spring holder device for holding a drilled core sample in a core sample tube: a. The retaining ring holder does not need to rotate relative to the core sample tube when being installed onto or removed from the core sample tube, wherein: i. The non-rotational installation and removal of the snap ring seat is achieved by the physical deformation of the snap ring seat, which is achieved by the expansion of the snap ring seat allowed by the joint or opening; ii. The snap ring holder device is detachably mounted to a compatible core sample tube by means of circumferential serrations or ridges located on the inner diameter of one end of the snap ring holder device, wherein the circumferential serrations or ridges cooperate with the matching serrations or ridges on the outer diameter of the compatible core sample tube. iii. The rotational movement of the snap ring seat relative to the core sample tube is prevented by a key or keyway on the snap ring seat, and the key or keyway engages with a matching key or keyway on the compatible core sample tube; iv. The snap ring seat can be held in a closed configuration by means of a closing ring, which engages with the snap ring seat via a threaded connection.

2. A compatible core sample tube, configured to be used in conjunction with both the snap ring holder device of claim 1 and standard core drilling equipment, wherein: a. The detachable installation of the snap ring seat device of claim 1 is achieved by means of a ridge or serration on the outer diameter of one end of the compatible core tube, and the thread or other standard mounting configuration on the other end of the compatible core tube allows for use with other components required for core drilling; b. The rotational movement of the snap ring holder device according to claim 1 relative to the compatible core sample tube is prevented by a key or keyway on the core sample tube, the key or keyway engaging with a key or keyway of the snap ring holder; c. Other parameters, features, or specifications of the compatible core sample tubes that are not specifically configured to be compatible with the apparatus contained herein are configured to be compatible with existing or future standards for core drilling equipment.

3. A closed-loop component configured to cooperate with the snap ring seat device of claim 1: a. The closing ring component prevents the snap ring seat assembly from opening or deforming, wherein: i. The closed loop device can be detachably installed to the snap ring seat via a threaded connection; ii. The closing loop device can be configured to have indentations, ridges, holes, or other features that enable the closing loop device to engage with any tool that facilitates installation and removal, or to provide a better grip for manual installation or removal.

4. An adapter that allows the use of the snap ring holder device of claim 1 with commonly used incompatible core sample tubes, wherein: a. The adapter is installed into a core sample tube that is not designed to be compatible with the snap ring holder device of claim 1; b. The adapter can be detachably installed into a non-compatible core sample tube using a threaded connection at one end; c. The adapter engages with the snap ring seat device of claim 1 via a circumferential ridge or serration located at the opposite end of the threaded connection portion, wherein the circumferential ridge or serration engages with the corresponding ridge or serration of the snap ring seat of claim 1. d. The adapter uses a key or keyway that mates with a key or keyway on the snap ring holder as described in claim 1 to prevent the rotational movement of the snap ring holder.

Images