WO2025145140A1

WO2025145140A1 - Devices to improve extraction of core drilling samples

Info

Publication number: WO2025145140A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/062223
Authority: WO
Inventors: Geoffrey Kevin BURTNER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-12-30
Filing date: 2024-12-29
Publication date: 2025-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-30

Abstract

A system improving diamond core drilling sample extraction using a lifter case with a longitudinal split that enables removal without rotation. The case expands by deformation for easy core sample extraction with minimal disaggregation. During drilling, a closure ring prevents expansion. The lifter case attaches to a core tube via interlocking serrations with a longitudinal key or keyway to prevent rotation. Compatibility with industry-standard tubes is achieved using an adapter with matching serrations, a key/keyway, and internal threads designed for non-compatible tubes. This design simplifies operation while ensuring secure, efficient extraction of core samples.

Description

DEVICES TO I MPROVE EXTRACTION OF CORE DRILLING SAM PLES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/616617 filed 30 December 2023, entitled SEAMED LIFTER CASE, ADAPTER AND CORE TUBE FOR EXTRACTION OF DIAMOND CORE DRILLING SAMPLES AND METHOD OF USE which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROU ND OF THE I NVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a core lifter assembly of a type used in diamond core drilling.

Background Art

[0003] Only lifter cases using rotational motion to install or remove the lifter case from the core sample tube exist in the prior art and the devices contained herein concerning a lifter case with a longitudinal split or seam permitting installation and removal without rotation relative to the core sample tube substantially depart from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. For example, US Patent No. 3,340,939 to Lindelof entitled "Core Lifter Apparatus" discloses a lifter case having internal threads at one end to engagingly fit with the external threads of a core sample tube necessitating rotation to unscrew the threaded lifter case from the threaded core sample tube for removal of the core sample. The device disclosed in this patent is the device used on many drill sites worldwide. Other patents, disclosing systems or devices related to core sample retention and extraction include U.S. Pat. No. 3,540,537 to Brown entitled "Slotted Core Lifter Apparatus", U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,033 to Pickard et al. entitled "Core Barrel", U.S. Pat. No. 2,857,138 to Svendsen et al. entitled "Core Barrel", U.S. Pat. No. 3,428,138 to Casper et al. entitled "Offset Core Lifter Apparatus" and U.S. Pub. No. US2015/0247369 to Beach entitled "Core Lifter Assembly". Notably, all extant patents relating to core extraction methods and equipment disclose the use of a lifter case which must screw on or off of a core sample tube using rotational motion. Extant patents which disclose devices concerning a retention spring contained within a lifter case, which illustrate a longitudinal split in the design of the retention spring such as US2015/0247369 and 3,540,537 still use a conventional lifter case which does not use a longitudinal split or seam to allow for lifter case installation or removal.

[0004] The current state-of-the art is a generally cylindrical device (the lifter case or shoe, herein referred to as a "lifter case") configured for attachment to a core sample retention device (commonly called a core barrel or core tube, herein referred to as a "core sample tube") via a threaded connection to one end of the core sample tube and is installed or removed by screwing on or unscrewing the threaded lifter case from the threaded core tube to extract the core held within the threaded lifter case by a tapered sleeve commonly called a lifter spring. The currently available devices are marketed as being able to be re-used many times, but in practice have a finite lifespan often depending on the conditions of use.

[0005] During removal of a conventional threaded lifter case after a core sample has been drilled, the action of unscrewing the threaded lifter case from the threaded core tube puts torque forces on the core sample contained within the threaded core sample tube. This torque force may be sufficient for destruction of the core sample at least at the joint between the threaded core tube and threaded lifter case.

[0006] Disaggregation of the core sample can degrade the quality of the sample in many ways, including but not limited to preventing the ability to orient the core sample using common, extant methods of core orientation or preventing examination of an intact sample and degrading the quality of interpretation which may have been improved with a more intact sample. Significant additional expense is incurred due to problems resulting from damage and disaggregation of the core sample during its necessary removal from the core sample tube and lifter case. Preventing the disaggregation of the core sample will have significant financial benefits to the end beneficiary of the core sample.

[0007] In addition, the force required to remove the core sample from standard, threaded lifter case designs currently in use frequently results in destruction of the lifter case requiring operators of diamond core drilling rigs, which are often in very remote locations, to keep a large inventory of lifter cases and related components on site. [0008] Further, removal of the threaded lifter case from a standard threaded core tube, for example by using a pipe wrench, creates unsafe situations due to frequent issues of overtightening or cross-threaded installation of the threaded lifter case which results in excessive force needed for its removal. In the setting typically found at a diamond core drilling rig, the force required for threaded lifter case removal from a threaded core tube can result in either acute or chronic injuries to those tasked with drilling and specifically those tasked with assembly/disassembly of the core drilling components and resultant core samples.

[0009] The novel devices disclosed herein mitigate at least the above-mentioned problems, in that the lifter case may have at least one seam which permits reversible deformation of the lifter case to allow it to expand or increase in size by spreading at least one seam to allow removal of the seamed lifter case from a core sample tube without unscrewing or rotation, and permitting removal of a core sample without mechanical destruction of the core sample which may or may not have become stuck within the lifter case due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the drilling process. The seamed lifter case may be configured for use with compatible core tubes or adapted for use with non-compatible core tubes. The configuration of the devices disclosed herein represents a significant departure from the traditional design of lifter cases and associated drilling equipment, which revolve around the use of threaded connections and a screw-on, screw-off mode of operation. This traditional mode of operation has controlled the design of drilling equipment for the last century. The novel mode of operation of the devices disclosed herein arose from the need to preserve core integrity due to the advent of new analytical technologies which benefit from intact core samples.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A system of components for improving the extraction of diamond core drilling samples in which the lifter case component does not require rotational motion relative to a core sample tube for removal from the core sample tube and instead is constructed with a longitudinal split or seam which permits expansion by physical deformation of the lifter case is disclosed. Expansion of the lifter case component is sufficient to allow for removal from a compatible core tube component without rotation and permits extraction of the core sample from the lifter case with less disaggregation. Lifter case expansion is prevented during drill operation by a closure ring component which attaches externally onto the lifter case component. The lifter case component is attached and retained to a compatible core sample tube by an array of serrations on the outer diameter of the compatible core sample tube which mate with compatible serrations on the inner diameter on one end of the lifter case component. Rotation of the attached lifter case component relative to the compatible core sample tube is prevented by a longitudinal key or keyway on either the lifter case or compatible core tube which mates with a key or keyway on either the lifter case or compatible core tube in such a way to prevent rotation of the lifter case. The lifter case component may be used with non-compatible, industry standard core sample tubes through use of an adapter component which has an array of serrations and a longitudinal key or keyway on the external diameter of one end which mate with the compatible serrations and longitudinal key or keyway on the internal diameter of the lifter case component. On the opposite end to the serrations, the adapter component has threads on the inner diameter with dimensions and design sufficient for installation on industrystandard, non-compatible core sample tubes.

[0011] A seamed or split lifter case component improves on a threaded lifter case by incorporating at least one longitudinal seam or split which may be parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seamed or split lifter case and which may extend fully or partially along the length of the seamed or split lifter case. Reversible physical deformation or expansion sufficient to release the seamed or split lifter case from a core sample tube does not require rotation, unscrewing or similar motion of the seamed lifter case for attachment to or detachment from a core sample tube.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal seam or split may be held closed in a certain minimum circumference sufficient for core sample retention through the use of a closure ring component which installs around the outer circumference of the lifter case component. In a different embodiment, a physical locking mechanism may be comprised of hooks, clasps, straps or similar structures may be used to hold the longitudinal seam closed.

[0013] In one embodiment, axial retention of the seamed or split lifter case on a compatible core sample tube may be achieved through at least one serration or ridge around the inner circumference of one end of the seamed or split lifter case which at least one serration or ridge may seat into corresponding serration(s) or ridge(s) on the compatible core sample tube. The seamed or split lifter case may have at least one key or keyway parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seamed or split lifter case which may mate with a key or keyway on a core sample tube and may be configured to prevent rotation of the seamed or split lifter case.

[0014] Another embodiment of the seamed or split lifter case may be configured to be compatible with a core sample tube having at least one serration or ridge which also may have at least one key or keyway on one of its ends, which may be configured to mate with the at least one serration or ridge and at least one opposing key or keyway on the seamed or split lifter case, and threading on the other end of the core sample tube compatible with use with existing diamond drilling equipment.

[0015] Other embodiments may include an adapter component which may be configured to be used with existing core sample tubes having threading on each end, the adapter configured with at least one serration or ridge on its outer diameter on one end and threading on its inner diameter at the other end compatible with existing diamond core drilling equipment.

[0016] The seamed or split lifter case may be configured to be reinstalled on the compatible core sample tube or adapter by reversing the steps of removal.

[0017] Removal of the seamed or split lifter case from a core sample tube and/or an adapter as disclosed above and extraction of the core sample from the seamed lifter case may be achieved by expanding the at least one longitudinal seam or split in the seamed or split lifter case. Expansion of the at least one longitudinal seam of the seamed or split lifter case may be accomplished through various methods including, but not limited to, rotation of off-center cams to press the at least one longitudinal seam of the seamed lifter case open or spreading the at least one longitudinal seam of the seamed lifter case using any spanner-style tool inserted into indentations or other shaping arranged on opposite sides of the at least one longitudinal seam to open the seam, creating enough clearance for the seamed or split lifter case to be removed from the at least one retention serration or ridge on the core tube or adapter, mitigating destruction of the contained portion of the core sample during removal of the seamed lifter case from the core tube. Any other method or tool may be used to create deformation sufficient for installation or removal of the lifter case.

[0018] This seamed or split lifter case improves on existing devices through the novel use of active and reversible enlargement or deformation of the seamed or split lifter case circumference to allow removal of the seamed or split lifter case from the core sample tube, rather than a statically dimensioned lifter case which must be unscrewed from a threaded core sample tube.

[0019] The novel expansive mode of operation of the seamed or split lifter case may allow for removal of the lifter case from the core tube without using a pipe wrench, a method of use which partially or wholly prevents destruction of the core sample retained in the seamed lifter case and at least improves safety and comfort of the individual tasked with removing the core sample.

[0020] A lifter case device for retention of a drilled core sample in a core sample tube which does not require rotation relative to the core tube for attachment or detachment of the device to the core sample tube where: a. the non-rotational attachment and detachment of said lifter case is permitted by the physical deformation of the lifter case through expansion of the lifter case permitted by a seam or split; b. the said lifter case device is removably attached to a compatible core sample tube using circumferential serrations or ridges on the inner diameter of one end of the lifter case device which mate with compatible serrations or ridges on the outer diameter of a compatible core sample tube; c. rotational motion of the said lifter case relative to the core sample tube is prevented by a key or keyway on the lifter case which mates with a compatible key or keyway on a compatible core sample tube; d. the said lifter case may be held in a closed configuration using a closure ring which engages with the said lifter case through a threaded connection. [0021] A compatible core sample tube which is configured for use with both the lifter case device disclosed herein and standard core drilling equipment where: a. the removable attachment of the lifter case device recited in claim 1 is accomplished through the use of ridges or serrations on the outer diameter of one end of the compatible core tube and threads or other standard attachment configurations at the opposite end of the compatible core tube permit use with other components required for core drilling; b. rotational motion of the lifter case device for retention of a drilled core sample in a core sample tube which does not require rotation relative to the core tube for attachment or detachment of the device to the core sample tube 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 said lifter case; c. other parameters, features or specifications of the compatible core sample tube which are not specifically configured to be compatible with the devices enclosed herein are configured to be compatible with extant or future standards of core drilling equipment.

[0022] A closure ring component which is configured for use with the lifter case device for retention of a drilled core sample in a core sample tube which does not require rotation relative to the core tube for attachment or detachment of the device to the core sample tube which prevents opening or deformation of the lifter case device where: a. the closure ring device removably attaches to the said lifter case through a threaded connection; b. the closure ring device may be constructed with indents, ridges, holes or other features which allow it to engage with any tool that assists with attachment and removal or permits a better grip for manual attachment or removal.

[0023] An adapter which permits the use of the lifter case device for retention of a drilled core sample in a core sample tube which does not require rotation relative to the core tube for attachment or detachment of the device to the core sample tube with commonly available, noncompatible core sample tubes where: a. the said adapter attaches to a core sample tube not designed to be compatible with the lifter case device for retention of a drilled core sample in a core sample tube which does not require rotation relative to the core tube for attachment or detachment of the device to the core sample tube; b. the said adapter removably attaches to a non-compatible core sample tube through the use of a threaded connection at one end; c. the said adapter is mated with lifter case device for retention of a drilled core sample in a core sample tube which does not require rotation relative to the core tube for attachment or detachment of the device to the core sample tube though circumferential ridges or serrations at the opposite end to the threaded connection which mate with corresponding ridges or serrations of the lifter case device for retention of a drilled core sample in a core sample tube which does not require rotation relative to the core tube for attachment or detachment of the device to the core sample tube; d. the said adapter prevents rotational motion of the said lifter case device with a key or keyway which mates with a key or keyway on the lifter case device for retention of a drilled core sample in a core sample tube which does not require rotation relative to the core tube for attachment or detachment of the device to the core sample tube.

[0024] A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is given in the following. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be construed as being limited to these embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are directed to particular applications of the present invention, while it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention has applicability beyond the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

BRI EF DESCRI PTION OF DRAWI NGS

[0025] Fig. 1 is an oblique perspective view of the lifter case component.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a side view of the lifter case component.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a side view of the lifter case component with internal features illustrated.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of the lifter case component.

[0029] Fig. 5 is an oblique perspective view of the closure ring component.

[0030] Fig. 6 is an oblique perspective exploded view illustrating the assembly of the lifter case component and the closure ring component. [0031] Fig. 7 is an oblique perspective view illustrating the assembled lifter case component and closure ring component.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a side view of the compatible core sample tube component.

[0033] Fig. 9 is an oblique perspective view of the compatible core sample tube component.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a side exploded view illustrating the assembly of the compatible core sample tube component, the lifter case component and the closure ring component.

[0035] Fig. 11 is a side view illustrating the assembled compatible core sample tube component, the lifter case component and the closure ring component.

[0036] Fig. 12 is an oblique perspective view of the standard core sample tube adapter component.

[0037] Fig. 13 is a side view of the standard core sample tube adapter component with internal features illustrated.

[0038] Fig. 14 is a side exploded view illustrating the assembly of a standard core sample tube, the standard core tube adapter component, the lifter case component and the closure ring component.

[0039] Fig. 15 is a side view illustrating the assembled standard core sample tube, standard core sample tube adapter component, lifter case component and closure ring component.

Element Number Element Description

10 Seamed or split Lifter case component

12 Longitudinal seam or split

14 Seamed or split lifter case external threads

16 Holes, indentations or other shaping for spreading lifter case seam or split

18 Lifter case internal mating serrations

20 Lifter case key or keyway

22 Tapered inner surface of lifter case

24 Closure ring component

26 Threads on inner diameter of closure ring

28 Indentations/shaping for threading on/off

30 Compatible core sample tube component Serrations on outer diameter of compatible core sample tube compatible with

34 Key or keyway on outer diameter of compatible core sample tube

36 Adapter for standard core sample tube

38 Serrations on outer diameter of adapter compatible with (18)

40 Key or keyway on outer diameter of adapter compatible with (20)

Threads on inner diameter of adapter compatible with threads on standard core tube (44)

44 Standard core sample tube

46 Threads on standard core sample tube

DETAI LED DESCRIPTION OF TH E PREFERRED EMBODI M ENTS

[0040] The disclosure and drawings of priority Provisional Patent Application No. 63/616617 entitled SEAMED LIFTER CASE, ADAPTER AND CORE TUBE FOR EXTRACTION OF DIAMOND CORE DRILLING SAMPLES AND METHOD OF USE.

[0041] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. The following descriptions of examples of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form of any exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than restrictive, sense.

[0042] Descriptions below refer to the drawings, in which similar reference numbers denote similar elements throughout the figures. A summary of the numbered elements follows the brief description of the drawings. Figs. 1 through 4 illustrate the various elements of the seamed or split lifter case component. Fig. 5 illustrates the elements comprising the closure ring component. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate the interaction and assembly of the seamed or split lifter case component and the closure ring component. Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate the elements comprising the compatible core sample tube component. Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate the interaction and assembly of the compatible core tube, seamed or split lifter case and closure ring components. Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate the elements comprising the adapter component. Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate the interaction and assembly of the adapter, seamed or split lifter case and closure ring components with a non-compatible, standard core sample tube.

[0043] In Figs. 1 through 4, a seamed or split lifter case [10] is shown in which comprises a hollow cylinder-like device constructed of appropriate material such as hardened steel and/or alloys of steel, with physical properties that will permit sufficient hardness, durability, retention of spring-tension and number of use cycles, but other suitable metallic, plastic, composite or other materials may be used. The seamed lifter case [10] material will allow for a usable lifespan approximately equivalent to or exceeding the lifespan of similar products that represent the current state-of-the-art, though disposable implementations may be used in other embodiments.

[0044] The seamed or split lifter case [10] preferably contains at least one longitudinal seam [12] extending partially or fully along the length of the seamed or split lifter case [10], parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seamed lifter case [10], In other embodiments, the line of this seam may not be substantially or fully parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seamed or split lifter case [10] and may have a shape incorporating at least one deviation from a path parallel to the seamed or split lifter case [10] longitudinal axis.

[0045] The seamed or split lifter case [10] is preferably configured with a set of threads [14] on the external diameter of the lifter case which engage with similar threads on a closure ring [24], the construction of which is shown in Fig. 5.

[0046] The seamed or split lifter case [10] may open or expand to a maximum circumference along the longitudinal seam [12] through the use of any tool which may engage with a set of indentations, holes or other shaping [16] on the exterior circumference of the seamed or split lifter case [10] to expand the diameter of the seamed or split lifter case [10] enough to allow for removal from the core sample tube [30] and to allow for removal of a core sample [not shown] from the seamed or split lifter case [10]. Different embodiments of an opening or expanding mechanism may involve use of specialized tooling to interface with the seamed or split lifter case [10] or tooling which inserts into the inner diameter of the seamed or split lifter case to achieve expansion or deformation of the seamed or split lifter case [10] sufficient for removal or installation.

[0047] The seamed or split lifter case [10] may have serrations, ridges [18] or similar shaping within its inner diameter, configured to interface, mate or engage with matching serrations, ridges or threads [32] on the outer diameter of a compatible core sample tube [30].

[0048] The seamed or split lifter case [10] may have a longitudinally tapered inner diameter [22] which is shaped in such a way to be compatible with extant designs of industry-standard core retention springs [not shown],

[0049] At least one key or keyway [20] configured along the inner diameter and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seamed lifter case [10] is shown. This key or keyway [20] fits a key or keyway [34] (see Figs. 8 and 9) configured on the outer diameter of a compatible core tube, both of which may be configured with dimensions sufficient to prevent the seamed lifter case [10] from rotation with respect to the core tube. Other configurations of keys and keyways may be used to prevent the seamed lifter case [18] from rotation with respect to the core tube.

[0050] In Fig. 5, a closure ring component [24] is shown, preferably comprised of a generally ring-shaped device of an inner diameter similar to the outer diameter of the seamed or split lifter case component [10], The closure ring component inner diameter is constructed with threads [26] which permit mating of the closure ring [24] with the seamed or split lifter case [10] in a manner similar to that which is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. In the preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the closure ring is preferably dimensioned so that sufficient clearance is achieved with extant designs of drilling equipment so that the assembled seamed or split lifter [10] case and closure ring [24] assembly seen in Fig. 7 can be used with extant designs of industry standard drilling equipment, including drill rods and drilling bits. In other embodiments, this assembly preferably may be dimensioned to fit new standard sizes of drilling equipment which may be specifically designed to work with this assembly. [0051] The closure ring [24] is preferably constructed of an appropriate material such as hardened steel and/or alloys of steel, brass, bronze or other material with physical properties that will permit sufficient hardness, durability and number of use cycles, but other suitable metallic, plastic, composite or other materials may be used.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment, the closure ring preferably may be constructed with indents, slots or other shaping along the outer diameter [28] which allow for installation or removal of the closure ring [24] from the seamed or split lifter case [10] preferably using standard or specialized tooling such as pipe or strap wrenches, spanner-style wrenches or other implements. Installation or removal by hand may also be performed and enhanced by the grip provided by the indents, slots or shaping along the outer diameter [28].

[0053] The seamed or split lifter case [10] and closure ring [24] assembly is preferably designed for use with a compatible core sample tube [30] as illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. It is preferably constructed from steel or other materials like those used in standard, non-compatible core sample tubes. The compatible core sample tube [30] itself as illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 preferably is constructed with serrations, ridges [32] or similar shaping on the outer diameter of one end, configured to interface, mate or engage with matching serrations, ridges or threads [18] on the inner diameter of the seamed or split lifter case component [10]. A longitudinal key or keyway [34] preferably exists on the outer diameter of the serrated or ridged end of the compatible core sample tube [30] which is preferably designed to mate with a key or keyway [20] on the inner diameter of the seamed or split lifter case [10]. In the preferred embodiment, the key or keyway preferably will be of sufficient design to prevent rotation of the seamed or split lifter case [10] relative to the compatible core sample tube [30] during normal drilling operations. In other embodiments, this key or keyway preferably may be modified or absent if relative rotation prevention is not required for a particular application.

[0054] Features of the compatible core tube [30] not specifically configured to interact with components specified within this patent may be configured to be compatible with extant designs and standards for core drilling equipment. These features may include, but are not limited to: core sample tube dimensions, core sample tube material, core sample tube mating interfaces or core sample tube methods of use. [0055] The arrangements of ridges or serrations [18] and keys or keyways [20] on the seamed or split lifter case [10] are preferably designed for use with a compatible core sample tube [30] and is unsuited for use with extant designs of core sample tubes using threaded connections to attach a standard lifter case.

[0056] The system described herein preferably contains an adapter component [36] shown in Figs. 12 and 13 preferably comprised of a generally hollow and cylindrical device and constructed of materials like those used for the compatible [30] or incompatible [44] core sample tubes.

[0057] The adapter component [36] is preferably constructed with an array of ridges or serrations on the outer diameter of one end [38] shaped to be compatible with the ridges or serrations on the inner diameter [18] of the seamed or split lifter case [10], A longitudinal key or keyway preferably is also present at the serrated or ridged end [40] and is compatible with the key or keyway on the inner diameter [20] of the seamed or split lifter case [10]. In the preferred embodiment, the key or keyway preferably will be of sufficient design to prevent rotation of the seamed or split lifter case [10] relative to the adapter [36] and non-compatible core sample tube [44] during normal drilling operations. In other embodiments, this key or keyway preferably may be modified or absent if relative rotation prevention is not required for a particular application.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment of the adapter component [36], the ridges or serrations on the outer diameter [38] preferably do not extend the full length of the component, and the full length of the unserrated part of the adapter component is preferably of sufficient length to permit use of a pipe wrench or other tool to secure the adapter component [36] to a noncompatible core sample tube [44]. In other embodiments, the outer diameter of the adapter component [36] preferably may be serrated or ridged along its entire length and attachment of the adapter component [36] to a non-compatible core tube [44] may be achieved by specialized tooling or other means which permit attachment of an adapter component which preferably does not substantially increase the total length of the assembled non-compatible core tube [44], adapter [36], lifter case [10] and closure ring [24] system. [0059] The end of the adapter component [36] opposite the ridged or serrated end is preferably constructed with threads on the inner diameter [42] which are compatible with standard threads [46] used on non-compatible, industry-standard core sample tubes [44],

[0060] The adapter component [36] attached to a non-compatible, industry-standard core sample tube [44] preferably by threading onto the standard threads on the external diameter [46] of the non-compatible core sample tube [44] which preferably permits attachment of the seamed or split lifter case [10] and closure ring [24] assembly as shown in Figs. 14 and 15.

[0061] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the present invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments set forth in the foregoing, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the specification as a whole.

[0062] What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to defined by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized with the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

Claims I claim:

1. A lifter case device for retention of a drilled core sample in a core sample tube: a. which does not require rotation relative to the core tube for attachment or detachment of the device to the core sample tube where: i. the non-rotational attachment and detachment of said lifter case is permitted by the physical deformation of the lifter case through expansion of the lifter case permitted by a seam or split; ii. the said lifter case device is removably attached to a compatible core sample tube using circumferential serrations or ridges on the inner diameter of one end of the lifter case device which mate with compatible serrations or ridges on the outer diameter of a compatible core sample tube; iii. rotational motion of the said lifter case relative to the core sample tube is prevented by a key or keyway on the lifter case which mates with a compatible key or keyway on a compatible core sample tube; iv. the said lifter case may be held in a closed configuration using a closure ring which engages with the said lifter case through a threaded connection.

2. A compatible core sample tube which is configured for use with both the lifter case device of claim 1 and standard core drilling equipment where: a. the removable attachment of the lifter case device recited in claim 1 is accomplished through the use of ridges or serrations on the outer diameter of one end of the compatible core tube and threads or other standard attachment configurations at the opposite end of the compatible core tube permit use with other components required for core drilling; b. rotational motion of the lifter case device recited in claim 1 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 said lifter case; c. other parameters, features or specifications of the compatible core sample tube which are not specifically configured to be compatible with the devices enclosed herein are configured to be compatible with extant or future standards of core drilling equipment.

3. A closure ring component which is configured for use with the lifter case device recited in claim

1: a. which prevents opening or deformation of the lifter case device where: i. the closure ring device removably attaches to the said lifter case through a threaded connection; ii. the closure ring device may be constructed with indents, ridges, holes or other features which allow it to engage with any tool that assists with attachment and removal or permits a better grip for manual attachment or removal.

4. An adapter which permits the use of the lifter case device recited in claim 1 with commonly available, non-compatible core sample tubes where: a. the said adapter attaches to a core sample tube not designed to be compatible with the lifter case device of claim 1; b. the said adapter removably attaches to a non-compatible core sample tube through the use of a threaded connection at one end; c. the said adapter is mated with the lifter case device recited in claim 1 though circumferential ridges or serrations at the opposite end to the threaded connection which mate with corresponding ridges or serrations of the lifter case recited in claim 1; d. the said adapter prevents rotational motion of the said lifter case device with a key or keyway which mates with a key or keyway on the lifter case device recited in claim 1.