Imdex has been granted a patent for a system and method that enables the acquisition of borehole survey data and core orientation data in a single instrument trip in a core drill. The system uses a borehole survey tool that logs its position in three-dimensional space and is run down the drill string. The inner core barrel assembly detects the tool face of a core sample and transfers the indication to the survey tool. The patent also includes an inner core barrel assembly with various features for use with a drill string. GlobalData’s report on Imdex gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData, Imdex's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Patent granted for a core drill inner core barrel assembly
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11661810B2) describes an inner core barrel assembly for use with a core drill. The assembly includes a coupling mechanism for connection with a retrieval system, a core tube for receiving core samples, and a spindle that allows rotational decoupling of the core tube from the drill string.
One of the key features of the assembly is a latch assembly that latches the spindle in an axially fixed position within the drill string. This latch assembly includes a landing shoulder that supports the inner core barrel assembly on a landing ring within the core drill. A hanger spring is located between the landing shoulder and the latch members, which compresses during a core breaking operation to apply tension to the core sample and absorb shocks when the assembly lands on the landing ring.
The patent also mentions a core abutment coupled to the spindle, which extends along the central axis of the core tube. This core abutment is designed to abut the axial end of the core sample at a location inside the outer circumferential surface of the sample.
Additionally, the latch assembly comprises multiple latch members that can move radially between a latch position and a release position. The coupling mechanism is capable of axial movement to lock the latch members in the latch position.
The patent also describes a method for acquiring borehole survey data and core orientation data in a single instrument trip. This method involves running a borehole survey tool through the drill string, enabling the inner core barrel assembly to detect the tool face of the core sample, and transferring this indication to the borehole survey tool.
Overall, this granted patent presents an inner core barrel assembly with various features aimed at improving the efficiency and functionality of core drilling operations. The latch assembly, core abutment, and hanger spring contribute to the secure and controlled retrieval of core samples, while the method described allows for the simultaneous acquisition of important data during drilling operations.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
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