Core barrel head assembly with an integrated sample orientation tool and system for using same

Abstract

A core barrel head assembly having at least one electronic instrument that is configured to obtain orientation data; a power source; and a communication means to receive and/or transmit orientation data for use in a core sample down hole surveying and sample orientation system that is configured to provide an indication of the orientation of a core sample relative to a body of material from which the core has been extracted, and also to a method of core sample orientation identification.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A core barrel head assembly having an exterior surface and comprising:
 a first interior cavity;   a sealed interior cavity spaced distally from the first interior cavity and having a closed proximal end;   a threaded proximal end portion for coupling to a wire line retrieval portion of a head assembly, wherein the first interior cavity extends distally from the threaded proximal end portion;   a window that extends from the exterior surface into optical communication with the sealed interior cavity;   at least one electronic instrument that is configured to obtain core orientation data, wherein the at least one electronic instrument comprises at least one digital and/or electro-mechanical sensor in a core orientation data recording tool; and   a transmitter configured to transmit core orientation data,   wherein the sealed interior cavity is sized and shaped to enclose the at least one electronic instrument.   
     
     
         2 . The core barrel head assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a base portion, wherein the first interior cavity extends distally from the threaded proximal end portion to the base portion;   a port positioned proximate the base portion and extending from the exterior surface into fluid communication with the first interior cavity;   a power source in operable communication with the at least one electronic instrument, wherein the power source is mounted therein the interior cavity;   an open and threaded distal end portion, wherein the sealed interior cavity extends distally to the open and threaded distal end portion of the core barrel head assembly; and   a check valve assembly configured to affect a hermetical seal of the sealed interior cavity and to provide fluid control for wire line operation.