System for handling a core sample
First Claim
1. A method of analyzing a core sample by subjecting the core sample to radiation emitted by a scan source, the method comprising:
- enclosing the scan source and core sample in a cabinet to contain radiation emitted during the core sample analysis, the core sample inserted into the cabinet via a loading assembly that axially translates the core sample from a position outside of the cabinet into the cabinet, the scan source being movable within the cabinet, in an axial direction relative to the core sample, the axial direction being in the same plane as the movement of the core sample into the cabinet, wherein a core handling system installs the core sample into the loading assembly, the handling system arranged outside of the cabinet;
providing information on the core sample;
retrieving the information provided on the core sample; and
handling the core sample based on the step of retrieving the information provided on the core sample.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated system for handling core samples in and out of an imaging device retrieves the samples from a staging area. During handling, the identity of each core sample is known to the system so that the imaging results are correlated appropriately. The system positions the core sample so the vertical and slab side orientations of the core sample discernable during handling. Core samples are staged in a location, and the automated system includes a robotic arm, which senses the core sample to discern its vertical and slab slot orientations, and then loads the core sample into the imaging device. When imaging is complete, the automated system removes the core sample from the imaging device; and in designated circumstances, transfers the core sample to a location for further analysis. In one example the further analysis is based on analyzing areas of interest identified in the core sample.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of analyzing a core sample by subjecting the core sample to radiation emitted by a scan source, the method comprising:
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enclosing the scan source and core sample in a cabinet to contain radiation emitted during the core sample analysis, the core sample inserted into the cabinet via a loading assembly that axially translates the core sample from a position outside of the cabinet into the cabinet, the scan source being movable within the cabinet, in an axial direction relative to the core sample, the axial direction being in the same plane as the movement of the core sample into the cabinet, wherein a core handling system installs the core sample into the loading assembly, the handling system arranged outside of the cabinet; providing information on the core sample; retrieving the information provided on the core sample; and handling the core sample based on the step of retrieving the information provided on the core sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of analyzing a core sample by subjecting the core sample to radiation emitted by a scan source, the method comprising:
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enclosing the scan source and core sample in a cabinet to contain radiation emitted during the core sample analysis, the core sample inserted into the cabinet via a loading assembly that axially translates the core sample from a position outside of the cabinet into the cabinet, the scan source being movable within the cabinet, in an axial direction relative to the core sample, wherein a core handling system installs the core sample into the loading assembly, the handling system arranged outside of the cabinet and comprising an articulated arm to insert the core sample into the loading assembly; providing information on the core sample; retrieving the information provided on the core sample; handling the core sample based on the step of retrieving the information provided on the core sample; imaging the core sample while maintaining the core sample in a designated orientation based on the information retrieve from the core sample, the scan source moving during the imaging; and correlating the information retrieved from the core sample with an image obtained by the imaging the core sample. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for analyzing a core sample by subjecting the core sample to radiation emitted by a scan source, the system comprising:
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a mobile enclosure that seals an area around the scan source and the core sample to contain radiation emitted during analysis of the core sample, the scan source being movable in an axial direction relative to the core sample within a cabinet positioned within the mobile enclosure; a core sample imaging device within the mobile enclosure; a loading assembly that selectively receives the core sample and axially translates the core sample into the cabinet in the same plane as the axial direction; and a core handling system that selectively handles the core sample between the loading assembly and a staging area, is arranged outside of the cabinet, and installs the core sample into the loading assembly. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification