Coring bit with uncoupled sleeve

Abstract

A coring bit, including an outer hollow coring shaft, and a rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve disposed inside the outer hollow coring shaft. The rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve may be a non-rotating internal sleeve. The rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve may be a free-floating internal sleeve.

1 - 8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       9 . A coring bit comprising: 
 an outer hollow coring shaft extendable through a sidewall of the wellbore;    a rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve disposed inside the outer hollow coring shaft; and    at least one sample gripping device disposed on the internal sleeve.    
   
   
       10 . The coring bit of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one sample gripping device comprises a plurality of internal protrusions.  
   
   
       11 . The coring bit of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one sample gripping device comprises a plurality of bristles that extend inward from the internal sleeve.  
   
   
       12 . The coring bit of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one sample gripping device comprises at least one external protrusion, wherein the at least one external protrusion is adapted to be moved through at least one opening in the internal sleeve so that the at least one external protrusion contacts the core sample.  
   
   
       13 . The coring bit of  claim 9 , wherein the internal sleeve comprises an axial slot so that the internal sleeve can be constricted to a tolerance fit with the core sample.  
   
   
       14 . The coring bit of  claim 9 , wherein the internal sleeve comprises an axial slot and a tapered diameter so that the sample has clearance with a distal end of the internal sleeve and a tolerance fit with a proximal end of the internal sleeve.  
   
   
       15 - 32 . (canceled)  
   
   
       33 . A downhole coring tool for taking a core sample from a formation, comprising: 
 a tool body;    an outer hollow coring shaft disposed in the tool body and extendable from the tool body and into the sidewall of the wellbore;    a rotationally uncoupled internal sleeve disposed in the outer hollow coring shaft; and    at least one sample gripping device disposed on the internal sleeve.    
   
   
       34 . The downhole coring tool of  claim 33 , wherein the at least one sample gripping device comprises a plurality of internal protrusions.  
   
   
       35 . The downhole coring tool of  claim 33 , wherein the at least one sample gripping device comprises a plurality of bristles that extend inward from the internal sleeve.  
   
   
       36 . The downhole coring tool of  claim 33 , wherein the at least one sample gripping device comprises at least one external protrusion, wherein the at least one external protrusion is adapted to be moved through at least one opening in the internal sleeve so that the at least one external protrusion contacts the core sample.  
   
   
       37 . The downhole coring tool of  claim 33 , wherein the uncoupled internal sleeve comprises an axial slot so that the uncoupled internal sleeve can be constricted to a tolerance fit with the core sample.  
   
   
       38 . The downhole coring tool of  claim 33  wherein the uncoupled internal sleeve comprises an axial slot and a tapered diameter so that the sample has clearance with a distal end of the uncoupled internal sleeve and a tolerance fit with a proximal end of the internal sleeve.  
   
   
       39 - 43 . (canceled)  
   
   
       44 . A method for taking a core sample, comprising: 
 extending a coring bit into a formation;    receiving the core sample in an uncoupled internal sleeve having a core sample gripping device therein the uncoupled internal sleeve disposed inside the coring bit; and    retrieving the core sample from the formation.    
   
   
       45 . (canceled)  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the retrieving the core sample comprises: 
 gripping the core sample with a core sample gripping device;    tilting the coring bit; and    retracting the coring bit back into a tool body.    
   
   
       47 . (canceled)