Method and apparatus for sampling a core of tar sand

A sampling apparatus for cutting a longitudinal sample portion from a substantially semi-circular slab of frozen tar sand core comprising:

• frame means;
• cradle means carried by the frame means for supporting and holding the slab in position for cutting with its flat face fixed in a pre-determined plane;
• carriage support means carried by the frame means and extending substantially parallel to said plane along said slab;
• saw carriage means mounted on the support means for movement therealong;
• a pair of angularly disposed, driven circular saws carried by the carriage means and operative to make non-intersecting cuts into the central portion of the slab to form a longitudinal sample portion having a generally triangular cross-section of substantially constant area, said sample portion having an apex still attached to the main body of the slab;
• whereby a sample portion may be produced which can easily be broken away from the slab and recovered.