Seated hammer apparatus for core sampling

A core sampling apparatus to allow the capture and retrieval of a core from a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising or including:

• a rotatable tubular housing,
• a core taking bit constrained to rotate with the housing yet able to move axially with respect to the rotatable tubular housing,
• a retrievable core sampling assembly latchable to or relative to the rotatably tubular housing comprising:
• a core catcher barrel for a core, the barrel being rotationally isolated from the tubular housing and cooperable with the core taking bit to retain a core, and
• a hammer for providing impact to the core taking bit along a longitudinal impact path that is or is substantially decoupled from the core catcher barrel,
• wherein the tubular housing is operable to rotate the bit and the hammer is operable to impact the bit to capture and pass core material from the formation to the core catcher barrel in a manner that isolates a core in the core catcher barrel from rotation and impact forces.