US2109690A - Drift recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

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March l, 1938. J. w. cuLBERTsoN DRIFT RECORDING APPARATUS Filed April 3, 1955 l 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

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' DRIFT RECORDING APPARATUS I Filed April 3, 1955 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORv JOE Ld. Cf/LBEETSON BY ATTORNEY March 1 1938. v J. w. cULBE-RTsoN l 2,109,690

DRIFT RECORDING APPARATUS Filed APIl 3. 1955 n A BSheets-Sheet 4 y Fiik V50 ...255' y, f5@ f 257 253 \`/Z47 Z5/6L 25g .249 I 15 l5 i z5/ l/l/ lf/ll 254 *245 249 ZW -248 Z55 253 249 257 /mll 1N VENTOR ATTORNEY March 1, 1938. J. w. CULBERTSON 2,109,690

DRIFT RECORDING APPARATUS Filed April 3, 1955 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNE)7 J. W. CULBERTSON DRIFT RECORDING APPARATUS March 1, 193s.`

V Filed April 3, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheetl 6 VENTOR i March l, 1938.. J. w. cuLBl-:RTSON DRIFT RE CORDING APPARATUS Filed April 5, 1955 '8 lSheets-Shedl 7` INVENTOR. JOE La CuLE/erso/v March 1,'1938. J. w. CULBERTSON DRIFT RECORDING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Aprilr 5, 1935 Patented Mar. 1, 193s UNITED STATES DRIFT RECORDING APPARATUS Joe W. Culbertson, West Hollywood, Calif., as- .signor to Technical Oil Tool Corporation,

Ltd., a corporation of California Application April 3, 1935, Serial No. 14,479 24 Claims. (Cl. .t3-205.5)

My invention relates to apparatus for use in oil wells and similar earth bores for recording the degree of drift or inclination of a hole from the vertical, and it has particular reference, al-

though not necessarily, to that form of drift recording apparatus which is characterized by being dropped or lowered into a drill pipe or open hole, and upon reaching the desired position therein the drift measuring and recording instrument thereof becomes operative automatically under the action of a previously set timecontrol mechanism, to record the degree of driftof the hole from the vertical.

My invention has for a purpose the general structure and functional refinement of such a drift recording apparatus to the end of producing an apparatus which withstands, without damage, thereto, the severe blows to which it is subjected when in use; which renders the measuring and recording of inclination extremely accurate under any and all conditions; and permits accurate setting of the timing mechanism to effect tripping of the measuring and recording mechanism at a predetermined time.

It is also a purpose of my invention toprovide a drift recording apparatus which embodies two or more drift recording instruments design to permit one to check or compare the recordation made by one, upon thatmade by the other to the end of determining ifthe recordation made by either instrument is false because, due to improper setting, the instrument was tripped before the angle marker thereof came to complete rest. In this particular form of my apparatus, f the operation of one instrument is dependent upon that of the other so that both instruments are operated at a predetermined time, and, further, the angle markers' of the two instruments are designed to travel different distances for a 40 given angle of deviation so that by the provision of suitably scaled charts one instrument operates to record angles of deviation in degrees and the other in minutes.

I will describe only two forms of drift recording apparatus, two forms of anglemarkers, two forms of setting gages, and one form of shock absorbing means, al1 embodying my invention, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims. v

In the accompanying drawings Figsrl and l-A are views, one a continuation of the other, showing in side elevation with the casing thereof in section. one form of drift recording apparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing in longitudinal section the upper portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Figs. 3 and 4 are transverse sectional Views taken on the lines 3-3 and 4 4, respectively, of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and is a continuation thereof, the two views showing a complete shock absorbing means embodied in the apparatus.

Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views taken on the lines 6-6 and 1-1, respectively, of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 5 and is a continuation thereof, showing one form of drift recording instrument embodied in my apparatus, with the container therefor in section.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing the drift recording instrument in recording or tripped position as distinguished from the non-recording or set position as shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the recording mechanism shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the chart and holder embodied in the drift recording instrument.

Figs. 12 and 13 are transverse sectional views taken on the lines l2|2 and |3-I3 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of another form of angle indicator embodying my invention.

Fig. 15 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line l5-I5 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line |6-l6 of'Flg. 8 showing the chart actuating and time regulating mechanisms of the drift recording instrument with the chart actuating mechanism in tripped position.

Fig. 17 is a viewsimilar to Fig. 16 looking in a direction at right angles thereto.

Fig. 18 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line I8-I8 of Fig. 16 and also showing in transverse section the shaft and cam lever of the chart actuating mechanism shown in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18A is another transverse sectional view of the shaft and cam lever enlarged and showing that position of the shaft just preceding the entry of the cam lever into the shaft.

Figs. 19 and 2U are views similar to Fig. 16 showing other positions which the chart actuating mechanism is adapted to occupy.

Figs. 21 and 22 are views similar to Fig. 18 showing other positions of the elements shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 23-23 of Fig. l-A.

Figs. 24 and 25 are transverse sectional views taken on the lines 24-24 and 25-25 of Fig. 23.

Fig. 26 is an enlarged view of the clutch shown in section in Fig. 16. y

Fig. 26A is a detail view showing in perspective the key shown in Fig. 26.

Fig. 27 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 21-21 of Fig. 26.

Figs. 28, 29, and 30 are transverse sectional views taken on the lines 28-28, 29--29, and 30-30 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 31 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing another form of drift recording apparatus in which two recording instruments are embodied.

Fig. 32 is an enlarged sectional view similar to Fig. 31 but showing the chart actuating mechanism for one of the instruments in section.

Fig. 33 is a view similar to Fig. 32 but showing the tripped positions of the instruments.

Figs. 34 and 35 are views showing in side elevation a setting gage for the chart actuating mechanism.

Fig. 36 is a view similar to Fig. 35 with a portion thereof in section.

Fig. 37 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing a latching means; embodied in the setting gage.

Drift recording instrument Referring to Figs. 8, 9, and 10, a tubular receptacle 50 is closed at its upper end by a cap 5 I., and at its lower end by a plug 52, both of which are threaded in the receptacle. The plug 52 is provided centrally with an opening 53 in which a support 54 is movable axially but held against rotation by a ball 55 urged into a groove 56 in the support by a spring 51 confined in a radial opening 58 by a screw plug 59. The .support 54 is yieldingly confined within the plug 52 by rubber plates 60 and 6|, the upper one of which is secured in spanning relation to the upper end of the opening 53 by a metal plate 62 secured to the plug 52 by screws 63. The lower rubber plate 6| is confined in spanning relation to the lower end of the opening 53 by a metal plug 64 threaded in the lower end of the plug 52.

The support 54 is formed with an axial opening in which is received the lower end of a stem 65, such stem being formed with a head 66 to conne the stem against upward movement, and such head is engaged at its lower side by a screw plug 61 for securing the stem against downward movement in the support. The stem 65 projects upwardly through the plates 60 and 63 where its upper end is secured in a sleeve 68 on a socket member 69 constructed of hardened steel. The upper surface 10 of this socket member is of inverted conical form so thatthe apex thereof is situated at the exact center of the socket member. A relatively small and pointed pin 1| constructed of hardened steel bears at its pointed end on the apex of the surface 10. This pin 1| is xed axially Within'the lower lend of a rod 12, while the lower end of the rod is, in turn, ilxed in a tubular extension 13 of a weight 14, the latter carrying, by means of screws,15, a skirted ring 16 which normally has a very slight clearance with respectl to the rounded under surface of the socket member 69, but which is adapted to abut such surface to confine the extension 13 and the rod 12 against upward displacement from the socket member.

The rod 12 is bored axially at its upper end to form a sleeve 11 in which is slidably received the body 18 of a marking element 19. The marking element 19 is in the form of a pointed instrument which is adapted topunch a chart so as to permanently mark the latter. 19 is formed integral with the body 18, and the body together with the marking element is urged upwardly by a spring such urging movement being limited by means of a pin 8| working within a slot 82. This pin and slot connection also serves to limit downward movement of the marking instrument when it is forced downwardly by engagement with a chart, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The weight 14 and the rod 12 together with the mounting means therefor, constitute one form of angle marker embodying my invention. As will be understood, the arm is poised to oscillate about the socket member 69 as a center, and that under the counter-balancing action of the weight the rod constantly tends to assume a vertical position. The rubber plates 60 and 6I provide means for cushioning movement of the support 54 axially in either direction in order that shocks to which the parts of the angle marker and its mounting are subjected when in actual use, are effectively absorbed to prevent distortion of such parts and mounting.

As best shown in Fig. 10, .the metal sleeve 83 is secured in the receptacle 50 by means of a screw 84, the lower end of the sleeve abutting the plug 52, while its upper end is positioned to form a stop for limiting movement downwardly of a head 85. 4This head 85 carries a chart 86 which is of disk form and preferably made of celluloid. As shown in Fig. 11, the lower or exposed surface of the chart 86 has inscribed thereon concentric circles 81 representing degrees from the vertical as indicated by the numerals thereon. As shown in Fig. 10, the lower side of the head is cupped to form a pocket 88 in which the chart is received and removably secured therein by reason of the fact that to insert the chart into the pocket it is necessary to flex the latter so that its periphery is urged toward the side wall of the pocket, as will be understood.

chart actuating mechanism In describing this mechanism, reference will be had to Figs. .16 to 22, inclusive. As shown in Fig. 16, the cap 5| is provided with a collar 89 threaded within the upper end of the receptacle 50. Threaded into the collar 89 is a collar 90 on the upper end of a barrel 9|, this barrel being of such diameter as to have a sliding fit 93 in such manner that the lower disk 92 is interposed between the head and the plate. In this manner the entire frame of which the head forms a part is suspended so that it is yieldingly supported to allow the rubber disks to absorb shocks transmitted to the frame in order to protect against injury the mechanismL carried by the frame.

The frame is made up of side plates 96 and 91 secured at their upper ends to opposite sides of the head by screws 98. By means of screws 99 the lower ends of the, plates 96 are secured to opposite sides of a lower head |00. This head |00 is provided with a central boreinto which extends the upper end of a sleeve |.0|, and this sleeve is fixed against movement therein by The marking element means of screws |02, as best illustrated in Fig. 17. At a point spaced from its upper end the sleeve is formed with a flanged disk |03 on which,

the head is fitted and secured by the heads of the screws |04 (Fig. 16) In order to accommodate the disk |03 within the barrel 9| the latter is counter-bored, as best shown in Fig. 16.

The sleeve |0| constitutes a bearing in which a shaft is rotatably tted with the upper portion of the shaft formed with a journal |06 of reduced diameter and rotatable in a thrust bearing |01 which is screw-threaded in the bore of the sleeve |0I. The lower end of the shaft is reduced to provide a pintle which projects below the lower end of the sleeve to accommodate a disk-shaped-head 09. This head |09 is provided with a collar ||0 to which is secured by means of a lug the inner end of a coiled main spring H2. By means of a screw ||2 the outer end of the spring is secured to an annular iiange ||3 formed on the lower end of the sleeve |0|. A screw |||a serves tosecure the head |09 to the pintle |08 for rotation with the shaft |05, and thus it will become apparent that with the spring ||2 under tension, it will tend to rotate the shaft |05 in a counter-clockwise direction, as when viewed in Fig. 30.

An arm ||4 is xed to the head |09 by means of two screws ||5 (Figs. 16 and 18), and this arm projects from the periphery of the head to be en gaged by a pin I6 extending upwardly from and fixed to the chart carrying head 85 (Figs. 17 and 18). The head 85 is rotatably mounted on a collar of a body.||8,and by means'of a screw-pin ||9 in the head, engaging within an annular groove |20 in the collar, the head is secured against displacement from the body. This pin ||9 is adapted. to abut a stop pin H9 ex? tending across the groove |20, for limiting rotation of the head rearwardly or in a counter-clockwise direction as when viewed in Fig. 18 to less than a complete revolution, for a purpose to be described hereinafter.

While the chart head a5 has a. sliding nt within the receptacle 50, the body I |8 has a similar t within the enlarged bore of the barrel 9|. To

take up any play of the chart head .in the barrel,

and positively center the head therein, radial pockets4 85a are formed in the head (Fig. 29) containing springs 85h for urging balls 85c outwardly to bear-against the wall of the receptacle the sleeve |0|, and thus the body is slidable on the sleeve. However, the body is secured against rotative movement relative to the barrel and sleeve by the provision of a rod |2| (Fig. 16)

threaded at its upper end in the disk |03 and securedby a pin |2|, and extending downwardly into an opening |22 in the body. Axial movement in either direction of the body in the barrel is limited by a stop-pin |23 extending into the body so that its medial portion is disposed in a recess |24 in the rod. Of course, movement of the body inwardly of the barrel is also limited by the body abutting the disk |03, as will be understood. v

By means of a plurality of springs |25 (Fig. 17) disposed in pockets |26 in the body' III, and sleeves |21 in the pockets, the is yieldably urged downward to the lower extreme position shown in Fig. 17, which position ofthe body is defined by the stop-pin |23 abutting the lower end wall of the `rod recess |24. (Fig. 16).

'I'he 'shaft |05 is formed with a slotv |28 shaped to provide within and at the upper end thereof, a cam |29, and similarly, the sleeve |0| is formed with a slot |30. The body H8 is slotted to accommodate a cam lever |3| which is fulcrumed on a pin |32 secured in the body, to occupy the advanced position shown in Fig. 16, or the retracted position shown in Fig. 20. In the advanced position, the pointed nose of the lever extends into the slot |28 to bear against the bottom or inner wall thereof under the action of a spring |329. As shown in Figs. 17 and 28, the spring |32a isdisposed in a slot |33 .of the body ||8 and mounted on a pin |34 to engage the outer recessed edge |35 of the lever |3|.

The cam lever |3| is provided at its lower end with a rounded head |36 which engages within a socket |31 of a'latch bolt |39 slidable in the body- ||8 to engage and disengage the lower end wall |30 of the slot |30 so that such wall functions as a keeper. In consequence of this connection between the lever and bolt, it will be clear that according as the lever occupies advanced or retracted position, the bolt is moved to disengage or engage the keeper |30. When in engagement with the keeper, the latch bolt serves to latch the body 8 in theintermediate position shown in Fig. 20 and against the tendency of the springs |25 to move the body to the outer or lower position shown in Fig. 16.

In addition to carrying the chart 85, the head 85 functions as. a setting gage by which the chart actuating mechanism can be set to release the head at a predetermined time and thus permit the head to engage the marking element 19.

This setting operation is accomplished through rotational'adjustment of the head 85 from a. normal or non-gaging position as determined by the pins ||9 and Il Sland an index mark |40 (Fig. 8) on a ring |4|, to any of several gaging positions as determined by graduations |42 on the head 85. These graduations are calibrated in minutes of time and are consecutively numbered from 1 to 20 in the present instance. The ring |4| is capable of circumferential adjustment on the body ||8 to precisely position the index-mark |40 with relation to the graduation numbered 1 in order that timing of the instrument as determined by adjustment of the head will be rendered extremely accurate. Arrows marked A, B, C, and the legends Unlock, Set, and Start, are imprinted on the head 85 and the body ||8 for purposes of instruction, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

'I'he chart or gage head 85 is adapted to be locked automatically in the normal'or non-gaging position by a bolt |43 movable in a pocket |44 of the head (Fig. 16) and urged by a spring |45 to a position in which it extends into the opening |22 of the body H8. To release the head and permit rotational adjustment thereof, it is necessary to force the body H8 inwardly to the inner extreme position shown in Fig. 19 when the bolt |43 abuts the rod |2| `and is thus moved by the rod outward until its inner end is flush with the adjacent surface of the head. 'I'hus the head is now free to be turned on the body to any gazing position of adjustment, and it` will be clear that it is unnecessary to maintain thebody ||8 in the inner extreme position during such adjustment, 'for once the bolt is-moved'out of registration with. the opening |22, it can no longer function to lock the head. However, upon return of the head to its normal position, the bolt |43 again functions to engage within the opening |22 and thus lock the head against rotation. Timing mechanism Turning movement of the shaft |05 under the action of the spring ||2 is regulated by a timing mechanism of any suitable form, and, hence, I do not wish to be restricted or limited to the mechanism herein shown and which I will now describe. y

Referring to Figs. 16 and 17, the timing mechanism is carried wholly within and by the frame composed of the heads 95 and |00 and the side plates 96 and 91. It comprises a spur gear |46 fixed to a shaft |41 journaled in the side plates 96 and 91. Fixed to the shaft |41 is a larger gear |48 meshing with a pinion |49 fixed to a shaft |50 journaled in one side` plate and a bridge |5| of the upper head 95. A second gear |52 is fixed to the shaft |50 and meshes with a second pinion |53 fixed on a shaft |54 `mounted as the shaft T50. A third gear |55 fixed on the shaft |54 meshes with a third pinion |56 fixed on a shaft |51 journaled in the two side plates. To the shaft |51 is fixed an escapement wheel |58 engaged by pallet pins |59 carried by an arm |60 fulcrumed on an arbor |6| supported by the other side plate and the bridge |5|. The lower end of the arm is provided with the usual fork and roller pins |62 which operatively connect the arm to a shaft |63 journaled in suitable bearings carried by one side plate and the bridge. A balance wheelv |64 and a balance'spring |65 are mounted on the shaft |63 to control oscillation of the arm |60 under the driving action of the escapement wheel, as will be understood..

The gear |46 constantly meshes with a crown gear |66 formed on the upper side of a driven member |61 rotatable on a pintle |60, the latter being formed integral with and constituting an extension of the shaft |05. Asbest shown in Fig. 26, the driven member is retained upon the pintle by a at key |69 having a recessed end engaging within a groove |10 of the pintle. A cupshaped driving member |1| is suitably fixed to the pintle |60 for rotation therewith, and this driving member is adapted for operative connection with the driven member |61 only when the former is rotated 'in that direction in which the spring ||2 tends to drive the shaft |05.

The means employed for this purpose consists of rollers |12 disposed in peripheral and tapered recesses |13 (Fig. 27), and springs |14 in the recessed underside of the member |61. These springshave one end secured in the driven member and the other end bent to engage the rollers |12 for urging the latter toward' the narrow end of the recesses |13. The arrangement and operation of these elements is such that when the driving member |1| is rotated in a clockwise direction as when viewed in Fig. 27, the rollers operatively connect the driving member to the driven member so that the latter is rotated therewith. Conversely, when the driving member is rotated in the opposite direction the rollers rotate about their own axes so that the driven member is no longer rotated by the driving member.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that a one-way clutch is provided between the timing mechanism and the shaft |05 by which the shaft can be rotated in one direction from a normal position independently of the timing tion with the slot |30 of the sleeve |0|.

Operation of chart actuating and ltiming mechn anisms In describing the operation of these mechanisms, I will assume that the capf 5| has been screwed into the receptacle 50 so that the barrel 9| occupies the position shown in Fig. 8 in which the chart carrying head 05 is positioned above the sleeve 03'and spaced from the marking element 19 so that the chart 86 is out of' engagement with the marking element. Such a posi-` tion of the head 05 is what may be'termed a retracted or non-recording position as against an advanced or recording position in which the chart is advanced into engagement with the marking element to be punched by the latter. In Fig. 20 the head 85 is shown in retracted position, and the parts of the chart head actuating mechanism set for operation to move the head to advanced position at a predetermined time after manual setting thereof. In Fig. 16 the head is in advanced position, and the mechanism is in what may be termed the normal `or tripped position, with the parts thereof locked and at rest.

, As shown in Fig. 16, the shaft |05 is in what may be termed a normal circumferential position wherein the slot |28 thereof is in registra- The chart head 85 is in normal or non-gaging position on the body ||8 wherein it is locked against rotation by the bolt |43.y Such locking of the head prevents rotation of the shaft by the spring l2 because the pin |6 which is fixed to the head, cannot move and the arm ||4 which is xed to the shaft, abuts the pin.v Thus, with the parts ofthe mechanism positioned as described, the setting thereof is accomplished as follows:

It will, of course, be understood that the setting operation is performed before placing' the u barrel in the receptacle. The barrel is gripped in one hand, while the palm of the other hand is pressed against the chart side of the head 05 to force the latter and the body |I8 inwardly of the barrel against the tension of the springs |25. This initial operation is to effect unlocking of the chart head, and the direction of movement incident thereto, as well as the purpose thereof is clearly indicated on the head by the arrow A and the legend Unlock. By this operation, the body ||8 is moved from the position shown in Fig. 16 to that shown in Fig. 19 or to what may be termed its inner extreme position. As a result of such movement the lever |3| is carried inwardly with its nose bearing on the shaft until it reaches the cam |29 when-it is moved thereby outwardly of the slot |28 onto the periphery of the shaft, as shown in Fig. 19.

Once the lever is removed from the slot, the operator, while still pushing inwardly on the head 85, turns the headv rearwardly in the direction of the arrow B in Fig. 8 through an angle suiiicient to move the latch bolt |43 to one side of the opening |22, thus unlocking the head. With the head unlocked, inward hand pressure can be removed to allow the operator to leisurely adjust or set the head to any gaging position desired.

From a consideration of the relation of the pin H6 and the arm I|4 as shown in Fig. 18, it will be clear that when the head 85 is turned to unlock it, the pin, which the arm normally abuts, is rotated with the head to impart a similar movement to the arm. As the arm is xed to the shaft |05, rotation of the latter also occurs, and through such an angle as to move the slot |28 to one side of the cam lever I3 Thus, when the chart head is relieved of hand pressure and the springs act to move the body ||8 outwardly of the barrel, the nose of the lever |3| remains upon the periphery of the shaft |05 and cannot reenter the slot. However, the springs |25 only move the body |8 to the intermediate or latched position shown in Fig. 20, forfat this point the latch bolt |39 abuts the keeper |30, as shown in Fig. 20 to restrain it against further movement.

Through the pin ||9 adjoining the pin ||0a the possibility is prevented of accidentally rotating the head 85 rearwardly a complete revolution or to a position in which the lever |3| would return to the shaft slot4|28 and prevent further operation of the mechanism.

Once the chart head has been turned to a position in which its release is effected, it. remains in that position, for the tension of the spring ||2 is insufficient to rotate the head, and thus the pin ||6 maintains the arm |I4 against reverse rotation. Rotation of the shaft |05 to eject the cam lever `as well as for further'setting, is independent of the timing mechanism inasmuch as the aforedescribed one-way clutch is operative to connect the shaft to the crown gear ||6 only when the shaft is rotated in the other direction.

From a consideration of the operation of the mechanism as thus far described, it will be clear that the chart head 85 is now ready for setting. As indicated by the arrow B and the legend Set on the head 85, the head is adapted tobe set by turning it in the same direction as for unlocking and to any gaging position desired as precisely determined by preselecting any one minute graduation |42 and positioning such gradua tion exactly opposite the index mark |40. The graduation selected is determined by the sum total time in minutes required to assemble the complete apparatus, place it in the well hole, allow it to descend `to the point therein' at which a record is desired to be taken, and permit the angle marker to come to rest.

Concurrently with such setting of the head 85,

' the shaft |05 is rotated rearwardly still further because of the concurrent rotation of the arm ||4 by the pin H6, as will be clear from a considera-` tion of Fig. 21.-, Thus, the angular position of the shaft with respect to the lever |3| is further increased to a degree directly in keeping with the gaging position of the head 85. Such turning movement of the shafty |05 being against the tension of the spring ||2, increases the tension thereof, but it will be understood that in assembling the chart actuating' mechanism the spring is wound suiciently to restore the shaft to its latched position without relying upon the increased tension given it in setting the shaft.

Once the chart head has been set as described, it is adapted to be turned forwardly as indicated by the arrow C and the legend Start on the barrel, until it reaches its original circumferential position when the latch bolt |43 moves into the body opening |22 to again lock the head ery of the shaft |05 and drops into the slot against rotation on the body. Such rotation of the chart head restores the pin ||6 to normal position, as shown in Fig. 22, thus releasing the arm ||4 so that the spring ||2 now functions to rotate the shaft |05 back to normal position. With'inception of this starting movement, the one-way clutch now operatively connects the shaft to the crown gear so that the timing mechanism is set into operation to regulate turning movement of the shaft precisely in accordancel with the minute graduations upon the chart head.

'I'he shaft |05 proceeds to rotate under control of the timing mechanism until the arm I4 abuts the pin I6, and as the pin is now secured against rotation because of previous locking of the head 85, further rotation of the shaft is checked upon engagement ofthe arm with the pin.. In this normal or nal position of the shaft, the slot |28 is brought intoregistration with the cam lever |3| so that the latter is now projected into the slot under the action of the spring |322. With such movement of the cam lever, the latch bolt |39 is moved free of the keeper |308 releasing the body ||8 to permit the springs |25 to project the chart head and body to the advanced position shown in Fig. 16, and thus cause the chart 85 to engage the marking element 19 and be punched thereby for effecting a recordation, as shown in Fig. 9. Thus, all parts of the chart actuating mechanism are restored to normal or starting positions for a succeeding operation when and as desired through the same sequence of manual operations.

An important feature of my chart actuating mechanism is the manner in which the shaft 05 and cam lever |3| coact to eiectinstantaneous actuation of the latch bolt |39 so that the chart head is tripped or released to produce a drift recordation in conjunction withthe marln'ng element, concurrently; with expiration of the time interval for which the mechanism has been set. As best shown in Figs. 18 and 18B, the slot |28 is of dove-tail form in cross section so that it is undercut from its side edges inwardly. Such construction prevents contact of the sides of the cam lever with the side walls of the slot as the lever moves into the slot, and. thus such lever movement is unimpeded. Also such undercutting produces at the leading side of the slot a relatively sharp edge or corner oi of which the lever is adapted to drop into the slot.

As shown'in Fig. 18, the nose of the lever is beveled to produce a relatively ne edge or corner 3 I'l which normally bears against the periph- |20 concurrently with the leading edge of the slot passing the edge |3| to effect instantaneous release of the lever. Such method of release acts to move the latch bolt |39 to unlatched positionwith corresponding rapidity so that the chart head is tripped at the precise instant at 'which the time interval expires for which the mechanism was set.

Before proceeding to describe the other elements of my drift recording apparatus, I will described a setting gage for the head 85 by which a particular minute graduation |42 on the head 85 can be selected prior to setting of the head to the gaging position thus dened, so that when the. head is subsequently moved thereto, it cannot be moved accidentally or otherwise beyond the preselected graduation. In this manner, the possibility is prevented of oversetting the head. 'I'his setting gage also includes a means for defining to effect unlocking thereof prior to actual setting of the head.

As shown in Figs. 84 to 37, inclusive, the setting gage comprises a stop pin |15 fixed to and projecting from the lower edge of the ring |4|, as when viewed in Fig. 34, and disposed to the right of the index mark |40. A gage ring |16 is rotatably fitted in a groove |11 of the head 85 to occupy any circumferential position of adjustment. On the ring |16 is a circular series of graduations |18 spaced to correspond to the graduations of the series |42. The ring |18 is formed with slots |19 alined with theI graduations |18, and in any one of which a latch lever |80 pivoted in a slot |8| of the head 85, is adapted to engage under the action of a spring |82 in a pocket |83 (Fig. 37) to lock the ring in any position of adjustment on the head.

The latch lever is notched as shown, to permit easy withdrawal thereof from any slot |19 against the tension of the spring |82. On that edge of the ring |18 confronting the ring |4| is a gage pin |84 which is adapted to abut the stop pin |15. A third pin |85 is fixed to and projects inwardlyfromthe head 85 at such a point circumferentially thereof as to extend into a recess |88 in the confronting edge of the barrel 9|, that is, when the head is pushed inward to its inner extreme position.

In operation of the setting gage, the gage pin |84 is moved into alinement with any preselected graduation |42 by first unlocking the ring through movement of the latch lever |80 to released position. The latch is now released'so that it again engages the gage ring in one of the slots to secure the ring in this newly adjusted position. The head 85 is now forced inward in the usual manner to eiIect unlocking thereof, and under such movement the pin |85 is advanced into the recess. In thismanner, rotational movement `of the head necessary to eiect unlocking thereof, is actually prescribed by the pin |85. In other words, the operator of the instrument is denitely instructed and physically limited in respect to the amount of rotation of the head necessary to release the latter preparatory to moving it to Raging position.

Once the head v85 has been unlocked as just described,'it is released to allow it to move to the intermediate position in which the pin |85 is withdrawn from the recess |88. Thus, the head is now free to be, rotated to gaging position. As the ring |18 is now locked to the head 85 through the latch |80, it will be clear that when the head is rotated to the preselected gaging position as deined by the prior adjustment of the pin |84, such pin will be rotated with the head until it abuts the stop pin |15 to prevent further rotation of the head. In this final position of the pin |84, the head is positioned so that the preselected graduation |42 is opposite the index mark |40. Obviously, the head cannot be rotated beyond this position, and hence, oversetting of the head is prevented. In the nal operation, the head 85 is returned to its normal locked position to permit the chart actuating mechanism to run, as has been described.

Should the head 85 be released accidentally by operationof the latch |80, after the cam lever has `been projected from the shaft slot and moved tothe position shown in Fig. 20, the pins |I9 and ||9 will act to prevent the lever returning 'to the slot through rearward rotation of the head a complete revolution.

Referring to Figs. l and l-A, the receptacle 50 containing the drift recording instrument previously described, is adapted to be placed in an elongated tubular metal housing |81. For the purpose of eifectively protecting the drift recording instrument against damage resultant of the forces of impact produced by striking the tool joints during descent and the final impingement of the apparatus at the point of stoppage, whether the apparatus is dropped or lowered on a line into an open hole or drill pipe, the following devices are embodied in my apparatus:

Screwed into the lower end of the housing |81 is a solid metal stem |88 formed at its upper end with an extension |90 which projects into the lower end of a coiled expansible spring |9|. A rubber buffer block |92 reposes on the inner end of the extension |90 and extends into the lower end of the spring |9|. This block |92 is provided for the purpose of preventing full compression of the spring |9| and thus avoiding the resultant metal to metal contact of its convolutions and the consequent transmission of shock to the elements connected to and contacting with the spring. A leather cup |92* is secured to the lower end of the block |92, and this cup is of suchdiameter as to frictionally retain itself within the housing |81 to prevent the spring |9| from dropping out of the housing.

Above the spring |9| is arranged the container or receptacle 50 so that the upper end of the spring bears against the plug 52. At this point it is well to mention a collar |83 threaded on the plug 52, as best shown in Fig. 10, and which collar is provided for the purpose of covering the exterior threads of the plug. The aforesaid threads are provided for the purpose of permitting a second container or receptacle 50 to be attached to the plug 52. Obviously, by removing the plug 04 the interior threads of the plug 52 can be used to connect a second barrel 9| containing a second drift recording instrument, to the plug 52. It will be understood that in some instances it is desirable to employ two or more drift recording instruments in a single apparatus, and the construction just described provides such a means.

The cap 5| is adapted for connection to the lower end of a cylinder |94 through the medium of a stud |95 (Fig. '1) formed onvthe cap and upon which is threaded a cup-shaped nut |98. This nut is releasably locked against accidental unscrewing by means of a ball |98* in a pocket |91 of the nut anda spring |98 pressing the ball into any one of a plurality of radial grooves |99 in the confronting face of the cap 5|. The nut |98 has Y a reduced portion |9|ib upon which a cap 2004 is threaded and locked by a pin 20|.

Extending into theA cap 200 is a coupling pin 202 having a collar 208 threaded therein and rotatably mounted in the cap by means of balls 204. Thus, the coupling pin is rotatable relative to the cap 200 and the elements connected thereto. The upper end of the coupling pin is threaded into a head 205 threaded, in turn, into and closing the lower end of the cylinder |94. The

elements just described' constitute a rotatable connection between the cylinder and the container 50, which prevents iinscrewing of the container from the cylinder during vapplication or removal of the latter.

The cylinder |94 constitutes part of a pneumatic shock absorber designed to effectively absorb longitudinal shocks towhich` the drift recording instrument is subjected incident to descension of the apparatus into awell. Extending downwardly into the cylinder is a rod 206 having on itslower end, a piston made up of a pair of rings 201 (Fig. 6) through which the rod extends. A pair of nuts 208 are threaded on the rod for securing the rings in clamping relation to a pair of reversely disposed cup washers 209 made of leather. The rod 206 is bored to form a duct 2|0 which functions to by-pass air from one side of the piston to the other, and the amount of air so by-passed is controllable by a metering screw 2|| threaded in'thelower end of the rod and formed with a port 2 I2, the diameter of which determines the rate of air flow. By substituting similar screws having ports of other diameters the rate of flow can be controlled as required.

As best shown in Fig. 5, the piston rod 206 extends upwardly through a stuiling box comprising a packing nut 2|3 and a gland 2|4 threaded in the cylinder |94 for receiving a spring 2|5 which is adjustable by the nut to compress packing 2 |6 therein. At its upper end, the rod 206 is connected toan upper stem 2|1 formed of solid metal .and threaded in the upper end of the housing |81 (Fig. 2) through the medium of a collar 2|8 formed on the lower end of the stem, a pin 2| 9 extending through the collar and a head 220, to provide a pivotal connection between the two. This pivotal connection allows the requisite freedom of movement of the cylinder |94 to permit self-alining thereof in the housing I 81. The rod 206 is threaded in the lower end of the head 220 and secured by a pin 22|, while the head is formed with a ange 22| against which the upper end of a spring 222 abuts. A buffer sleeve 223 formed of rubber surrounds the rod 206 contiguous to the head 220 to prevent complete contraction of the spring.

For centering the apparatus within a drill pipe,

the stems |88 and 2I1 are provided with spring arms 224 and 225, respectively, which, from their points of connection with the stems, extend outwardly to have contact with the wall of the drill pipe to maintain the apparatus spaced therefrom and centered therein to prevent the stems'and housing from striking the tool joints and there- 'by damaging the drift recording instrument.

In Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the manner of mounting the arms 225 is shown. As illustrated, the upper end of the stem 2I1 is,formed with circumferentially spaced grooves 226 in each of which is arranged the lower end of onearm 225. Such arm ends are secured in the-grooves by a sleeve 221 and a plate 228 secured on the upper end of the stem by a screw 229. This plate has notches 230 therein in which the arms are received, while the sleeve 221 spans the grooves. The lower extremities of the arms are bent to form angular lips 23| which engage beneath the lower edge of the sleeve 221. In order that the addition of the sleeve to the stem shall not increase the diameter of the stem, the stem is reduced in diameter for the thickness and length of the sleeve and the thickness of the lips.' v

The construction just described functions to secure the several arm ends against movement on the stem in any direction, while the remainder of the arms are free to ex in performing their function of maintaining the stem spaced from the wall of the drill pipe, and yet not impeding descent ofthe apparatus into the hole. Although the arms are attached with the requisite security, they are readily detachable should they become broken to permit substitution of new arms..

Referring to Figs. 1A and 23, the lower stem I 88 carries a spear made up of a bodyl section 232 anda head section 233, both formed of metal. These two sections are joined to eachother by a connector-234 constructed of a single body of resilient rubber. As shown, the sections are h'ollow to receive the end portions of the rubber connector, while the intermediate portion of the connector is interposed between the two sections to cushion movements of the sections toward each other for the purpose of absorbing shocks created by the spear striking the bottom of the well hole or the drill bit when used in a drill pipe.

The connector 234 is secured in the spear sections by pouring the rubber, when in a liquid state, into the sections. In such a process, air vents are necessary and have been provided in the spear sections as indicated at 235, and into these vents portions of the rubber flow and form tits 236 which serve as additional means for securing the connector within the sections. Also, the confronting edges of the sections are inturned to 'form annular lips 231 around which the rubber is molded to interlock the two against separation.

The body section 232 is formed with a pin 238 threaded in a box 239 in the lower end of the stem |88 so that the upper wall of the section abuts the stem. The spring arms 224 are of the same construction as the upper arms 225, and similarly their lower ends are secured in grooves 240 of the stem |88 by a sleeve 24| fixed to the stem by a set screw 242 (Fig. 24). The angular lips 243 on the lower ends of the arms 224 are interposed between and embraced by the lower edge of the sleeve 24| and the top wall of the spear body section 232.A l

To -detach the arms 224 should they become broken, it is necessary onlyto remove the set screw and detach the spear, when the sleeve can be withdrawn from the stem to release the arms. Longitudinal grooves 244 are provided in the stem |88 to receive the arms 224 should they otherwise interfere with passage of the stem through a restricted part of the drill pipe.

In the operation of the apparatus, let it be assumed that the drift recording instrument has been set and started, and that all parts of the apparatus have been assembled to occupy the respective positions shown in Figs. 1 and l-A. Thus, the apparatus is now ready to be lowered on a line into a drill pipe, or dropped therein.'

In either event, the arms 224 and 225 function to center the apparatus in the tubing as it descends therein, but it will be understood that when using my apparatus in an open hole the arms cannot be used because they would abut the jagged walls of the hole and thus prevent the apparatus from being withdrawn. As the spear strikes each tool joint, it is momentarily checked in its descending movement which reacts to move the cylinder |94 downward in the housing |81.

As the piston is fixed against movement lengthwise in the cylinder, it will be clear that such downward movement of the cylinder is resisted by the air above the piston. However, the resistance so offered is a yieldingone togradually decelerate movement of the cylinder in such manner as to prevent sudden and damaging movement of the parts of the drift recording instrument. This is attained by theair above the piston being compressed with each downward movement of the cylinder, and allowed to bleed at a predetermined rate through the metering port 2|2 to the lower side of the piston. The spring |9| likewise resists movement o1' the cylinder 75 downward, but its primary purpose is to constantly act to restore the cylinder to its normal elevated position so that after each descending movement the cylinder is elevated. However, such elevating movement is resisted by the air below the piston to decelerate such movement in accordance with the bleeding of air to the upper side of the piston. 'I'his upward movement of the cylinder is also resisted bythe spring 222.

vShould the apparatus be subjected to an extremely severe shock such as when striking the rocky bottom of a relatively deep well, the spring |9I would tend to be completely compressed under the sudden andmaximum downwardthrust of the cylinder, but such complete spring compression is prevented by the plug 64 striking the block |92. l I

Thus, it becomes apparent that the shock absorber is double acting to restrain movement of the drift recording instrument in either direction within the housing and to the extent of protecting it against severe shocks as a result of the spear striking well hole and drill tubing obstructions.

Upon the apparatus reaching its limit of descent, the spear strikes whatever device has been interposed in its path to predetermine the depth at which a recording is to be made, with a force that under ordinary conditions would be damaging to the drift recording instrument. However, by the provision of the rubber connector, the springs, the pneumatic shock absorber, and the rubber elements employed in the mounting for the angle marker and timing mechanism, the possibility -of such damage as to render the instrument inoperative or inaccurate as to recording the'precise angle of drift of the hole from the vertical, and at the predetermined time for which the chart actuating mechanism has been set, is all prevented. Once the apparatus reaches its destination and the angle marker comes to rest, the chart head is automatically moved into engagement with the marking element to effect recordation of the angle of drift as indicated by the angle marker. I

It will be understood that when using the apparatus in an open hole, it is lowered on a line, and hence, may be withdrawn by the line. However, when in use in a drill pipe the apparatus can be dropped into the pipe and removed with thepipe.

In Figs. 14 and 15, I haveshown another form of anglemarker which may be substituted for the angle marker shown in Fig. 10. This angle marker is characterized by its adjustabilityV to vary its responsiveness to deviation from the vertical so that it can be used to indicate on the chart, angles at greater or less scale for a given deviation, and particularly the former in order that small fractions of a degree can be more easily and accurately read when recorded on a chart 86 calibrated in degrees andl'fractions thereof on y a larger scale.

vThis angle marker comprises an annular support 245 of a diameter to have a sliding tlt within the container 50 to be secured in a predetermined position therein by a set screw 246. The

upper and lower edges of the support are pro4 aioaoeo are interposed between the plates 249 and the ilanges 241 and 248 to cushion vertical movements of the plates relative to the flanges.

The plates are formed-with axial openings, and the walls of the openings of the plates 249 are shaped and have rings252 threaded therein to form races for balls 253. Thus, a ball bearing socket is formed to receive and support a ball 254 for universal rotation therein. Extending through the ball 254 so as to b e adjustable lengthwise therein, is an arm 255 which is adapted to be fixed in any position of longitudinal adjustment by sleeves 256 secured by set screws 251 on the arm above and below the ball so as to abut the latter. 'I'he upper end of the arm 255 carries a tubular extension 258 in which is received a spring pressed body 259 of a marking element 260 identical to the marking element 19 for the other angle indicator. At its lower end, the arm 255 carries a conical shaped weight 26| which is detachably and adjustably secured thereon by a set screw 262 therein. As will be understood, the weight serves to urge the arm and marking element to vertical position.

By virtue of the adjustability of the arm 2.55 lengthwise in the ball 254, the distance through which the marking element travels with respect to the chart for a given angle of deviation can be in' creased or decreased at will according as the arm is adjusted to increase or decrease its length space the point of the marking instrument from the chart so as to mark the latter when the chart is moved thereagainst.

Referring now to Figs. 31, 32, and 33, I have here shown positioned within the same housing |81 two drift recording instruments arranged one above the other, and wherein mechanism is provided for tripping the chart head of the lower instrument through tripping of the chart head of the upper instrument so that the lower instrument effects a recordation of drift at a predetermined time after setting of the upper instrument and substantially concurrently with tripping thereof.. As previously explained herein, the two instruments are provided for the purpose of checking the correctness of recordation made by one instrument upon that made by the other, and,

although I have shown and will describe each in'- strument as including the angle marker shown in Fig. 10, it will be understood as constituting a part of my invention that the adjustable angle marker shown in Fig. 14 can be substituted for either angle marker. When so using the adjustable angle marker, it is adjusted so that its marking element travels through a greater arc for a given deviation than the marking element of the angle markerv for the other instrument. Thus, by

-using utherewith, -a chart calibrated in minutes oiv degrees as against the other chart which is calibrated in degrees only, drift recordations on flne'and coarse scales, respectively, are given byA the two instruments and irrespective of whether such instruments are actuated by a common timing mechanism or not.

When using the two instruments, the sleeve 82 is removed from the container 50 and a short sleeve '283 substituted therefor, which is movable downwardly within the container from the position shown inFlg. 32 to that shown in Fig. 33.

` The circumferential position of the sleeve is ilxed by. a screw 26'4 threaded. into the container and projecting into a slot 285 in the sleeve. Belo' the sleeve 263 is a lower sleeve 266 likewise slidable in the container from. the elevated position shown in Fig. 32 to the lowered position shown in Fig. 33. A spring latch 261 is secured to the inner side of the sleeve' 266 by a screw 268, and this screw projects into a recess 269 for fixing the circumferential position of the sleeve. Normally,

the sleeve 266 is retained in the elevated position by means of the latch 261, the bill thereof engaging a keeper 210 screw-threaded in the container 50.

Movement of the latch 261 to release the sleeve 266 is effected by downward movement of the sleeve 263, such sleeve normally reposing on the head of the latch so that its downward movement cams the latch free of the keeper. With continued downward movement of the sleeve 263, the sleeve 266 is moved to its lowermost position for actuation of a bolt 21|. This boltv is movable lengthwise in a coupling plug 212, and it will be noted that the plug corresponds to the plug 52 of the rst drift recording instrument. The bolt 21| is secured against rotative movement by a pin 213, and the lower end of this bolt normally engages and when actuated, moves a head '214. The bolt and head constitute that part of the mechanism for tripping the chart head of the lower drift recording instrument, but before describing the remainder of the mechanism, I will describe the manner in which the lower instrument is housed and associated with the upper instrument. Y

As shown in Fig. 31, the housing |81 receives a second containerI 215, and screwed into the lower end of the container is a plug 216 similar to the plug 52. Upon this plug is supported the angle marker 211 of the lower instrument. Above the marker is a barrel 218 provided at its upper end with a collar 219 threaded in the plug 212. This collar'serves as a cylinder in which the head 214 moves, and also as a means for conning a metal plate 280 against the underside of the lower rubber plate 6|. At this point, it will be noted that plates 60, 6|, 62, and 280 are recessed to accommodate the bolt 21| so that the latter may have contact with the head 214.

The barrel 218 contains a guide sleeve 28| centered therein by a ring 282 secured in position by a set screw-282, and an annular ange 283 formed integral with the sleeve at a point medially of its length. Below this ange within the barrel is slidably fitted a'body 284 on the lower end of which is formed .a chart carrying head 285. As with the head 85 of the upper instrument, it is urged downwardly by springs. 286 mounted in pockets 281 and sleeves 288, the latter abutting the flange 283.

'Ihe body 284 is tubular to receive and be movable on the lower end of the guide sleeve 28|, but normally, the body, together with the chart head is latched in the elevated position shown in Fig. 32 by means of a latch bolt 289. 'Ihis bolt is mounted in the body and urged by a spring 290 into a recess 29| of the sleeve 28|. Movable in the recess is an actuator 292 for the bolt 289 which projects into the bore of the sleeve 28| A to be engaged by a cam 293 on the lower end of a rod 294 which is movablein 4the sleeveauThe upper end of this rod is secured to thefhead 214,.

and -a spring 295 urges the head. and rodupwardly to the elevated position shown inwFig. 32. Downward movement of the body 284-under the action of the springs 286, is limited by means of a screw pin 296 in the body engaging Within a recess 291 in the sleeve 28|. wIn this position of the body, the chart carriedzby the head 2,85

engages the marking element 19 to be punched thereby, as has been described. y

In describing the operation of the mechanism by which the chart head 285 of the lower instrushown in Fig. 32. Upon movement of the chart head 85 downwardly to the recording position shown in Fig. 33, the sleeve 263 is forced downwardly to move the latch 261 out of engagement with the keeper 210, and by continued movement of the upper sleeve the lower sleeve 266 .can now be forced downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 33 wherein the bolt 21| is forcd downward to impart a corresponding movement tothe head 214 against the tension of the spring 295. .With lowering of the head, the rod 294 is moved downwardly to cause the cam 293v to move the actuator 292 radially outward until the inner end of the latch bolt 289 is ush with the surface of the sleeve 28|, when the body 284 is tripped to permit the springs 286 to force the chart head 285 downwardly against the marking element and thus eiect a recordation of the angle of deviation upon the chart.

Although I have herein` shown and described only two forms of drift recording apparatus, two forms of angle markers, two` forms of setting gages, and one form of shock absorbing means, all embodying my invention, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made herein without spirit of my invention, and the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

I claim:

departing from vthe 1. In a drift recording instrument, a chart carrying element; means for mounting said element for rotation about a iixed axis to occupy a starting position and any one of several gaging positions and for movementaxially to occupy either of two axial positions; urging means for biasing said element to one of said axial positions; a latch movable to latching position for securing said element in the other of said axial positions against the action of said urging means,

land movable to a releasing position in which said element is free to move to the irst't mentioned axial position under the action of said urging means; actuating means for saidlatch having a part movable from a normal position' in which said latch occupies releasing position, to any one of several other positions in' which said latch is heldin latching positiong' means operatively connecting said element to saidpart of said latch actuating means so that by rotation of the element from starting position to any gaging position, movement of said part is eiected from said normal position to any one of said tions; and means for returning said part ofr said actuating means to normal position from any one .of said other positions whereby said latch otherl posif is moved to released position to allow said element to occupy the rst mentioned axial position. f

2. In a drift recording instrument; a chart carrying element; means for mountingsaid element for rotation about a xed axis toioccupy a starting position and any one of several gaging positions, and for axial movement to occupy one direction; a latch mechanism comprising a stationary keeper and a bolt movable to engage and disengage said keeper and so correlated to said element that when engaging the keeper said element is latched in thel other axial position against the action of said urging means; a lever; means for mounting said lever for bodilyl movement Aaxially with said element and for pivotal movement transversely of said shaft so that when the element is moved from said other axial position to the first mentioned axial position said le'ver, when in said slot, will be cammed out of said slot onto the periphery of said shaft; means for urging said lever toward said shaft so as to bear upon the periphery of said shaft or extend into said slot when registering therewith; an operative connection between said bolt and said lever by which said bolt is moved 'to keeper engaging and disengaging positions according as the lever bears upon the periphery of said shaft or projects into said slot; a connection between said spring and said element'by which, through rotation of the latter in one direction from the starting position to a predetermined gaging position, the shaft, when said lever is withdrawn from said slot, will be rotated in the opposite direction. 3. In' a drift recording instrument; a shaft;y

meanslfor supporting said shaft for rotation from a starting position circumferentially thereof; means for returning said shaft to said starting position when rotated away therefrom; a chart carrying element movable axially of said shaft to occupy either of two positions; means forA urging said element to one of said positions; a latch for retaining the element in the other of said positions against the action of said urging means; means for actuating said latch to release the element when said shaft is in starting position, and to retain the element in'latched position when the shaft occupies any other than a starting position; and a connection between said element and said shaft by which said shaft can, by rotation of said element, be rotated away from starting position a predetermined angle.

4. In a drift recording instrument; a sleeve having a slot longitudinally therein a portion of which constitutes a cam; a shaft having a slot longitudinally therein; said shaft rotatable in said sleeve and normally occupying a position therein in which the slot thereof registers with the slot of said sleeve; a body movable axially on said sleeve to occupy either of two extreme positions and an intermediate position; a record-l ing chart carried by said body; means forurging said body to one of said extreme positions; a latch mounted on said body to extend into or be withdrawn from the sleeve slot; a lever fulcrumed on said body and urged -towards said shaft to extend into the shaft slot through the sleeve slot when said body is in the first mentioned extreme position and said shaft is in normal position, to be moved out of the shaft slot by said cam upon movement of said body from the latter position to the other extreme position .so that said lever bears on the periphery of said shaft, and to remain upon the periphery of said shaft following rotation of the shaft to move' the slotthereof out of registration with said lever; means by which said shaft can be rotated; a connection between said leverand said latch for. moving `the latch into or out of thesleeve slot according as the lever is on the periphery of said shaft or within the slot thereof Vso that when said body is moved t0 the intermediate position, Said $15611 will GB* aioaeeo gage said sleeve to secure the body against movement to the latter position by said urging means; and means for urging said lever towards said shaft so that when the latter is returned to normal position, said lever will move back into the shaft slot.

5. In combination; ash'aft; means for mounting said shaft for rotation; means by which said shaft can be rotated througha predetermined angle from .a predetermined circumferential position; a body surrounding and movable axially of s`aid shaft to occupy two positions; means for yieldably urging said body to one of said positions; a latch operable to secure said body in the other of said positions against the action of said urging means; means so connecting said latch with said shaft that said latch is actuated to secure' or release said body according as said shaft is rotated away from said predetermined circumferential position or returned thereto; and means for returning said shaft to said circumferential position when rotated away therefrom by reversing rotating thereof.

6. In a drift recording instrument; a shaft having a slot longitudinally therein a portion of which constitutes a cam; a body having a recording chart thereon; a lever mounted on said body to move into and out of said slot and means for supporting said body for movement axially of said shaft from one position in which said lever extends into said slot, to another position in which said cam functions to move said lever out of said slot.

'7. In a drift recording instrument; a chart element; means for mounting the chart element to occupy a recording position in which it is adapted to engage a marking element, and a, non-recording position in which it is adapted to be spaced from the marking element; means for urging the chart element to recording position, a latch -for securing the chart. element in non-recording p0- sition, latch actuating means including a shaft having a slot therein, and a lever connected to said latch for moving the latter to latching or non-latching position according as the lever is without or within said slot; a spring for rotating said shaft to cause said lever to move into said slot; and means for regulating rotative movement of said shaft under the action of said spring.

-8. In adrift recording instrument; a shaft having a slot axially therein a portion of which constitutes a cam; a body, movable lengthwise of said shaft, to occupy either of two extreme positions or an intermediate position; a recording chart carried by said body a lever mounted on said body for movement into and out of said slot and urged toward said shaft so that when is moved from one extreme position to the other, said 'cam operates to move said lever out of said slot; a latch for releasably retaining said body in said intermediate position; and a coonnection between said latch and lever by which said latch is moved to retain or release said body according as said lever is without or within said slot.

9. In a drift recording instrument; a shaft; means for mounting said shaft for rotation; said `shaft having a slot longitudinally therein undercut to provide a' relatively sharp edge at the leading side of said slot when the shaft is mtated in one direction; a lever of less thickness than the width of said slot and having a nose tapered' to form a relatively sharp vedge at one side thereof;

means for moimting said lever for movement radially of said shaft a-recording chart connected to said lever; and 'means for urging said lever towards said shaft so that said nose edge bears upon the periphery of said shaft when the shaft is so positioned circumierentially that said slot is out of registration with said nose, and to move said nose into said slot concurrently with movement of said slot edge past said nose edge.

10. In a drift recording instrument; a shaft; means for mounting said shaft for rotation; said shaft having a slot longitudinally therein undercut to provide a relatively sharp edge at the leading side of said slot when the shaft is rotated in one direction a portion of said slot constituting a cam; a lever having a nose of a thickness less than the width of said slot and tapered to form a relatively sharp edge atone side thereof; means for mounting said lever for movement lengthwise and radially of .said shaft; means for urging said lever towards said shaft so that said nose edge bears upon the periphery of said .shaft when the shaft is so positioned circumferentially that said slot is out of registration with said nose, and to move said nose into said slot concurrently with movement of said slot edge ,past said nose edge; means by which said lever can be moved length- Wise of said shaft to cause said nose when within said slot, to engage said cam and be moved by the latter out of said slot and a recording chart carried by the last mentioned means.

11. In a drift recording instrument, a container; a sleeve xed in the container; a shaft rotatable in the sleeve and having a slot radially therein, a portion of which constitutes a cam; a bodymovablein the container axially of said shaft to occupy retracted and advanced positions; a chart-carrying head rotatable on said body and movable axially therewith; a spring associated with said shaft for rotating -the latter; a latch carried by and movable in the body to engage said sleeve for securing the body in retracted position; a lever mounted on the body to occupy one position in which itis disposed within said shaft slot-,and another position in which it engages the periphery of said shaft; means for urging said lever toward said shaft; said cam being arranged to move said lever outl of said slot when said body is moved to retracted position; an operative connection between said 1ever and said latch to cause the latter to be moved to latching or non-latching position according as said lever occupies the second and first mentioned positions; means for urging said body to advanced position; and an operative connection between said shaft and said head whereby rotation of the head in one direction Will rotate said shaft against the action of said spring to cause said slot to be angularly spaced from said lever.

A12. In adrift recording instrument; a sleeve having a slot longitudinally therein; a shaft having a slot; longitudinally therein, a portion of which constitutes a cam; said shaft rotatable in said sleeve and normally occupying a position therein in which the slot thereof registers with the sleeve slot; a body movable axially on said sleeve to occupy either of two extreme positions and an intermediate position; means for urging said-body to one of said extreme positions; a`

latch mounted on said body to .extend into or be withdrawn from said sleeve slot; a. lever mounted on said body and urged towards said shaft to extend into the shaft slot through the sleeve slot only when said body is in. the rst mentioned extreme position and said shaft is in normal position, said cam operating to move said lever out 'of said shaft slot upon movement of said -body from the last mentioned extreme position to theother extreme position so that said lever now bears upon the periphery of said shaft, and toremain upon the periphery of said shaft following rotation of said shaft to move the slot thereof out of registration with said lever;

a connection between said lever and said latch for moving the latch into or out of the sleeve slot according as thev lever is on the periphery of said shaft or within the slot thereof so that when said body 'is moved to the intermediate position from sai'd other extreme position with the shaft turned so that its slot is out of registration with said lever, said latch will engage' said sleeveto hold said body in intermediate position; a chart carrying head rotatably mounted on said body; a bolt mounted on said head and engaging said body to lock said head in a predetermined or starting positionl circumferentially on said body; means on said body for mov-- ing said bolt to release lsaid head when said body is moved to said other extreme position so that said head can be turned to a second predetermined or gaging position; a spring secured to said shaft and sleeve at one end for rotating said shaft in one direction; a connection between said head and shaft by which, through rotation of said head from starting position to gaging position, said shaft, when released, is rotated to circumferentially space said shaft slot a corresponding distance from said lever; means for regulating the return of shaft to normal position; and a one-way clutch operatively connecting said last mentioned means to the other end of said shaft so that said regulating means is disconnected from said shaft when the latter is rotated in a direction opposed to the rotating action of said spring.

13. In a drift recording instrument; a chart carrying element; means for mounting said element for rotation about a xed axis to occupy a starting position and any oneof several gaging positions and for` movement axiallyJ to occupy either of two'positions; urging means for biasing said 'felement to one of said two positions; a latch movable to latching position for securing said element in the other of said two positions againstthe action of said urging means, and movable to a releasing position in which said element is moved to the biased position by said urging means; actuating means for said latch having'a part movable from a normal position in which said latch occupies releasing position to any one of several other positions in whichv said latch is held in latching position; means operatively connecting said element to said part sothat by rotation of the element from starting position to any one gaging position, movement of said part is effected from said normal position to any one of said other positions; means correlated with said element for selecting a predetermined gaging position thereof in advance of moving the element thereto,fand operating to prevent over-setting of the element beyond the preselected position when moved thereto; and means for returning said part yof said actuating means to normal position from any one of said other positions to move said latch to released position.

14. In a drift recording instrument; a container; a body movable axially.` in the container to occupy an inner extreme position, an outer extreme position, and an intermediate position; means for urging said body to the outer ex` treme position; a latch for retaining said body 4 position;

in the intermediate position against the action of said urging means; a chart carrying element carried by said body to occupy corresponding positions and rotatable relative thereto to occupy .a non-gaging position and a plurality of gaging positions; locking means on said body and element for retaining. the element in nongaging position on said body, but movable to release the element upon movement of the latter to theinner extreme position, whereby the element can be turned to any gaging position desired; means for actuating the latch to release said body; and a connection between said element and said means for moving said means by movement -of said element to a gaging position.

15. In a drift recording instrument; a shaft; a body movable axially of said shaft to occupy inner and outer extreme positions and an intermediate position; a chart carrying element carried by and rotatable on said body to occupy a non-gaging position and any one of several gaging positions; coacting means on said body and element for locking the element against rotation on the body only when the element is in nongaging position; means operable to actuate said locking means upon movement of said element to the inner extreme position when said element is in the non-gaging position and to thereby permit said element to be rotated to any gaging position; a spring tending to rotate said shaft in -one direction; a latch for securing said body in said intermediate position; means for urging said body to said outer extreme position; a connection between said element and said shaft by which the shaft can be rotated against the action of said spring and means responsive to rotation of said shaft by said spring for moving said latch to re-l lease said body,

16. In a drift recording instrument; a barrel; a sleeve fixed in the barrel and having a slot longitudinally therein; a shaft rotatable in said sleeve and having a groove lengthwise therein a portion of .which constitutes a cam; a body mounted on said sleeve for axial movement to occupy inner and outer extreme positions and an intermediate means for limiting axial movement of said body in said barrel including a rod and a pin engaging the rod; said body having an opening to permit movement of the body relative to the rod; a cam lever pivoted on said body to move into and out of said groove and when in said groove to be moved outwardly thereof by said cam upon movement of said body to said inner extreme position; yieldable means for urging said body to the outer extreme position; a second yieldable means for urging said cam lever into said groove; a latch on said body operatively connected to said cam lever so that when said lever is moved out of said groove said latch will engage said sleeve to secure said body in the intermediate position; a spring secured to said shaft and sleeve and tending to rotate said shaft in one direction; an arm fixed to said shaft;l a head rotatable on said body and movable axially therewith; a pocket. in said head; a spring pressed bolt in said pocket urged outwardly thereof and adapted for extension into said opening when the head is in one circumferential position on said body for locking said head against rotation; and a pin secured to said head tomove said armfor rotating said shaft.

1'7. An angle marker' including a support; a ball universally movable in said support; a rod extending through said ball; and members secured to said rod so as to abut said ball at opposite sides thereof for detachably securing the rod against movement lengthwise in the ball, whereby the effective length of the rod can be varied.

18. In\a drift recording instrument; a body; a chart carrying element; means for mounting said element for movementon said body to occupy a starting position and various gaging psitions; means correlated with said element and body adjustable tov define a predetermined. gaging position of the 'element in advanceof moving the element thereto, in a manner to prevent over-setting thereof, said means comprising a pin, a ring carrying said pin and adjustable circumferentially on said element to move the pin to any. circumferential position with respect to the element for indicating on the latter a preselected gagng position, a latch on the element for releasably securing the ring to the element in any circumferential position of adjustment, and a stop pin arranged on the body to be engaged by the first mentioned pin for limiting movement of the element to the preselected position.

19. In a drift recording mechanism; a support; a body movable axially on the support springs for urging the body outwardly on the support; a chart carrying head movable with and rotatably `mounted on the body; and holding means for securing the head against rotation, said means being operable by forcing the head inwardly against the action of said springs to release the headl for turning movement thereof on the body.

20. In adrift recording mechanism as embodied in claim 19, wherein said meanscomprises a bolt movable in the head, a spring fo'r urging the bolt into the body, and a rod fixed to the support, extending into the body and of a length to move the bolt upwardly of the body when the body is moving inwardly on the support.

21. In a drift recording instrument; a receptacle;a body movable axially in the receptacle to occupy an inner position and an outer position; means for urging the body to the outer position; means responsive to movement of the body to the inner position for latching the body in said position; a chart carrying head rotatable on said body to occupy various time-gaging positions and movable with the body to occupy inner and outer positions; means connected to said latching means by which said body is unlatched to permit movement thereof to the outer position a predetermined time after'moving the body to the inner position and means so connecting the last mentioned means to said head that the time required to release the body is varied in accordance with the time-gaging position to which said head is adjusted.

22. In a drift recording instrument as embodied in claim 10 wherein the slot in said shaft is of dove-tail form in cross'section with its greatest width at the bottom thereof.

23. In a drift recording instrument; a body; a chart carrying element; means for mounting said element for rotational movement on said body to occupy a starting position and various time-gaging positions; and means correlated with said element and body which is rotatable to define a predetermined time-gaging position of said element in advance of rotating the element there-'

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