US2402238A - Well deflecting tool - Google Patents

Description

June 18, 1946. F. c. CARPENTER WELL DEFLECTING TOOL Filed June 17, 1941 s Sheets-Sheet 1 Juhe 18, 1946. F. c. CARPENTER 2,402,238

WELL DEFLEGT ING TOOL Filed June 17, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 38 P 00 00 llll A Frank C. Car Javier 32% W Wu;

June 18, 1946;

F. C. CARPENTER WELL DEFLECTING TOOL Filed June 17, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 amen WM frank C. Carper; 2Z6!" (New Patented June 18 1946 WELL DEFLECTING TOOL Frank C; Carpenter, Houston, Tex., assignor' of one-half to Eastman Oil Well Survey Company, Dallas, Ten, a corporation of Delaware, and one-half to Eastman Oil Well Survey Corporation, Long Beach, Calif., a corporation of California Application June 17, 19h, SerialNo. 398,375,

This invention relates to new and useful im-' provements in well deflecting tools. I

This application is filed as a continuation-inpart of my co-pending application, Serial No. 328,791, filed April 9, 1940.

The invention has particularly to do with an improvedknuckle or universal joint which connects the drill stem or pipe to thetool, said joint permitting accurate and predetermined deflection of said tool.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved deflecting tool which is adapted to be lowered into position within a well bore and then offset or inclined in a predetermined or known direction, said tool being useiulin controlled or directional drilling, aswell as in well straightenin An important object of the invention is to provide an improved tool, of the character described, which is arranged to be deflected and locked in a predetermined known direction while in the well bore, whereby after such deflection, the drill stem or pipe to which the tool is attached, may be rotated to orient said tool in the desired direction in which drilling is to be continued.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a deflecting tool having means for deflecting'th'e bit and locking the same in a predetermined known direction, said deflecting and locking means being actuated by first imposing theweight of the drill pipe on the tool and then removing such weight-and lifting the assembly; the arrangement permitting the entire operation to be carried out while the tool isin the well bore and without auxiliary means lowered Or introduced from the surface, and also making possible the proper orientation of the tool in a minimum length or time. i

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved device, of. the character described, wherein a gravity actuated means is associated with the tool to be deflected for accomplishing said deflection, said means being normally restrained against movement and being released when the tool is within the well bore so that the gravity actuated means'assumes a predetermined position with respect to the tool, whereby when the means is again restrained from movement it causes a predetermined known deflection of said tool, which permits accurate orientation of the tool within the well bore.

26 Claims. (Cl. 2551.6)

,means or by a hydraulic means which is incorpQ-u rated with the device. Still another object of the invention'is to provide an improved joint for a deflecting tool, which is protected against foreign matter and also against fluid pressures, either that of the well or t that of the circulating fluid which is pumped downwardly through the drill stem, wherebythe Joint may operate within; a suitable lubricant which not only increases the efflciency of th joint,

' but also obviates undue wear.

and wherein:

V A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved method of'directional or controlled drilling which includes lowering a drillbit on a drill pipe and deflecting said bit in a predetermined known direction'while" the bit is in the well bore, then locking the bit in its deflected position, whereby thepipepm'ay be turnedto properly orientthe bit,- after which drilling in a desired direction may be continued. i The construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described together with other features of the invention.

The invention willbe more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein an example or the invention is shown,

Figure 1- is a transverse vertical sectional view of a knuckle joint, constructed in accordance with the invention, i

Figure 2 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of the deflecting tool connected to the drill stem and illustrating the same in a position prior to deflection in a predetermined direction,

Figure 3 is an elevation of the parts shown in Figure 2, with the tool inits deflected position,

Figure 4 is-a'viewof the ball element or the joint and showing a modified form of gravity actuated means associated therewith,

Figure 5 is a view, partlyin section and partly in elevation, of still another form of gravity ac-. tuated means for deflecting the tool,

Figure 6 is a plan view of the weight which is mounted on the means shown in Figure 5,

, Figure 7 is -a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of still another modification of the invention, a

i A further object of the invention is to provide an improved device which is so constructed that Figure "8 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line 8-8 of Flgure'l,

Figure 9 is an isometric view of oneof the connecting pins of the jointshown in Figure '7,

Figure 10 isa transverse, vertical sectionalview it may be actuated either by'a gravity controlled 5; of a modification of the invention, wherein hyhanging shoulder l5.

immediately below the shoulder I is curved or 3 draulic pressure is utilized in combination with a gravity operated means, and

Figures 11 and 12 are horizontal, cross-sectional views, taken on the lines and I2|2 respectivelyqof Figure -10. r,

-In the drawings, the numeral |0 designates the usual rotatable drill pipe or stem which is.

adapted to be lowered through the well bore W. The drill stem has a drill bit connected to its lower end by means of the improved knuckle or "universal joint A, whereby the bit may be deflected to various angular positions relative to the drill stem. As will be explained, the drill,

stem is adapted to be lowered downwardly through the well bore to the lower end thereof,

and the bit II is arranged to be deflected into end of the body is internally screw-threaded at |6 whereby it may be connected to an upstanding pin l1 which is formed integral with a connecting sub I8, which sub has its lower end connected to the drill bit H. In this manner, the annular body I2, is directly attached to the drill bit through the sub l8. The sub is formed with an axial bore I9 which communicates with the fluid circulating ports 20 of the bit and the upper end of this bore is reduced to form an internal annular shoulderor seat 2| within the sub. 7

The body l2 forms the socket of the joint and a ball member 22 is adapted to be mounted withinthe bore l3 of said body, being located below the overhanging shoulder I5. The upper portion of thelball is cut awayto form an annular shoulder 23 which, when the ball is within the socket,

as shown in Figure 1, is disposed below the over- The bore l3 of the body arced complementary to the curved outer surface 1 of the ball member 22 so that when the ball is rotated within the socket, the curved surface of a the bore remains in engagement with the ball. I The ball is provided with an upstanding integral shank 24 which is integral therewith and the upper end of this shank is connected by means of a coupling collar 25 to a tubular sub 25 which is, in turn, connected to the lower end of the drill stem l0. Theshank is providedwith an axial bore 24a, which is continued through the ball member 22, whereby a continuous passage from the drillstem, through the sub 26, coupling 25 and ball member 22 is provided.

- For rotatably connecting the ball member 22 with the socket or body l2, said body is formed with a pair of vertically extending slots 21 which are located diametrically opposite each other within the body. The ball member 22 has radially extending pins 28 which are suitably secured therein and the outer end of each pin is adapted to engage within one of they slots 21. Obviously, the pin and slot connection between the ball member 22 and the body |2 permits a vertical movement of the ball member relative to the body l2; any rotation of the ball member 22 will transmit a similar rotation to the body 4 12, such rotation being transmitted through the pins 28 and the slots 21.

For accomplishing the angular deflection of the socket l2 and the drill bit I I attached thereto with respect to the drill stem and the ball member, a ball 29 is interposed between the overhanging shoulder within the body l2 and the annular shoulder 23 on the ball men'iber 22. When the ball member moves upwardly with relation to the body, the deflecting ball 29 will be clamped between the shoulders l5 and 23 and will be incapable of a rolling movement on the shoulder 23. However, when the ball member moves downwardly relative to the body l2, the shoulder 23 moves away fromthe shoulder IS a sufiicient distance to release the ball 29 which will automatically roll, by gravity to the low side of the well bore W.

For normally maintaining the deflecting ball 29in a clamped position to restrain movement of the ball, a follower block 30 is mounted within the lower portion of the bore l3 of the body l2. The upper surface of the follower block is recessed at 3|, complementary to the curvature of the ball member 22 so as to provide a seatin surface for said member. The follower is normally held in engagement with the ball member and serves to urge said ball member upwardly with relation to the body l2 by means of a coiled spring 32 which engages the underside of the follower 30and which is supported on the internal shoulder 2| which is provided within the sub l8, The spring constantly exerts its pressure to urge the follower 3|] upwardly within the body or socket l2, The follower is formed with an axial opening 33 which communicates with the axial bore 240 of the ball member and its shank, whereby a flow passage is provided entirely through the joint A. A suitable packing ring 34 is mounted within an external groove formed in the outer periphery of the follower 30 and this ring engages the bore of the body or socket l2 to provide a seal between these points.

In the operation of the device, the parts are assembled as shown in Figure 2, with the drill bit connected to the drill stem ID by means of the improved joint A. As the drill stem is lowered into the well bore W, the bit will be in a deflected position, which position will be dependent upon where the deflecting ball 29 was located upon the connection being made up. The particular direction in which the bit is located during the lowering operation makes no'difler- 'ence and due to the partial rotation of the stem during the lowering operation, the particular di- 1 pressed as the weight of the stem I0 is imposed upon the ball member. Of course, during this downward movement of the ball member relative to the body, the connecting pins 28 on aid member move downwardly within the slots 21 in said body.

As the ball member moves downwardly, the shoulder 23 on said member is moved away from the deflecting ball 29, with the result that said for tree movement between the llandit. The ball will on the shoulder 13 to the lowfsidethe well bore because the drill will naturally be inclined in accordance with the incllnation'of said bore. At this time, the parts, will'be substantially as shown in Figure 2.]

It is noted that an inclining well bore, that is, one which is-dlsposed at an angle from the verti cal has a"high. side and a ,low side with respect to a horizontal plane. The high'side is that wall of the bore which is in the direction, toward which the bore is inclining while the low side is the wall 180 degrees opposite such direction of inclination. Thus, its. well bore inclines in a north direction, thatportion of the wall of 7 said bore. which is north is the high side. of

said bore; on the other hand, the south wall of such bore would be the low side of the same In the description herein the high and low sides of the well bore are referred to in-the abovesense.

After the ball has moved around and come to rest adjacent the low side of the well bore, the drill stem is then raised upwardly, whereby the ball 29 is again clamped between the shoulders 23 and I5. It is known at this time that theball is clamped in a position adjacent the lowside of the well bore. A continued raising of the drill stem so as to move the'drlll bit oil the bottom of the hole, will result in a tilting or deflecting of the drill bit, II and the socket I2 relative to,the ball member 22 and the drill stem to which this member is' attached. Such deflection will be in a direction toward the high side of the hole, as is clearly shown in Figure 3. This istrue because the deflecting member 29' acts as a fulcrumpoint upon which thesocket I2 is swung. In other words, the ball 29 prevents the shoulders li and 23 from moving toward each otherat thefpoint at which the deflecting member is located. .However, diametrically opposite the ball 29, the shoulders l and 23 will tend to move toward each other because the spring 32 is tending to force the socket downwardly with, reference to the ball member 22. Thus, the joint is broken in a direction toward the high side of the hole, with the result that the drill bit is faced toward the low side of the hole, as is clearly shown in Figure 3. I

Thus, after the drill stem has been lifted, the operator knows that the drill bit has been deflected or inclined ina direction toward the low side of'the hole. A previous survey of thei'well bore will give the exact direction in degrees of this low side and therefore, of the direction oi deflection of the bit I I. The drill stemmaythen' be rotated to continue drilling in this direction, or if desired. before the drilling operationis begun, the stem may be first turned a desired numto release the deflecting ball 29 and to permit this gravity controlled element to move around to the low side of the hole, after which the weight on the stem is lifted so asto permit deflection of the drill bit in, a direction towardthe low I side of the hole. ,.From this point, the bit may be properly oriented or drilling may be continued. The device is particularly adapted for use in controlled or directional drilling and may'alsovbe employed for well straightening, I a r Y It is not essential that the gravity controlled defleotingor tilting means bea ball such vas shown in Figures. 1 to 3, as other means may employed for this purpose. gltn'F'lgurel, an nulardetiecting ortiltin member in the form of a collar ,is'provided. Thefupp'er surface ,ofthiscollar is inclined as shown at 35 and-said collarsurrounds the shank 2.4 of. the ball merit ber 22, being rotatable on thejshoulder23j of said ball member; Suitable bearings 35 may it-will-be obvious that the bit II'will' be'dilcted toward-the low side of the "hole inflthe same mannerashereinbefore described. w J

The use offthe deflectingball 29 and the" dc; flectirig collar 34 would cause a deflection of the drill bit II toward the low side of the hole. In order to permit deflection in any desired direction,-a flanged collar '31, asshow'n in'Figure 5, may be, substituted for the collar stillustrated in Figure 4. ,The' collar 31 is provided with a plurality of threaded openings 38, whereby a suitable-semicircular weight" 38 maybe secured to said collar "at any' 'desired peripheral position. The high side of the collar 31 is formed with openings 40 i so; as togreduce the weight bi 'this side of saidlcollar so that the rotation of the collar will be, controlledflentirely by the position or the-weight .39. When this type or-deflecting means is employed, theweight as maybelo'cated at any; des'iredpo'sition on the collar, whereby when it is released for-rotation, theweight moves to the low side of the hole; thereby disposing the high sldeof the collar'31 in any desired employed. 'If' desi'fed'jthe weight 39 maybe provided with a notch, or pointer'ltwhich maybe adjustedfrelative to a scale 42 provided onthe fi e oilthe onar'al to facilitate the adjustmentflof'the weight 39 in its'proper pbsitio'zii H In Figures'l to 9, a modified form of' the inventionfis shown. In this form. abodygIIZ-is provided 'with vertical-slots I21, which are similar tofthe slots 21 in the body I2 of the first formt, Additional slots I21 are formedln-the body so that when the slots in which the pins I28 are engaged become worn, said'pins may be -within which the body is i'nsertable." .The sleeve IOIis made integral with a sub II8, which sub is provided with a depending tubular shank'or stem I I9 and this stem has'a drill bit II'I secured thereto. A reamerbit I02 is threa'xlecl'on the exterior oi the shank H8. and is provided with suitable cutting blades I03.

A ballmember' I22 isjmounted within custod Il2 and is provided with headed pins I28which engage within the slots I21 in the manner as the. pins 28 engage within the slots 21 of. the first form. The'ball member I22 ls iormed 7d with an external shoulder I23 at its upper end and a hardened ring I04 is mounted within this shoulder and provides a surface for the deflecting ball 28. The ball 29 is confined between the shoulder I23 and a tubular follower II5, which follower is threaded into the upper end of the body H2 and which has its lower surface recessed or arcuate as shown at H8 50 as to engage the surface of the ball 29.

The ball member I22 has an upwardly-extending shank I24 which is connected to the drill stem I through the coupling 25 and the sub 28. The shank I24 is recessed as shownat I05 so as to provide sufliclent room for the deflecting ball 28 to rotate therearound for preventing extraneous matter or pressure from entering the joints formed by the ball member I22 and the body II2, the extreme upper end of the follower II5 has one end of a resilient sleeve I06 fastened thereto. The other or upper end of the sleeve is clamped around the shank I24 by means of a clamping ring I01. The sleeve is considerably larger than the shank so as to permit deflection or movement of the shank relative 00 the follower II5 without breaking the seal formed by said sleeve.

The ball member I22 is maintained in an upper or raised position relative to the body II2 by means of a recessed follower, I30. This follower is similar to the follower 30 in the first form but is provided with an integral depending stem I3I which extend downwardly through the bore of the sub H8. The sub-is formed with an internal shoulder I08 and the shank extends downwardly beyond this shoulder, as is clearly shown in Figure 7. Suitable packing rings I09 surround the little end of the stem I3I and a metallic washer I I0 is disposed above the packing rings and above the shoulder I08. A coiled spring I32 is confined between the lower end of the follower I30 and the washer I I0, said spring surrounding the stem I3I and constantly urging the follower I30 upwardly.

The operation of this form of the invention is substantially the same as the operation of the form shown in Figures 1 to 3. Normally, the parts are in the position shown in Figure '7 and the tool is lowered downwardly through the well bore by means of the drill stem. When the bit III strikes the bottom of the well bore, a continued downward movement of the drill stem will result in a release of the deflecting ball 29,

whereby said ball may roll around upon the shoulder I23 to the low side of the hole. When through. the slot I21 in the body II2 because of or body 2I2, which is substantially the same as the body I2 in Figure 1, i secured to the upper end of the sub I8. A ball member 222 having substantially the same shape as the ball member 22 in the first form is mounted within the body 2L2 and is constantly urgedupwardly by the follower 30 and spring 32. The ball member 222 is provided with an upper shoulder 223 which is spaced from an internal shoulder 2I5 which is located in the upper portion of the body 2I2. A tubular shank 224 extends upwardly from the ball and has an annular body or shell 50 possibly made integral therewith. The shank is extended upwardly beyond the shell and is suitably connected to the drill stem (not shown).

a The annular body 50 provides an annular chamber 5I which i open at its upper end and which surrounds the shank 224, the extreme upper end of the chamber being closed by a cap 52 which is threaded into the shell 50. Although it is preferable that the. shell be formed integral with the shank, said shell could be a separate piece suitably mounted on the shank.

A gravity controlled element, in the form of a collar 53 is mounted within the chamber 5| and this collar surrounds the shank, a is clearly shown in Figure 10. The lower surface of the collar is provided with an undercut shoulder 54 and the extreme lower end of said collar rotates on ball bearings 55 which are interposed between the collar and the bottom of the body or shell 50. The plane of the undercut shoulder 54 is oblique or inclined relative to the axial center of the collar 53, whereby at one side, the shoulder is at a greater height from the bottom of the chamber 5I than it is at the opposite side. At the high side of the shoulder 54, the collar is formed with one or more lightening recesses 55, while at the opposite or low side of the shoulder, one or more bores are formed for the reception of a heavy material 51. Wtih this arrangement, it will be manifest that the ring will always rotate with the weight 51 to the low side of the hole.

Within the housing 50 a plurality of fluid cylinders 58 are formed and these cylinders extend vertically within the lower portion of the body. Any desired number of cylinders may be provided but it is preferable that three be spaced the drill stem is lifted upwardly to raise the bit III oif of thebottom of the well, the joint is actuated to tilt or deflect the bit III in a direction toward the low side of .the well bore. From this point, the stem IIO may be rotated to properly orient the bit III, after which drilling in the desired direction may continue. =1

It is pointed out that the form shown in Figures 7 to 9 provides a joint which may be sultably lubricated and which is sealed against the pressure of the circulating fluid which is pumped downwardly through the drill stem I0 to the bit III, during the drilling operation. The sleeve I08 which surrounds the shank I24 and which has one endconnected to the follower I I5 and its opposite end clamped around said shank prevents the admittance of any fluid or fluid pressure into the interior of the joint. The packing ring I-08 which surround the depending stem I3I of the follower I30 prevent the admittance of fluid or fluid pressure into the bore of the socket or body II2. Fluid pressure cannot enter equi-distant around the body or shell 50. Within each of the cylinders 58 is a piston 59 provided with an upwardly-extending, stem 60 which projects into the chamber 5i. A spring 8| surrounds the stem and is confined within eachrcylinder and constantly exerts its pressure to urge it piston 59 downwardly.

In the ball member 222, a plurality of cylinders 62 are provided and these cylinders are identical in number and are preferably disposed in alinement with the cylinders 38 in the body or shell 50. Each of the' cylinders 82 communicates through a passage 83 with the lower end of the cylinder 58 thereabove. Each cylinder 62 has a plunger 64 slidable therein and the upper end of each plunger projects above the shoulder 223 of the ball member. The passages 63 are completely filled with fluid and obviously, a depres- $1011 of one of the upper pistons 59 will result in an upward movement of the plunger 64 which communicates with such piston through its passage 63.

In the operation of the device shown in Figures to 12, the same is lowered downwardly through the well bore until the drill bit at its lower end strikes the bottom of said bore. The weight of the drill stem is then moved downwardly to telescope the ball member 222 relative to the body 2I2, as is shown in Figure 10. In this position,

the upper ends of the plungers 64 are moved away from the internal shoulder 2l5 within the body 212, which will allow the small springs 6| to force the upper 'plungers 59 down against the stop plugs 65. The gravity controlled collar 53 will then be free to rotate so that its heavy end will be disposed opposite the low side of the hole. When the weight of the drill stem is removed, that is, when the stem is moved upwardly to lift the drill bit off the bottom, the ball member 222 will be moved upwardly relative to the body or socket 2l2 until the upper ends of the plungers 64 strike the shoulder 2l5 within said body, .Ob-

viously, each plunger has a direct fluid connection through the passage 63 with one of the cylinders 58 and as the plungers. strike the shoulder 2l5, said plungers will tend to move downwardly because'the spring 32 is urging the ball member 222 upwardly within the socket, Each plunger will be depressed within its respectivecylinder 62 until'the, piston 59 associated with that plunger has'been lifted so that its stem 60 strikes the undercut shoulder 54 on the collar 53. Since the undercut shoulder is at an incline, certain of the plungers will move farther than other plungers, with the result that one of the plungers 84 "cannot move as far as the others. This plunger which would be associated with the stem 60 which'strikes the low side oftheshoulder 54 would then act as a fulcrum on which the socket H2 and the drill bit will swing so as to be defiected in a desired position, as has been explained. This form of the invention provides a 'suflicient space for a larger and more sensitive gravity responsive element and also provides a means whereby such element may be sealed oif and protected from grit or other extraneousmatter which might interfere with its efficient operation. l

The foregoing description of the invention is explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materialaas'well asin the details of the illustrated construction may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A joint for use in a drill stem between upper and lower coupling subs, comprising a sleeve body designed for connection at one end with the lower sub, a ball and socket unit within the sleeve body, means coupling said unit withthe sleevebody permitting limited longitudinal movement of the unit in said sleeve and preventing relative turning of the unit and sleeve, the ball portion of the unit including a stem extending through the other end of the sleeve, for connection with the upper sub, resilient means interposed between said unit and the lower sub to normally urge the unit upwardly in the sleeve, and a gravity controlled member interposed between the upper part of said unit and an adjacent part of the sleeve and adapted to compel the sleeve and the stem of the ball portion of the unit to assume the lower sub to extend upwardlytherefrom the,

upper end of the sleeve having a reduced axial a sleeve formed for connection at one end with passage forming an interior shoulder, a body dis-, posed within thesleeve and having an upwardly directed socket, a spring member interposed between the body and the lower sub and normally urging the body upwardly in the sleeve, a ball member resting in said socketand havinga stem extending upwardly through said sleevepassage for connection with the upper sub, means coupling the ball with thesleeve by which limited longitudinal movement of the ball in the sleeve may take place without relative rotary move,-

ment, and means interposed between said ball and said shoulder for effecting, the angular disposition of the sleeve with said ball stem when the spring effects relative longitudinal movement between the sleeve and said body. r

3. A joint for connection in a drill stem between pper and lower coup ing subs,,comprising a. sleeve .formed for connection at one end with the lower sub to extend upwardly therefrom, the, upper end of the sleeve having a reduced axial passage forming an interior shoulder a body disposed withinthe sleeve and having anupwardly directed socket, a spring member interposed between the bodyv and the lower sub and normally urging the body upwardly in the sleeve, a ball member resting in said socket and having a stem extending upwardly through said sleeve passage for connection with the upper sub, means coupling the ball with the sleeve by which limited longitudinal movement of the ball in the sleeve may take place without relative rotary movement,

. means interposed between said balland said shoulder forefiecting the angular disposition of the sleeve with said ball stem when the spring effects relative longitudinal movement between the sleeve and said body, and a, packing ring encircling said body andinterposedbetween the same and the wall of the sleeve, to form a fluid-- tight joint.

.4. A joint for connection in a drill stem between upper andlower coupling subs, comprising a sleeve formed for connection at one end an angular relation when the unit is forced upwith the lower sub to extend upwardlytherefrom,v the upper endof the sleeve having a reduced axial passage forming an interior shoulder, a body disposed within the sleeve andhavingan upwardly directed socket, a spring memberinterposed betweenthe bodyand the lower sub and normally urging the bodyupwardly inthe sleeve, a ball member resting in said socket and having. a stern extending upwardly through said sleeve passage for connection with the upper sub, means coupling the ball with the sleeve by which limited longitudinal movement of the ball in the sleeve may take place without relative rotary movement, means interposed between said ball and said shoulder foreifecting the angular disposition of the sleeve with saidball stemwhen the spring effects relative longitudinal movement between the sleeve and said body, the said ball having a flat surface encirclingth'e stem and disposed in a plane perpendicular to the stem and the said means comprising a, bearing ball resting upon said fiat surface to roll thereon'by gravity and adapted to contact said shoulder. g

5. A joint for connection in a drill stem. between upper and lower coupling subs, comprising a sleeve formed for connection at one end with the lower sub to extend upwardlytherefrom, the upper end of the sleeve having a reduced axial passage forming aninterior shoulder, a body disposed within the sleeve and having an upwardly directed socket, a spring member interposed between the body and the lower sub and normally 'urging the body upwardly in the sleeve, 9. ball member resting in said socket and having a stem extending upwardly through said sleeve passage for connection with the upper sub, means coupling the ball with the sleeve by which limited longitudinal movement of the ball in the sleeve may take place without relative rotary movement, means interposed between 1 said ball and said shoulder for effecting the angular disposition of the sleeve with said ball stem when the spring effects relative longitudinal movement between the sleeve and said body, said ball having a flat top surface encircling the stem and lying in a plane perpendicular thereto and said last means comprising a wedge-like ring resting upon the flat surface and encircling the stem and adaptedto rotate on the surface under the action of gravity, the high point of the ring being engageable with said shoulder.

6. A joint for connection in a drill stem for use in well bores, including a universal joint having a limited longitudinal travel, gravity responsive means made free to assume a predetermined rotational position with respect to the direction of inclination of the drill stem in the well bore when downward pressure is exerted on the drill stem, means operating to impart positive flexure of the joint in a direction determined by the position of said gravity responsive means when downward pressure of the drill stem is released, and means forming part of said universal joint by which the latter functions as a universal joint if rotated while downward pressure is applied to the drill stem. I

7. A joint for connection in a drill stem for use in well bores, comprising a ball member and a socket member, said ball member being arranged to have a limited longitudinal'movement within the socket member, resilient means for maintaining a portion of said socket member in contact with said ball member, packing means for effecting a pressure-tight seal against said socket portion of the socket member and the socket member itself, and means responsive to gravity for imparting a bending force to the joint between said I ball member and said socket member when the joint is in a predetermined position.

8. A joint for connection in a drill stem, comprising, a ball and socket. unit, means by which said ball may have limited movement in the socket longitudinally of the stem and be retained against rotary movement therein, and a gravity controlled member disposed between the ball and socket and having movement around the axis of the. stem and operatively coupled with said ball. to cause the ball and socket to assume a desired angular relation when the ball is moved in one direction in the socket.

9. A joint for connection in a drill stem, com.- prising. a ball. and socket unit, means by which said ball may have'limited movement in the socket longitudinally of the stem and be retained against rotary movement therein, resilient means constantly urging movement of the. ball longitudinally in one direction in the socket, an annular gravity actuated member maintained coaxial with the drill stem for movement thereabout upon the disposition of the stem at an inclination from the vertic'al, and means controlled by said member for flexing the unit when the ball is shifted by the resilient means in the said one direction in the socket.

10. A joint for connection in a drill stem, comprising a body member having a socket, a ball member in the socket, means coupling the ball with the socket by which limited relative movement of the members may occur longitudinally of the stem but relative rotary movement of the members is prevented, spring means urging longitudinal movement of the ball in one direction in the socket to move two opposing surfaces of the ball and socket together, gravity actuated means secured between said surfaces when the members are moved in the said direction by the spring for relatively moving the members to flex the joint, and means for controlling the relative longitudinal movement of the members in opposition to the action of said spring.

11. A joint for connection in a drill stem, comprising a body member having a socket, a ball member in the socket, means coupling the ball with the socket by which limited relative movement of the members may occur longitudinally of the stem but relative rotary movement is prevented, spring means urging longitudinal movement of the ball in one direction in the socket to move two opposed surfaces of the ball and socket together, a gravity actuated body supported on one member to turn around the axis of the stem, and fluid actuated means controlled by the gravity body for effecting relative angular movement between the two members whereby the portion of the stem coupled to one member assumes an angular relation to the other member.

12. A joint construction of the character described, comprising two members coupled together to form a universal joint and having limited relative longitudinal movement, resilient means resisting such relative movement, one of said members having a flat annular surface in a plane perpendicular to its long axis, an annular body encircling the said one 'of the members to turn on the said axis ofthe member, said body having an annular surface in a plane oblique to said axis, said annular body being unbalanced to turn by gravity around said axis when the axis is inclined from the vertical and when said members have been relatively moved a predetermined distance in opposition to said resilient means, and said body functioning upon movement of the members in the opposite direction under the action of said resilient means to shift the members relatively to position the same with their long axes in angular relation.

13. A joint construction of the character described, comprising a universal jointincluding a socketed body and a ball body therein, said bodies having opposed annular surfaces each ,lying in a plane perpendicular to the long axis of its body, resilient means normally urging relative movement of said bodies and movement of said surfaces toward one another, means maintaining said bodies against relative rotary movement, an annulus disposed between and resting upon one of saidsurfaces and designed to turn upon the said one of the surfaces about the longitudinal axis of the supporting body, and said annulus having a high side and being actuated by gravity to turn about said axis when the axis on which it is supported is disposed at an inclination from the horizontal and functioning upon the movement of said surfaces toward one another by said resilient means to angularly move the bodies for the disposition of said surfaces out of parallel relation.

14. A joint construction of the character described, comprising a universal joint including a 13 socketed body and a ball bodyin the sockete body, one of said bodies having a stem, said bodies each having an annular surface disposed in a plane perpendicular to the long axis of thebody and having said surfaces in opposed relation, resilient means normally urging relative movement of the bodies and of said surfaces together, a chambered body supported on the stem, the chamber having an annular floor disposed in a plane perpendicular to the stem, an annular gravity actuated ,body encircling the stem and resting upon said floor and having an annular shoulder surface disposed in a plane oblique to the stem. fluid cylinders formed in the body which is joined to the stem and opening through the annular surface of that body, a piston in each ofsaid cylinders and extending therefrom toward the adjacent annular surface, fluid cylinders in the stem carried by the body and opening into the chamber thereof toward the annular shoulder of the gravity actuated body, a piston in each of said last cylinders having a stem extending toward said annular shoulder, fluid passageways connecting the first-mentioned cylinders with the second-mentioned cylinders, a fluid filling the passageways and cylinders, and spring means constantly urging the second-mentioned pistons into their cylinders away from the shoulder of the gravity controlled body.

15. A joint for connection in a drill stem for use in well bores, including a joint comprising two parts connected for relative movement axially of the stem, gravity responsive means which is made free to move along a curved path co-axial with the stem to a position with respect to the stem in the well bore when a force is applied to the stem to effect relative movement of the joint parts in one direction, means operating to impart positive flexure of the joint in a direction to determine by the position of the gravity responsive means when such pressure is released, and means forming a part of said joint whereby the same functions as a universal joint if rotated while downward pressure is applied to the drill stem.

16. A joint for connection in a drill stem for use in well bores including a universal joint having a limited longitudinal travel, gravity responsive means made free to assume a predetermined rotational position with respect to the direction of inclination of the drill stem in the well bore when axial force is applied to the drill stem. means operating to impart positive flexure to the joint in a direction determined by the position of said gravity responsive means when the force applied to the drill stem is released, and means forming part of said universal joint by which the same functions as a universal joint if rotated while downward pressure is applied to the drill stem.

universal joint adapted to connect the stem and bit and including, a ball and socket unit, means for connecting the ball and socket to each other to prevent relative rotation thereof and to permit deflection of one with respect to the other, and gravity actuated means disposed between the ball and socket and co-acting therewith, said means being released for actuation by the movement of the drill stem relative to the drill bit for deflecting the ball and socket to deflect the bit relative to the drill stem.

- 19. The combination with a drill stem and drill bit arranged to be lowered in 'a well bore of a universal joint adapted to connect the stem and bit and including, a ball and socket unit, means for connecting the ball and socket to each other to prevent relative rotation thereof and to permit deflection of one with respect to the other, gravity controlled deflecting means within the unit for accomplishing a deflection of these elements, means actuated by the drill stem for clamping and releasing the gravity controlled means, whereby the drill bit may-be deflected in a desired direction relative to the inclination of the well bore by properly manipulating the drill stem.

20. A joint for connection in a drill stem for use in well bores, including a universal joint having a limited longitudinal travel, gravity responsive means made free to assume a predetermined rotational position with respect to the direction of inclination of the drill stem in the well bore when downward pressure is exerted on the drill stem,

. means operating to impart positive flexure of the ing a limited longitudinal travel, means made free to assume a predetermined rotational position with respect to the direction of inclination of the drill stem in the well bore when downward pressure is exerted on the drill stem, means operating to impart positive flexure of the joint in a direction determined by the position of said gravity responsive means when downward pressure of the drill stem is released, and means forming part of said universal joint by which the latter functions as a universal joint if rotated while downward pressure is applied to the drill stem.

18. The combination with a drill stem and drill bit arranged to, be lowered in a well bore of a joint in a direction determined by the position of said ravity responsive means when downward pressure of the drill stem is released, means forming part of said universal joint by which the latter functions as a universal joint if. rotated while downward pressure is applied to the drill stem, and means for sealing off the joint to prevent the admittance of extraneous matter into the interior of said joint.

21. A joint for connection in a drill stem for use in well bores including, a universal joint having a limited longitudinal travel, means within thejoint normally locked; in an inactive position by said joint and being released to assume a predetermined rotational position with respect to the direction of inclination of the well bore when downward pressure is exerted on the drill stem, and means operating to impart positive flexure to the joint in a direction determined by the position of said rotative means when downward pressure on the drill stem is released, said last named means also locking the rotative means against movement to maintain the joint in its deflected position, whereby the drill stern may be rotated to rotate said joint and thereby orient its deflected portion within the well bore.

22. A deflecting tool for rotary well drilling including a body, a deflecting member, a tiltable connection between said body and member, means in said connection to tilt said member relative to the body, and means operable by the force of gravity when the tool is inclined from the vertilting of the faces to cock said bit, said means being movable due to gravity when said tool is inclined upon release thereof due to sliding'movement of said connection, and comprising a ball member to roll to the low side of the tool to cock the bit to that side.

24. A deflecting tool including a stem and a bit, a driving tiltable connection for said stem and bit, means normally urging said bit to an extended position relative to said stem, cooperative faces on said'bit and stem which would normally fit together when the stem and bit are axially aligned, and means disposed to move between said faces to elevate one side to cock the bit at an angle relative to the stem for deflecting work, said means being releasable by relative axial movement so as to move by gravity to a predetermined position so that said bit will be cocked in a predetermined position when again clamping said means.

25. A deflecting tool for drilling well bores including a stem, a bit, a tiltable driving connecber, and means in said connection to control the direction of tilting of the member relative to the body and including an element normally clamped between the body and member but releasable upon relative sliding movement of the body with respect to the member, whereby said element may move circumferentially in response to gravitational force when the tool isdisposed in an inclined bore.

FRANK C. CARPENTER.

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