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Inflatable packing device and method of sealing

  • US 5,101,908 A
  • Filed: 08/23/1990
  • Issued: 04/07/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/23/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An inflatable packing device for use in a wellbore containing fluid for providing a seal between a conduit carrying the inflatable packing device and an interior surface within the wellbore, comprising:

  • a cylindrical housing;

    means for securing said cylindrical housing to said conduit;

    an annular inflatable wall secured to said cylindrical housing;

    a cover disposed over a portion of said annular inflatable wall, including upper and lower sealing areas which partially resist radial expansion of said annular inflatable wall, and further including a central area between said upper and lower sealing areas which resists radial expansion of said annular inflatable wall in an amount less than the resistance of said upper and lower sealing areas;

    said annular inflatable wall including at least one anchor region adjacent said cover, said at least one anchor region being located in a region other than between said upper and lower sealing areas of said cover;

    said at least one anchor region being radially flexible between a non-inflated running position with said at least one anchor region out of contact with said interior surface and an inflated setting position with said at least one anchor region in contact with said interior surface; and

    wherein a portion of said annular inflatable wall underlying said central area of said cover is likewise radially flexible between a non-inflated running position and an inflated setting position to evacuate fluid between said stealing members to prevent fluid from being trapped between said upper and lower sealing areas and said interior surface.

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