Method for verifying positive inflation of an inflatable element
US6050131A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B41/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus and method for verifying positive inflation of an inflatable element include electrical switches or sensors adapted to be actuated when sufficient element to borehole wall contact is achieved. The device may be a micro switch similar to that used in a calculator button, proximity switch or may employ a spear type arrangement wherein a spear is connected to one lead and is isolated from the other lead by insulation and wherein the spear is forced radially inwardly by the radially outwardly expansion of the cover on the element against the borehole wall. Upon piercing the insulation, the spear will have connected first and second leads that such connection being detectable via hard wire to the surface and electrical continuity whereby downhole electronics or intelligence whereby a downhole signal generator using any type of telemetry to communicate uphole. With each of the embodiments of the invention, the pressure of the element against the borehole wall may be predetermined in order to actuate the device of the invention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.