Abstract: A brake system that includes a brake piston and a spindle. The brake piston includes a piston pocket defined in the brake piston. The piston pocket includes a threaded portion. The spindle includes a threaded portion. The threaded portion of the spindle is adapted to threadably engage the threaded portion of the piston pocket.

Abstract: A wireline conveyed, gas driven setting tool configured to set downhole tools including, without limitation, frac plugs, bridge plugs, cement retainers and packers. The setting tool is functioned by selectively igniting a power charge inside of a firing head. As the power charge burns, it generates gas that acts upon a piston area to stroke the setting tool. A dampening media, as well an optimized flow area at or near the distal end of the setting tool, act to slow the setting stroke. A mobile testing assembly can confirm that a setting tool or other associated equipment was manufactured and assembled properly, and is fit for service, prior to running the setting tool a well bore. The mobile testing assembly and testing method can be employed in a shop or other manufacturing facility, or on a well site or other remote location.

Abstract: A tool for expanding a liner in a wellbore includes a cone assembly that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The tool also includes a jack assembly that is operable by fluid pressure to move the cone assembly from the retracted position to the extended position. The fluid pressure is also applied to expansion cup seals to generate axial load that urges the cone assembly to move through the expandable liner and radially expand of the expandable liner. A latch assembly axially fixes the liner while the cone assembly moves to the extended position. Once the cone assembly is fully moved to the extended position, the latch assembly releases the liner, allowing the cone assembly to move through the liner and radially expand the liner.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for a liner hanger to be secured within the casing of an oil/gas well includes an expandable hydraulic chamber a portion of which is connected to a setting collar positioned around the liner hanger. Expansion of the chamber will cause the setting collar to radially move one or more slips having a gripping surface into contact with an inner surface of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole straddle assembly for straddling over a zone downhole in a well, the straddle assembly comprising a plurality of tubular sections mounted end to end in succession to form one tubular pipe having a first end tubular section forming a first open end of the tubular pipe, and a second end tubular section forming a second open end of the tubular pipe, said tubular pipe having an outer diameter, wherein the tubular section mounted to the first end tubular section is a first expandable metal sleeve being more pliant than the first end tubular section, and the tubular section mounted with the second end tubular section is a second expandable metal sleeve being more pliant than the second end tubular section. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a downhole straddle system for straddling over a zone downhole in a well and to a downhole straddle method.

Abstract: An inflatable packer assembly configured to be conveyed within a wellbore. The inflatable packer assembly includes a mandrel having a flowline, a first packer ring slidably connected with the mandrel, a second packer ring fixedly connected with the mandrel, a latching mechanism fluidly connected with the flowline, and an inflatable packer fluidly connected with the flowline. The inflatable packer may be disposed around the mandrel and sealingly connected with the first and second packer rings. The inflatable packer may be operable to expand against a sidewall of the wellbore upon receiving a fluid from the flowline. The latching mechanism may be operable to limit movement of the first packer ring with respect to the mandrel, and permit the movement of the first packer ring with respect to the mandrel upon being actuated by the fluid from the flowline.

Abstract: A flow restrictor for restricting flow in an annulus, the flow restrictor comprising a body and a restrictor assembly mounted on the body, wherein the restrictor assembly is actuatable between a run-in configuration and a set configuration in which at least a portion of the restrictor assembly is radially splayed to thereby substantially restrict flow in the annulus, and wherein the flow restrictor is actuatable by fluid flow over the restrictor assembly above a threshold flow rate to actuate the restrictor assembly from the run-in configuration to the set configuration.

Abstract: A setting tool for actuating a downhole plug in a wellbore includes a housing including a central passage, a piston slidably disposed in the housing and including a central passage, and wherein the piston includes a first position in the housing and a second position the housing spaced from the first position in a first axial direction, and an atmospheric chamber filled with compressible fluid formed radially between the piston and the housing, and wherein the atmospheric chamber is sealed from an environment surrounding the setting tool when the piston is in the first position, wherein, in response to a pressurization of the central passage of the piston, the setting tool is configured to displace the piston from the first position to the second position and compress the compressible fluid within the atmospheric chamber.

Abstract: A composite cone assembly for use with a frac or bridge plug system is discussed herein having shaped outer contours and the strength needed for high pressure applications but with reduced machining requirements by forming part of the cone assembly from a high strength fiber material and the contoured surface from molding, such as from injection molding or compression molding.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation and use of a liner hanger in a wide variety of environments. Depending on the application, the liner hanger may be conveyed downhole within a casing located in a wellbore. The liner hanger comprises slips which may be set against the casing by applying a pressurized fluid through a liner hanger port to a liner hanger actuator. After the slips are set, the liner hanger may be actuated to form a metal-to-metal seal which blocks further fluid flow through the port, thus isolating the port during subsequent downhole operations.

Abstract: A plug comprises a pipe having a number of holes, an inlet, and a compound forming a cylinder around a portion of the pipe, the cylinder having a flat top from which protrudes a sealed first end of the pipe and the inlet, and a flat bottom from which protrudes a sealed second end of the pipe.

Abstract: A downhole support device for use in a wellbore is provided, where the device (200) is adapted to be run into the wellbore (202) through or on a workstring (204). The device (200) comprises an inflatable element (206) adapted to be selectively connectable to the workstring (204). The inflatable element (206) selectively applies a biasing force to an external structure such, for example, a wall (214) of the wellbore (202) when in an inflated state. The inflatable element (206) has an inlet (208) for receiving and being inflated by a flowing substance. The device (200) also comprises an inflation mechanism (210) and a disconnect mechanism (222) adapted to be selectively disconnectable from the workstring (204). A method of deploying a barrier in a wellbore which makes use of the support device is also provided.

Abstract: A downhole stroking tool (1) comprising a housing (2), a first chamber (3), a first tool part (4) comprising a pump unit (5) providing pressurized fluid to the chamber, a shaft (6) penetrating the chamber, and a first piston (7) dividing the first chamber into a first chamber section (8, 8a) and a second chamber section (9, 9b). The piston is connected to or forms part of the housing which forms part of a second tool part (10) and is slidable in relation to the shaft so that the housing moves in relation to the shaft, the shaft being stationary in relation to the pump unit during pressurization of the first or the second chamber section, thereby generating a pressure on the piston, wherein the shaft is fixedly connected with the first tool part, and wherein the housing is slidable in relation to the first tool part and overlaps the first tool part.

Abstract: A plug reception assembly having one longitudinal end and another longitudinal end includes a mandrel providing a flowpath configured to receive a plug to block flow therethrough; an elastic member forming a portion of a radially exterior surface of the assembly and having one longitudinal end and another longitudinal end; only a single set of slips arranged to maintain the assembly in anchored relation to a borehole, the slips disposed between the one longitudinal end of the assembly and the one longitudinal end of the elastic member, and the assembly being free of slips between the other longitudinal end of the assembly and the other longitudinal end of the elastic member; and at least one component of the assembly being disintegratable or dissolvable by a wave, a target fluid and/or a target temperature to facilitate removal of the assembly as a restriction in the borehole.

Abstract: A fingered member for a downhole tool that includes: a circular body; a plurality of fingers extending from the circular body; a recessed region formed in the circular body; a void formed between respective fingers; and a transition zone between the circular body and the plurality of fingers. The transition zone further includes an inner surface and an outer surface.

Abstract: An isolation valve for use with a tubular string includes a tubular housing for connection with the tubular string. A closure member is disposed in the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position. A flow tube is longitudinally movable relative to the housing for opening the closure member. A piston is coupled to the flow tube for moving the flow tube, and a fluid chamber is formed between the flow tube and the housing and receiving the piston. The isolation valve having a first fluid passage for fluid communication between a first portion of the chamber and a control line for moving the piston in a first direction, and a second fluid passage for fluid communication between a second portion of the chamber and a bore of the tubular string for moving the piston in a second direction.

Abstract: An expandable anchor/seal is pushed up a ramp until making contact with the surrounding tubular as or after the anchor/seal contacts the same tubular. The setting sleeve is made from high yield steel that has a weakened leading end to reduce the force required to push the leading end and the anchor/seal and an outer surface treatment at a leading end that engages or penetrates the wall of the surrounding tubular. Preferably a plurality of fingers are formed with axially oriented slots starting from a leading end allowing fingers to flex as they ride up the ramp on the mandrel for setting the anchor/seal and locking that set with the setting sleeve exterior surface configuration that can abut or penetrate the surrounding tubular.

Abstract: A setting tool for performing a wellbore operation includes a mandrel, a cylinder slidably engaged with the mandrel, and a variable volume first chamber formed between the mandrel and the cylinder and a containment member having a second chamber adjacent to the first chamber. The setting tool also includes a support fluid disposed in the first chamber, a slidable support axially and circumferentially distributed inside the first chamber, and a valve disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The valve is configured to flow the support fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber. The support fluid and the slidable support, support the cylinder against a downhole pressure. The setting tool is conveyed into the wellbore and connected to a consumer. The setting tool is actuated to set the consumer.

Abstract: A downhole annular barrier with an axial extension having an outer surface facing an inner surface of an outer structure has a tubular part, an expandable part, and at least one annular sealing element. The annular sealing element is connected with the expandable part and has an axial length along the axial extension of the downhole annular barrier which is less than 50% of a length of the downhole annular barrier along the axial extension of the downhole annular barrier. The annular sealing element has a spring element.

Abstract: A plugging device for sealing against an inner surface of a pipe includes a mandrel, a sealing device, and an actuating device. The sealing device includes a first body provided circumferentially around the mandrel, an upper supporting device provided axially above the first body, and a lower supporting device provided axially below the first body. The actuating device is connected to at least one of the supporting devices for actuating the sealing device between a retracted state and an expanded state. The sealing device includes a second, sealing body provided circumferentially around the mandrel. An inner surface of the second sealing body is engaged with an outer surface of the first body in the expanded state. The second sealing body is moved from the retracted state to the expanded state by an axial displacement of at least one of the supporting devices towards each other.

Abstract: A disposable setting tool (12) has a mandrel (18) and a barrel piston (16). The mandrel (18) has a power charge chamber (68), an intermediate section (76) having an exterior (80) of uniform circumference, and a lower section (96) having a lower exterior (98) of uniform circumference. The lower exterior (98) is in fluid communication with the power charge chamber (68). The barrel piston (16) has a tubular body (116) with an enclosed lower end (134), and a central portion (128) with a uniform interior circumference (130) for slidably receiving the intermediate exterior (80) and the lower exterior (98) of the mandrel (18). An annular-shaped space (94) is defined to extend between the central portion (128) of the barrel piston (16) and the lower exterior (98) of the mandrel (18). The enclosed lower end (134) of the barrel piston (16) has a bore (136) for slidably receiving the lower exterior (98) of said mandrel (18).

Abstract: A downhole tool setting system includes a tubular member that defines a bore therethrough; a downhole tool positioned to ride the tubular member between a partial set position and a final set position; and a locking system coupled to the downhole tool and configured to adjust the downhole tool from the partial set position based on at least a portion of the locking system moveable relative to the tubular member to the final set position based on at least a portion of the locking system affixed to the tubular member.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a wellbore, the downhole tool having: a mandrel, a bearing plate, and at least one metal slip having a one-piece configuration. The mandrel is made of a composite material, and has a lower sleeve threaded therewith. The bearing plate has an angled inner plate surface configured for engagement with a corresponding angled surface of another part of the downhole tool. The one-piece configuration is defined by at least partial connectivity around the entirety of the metal slip body. The metal slip has at least one lateral groove therein.

Abstract: Devices for controlling the flow of fluids past a location in a wellbore and methods for using such devices are disclosed. Embodiment devices are configured such that the throughbore is maximized because of the devices' thin cross sectional length. The devices disclosed may use balls, darts or other plugs to seal against a plug seat and prevent flow therethrough, external seals prevent flow therearound and gripping elements, such as slips, prevent movement of the device within the well. Relatively high pressure rating may be accomplished with such thin cross sections by keeping the length of mandrel wall exposed to such pressures short. Some embodiment devices may have a plug seat that is integral, at least in part, with a setting ring and/or have a setting ring that is of one piece with the mandrel.

Abstract: A disintegrating plug uses a setting tool to push a swage into the plug body that has external ribs that contact the wall of the surrounding tubular. The ribs retain the body to the surrounding tubular wall with frictional contact. Some leakage may ensue but in fracturing some leakage does not matter if enough volume under the right pressure reaches the formation. The sheared member during the setting comes out with the mandrel that is part of the setting tool. In an alternative embodiment one or more o-rings are used to seal while anchoring is assisted by the hardened insert(s) that can be snap fitted in using rib flexing or that can be a c-ring that is expanded and snapped in. The o-ring(s) are axially spaced from the insert(s).

Abstract: Some examples of a packet setting method using disintegrating plug can be implemented as a method for setting a packer in a wellbore. A disintegrating plug is installed in a tubing. The disintegrating plug blocks flow through the tubing in response to pressure. A packer is installed above the disintegrating plug in the tubing. The tubing including the packer and the disintegrating plug is run into a wellbore. The packer is positioned at a wellbore location to create an annular area between the packer and the wellbore wall. Downhole pressure is applied in the tubing to set the packer.

Abstract: A retrievable inflatable plug system features distinct seal and anchor elements where the seal element features overlapping ribs preferably metallic and preferably overlapping. The ribs extend the substantial length of the packer and are disposed under the annularly shaped sealing element. The anchor features exposed continuous ribs extending from opposed ends with one or more stiffener rings disposed on the exposed ribs. The elements can be inflated separately or together and include valving systems to allow deflation for selective removal of the plug to put a well back into service.

Abstract: A disintegrating plug uses a setting tool to push a swage into the plug body that has external ribs that contact the wall of the surrounding tubular. The ribs retain the body to the surrounding tubular wall with frictional contact. Some leakage may ensue but in fracturing some leakage does not matter if enough volume under the right pressure reaches the formation. The sheared member during the setting comes out with the mandrel that is part of the setting tool. In an alternative embodiment one or more o-rings are used to seal while anchoring is assisted by the hardened insert(s) that can be snap fitted in using rib flexing or that can be a c-ring that is expanded and snapped in. The o-ring(s) are axially spaced from the insert(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole support device (100) for use in a wellbore and which is adapted to be run into the wellbore through an elongate member string (2) such as on a string of tubulars, a coiled tubing string or a slickline. The downhole support device comprises an inflatable element (102), which in use is adapted to be selectively connectable to the elongate member string and is further adapted to apply a biasing force in the direction of the wellbore walls. The inflatable element has an inlet (104) for receiving fluid and/or fluidized solids. The support device is further adapted to be selectively disconnectable from the elongate member string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier system (100) connected with a well head (40) via a well tubular structure (3), comprising a first annular barrier (1) and a second annular barrier (21) to be expanded in an annulus (2) between the well tubular structure and an inside wall (4) of a casing (20) or a borehole (5) downhole for providing zone isolation between a first zone (8) and a second zone (9), each annular barrier comprising a tubular part (6) extending in a longitudinal direction for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, an expandable sleeve (7) surrounding the tubular part and defining a space (13), an opening (11) for letting fluid into the space to expand the sleeve, and a first connection part (15) and a second connection part (16) connecting the expandable sleeve with the tubular part, and wherein the first connection part is arranged nearest to the well head, the system further comprising a flow line (17) fluidly connecting the well head with the opening for supplying fluid

Abstract: A downhole packer for providing a seal in a well bore to allow integrity testing of well bore with drill ahead capability immediately thereafter has a disengageable packer assembly wherein the packer element may be rendered disengageable by mounting the packer to the string using a tool body (61) provided with a sleeve (62) bearing a packer element (55), wherein the body is initially restrained from movement within the sleeve by engagement of an internal selectively movable retaining element (64). A method of testing a well bore with follow on drilling after disengaging the packer element is described.

Abstract: A well tool for sealing against a wall of well includes an elongate mandrel. A seal assembly encircles the mandrel and can change between an unset state and an axially compressed set state. The seal assembly includes an annular elastomer seal element configured to radially deform into contact with the wall of the well in the set state. An annular anti-extrusion ring is included to compress the seal element and form a containing space with a garter spring embedded in the seal element. The garter spring is embedded in the seal element adjacent the axial end of the seal element and configured to span the gap between the anti-extrusion ring and the wall of the well in the set state. The containing space can prevent the seal element from excessive deformation.

Abstract: A completion apparatus for completing a wellbore includes a tool to alternatively open and close a throughbore; a tool to alternatively open and close an annulus between the outer surface of the completion and the inner surface of the wellbore; a tool to alternatively provide and prevent a fluid circulation route from the throughbore of the completion to the annulus; and at least one signal receiver and processing tool capable of decoding signals received. The apparatus is run into the well bore, the throughbore is closed and the fluid pressure in the tubing is increased to pressure test the completion; the annulus is closed and a fluid circulation route is provided from the throughbore to the annulus and fluid is circulated through the production tubing into the annulus and back to surface. The fluid circulation route is then closed and the throughbore is opened.

Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises a base pipe and a plurality of non-concentric pressure deformable chambers mounted externally on the pipe. The chambers may be inflated to increase the diameter of the apparatus and engage and support a surrounding bore wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for use downhole is disclosed that, in one configuration includes a downhole tool configured to operate in an active position and an inactive position and an actuation device, which may include a control unit. The apparatus includes a telemetry unit that sends a first pattern recognition signal to the control unit to move the tool into the active position and a second pattern recognition signal to move the tool into the inactive position. The apparatus may be used for drilling a subterranean formation and include a tubular body and one or more extendable features, each positionally coupled to a track of the tubular body, and a drilling fluid flow path extending through a bore of the tubular body for conducting drilling fluid therethrough. A push sleeve is disposed within the tubular body and coupled to the one or more features.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure hydrostatic setting module includes a collapsible pressure chamber and a setting chamber. The pressure chamber is precharged at a fluid pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure and greater than the fluid pressure within the setting chamber. In a described embodiment, the setting module also includes a frangible rupture member that closes off the setting chamber from annulus pressure. A regulator governs the transfer of fluid pressure from the collapsible chamber to the setting chamber.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole for providing zone isolation between a first zone and a second zone of the borehole, comprising a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, the tubular part having a longitudinal axis, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and defining a space being in fluid communication with an inside of the tubular part, each end of the expandable sleeve being connected with the tubular part, and an aperture for letting fluid into the space to expand the expandable sleeve, wherein the barrier further comprises a compensation device arranged in the space between the expandable sleeve and the tubular part, the compensation device having a chamber in which a piston is arranged dividing the chamber in a first and a second chamber part, the first chamber part being in fluid communication with the space and the second chamber part comprising

Abstract: A downhole tool provided within a casing string for use in cement staging operations. The tool includes an inflatable packer that is integral to the body of the tool and ports in sides of the tool. The ports are selectively opened and closed for circulating cement from within the tool so that cement can flow between the casing string and a wellbore. The ports are actuated by sliding the casing string upward or downward within the wellbore. The packer can be pressure tested after being set to ensure its efficacy.

Abstract: Pressure actuable downhole tool such as a packer and a method for actuating the same typically uses a control line to trigger a configuration change in the tool in which a communication line is opened between the throughbore of the tool and apressure responsive actuator, allowing the pressure responsive actuator to be set by downhole fluid pressure applied via the throughbore. Thus the pressure from the control line is used to trigger actuation of the tool, but the throughbore pressure is used to set the tool. The advantage of this activation mechanism is that the tool can be set even when pressure supplied by the control line is insufficient to fully actuate or set the tool, and in certain embodiments, the tool can be set using much higher tubing pressure than could be supplied through the control line, thereby allowing more reliable and instantaneous setting than tools set using control line pressure alone.

Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises a base pipe and a plurality of non-concentric pressure deformable chambers mounted externally on the pipe. The chambers may be inflated to increase the diameter of the apparatus and engage and support a surrounding bore wall.

Abstract: Novel hydraulic actuators and hydraulic setting assemblies are provided for use in downhole, oil and gas well tools. The novel hydraulic actuators include a cylindrical mandrel and an annular stationary sealing member connected to the mandrel. A hydraulic cylinder is slidably supported on the mandrel and stationary sealing member and is releasably fixed in position on the mandrel. The stationary sealing member divides the interior of the cylinder into a bottom hydraulic chamber and a top hydraulic chamber. An inlet port provides fluid communication into the bottom hydraulic chamber, and an outlet port provides fluid communication into the top hydraulic chamber. A balance piston is slidably supported within the top hydraulic chamber of the actuator. The piston includes an axially extending passageway. Fluid communication through the piston and between its upper and lower sides is controlled by a normally shut valve in the passageway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for patching a desired section of wellbore casing or another tubular member. A patch assembly is provided which includes a tubular patch sub which is radially surrounded by an inflatable boot. A setting tool is used to set the patch assembly within the casing. The setting tool includes a heated barrel that contains eutectic material in liquid form. When actuated from the surface, eutectic material is flowed from the setting tool to the boot of the patch assembly. The eutectic material inflates the boot to secure the patch sub at a desired location within the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for use with a plug (1) for sealing against an inner wall of a pipeline (30), comprising a main body and sealing means, which sealing means comprises an annular packer element (7), arranged between two relative movable body elements (5,6) of the main body actuated by actuation means, where the movable elements form surfaces (500,600) in abutment against the packer element (7). The packer element (7) comprises a radially inner section (705) which is mainly incompressible in a direction transverse to a circumferential direction and where sections of the two surfaces (500,600) in abutment against the inner section (705) of the packer element (7) in a retracted position, forms different angles in relation to an axis in radial direction in relation to a longitudinal axis of the plug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal element for a wellbore which includes a support member, a bag positioned on the support member and a eutectic material positionable in the bag. The bag may be axially compressed and axially extended along the support member thereby permitting sealing and unsealing of an annulus in a wellbore. The eutectic material may be a phase changing salt.

Abstract: Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas.

Abstract: A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an associated packer device is set within a wellbore.

Abstract: The invention regards a device for movement within a pipeline which device comprises at least one centralizing means (20) comprising at least two centralizing elements (21) arranged around the circumference of a body (8) of the device. The centralizing elements (21) are arranged to move from a retracted position to an extended position in contact with an inner wall (2) of a pipeline (1) to centralize the device.

Abstract: Pressure actuable downhole tool such as a packer and a method for actuating the same typically uses a control line to trigger a configuration change in the tool in which a communication line is opened between the throughbore of the tool and a pressure responsive actuator, allowing the pressure responsive actuator to be set by downhole fluid pressure applied via the throughbore. Thus the pressure from the control line is used to trigger actuation of the tool, but the throughbore pressure is used to set the tool. The advantage of this activation mechanism is that the tool can be set even when pressure supplied by the control line is insufficient to fully actuate or set the tool, and in certain embodiments, the tool can be set using much higher tubing pressure than could be supplied through the control line, thereby allowing more reliable and instantaneous setting than tools set using control line pressure alone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to apply axial force to a packer in a downhole tool are described. In one described example, an apparatus to apply an axial force to an inflatable packer associated with a downhole tool includes a sleeve slidingly coupled to a body of the downhole tool and an end of the packer. An inner portion of the sleeve is sealed against the body of the downhole tool to form a chamber, and the chamber is fluidly coupled to a pump associated with the downhole tool to receive a pressurized fluid to cause the sleeve to apply an axial force to the packer.