Abstract: A device for sealing and anchoring within a tubular member. The device includes a top swage member disposed within the tubular member, with the top swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. Also included is a first sealing member disposed about the top swage member, with the first sealing member containing a first plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the first sealing member. The device may also include a second sealing member that is attached to the first sealing member, with the second sealing member containing a second plurality of circumferential ribs disposed about the second sealing member. A bottom swage member is disposed within the second sealing member, with the bottom swage member having a longitudinal center of axis. The device further includes a setting apparatus for driving the top swage longitudinally downward relative to the top swage's longitudinal center axis and for driving the bottom swage longitudinally upward relative to the bottom swage's center axis.

Abstract: A sealing element system for a downhole packer reduces the tendency of the elements to extrude. Mechanical limits are provided to the amount of force that can be passed onto the uppermost and lowermost components of a sealing element system by providing a limit on the longitudinal compression available against a gauge ring. The gauge rings are roughened to also grab the uppermost and lowermost elements to fight the tendency to extrude. The uppermost and lowermost elements are configured with an external groove to control the way they deform into a sealing relationship with the tubing and casing so that extrusion into the gap is reduced.

Abstract: An assembly for sealing the annular space between the inner cylindrical surface of a tubular member and the outer surface of a cylindrical member having a separate upper and lower seal member each of which are sealably and translatably positioned on the cylindrical member outer cylindrical surface, each of the upper and lower seal members having a circumferentially outwardly displaceable sealing lip and including a tubular actuator positioned between the upper and lower seal members having end portions for radially outwardly displacing the upper and lower sealing lips and including a downwardly displaceable seal energizer for moving the upper seal member towards the lower seal member to cause the actuator to concomitantly, radially outwardly expand the circumferential sealing lips.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for improved sealing across an annular space between facing sealing surfaces. Methods for mechanically setting and pressure energizing sealing ring assemblies are also described. In one aspect, several sealing ring assemblies are described, each of which include an outer seal body formed of elastically deformable metal and having an annular base with a pair of legs extending from the base to form a channel. A plurality of predominately non-deformable segments are positioned between the legs. The use of segments substantially reduces detrimental hoop stress which would hinder effective setting of a seal between the inner and outer members. In preferred embodiments, the legs and the segments each present raised portions which are offset from each other. The offset arrangement of the raised portions permit the ring assembly to be mechanically set by radial spring loading through elastic deformation of portions of the seal body.

Abstract: A sealing element for a packer or bridge plug or other downhole tool is illustrated which employs the use of back-up rings above and/or below a resilient seal. The various sleeves which are moved with respect to each other to compress the sealing element are made so that they are physically connected to the back-up rings. As a result, upon run-in, inadvertent compression of the seal is prevented and upon release, a physical separation occurs between the back-up ring and the sealing element, which allows the sealing element to expand and relax. Subsequent upward movement of the packer or bridge plug easily deflects the back-up ring since the sealing element is no longer in a compressed state directly underneath it. The packer then can easily be removed.