Patent ID: 9217308
Filing Date: 2015-12-22
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a tubular section arranged to be run into and secured within a larger diameter generally cylindrical structure; at least one metal sleeve member of substantially uniform thickness wherein the sleeve member is positioned on the exterior of the tubular section and sealed thereto; wherein at least two deformable elastomer band members are provided around, are preferably bonded to the outer circumference of the sleeve member, and project radially outward from the outer surface of the sleeve member; the at least two deformable band members comprising annular rings having a width W, a height H, and being spaced apart along the length of sleeve member by a distance S, and wherein width W is greater than spacing S; and wherein the sleeve member is expandable, in use, by operation of a pressure control means operable to alter the pressure within the sleeve member such that an increase in pressure causes the at least two deformable band members to move radially outward with the sleeve member and contact the inside surface of the outer larger diameter structure before the outer surface of the sleeve member providing a corrugation effect to the sleeve member, the spacing S between said at least two band members and said corrugation effect of said sleeve member creating a pinching of an edge of said at least two band members and increasing a contact pressure between said at least two band members and said inside surface of said outer larger diameter structure.