Patent ID: 6374917
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,E21B

Abstract:
A method for pre-disposing the expansion profile in an expandable, elastomeric component of a downhole tool, comprising the steps of:(a) selecting a desired expansion profile in an expandable, elastomeric component of a downhole tool; (b) providing a vessel and defining a varying inner diameter of the vessel to define a profile for predisposing the expansion profile in the component; (c) surrounding at least a portion of the length of the elastomeric component with the vessel; (d) applying fluid under pressure to the elastomeric component for expanding it into contact with the inner diameter of the vessel and creating a pre-disposed expansion profile in the component; and (e) reducing the pressure of the fluid for allowing the elastomeric component to return generally to its original shape.