Patent ID: 6059053
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A retraction system for retracting a latching mechanism of a tool adapted for travelling through a conduit, said tool including a main body provided with a cavity for housing said latching mechanism, said latching mechanism biased to extend from said main body to contact an inner surface of said conduit, said latching mechanism further provided with a latching face for latching onto an object within said conduit, said retraction system comprising:a sleeve slidably mounted on said main body, said sleeve provided with one or more openings through which said latching mechanism can extend for engaging said object and contacting said inner surface of said conduit;means for biasing said sleeve in a direction to move over said latching mechanism when extended from said openings; andsaid inner surface of said conduit having a length of progressively reducing diameter in a direction of retraction of said tool from said conduit;wherein, when said tool is moved through said length of said conduit, said latching mechanism can be compressed by contact with said length toward said body to an extent such that, said biasing means is able to push said sleeve over said latching mechanism so as to retract said latching mechanism to a position where said latching face disengages said object.