Patent ID: 8870187
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A sealing apparatus for a down hole tool having a housing, the sealing apparatus comprising: a movable member which is movable relative to the housing; at least one sealing member having a first position in which the sealing member is spaced from the movable member and a second position in which the sealing member is in contact with the movable member to provide a sealing barrier; an activation sleeve; and a switching mechanism for switching the sealing member between the first and second positions, wherein the switching mechanism facilitates moving the activation sleeve by at least one of mechanical and hydraulic force to move the sealing member to the first position and, in the absence of the hydraulic or mechanical force, automatically moves the activation sleeve in the opposite direction under the action of a biasing member for biasing the sealing member towards the second position.