Patent ID: 6431291
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A gripper for anchoring a tool within a passage, comprising:an elongated mandrel adapted to longitudinally slidably engage an elongated body of a tool; a first elongated annulus engaged with and surrounding a first elongated portion of said mandrel, an end of said first annulus having a first surface facing radially inward and having a plurality of annular steps; a second elongated annulus engaged with and surrounding a second elongated portion of said mandrel, an end of said second annulus having a second surface facing radially inward and having a plurality of annular steps; and an elongated generally tubular inflatable bladder having a retracted position in which said gripper permits substantially free relative movement between said gripper and an interior surface of said passage, and an inflated position in which said gripper substantially limits relative movement between said gripper and said interior surface of said passage, said bladder having a first end having a third surface facing radially outward and having a plurality of annular steps, said bladder having a second end having a fourth surface facing radially outward and having a plurality of annular steps, said annular steps of said first end of said bladder mating with and being adhered to said annular steps of said first annulus, said annular steps of said second end of said bladder mating with and being adhered to said annular steps of said second annulus.