Patent ID: 7114385
Filing Date: 2006-10-03
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A probe for drawing fluid from a subterranean formation into a downhole tool, the downhole tool positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, comprising: a probe body extendable from the downhole tool, the probe body having at least one inlet extending therethrough for receiving downhole fluids; at least one packer positioned on an external end of the probe body, the at least one packer adapted to create a seal with the wellbore wall, the at least one packer having an inner surface and a peripheral surface, the inner surface defining an aperture therethrough in fluid communication with the at least one inlet; and a plurality of packer supports, at least one of the plurality of packer supports is an internal packer support positioned adjacent at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one packer and at least one of the plurality of packer supports is an external packer support positioned about at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the at least one packer whereby at least a portion of the at least one packer is supported as it is pressed against the wellbore wall.