Patent ID: 7387157
Filing Date: 2008-06-17
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An inflatable sealing device, the device comprising: an inflatable element forming an internal chamber, the inflatable element expandable to sealing engagement with a wall; and a dynamic valve mechanism in operational connection between the internal chamber and exterior of the internal chamber; wherein the dynamic valve mechanism maintains the pressure in the internal chamber substantially equal to or greater than the pressure external of the inflatable element after the inflatable element is expanded and in sealing engagement with the wall; the dynamic valve mechanism comprising: a piston having a first piston head in communication with the exterior of the internal chamber and a second piston head in communication with the internal chamber, wherein the piston substantially communicates the pressure exterior of the internal chamber to the internal chamber; and a supplemental energizing mechanism in operational connection with the internal chamber for communicating a pressure into the internal chamber; the supplemental energizing mechanism including a biasing mechanism connected to the piston.