Patent ID: 7721800

Claim:
A flow control mechanism for a downhole tool, the mechanism comprising: a body defining a fluid chamber; an inlet flow path for fluid flow into the chamber; at least one tool flow path for fluid flow between the chamber and at least part of the downhole tool; an exhaust flow path for fluid flow from the chamber to a fluid exhaust; and control means including a control member mounted for movement within the chamber for controlling flow of fluid into and out of the chamber along the inlet flow path, the at least one tool flow path, and the exhaust flow path, and wherein the fluid is a wellbore fluid, and the control mechanism is activatable in response to applied fluid pressure from the wellbore, wherein the control member is locatable in a first position where flow between the inlet flow path and the chamber, the chamber and the downhole tool and the chamber and the exhaust, respectively, is prevented.