Patent ID: 6896063

Claim:
A method of sealing an inner surface of a wellbore, said method comprising the steps of: providing a member having a preselected shape with a diametrical dimension and an axial dimension, said member being constructed of a polymer material in which stored energy may be imparted and subsequently recovered at least in part, said material further having a crystalline melting temperature; subjecting said member to forces causing a reduction in said diametrical dimension and an increase in said axial dimension while imparting stored energy in said member, while not raising said member material above its crystalline melting temperature; lowering said member into the wellbore to a desired location; and subjecting said member to conditions in the wellbore at said desired location to cause at least partial release of said stored energy and allow said member to expand to sealingly engage the inner surface of the wellbore at the desired location.