Patent ID: 6966386

Claim:
A downhole tool apparatus for insertion into a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a tubular member having: an insertion configuration; and a set configuration in which: its outer diameter is greater than its outer diameter in the insertion configuration, it defines, and is disposed between, first and second portions of the wellbore, and its movement is limited within the wellbore; a gripping member extending beyond the outer surface of the tubular member and adapted to penetratingly engage the wall of the wellbore when the tubular member is in the set configuration; an internal chamber defined by an inner surface of the tubular member and in fluid communication with the second wellbore portion when the tubular member is in the set configuration, so that fluid flow from the second wellbore portion to the internal chamber expands the outer diameter; and a valve engaged with the tubular member so that fluid in the first wellbore portion is permitted to flow through the valve and to the internal chamber when the tubular member is in the set configuration, and fluid in the internal chamber is not permitted to flow through the valve.