Patent ID: 7004260

Claim:
A method of activating a downhole system arranged in an annular space formed between a radially expandable tubular element extending into a borehole formed into an earth formation and a cylindrical wall surrounding the tubular element, the downhole system being arranged so as to be activated by movement of an annular movement device along the tubular element, the method comprising: arranging said annular moving device around the tubular element, the moving device having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubular element in its unexpanded shape; gradually expanding a portion of the tubular element by moving an expander through the tubular element in the direction of the moving device, whereby a transition zone of the tubular element is defined between the expanded and unexpanded portions of the tubular element and; upon contact of the transition zone with the moving device, continuing movement of the expander through the tubular element so as to move the moving device in an axial direction along the tubular element whereby the moving device activates the downhole system.