Importance

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Abstract

There are disclosed several embodiments of an inflatable tool of the type comprising a mandrel adapted to be raised and lowered within a well bore and an inflatable element including a sleeve of elastomeric material surrounding a tubular section of the mandrel and anchored at its ends to upper and lower heads which are disposed about the tubular section and relatively movable longitudinally toward and away from one another, upon inflation of the sleeve, as well as substantially flat reinforcing strips of sheet metal or other relatively rigid but flexible material which are arranged about the sleeve with their side edges in overlapping relation and with their ends anchored to the heads so that the strips flex outwardly with the sleeve to cause the inflatable element to engage a wall of the well bore.

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First Claim