APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING IN SETTING A DOWNHOLE TOOL IN A WELL BORE

摘要

In some embodiments, apparatus useful for preventing the premature setting of upper slips of a downhole tool in a well bore prior to reaching the desired setting location in the well bore includes at least one locking mechanism and at least one sleeve. The locking mechanism is configured in a first position to prevent the upper slips from engaging the well bore wall before being positioned at the desired setting location in the well bore and is moveable into a second position that allows the upper slips to be moved into engagement with the well bore wall. A sleeve is moveable axially in the direction of the lower end of the downhole tool and configured to move the locking mechanism from its first to its second positions and also to move the upper slips axially relative to the downhole tool into engagement with the well bore wall.