Improved inflatable packers are provided. A packer may be constructed from
hybrid structures including slat structures and weave structures. A
packer may include a bladder and a cover, with a plurality of slats
disposed therebetween, and/or a weave structure or anti-extrusion layer
disposed therebetween. The slats may vary in width and thickness, and be
provided with a plurality of reinforcement members. The reinforcement
members may be longitudinally and/or transversely disposed in the slats.
One or more of the various components of the packer preferably include a
fiber, a wire, a cable, a nanofiber, a nanotube, and/or a nanoparticle
modified elastomer. Anchors may be attached to or embedded in the outer
cover. The packer may include a carcass having an end coupling including
a plurality of slats. Improved packer cups are also disclosed, and
preferably include a body member reinforced with a nanotube or similar
material.