Patent attributes
A downhole tool, such as a sliding sleeve, is operable with pressure applied against one of a plurality of plugs deployed in the tool. A sleeve can engage the deployed plugs and can move with the engagement. The sleeve extends in an absence of external support and releases the engaged plug. An indexing mechanism operable between the sleeve and an insert in the tool moves with the sleeve in response to the engagement with the deployed plugs and counts those engagements. In response to a predetermined count, the indexing mechanism forms the external support of the one deployed plug engaged in the sleeve and moves the insert with the pressure applied against the one deployed plug, which is engaged in the sleeve and supported by the indexing mechanism. For example, the insert can move open in the tool relative to a flow port communicating outside the tool.
