Abstract: Embodiments of a sleeve assembly, used for stimulating multiple stages in a completion string has a lower shifting sleeve and an upper shifting sleeve and stimulation ports formed therebetween. The sleeves are caused to shift by progressively larger objects pumped through a bore of the completion string and engaging seats formed thereon. The seat on the lower sleeve is a releasable seat. When shifted the lower sleeve opens the stimulation ports. The seat on the upper sleeve is sized to accept the same size object as is required to engage and shift the lower sleeve on the stage uphole therefrom to close the ports. Thereby, stimulation ports are opened and closed without increasing a number of objects required to stimulate the wellbore. Further, as the ports at each stage below the stage being stimulated are closed, the objects are not required to isolate the bore therebelow.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sleeve assembly, used for stimulating multiple stages in a completion string has a lower shifting sleeve and an upper shifting sleeve and stimulation ports formed therebetween. The sleeves are caused to shift by progressively larger objects pumped through a bore of the completion string and engaging seats formed thereon. The seat on the lower sleeve is a releasable seat. When shifted the lower sleeve opens the stimulation ports. The seat on the upper sleeve is sized to accept the same size object as is required to engage and shift the lower sleeve on the stage uphole therefrom to close the ports. Thereby, stimulation ports are opened and closed without increasing a number of objects required to stimulate the wellbore. Further, as the ports at each stage below the stage being stimulated are closed, the objects are not required to isolate the bore therebelow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiplexed matrix alternating current electroluminescent display, comprising an array of matrix addressed capacitively switchable electroluminescent pixels, with each capacitively switchable electroluminescent pixel including an electroluminescent pixel and a circuit element connected in electrical series with the electroluminescent pixel. The circuit element is switchable between an electrically insulating capacitive state and an electrically conducting state depending upon a voltage applied across the capacitively switchable electroluminescent pixel. The matrix multiplexed electroluminescent (EL) display with the low capacitance switching device in electrical series with the electroluminescent pixels reduces column displacement currents, thereby reducing power consumption. Refresh times can also be reduced so that the size and resolution of passive matrix electroluminescent displays can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiplexed matrix alternating current electroluminescent display, comprising an array of matrix addressed capacitively switchable electroluminescent pixels, with each capacitively switchable electroluminescent pixel including an electroluminescent pixel and a circuit element connected in electrical series with the electroluminescent pixel. The circuit element is switchable between an electrically insulating capacitive state and an electrically conducting state depending upon a voltage applied across the capacitively switchable electroluminescent pixel. The matrix multiplexed electroluminescent (EL) display with the low capacitance switching device in electrical series with the electroluminescent pixels reduces column displacement currents, thereby reducing power consumption. Refresh times can also be reduced so that the size and resolution of passive matrix electroluminescent displays can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in situ, low dose and noninvasive method and device for estimating bone mineral content of trabecular bones, particularly the calcaneus. The method of estimating bone mineral content involves measuring the intensity of X-rays backscattered from the calcaneus and estimating the calcium content from this intensity. In one embodiment the X-ray source is a small x-ray tube that provides a continuous energy spectrum of X-rays. The intensity of backscattered X-rays from the soft tissue covering the trabecular bone, preferably the calcaneus, is compensated for by directly measuring the thickness of the soft tissue. Alternatively the soft tissue thickness can be measured directly along with the bone mineral content from the backscattered X-rays by measuring intensity over an energy range and correlating these results with a model of backscattering from a trabecular bone covered with a layer of soft tissue.

Abstract: A training device for ice skaters comprising a ring-like gripping member connected to the upper ends of a plurality of support legs. The lower ends of the support legs are secured to a pair of spaced parallel runners. A downwardly and forwardly-extending axially-resilient steering column is secured to the gripping member and carries a front runner which is rotatable to steer the device. The legs of the device are adjustable in length.