Abstract: A satellite communications system includes a satellite configured to communicate with terminals, a station configured to communicate signals intended for the terminals to the satellite via a plurality of feeder links and a beamformer including an input multi-port hybrid matrix (MPHM) and a complementary output MPHM in a signal path with the plurality of feeder links. The output MPHM is positioned at the satellite and coupled to the input MPHM via the plurality of feeder links. For example, the input MPHM may be positioned at a ground-based satellite gateway. The input and output MPHMs may be configured to implement fully populated signal transformation matrices that collectively provide a substantially diagonal signal transformation matrix.

Abstract: One or more flapper valve assemblies are placed in a casing string extending through one or more hydrocarbon bearing intervals. The flapper valve assemblies are placed between some of the hydrocarbon bearing intervals. In an open or inoperative position, the flapper valve assemblies are full opening compared to the casing string. The hydrocarbon bearing intervals are stimulated, typically by fracing, starting with the bottom zone. The flapper valve assembly immediately above the stimulated interval is manipulated to allow it to close, preventing downward flow in the well and thereby isolating the lower stimulated interval so an upper interval can be stimulated. The well is easy to put on production because the flapper valves will normally open simply by opening the well at the surface.

Abstract: A satellite communications system includes a satellite configured to communicate with terminals, a station configured to communicate signals intended for the terminals to the satellite via a plurality of feeder links and a beamformer including an input multi-port hybrid matrix (MPHM) and a complementary output MPHM in a signal path with the plurality of feeder links. The output MPHM is positioned at the satellite and coupled to the input MPHM via the plurality of feeder links. For example, the input MPHM may be positioned at a ground-based satellite gateway. The input and output MPHMs may be configured to implement fully populated signal transformation matrices that collectively provide a substantially diagonal signal transformation matrix.

Abstract: One or more flapper valve assemblies are placed in a casing string extending through one or more hydrocarbon bearing intervals. The flapper valve assemblies are placed between some of the hydrocarbon bearing intervals. In an open or inoperative position, the flapper valve assemblies are full opening compared to the casing string. The hydrocarbon bearing intervals are stimulated, typically by fracing, starting with the bottom zone. The flapper valve assembly immediately above the stimulated interval is manipulated to allow it to close, preventing downward flow in the well and thereby isolating the lower stimulated interval so an upper interval can be stimulated. The well is easy to put on production because the flapper valves will normally open simply by opening the well at the surface.