Abstract: A system and a method for therapeutic treatment of biological tissue using weak magnetic fields. In accordance with one embodiment, the system comprises: a magnetic field transducer for transducing electrical currents into magnetic fields; a sheet or disk made of high-permeability material and disposed on one side of the magnetic field transducer, but removable therefrom; and a current source coupled to the magnetic field transducer for supplying electrical current thereto. A magnetic beam produced by the interaction of the sheet of high-permeability material with a magnetic field produced by the magnetic field transducer has a profile which is a function of the composition, geometry and thickness of the high-permeability material. Preferably the high-permeability material has a relative permeability value greater than 10,000.

Abstract: A system and a method for therapeutic treatment of biological tissue using weak magnetic fields. In accordance with one embodiment, the system comprises: a magnetic field transducer for transducing electrical currents into magnetic fields; a sheet or disk made of high-permeability material and disposed on one side of the magnetic field transducer, but removable therefrom; and a current source coupled to the magnetic field transducer for supplying electrical current thereto. A magnetic beam produced by the interaction of the sheet of high-permeability material with a magnetic field produced by the magnetic field transducer has a profile which is a function of the composition, geometry and thickness of the high-permeability material. Preferably the high-permeability material has a relative permeability value greater than 10,000.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias using a weak pulsed magnetic field. A transducer that emits electromagnetic radiation of a prescribed frequency and peak intensity is placed on the patient's chest and, as a result, the weak electromagnetic field can cause activation, reactivation, inhibition or remodeling of electrophysiological change in cardiac tissue in an irradiated heart. This treatment method has wide application for use in patients who experience cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: A method for providing a trading platform over the Internet or other network that allows users to participate in competitive virtual trading of securities and/or derivatives, wherein the monetary returns of the participants are based on their relative performances. All of the participants must register and deposit monies in an account with the trading platform provider. The platform provider will control the crediting and debiting of each account based on the results of each competition.

Abstract: A method of a user interacting with an Internet, comprising: tracking interactions of the user with an Internet; analyzing said tracked interactions to determine at least one aspect of a user's interaction with the Internet; and modifying future interactions of said user with said Internet, responsive to said determined aspect, wherein said modified interactions comprise site-content related interactions with a plurality of unrelated sites. Preferably, the aspect is adapted in real-time to reflect changes in the tracked interactions.

Abstract: A method of preconditioning a potentially ischemic myocardium or treating a myocardium under an ischemic distress event is disclosed. The method comprises exposing the myocardium to an alternating magnetic field at a frequency of from 15.5N Hz to about 16.5N Hz or from 7.8 Hz to 8.2 Hz and duration selected so as to activate potassium ATP channels in the myocardium, wherein N is a positive integer.

Abstract: A method of a user interacting with an Internet, comprising: tracking interactions of the user with an Internet; analyzing said tracked interactions to determine at least one aspect of a user's interaction with the Internet; and modifying future interactions of said user with said Internet, responsive to said determined aspect, wherein said modified interactions comprise site-content related interactions with a plurality of unrelated sites. Preferably, the aspect is adapted in real-time to reflect changes in the tracked interactions.

Abstract: A method of a user interacting with an Internet, comprising: tracking interactions of the user with an Internet; analyzing said tracked interactions to determine at least one aspect of a user's interaction with the Internet; and modifying future interactions of said user with said Internet, responsive to said determined aspect, wherein said modified interactions comprise site-content related interactions with a plurality of unrelated sites. Preferably, the aspect is adapted in real-time to reflect changes in the tracked interactions.

Abstract: A method for providing a trading platform over the Internet or other network that allows users to participate in competitive virtual trading of securities and/or derivatives, wherein the monetary returns of the participants are based on their relative performances. All of the participants must register and deposit monies in an account with the trading platform provider. The platform provider will control the crediting and debiting of each account based on the results of each competition.

Abstract: A method of taxation comprising the following steps: changing consumption tax rates at short intervals of time; applying the consumption tax rate in effect to every taxable transaction that occurs during that short interval of time; setting progressive income tax rates to be in effect for a long interval of time; and applying the progressive tax rate in effect to all taxpayer yearly incomes equal to or greater than a predetermined progressive tax minimum income. Taxpayers who file a statement declaring yearly income less than a consumption tax minimum income will receive a refund of consumption taxes paid; while those who file a statement declaring yearly income equal to or greater than the consumption tax minimum income, but less than the progressive tax minimum income, will receive a rebate or credit for consumption taxes that is regressive. Surplus consumption tax revenue is held in a buffer reserve and later used during intervals of time during which a shortfall in consumption tax revenue has occurred.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophic heart failure, hypertropic cardiomyopathy, atrial or ventricular brady-arrhythmias (slow heart rate), atrial flutter-fibrillation and similar cardiac ailments, as well as peripheral vascular disease and hypertension, using a weak pulsed magnetic field or a very weak magnetic field. A transducer that emits weak electromagnetic radiation is placed on the patient's chest or legs and, as a result the very weak electromagnetic field can cause activation, reactivation, inhibition or remodeling of electrophysiological change in cardiac tissue in an irradiated heart or vessels. This treatment method has wide application for use in patients with various heart and vascular ailments.

Abstract: A method of pre-paid Internet access, comprising: accessing an Internet using a prepaid account, which access deducts from a balance of said account; and performing one or more activities while connected to said Internet, which activities modify said balance additionally to said accessing. These activities may increase or decrease the balance.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making least-cost non-local telephone calls. In accordance with this method, an identification code of a customer and a plurality of carrier codes associated with the identification code are stored in a memory which is accessible by a computer at a universal exchange. Each carrier code identifies a respective one of a plurality of telephone call carriers. Subsequent to the storing step, the universal exchange receives the customer identification code and a destination telephone number by means of a telephone call from the customer. The computer at the universal exchange processes the destination telephone number and the plurality of carrier codes corresponding to the customer identification code in accordance with respective rate schedules for those carriers and a least-cost routing algorithm, thereby determining a least-cost carrier for connecting the customer to the station identified by the destination telephone number.

Abstract: A gem holder for magnifying and enhancing the appearance of gems set therein. The gem is set within the magnifying gem holder so that the girdle of the gem is recessed below the topmost edge of the holder. The gem holder is highly polished and is coated with a reflective coating near its top. The appearance of the gem set within the gem holder is magnified as the light reflected by the topmost portion of the gem holder appears to be the light from a gem the size of the gem holder, and not the smaller gem held. The gem holder may be incorporated into earrings, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and the like.