Abstract: A method of concurrently retorting dissimilar hydrocarbonaceous resource streams comprising at least two rotary kilns arranged in a series and closely coupled in an air-tight continuous process flow configuration so as to create a virtual singular rotary kiln yet having distinct residence times and temperature differentials and material processing zones also having continuous thermal coupling and process efficiency achieved by passing along from the first rotary kiln all of the hot spent inorganic waste materials between and into the at least second rotary kiln to then have other dissimilar hydrocarbonaceous matter added therein and differentially heated until the hot inorganic waste materials are released from the at least the second rotary kiln and the increasing residual waste matter volume generated in the combined serial process is ultimately discharged into a secondary heat recovery system.

Abstract: A method of concurrently retorting dissimilar hydrocarbonaceous resource streams comprising at least two rotary kilns arranged in a series and closely coupled in an air-tight continuous process flow configuration so as to create a virtual singular rotary kiln yet having distinct residence times and temperature differentials and material processing zones also having continuous thermal coupling and process efficiency achieved by passing along from the first rotary kiln all of the hot spent inorganic waste materials between and into the at least second rotary kiln to then have other dissimilar hydrocarbonaceous matter added therein and differentially heated until the hot inorganic waste materials are released from the at least the second rotary kiln and the increasing residual waste matter volume generated in the combined serial process is ultimately discharged into a secondary heat recovery system.

Abstract: A business method for deferring federal corporate income tax, whereby a pass-through entity, such as an LLC, is linked to an FT Corporation, which functions as a portable subset of a tribal reservation. Such a structure enables investors to participate as direct equity shareholders in the pass-through entity, thereby ensuring their right to vote as a minor or majority equity interest holders. The structure also enables those investors to participate as virtual equity shareholders in the FT Corporation, so that they can enjoy the tax-exempt status and other financial benefits that have been conferred upon FT Corporations by the Federal Government as a means to help Indian Tribes achieve economic self-determination, without those business entities being disqualified for such special treatment.

Abstract: I have discovered a way to improve the sound of musical instruments that utilize a soundboard or sound generating surface such as found in stringed musical instruments. I accomplished this by establishing a pronounced textured acoustical diffusing surface to one or more of the overall surfaces of the vibrating sound generating surface or soundboard of a stringed musical instrument creating greater surface area from which to generate greater acoustic energy. The result-compared to existing methods of improving the performance of soundboards of stringed musical instruments-is improved volume, timbre, projection, and tonality and sustain of the acoustical sounds produced by the stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the machine-to-machine and temporal (e.g., inter and intra-machine) and database consistency of coronary calcium scoring by applying a filtering algorithm that sharpens and/or smoothes the image so as to return a filtered image having a spatial resolution of a certain reference value.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the machine-to-machine and temporal (e.g., inter and intra-machine) and database consistency of coronary calcium scoring by applying a filtering algorithm that sharpens and/or smoothes the image so as to return a filtered image having a spatial resolution of a certain reference value.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention create enhanced investment returns for investors by utilizing standard insurance products and recognizing the actuarial expectation of death for lives within a pool of insured lives. In the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, a pooled investment entity, which is a tax “pass through” entity, invests in life insurance policies or otherwise secures life insurance policies placed on lives in a pool of insured lives. A projected return is calculated on an actuarial basis and actual returns are paid based on the experience of deaths in the pool of insured lives.

Abstract: I have discovered a way to improve the sound of musical instruments that utilize a soundboard or sound generating surface such as found in stringed musical instruments. I accomplished this by establishing a pronounced textured acoustical diffusing surface to one or more of the overall surfaces of the vibrating sound generating surface or soundboard of a stringed musical instrument creating greater surface area from which to generate greater acoustic energy. The result-compared to existing methods of improving the performance of soundboards of stringed musical instruments-is improved volume, timbre, projection, and tonality and sustain of the acoustical sounds produced by the stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: An inherently de-coupled sandwiched solenoidal array coil (SSAC) is disclosed for use in receiving nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) radio frequency (RF) signals in both horizontal and vertical-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. In its most basic configuration, the SSAC comprises two coaxial RF receive coils. The first coil of the array has two solenoidal (or loop) sections that are separated from one another along a common axis. The two sections are electrically connected in series but the conductors in each section are wound in opposite directions so that a current through the coil sets up a magnetic field of opposite polarity in each section. The second coil of the SSAC is disposed (“sandwiched”) between the two separated solenoidal sections of the first coil in a region where the combined opposing magnetic fields cancel to become a null.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the machine-to-machine and temporal (e.g., inter and intra-machine) and database consistency of coronary calcium scoring by applying a filtering algorithm that sharpens and/or smoothes the image so as to return a filtered image having a spatial resolution of a certain reference value.

Abstract: An inherently de-coupled sandwiched solenoidal array coil (SSAC) is disclosed for use in receiving nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) radio frequency (RF) signals in both horizontal and vertical-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. In its most basic configuration, the SSAC comprises two coaxial RF receive coils. The first coil of the array has two solenoidal (or loop) sections that are separated from one another along a common axis. The two sections are electrically connected in series but the conductors in each section are wound in opposite directions so that a current through the coil sets up a magnetic field of opposite polarity in each section. The second coil of the SSAC is disposed (“sandwiched”) between the two separated solenoidal sections of the first coil in a region where the combined opposing magnetic fields cancel to become a null.

Abstract: An RF coil array arrangement for enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the breast or spine regions of prone and supine patients within a vertically oriented B0 field is disclosed. Several RF coil array embodiments are disclosed that provide for both generating a nuclei nutation field pulse and acquiring nuclear magnetic resonance signals when functioning in an MRI apparatus environment that employs a vertical main magnetic field. A coil array may include one or more RF coils that are intended to be oriented such that their primary B field direction(s) are perpendicular to the vertical magnetic field of the MRI apparatus. Each coil array may further include one or more single loop or solenoidal coil(s) that are oriented having their central or longitudinal axis aligned parallel to the vertical main magnetic field so as to make advantageous use of non-axial field components associated with the coil(s) to further generate and receive desired NMR signal components.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method and apparatus is disclosed for quantitating water and fat content of tissues using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) image data of the tissues and for producing an images indicative of the fat and water fractions of the total water and fat content of the tissues. To reduce the overall scanning time, a quadruple field-echo imaging scan sequence is used to acquire the image data. Each imaging sequence comprises an initial slice-selective RF excitation pulse followed by four magnetic field read-out gradient pulses and the acquisition of four separate field-echoes. Each field-echo is generated through the controlled timing and polarity of an applied read gradient. The period of time between field-echoes (T) is selected according to the chemical-shift difference between water and fat signals so that the two signals develop between them an angular phase difference of .pi. radians (180.degree.) during the inter-echo time.

Abstract: An RF coil for an MRI system is self-supported by the formed conductor used to make the coil itself. A high-strength, high-conductive, stiff, internally self-supporting Cu-ag alloy may be used.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for improving hand-eye coordination in a baseball player to improve swing and targeting of the ball. The invention includes a device for presenting a fixed target to the ballplayer which corresponds to the location of the incoming ball at the time that it should be struck by the bat, as well as a method for training the player with the use of this device. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the target is held in a fixed position with respect to the upper lead arm of the player, by means of a mechanical linkage. The target position is selected by having the player extend his arms as if swinging to hit a ball and placing the marker at the position of the "sweet-spot" of the bat. The player uses the device to practice positioning his body so that the pitched ball consistently hits the target.

Abstract: An economic and practical MRI magnet structure defines a patient imaging volume that permits greater access to the patient and reduces patient claustrophobia. The opening of the magnet structure is larger than a central region of the magnet. In one example embodiment, a tubular magnet structure flares out at one or both ends and may approximate a hyperboloid of revolution.

Abstract: Static magnet pole tips for a MRI system in which the static magnet pole tips are cut from a slug of spirally wound ferromagnetic material. The static magnet pole tips are cut from the spirally wound slug such that the static magnet pole tips have no or few semi-closed loops of ferromagnetic material. The static magnet pole tips can be used individually, or can be stacked for strength and symmetry.

Abstract: An RF coil tuning circuit is disclosed in which two banks of parallel capacitive branches are provided. Each capacitive branch includes a fixed value capacitor, a relay and a PIN diode connected in series. An impedance of the tuning circuit is adjusted to the optimum VSWR=1 condition by first switching the eight PIN diodes to learn which open/closed condition applies the fixed value capacitors in the optimum combination. Then, the PIN diodes are all closed and the optimum combination is applied using the open/closed states of the relays.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system is described. The nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system includes an RF transmit device formed as two rectangular coils arranged in planes orthogonal to one another and formed by two U-shaped loops. The U-shaped loops improve B.sub.1 field homogeneity in the vertical direction. The rectangular coils may be used in a four post MRI device to improve access to the body being imaged.

Abstract: Switched magnetic fields (in addition to the usual pulsed magnetic gradient fields) aiding and/or opposing the usual constant static magnetic field B.sub.o are utilized so as to increase the signal-to-noise ratio for given available imaging sequence times and/or to provide special imaging effects.