Abstract: Golf ball locators and components of such locators and methods of operating such locators and processing signals within such locators. In one aspect of the inventions described herein, an exemplary method of initializing a golf ball locator includes receiving received RF signals while also transmitting signals used to locate balls and determining a parameter representative of received signal strength of the received RF signals and setting a threshold to determine when subsequent received signals are to cause an indication of golf ball detection. In another aspect of this disclosure, the golf ball locator is a handheld unit having a volume of less than about 150 inches cubed and includes a transmitter, a transmit antenna, a receiver, a receive antenna and a processor coupled to the transmitter and to the receiver, and the handheld unit achieves a signal isolation, between a second harmonic of a transmitted signal from the transmitter and the receiver's received signal, of greater than about 130 to 160 dB.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method of using life insurance to generate income for a property owner, the property owner's estate, and/or a developer of the land held by the property owner. One operation is identifying an insurable interest associated with a property and an individual with a property interest. Another operation is entering into a contractual relationship to create an insurable interest between a third party and the individual with a property interest to provide income to the individual with a property interest. Life insurance can be acquired on the life of the individual with a property interest in response to the contractual agreement. A face value of the life insurance is based at least in part on the property value. A financing party can also be permitted to pay premiums for the life insurance. The individual with a property interest can be paid at least a portion of the face value of the life insurance at least as early as a death benefit is paid.

Abstract: Golf balls for use with a system for finding golf balls and methods for making such golf balls. In the case of one exemplary golf ball, the ball includes a shell, a core material and a tag having a diode which is coupled to an antenna which has at least a portion formed from an elastic conductive material, such as an elastic conductive ink. The core material may include a void for receiving at least part of the diode. Other golf balls are described and methods for making balls are also described.

Abstract: Antenna systems for golf balls which can be found with a system for finding golf balls. In the case of one exemplary antenna system, a golf ball includes a first tag which includes a first antenna patterned as a first radial transmission line and a second tag which includes a second antenna patterned as a second radial transmission line wherein the first radial transmission line is arranged substantially orthogonal relative to the second radial transmission line. Other exemplary antenna systems are described.

Abstract: A method of encouraging the formation of conservation easements on real property is disclosed. The method comprises identifying a parcel of real property owned by a first party and suitable for securing a conservation easement wherein the first party is unable to utilize a maximum monetary value generated by the conservation easement; selling an interest in the identified parcel of real property to an intermediate party qualified to receive maximum tax deduction benefit for the conservation easement; processing the conservation easement on the parcel of real property with proper government authorities; and exchanging at least a portion of the monetary value in the real property with the conservation easement to the intermediate party for consideration less than the maximum monetary value.