Abstract: A extensible guide that includes a body (10) and means for securing a tube (12) to the body. The body is in the shape of a helix with a substantially constant radius of curvature along the length of the body. The body is axially resiliently deformable between: (i) a neutral condition, in which the body is not subject to axial compressive or tensile forces; (ii) an extended condition, in which the body is subject to an axial tensile force; and (iii) a retracted condition, in which the body is subject to an axial compressive force. When the body is in the neutral condition, the extended condition or the retracted condition, the radius of curvature of the body remains substantially constant along the length of the body.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method enables consumers to purchase products or services from merchants using consumer loyalty programs. The method is implemented in a computer system communicating with client devices operated by consumers and merchants. The method features: (a) transmitting a deal to client devices operated by consumers, the deal enabling consumers to purchase a given product or service from one of a set of one or more merchants; (b) receiving from a client device operated by a consumer a deal purchase including consumer payment information for the given product or service; (c) associating the deal purchase with an identifier of a loyalty program account of the consumer in one or more loyalty programs of the set of one or more merchants; and (d) notifying at least one of the set of one or more merchants of the deal purchase such that the consumer can be credited for the deal purchase.