Abstract: Provided is a crossbow riser that may comprise a plurality of cells defined by walls. The walls may consist essentially of a material wherein the yield tensile strength at 0.2% strain is greater than 780 MPa, and either the specific strength is greater than 200 kN·m/kg, or the density is less than 6.0 g/cc. The cells may collectively define a first volume. The walls may collectively define a second volume. The ratio of the first volume to the second volume may be greater than 1.5.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide a virtual peripheral hub and services enabling remote access to peripherals commonly connected to personal computers in a manner that simplifies device networking. A virtual peripheral hub device may include a processor and wireless communication transceivers configured to connect to cellular and/or WiFi networks to access a remote server, and wired and/or wireless local networks for connecting to peripheral devices. The virtual peripheral hub device may plug into a power source (e.g., a wall socket or cigarette lighter), connect to a peripheral device, and be configured to enable any computer attached to a local area network or the Internet to use or access the peripheral device. An associated server-based service enables discovery of the virtual peripheral hub device and connected peripherals. The associated server-based server may provide the drivers for various peripherals, store and forward data, and provide remote access to the various peripherals.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: Provided is a crossbow riser that may comprise a plurality of cells defined by walls. The walls may consist essentially of a material wherein the yield tensile strength at 0.2% strain is greater than 780 MPa, and either the specific strength is greater than 200 kN·m/kg, or the density is less than 6.0 g/cc. The cells may collectively define a first volume. The walls may collectively define a second volume. The ratio of the first volume to the second volume may be greater than 1.5.

Abstract: A device for allowing a crossbow to be released from a drawn position without damaging the crossbow. The device may comprise an elongated member having a substantially cylindrical shape that can be positioned on the upper surface of the barrel of a crossbow. The device may comprise a notched end shaped to receive the bowstring of the crossbow and allows the device to be projected by the bowstring upon actuation of the crossbow's trigger lever.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide a virtual peripheral hub and services enabling remote access to peripherals commonly connected to personal computers in a manner that simplifies device networking. A virtual peripheral hub device may include a processor and wireless communication transceivers configured to connect to cellular and/or WiFi networks to access a remote server, and wired and/or wireless local networks for connecting to peripheral devices. The virtual peripheral hub device may plug into a power source (e.g., a wall socket or cigarette lighter), connect to a peripheral device, and be configured to enable any computer attached to a local area network or the Internet to use or access the peripheral device. An associated server-based service enables discovery of the virtual peripheral hub device and connected peripherals. The associated server-based server may provide the drivers for various peripherals, store and forward data, and provide remote access to the various peripherals.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: A device for allowing a crossbow to be released from a drawn position without damaging the crossbow. The device may comprise an elongated member having a substantially cylindrical shape that can be positioned on the upper surface of the barrel of a crossbow. The device may comprise a notched end shaped to receive the bowstring of the crossbow and allows the device to be projected by the bowstring upon actuation of the crossbow's trigger lever.