Abstract: When a system tries to access a network (e.g., another system, an application, data, or the like) at least two-factor authentication may be used to validate the system. At least one authentication factor may include utilizing authentication credentials of the entity or system accessing the network. At least a second authentication factor may include using an environment hash of the system, which is a representation of the configuration (e.g., hardware, software, or the like) on the system trying to access the network. The environment hash may be compared to hash requirements (e.g., authorized environment hashes, unauthorized environment hashes, or the like) to aid in the validation. The system may only access the network when both the authentication credentials and the environment hashes meet requirements.

Abstract: A digital/virtual gift product is provided for generation and customization by a giver through a service provider and for receipt by a recipient for use with a merchant. The digital/virtual gift product includes: a representation of a monetary gift value selected by the giver and depicted on the digital/virtual gift product for use and redemption with a preselected merchant; a merchant identification depicted on the digital/virtual gift product to identify the preselected merchant, selected by the giver, and at which preselected merchant the digital/virtual gift product is redeemable; and a giver identification to identify the giver of the digital/virtual gift product to the recipient and to the merchant. At least one system and associated methods also are disclosed for creating, customizing, and tracking multiple digital/virtual gift products.

Abstract: An instructional aid device is provided. The device includes a plurality of individual pages which can be fixed or removably secured within a binder or binding. The individual pages include various instructions that can be used for any type of product assembly, directions on a do-it-yourself project, and educational manuals. One embodiment of the instructions is a cookbook that includes recipes for cooking different types of foods. Each instruction page includes a scannable code that is configured to automatically redirect the scanning device, such as a smartphone, to a website that includes instructional information. The device is configured to automatically display parts or ingredient types and amounts in the screen background over time, in order to provide continuous instruction to the user while they are executing a project or preparing the recipe.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for applying tension to string-like material includes a first member having a first handle section and a first engaging section opposite the handle section facing a first direction for receiving and engaging a first strand. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member and has a second handle section and a second engaging section opposite the second handle section. The second engaging section faces a second direction opposite the first direction for receiving and engaging a second strand, and moving the handle sections of the first and second members towards each other urges the first and second engaging sections apart. The first strand can be attached to the second strand so that when the first and second handle sections are moved toward each other the first and second engaging sections move away from each other thereby tensioning the first strand.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for applying tension to string-like material includes a first member having a first handle section and a first engaging section opposite the handle section facing a first direction for receiving and engaging a first strand. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member and has a second handle section and a second engaging section opposite the second handle section. The second engaging section faces a second direction opposite the first direction for receiving and engaging a second strand, and moving the handle sections of the first and second members towards each other urges the first and second engaging sections apart. The first strand can be attached to the second strand so that when the first and second handle sections are moved toward each other the first and second engaging sections move away from each other thereby tensioning the first strand.

Abstract: An archery target includes a cylindrical body having a substantially circular top surface, a substantially circular base surface, and an intermediate section extending between the top surface and base surface. The target can be made by winding at least one layer of a flexible material, such as polyurethane foam, to form the cylindrical body. The target can be positioned such that the top surface faces upward and the base surface faces downward, and the user shoots arrows at the intermediate section. After a substantial number of arrows have been shot into the particular area of the intermediate section facing the user, the target can be rotated to expose a previously unused and unblemished area of the intermediate section of the target for further target practice. The target can be part of a kit that includes instructions for using the target accordingly.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for applying tension to string-like material includes a first member having a first handle section and a first engaging section opposite the handle section facing a first direction for receiving and engaging a first strand. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member and has a second handle section and a second engaging section opposite the second handle section. The second engaging section faces a second direction opposite the first direction for receiving and engaging a second strand, and moving the handle sections of the first and second members towards each other urges the first and second engaging sections apart. The first strand can be attached to the second strand so that when the first and second handle sections are moved toward each other the first and second engaging sections move away from each other thereby tensioning the first strand.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for applying tension to string-like material includes a first member having a first handle section and a first engaging section opposite the handle section facing a first direction for receiving and engaging a first strand. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member and has a second handle section and a second engaging section opposite the second handle section. The second engaging section faces a second direction opposite the first direction for receiving and engaging a second strand, and moving the handle sections of the first and second members towards each other urges the first and second engaging sections apart. The first strand can be attached to the second strand so that when the first and second handle sections are moved toward each other the first and second engaging sections move away from each other thereby tensioning the first strand.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for applying tension to string-like material includes a first member having a first handle section and a first engaging section opposite the handle section facing a first direction for receiving and engaging a first strand. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member and has a second handle section and a second engaging section opposite the second handle section. The second engaging section faces a second direction opposite the first direction for receiving and engaging a second strand, and moving the handle sections of the first and second members towards each other urges the first and second engaging sections apart. The first strand can be attached to the second strand so that when the first and second handle sections are moved toward each other the first and second engaging sections move away from each other thereby tensioning the first strand.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the storing of digital, information, This storage system comprises a number of layers of transparent or translucent material. In each layer there is a chemical or chemicals subject to change by being contacted with different electromagnetic wave lengths. For example, if there be eight layers then the chemical or chemicals in any layer is subject to be changed by an electromagnetic radiation of a wave length different than for any of the other seven layers. In this manner, with eight layers it is possible to have an eight bit byte. Actually, under premutations and combinations it is possible to have as many as eight bit bytes from the eight layers. It is conceivable that there may be more than eight layers such as sixteen layers of thirty-two layers. There is the possibility of storing large amounts of information in a small volumn.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the storing of digital information. This storage system comprises a number of layers of transparent or translucent material. In each layer there is a chemical or chemicals subject to change by being contacted with different electromagnetic wave lengths. For example, if there be eight layers then the chemical or chemicals in any layer is subject to be changed by an electromagnetic radiation of a wave length different than of the other seven layers. In this manner, with eight layers it is possible to have an eight bit byte. Actually, under premutations and combinations it is possible to have as many as eight bit bytes from the eight layers. It is conceivable that there may be more than eight layers such as sixteen layers of thirty-two layers. There is the possibility of storing large amounts of information in a small volume.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the storing of digital information. This storage system comprises a number of layers of transparent or translucent material. In each layer there is a chemical or chemicals subject to change by being contacted with different electromagnetic wave lengths. For example, if there be eight layers then the chemical or chemicals in any layer is subject to be changed by an electromagnetic radiation of a wave length different than for any of the other seven layers. In this manner, with eight layers it is possible to have an eight bit byte. Actually, under premutations and combinations it is possible to have as many as eight bit bytes from the eight layers. It is conceivable that there may be more than eight layers such as sixteen layers of thirty-two layers. There is the possibility of storing large amounts of information in a small volume.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the storing of digital information. This storage system comprises a number of layers of transparent or translucent material. In each layer there is a chemical or chemicals subject to change by being contacted with different electromagnetic wave lengths. For example, if there be eight layers then the chemical or chemicals in any layer is subject to be changed by an electromagnetic radiation of a wave length different than for any of the other seven layers. In this manner, with eight layers it is possible to have an eight bit byte. Actually, under premutations and combinations it is possible to have as many as eight bit bytes from the eight layers. It is conceivable that there may be more than eight layers such as sixteen layers of thirty-two layers. There is the possibility of storing large amounts of information in a small volume. This patent application is a continuation-in-part patent application of co-pending patent application Ser. No.