Patent Publication Number: US-8528535-B2

Title: Archery apparatus, system, and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/780,394 filed May 14, 2010. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for wirelessly controlling and/or selecting for activation one or more accessory devices for an archery apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to circuitry for wirelessly controlling and/or selecting for activation one or more electrical accessory devices for a compound archery bow. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various disclosed embodiments (i.e., one, some, or all) of the present invention relate to a compound archery bow comprising: a bow string; and an elongate body operatively coupled to the bow string. The body can include an integrated selector, a grip portion having an integrated momentary switch, an integrated stabilizer mounting port, and a plurality of accessory attachment ports. Optionally, the momentary switch can include a wireless transmitter and the selector can include a wireless transceiver, wherein the momentary switch and the selector can be configured to communicate wirelessly with each other via the transmitter and transceiver. Optionally, the selector can be configured to selectively control wireless communication from the momentary switch for one or more electronic accessory devices mechanically coupled to respective accessory attachment ports, and the momentary switch can be configured to be activated so as to activate one or more of the electronic accessory devices mechanically coupled to respective accessory attachment ports based on the selective control of the selector. One or more electronic accessory devices can each include a receiver to receive wireless communication from the compound archery bow. Optionally, the one or more electronic accessory devices can receive wireless communication from the selector based on communication from the transmitter of the momentary switch. The selector can include visual indicators to indicate selective control of the one or more electronic accessory devices. The momentary switch can be configured to be activated by a user of the bow. The electronic accessory devices can include at least one of a light, a stabilizing light, a spot light, a video device, a photographic device, an audio enhancement device, a reel device, a game calling device, a range finder device, a sighting device, and a lighted quiver device. Optionally, when one of the electronic accessory devices includes a stabilizing light, the stabilizer mounting port can be mechanically coupled to the stabilizing light, and the stabilizing light can be wirelessly controlled by the selector and the momentary switch. Optionally, upon activation, power to the one or more electronic accessory devices mechanically coupled to respective accessory attachment ports based on the selective control of the selector can be provided from respective power sources of the one or more electronic accessory devices. Optionally, the one or more electronic accessory devices can receive wireless communication from the transmitter of the momentary switch based a selection configuration of the selector. The selector can be configured to allow none, only one, only some, or all electronic accessory devices to be operated at one time, with each said electronic accessory device having its own control frequency associated therewith. 
     Various embodiments also include an archery apparatus comprising: a bow string; and a body operatively coupled to the bow string, wherein the body can include a grip portion, a wireless control device, and one or more accessory ports. Each of the accessory ports can provide a mechanical coupling to the body for respective electrical accessory devices. The wireless control device can be configured to wirelessly control electrical accessory devices coupled to the body, wherein the wireless controlling includes controlling a supply of power. The wireless control device also can be configured to be activated by a user of the archery apparatus, wherein the activation of the wireless control device can provide power to certain electrical accessory devices coupled to the body. Optionally, the supply of power can include power supplies for each of the electrical accessory devices, wherein the power supplies can be respectively provided by the electrical accessory devices, and the wireless control can be provided by one of RF signals or IR signals. The electrical accessory devices can include at least one of a light, a stabilizing light, a spot light, a video device, a photographic device, an audio enhancement device, a reel device, a game calling device, a range finder device, a sighting device, and a lighted quiver device. 
     Various embodiments also can include a system for controlling activation of one or more accessory devices electrically coupled to an archery apparatus. The system can comprise means for wirelessly controlling power supplied to the one or more accessory devices for activation thereof; and means for coupling to a first external body portion of the archery apparatus the means for wirelessly controlling power. Optionally, the system can further comprise means for wirelessly selecting the one or more accessory devices for activation thereof; and means for coupling to a second external body portion of the archery apparatus the means for wirelessly selecting the one or more accessory devices for activation. The means for wirelessly controlling power can include wireless connection means for wirelessly communicating with the means for wirelessly selecting the one or more accessory devices for activation, wherein the wireless connection means can be exposed from the body of the archery apparatus. Optionally, the means for wirelessly selecting the one or more accessory devices for activation can use a plurality of wireless communication channels, each of the one or more accessory device having associated therewith one of the plurality of wireless communication channels. Optionally, the means for wirelessly controlling power can include means for selecting said one or more accessory devices for activation thereof. The means for wirelessly selecting the one or more accessory devices for activation can be configured to selectively allow none, only one, only some, or all electrical accessory devices to be operated substantially simultaneously. 
     Various embodiments can also include a method comprising: coupling a plurality of devices each having an electrical component to respective receptacles of a compound bow; operating one or both of a momentary switch and a selector to selectively and wirelessly control the electrical components of the devices; and prior to operating one or both of a momentary switch and a selector to wirelessly control the electrical component of the device, performing a device discovery operation to identify the devices coupled to the receptacles of the compound bow, the device discovery operation being performed by an electronic controller. Optionally, the device discovery operation can be performed automatically, continuously, and/or periodically by the electronic controller. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The disclosed subject matter will be best understood by reading the ensuing specification in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view drawing of a compound archery bow according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 2  is a close-up view of a portion ‘A’ from  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an electrical or electronic accessory device in the form of a stabilizing light according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 4  is representation of a non-integral system for controlling various electronic or electrical accessory devices coupled to an archery apparatus according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; and 
         FIG. 6  is block diagram of an electronic control device and electrical or electronic accessory devices for wireless communication therebetween according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally speaking, various embodiments of the present invention involve an archery apparatus, such as an archery bow used for hunting game, for example, wherein the archery apparatus can provide for user control and/or activation (wirelessly or otherwise) of one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices coupled to the apparatus, either substantially permanently or removably. The archery apparatus can be “configured” and/or “reconfigured” by coupling thereto any suitable electrical or electronic accessory device. Various embodiments can comprise, for example, an electronic control device for use by a user of the archery apparatus to activate (wirelessly or otherwise) any electrical or electronic device mounted on the archery apparatus with a touch of a button, while at full draw, for instance. Generally speaking, for an electronic control device of wireless type, which can be either substantially permanently or temporarily affixed to the bow  100 , the electronic device can wirelessly communicate with respective wireless receivers associated with one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices to control and/or activate the accessory devices. Optionally, some or all of the wireless receivers can be built in to each of the accessory devices. Alternatively, some or all of the wireless receivers can be part of the bow itself. The wireless communication can be of any suitable format, such as by infrared (“IR”) signals or by radio frequency (“RF”) signals. In such embodiments, the wireless communication interface can be provided in conformance with one or more open or closed wireless technology standards or protocols for exchanging data over short distances, such as, for example, but not limited to, Bluetooth® and/or IEEE 802.15.1 or a wireless local area network (“WLAN”) in conformance with IEEE 802.11. Furthermore, in various embodiments, each electronic or electrical accessory device can be operated wirelessly via its own control frequency. For example, each electronic or electrical accessory device can be operated wirelessly using its own unique communication channel or code, for example, based on a setting or selection of a selector. Optionally, the electronic control device of wireless type can perform a device discovery operation to identify electrical or electronic accessory devices coupled to receptacles or in proximity to the compound bow. In various embodiments the device discovery operation is performed automatically. Optionally, the device discovery operation is performed automatically, continuously, and/or periodically. 
     For example,  FIG. 1  is a side view of a compound bow  100  according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.  FIG. 2  is a close up view of a portion ‘A’ from  FIG. 1 . As noted above, generally, the compound bow  100  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  can provide for user control and/or activation (wirelessly or otherwise) of one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices coupled to the bow  100 , either substantially permanently or removably. 
     Compound bow  100  can comprise a body having an upper limb  102 , a lower limb  104 , a riser  106 , a grip  108 , a stabilizer mounting port  110 , and an arrow rest  112 . The physical arrangement and shapes of the aforementioned features can be such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example, wherein a portion of the bow containing the grip  108 , stabilizer mounting port  110 , and arrow rest  112  is coupled between upper limb  102  and lower limb  104 . The body of the compound bow  100  also may have a cable guard  114  having a cable slide  115  coupled thereto, as well as an idler wheel  116  coupled to upper limb  102 , a cam  118  coupled to lower limb  104 , a cable  124  coupled to idler wheel  116  and cam  118 , and a bow string  120  having a knock location  122  and being coupled to idler wheel  116  and cam  118 . 
     Optionally, stabilizer mounting port  110  can be an electrically conductive mounting port connected to circuitry integrated into the body of the compound bow  100  and for connection to electrical or electronic accessory devices, such as a stabilizing light. Such an electrically conductive mounting support can provide both mechanical and electrical coupling for one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices configured to be coupled mechanically and electrically thereto. Alternatively, stabilizer mounting port  110  can provide physical mounting for an electrical or electronic accessory device, such as a stabilizing light, wherein the accessory device can be wirelessly controlled by an electronic control device. 
     Optionally, various embodiments of compound bow  100  also can have a momentary switch  202 , one or more accessory mounts or ports  204 , and one or more electrical ports  206 . Optionally or alternatively, compound bow  100  can have a selector  208 . Optionally, compound bow  100  can have one or more power supplies (not explicitly shown) integrated in the body of the compound bow  100 . 
     In various embodiments, the electronic control device can include momentary switch  202  and/or selector  208 . Furthermore, optionally, the electronic control device can be a wireless control device that can wirelessly control and/or activate one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices coupled to or otherwise in relative proximity to the electronic control device. In various embodiments, the electronic control device can include a wireless transmitter for communicating (i.e., transmitting) wireless signals to receivers associated with the aforementioned electrical or electronic accessory devices coupled to or otherwise in relative proximity to the electronic control device. In various embodiments, the electronic control device (of the wireless type or otherwise) can control power supplied to the aforementioned electrical or electronic accessory devices. Optionally, power supplied to the electrical or electronic accessory devices can be provided by power supplies located on the electrical or electronic accessory devices themselves. In the case of an electronic control device of the wireless type comprised of momentary switch  202  and selector  208 , the momentary switch can include a wireless transmitter (e.g., an RF or IR transmitter) and the selector can include a wireless transceiver (e.g., an RF or IR transceiver). In such embodiments, the momentary switch and the selector can communicate wirelessly with each other via the wireless transmitter and transceiver to control and/or activate one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices based on a user input; the momentary switch and/or the selector can communicate wirelessly with wireless receivers (e.g., an RF or IR receiver) of the one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices. For example, in various embodiments, the selector can be set or otherwise used to selectively control wireless communication from the momentary switch for one or more electronic or electrical accessory devices. Thus, in this example, one or more of the electronic or electrical accessory devices can be selectively activated (e.g., power turned on) based on the configuration of the selector. Optionally, wireless communication can be provided by the momentary switch directly to the one or more electronic devices based on the configuration of the selector. Optionally or alternatively, the one or more electronic accessory devices can receive wireless communication from the selector based on wireless communication from the transmitter of the momentary switch. 
     Momentary switch  202  can be of any suitable configuration, including configurations capable of being depressed or otherwise “switched” by a user of the compound bow  100  (e.g., a continuity switch). Momentary switch  202  can be integrated or formed essentially in one piece with the body of the compound bow  100 , for example, during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, momentary switch  202  can be affixed, substantially permanently or removably, to the body of the compound bow  100  after the manufacturing process. Furthermore, momentary switch  202  can be provided at any suitable location on the body of the compound bow  100 . Generally speaking, momentary switch  202  can be arranged on the body of the compound bow  100  at a position where a user may access the momentary switch  202  at particular instances, such as when the user is “shooting” or “aiming” the compound bow  100 , using the compound bow  100  for guidance or tracking purposes (e.g., activating a flashlight coupled to the bow and switch), etc. Incidentally, momentary switch  202  can be arranged on either side of the body of the compound bow  100 , depending on the “handedness” (i.e., left or right “handed”) of the compound bow  100 .  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example, show momentary switch  202  being arranged on one side of grip  108 . Alternatively, momentary switch  202  can be arranged either above or below grip  108 . 
     In various embodiments, momentary switch  202  can be used to control or activate one or more accessory devices coupled to the compound bow  100  (devices not shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). As will be discussed in more detail later, each accessory device can be either substantially permanently fixed or removably coupled to the body of the compound bow  100 . Furthermore, optionally, momentary switch  202  can include a wireless communication capability, and the momentary switch  202  includes a wireless transmitter for wirelessly controlling and/or activating one or more electrical or electronic accessory device. 
     Momentary switch  202  can be operative in any suitable way for making and breaking electrical contact. For example, momentary switch  202  can operate such that when activated, by a user of the compound bow  100 , for example, the momentary switch  202  makes contact for a set time period and then automatically releases, after a delay (which can be set and/or adjusted by the manufacturer or the user), to open the circuit, regardless of whether the switch is “held down” or released. Such feature can be advantageous in that the user may not have to concentrate on holding down the button, for example, while aiming or shooting. Alternatively, momentary switch  202  can remain closed as long as the user holds or pushes down a button or otherwise activates a mechanism associated with activation of the momentary switch  202 . 
     In various embodiments, momentary switch  202  can be electrically coupled to the stabilizer mounting port  110  (if the stabilizer mounting port  110  is of the conductive type), to one or more of the accessory mounts  204  (if of the conductive type), and/or to the one or more electrical ports  206 . In various embodiments, the electrical connections or connectors (e.g., circuitry, such as wires, contacts, switches, etc.) between the momentary switch  202  and the stabilizer mounting port  110 , the one or more accessory mounts  204 , and the one or more electrical ports  206  can be integrated into or within the body of the compound bow  100 . That is to the say, in various embodiments, substantially none of the electrical connections or connectors can be seen in plain view. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention provide internal connectivity. 
     Momentary switch  202  can be used to control or activate one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices electrically coupled thereto. For example, activation and deactivation of the momentary switch  202  can control a signal, power, voltage, or current supplied to a light electrical accessory device, such as a stabilizing light electrically accessory device, electrically and mechanically coupled to stabilizer mounting port  110 . Incidentally, a stabilizing light electrical accessory device can be mechanically and/or electrically coupled to the momentary switch  202  by a threaded female receptacle or boss in the body of the compound bow  100 , for example, the same as or similar to receptacles used for coupling of a stabilizer bar to the compound bow  100 . In various embodiments that are comprised of momentary switch  202  without selector  208 , activation of the momentary switch  202  may control and/or activate all or some of the electrical or electronic accessory devices electrically coupled to the body of the compound bow  100 . Control and/or activation can include supplying a power source, such as power, voltage, or current to one or more accessory devices. Optionally, control and/or activation can include providing a signal, control or otherwise, to one or more of the accessory devices. 
     As mentioned above, optionally or alternatively, compound bow  100  can have a selector  208 . Though the term “selector” has been used to describe element  208 , its function is not limited to “selecting.” For example, selector  208  may be manipulated to control one or more of the electrical or electronic accessory devices electrically coupled to it. As but one example, after activation of a video camera (using the momentary switch  202  and/or the selector  208 ), selector  208  may be manipulated, by the user, to stop recording, pause recording, zoom in, zoom out, etc. Other electrical or electronic accessory devices can be controlled in a similar fashion, based on their respective characteristics. 
     Selector  208  can be integrated with the body of the compound bow  100 , for example, during the manufacturing process. Optionally, selector  208  can be electrically coupled between momentary switch  202  and each electrical port  206  and each accessory mount  204  that is also an electrical conductor. Selector  208  can allow none, only one, only some, or all electrical or electronic accessory devices electrically coupled to the body of the compound bow  100  to be operated or controlled at one time or substantially simultaneously. Thus, momentary switch  202  can be electrically coupled directly to each electrical or electronic accessory device or can be routed through selector  208  for selectively controlling the electrical or electronic accessory devices electrically coupled to the body of the compound bow  100 . 
     Selector  208  can be of any suitable configuration, such as one or more pushbuttons, levers, etc. Selector  208  in the dashed box ‘A’ in  FIG. 2 , for example, shows four buttons  209 . Selector  208  also may be configured with indicators  210 , such as LEDs or other lights or indicia to indicate a state of the selector with respect to the electrical accessory devices, such as presently selected electrical accessory devices  FIG. 2 , for example, shows four indicators  210  corresponding to the four buttons  209 . Selector  208  can provide a signal, such as a control signal, and/or power to one or more of the selected electrical or electronic accessory devices. 
     In an alternative embodiment, selector  208  can replace completely momentary switch  202 . Thus, electronic or electrical accessory devices coupled to the body of the compound bow  100  can be controlled and/or activated based on only selector  208 . Selector  208  can provide a signal, such as a control signal, and/or power to one or more of the selected electrical or electronic accessory devices. 
     The one or more accessory mounts  204  can be of any suitable configuration, such as a male, female, or combination male/female mount for mechanically and/or electrically coupling various electrical or electronic accessory devices to the body of the compound bow  100 . Each individual accessory mount  204  can be integrated or formed essentially in one piece with the body of the compound bow  100 , for example, during the manufacturing process. 
     The one or more electrical ports  206  can be of any suitable configuration, such as a male, female, or combination male/female receptacle for electrically coupling various electrical or electronic accessory devices to the body of the compound bow  100 . Each electrical port  206  can be integrated or formed essentially in one piece with the body of the compound bow  100 , for example, during the manufacturing process. 
     In various embodiments, one of said electrical ports  206  may be associated with a corresponding accessory mount  204 . For example, a non-conductive accessory mount  204  may be for physically or mechanically coupling a particular electrical or electronic accessory device to the body of the compound bow  100  and an electrical connection for the electrical or electronic accessory device may be provided by the corresponding electrical port  206 . In such embodiments, the electrical coupling means (e.g., a wire) from the accessory device to the electrical port  206  may be visible in plain view, with an end of the coupling means being plugged into, for example, the electrical port  206 . 
     In various embodiments, the compound bow  100  can have one or more power supplies for supplying power to various electrical or electronic accessory devices. Each of the power supplies can be integral with the body of the compound bow  100  (e.g., arranged in a hollow portion of the body), or can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the body of the compound bow  100 , for example, by using one or more mounts  204  and corresponding one or more of the electrical ports  206 . Thus, various embodiments of the present invention can have power supplied to momentary switch  202  and/or selector  208 , and consequentially to the mounts  204  of the electrically conductive type and electrical ports  206 , and to the corresponding electrical or electronic accessory devices based on an external or internal power supply. Optionally, the power supply can come from one or more of the electrical or electronic accessory devices electrically coupled to the body of the compound bow  100 . Optionally, the momentary switch  202  and/or selector  208  may provide a ground path for a power supply provided on the electrical or electronic accessory devices electrically coupled to the body of the compound bow  100 . Optionally or alternatively, the compound bow  100  may have one or more solar panels to charge a battery integral with or affixed to the body of the compound bow  100 , the battery in this case being the power supply or an alternative (e.g., backup) power supply for the various electrical or electronic accessory devices. 
     Applicants&#39; invention is not limited to the specific compound bow  100  configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , and any suitable compound bow configuration may be used. Furthermore, though Applicants&#39; disclosure and  FIGS. 1 and 2  have thus far described compound bows, the features described herein may be applicable to any suitable “bow” apparatus, including compound cross-bows and non-compound bows, such as a composite bow, a long bow, a crossbow, etc. 
     Electronic or electrical accessory devices for coupling to an archery apparatus according to various embodiments, such as compound bow  100 , can include any suitable devices, such as for safety or for providing information to a user in real time. Such electronic or electrical devices can include a stabilizing light, a spot light (where legal), a video recorder (e.g., a camcorder operated on a closed or open circuit), a photographic camera (including combined video/photographic devices), an audio enhancement pickup device, a fishing reel (e.g., for bow fishing), a game call, a range finder, a sight, an electric motor-driven device, a lighted quiver device, etc. Optionally, a range finder device implemented with the archery apparatus according to various embodiments can provide for one touch integrated range finding at full draw with LED display. Furthermore, sights that use lights, for example, can be implemented with the archery apparatus according to various embodiments such that the lights of the sight are activated only when needed, with a touch of the momentary switch  202  and/or selector  208 . Such features can save battery life and eliminate extra movement in a tree stand, for example. Optionally, a range finder and a sight device may be a fully integrated system, whereby the range finder can compute distances to various objects and relay the information to an electronic sight that delivers accurate sight pin placement. In various embodiments, momentary switch  202  and/or selector  208  can assist with relaying information to the electronic sight. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an electrical or electric accessory device in the form of a stabilizing light  300  according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Stabilizing light  300  can be of any suitable configuration. Optionally, stabilizing light  300  can provide a light source. Optionally, the stabilizing light  300  can provide a means by which to stabilize the compound bow  100 . Optionally, stabilizing light  300  can provide both, a light source and a means by which to stabilize the compound bow  100 . The stabilizing light  300  shown in  FIG. 3  can include, for example, a body  302 , which can provide a battery storage facility and/or internal components for light operation; a threaded male connection  304 , which can provide ground and may be hollow and provide insulation for a “hot” lead  305 . Threaded male connection  304  can be configured to be threadedly coupled to stabilizer mounting port  110 , thereby being placed in electrical connection with momentary switch  202 . Stabilizing light  300  also can include an on/off switch  306 , a pivoting connection  308  and pivoting head  310  for directional adjustment, a lens  312 , a lens retainer  314 , and a light emitting means  316 , such as a light bulb, one or more LED, etc. The light emitting means  316  can output any suitable light, such as blue light, green light, red light, light for blood tracking, ultraviolet light, red night light, etc. 
     Typically, the stabilizing light  300  would attach to the stabilizing mounting port  110  of the compound bow  100 . As mentioned earlier, in various embodiments, all or substantially all conductivity points can be integrated within the bow body, which can mean no or substantially no external wiring or cords. 
     When installed, the stabilizing light  300  can be operated by pressing the momentary switch  202 , for example. In various embodiments, the stabilizing light  300  can be functional to provide a light source when it is coupled to the stabilizer mounting port  110 , or, in alternative embodiments, when not coupled thereto, since, in various embodiments the stabilizing light  300  can have its own power source (e.g., batteries). In the case where it is used while decoupled from the compound bow  100 , on/off switch  306  can be used for controlling output of light. Stabilizing light  300  can be removed and replaced with a conventional stabilizer without alterations to the compound bow  100 . 
       FIG. 4  is a representation of a non-integral system  400  for controlling various electronic or electrical accessory devices coupled to an archery apparatus according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Generally speaking, the non-integral system  400  can function in the same manner as the integral system described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, the system  400  is termed non-integral in the sense that some components can be “add-ons,” coupled externally to any suitable compound bow (or any type of bow for that matter) after manufacture thereof. In particular, the system  400  is non-integral in the sense that selector  408  is not formed in one piece with the body of the compound bow  100 , but rather, can be coupled to the body of the compound bow  100  after manufacture, for example, by the manufacturer itself, a retailer, or a retail customer. Optionally, momentary switch  402  also is not formed in one piece with the body of the compound bow  100  and can be coupled to the body of the compound bow after manufacture. Optionally, embodiments can include either one or the other of the selector  408  and momentary switch  402 , or both the selector  408  and momentary switch  402 . For example, momentary switch  402  can (1) plug directly into any electronic or electrical accessory device coupled to the body of the compound bow  100 , or (2) can be routed through selector  408 , which can allow one or multiple electronic or electrical accessory devices to be controlled or operated at one time or substantially simultaneously. 
     System  400  also is non-integral in the sense that an electrical connection or connections  403  (e.g., a connector wire, wires, or cabling) from momentary switch  402  to the selector  408  (if implemented) or directly to an electrical or electronic accessory device coupled to the body of the compound bow is exposed. Similarly, respective electrical connections  451  from selector  408  to one or more of the electronic accessory devices  450   1-n  coupled to the body of the compound bow are exposed. 
     Momentary switch  402  can be removably coupled at any suitable position on the body of the bow, by any suitable means, such as at grip  108  via hook-and-loop fasteners  404 , for example. In terms of electrical functionality, momentary switch  402  can function substantially the same as momentary switch  202  described above. Momentary switch  402 , however, can be configured for direct electrical connection to an electrical or electronic accessory device (for example, devices  450   1-n  in  FIG. 4 ). The direct connection can be via exposed wiring or cabling  403 . Alternatively, momentary switch  402  can be routed through selector  408 . Likewise, the electrical connection between these devices can be via exposed wiring or cabling  403 . 
     Selector  408  can be removably coupled at any suitable position on the body of the bow, by any suitable means, such as below or above grip  108  via hook-and-loop fasteners, for example (not shown). In terms of electrical functionality, selector  408  functions substantially the same as selector  208  described above. Selector  408 , however, can be configured for direct electrical connection from one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices (devices  450   1-n  in  FIG. 4 ). The direct electrical connection can be provided via exposed wiring or cabling  451 . In such case, some or all of mounting ports  204  and electrical ports  206  from  FIGS. 1 and 2  may not be present. Selector  408  can be outfitted with any suitable number of ports (e.g., 1 through n, where ‘n’ is an integer) for connection to the momentary switch  402  and any suitable number of electronic or electrical accessory devices  450   1-n . These connections can be by way of quick-connect plugs, for example. 
     As an example of an electronic or electrical accessory device  450  for use in system  400 , can be a female stabilizing coupling or boss  450   1  that is tapped  455  for receiving a stabilizer light (or a stabilizer) and configured with a threaded rod  457  such that it can be threaded into a stabilizer mounting port, such as that described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The female stabilizing coupling  450   1  also can be coupled directly to selector  408  via connection  451 , or alternatively momentary switch  402  (not explicitly shown). 
       FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method  500  according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Method  500  can begin at S 502  and proceed to S 504 , whereby either (1) a momentary switch and/or a selector are coupled to the body of an archery apparatus; or (2) one or more electronic or electrical accessory devices are coupled to a momentary switch and/or a selector of the archery apparatus. The one or more electronic or electrical accessory devices can be electrically coupled to the momentary switch and/or selector. If (1), the method can proceed to S 506 , whereby one or more electronic or electrical accessory devices can be coupled to the momentary switch and/or a selector. As discussed hereinabove, the one or more electronic or electrical accessory devices can be electrically coupled to the momentary switch and/or selector. In either case, the method can then proceed to S 508 , whereby an optional step of setting, operating, or otherwise activating or using the selector (if optionally implemented) to select which electrical or electronic devices to control, operate, or activate. After either S 506  or optional S 508 , at S 510  the momentary switch can be operated or activated to control or activate one or more electronic or electrical accessory devices coupled thereto or one or more electronic or electrical accessory devices selected using the selector. The method can then proceed to S 512  where the method ends. 
     In at least one embodiment, the method can include wireless operation (i.e., control and/or activation). Optionally, for wireless operation of such embodiments, the method can include performing a device discovery operation to identify electrical or electronic accessory devices coupled to receptacles of the bow or in proximity to the bow, prior to operating an electronic control device of wireless type to control and/or activate the electronic or electrical accessory devices discovered (either presently or previously). In various embodiments, the device discovery operation can be performed automatically upon activation of the momentary switch. Alternatively, the device discovery operation can be performed automatically, continuously, and/or periodically. 
       FIG. 6  is block diagram of an electronic control device  600  and electrical or electronic accessory devices  450  as described herein. As shown in  FIG. 6 , wireless communication can occur between electronic control device  600  and one or more of the electrical or electronic accessory devices  450  coupled to or otherwise in relative proximity to the electronic control device  600 . In various embodiments, the electronic control device  600  can include a wireless transmitter for communicating (i.e., transmitting) wireless signals to receivers associated with the aforementioned electrical or electronic accessory devices  450  coupled to or otherwise in relative proximity to the electronic control device  600 . In various embodiments, some or all of the electrical or electronic accessory devices  450  may not be physically connected to a bow or other archery apparatus at all in order to be controlled and/or activated. Electronic control device  600  can be either substantially permanently or temporarily affixed to an archery apparatus, such as bow  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . The electronic device  600  can wirelessly communicate with respective wireless receivers associated with the one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices  450  to control and/or activate the accessory devices  450 . The wireless communication can be of any suitable format, such as by radio frequency (“RF”) or by infrared (“IR”) signals of any suitable type, frequency, or modulation, such as frequency modulation (“FM”), SSB, etc. Furthermore, in various embodiments, each electronic or electrical accessory device  450  can be operated wirelessly via a unique control frequency. In various embodiments, the electronic control device  600  can control power supplied to the aforementioned electrical or electronic accessory devices  450 . Optionally, power supplied to the electrical or electronic accessory devices  450  can be provided by power supplies located on the electrical or electronic accessory devices  450  themselves. 
     In various embodiments, the electronic control device  600  can include momentary switch  202  and/or selector  208  (not explicitly shown in  FIG. 6 ). In the case of an electronic control device  600  comprised of a momentary switch, such as momentary switch  202  and a selector, such as selector  208 , the momentary switch can include a wireless transmitter (e.g., an RF or IR transmitter) and the selector can include a wireless transceiver (e.g., an RF or IR transceiver). In such embodiments, the momentary switch and the selector can communicate wirelessly with each other via the wireless transmitter and transceiver to control and/or activate one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices  450  based on a user input; the momentary switch and/or the selector can communicate wirelessly with wireless receivers (e.g., an RF or IR receiver) of the one or more electrical or electronic accessory devices  450 . For example, in various embodiments, the selector can be set or otherwise used to selectively control wireless communication from the momentary switch for one or more electronic or electrical accessory devices  450 . Thus, in this example, one or more of the electronic or electrical accessory devices  450  can be selectively activated (e.g., power turned on) based on the configuration of the selector. Optionally, wireless communication can be provided by the momentary switch directly to the one or more electronic devices  450  based on the configuration of the selector. Optionally or alternatively, the one or more electronic accessory devices  450  can receive wireless communication from the selector based on wireless communication from the transmitter of the momentary switch. 
     Optionally, the electronic control device  600  can perform a device discovery operation to identify electrical or electronic accessory devices  450  coupled to receptacles or in proximity thereto. In various embodiments the device discovery operation is performed automatically. Optionally, the device discovery operation is performed automatically, continuously, and/or periodically. 
     While the invention(s) has/have been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, Applicant intends to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the invention(s) described herein.