Abstract: Embodiments, described herein relate generally to devices, systems, and methods for producing lubricious surfaces with enhanced durability and which increase the ease of communication of viscous liquids across the same. The system can include a liquid-encapsulated surface including a substrate, a member coupled to the substrate, and an encapsulating liquid disposed on a surface of the member. In some embodiments, the surface of the member can have a chemistry such that the encapsulating liquid preferentially wets the surface and maintains lubricity in the presence of a contacting phase. In some embodiments, the encapsulating liquid can be substantially immiscible with the contacting phase, and/or can have a thickness of less than about 200 microns and/or can have a receding contact angle of less than 20 degrees in the presence of the contacting phase, in some embodiments, a liquid delivery mechanism can be configured to transfer the encapsulating liquid to the member.

Abstract: Embodiments, described herein relate generally to devices, systems, and methods for producing lubricious surfaces with enhanced durability and which increase the ease of communication of viscous liquids across the same. The system can include a liquid-encapsulated surface including a substrate, a member coupled to the substrate, and an encapsulating liquid disposed on a surface of the member. In some embodiments, the surface of the member can have a chemistry such that the encapsulating liquid preferentially wets the surface and maintains lubricity in the presence of a contacting phase. In some embodiments, the encapsulating liquid can be substantially immiscible with the contacting phase, and/or can have a thickness of less than about 200 microns and/or can have a receding contact angle of less than 20 degrees in the presence of the contacting phase. In some embodiments, a liquid delivery mechanism can be configured to transfer the encapsulating liquid to the member.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for transporting objects comprises a frame for receiving at least one object, at least one handle coupled to the frame, at least one set of wheels coupled to the frame, at least one track coupled to the frame, wherein the track allows movement of the apparatus in addition to the wheels, and at least one brake mechanism coupled to the frame.