Abstract: A method for nanomaterial formation and distribution within a matrix material that includes: preparing a gel matrix; patterning a reactive group within the matrix material; binding a seed material to reactive group within the matrix material, the seed material selected from a first set of gold nanomaterials, silver nanomaterials, and copper nanomaterials; binding a precursor reagent selected from materials to the seed material; adding a chalcogen to form a precursor reagent chalcogenide at sites of the precursor reagent via an ion exchange; adding final compound and optionally a ligand in solution and facilitating cation exchange replacing the precursor reagent chalcogenide with the final compound to form a nanomaterial within the matrix material.

Abstract: A system and method for nanofabrication that can enable complex three-dimensional nanostructures comprising: setting up a gel scaffold; patterning the gel scaffold with a photosensitive patterning material, wherein light is used to pattern the photosensitive patterning material into the gel scaffold to create the shape of a desired construct (i.e., creating a latent pattern of the desired constructs shape); depositing build material onto the latent pattern, thereby creating the construct; and shrinking the construct to the desired size. The system and method leverage the photosensitivity of the photosensitive molecule and high precision of light positioning for the fabrication of a high-resolution construct. The system and method may enable the fabrication of nano-constructs of simple and complex material designs, wherein the constructs may implement multiple distinct build materials and gradients of build materials.

Abstract: A sensor may include a knitted pocket and loose yarn that is inside a cavity of the pocket. In some cases, this loose yarn is neither woven, nor knit, nor otherwise part of a fabric. A resistive pressure sensor may include a knitted pocket and loose conductive yarn that is inside the pocket. Pressure applied to the pocket may compress the loose yarn, which may increase the number of electrical shorts between different parts of the loose yarn, which in turn may decrease the electrical resistance of the loose yarn. A capacitive sensor may include a knitted pocket and insulative loose yarn that is inside the pocket. A strain sensor may include knitted conductive pleats. Electrical shorts may occur in contact areas where neighboring pleats meet. As the strain sensor stretches, these contact areas may become smaller, causing the electrical resistance of the pleats as a group to increase.

Abstract: The present invention enables three-dimensional nanofabrication by isotropic shrinking of patterned hydrogels. A hydrogel is first expanded, the rate of expansion being controlled by the concentration of the crosslinker. The hydrogel is then infused with a reactive group and patterned in three dimensions using a photon beam through a limited-diffraction microscope. Functional particles or materials are then deposited on the pattern. The hydrogel is then shrunk and cleaved from the pattern.

Abstract: A sensor may include a knitted pocket and loose yarn that is inside a cavity of the pocket. In some cases, this loose yarn is neither woven, nor knit, nor otherwise part of a fabric. A resistive pressure sensor may include a knitted pocket and loose conductive yarn that is inside the pocket. Pressure applied to the pocket may compress the loose yarn, which may increase the number of electrical shorts between different parts of the loose yarn, which in turn may decrease the electrical resistance of the loose yarn. A capacitive sensor may include a knitted pocket and insulative loose yarn that is inside the pocket. A strain sensor may include knitted conductive pleats. Electrical shorts may occur in contact areas where neighboring pleats meet. As the strain sensor stretches, these contact areas may become smaller, causing the electrical resistance of the pleats as a group to increase.

Abstract: The present invention enables three-dimensional nanofabrication by isotropic shrinking of patterned hydrogels. A hydrogel is first expanded, the rate of expansion being controlled by the concentration of the crosslinker. The hydrogel is then infused with a reactive group and patterned in three dimensions using a photon beam through a limited-diffraction microscope. Functional particles or materials are then deposited on the pattern. The hydrogel is then shrunk and cleaved from the pattern.

Abstract: An image-capturing device comprises a lens, flash and viewfinder attached along a central axis of symmetry to the top of a grip having recessed shutter triggers on opposing sides and rear thumb controlled means for adjusting the focus of the lens, powering and controlling the performance of the device. The center of gravity of the image capturing device is coincident with or proximate the grip. A detachable grip for use with a portable photographic device is also described. The detachable grip may be used with interchangeable lens components.

Abstract: An image-capturing device comprises a lens, flash and viewfinder attached along a central axis of symmetry to the top of a grip having recessed shutter triggers on opposing sides and rear thumb controlled means for adjusting the focus of the lens, powering and controlling the performance of the device. The center of gravity of the image capturing device is coincident with or proximate the grip. A detachable grip for use with a portable photographic device is also described. The detachable grip may be used with interchangeable lens components.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates and tracks personal referrals made via electronic networks. In a preferred embodiment, using electronic mail delivered to a participant interface, a central controller provides a Web page through which an individual may enter the electronic-mail addresses of those whom he or she wishes to refer. This spares the individual the inconvenience of generating his or her own electronic-mail referrals, and also enables the central controller to determine the format and tone of the referral. The address or contents of the Web page includes a unique identifier that is exclusively associated with that individual and a specific offer. In this way, the series of referrals may be tracked, duplicate referrals to the same electronic-mail address may be eliminated, offers may be withdrawn or modified, and referrals about an expired or withdrawn offer may be prevented.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods that allow retail entities to let consumers register a product or warranty at the point of sale. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein allow a retailer to identify a point during a purchasing transaction wherein the consumer has completed a transaction. At that time, the retailer may presented to the consumer an interface that the consumer may easily complete to allow the consumer to participate in a product or warned she registration process. As such, the systems and methods described here and make the product registration process part of the purchase transaction and therefore make the product registration process seamless and more facile. Consequently it is understood that consumer participation within the product registration process increases.