Abstract: Provided herein are catheter assemblies with detachment means for delivering implants. A method for coil embolization using a catheter includes: inserting a catheter into a patient intravenously or intraarterially; navigating the catheter to an aneurysm, the catheter defining an outer wall; placing a tip of the catheter at an opening of the aneurysm; delivering into the aneurysm, via pusher wire, through a lumen of the catheter, a coil; determining a user defined detachment point at which a distal coil segment of the coil should be detached from the coil; aligning the user defined detachment point of the coil with a designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter; and toggling a laser source connected to the embedded optical fiber, thereby detaching the distal coil segment from the coil via an embedded laser beam emitted from the optical fiber at the designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: A liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) formed from liquid crystalline monomers having 4-(6-(acryloyloxy)n-oxy)phenyl-4-(6-(acryloyloxy)m-oxy)benzoate (CnBAPE) as the mesogenic core. The LCEs have improved thermotropic characteristics, including lower thermotropic activation temperatures. The LCEs may also incorporate azobenzene to thereby also enhance the phototropic properties of the LCE.

Abstract: In an embodiment a system for encrypting data created and used by applications on mobile devices is presented. The system includes a mobile device having at least a sensor and a mobile application executable on the mobile device. The mobile application, upon execution, is programmed to retrieve sensor data of the mobile device through the at least a sensor. The mobile application is programmed to generate a secure data file within the mobile application. The secure data file is configured to receive the sensor data. The mobile application is programmed to transfer the sensor data directly into the secure data file, bypassing interactions with any default applications of the mobile device. The sensor data is inaccessible to a default application of the mobile device. The mobile application is programmed to store the sensor data within the secure data file.

Abstract: Isotropic (amorphous) elastomers and methods of preparation are described. The isotropic elastomer may include a first monomer having an alkene functionality and a second monomer having a thiol functionality. The first monomer may be a liquid crystal monomer and the second monomer may be an isotropic monomer. Unlike polydomain LCEs, the isotropic elastomers may rapidly recover after deformation and have increased toughness relative to conventional elastomers prepared from wholly isotropic precursors.

Abstract: Provided herein are catheter assemblies with detachment means for delivering implants. A method for coil embolization using a catheter includes: inserting a catheter into a patient intravenously or intraarterially; navigating the catheter to an aneurysm, the catheter defining an outer wall; placing a tip of the catheter at an opening of the aneurysm; delivering into the aneurysm, via pusher wire, through a lumen of the catheter, a coil; determining a user defined detachment point at which a distal coil segment of the coil should be detached from the coil; aligning the user defined detachment point of the coil with a designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter; and toggling a laser source connected to the embedded optical fiber, thereby detaching the distal coil segment from the coil via an embedded laser beam emitted from the optical fiber at the designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: A vehicular ashtray detachably affixable to a receiver or ball of an automobile, the ashtray comprises a receptacle and a slidable lid. In various embodiments, the ashtray is detachable to a ball and comprises a collar circumscribing an open bottom end on a base of the receptacle adapted to receive a ball of a hitch.

Abstract: Provided herein are catheter assemblies with detachment means for delivering implants. A method for coil embolization using a catheter includes: inserting a catheter into a patient intravenously or intraarterially; navigating the catheter to an aneurysm, the catheter defining an outer wall; placing a tip of the catheter at an opening of the aneurysm; delivering into the aneurysm, via pusher wire, through a lumen of the catheter, a coil; determining a user defined detachment point at which a distal coil segment of the coil should be detached from the coil; aligning the user defined detachment point of the coil with a designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter; and toggling a laser source connected to the embedded optical fiber, thereby detaching the distal coil segment from the coil via an embedded laser beam emitted from the optical fiber at the designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments for liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) formed from liquid crystalline monomers having 4-(6-(acryloyloxy)n-oxy)phenyl-4-(6-(acryloyloxy)m-oxy)benzoate (CnBAPE) as the mesogenic core. The LCEs described herein have improved thermotropic characteristics, including lower thermotropic activation temperatures. The LCEs described herein may also incorporate azobenzene to thereby also enhance the phototropic properties of the LCE.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for providing anisotropic etching of a metallization layer of a substrate. In an embodiment, the metallization layer includes grains of a conductor, wherein a first average grain size and a second average grain size correspond, respectively, to a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer of the metallization layer. The first sub-layer and the second sub-layer each span at least 5% of a thickness of the metallization layer. A difference between the first average grain size and the second average grain size is at least 10% of the first average grain size. In another embodiment, a first condition of metallization processing contributes to grains of the first sub-layer being relatively large, wherein an alternative condition of metallization processing contributes to grains of the second sub-layer being relatively small. A grain size gradient across a thickness of the metallization layer facilitates etching processes being anisotropic.

Abstract: Isotropic (amorphous) elastomers and methods of preparation are described. The isotropic elastomer may include a first monomer having an alkene functionality and a second monomer having a thiol functionality. The first monomer may be a liquid crystal monomer and the second monomer may be an isotropic monomer. Unlike polydomain LCEs, the isotropic elastomers may rapidly recover after deformation and have increased toughness relative to conventional elastomers prepared from wholly isotropic precursors.

Abstract: A tablet holding assembly includes a panel that has a pair of track slots therein. A pair of arms is each pivotally coupled to and extends upwardly from the panel to releasably engage a ceiling in a vehicle. A pair of first couplers is each of the first couplers is coupled to a respective one of the arms to releasably engage the ceiling of the vehicle. A pair of second couplers is each of the second couplers is coupled to the panel to releasably engage the ceiling of the vehicle when the panel is positioned in a stored position. A pair of supports is each of the supports is coupled to the panel to support an electronic tablet on the panel. A pair of clamping units is each movably coupled to the panel to engage the electronic tablet.

Abstract: A tablet holding assembly includes a panel that has a pair of track slots therein. A pair of arms is each pivotally coupled to and extends upwardly from the panel to releasably engage a ceiling in a vehicle. A pair of first couplers is each of the first couplers is coupled to a respective one of the arms to releasably engage the ceiling of the vehicle. A pair of second couplers is each of the second couplers is coupled to the panel to releasably engage the ceiling of the vehicle when the panel is positioned in a stored position. A pair of supports is each of the supports is coupled to the panel to support an electronic tablet on the panel. A pair of clamping units is each movably coupled to the panel to engage the electronic tablet.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for providing anisotropic etching of a metallization layer of a substrate. In an embodiment, the metallization layer includes grains of a conductor, wherein a first average grain size and a second average grain size correspond, respectively, to a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer of the metallization layer. The first sub-layer and the second sub-layer each span at least 5% of a thickness of the metallization layer. A difference between the first average grain size and the second average grain size is at least 10% of the first average grain size. In another embodiment, a first condition of metallization processing contributes to grains of the first sub-layer being relatively large, wherein an alternative condition of metallization processing contributes to grains of the second sub-layer being relatively small. A grain size gradient across a thickness of the metallization layer facilitates etching processes being anisotropic.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for providing anisotropic etching of a metallization layer of a substrate. In an embodiment, the metallization layer includes grains of a conductor, wherein a first average grain size and a second average grain size correspond, respectively, to a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer of the metallization layer. The first sub-layer and the second sub-layer each span at least 5% of a thickness of the metallization layer. A difference between the first average grain size and the second average grain size is at least 10% of the first average grain size. In another embodiment, a first condition of metallization processing contributes to grains of the first sub-layer being relatively large, wherein an alternative condition of metallization processing contributes to grains of the second sub-layer being relatively small. A grain size gradient across a thickness of the metallization layer facilitates etching processes being anisotropic.

Abstract: A washcloth system for personal hygiene can include a washcloth, an outer bag, and a pod. The outer bag can be configured to receive the washcloth therein. The pod can be positionable within the bag adjacent the washcloth. The pod can include an impermeable membrane enclosing an inner volume at least partially filled with a liquid mixture including a surfactant or fragrance. The membrane can be configured to, when a force is applied to the membrane by a user, rupture to expel the liquid mixture to wet the washcloth with the liquid mixture.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for providing anisotropic etching of a metallization layer of a substrate. In an embodiment, the metallization layer includes grains of a conductor, wherein a first average grain size and a second average grain size correspond, respectively, to a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer of the metallization layer. The first sub-layer and the second sub-layer each span at least 5% of a thickness of the metallization layer. A difference between the first average grain size and the second average grain size is at least 10% of the first average grain size. In another embodiment, a first condition of metallization processing contributes to grains of the first sub-layer being relatively large, wherein an alternative condition of metallization processing contributes to grains of the second sub-layer being relatively small. A grain size gradient across a thickness of the metallization layer facilitates etching processes being anisotropic.

Abstract: The invention includes tire treads, tires including the tire treads, and methods of forming a tire tread. The tire tread includes a length extending in a lengthwise direction, a width extending in a lateral direction, and a thickness extending in a depth-wise direction from an outer, ground-engaging side of the tread. The tire treads further include a sipe having a length, a height, a width, a thickness extending in a direction of the sipe width, and a cross-section taken along a plane extending in a direction of the sipe width and height, where the cross-section twists as the sipe thickness extends along the length of the sipe. Method of forming the tire tread includes molding into the tread a sipe and a void feature as recited herein.

Abstract: A sign post assembly including a ground stake, vertical post, a horizontal arm, and a cap, wherein the vertical post is pin join connected with the horizontal arm by means of a fastener allowing the horizontal arm and the vertical post to be arranged in parallel arrangement during disassembly and storage, or in perpendicular arrangement during assembly and fully extended status. The vertical post having a cut-out along its top portion to allow the arrangement of the horizontal arm within the vertical post's inner cavity and the vertical post having a cut-out along at least one of its vertical sides to allow alignment of the horizontal arm within its internal cavity wherein the horizontal arm collapses downward into the vertical post. Disassembly includes inserting the stake (along with other assembly components (i.e. sign clips, removable fasteners, etc.) within the inner cavity of the lower portion of the vertical post.

Abstract: A buckle system for a weight belt having a first end and a second end includes a first linkage member fixedly attachable to the first end of the weight belt. A second linkage member is removably attachable to the second end of the weight belt. A middle linkage member having a free end, a middle portion, and a pivot end is provided. The first linkage member is pivotally attached to the middle linkage member at the middle portion of the middle linage member. The second linkage member is pivotally attached to the pivot end of the middle linkage member. Actuation of the free end of the middle linkage member from a first position to a second position causes the buckle system to be transitioned from an open position to a closed position, thereby tightening the weight belt when the first linkage member is attached to the first end of the weight belt, and second linkage member is attached to the second end of the weight belt.

Abstract: A new class of phototropic liquid crystal mixture comprises a liquid crystal host and one or more photodichroic dyes, wherein exposure of the mixture to an activating light causes a light-induced increase in order parameter of the mixture. In some examples, in the absence of the activating light, the phototropic mixture has a lower order parameter than the liquid crystal host, while in the presence of activating light, the phototropic mixture has a higher order parameter than the liquid crystal host. In some examples, upon exposure to the activating light, the phototropic mixture undergoes a phase transition from a material with a lower order to a material with higher liquid crystalline order. In some examples, activating light causes the mixture to transition from an isotropic phase to a nematic phase, from an isotropic phase to a cholesteric phase or form a nematic phase to a smectic phase.