Abstract: There is set forth herein, according to one embodiment: a fastener having an extended section that includes a deformable distal end; a joining body having a through hole configured so that the extended section can be fitted through the through hole; wherein the fastener is configured so that with the joining body joined to the fastener, the deformable distal end can be deformed to increase a holding force between the joining body and the fastener. There is set forth herein, according to one embodiment: a fastener comprising a head and an extended section extending from the head, wherein the extended section includes a deformable distal; wherein the deformable distal end is defined by a circumferential sidewall that forms a counterbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that can be used as, inter alia, a cross blade flexure pivot, with the cross blade flexure pivot comprising a monolithic structure. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot using injection molding. Also provided is a mold for use in this injection molding method. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot using selective laser sintering, as well as to the three-dimensional digital descriptions used in this method. The present invention also relates to a method of providing non-frictional rotational support to a mechanical component. The present invention also relates to systems that include the cross blade flexure pivot device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that can be used as, inter alia, a cross blade flexure pivot, with the cross blade flexure pivot comprising a monolithic structure. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot using injection molding. Also provided is a mold for use in this injection molding method. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot using selective laser sintering, as well as to the three-dimensional digital descriptions used in this method. The present invention also relates to a method of providing non-frictional rotational support to a mechanical component. The present invention also relates to systems that include the cross blade flexure pivot device.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a bushing comprising a longitudinally extending cylindrical body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the longitudinally extending cylindrical body further having a longitudinally extending slit. In one embodiment the bushing can comprise a longitudinally extending formation formed on the longitudinally extending cylindrical body. The longitudinally extending formation can be located at a radially position of the cylindrical body spaced apart from a radial position of the longitudinally extending slit. The longitudinally extending cylindrical body can be configured so that the longitudinally extending cylindrical body preferentially deforms along the longitudinally extending formation.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for flexibly joining two rotating or moveable members includes a unitized body having a first end and a second end coaxial to each other, and therebetween having one or more coaxial longitudinally spaced disks with center holes; two or more axial spacing portions formed from the body of each disk to provide a spacing means and joining means for unitizing the disks to each other; means for joining the unitized disks to the first and second ends; and means at the first end for coaxially connecting to a first one of the two rotating or moveable members, and means at the second end for coaxially connecting to a second one of the two rotating or moveable members.