Abstract: A bicycle comprises a frame. A portion of the frame includes a substrate and a layer of nano-crystalline material extending over at least a portion of the substrate. A conductive interface is disposed between the substrate and layer of nano-crystalline material for improved adhesion of the layer of nano-crystalline material to the substrate and improved impact performance of the frame portion.

Abstract: A sports bat, such as a baseball or softball bat, is electro-deposited with a nanostructured metal. Bats made from aluminum alloys or other metals may be electro-deposited with varying thicknesses of nanostructured metals such as nickel, nickel iron, cobalt phosphorous, or similar materials. The bat substrate alloy can be any metal or alloy. The coating may be done using an electro-deposition process.

Abstract: A sports bat, such as a baseball or softball bat, is electro-deposited with a nanostructured metal. Bats made from aluminum alloys or other metals may be electro-deposited with varying thicknesses of nanostructured metals such as nickel, nickel iron, cobalt phosphorous, or similar materials. The bat substrate alloy can be any metal or alloy. The coating may be done using an electro-deposition process.

Abstract: A metalwood coated at least partially with a nanostructure material offer improved performance over existing golf club heads made from a combination of steel and titanium alloys or composite club heads made in part or wholly from fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs) and metallic sub-components. The components of the metalwood may be coated with variable thicknesses of electro-deposited nanostructure metals and alloys.

Abstract: A bicycle comprises a frame. A portion of the frame includes a substrate and a layer of nano-crystalline material extending over at least a portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A sports bat, such as a baseball or softball bat, is electro-deposited with a nanostructured metal. Bats made from aluminum alloys or other metals may be electro-deposited with varying thicknesses of nanostructured metals such as nickel, nickel iron, cobalt phosphorous, or similar materials. The bat substrate alloy can be any metal or alloy. The coating may be done using an electro-deposition process.

Abstract: A spherical plain bearing has an outer ring having a concave first bearing surface and an inner ring having a convex second bearing surface slidably disposed to the first bearing surface. The inner ring member also has a third bearing surface for engaging a pin to be mounted in the bearing. At least one bearing surface has a lubrication groove, and one of the outer ring and the inner ring is made from 440 stainless steel while the other is made from a precipitation-hardened martensitic stainless steel. Alternatively, the outer ring and the inner ring may be made from steel and a copper-beryllium alloy. In yet another alternative, the bearing need not have a lubrication groove, but may have a lubrication liner on the third bearing surface. A dropped hinge mechanism for a flap on a fixed wing aircraft has a hinge that includes such a bearing.

Abstract: In a hybrid spherical bearing, a ceramic ball is provided and has a bore extending at least part way there through. A metallic outer race is also provided and has an inner engagement surface contoured to a shape complementary to a shape defined by an outer diameter of the ceramic ball. The ceramic ball is positioned within the outer race and slidably and rotatably engages the inner engagement surface.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a hinge mechanism is described. The hinge couples a first component and a second component. The bearing assembly includes a ball, an outer ring, a pin and a fastener. The ball includes a bore at a center axis and a convex outer surface. The outer ring includes an outer surface affixed within the second component and a concave surface in rolling contact with the ball to define a primary slip path. The pin is located within the center bore. The pin is affixed to first and second outside surfaces of the fork. The fastener secures the pin such that the bearing assembly permits rotation of the outer ring and the second component along the primary slip path. A secondary slip path is defined by the ball rotating about the pin. The secondary slip path is engaged when rotation about the primary slip path fails.