Abstract: A cantilever system for use in an atomic force microscope (AFM) is disclosed. The cantilever system comprises a base cantilever portion and a paddle connected to the base cantilever portion with one end free to move relative to the base cantilever portion. The base cantilever portion has an effective bending stiffness, k1, and the paddle has an effective bending stiffness, k2. The ratio of the effective bending stiffness, k1, to the bending stiffness, k2, is at least greater than 4. Such a cantilever system provides a stable, i.e., invariant contact resonant frequency, independent of the changes in the local contact stiffness.

Abstract: A cantilever system for use in an atomic force microscope (AFM) is disclosed. The cantilever system comprises a base cantilever portion and a paddle connected to the base cantilever portion with one end free to move relative to the base cantilever portion. The base cantilever portion has an effective bending stiffness, k1, and the paddle has an effective bending stiffness, k2. The ratio of the effective bending stiffness, k1, to the bending stiffness, k2, is at least greater than 4. Such a cantilever system provides a stable, i.e., invariant contact resonant frequency, independent of the changes in the local contact stiffness.

Abstract: In an embodiment, provided are nanoresonators, nanoresonator components and related methods using the nanoresonators to measure parameters of interest. In an aspect, provided is a nanoresonator component comprising an elongated nanostructure having a central portion, a first end, and a second end and an electrode having a protrusion ending in a tip that is positioned adjacent to the elongated nanostructure. The electrode is used to impart a highly-localized driving force in a perpendicular direction to the nanostructure to induce geometric non-linear deformation, thereby generating non-linear resonance having a broadband resonance range that spans a frequency range of at least one times the elongated nanostructure natural resonance frequency.

Abstract: A nonlinear attachment induces energy to be transferred and/or to be pumped from a primary system or primary structure to the nonlinear attachment. The nonlinear attachment is an essentially nonlinear device and functions as a nonlinear energy sink. The nonlinear attachment attaches to the primary system or primary structure as a module and does not require connection to a ground. The energy is irreversibly pumped from the primary system or primary structure to the nonlinear attachment during transient resonance capture between the nonlinear attachment and the primary system or primary structure. The nonlinear attachment attenuates the energy of the primary system or primary structure. The nonlinear attachment locally confines the energy and/or dissipates the energy through a passive means and/or an active means.

Abstract: A flexible joint for a conduit transporting fluid under pressure includes a pair of spaced rigid rings. An annular flexible element is disposed between and sealingly engaging the rings so as to define a pair of annular exposed side surfaces on the element. One side surface is exposed to pressurized fluid flowing through the conduit, thereby creating a pressure differential across the flexible element between its side surfaces. To resist the load that results from the pressure differential, the flexible element incorporates a body of elastomer that has a thickness between the rings which decreases from the one side surface of the element to the other side surface. The flexible element can thus resiliently accommodate relative motion between the rings, while providing a fluid-tight, pressure-resistant seal.

Abstract: A rotary blade retention system comprises a rotor hub rotatable about a central axis and a retention assembly coupling at least one blade to the rotor hub. The blade extends generally radially from the hub and rotates with the hub about its central axis. The retention assembly includes a frictionless thrust bearing and an elastomeric thrust bearing connected together in series. The two bearings are mounted relative to the blade and the rotor hub such that when a centrifugal load is imposed on the blade, the bearings are loaded in compression and cooperate to restrain the blade against the centrifugal load. The frictionless bearing permits free pivotal movement of the blade about its longitudinal axis so as to effect variations in the pitch of the blade. The elastomeric thrust bearing includes at least one laminated bearing having a plurality of layers of rigid and elastomeric material which alternate lengthwise of the blade.

Abstract: A drive coupling for interconnecting a pair of rotatable shafts includes a rigid spider that has four coplanar arms. Adjacent arms of the spider are oriented generally perpendicular to each other. A rigid element is disposed between each pair of adjacent arms of the spider. A body of elastomer is secured between each rigid element and each adjacent arm of the spider. One pair of diametrically opposed rigid elements can be connected to one of the rotatable shafts. The other pair of diametrically opposed rigid elements can be connected to the other rotatable shaft. When torque is being transmitted through the coupling, the bodies of elastomer are loaded primarily in compression. Angular misalignment of the shafts is accommodated primarily by shear deflection of the bodies of elastomer.