Abstract: An eyecup for an optic can include an elastic body forming an eye receiver and a viewing cavity, the elastic body configured to move between a relaxed state and a compressed state. The eyecup can include a diaphragm formed from or attached to an inner surface of the elastic body, the diaphragm including one or more flaps configured to be in a closed position when the elastic body is in the relaxed state such that the one or more flaps block sight of an optic through the viewing cavity, and to be in an open position when the elastic body is in the compressed state such that the one or more flaps allow sight of an optic through the viewing cavity. The eyecup can include one or more magnets disposed on at least one of the one or more flaps to move with the one or more flaps, and one or more sensors disposed in a fixed location and configured to sense a magnetic field or flux thereof of the one or more magnets to sense the one or more magnets when the flaps are in or near or moving toward the open position.

Abstract: An eyecup for an optic can include an elastic body forming an eye receiver and a viewing cavity, the elastic body configured to move between a relaxed state and a compressed state. The eyecup can include a diaphragm formed from or attached to an inner surface of the elastic body, the diaphragm including one or more flaps configured to be in a closed position when the elastic body is in the relaxed state such that the one or more flaps block sight of an optic through the viewing cavity, and to be in an open position when the elastic body is in the compressed state such that the one or more flaps allow sight of an optic through the viewing cavity. The eyecup can include one or more magnets disposed on at least one of the one or more flaps to move with the one or more flaps, and one or more sensors disposed in a fixed location and configured to sense a magnetic field or flux thereof of the one or more magnets to sense the one or more magnets when the flaps are in or near or moving toward the open position.

Abstract: A method of electro-dynamically matching a bearing assembly includes electrically separating inner and outer races from rolling elements of the bearing assembly with lubricant and rotating the inner race relative to the outer race. A voltage differential is applied across the inner and the outer races and via isolated rolling elements and the race eroded an electrical discharge event across a gap defined between the one or more of the races and rolling elements. Electro-dynamically matched bearing assemblies and reaction/momentum flywheel arrangements for artificial satellites are also described.

Abstract: A method of electrodynamically finishing a plain bearing includes electrically separating a bearing housing from a journal shaft with a lubricant disposed on a bearing surface of the bearing housing. The bearing housing or the bearing housing is rotated relative to the other and a voltage differential applied across the bearing housing and the journal shaft. One or more asperities disposed on the bearing surface are eroded with electric discharge events between the journal shaft and the bearing housing. Electrodynamically finished bearing assemblies and reaction/momentum wheel arrangements having such bearing assemblies are also described.

Abstract: A method of electro-dynamically matching a bearing assembly includes electrically separating inner and outer races from rolling elements of the bearing assembly with lubricant and rotating the inner race relative to the outer race. A voltage differential is applied across the inner and the outer races and via isolated rolling elements and the race eroded an electrical discharge event across a gap defined between the one or more of the races and rolling elements. Electro-dynamically matched bearing assemblies and reaction/momentum flywheel arrangements for artificial satellites are also described.

Abstract: A method of electrodynamically finishing a plain bearing includes electrically separating a bearing housing from a journal shaft with a lubricant disposed on a bearing surface of the bearing housing. The bearing housing or the bearing housing is rotated relative to the other and a voltage differential applied across the bearing housing and the journal shaft. One or more asperities disposed on the bearing surface are eroded with electric discharge events between the journal shaft and the bearing housing. Electrodynamically finished bearing assemblies and reaction/momentum wheel arrangements having such bearing assemblies are also described.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for use with a fuel cell stack for the purpose of ensuring a desired flow distribution to fuel cells within the stack, with the most commonly desired being uniform flow distribution. Said manifold assembly comprising: an external manifold for abutting and sealingly enclosing a face of the fuel cell stack, wherein the manifold comprises an enclosure for one of: providing inlet gas to the fuel cell stack and receiving exhaust gas from said fuel cell stack; and one or more baffles disposed in the enclosure of the external manifold, the one or more baffles one of: (a) controlling gas flow distribution and direction of the inlet gas from the enclosure to fuel cells of the fuel cell stack to achieve a predetermined distribution or a uniform distribution; and (b) controlling gas flow distribution of the exhaust gas flow within the enclosure to achieve the predetermined distribution or the uniform distribution of gas to fuel cells of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for use with a fuel cell stack for the purpose of ensuring a desired flow distribution to fuel cells within the stack, with the most commonly desired being uniform flow distribution. Said manifold assembly comprising: an external manifold for abutting and sealingly enclosing a face of the fuel cell stack, wherein the manifold comprises an enclosure for one of: providing inlet gas to the fuel cell stack and receiving exhaust gas from said fuel cell stack; and one or more baffles disposed in the enclosure of the external manifold, the one or more baffles one of: (a) controlling gas flow distribution and direction of the inlet gas from the enclosure to fuel cells of the fuel cell stack to achieve a predetermined distribution or a uniform distribution; and (b) controlling gas flow distribution of the exhaust gas flow within the enclosure to achieve the predetermined distribution or the uniform distribution of gas to fuel cells of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: An assembly having a dielectric frame which utilizes a plurality of segments, each segment having opposing first and second surfaces and first and second ends portions. Each of the first and second end portions has an end surface and a cutout extending from the end surface of the end portion along the length of the segment and from the first surface to the second surface. The segments of the frame are arranged in abutting relationship with the first surfaces of the segments aligned and the second surfaces of said segments aligned and with the end surface of a first end portion of a segment abutting the end surface of the second end portion of the adjacent segment. In this way, the cutouts of the first and second end portions of abutting segments form a keyway and a key is situated in the keyway so as to hold the abutting segments together. In accordance with the invention, certain of the segments are provided with recesses in the first surfaces of the segments adjacent the cutouts.

Abstract: An assembly having a dielectric frame which utilizes a plurality of segments, each segment having opposing first and second surfaces and first and second ends portions. Each of the first and second end portions has an end surface and a cutout extending from the end surface of the end portion along the length of the segment and from the first surface to the second surface. The segments of the frame are arranged in abutting relationship with the first surfaces of the segments aligned and the second surfaces of said segments aligned and with the end surface of a first end portion of a segment abutting the end surface of the second end portion of the adjacent segment. In this way, the cutouts of the first and second end portions of abutting segments form a keyway and a key is situated in the keyway so as to hold the abutting segments together. In accordance with the invention, certain of the segments are provided with recesses in the first surfaces of the segments adjacent the cutouts.