Abstract: A method of generation of smoothly shaped, non-circular, curves by formation of multiple circular arcs. In the method, one draws a first circular arc which passes through two points and is tangent to a first line extending from a first point in the indicated direction. Next, one repeats the process by drawing a second circular arc which passes through one of the aforementioned two points and a third point and is tangent to an extending line. By utilizing of a common point for each of the two circular arcs one can generate a smooth, non-circular, curve from the end blending of the two circular arcs. By moving or deleting points, or by adding points, or by changing the defined directed tangent line, or by defining a directed tangent line at a different point, one can reconfigure the curve into the desired final curve. Several curves can be combined to generate a desired figure.

Abstract: A mechanical stop for a moving body that minimizes bounce of the moving body after the body has hit the stop. The mechanical stop includes a flat plate having a plurality of generally triangular sectors defined by radial slits. The slits or triangular sectors prevent excessively large diaphragm stresses in the material of the plate and also reflect the flexural waves in the plate in such a way that the waves have difficulty returning to the contact area where the moving body has hit the stop and are maximally dissipated by internal friction of the plate. The mechanical stop may include a lever between the moving body and the flat plate to change the effective mass of the moving body, a spring to mediate the impact of the moving body, a relatively rigid support for the lever to minimize moments produced in a base for the flat plate, and straight line plate supports for some or all of the sectors of the flat plate to provide desirable reflections for the flexural waves in the plate.

Abstract: An ultra-low friction bearing including an inner race, an outer race, bearing elements engaged between the inner and outer races and a seal between the inner and outer races is disclosed. The seal includes first and second sealing washers. The first washer has an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the outer race and an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the inner race. The second washer has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the inner race and an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the outer race. The first washer slidably engages the outer race, the second washer slidably engages the inner race and the washers overlap and slidably engage one another. One of the washers snap fits into its respective inner or outer race while the other washer engages a stepped surface of the other of the inner and outer races.