Abstract: A method of fabricating a shaped optical element for refracting infrared light. The method can include providing a chalcogenide glass mass within a precision mold, the chalcogenide glass mass having a starting volume that is equal to or less than about 105% of the volume of the shaped optical element, precision molding the chalcogenide glass mass by providing heat and pressure to form the chalcogenide glass mass into a near-net shaped optical element, removing the near-net shaped optical element from the precision mold, and refining the near-net shaped optical element to generate the shaped optical element, the outside diameter of the near-net shaped optical element being less than or equal to 25 ?m larger than an outside diameter of the shaped optical element. The near-net shaped optical element can have an outside diameter less than 20 ?m greater than the outside diameter of the shaped optical element.

Abstract: A clutch assembly 10 is provided and includes a clutch housing 12 which provides an output torque, and a clutch hub 16 which provides an input torque. Housing 12 and hub 16 each respectively include splined portions 52 and 40. Assembly 10 includes a frictional member which is coupled to housing 12 and which selectively and operatively engages hub 16 effective to cause the rotational speeds of housing 12 and hub 16 to become substantially equal. Assembly 10 further includes a member 22 having a splined portion 26 which is selectively movable to a position in which splined portion 26 is engaged with both splined portion 52 and splined portion 40, thereby providing a mechanical link between housing 12 and hub 16.