Method for forming elements with reduced variation

A method for limiting variation of a parameter between elements to within a predeterminable limit, comprising:

• providing a plurality of like components each providing a similar function;
• forming a first composite element by functionally associating a first combination of the like components and forming a second composite element by functionally associating a second combination of the like components,
• wherein, prior to forming the first and second composite elements, variations in a first operating characteristic among two or more components forming the first combination and among two or more components forming the second combination are assessed, and assessed variations provide a basis to select components of the first combination and provide a basis to select components of the second combination so that the first and second composite elements exhibit variation of the parameter within the predeterminable limit, wherein variations in the operating characteristic among components is characterized by a random distribution.

A method of limiting variation in functional performance between first and second composite elements comprising the steps of:

• providing a series of like components, each exhibiting at least one characteristic function which is substantially the same among different ones of the components, differences in the at least one characteristic function predominantly attributable to manufacturing variations wherein, after manufacture of the like components, association of the components to form each composite element is selectable;
• after manufacture of the like components, forming the first composite element by interconnecting a first group formed of individual ones in the series of components and forming the second composite element by interconnecting a second group also formed of individual ones in the series of components, such that selection of components for each of the first and second composite elements limits variation of the at least one operating characteristic function in the first and second composite elements to within a predeterminable limit.