Abstract: A method of processing signals relating to a plurality of X-rays received in an X-ray spectrometry system that includes a pulse processor having a main channel and zero or more fast channels includes steps of receiving a main channel dead time signal and zero or more fast channel dead time signals generated by the pulse processor, detecting an occurrence of a plurality of piled-up X-rays in an X-ray pile-up sequence using one or more of the main channel dead time signal and the zero or more fast channel dead time signals, counting the X-rays in said pile-up sequence, and if one or more fast channels are present, classifying an energy band of each of the piled-up X-rays using one or more of the main channel dead time signal and the one or more fast channel dead time signals.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating superalloy metal powder from contaminants, such as process-produced contaminants, by enhancing the magnetic properties thereof in a carburizing atmosphere followed by magnetic separation of the contaminants from the superalloy metal powder to thereby enhance the concentration of the contaminants. Heating or mechanical agitation or both are employed to resist agglomeration of the metal powder before magnetic separation thereof from the contaminants. Certain preferred times and temperatures are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating superalloy metal powder from contaminants, such as process-produced contaminants, by enhancing the magnetic properties thereof, such as by oxidizing or leaching of chromium, for example, followed by magnetic separation of the contaminants from the superalloy metal powder to thereby enhance the concentration of the contaminants. Heating conditions or mechanical agitation or both are employed to resist agglomeration of the metal powder before magnetic separation thereof from the contaminants. Certain preferred times and temperatures are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously recording a signal indicative of dynamic digital data, and signals comprising the analog voice and video picture data of a television signal is disclosed. The dynamic digital data is encoded into a signal at audio frequencies between a lower threshold frequency and an upper threshold frequency. The analog audio signal is filtered to remove frequencies between the lower threshold frequency and the upper threshold frequency. The encoded digital data signal and the filtered analog audio signal are combined into a single analog audio signal. The combined audio signal and the video signal are video recorded into a television signal.

Abstract: A collection device in which the particle collection surface, tacky due to the presence of aqueous polyvinyl alcohol thereon, is periodically or continually hydrated, rehydrated or replenished. This perpetuated hydration of the polyvinyl alcohol collection surface maintains particle collection effectiveness which would be reduced upon dehydration of the aqueous polyvinyl alcohol to a nontacky anhydrous polymer. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the collection surface is kept in continuous saturation with aqueous polyvinyl alcohol by means of a wick connecting the collection surface and a reservoir of aqueous polyvinyl alcohol. Other hydration arrangements are included within the scope of the invention. The polyvinyl alcohol collection surface, with perpetuated hydration, enables reliable capture and retention of particles, and the polyvinyl alcohol itself does not interfere with analysis by SEM, TEM or other methods.