Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printed circuit board assembly including an integral metal stamping having a plurality of conductive circuit paths received in complementarily-shaped recesses of a dielectric substrate. The integral metallic stamping includes an improved snap action switch having an improved actuator mechanism, an improved rotary switch of the type making on/off contact during rotation thereof, and an upstanding plug-like connector member receivable in a mating female connector. Each of the switches mentioned above as well as the plug-like connector can be formed separately in different printed circuit board assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printed circuit board assembly including an integral metal stamping having a plurality of conductive circuit paths received in complementarily-shaped recesses of a dielectric substrate. The integral metallic stamping includes an improved snap action switch having an improved actuator mechanism, an improved rotary switch of the type making on/off contact during rotation thereof, and an upstanding plug-like connector member receivable in a mating female connector. Each of the switches mentioned above as well as the plug-like connector can be formed separately in different printed circuit board assemblies.