Abstract: An x-ray spectrometer includes: an x-ray plasma source that produces first x-rays; an x-ray optic in optical communication with the x-ray plasma source and that: receives the first x-rays from the x-ray plasma source; focuses the first x-rays to produce second x-rays; and communicates the second x-rays to a sample that produces product x-rays in response to receipt of the second x-rays and second light; and a microcalorimeter array detector in optical communication with the sample and that receives the product x-rays from the sample.

Abstract: An x-ray spectrometer includes: an x-ray plasma source that produces first x-rays; an x-ray optic in optical communication with the x-ray plasma source and that: receives the first x-rays from the x-ray plasma source; focuses the first x-rays to produce second x-rays; and communicates the second x-rays to a sample that produces product x-rays in response to receipt of the second x-rays and second light; and a microcalorimeter array detector in optical communication with the sample and that receives the product x-rays from the sample.

Abstract: A preload bearing is provided for mounting into an orifice in a shock-inducing platform. The bearing includes a cylindrical housing insertable into the orifice of the platform with a housing axis oriented vertically in relation to the platform, the housing having a closed bottom end and an open top end; a scraper that attaches to the bottom end of the housing for receiving compressive load from underneath; a crown roller disposed to extend radially from the housing; a shaft coaxial with the crown roller disposed within the housing along a roller axis perpendicular to the housing axis; and a cap that covers the open top end of the housing.

Abstract: A method and system for reassignment of packet-pipes at a telecommunications switch. Upon detection of an increase in capacity of a packet-pipe (originating from a cell-site, for instance) and determination that the increase would overload a handler-module at the switch, a processor may analytically identify one or more packet-pipe reassignments that should be made at the switch so as to accommodate the increase in capacity. The processor may do so by successively considering the viability and impact of various possible reassignments. And the processor may produce an output report that indicates the reassignment(s) to make in order to accommodate the increase in capacity.

Abstract: A searching method for optimizing the rate of penetration of a drill into a given medium based upon the two drilling parameters of thrust and speed of revolution. Preset base values of both parameters are input into the drilling control mechanism at the start of the process. Thereafter, based upon readings from an automatic penetration rate calculator, incremental changes are automatically made to one of the parameters, the other being held constant, until a maximized rate of penetration is established. Subsequently, the other parameter, previously held constant, is changed until a new maximized penetration rate is found. This optimized penetration rate searching is continuously and automatically effected until the drilling process is completed. The method additionally provides for the allowance of a wait period between successive incremental changes for accommodating response times of the system as well as instabilities which may occur as the result of nonlinear process dynamics.