Abstract: A formation breaking apparatus with increased wear-resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus has an assembly attached to an end of an articulated arm. The assembly has an actuator in mechanical communication with an axially guided penetrator. The penetrator may have a body intermediate a proximate end and a distal end; the proximate end being adapted to communicate with the actuator, and the distal end comprising a hard material with a hardness of at least 63 HRc.

Abstract: A formation breaking apparatus with increased wear-resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus has an assembly attached to an end of an articulated arm. The assembly has an actuator in mechanical communication with an axially guided penetrator. The penetrator may have a body intermediate a proximate end and a distal end; the proximate end being adapted to communicate with the actuator, and the distal end comprising a hard material with a hardness of at least 63 HRc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for working asphalt pavement, comprising one or both of a mechanical, hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic means for providing high-speed rotation; a rotary tool comprising a first end comprising a working surface and a second end adapted for connection to the means for providing high-speed rotation; and a screed, cooperatively arranged with the rotary tool, and comprising a working surface adjacent the working surface of the rotary tool, wherein the rotary tool is spun at high speed and applied to the asphalt pavement, frictionally heating the asphalt pavement to a temperature sufficient to work the pavement locally adjacent rotary tool and the screed. The screed and rotary tool comprising abrasion resistant materials selected from the group consisting of high-strength steel, hardened alloys, cemented metal carbide, polycrystalline diamond, and cubic boron nitride. The rotary tool and the screed apparatus may comprise a closed loop control system.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for use in a pressure sensitive paint measuring system, such as for measuring pressure on a test air vehicle using pressure sensitive paint, is constructed and configured to provide (1) exceptional cooling for the various optical elements and the housing, (2) a combination of filters that minimizes heat load on the interference filter, yet provides a high beam intensity at the desired wavelength, (3) a mounting structure for the lamp assembly that allows the lamp assembly to be accurately aimed and positioned with little translation of the output aperture, and (4) easy access to the internal components, including the bulb-reflector assembly and optical elements.