Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a technique for IT estimation modeling of any organization. Although this estimation model is applied to SOA herein, it is not limited to solely estimating SOA activities; the maturity-based estimation modeling can be applied to other areas and disciplines, even beyond the IT industry. The maturity-based model of the present invention also offers executives and project managers a very effective estimating tool to analyze the impact of project variances. Resources do not need to be taken off projects and assigned to perform estimations, as this model acquires knowledge over time and delivers ever more precise estimates with each successive project. Executives and project managers may analyze the effects of additional staff, function changes, or other events to an overall project. Additionally, new projects may be estimated without utilizing current personnel with this adaptive learning model.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a technique for IT estimation modeling of any organization. Although this estimation model is applied to SOA herein, it is not limited to solely estimating SOA activities; the maturity-based estimation modeling can be applied to other areas and disciplines, even beyond the IT industry. The maturity-based model of the present invention also offers executives and project managers a very effective estimating tool to analyze the impact of project variances. Resources do not need to be taken off projects and assigned to perform estimations, as this model acquires knowledge over time and delivers ever more precise estimates with each successive project. Executives and project managers may analyze the effects of additional staff, function changes, or other events to an overall project. Additionally, new projects may be estimated without utilizing current personnel with this adaptive learning model.

Abstract: A portable x-ray tube 68 for producing x-rays, the tube 68 having an energy source 74 which directs energetic particles or photons at an electron multiplier 80 coupled to the energy source 74. A voltage source 84 applies a multiplier voltage across the electron multiplier 80. When triggered by the energy source 74, the electron multiplier 80 creates a multitude of electrons 28 directed towards a target anode 90 that receives the electrons and produces x-rays 30. The target anode 90 is coupled at a voltage difference of at least 3 kV relative to the electron multiplier 80 so as to define an electron acceleration region 32 between the electron multiplier 80 and the target anode 90. The target anode 90 contains an element having an atomic number greater than 11. A low pressure enclosure 70 contains the electron multiplier 80 and the target anode 90. The low pressure enclosure 70 includes a window 92 for allowing the x-rays 30 to pass through substantially unchanged.

Abstract: This invention discloses a support and display apparatus for supporting and displaying disc-like objects of predetermined size and shape, the support and display apparatus comprising at least one elongated structural member having a width, a thickness, a length, and an upper surface, the length of the elongated structural member being at least equal to an overall dimension of a face of a disc-like object which is to be supported and displayed, the structural member having a uniform continuous groove formed in its upper surface, the continuous groove having a bottom surface and opposed front and back sides, the front and back sides being spaced from each other at any opposed corresponding point by a space at least equal to the thickness of a disc-like object which is to be supported and displayed.The structural members may be joined together to support and display a relatively large array of disc-like objects.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is used to cast a plurality of articles in a mold structure having a plurality of article molds disposed in an array having an open central portion. The article molds are filled with molten metal while the mold structure is supported on a chill plate. An inner baffle plate is disposed in the central portion of the array of article molds and retards the transfer of heat from the article molds to the chill plate. The inner baffle plate is supported by a support structure which extends through the chill plate. After the article molds have been filled with molten metal, the chill plate and mold structure are lowered relative to the inner baffle plate to increase the rate of heat transfer from the article molds to the chill plate through the open central portion of the array of article molds. Thereafter, the inner baffle plate and support structure are lowered with the chill plate and mold structure.