Abstract: Automated systems and methods for evaluating specimens affixed to substrates, such as slides, an exemplary system including a slide imager configured for acquiring a plurality of micro images of a specimen affixed to an substrate, the specimen including a plurality of objects distributed within a three-dimensional volume, and for generating a whole specimen image of the specimen using the micro images, wherein objects contained in the specimen are depicted substantially in focus in the whole specimen image regardless of a z-depth of the respective objects within the specimen. The whole specimen image is stored on a storage medium for subsequent review by a cytotechnologist using a computer-controlled review station including a display and a user interface, wherein the review station user interface is configured such that the cytotechnologist can review and classify the stored whole specimen images.

Abstract: A method of determining of a true time of arrival of an energy pulse in a positioning system using arrivals times of such pulses at a device after emission of the pulses from respective transmitters. A sampled signal is cross-correlated with the expected form of the energy pulse from the transmitter, and a highest peak in the correlated signal is located and selected to represent a possible time of arrival of the energy pulse. A sequentially preceding peak in the correlated signal is then selected has its magnitude compared with a threshold. This step is repeated until the magnitude of the currently selected peak is less than the threshold, at which point the last-selected peak whose magnitude exceeded the threshold marks the true time of arrival. This process avoids false time of arrival readings caused by reflected pulses.

Abstract: A method of determining of a true time of arrival of an energy pulse in a positioning system using arrivals times of such pulses at a device after emission of the pulses from respective transmitters. A sampled signal is cross-correlated with the expected form of the energy pulse from the transmitter, and a highest peak in the correlated signal is located and selected to represent a possible time of arrival of the energy pulse. A sequentially preceding peak in the correlated signal is then selected has its magnitude compared with a threshold. This step is repeated until the magnitude of the currently selected peak is less than the threshold, at which point the last-selected peak whose magnitude exceeded the threshold marks the true time of arrival. This process avoids false time of arrival readings caused by reflected pulses.

Abstract: A power converter includes a power train with a coupled inductor and a plurality of regulators, and method of forming and operating the same. In one embodiment, the power train includes a coupled inductor including a magnetic core with a common leg, a first leg and a second leg. The coupled inductor also includes a common winding formed around the common leg, and first and second windings. The first winding is formed around the first leg, and is electrically and magnetically coupled to the common winding. The second winding is formed around the second leg, and is electrically and magnetically coupled to the common winding. The power train also includes a first regulator including a first main switch coupled to the first winding and a second regulator including a second main switch coupled to the second winding.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a rotatable magnetron sputtering target(s) for use in sputtering material(s) onto a substrate. In certain example embodiments, the target includes a cathode tube with a target material applied thereto via plasma spraying or the like. A bonding layer is provided on the tube, between the cathode tube and the target material. The bonding layer is thicker proximate at least one end portion of the target than at a central portion of the target in order to reduce the likelihood of burn-through to or of the cathode tube during sputtering.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a sputtering target(s) for use in sputtering material(s) onto a substrate. In certain example embodiments, the target includes a cathode tube with a slow sputtering material applied thereto prior to application of the target material to be sputtered onto the substrate. Because the slow sputtering material is located between the cathode tube and the material to be sputtered, the likelihood of burn-through can be reduced. In certain instances, target utilization and/or lifetime may be increased. In certain other example embodiments, a non-conductive layer may be provided proximate end portion(s) of the target between the cathode tube and the target material in order to reduce or prevent sputtering of material once the target material has been sputtered off such portion(s).

Abstract: A bioreactor for the biochemical treatment of liquids containing organic matter, comprises an elongated, upwardly extending tubular container having inlet means for receiving the liquid to be treated and outlet means for discharging the treated liquid. A plurality of spaced-apart first and second trays are alternatively arranged above one another inside the container, each tray being apertured to provide liquid flow communication between the inlet and outlet means and adapted to support a respective bed of microorganism cells capable of reacting with the organic matter. The apertures of the first and second trays are arranged relative to one another to cause the liquid to flow laterally across the respective cell beds of the trays as the liquid flows from one tray to another.