An improved papermaking process has been developed to enhance the properties of the resultant paper or paper-type products. The process involves adding a polyvinyl alcohol/vinylamine copolymer along with a crosslinking agent at the dry end step of a conventional papermaking process. Improvements in the properties of the resultant paper products are observed, especially at low levels of copolymer addition.

Cellulosic pulp based products comprise one of the largest and most important markets for commercial materials. The technology involved with paper and cardboard is well developed and comprises many additives to yield a multitude of property improvements. Property improvements desired include wet and dry tensile strength, wet and dry burst strength, wet and dry tear resistance, fold resistance, oil resistance, solvent/stain resistance, etc. Additives to paper are characterized by the position of addition relative to the paper-making process. The addition of additives to the slurried pulp (paper stock) prior to sheet formation is commonly referred to as wet-end addition. The addition to paper after formation and at least partial drying is referred to as dry-end addition.
Various additives are applied to the pulp slurry prior to sheet formation. These include retention aids to retain fines and fillers (e.g. alum, poly(ethyleneimine), cationic starches), drainage aids (e.g. poly(ethyleneimine), defoamers, additives which control pitch or stickies (e.g. microfibers, adsorbent fillers). Additionally wet strength additives such as cationic polyacrylamides and poly(amide amine/epichlorohydrin) are added in the wet end to improve wet strength as well as dry strength. Starch, guar gums, and polyacrylamides are also added to yield dry strength improvements. Urea-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde resins are employed as low cost wet strength additives; however, due to residual formaldehyde these resins have fallen out of favor and are being replaced.
Sizing agents are added to impart hydrophobic character to the hydrophilic cellulosic fibers. These agents are used for liquid containers (e.g. milk, juice), paper cups, and surfaces printed by aqueous inks (to prevent spreading of the ink). Rosin sizes derived from pine trees were initially used as well as wax emulsions. More recently, cellulose-reactive sizes have been employed. These include alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) and alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA). AKD is discussed b Marton (TAPPI J., p. 139, Nov. 1990) and Zhou (Paper Technology, p. 19, Jul. 1991).
The additives noted above can also be added to the dry-end of the papermaking process. These additives can be added various ways. One of the common methods is referred to as the size press addition. This generally involves nip rolls in which a water solution of the additive(s) is flooded and allowed to penetrate the paper. Other methods of addition include spray application and tub sizing.
Starch is the most commonly employed additive in size press addition. Carboxy methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose reactive sizes, wax emulsions are also commonly employed for size press addition. Poly(vinyl acetate) emulsions, as well as poly(ethylene-vinyl chloride), poly(styrenebutadiene) and polyacrylic emulsions are commonly added at the dry-end of the paper making process as a surface size or paper coating additive. The add-on levels (dry additive on dry pulp) at the dry end can be low (0.05-4 wt%) as sizing additives (either surface or internal sizing) or high (4-20+wt% dry-on-dry) in the case of saturation sizing. The properties desired are variable, however, include wet and dry tensile strength, fold resistance, wet and dry burst strength, porosity closing, wet and dry tear strength, printability, surface characteristics, oil resistance, etc.
Specific versions of poly(vinyl alcohol) offer many of these improvements, specifically dry strength, wet strength, fold resistance, burst strength and oil resistance. Poly(vinyl alcohol) is generally added in dry-end application as it has poor substansivity to cellulosic products. Highly crystalline poly(vinyl alcohol) generally yields the best wet strength properties as it is insoluble in cold water. Crosslinking additives such as glyoxal can be added to yield specific property improvements. (See Polyvinyl Alcohol Developments, C.A. Finch, ed. (1992) pp 270-273; 591-595).
The use of functional polymers of various types has been known for many years as a means to improve papermaking processes and paper properties. Several of these resins for improving wet strength of the paper have involved products derived from epihalohydrin. U.S. 3,535,288 Lipowski, et al. (1970) discloses an improved cationic polyamide-epichlorohydrin thermosetting resin as useful in the manufacture of wet-strength paper. U.S. 3,715,336 Nowak, et al. (1973) describes vinyl alcohol/vinylamine copolymers as useful flocculants in clarification of aqueous suspensions and, when combined with epichlorohydrin, as useful wet-strength resins for paper. The copolymers are prepared by hydrolysis of vinylcarbamate/vinyl acetate copolymers made by copolymerization of vinyl acetate and vinyl isocyanate followed by the conversion of the isocyanate functionality to carbamate functionality with an alkanol. Additionally, Canadian Pat. No. 1,155,597 (1983) discloses wet-strength resins used in papermaking, including polymers of diallylamine reacted with epihalohydrin and a vinyl polymer reacted with epihalohydrin wherein the vinyl polymer is formed from a monomer prepared by reacting an aromatic vinyl alkyl halide with an amine, such as dimethylamine.
Functional polymers derived from amides have also been used to improve paper processes. U.S. 3,597,314 Lanbe, et al. (1971) discloses that drainage of cellulose fiber suspensions can be enhanced by the addition of a fully or partially hydrolyzed polymer of N-vinyl-N-methyl carboxylic acid amide. U.S. 4,311,805 Moritani, et al. (1982) discloses paper-strength additives made by copolymerizing a vinyl ester, such as vinyl acetate, and an acrylamide derivative, followed by hydrolysis of the ester groups to hydroxy groups. The presence of the remaining cationic groups enables the polymer to be adsorbed on pulp fibers. Utilities for the polymers as sizing agents, drainage aids, size retention aids and as binders for pigments are disclosed but not demonstrated. U.S. 4,421,602 Brunnmueller, et al. (1983) describes partially hydrolyzed homopolymers of N-vinylformamide as useful as retention agents, drainage aids and flocculants in papermaking. European patent application 0,331,047 (1989) notes the utility of high molecular weight poly(vinylamine) as a wet-end additive in papermaking for improved dry strength and as a filler retention aid. U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,762 discusses a water soluble product of polyethyleneimine reacted with formaldehyde and poly(vinyl alcohol). The product is noted to be useful as an improved drainage and retention aid in papermaking.
More recently, vinylamide copolymers have been disclosed as useful in papermaking to improve the properties of the product. U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,285 Pfohl, et al. (1988) describes amine functional polymers formed by copolymerizing vinyl acetate or vinyl propionate with N-vinylformamide (NVF) followed by 30-100% hydrolysis to eliminate formyl groups and the acetyl or propionyl groups. The copolymer contains 10-95 mole, NVF and 5-90 mole% vinyl acetate or vinyl propionate. The hydrolyzed copolymers are useful in papermaking to increase dry strength and wet strength when added in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt% based on dry fiber. The polymer can be added to the pulp or applied to the formed sheet. The two polymers used to show dry and wet strength improvements are said to contain 40% and 60% N-vinylformamide before hydrolysis. Lower levels of amine functionality in poly(vinyl alcohol) are not demonstrated to be effective.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,880,497 and 4,978,427 discuss the use of amine functional polymers for use in improving the dry and wet strength of paper. These amine functional polymers are based on copolymers comprising 10 to 95 mole % N-vinyl formamide which are hydrolyzed to yield amine functionality. The copolymer also contains an ethylenically unsaturated monomer including vinyl esters (such as vinyl acetate), alkyl vinyl ethers, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, and the esters, nitrites and amides of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. The problems of copolymerization to yield uniform copolymers of vinyl acetate/N-vinyl formamide above 10 mole % NVF are not noted and the examples shown in these patents do not represent random copolymers but most probably polymer mixtures of various compositions between poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(N-vinyl formamide) (before hydrolysis).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,683 Itagaki, et al. (1989) describes a vinylamine copolymer such as a copolymer of N-vinylformamide and N-substituted-acrylamide, which is said to be useful as a paper strengthening agent and European patent application 0,251,182 (1988) describes a vinylamine copolymer formed by hydrolysis of a copolymer of N-vinylformamide and acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile. The product is said to be useful in papermaking as a drainage aid, retention aid and strength increasing agent. Examples presented to demonstrate the paper strengthening effect of the polymer used a pulp slurry containing cationic starch, alkyl ketene dimer as a sizing agent and a filler retention improving agent, but there is no indication of any cooperative effect between the polymer and the sizing agent.
On the other hand, certain combinations of additives have been found to be useful as paper additives. U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,359, Linhart, et al. (1988) discloses utility of homopolymers or copolymers of N-vinylamides, such as N-vinylformamide (NVF), in combination with phenol resin as a drainage aid in pulp slurries for production of paper. In this service unhydrolyzed poly NVF is said to function cooperatively with the phenol resin, while a partially hydrolyzed poly NVF does not (see Example 6). European patent application No. 0,337,310 (1989) describes improving moist compressive strength of paper products using the combination of hydrolyzed poly(vinyl-acetate-vinylamide) and an anionic polymer such as carboxymethyl cellulose or anionic starch. The hydrolyzed polymer can contain 1-50 mole% vinylamine units and examples are given of polymers having amine functionality of 3-30%.
G. G. Spence in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, 2nd Ed., Wiley-Interscience, Vol. 10, p. 761-786, N.Y., 1987, provides a comprehensive survey of paper additives describing the functions and benefits of various additives and resins used in the manufacture of paper. Wet-end additives are discussed at length. Resins containing amine groups that provide cationic functionality and have low molecular weights (10.sup.3 to 10.sup.5) e.g., poly(ethyleneimine), are used to aid retention of fines in the paper. Acrylamide-based water soluble polymers are used as additives to enhance dry strength of paper while a variety of resins, such as melamineformaldehyde resins, improve wet strength. Poly(ethyleneimine), however, is said not to be commercially significant as a wet-strength resin. Sizing agents are used to reduce penetration of liquids, especially water, into paper which, being cellulosic, is very hydrophilic. Sizing agents disclosed are rosin-based agents, synthetic cellulose-reactive materials such as alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydrides (ASA) and anhydrides of long-chain fatty acids, such as stearic anhydride, wax emulsions and fluorochemical sizes. Cationic retention aids, such as alum, cationic starch or aminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin wet-strength resin, are used to retain the size particles in the sheet.

Crosslinked vinyl alcohol/vinylamine copolymers for dry end paper addition


In a semiconductor testing device, the defective data of a semiconductor device which is detected by a defective detection unit 1 are converted to address data on the basis of inherent information such as the cell size, the divisional size, etc. of the semiconductor device by an address conversion unit 2, and the address data are compared with a redundant circuit area of the semiconductor device to make a quality (defective or non-defective) judgment of the semiconductor device by a judgment unit 3, whereby when any defective exists in the semiconductor device, the judgment as to whether the defective is replaceable (relievable) by the redundant circuits can be more accurately performed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor testing device, and particularly to a semiconductor testing device for testing a semiconductor device using redundant circuits.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional semiconductor testing device, a laser beam is irradiated onto a semiconductor device to test the semiconductor device by scattered light or pattern comparison or the like, and if any defective (e.g., defect chip) is detected through the testing, the quality of the device is judged on the basis of the number of defectives (defects chips).
However, when a semiconductor device having redundant circuits is tested, it is necessary that defects which can be relieved by the redundant circuits and defects which cannot be relieved by the redundant circuits are discriminated from one another and then the test result is considered on the basis of the discrimination.
A testing method for a semiconductor device having redundant circuits is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open patent Application No. Hei-7-142547. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a testing method of a semiconductor testing device disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. Hei-7-142547.
As shown in FIG. 4, according to the conventional semiconductor device testing device, chips on the same device are visually inspected to find out defective chips in each of manufacturing processes A, B and C, and the chip coordinates of the defective chips are collected (step S21). The number of type-basis replacement usage of redundant circuits in each manufacturing process, which is obtained by replacing the redundant circuits for a defective chip, is determined (step S22). As a result of the visual inspection of all the manufacturing processes on the same device, the type-basis replacement usage number of the redundant circuits is accumulated for every same device to calculate the accumulated value of the redundant circuits on a type basis (step S23). The defectiveness or non-defectiveness is judged on the basis of a judgment as to whether the added accumulated value (total value) exceeds a preset limit value (step S24). If the accumulated value is judged to exceed at least one type-basis limit value, the testing of the chip concerned is omitted. If the accumulated value is judged not to exceed the limit value, the chip concerned is judged to be a non-defective chip which can be relieved by the redundant circuits, and thus the chip is transferred to a chip test process.
In a recent semiconductor device having redundant circuits, in most cases, not only the total usage number is determined, but also the usage number is determined in every area of a chip. Accordingly, it is necessary to make a judgment as to whether the defect (e.g., chip) is relievable or irrelievable in consideration of the device information.
However, in the prior art as described above, the usage number of redundant circuits is determined every same device, and it is judged on the basis of the usage number whether the defect of the device is relievable or irrelievable. Therefore, the prior art has a problem that the yield cannot be accurately estimated.

Semiconductor testing device with redundant circuits


An almond shell additive for a well working fluid is provided, wherein the almond shells are ground to certain particle size ranges to prevent, inhibit or remedy the occurrence of downhole equipment sticking. Also provided are wellworking fluids containing the almond shell additive and well working processes utilizing such compositions. The additive is also useful to reduce wall cake thickness and permeability, enhance well cake toughness, seal off depleted sands and micro fractures, reduce or prevent seepage loss, control dynamic spurt loss, and reduces drag and torque.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to compositions for use in well-working operations such as drilling, workover and completion, packing and the like, well-working processes utilizing such compositions, and an additive to prevent, inhibit or alleviate differential or mechanical sticking of downhole equipment in well boreholes.
In the drilling of oil wells, gas wells, injection wells and other boreholes, various strata are bypassed in achieving the desired depth. Each of these subsurface strata has associated with it physical parameters, e.g., porosity, liquid content, hardness, pressure, etc., which make the drilling art an ongoing challenge. Drilling through a stratum produces an amount of rubble and frictional heat; each of which must be removed if efficient drilling is to be maintained. In rotary drilling operations, a string of drill pipe having a drill bit mounted on the lower end thereof is rotated to cause the bit to make the hole. Heat and rock chips are removed by the use of a liquid known as drilling fluid or mud. Typically, drilling fluid is circulated down through the drill string, out through orifices in the drill bit where it picks up rock chips and heat and returns up the annular space between the drill string and the borehole wall to the surface. There it is sieved, reconstituted and directed back down into the drill string. The rotation of the drill string and circulation of the drilling fluid are substantially continuous while drilling, being interrupted for essential operations such as adding an additional section of drill pipe to the top of the drill string or when the entire string is disassembled and pulled from the well bore (called "tripping"). Periodically during interruptions in the drilling operation and also at its conclusion, downhole tools such as logging tools are inserted into the bore and subsequently recovered, and casing is inserted into the bore and set.
The flow properties of the drilling fluid play a vital role in the success of the drilling operation. These properties are primarily responsible for the removal of drill cuttings but influence drilling progress in many other ways. Unsatisfactory performance can lead to such serious problems as bridging the hole, filling the bottom of the hole with drill cuttings, reduced penetration rates, hole enlargement, stuck pipe, loss of circulation, and even a blowout.
Drilling fluid may be as simple in composition as clear water or it may be a complicated mixture of clays, thickeners, dissolved inorganic components, and weighting agents. The characteristics of the drilled geologic strata and, to some extent, the drilling apparatus determine the physical parameters of the drilling fluid. For instance, while drilling through a high pressure layer, e.g., a gas formation, the density of the drilling fluid must be increased to the point that the hydraulic or hydrostatic head of the fluid is greater than the downhole pressure of the stratum to prevent gas leakage into the annular space surrounding the drill pipe and lower chances for a blowout.
The particle size in common drilling fluids is, as general rule, from about 0.5 to 5 microns, with a small percentage (perhaps as much as 5%) of the particles being as large as 325 mesh (44 microns). The balance of the particles above this range are removed in process of preparation and in separation of the rock cuttings prior to recirculation of the drilling fluid. Because of the constant cleaning and removal of larger particles, the drilling fluid can bridge only very small fissures (less than 0.002 in.) within the formations as the muds are normally used.
In strata which are porous in nature with openings or fissures larger than about 0.001 to 0.002 inch and additionally have a low formation pressure, another problem occurs. Some of the drilling fluid, because of its hydrostatic head being greater than the formation pressure, migrates out into the porous layer rather than completing its circuit to the surface. One common solution of this problem is to use a drilling fluid which contains bentonite clay or other filtration control additives. Typically, such additives have particles of a size slightly smaller than the size of the pore openings of the formation. The porous formation tends to filter the filtration control additive from the drilling fluid and forms a filter cake on the borehole wall thereby preventing the outflow of drilling fluid. The liquid which enters the formation while the cake is being established, is known as the surge loss or spurt loss, while the liquid which enters after the cake is formed is known as the drilling fluid filtrate. The permeability of the filter cake is directly related to the particle size distribution in the drilling fluid, and in general, the cake permeability decreases as the concentration of particles in the colloidal size range increases. See House, U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,553. As long as this filter cake is intact, very little fluid is lost to the formation.
In general, it is most economical to use a water-based fluid over an oil-based drilling fluid, from the standpoint of original cost, maintenance and protecting the ocean environment. Accordingly, oil-based drilling fluids are not desirable, unless essential to the drilling operation. Many formation evaluation, or well logging, tools depend upon the use of water-based drilling fluids because such fluids are electrically conductive through the earth formation, rather than insulative, as in the case of oil-based drilling fluids.
It is known by those skilled in the art that stuck pipe is one of the most common hazards encountered in drilling operations. One of the primary causes of drill string "sticking" is the effect of differential pressure between the hydrostatic head of the drilling fluid column in the well bore and any porous, low-pressure earth formations through which the drill string passes. Under such conditions, the pressure difference presses the drill pipe against the borehole wall with sufficient force to prevent movement of the pipe. This occurs because the density or weight of the drilling fluid in the well bore creates a hydrostatic pressure against the pipe that is substantially greater than that in a porous earth formation traversed by the well bore. This is due to the filtrate (typically water in the drilling fluid) flowing through the desirable "mud cake" and the well bore wall into the low pressure formation. This condition may occur in the drill collar section of the drill string which is used to apply weight to the bit directly above the drill bit and when the return drilling fluid flow around the smaller diameter drill string is less turbulent and hence relatively laminar. Thus, where the drill pipe lies close to one side of the well bore, as in slant holes, higher differential pressure across the drill pipe increases its adherence to the side of the well bore. In a worst case, this results in differential pressure sticking of the drill string. However, differential sticking of pipe more frequently occurs after circulation and rotation have been temporarily suspended, as when making a connection.
Correction of drill string sticking conditions usually requires a decrease in the drilling fluid pressure in the well either by reducing the hydrostatic head of the drilling fluid or increasing solids content of the fluid to reduce filtrate loss, with subsequent building of a thicker filtercake to increase the pipe contact area. Alternatively, sticking can sometimes be avoided by using smaller diameter drill pipe, or fewer drill collars in the weight assembly above the bit. The problem of differential pipe sticking is frequently severe where a well encounters over-pressured formations. In such wells, the formation pressure exceeds the pressure to be normally expected due to hydrostatic head alone at that depth. In such wells passing through overpressured formations the counterbalancing hydrostatic pressure in the well cannot be reduced safely at deeper depths when an under-pressured formation is encountered. However, such greater pressures on deeper formations may substantially increase the risk of fracturing the formation, with accompanying loss of drilling fluid from the well into the fracture, and creating potential well blow-out.
It is also known that frequently a drill string may stick in a drilling well because of mechanical problems between the drill string and the well bore itself. Such a condition can sometimes occur in what is known as the "keyseat effect". That is, a keyseat is created when the drill string collar or a pipe joint erodes a circular slot the size of the drill pipe tube or tool joint outside diameter in one side of the larger circular bore hole, as originally cut by the drill bit. Such a slot can create greatly increased friction or drag between the drill string and the earth formation and result in seizure of the drill collars when an attempt is made to pull the string out of the hole and the collars become wedged in the keyseat. Such problems can also be created by excessive weight on the drill string so that the drill string buckles in the lower section and particularly where the bore hole has a high angle, say in excess of 60.degree. from vertical, or the well bore includes more than one change of direction, such as an S-curve or forms one or more "dog-legs" between the drilling platform and the drill bit. It is also known that in mechanical sticking of drill string, earth formations around the well may be sufficiently unstable so that the side wall collapses or sloughs into the well bore and thereby sticks the pipe.
Economics also play a significant role in drilling wells with potential sticking tendencies. C. C. Newhouse points out that analysis of stuck pipe data for Chevon's Gulf of Mexico operations during 1988 showed that each incident cost an average of $700,000.00. He further states that although the reservoir pressures are known, depleted sands can present serious drilling problems and substantial cost increases. Differential sticking of drill pipe, casing and logging tools; and tight hole conditions due to excessive filtrate loss and cake buildup are some of the problems which may occur. Additional casing strings may also be required to cover these zones. Effectively plugging the depleted intervals is the key to preventing most of these problems. See C. C Newhouse, "Successfully Drilling Severely Depleted Sands," Paper SPE 21913 Presented at the 1991 SPE/IADC Conference held in AmsterDam, 11-14 Mar. 1991.
2. Prior Art
The extent of each pipe sticking problem generally depends upon the amount of time the operator is willing to "wash over" the stuck section of the drill pipe (after unthreading and removal of the unstuck portion), or to "fish" by otherwise manipulating the drill string. Correction may also include spotting or completely replacing the water-based drill fluid with a spotting agent. The spotting agents are often oleophilic compositions and may be oil-based drilling fluids, invert emulsions of water in oil, or a material as readily available as diesel oil. After the slug of, typically, 10-15 barrels of spotting agent is introduced, addition of drilling fluid is re-commenced. The slug of spotting agent continues its trip down through the drill string, out the drill bit, and up the wellbore annulus until it reaches the site of the stickage. Upon arrival of the spotting agent at the stickage location, circulation is temporarily ceased. Those skillful in this art speculate that oil-based spotting agents tend either to dehydrate the filter cake on the borehole wall and cause it to break up or to reduce the coefficient of friction between the filter cake and the drill string, thereby allowing the drill string to come free. In any event, once movement of the drill string is detected, circulation of the drilling fluid is restored. It should be observed that the cost of this process is high and the success rate only moderate. Furthermore, this method does not inhibit the occurrence or reoccurrence of differential sticking. Failure to free the drill string results either in abandoning the well bore or side tracking the bore hole above the stuck point. This may include loss of the drill bit, collars and stuck lengths of pipe in the bore hole.
The problem of sticking pipe has been described in numerous publications in the literature, particularly as it relates to differential sticking of the drill string to the well bore, that is, adherence of the drill string against a porous formation so that there is no circulation of drilling fluid around one side of the drill string. Such literature is in part directed to the use of various pieces of drilling equipment or drilling procedures, which typically involve a higher capital expense. The following are examples of such drilling equipment and procedures.
Dellinger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,441, proposes the use of noncircular or square tool joints or drill collars, particularly in the drill string directly above the drill bit. Such shape assures that circulation is maintained around the drill pipe and reduces the sealing area between the pipe and the side wall where the differential pressure may act. However, such tools are expensive and not commonly available. Further, they may tend to aggravate the keyseat problem in relatively soft formations since the square edges of such collars may tend to cut the side wall in high angle holes.
Lawrence, U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,078, proposes using a special drill section directly above the drill bit to permit jarring the drill bit if the pipe tends to stick. Additionally, valves in the tool may be actuated to release drilling fluid around the drill string to assist in preventing or relieving a stuck drill string condition.
Steiger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,080, is directed to binding a porous layer on the outside of the drill string. Such a coating is stated to prevent differential pressure sticking of the pipe by increasing liquid flow around the drill string.
Messenger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,787, proposes reversing the circulation of the drilling fluid using a pump powered by the cones of the rotary bit. The drilling cuttings are thus removed by pumping the drilling fluid up and out the drill pipe and therefor kept out of the annulus.
Cloud, Canadian Patent 1,253,846, proposes mitigating the problems of differential pressure sticking and of packoff in the borehole upon removal of the drill string by using upwardly or backwardly directed jets, for example, in the drill collars or heavy weight pipe joints to aid in the removal of cuttings from the borehole.
Alternatively, such literature discloses the use of methods to avoid differential sticking by assuring that the drilling fluid is tailored to match the earth formations penetrated by the well bore. However, in drilling new or deep wells, where intimate knowledge of the formations is not available, and particularly where low pressure formations are to be encountered, it is difficult to predict and take corrective, or preventive, action prior to such drill pipe sticking. Further, while these problems can be avoided by deeper casing of the bore hole around the drill string, such casing is expensive and in general undesirable, because it limits formation evaluation with conventional well logging tools. As noted above, this also is a primary reason that oil-based drilling fluids (which are insulative) are not desirable, unless essential to the drilling operation.
Examples of drilling fluids additives used to avoid or remedy stuck pipe include the following:
Moses, U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,791, discloses avoiding differential sticking by use of glass beads in the drilling fluid to inhibit formation of a seal by the filter cake between the drill string and the well bore adjacent a low pressure zone. The glass beads have a particle size of 9.84 to 187 mils (U.S.A. Sieve Series 4 to 60).
Two other types of specialty products which have been used in preventing differential sticking while drilling depleted sands are Gilsonites (Registered trade mark of the American Gilsonite Company) and cellulose fibers. In severe conditions, one or both products may be maintained in the mud system. Although both products improve the plugging efficiency of drilling fluids, they function in a different manner.
Gilsonite is a naturally occurring carbonaceous material that is classified as an asphaltite and has a softening point of 330.degree.-400.degree. F. Its primary use is to improve borehole stabilization by sealing off microfractures and forming a plating film on the borehole face. The malleable and insoluble nature and PSD (particle size distribution) of Gilsonite are the means by which it is effective in sealing permeable formations and improving the filter cake quality. Field use has shown that it helps reduce HTHP fluid loss and can reduce torque and drag.
This product is normally maintained in concentrations up to 4 lbm/bbl and is most effective if added before penetrating the troublesome interval. The kickoff point normally provides a good place to start additions of Gilsonite, since it can aid in lubricity. This product also functions well with cellulose fiber products, but should be pilot tested to ensure the optimum concentrations.
Cellulose fibers have also been used in plugging permeable formations. Most were formulated to control seepage loss and differential sticking instead of shale stabilization like the Gilsonite. They typically function by swelling and wedging into the pore throat once exposed to a differential pressure. This has proven beneficial in decreasing mechanical erosion. Another advantage of this product is that it is very effective if used in sweeps, even after problems begin. Hydration of the product in water and caustic before adding it to the system is beneficial in high solids muds. Since several manufacturers offer their fiber products in coarse and fine grinds, the PSD of the drilling fluid can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of permeabilities.
Concentrations when maintaining cellulose fiber products in the system, range between 3-8 lbm/bbl (PPB). Fiber products can be added at any point in the hole since they are not temperature dependent. Additions should begin early enough to ensure the optimum concentration is being maintained before drilling the depleted interval. They can be added much like the Gilsonite products, sweeps first. These products are compatible with virtually all water-based and oil-based mud systems. A few precautions to note about these products is that they will decrease alkalinities and can ferment if the pH is below 9.
In less severe cases, sweeps formulated in the drilling fluid are frequently used instead of maintaining the product in the system. They normally contain between 10 and 25 lbm/bbl. This method has proved effective in plugging off small troublesome areas and massive sands when the mud weight is low. They are also effective if pumped just after drilling through the depleted zone, while circulating the hole clean before a trip, or before pulling out of the hole to log. This will ensure a complete PSD is available to decrease the filter cake permeability. The rheology and alkalinities are checked prior to pumping the sweep. Additions of water and/or thinners may be required to lower rheological properties.
In extreme cases, spotting pills in the open hole before a trip can improve conditions once drilling is resumed. They contain lower concentrations than sweeps to prevent dehydration of the mud.
Another important factor is that the smallest shaker screens desired cannot always be used since they can strip the larger products from the system. Screen sizing should be based on the PSD of the product and the cut point of the screens. As a result, more dilution is typically required to control the drilled solids. Actual screen sizing should be determined by evaluating the cuttings on the shakers.
There are cheaper products; such as calcium carbonate, nut plug, and mica, that can be used to improve the PSD of the drilling fluid. They may not necessarily improve the plugging performance of the fluid because they are not deformable and do not swell upon entering the pore throats. These products can actually get in the way of the beneficial solids and act as a proppant.
As noted above, most cellulose fibers were formulated to control seepage loss (or loss circulation) and differential sticking. In order to combat or prevent lost circulation, it has been common in the past to add any number of materials to the drilling fluid which act to reduce or prevent flow of the drilling fluid outwardly into a porous stratum by reducing or limiting the permeability of the formation being drilled, thereby arresting a lost circulation condition. Such prior known cellulose fiber materials include fibrous, flake and granular ground forms thereof. Representative of such cellulose fibers include nut and seed shells or hulls (pecan, almond, walnut, peach, brazil, coconut, peanut, sunflower, flax, cocoa bean, cottonseed, rice, linseed, oat). See House et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,553. See also Borchardt, U.S. Pat. No. 2,799,647 (almond shells); Gockel, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,460,052 and 4,498,995 (granular: walnut shells, pecan shells, almond shells; fibers: sunflower seed-hulls, cottonseed hulls); Kern et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,228,469 (coarse almond shells); Walker, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,614,599, 4,635,726 and 4,664,816 (almond hulls, walnut hulls); Surles, U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,465 (almond hulls, walnut hulls); Delhommer et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,633,950 and 4,704,213 (almond hulls, walnut hulls). Delhommer, Surles and Walter also cite Gockel '995. Of the foregoing cellulose fiber materials, peanut shells and walnut shells are known to have been used for differential sticking problems with moderate success. The other cellulose fiber materials have been tried, but apparently without much success.

Almond shell additive and method of inhibiting sticking in wells


A hypervisor prepares a guest region identifier (RID)-physical region identifier (RID) mapping table for dynamically registering and managing items and performs RID conversion using the guest RID-physical RID mapping table. When the mapping table is used, since it is unnecessary to provide a specific information area representing logical partitions (LPARs) corresponding to respective guests in an RID to be converted, there is no limitation concerning the number of LPARs and a problem in operation can be eliminated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a TLB virtualization technique in a computer virtualization technique.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a computer virtualization technique for causing plural virtual computers to simultaneously operate on a computer based on the architecture of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC) has been attracting attention. Advantages such as a reduction in the number of actually operating computers and facilitation of operation and configuration changes through encapsulation of hardware are spreading in the market.
Many techniques concerning virtualization of computers such as main frames have been developed so far. However, in order to provide a high-performance, limitless, and flexible computer virtualization technique in the architecture of a PC, much contrivance is necessary not only in hardware such as a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) but also in software for performing control.
As one of the virtualization techniques that have has been efficiently implemented, there is a translation look-aside buffer (hereinafter referred to as TLB) virtualization.
A TLB of a CPU as a premise of explanation of the background art is explained with reference to FIG. 3. When the CPU accesses a memory, the CPU specifies a position on the memory using a memory address. In a CPU including a paging mechanism, a program accesses a memory using an address on a virtual address system (hereinafter referred to as memory space) called virtual address. The CPU performs access after converting a value of the virtual address into a position on an actual memory. Usually, in order to perform the conversion at high speed and automatically, a cache memory for storing address conversion pairs is included in the CPU.
Depending on the architecture, in order to simultaneously store conversion pairs of plural memory spaces in one TLB, identifiers of memory spaces called region identifiers (hereinafter referred to as RIDs) may be used. Examples of such architecture include the Itanium (registered trademark) architecture of Intel Corporation. The present invention concerns such architecture that uses the TLB and the RIDs.
The RIDs are numbers for uniquely identifying memory spaces managed by an operating system (hereinafter referred to as an OS) on a computer. Usually, a page table (PT) corresponding to each of the memory spaces is allocated to the memory space. The page table (PT) is a correspondence table of virtual addresses and physical addresses managed by the OS. The OS registers the page table (PT) in the TLB referring to contents of the page table (PT) as required.
An example of the structure of the TLB is shown in a lower part of FIG. 3. A physical TLB includes information concerning an RID 301, a virtual address 302, and a physical address 303. A program on a CPU designates the physical address 303 on a memory by combining the RID 301 and the virtual address 302.
The CPU searches for entries in which a designated RID and a designated virtual address are equal to the RID 301 and the virtual address 302 in a TLB entry. The CPU accesses a memory indicated by the physical address 303 associated with the RID 301 and the virtual address 302. Actually, conversion of the virtual address 302 and the physical address 303 is managed for each section having a fixed size called a page rather than in the respective address units. Usually, the TLB operates as a cache for the page table. In this specification, since there is no significant reason for distinguishing the page and the respective addresses, an address refers to a general term of addresses and pages.
When there is no entry corresponding to the designated RID and the designated virtual address in the TLB entry, the CPU notifies the program of an exception signal. Usually, the OS detects an exception and registers, with reference to the page table, a set of an RID and a virtual address that cause the exception and a physical address corresponding to the virtual address in the TLB entry.
As a method with which the program designates an RID in the CPU, there is an architecture that uses region registers (hereinafter referred to as RRs). The RRs are registers exclusively used for storing RIDs of memory spaces used by a present program and are prepared in the CPU. An example of the RRs is shown in an upper part of FIG. 3. The RRs have areas for showing an RID 305 in specific bit strings of registers.
In a CPU having plural RRs, higher-order bits of a virtual address 306 may be an index number of an RR. In this system, an RID and a virtual address section of the RR designated by an RR designation section are compared with the RID 301 and the virtual address 302 of the TLB entry by a comparator 307. The physical address 303 of an entry in which the RID and the virtual address section and the RID 301 and the virtual address 302 coincide with each other is used.
The memory spaces are uniquely identified RIDs. It is likely that a different page table (PT) is used for each of the memory spaces and different address conversion is registered. In other words, even if the same virtual address is used, different physical addresses are accessed when RIDs are different. Moreover, since the OS dynamically manages the association of the RIDs and the page table, in different computers or OSs, even if the same RID and the same virtual address are designated, the RID and the virtual address may be converted into different physical addresses.
When a computer is virtualized, i.e., when plural OSs run on the same CPU, the OSs share the same TLB (TLB cache). A different page table (PT) is managed for each of the OSs and registered in the TLB in association with an independent RID. Since the association may be different for each of the OSs, when a TLB entry registered by another OS is used, the OS performs unintended conversion. In order to avoid such a situation, arbitrary processing for TLB resources is indispensable in an environment in which plural OSs run on a single CPU in parallel.
As a method of arbitrating TLB resources in the architecture described above, a method called RID partitioning is used in ISSN 1535-864X, Intel (registered trademark) Virtualization Technology Volume 10 Issue 03 (hereinafter referred to as Non-Patent Document 1). In this method, an RID is divided into a bit range for identifying a virtual computer and a bit range for identifying a memory space in the virtual computer. An OS can change only the bit range for identifying a memory space in the latter half.

Computer virtualization apparatus and program and method therefor


A catheter apparatus and method is provided for repairing tissue defects intraluminally by depositing a polymerizable material at a tissue defect site and polymerizing the material in situ to effect the build-up of a repair material at the site of a defect. This is accomplished in preferred arrangements by providing a catheter having an optical fiber arranged for the transmission and emission of radiation such as UV at the defect site along with the transmission of the polymerizable material. Contact between the radiation and the coincident delivery of polymerizable material at the site effects a build-up of solid repair material at the defect.

This invention relates to catheter apparatus and method for the deposition of a polymerizable material at a tissue defect site and the in situ polymerization of the material to effect the build-up of a repair material at the defect site.
The term "polymerization" is used herein to include all forms including cross-linking as well as chain extensions.
Utility is found in various body passageways and that term is used herein to include any duct as well as any vein, artery, blood vessel and related parts of vascular systems, although it is not limited thereto.

Apparatus and method for tissue defect repair by deposition


An extruder has a valve assembly configured to move pins to open and close the nozzles in a multi-nozzle extruder head independently. The pins of the valve assembly that are driven by actuators into and out of engagement with nozzles in the extruder head are positioned within sleeves that extend between the valve assembly and the extruder head. A gap is provided between the extruder head and the end of the sleeves proximate the extruder head to enable thermoplastic material leaking from the extruder that contacts the pins to remain in a melted or plastic state so the thermoplastic material does not interfere with the movement of the pins.

Three-dimensional printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object from a digital model of virtually any shape. Many three-dimensional printing technologies use an additive process in which an additive manufacturing device forms successive layers of the part on top of previously deposited layers. Some of these technologies use extruders that soften or melt extrusion material, such as ABS plastic, into thermoplastic material and then emit the thermoplastic material in a predetermined pattern. The printer typically operates the extruder to form successive layers of the thermoplastic material that form a three-dimensional printed object with a variety of shapes and structures. After each layer of the three-dimensional printed object is formed, the thermoplastic material cools and hardens to bond the layer to an underlying layer of the three-dimensional printed object. This additive manufacturing method is distinguishable from traditional object-forming techniques, which mostly rely on the removal of material from a work piece by a subtractive process, such as cutting or drilling.
Many existing three-dimensional printers use a single extruder that extrudes material through a single nozzle. The printhead moves in a predetermined path to emit the build material onto selected locations of a support member or previously deposited layers of the three-dimensional printed object based on model data for the three-dimensional printed object. However, using a printhead with only a single nozzle to emit the build material often requires considerable time to form a three-dimensional printed object. Additionally, a printhead with a larger nozzle diameter can form three-dimensional printed object more quickly but loses the ability to emit build material in finer shapes for higher detailed objects while nozzles with narrower diameters can form finer detailed structures but require more time to build the three-dimensional object.
To address the limitations of single nozzle extruders, multi-nozzle extruders have been developed. In some multi-nozzle extruders, the nozzles are formed in a common faceplate and the materials extruded through the nozzles can come from one or more manifolds. In extruders having a single manifold, all of the nozzles extrude the same material, but the fluid path from the manifold to each nozzle can include a valve that is operated to open and close the nozzles selectively. This ability enables the shape of the swath of thermoplastic material extruder from the nozzles to be varied by changing the number of nozzles extruding material and selectively operating which nozzles extrude material. In extruders having different manifolds, each nozzle can extrude a different material with the fluid path from one of the manifolds to its corresponding nozzle including a valve that can be operated to open and close the nozzle selectively. This ability enables the composition of the material in a swath to vary as well as the shape of the swath of thermoplastic material extruder from the nozzles to be varied. Again, these variations are achieved by changing the number of nozzles extruding material and the nozzles operated to extrude material. These multi-nozzle extruders enable different materials to be extruded from different nozzles to form an object without having to coordinate the movement of different extruder bodies. These different materials can enhance the ability of the additive manufacturing system to produce objects with different colors, physical properties, and configurations. Additionally, by changing the number of nozzles extruding material, the size of the swaths produced can be altered to provide narrow swaths in areas where precise feature formation is required, such as object edges, and to provide broader swaths to quickly form areas of an object, such as its interior regions.
The valves in some multi-nozzle extruders include pins that are selectively moved to open and close the nozzles in the extruder. The pins can have a rounded metal tip at one end that is pushed into engagement with a nozzle with many pounds of force to seal the nozzle. Retracting the rounded end of the pin from the nozzle enables thermoplastic material to flow through the nozzle and be extruded from the nozzle. The extruder head is heated to keep the material in the pressure chambers within the extruder head in a thermoplastic state. To avoid adverse consequences at the actuators that move the pins, the actuators are located at a distance from the extruder heads that is sufficient to thermally insulate the actuators from the heat produced at the extruder head. To prevent thermoplastic material from escaping the extruder head at the position where each pin enters the head, a seal is positioned around the shaft of the pin. This seal must both minimize the escape of thermoplastic material from the extruder head as well as allow the pin to slide within the opening in the seal to open and close the associated nozzle. The thermoplastic material kept within the pressure chamber or chambers of the extruder head are maintained at a relatively high pressure to enable extrusion from the nozzle. This pressure also enables some of the thermoplastic material to leak slowly through the seal and the movement of the pin within the seal may drag some thermoplastic material outside of the seal. A material having a low coefficient of friction, such as PFTE, is useful for reducing the friction between the pins and the seals. When only a small amount of thermoplastic material leaks through the seals it does not present a problem because the heat near the seal helps keep the material plastic so it does not interfere with pin motion. With time, however, the leakage can accumulate and push some of the material far enough from the heat at the seal so that the material freezes. The hardened material can interfere with the movement of the valve pins. One solution is to mechanically remove the leaked material from around the pins with tweezers, but that effort is tedious and time-consuming. Preserving each pin's freedom of reciprocating motion would be beneficial.

System and method for preserving valve member travel in a multi-nozzle extruder


A noise suppressor for use with the vacuum air cleaner includes an enclosed casing. On the casing, there are an air intake end and an air outlet end. Between the air intake end and the air outlet end, there is the noise suppressing chamber. At the air intake end and the air outlet end, there are the air intake area and the air outlet area made up of densely arranged dust-shaped air exhaust microholes. The air intake sectional area and air outlet sectional area, which are defined by the cross-sectional area of the microholes respectively, are smaller than the sectional area of the noise suppressing chamber. A number of noise suppressing structures or arrangements may be used to form the noise suppressor. After being installed at the air exhaust port of the vacuum air cleaner, the noise suppressor can greatly reduce the noise the vacuum air cleaner gives out when in use.

In the existing technology, the air exhaust port of the vacuum air cleaner is usually of the grid structure, whose function is only to prevent impurities from exiting the vacuum air cleaner. The grid structure has no noise suppression effect. Therefore, the ordinary vacuum air cleaner gives out comparatively loud noise while in use.

Noise suppressor for use with vacuum air cleaner


A method and computer program for verifying a design of a circuit comprises selecting a portion of a model of the design having a plurality of inputs and outputs; providing a property for the design that defines a predetermined behavior of one or more of the outputs; determining whether a stimulus exists that, when applied to the inputs of the portion, can produce a behavior other than the predetermined behavior at the outputs of the portion; when the stimulus exists, determining whether the model of the design of the circuit can produce the stimulus at the inputs of the portion of the model of the circuit; and when the stimulus cannot be produced by the model of the design of the circuit at the inputs of the portion of the model of the circuit, preserving a description of the stimulus for analysis.

The present invention relates generally to hardware verification for electronic circuit designs. More particularly, the present invention relates to using local reduction in model checking to identify faults in logically correct circuits.
Recent advances in the design of application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) and system-on-chip (SoC) circuits are producing circuit designs of rapidly increasing complexity. These designs are driving the search for techniques that are capable of verifying such complex designs.
One commonly-used verification technique is model checking, which employs exhaustive mathematical techniques to prove whether a property holds true for a given design. A model checker uses a model of the design to consider all possible input combinations, and covers all possible reachable states to verify a property of the design. This is possible due to efficient techniques such as symbolic model checking and Binary Decision Diagram (BDD) representation used in model checking tools that allow analysis of sets of states simultaneously, and only consider the logic in the cone of influence of the property the tool is verifying.
However, conventional model checking tools verify only the logical design of a circuit. A circuit that is logically correct can still fail due to problems with timing, crosstalk, and other electrical anomalies. Conventional model checking tools are unable to detect such failures.

Using local reduction in model checking to identify faults in logically correct circuits


An inflatable crib includes a plurality of inflatable vertical support columns and a plurality of inflatable sidewall panels, each of the sidewall panels laterally connecting an adjacent pair of the support columns. Optionally, the crib additionally includes an inflatable bottom panel disposed adjacent to the bottom of the support columns and the sidewall panels and extending therebetween, and/or an inflatable peripheral panel disposed adjacent to the bottom of each of the support columns and the sidewall panels and extending laterally outwardly therefrom to serve as an anti-tipover bumper.

The present invention relates to a crib, and more particularly to an inflatable crib affording a high level of safety.
The advantages of an inflatable crib are numerous and manifest. The deflated crib is compact and thus may be easily stored (for example, in a closet) and/or transported (for example, in a car trunk). The deflated crib is then simply removed from a closet or like storage space and easily pumped up (for example, using a foot pump) so that the visiting grandchild can be provided with a serviceable crib during the occasional visit. Similarly, during a lunch break on an all-day car trip, the deflated crib is simply removed from the car trunk and inflated to provide an enclosure for a child at a picnic location, in a restaurant or the like.
Unfortunately, the disadavantages of prior art inflatable cribs are equally numerous and manifest. Assuming that the crib defines a single inflatable chamber, it requires but a single puncture of that chamber to render the crib totally useless and permit the child to crawl or walk away from the crib. An inflatable crib is so lightweight that, if a child pulled itself upright holding on to the side of the crib and then leaned on that side of the crib, it might easily cause the crib to tip over, possibly injuring the child during the tipover and at the very least allowing the child to leave the crib once it was turned over. If unapertured, the sidewalls of the crib interfere with the free flow of fresh air to the child. If nontransparent, the sidewalls interfere with proper illumination of the crib. Most importantly, however, if the crib deflates as the result of a puncture, the deflated sidewalls of the crib could collapse inwardly so as to cover and suffocate the child within the crib.
Accordingly, it is an overall object of the present invention to provide an inflatable crib affording a variety of different safety features.
Another object is to provide such a crib having independently inflatable and deflatable vertical support columns to prevent collapse of deflated crib sidewalls on the child.
Yet another object is to provide such a crib having an anti-tipover bumper.
A further object is to provide such a crib which facilitates the flow of light and air therethrough.
It is also an object to provide such a crib which is easily inflatable and deflatable.


The angle activated training device, in one embodiment, is worn on the backside of a golfer's rearward shoe. In another embodiment, the training device is mounted onto the shaft of a golf club. The shoe device includes a compact container no larger than the backside of a golfer's shoe. The container is mounted on to the shoe via a clip-on mechanism. The container includes, in its interior, a power source, a control switch, an alarm consisting of either a vibratory alarm or an audible alarm and an angle activated switch. Since these items are electrically coupled together, when the control switch is closed, a vibratory or an audible alarm is issued when the backside of a golfer's shoe is in horizontal position at a final finish position of a golfer's strike. The angle activated training device mounted on the shaft of a golf club includes the same electrical components but the alarm is issued when the club passes through one of at least two horizontal positions when the club is properly swung by a golfer. In another embodiment, the angle activated device on the shaft of a golf club issued alarms when the device passes through each of two predetermined angular positions of the club.

It is well known in the golfing industry that, in order to properly strike and drive a golf ball, the golfer's club must pass through certain angular positions. Further, it is also known that the rearward shoe of the golfer, opposite the forward or target shoe, must be raised at the end of a full golf swing such that the backside of the shoe is generally horizontal with respect to a vertical plane extending through the body of the golfer and perpendicular to the ground plane.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,362,023 to McMahon discloses a device which sounds an audible alarm when a certain angle is exceeded. The device uses a pair of mercury switches to detect an angular change of position. The unit, having the pair of mercury switches, is worn on the hat of a golfer. A second angle detection unit, with another mercury switch, is clipped onto the golfer's shoulder. The shoulder unit resets the hat buzzer unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,188 to Schwartz discloses a portable alarm activated by detecting an angular displacement of the alarm unit.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,221,088 to McTeigue and 5,372,365 to McTeigue disclose an angle detector mounted on the spine of a golfer. See FIG. 5. The angle detector is an inclinometer and preferably an accelerometer which generally continuously measures the angular displacement of the golfer's spine relative to the vertical plane. The detector is strapped to the back of the golfer.
The following patents are of general interest: U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,187 to Schmidt discloses a foot weight alarm which measures excessive weight on a foot. Excessive force generates an alarm signal. The unit has a flat pad sensor disposed beneath the foot of the user in the user's shoe. U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,650 to Fullen discloses a system for continuously measuring forces applied to the foot. A flat pad sensor, beneath the user's foot, is utilized to generate signals.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,145 to Morris discloses a back incline indicator. The indicator is strapped onto the user's back. U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,808 to Amirdash discloses a device giving a vibratory warning when undesired lifting position is assumed. This unit is mounted in the user's shirt pocket. An angle detection device is included in the alarm circuit.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,688 to Butler discloses a golf training device which includes a string or cord connected between a unit, worn on the golfer's wrist, and a club attachment.

Angle activated training device for golfers


An apparatus, operating on an advanced multi-core processor architecture, and a corresponding method, are used to enhance recovery from loss of lock step in a multi-processor computer system. The apparatus for recovery from loss of lock step includes multiple processor units operating in the computer system, each of the processor units having at least two processor units operating in lock step, and at least one idle processor unit operating in lock step; and a controller coupled to the two processor units operating in lock step and the idle processor unit. The controller includes mechanisms for copying an architected state of each of the two lock step processor units to the idle processor unit.

Advanced computer architectures may employ multiple microprocessors. Some advanced computer architectures may employ multiple microprocessors on one silicon chip. In a typical application, two microprocessors may be implemented on a single silicon chip, and the implementation may be referred to as a dual core processor. Two or more of the multiple microprocessors may operate in a lock step mode, meaning that each of the lock stepped microprocessors process the same code sequences, and should, therefore, produce identical outputs. FIG. 1A illustrates a typical implementation of a dual core processor. A dual core processor 10 includes a silicon chip 11 having microprocessor core 12 (core 0) and microprocessor core 14 (core 1). The microprocessor cores 12 and 14 are coupled to an interface logic 16 that monitors external communications from the microprocessor cores 12 and 14. In the dual core processor 10, the microprocessor cores 12 and 14 operate as independent entities. While the dual core processor 10 has advantages in terms of size and processing speed, the reliability of the dual core processor 10 is not significantly better than that of two single core processors.
To enhance reliability, the dual core processor, or other multiple microprocessor architected computer systems, may employ lock step features. FIG. 1B is a diagram of a prior art dual core processor that uses lock step techniques to improve overall reliability. In FIG. 1B, a computer system 18 includes a dual core processor 20 having a single silicon chip 21, on which are implemented microprocessor core 22 and microprocessor core 24. To employ lock step, each of the microprocessor cores 22 and 24 process the same code streams. To ensure reliable operation of the dual core processor 20, each of the microprocessors 22 and 24 may operate in "lock step." An event that causes a loss of lock step can occur on either or both of the microprocessor cores 22 and 24. An example of such an event is a data cache error. A loss of lock step, if not promptly corrected, may cause the computer system 18 to "crash." That is, a failure of one microprocessor core may halt processing of the dual core processor 20, and the computer system I 18, even if the other microprocessor core does not encounter an error.
To detect a loss of lock step, a lock step logic 26, which may be external to the chip 21, compares outputs from the microprocessor cores 22 and 24. A difference in processing detected by the lock step logic 26 is by definition a loss of lock step. A drawback to the dual core processor architecture shown in FIG. 1B is that the logic to determine loss of lock step is external to the chip. This configuration imposes delays in determining loss of lock step, and requires additional architectural features.
The dual core processor 20 also makes recovery from a loss of lock step difficult and time-consuming. FIG. 1C illustrates a current methodology for recovering from a loss of lock step. In FIG. 1C, the dual core processor 20 is shown coupled to memory 25. Should the dual core processor 20 suffer a loss of lock step, recovery may be initiated by the memory 25 saving the architected state of one of the microprocessors 22 and 24 (i.e., the microprocessor that is considered "good"). Then, both microprocessors 22 and 24 are reset and reinitialized. Finally, the architected states of each of the microprocessors 22 and 24 is copied from the memory 25 into the microprocessors 22 and 24, respectively. This prior art methodology for recovery from a loss of lock step makes the microprocessors 22 and 24 unavailable for an amount of time. If the amount of time required for recovery is too long, the computer system 18 employing the dual core processor 20 may "crash."

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for recovery from loss of lock step

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A gauge is disclosed to grid in the location of sprinkler lines above grid type suspended ceilings. The gauge is used after the grid is installed but before the overhead sprinkler system is completed and before the ceiling tiles are installed. The gauge includes a plurality of arms, preferably three which have lengths approximating 1/2 of the grid opening dimension and are all pivotal and extendable, if necessary to engage the grid system and locate a central body to which the arms are secured. When extended, the arms define the center of the grid opening. An extendable arm is secured to the central body and may be manually extended upward to locate the center of the grid opening at the structural support for the sprinkler distribution system. A drop branch line from the distribution system at the location identified by the gauge is installed and a sprinkler head attached to the drop branch line. The sprinkler head will then be located at the center of a grid opening for proper aesthetics in the finished room.

The development of the fire sprinkler system many years ago has made a major impact upon the minimization of damage to the structure and contents of buildings which are so protected. The classic fire sprinkler system includes a distribution system of piping secured to a ceiling with downward extending stub lines which support an individual sprinkler head. The sprinkler heads are usually fire or temperature responsive to melt a fusible link and release a shower of water to the protected space below. Typically these sprinkler heads are located a fixed distance apart to provide area coverage without fail.
In the case of installations in warehouses and factories, the sprinkler heads and piping are fully exposed since aesthetics are not usually a consideration. However, in the cases of retail establishments, offices and residential locations, it is desired that the fire sprinklers blend in with the ceiling as much as possible while maintaining its full operating capacity.
It has been proposed that adjustable mounts be provided for sprinkler heads to make them virtually flush and adjustable to be integrated in a suspended or false ceiling. An example of such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,887 issued Nov. 22, 1988 to Peter Miller of Arlington, Va. and assigned on its face to Lifesaving Systems, Inc.
It has also been proposed that such a fire prevention system be integrated into the grid system of a suspended or false ceiling with sprinkler heads located at grid intersections. Such a system adds to the cost of the grid system and makes them integrated. Any change in the ceiling grid system will affect the sprinkler system. Such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,993 issued on Dec. 20, 1988 to Jeremiah M. Curran of Yardley, Pa.
Where it is desired to mount a fire sprinkler system in a suspended ceiling employing, for example, a 2 foot by 2 foot grid system, it is desirable to have the sprinkler heads located at the center of a grid opening and therefore be symmetrically placed in the room. With common 10 foot spacing of sprinkler heads, this is possible, provided the distribution piping which is mounted on the structural ceiling is properly located with joints for stub or drop lines located directly at the center of every fifth grid.
In the past this has been accomplished by installing the ceiling grid first and then the pipefitter locating the fire sprinkler distribution system above the grid. One difficult task has been to locate the stub line at the precise center of a grid opening. Sometimes this is done by eye by the pipefitter or in some cases he has resorted to making a crude T guide from three straight arms, each of 1 foot length to provide a reference center point and then use a plumb bob, moving the line at the structural ceiling until the bob is over the intersection of the T and then mark the structural ceiling as a joint location. To avoid "drifting" of the distribution line with respect to the ceiling grid system, the same measurement must be taken at each grid opening which will have a sprinkler head. After the job is finished the T tool is usually discarded and the plumb bob returned to the pipefitter's tool box for the next job.
A jig for assisting the location of a sprinkler head and marking the ceiling tiles for cutting is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,773 issued on May 29, 1990 to Jerry H. White of San Juan Capistrano, Calif. Another system for adjusting fire sprinklers vertically in suspended ceilings is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,186 to E. A. Ballard of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Other general purpose jigs and templates for piping and other applications are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents:
______________________________________ 152,487 G. F. Hawley June 30, 1874 375,795 J. Beyerle Jan. 3, 1888 2,431,100 J. A. Woods Nov. 18, 1947 3,407,509 J. S. Martinez Oct. 29, 1968 ______________________________________


A method and apparatus for reading multisession discs in which both standard CD-DA format and compressed music formats, such as MP3, may be utilized on the same disc. High speed reading of data into shock proof memory, analysis of available memory and storage of analyzed record structures are used to provide playback of music in both formats and, if desired, in a random playback order.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for playing back a multisession disc. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for playing back a multisession disc in which music data of a CD-DA format is recorded in at least one session and compressed music data of another format is recorded in another session.
2. Description of the Related Art
One session corresponds to from the start to the end of a writing onto a recordable medium. A disc, such as a CD-R medium, which allows data to be written multiple times, may yield a multisession disc. FIG. 7 illustrates a multisession disc. In the multisession disc, each of added sessions includes a program area P1, P2, or P3, and a lead-in area LI1, LI2, or LI3 and a lead-out area LO1, LO2, or LO3 sandwiching the program area. A volume descriptor (described later) and a path table of an added session and an already written session are recorded in each of the lead-in areas LI1 to LI3. Therefore, by reading the lead-in area of the last session, the file structure of the entire disc volume can be obtained.
Music data of various formats can be recorded in each session of the above-described multisession disc. For example, non-compressed music data can be recorded in a session in the CD-DA format (the same format as in an ordinary compact disc), and compressed music data can be recorded in another session in a CD-ROM mode 1 format. When an enhanced CD is used, CD-DA data is recorded in the first session and CD-ROM data (compressed music data) is recorded in the second session and subsequent sessions. Compressed music data may use MP3, WMA or other compression methods.
FIG. 8 illustrates a CD-DA signal format. The sample data of an acoustic signal has 6 samples of L and R channels (12 samples in total, one sample is 16 bits). The sample data is divided into 24 symbols, each of which having 8 bits. An 8-symbol correction code (CIRC) is added to the 24-symbol sample data so that 32 symbols form one unit. A frame synchronization signal and a sub-code are added to the 32-symbol unit to form one frame ((a) and (b) of FIG. 8). The 8 bit sub-code and each symbol are converted to 14 bits by EFM modulation. The frame synchronization signal has 24 bits. Further, a 3-bit junction bit is inserted between the individual symbols, whereby one frame has 588 bits.
98 frames form a large frame ((a) of FIG. 8). As shown in (c) of FIG. 8, the sub-code includes 8 bits of P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, and W. The sub-codes of the first two frames in the large frame are synchronization signals S0 and S1. Each of the sub-codes P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, and W includes 98 bits. Among them, the sub-code Q includes 2-bit synchronization data S0 and S1, 4-bit control data, 4-bit address data, 72-bit data, and 16-bit CRC data, as shown in FIG. 9.
The control data indicates whether a track is a 2-channel music track without pre-emphasis a 2-channel music track with pre-emphasis, or a normal data track. The track is a music track (CD-DA) if the second bit is 0 and is a data track if the second bit is 1. Thus, by referring to the control data of the sub-code Q in the lead-in area of each session, it can be determined whether the session is a CD-DA format session.
The 72-bit data packet specifies the song number, the elapsed time from the start of the song, the absolute time indicating the absolute current position with respect to the head of a program area with minute/second/frame, and so on. FIG. 9 shows the 72-bit data format in the lead-in area (TOC). (1) MNR is a song number (track number) and MNR=00 in the lead-in area. (2) POINT indicates the song number (track number) when the start of a song is indicated in TOC. (3) MIN/SEC/FRAME is the elapsed time from the start of a song. (4) ZERO indicates that all is 0. (5) PMIN/PSEC/PFRAME is the absolute position time in which the start of a song from the head of the program area is indicated with minute/second/frame, and corresponds to the index of a disc.
FIG. 10 illustrates the TOC in the lead-in area in case of CD-DA. The start of each song is repeatedly (three times) recorded at the MNR=00. For example, the start position of the song 01: 0 minute, 2 seconds, and frame 32, is indicated by the sub-code Q of the large frames Nos. n, n+1, and n+2, and the start position of the song 02: 10 minutes, 15 seconds, and frame 12, is indicated by the sub-code Q of the large frames Nos. n+3, n+4, and n+5. Further, POINT=A0 indicates the first song number in the disc, POINT=A1 indicates the last song number in the disc, and POINT=A2 indicates the head position of the lead-out area. In FIG. 10, the number of songs is 6.
FIG. 11 shows the structure of one sector in the CD-ROM mode 1. Herein, the signal format is the same as in CD-DA. Also, FIG. 12 is a diagram for comparing one sector of the CD-DA mode and one sector of the CD-ROM mode 1.
In the CD-ROM mode 1, the length of a sector is the same as that of the CD-DA mode, that is, 2352 (=24×98) bytes. One sector includes:                (1) synchronization signal data SKD of 12 bytes;        (2) header HDD of 4 bytes;        (3) user data USD of 2048 bytes; and        (4) auxiliary data EDCC of 288 bytes for error correction/detection.Also, the sector includes 98 frames (one frame=24 bytes).
Among the 4 bytes of the header HDD, 3 bytes (MIN/SEC/SECTOR) corresponds to address information and 1 byte corresponds to mode information indicating the type of data. The address information is represented by minute/second/sector as in the sub-code of CD-DA and basically includes the same elements as in the Q channel. As in the signal format of the CD-DA, a synchronization signal, a sub-code, and an error-correcting code (CIRC) are added to each frame.
When data is recorded in a CD-ROM, data is compiled in one sector unit, a sub-code and a CIRC are added thereto as in the CD-DA, EFM modulation is performed so as to write the data, and the data is read from the CD-ROM in each sector by using the sub-code (absolute address of the Q-channel).
As described above, data in the CD-ROM includes a logical sector of 2048 bytes and includes logical blocks whose number is 2n (n=0 in many cases). A volume space includes a system area and a data area. The system area occupies 16 sectors (logical sectors No. 0 to 15) from the head. In case of ISO9660, the data area includes a volume descriptor, a path table, a directory, and data, as shown in FIG. 13A. The volume descriptor includes a basic volume descriptor, a sub-volume descriptor, a volume block descriptor, etc.
As shown in FIG. 13B, the basic volume descriptor includes a volume identifier A0, a logical block length A1, the size of path table A2 for specifying the file structure (see FIG. 14), the position of the path table A3, and so on.
As shown in FIG. 13C, the path table includes a directory identifier (folder name) B1, the number of parent directory B2, and the record position (extent position) of the directory (file) constituting a directory (folder) B3. A plurality of path tables of a directory, whose parent directory is a root directory, are sequentially recorded.
As shown in FIG. 13D, the directory record includes a file identifier C1, a file start position (extent position) C2, date of file creation C3, the data length of a file C4, etc. The directory records of a plurality of files belonging to the directory (folder) are sequentially recorded.
FIG. 14 is an example of the file structure. The root directory includes a plurality of directories (folders: R&B, ROCK, JAZZ, POPS, etc.), the folder ROCK includes sub-folders ROCKMAN and ROCKWOMAN, the folder R&B includes a plurality of MP3 files (MP3 music files) RB-1, RB-2, etc. Likewise, each of the other folders includes several MP3 music files. This file structure can be obtained by analyzing the above-described basic volume descriptor, path table, and directory.
In CD-DA of the CD-DA format, the number and the position of songs can be recognized more easily than TOC information. Thus, sound can be quickly output when playback is performed. However, when a multisession disc, in which compressed music data of MP3 or the like is recorded in at least one session, is played back, it takes a long time for sound to be outputted. This is because the record structure (file structure) of each session must be analyzed to recognize the folders, file structure, and path structure, prior to commencement of playback. Thus, when compressed music data of MP3 or the like is recorded in the ISO9660 format, substantial time is required to analyze the record structure of the music data. The time for analysis becomes longer as the number of sessions increases. In this case, a delay ranging from several tens of seconds to one minute may be required for commencement of playback in a random playback as well as in a normal playback. Further, a silent state disadvantageously continues during that time.
Also, when a random playback is performed by using a CD changer, the record structure of music data of all sessions of all CDs must be analyzed. Thus, even more time is required for starting playback.

Method and apparatus for playing back a multisession disc


Cloth electronic product, by which physiological information can be examined through cloth, includes a packaging cloth or a heat melt adhesive film as circuit, at least an electronic component, such as resistors, microprocessors and sensing assembly, etc., at least a transmission line to be connected with the conductive region of electronic component. Method of producing a cloth electronic product includes sewing the electronic component on packaging cloth or heat melt adhesive film after being connected with the transmission line, or connecting electronic component with the transmission line during the process of jointing of transmission or sewing of packaging cloth or heat melt adhesive film, and then sewing the packaging cloth on the clothing cloth or integrating the heat melt adhesive film into the packaging cloth or clothing cloth. Original structure of the heat melt adhesive film cannot be viewed and miniaturization effects can be produced.

There are many conventional technologies that form electronic circuits by using wires to fix electronic modules to textile materials such as cloth or leather—for example, the American patent disclosure for U.S. Ser. No. 10/868,501 (construction and connection technique in textile structure). In that case, a metal board is used as a "bridge" to connect the electronic modules and the transmission wires. However, this method is complicated and requires a tin coating or welding, such that it does not meet the requirements of environmental protection. More than that, there is no insulator at the joints between the electronic modules and the cloth/transmission lines. Another U.S. Pat. No. 6,493,933 discloses a package in which a conductive wire is connected to every electronic module; meanwhile, the conductive wires are fixed to the cloth underneath by using a conductive transmission wire, and are connected with the transmission wires of other electronic modules. In this way, all the conductive transmission wires connected to the electronic module are insulated among themselves, thus fawning a circuit on the cloth. However, when the cloth or the electronic modules are under external forces, the conductive transmission threads and the conductive wires connected to the electronic modules are likely to fall apart and split open.
A different U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,596 discloses how an electronic module can be placed on a carrier first, with a transmission wire penetrating through the carrier. The conductive regions on the carrier and the transmission wires on the cloth are connected by another transmission wire, thus forming a circuit on the cloth. This method is also very complicated and its implementation requires a carrier. Therefore, it is likely to be influenced by external forces.
The U.S. Ser. No. 12/787,376 also requires the use of a base, with two pins extending out. The transmission wires are connected to the pins to form a circuit on the cloth. The U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,025 also places a circuit on the board, and then places the board on the cloth to form a circuit on the cloth.
U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/477,148 states that the connection between the circuit and the censor can be serpentine-like or concertina-like. But the actual structure of the circuit itself is not explained.
The U.S. Pat. No. 7,592,276 places electronic modules on the longitude threads as well as the latitude threads on the cloth, and the connection between electronic modules and signal wires is completed via the intersection of the longitude threads and latitude threads. As a result, the positions of the insulated threads in the electronic modules and those of the wires are restrained, and the electronic modules and signal wires, even when split open or fused, cannot be replaced. Besides, the conducting yarn 120 that shuttles up and down on the cloth, being connected to the functional yarn 150 to form an electronic module, is also not designed for insulation, and therefore, is vulnerable to outside interference.
According to the method described in the American patent numbered US2003/0212319A1, the transmission wires are sewn to the cloth, and the conductive regions on the electronic modules are connected to the transmission wires. However, the transmission wires 6 and 7 (as illustrated in FIG. 2) will come in contact with human skin. This will lead to blurred signals due to interference from the skin as well as from external friction. The American patent numbered US2010/0259925A1 disclosed a kind of illuminated textile product, which includes an illuminating device based on a diode and a textile construct. The illuminating device based on a diode has M contact points, and the textile construct offers conductive floating points corresponding to those M contact points. The transmission wires will contact human skin. The transmission has to be realized within a web-like circuit, and with a predetermined pattern. However, the circuit in this invention is non-web-like and can be designed freely.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,103A and the Chinese patent numbered CN1650057A (US 2003/0211797A1) do not have packaging insulators in the conductive regions of the electronic modules, nor in the areas connected with transmission wires.
The U.S. Pat. No. 6,856,715 and the U.S. Pat. No. 7,248,756 disclose a pre-designed circuit, in which the connection between the electronic module and the transmission wires was not clearly explained. However, the transmission has to be realized within a web-like circuit, and with a predetermined pattern. At the same time, the circuit in this invention is non-web-like and can be designed freely.
The cloth currently available can be cotton, polyester, nylon, or plastic, among other materials. It can be further classified as conductive cloth, semi-conductive cloth, or non-conductive cloth. The formation of the cloth can be classified as being woven, knitted, tatted, embroidered, jacquard woven, or braided, among other formations. The commonly used materials for the transmission wires include metal fibers such as copper, gold, silver, nickel, aluminum, iron, stainless steel, and nickel alloy, among others. Other materials used include non-conductive fibers embedded or coated with conductive materials such as conductive carbon, nickel, copper, gold, silver, titanium, conductive multiple molecular materials, conductive wires, and so on. For example, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,547 discloses a conductive yarn that is made up of two stainless steel wires coated with a non-conductive electronic yarn.
The U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,525 discloses a conductive yarn that is made up of a wire of relatively high resistance on the inside, such as the stainless steel wire, plus a metal or alloy wire of relatively low resistance on the outside. According to what is disclosed in the U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/598,373, two wires are conductive only at the crossing points. However, their connection with the electronic modules is left unexplained.
According to the Chinese patent numbered CN1252762C, a metal wire and a fastener assembly are clipped together and fixed on the cloth as a switch. However, there is no mention of the fastener assembly used as a connector to connect the transmission wires and the electronic modules, let alone any mention of EMI produced by the fastener assembly.
As the Chinese patent numbered CN201468043U discloses, only an electronic chip is fixed to the clothing for dresses, directly using heat melt adhesive film. There is absolutely no mention of using the heat melt adhesive film as a circuit board for the layout of multiple electronic circuits.
According to the U.S. Pat. No. 4,315,111A, a leaf is fixed to a dress using Velcro, but no explanation is given for the packaging of the transmission wires or the dresses to which the wires are fixed.
The patent numbered US20120247868A1 just discloses a textile that absorbs various noises, among which electromagnetic waves are not likely to be reflected.
The patent numbered EP1399519A1 merely discloses synthetic adhesives, in particular, those conductive adhesives with conductive particles.
From the descriptions above, it should be clear that defects and a lack of convenience still exist in the methods, product structures, and applications of products and methods of cloth electronization, and that further improvements are urgently needed. To solve the problems noted above, related manufacturers have expended great efforts to figure out solutions. However, suitable designs have nonetheless yet to be developed after all this time, while commonly seen products and methods do not offer suitable solutions and structures to the questions mentioned previously, which obviously are what the professionals concerned can't wait to solve. Therefore, the question of how to create a new product and method for cloth electronization is indeed one of the most important research projects for the present time, and is also the objective that the industry currently needs urgent improvement on.
In this invention we did not use the welding of tin to realize the transit between the transmission wires and the electronic modules. In addition, various kinds of wires can be used as transmission wires. "Stitching" the transmission wires or electronic modules to the cloth also does not require any special method, which is to say that commonly-seen techniques, like plain weaving, knitting, tatting, embroidery, and so on, will do. The enamel-covered wires conventionally used now are formed by plastering conductors with heat melt adhesive films of electrically insulating varnishes and drying them by heat and it is very difficult to use the enamel-covered wires as the transmission wires on the cloth. In this invention we roll a yarn or multiple yarns around the enamel-covered wires to form protective layers, which therefore can be "stitched" to the cloth, so that the transmission wires are not likely to break even when the cloth is under external force (such as when the cloth is in a washer).
The methods of the cloth electronization mainly treat the cloth or the heat melt adhesive film as a "circuit board" to which various kinds of electronic modules (including resistance, capacitance, inductance, switch, 2 diode, amplifiers, analog/digital, digital/analog converter, processor, battery, sensors for temperature/breathing/heartbeat, electromyogram, acceleration gauge, gyroscope, microphone, camera, and so on, or other components, such as the medical instrument transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS), etc.) are fixed. Moreover, using the transmission wires, all these electronic modules are connected by joints without solder by means of knitting, plain weaving, tatting, gluing and so on, so as to fix the electronic modules to the cloth or the heat melt adhesive film, and to connect them with the transmission wires. In addition another layer of cloth on the cloth or the heat melt adhesive film is used to isolate the electronic circuits from contact with the outside world, thus preventing damage caused by external factors, or conditions like short circuit and interruption of circuit, from occurring. Based on the discussion above, there is a necessity for the cloth electronization. If the means of cloth electronization can be improved to make them simpler and more practical, the increased needs of the public will surely be met.

Cloth electronization product and method


A recording liquid containing an aqueous medium, a pigment and a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises at least one polymer containing a repeating unit A having at least one of a carboxyl group and an acid anhydride group and an allylether unit B of the formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group, R.sub.3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkylcarbonyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkenylcarbonyl group, an aryl group, an arylcarbonyl group, an aralkyl group, an aralkylcarbonyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a cycloalkylcarbonyl group, a heterocyclic group or a carbonyl group having a heterocyclic group, and these groups other than a hydrogen atom may have a substituent, and n is from 1 to 50.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an aqueous recording liquid, particularly a recording liquid for writing or ink jet printing.
2. Discussion of Background
Heretofore, a water-color ink containing an acid dye or a direct dye dissolved in an aqueous medium, or a solvent-type ink containing an oil-soluble dye dissolved in an organic solvent, has been used as a recording liquid for ink jet printing. The solvent type ink has a problem of environmental safety and it is not suitable for use in offices.
On the other hand, the water-color ink containing a water-soluble dye, has a problem that the record will be poor in water resistance, when recording is made on a pulp paper. The record with the ink also has a poor light resistance. The same problems are also found in the recording liquid for writing.
To solve such problems, it has been proposed to use an aqueous dispersion ink employing a pigment such as carbon black with excellent water resistance and light resistance as a coloring material. However, the aqueous dispersion ink of a conventional pigment has problems such that the dispersion stability is poor, that a nozzle is easily clogged during recording, thus making a stable recording difficult, and that its recording density of the record is low.


Systems, methods, and computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that maintain a targetable user inventory for digital advertising. In embodiments, a request is made for user data associated with a user identification. If the user data or user identification is not available, a list of alternative user identifications is ranked according to various criteria based on identification signals. A match is selected from the list of alternative user identifications and user data associated with the alternative user identification is communicated in response to the request.

In the display advertising business, behavioral targeting (BT) is a popular method for building relationships with a target audience. Interest in utilizing BT in digital advertising businesses has been growing as advertisers are under constant pressure to achieve higher return on investments (ROI). Unfortunately, BT requires the ability to identify users within a network. Because of computer memory limitations, only a limited amount of user data is typically stored in the computer memory for fast retrieval. To deal with the resulting cache miss issues, many advertisers search secondary media (such as a data file on a hard disk) to find the missing user ID's data. However, as internet users become more diligent in refreshing cookies, the primary mechanism utilized by web sites to identify users, digital advertisers have struggled to maintain a targetable user inventory. Exacerbating the problem further, any time a user updates the browser or simply changes the language setting, the cookies are lost. As a result, after a one month period, it is approximated that nearly fifty percent of a targetable user inventory, utilizing cookies alone, is no longer available, making BT largely ineffective for digital advertising. Accordingly, maintaining a targetable user inventory so BT may be utilized in digital advertising is needed.

Maintaining targetable user inventory for digital advertising