Abstract: A delay optimization algorithm has four major steps: (1) selecting signal connections to target for delay improvement; (2) unrouting all signals containing those candidate connections; (3) rerouting those signals, using a “load-balancing”heuristic; and (4) during rip-up and re-try routing, protecting wiring to all signal loads routed by the heuristic, including non-timing critical loads. Load balancing includes (a) applying a branching penalty on logic cell output wire segments, and (b) encouraging all non-route critical loads to route through a single buffered wire segment.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a printed transformed image first obtains high-resolution data in digitized form, as by electro-optical scanning. The high-resolution data is stored in a computer. The data is processed to a "first approximation" image, and the "first approximation" parameters are stored. A grid with respective loci for the first approximation image and the transformed images is defined. The image is duplicated and scaled to fill each locus in the grid. A first parameterizable image processing function is selected. In a first grid, the images in the "transformed" loci are transformed by degrees according to the first selected function. A second parameterizable image processing function is selected. In a second grid, images in the "transformed" loci are transformed by degrees according to the second selected function. The grid with transformations along the first axis and the grid with transformations along the second axis are presented to the user.

Abstract: A soil sampling system includes a rig for driving a drive casing, a sample barrel, and sample liners simultaneously into soil to be sampled. The rig includes mechanisms for driving the casing, barrel, and lining in three modes: hydraulic hammer, continuous pressure, and vibration. The three drive mechanisms can be operated singly or in any combination. After the casing, barrel, and liners are advanced a selected depth into the soil, the barrel and liners are removed. The drive casing remains in the soil. New sample liners are put into the sample barrel, and an inner rod is attached to the sample barrel. The sample barrel is then replaced into the drive casing, and extensions are attached to the drive casing. The drive casing, including extensions, and the sample barrels, along with sample liners and inner rod, are driven further down into the soil.