Abstract: An apparatus and methods for testing a semiconductor integrated circuit are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method for making a pass/fail determination in a semiconductor integrated circuit device. The method includes executing a test on the device after assembly and determining a pass/fail state of the device in response to the test. The method further includes programming a test history fuse on the semiconductor integrated circuit device to store a pass/fail state of the device. Another embodiment further includes performing a final test on the device, wherein if the stored pass/fail state indicates a pass state, a reduced final test is executed. A semiconductor integrated circuit device including internal circuitry, self test circuitry, and test history fuse circuitry is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a non-volatile memory including an array of bit cells. A selection is made between an operational power supply and a test power supply, the test power supply being on-chip programmable. The non-volatile memory is operated in a operational mode if the operational power supply is selected, and in a test mode if the test power supply is selected.

Abstract: A method of automatically placing transistors of a folded transistor circuit for synthesizing rows of transistors in a semiconductor layout (172). First, an initial placement of transistors is generated (802). Next, a candidate move of transistors is selected (804). Then the change in cost of the placement resulting from applying the candidate move is evaluated (806). A decision is made to accept the candidate move based on the evaluation of its cost (808). If accepted, the move is performed (810) and the cost of the placement is updated (812). Finally, a decision to terminate the process is made (814).

Abstract: An EEPROM device includes a split-gate FET (10) having a source (36), a drain (22), a select gate (16) adjacent the drain (22), and a control gate (32) adjacent the source (36). When programming the split-gate FET (10), electrons are accelerated in a portion of a channel region (38) between the select gate (16) and the control gate (32), and then injected into a nitride layer (24) of an ONO stack (25) underlying the control gate (32). The split-gate FET (10) is erased by injecting holes from the channel region (38) into the charge nitride layer (24). When reading data from the split-gate FET (10), a reading voltage is applied to the drain (22) adjacent the select gate (16). Data is then read from the split-gate FET (10) by sensing a current flowing in a bit line coupled to the drain (22).

Abstract: A data processor (10) flexibly interfaces with both a variety of memory devices and external peripheral devices. A control register (94) is provided for dynamically controlling an electrical interface configuration of the data processor. A set of bits (DA) in the control register (94) provides configuration control which indicates a pair of voltage level of data communicated with the data processor.

Abstract: Composite laminated tubing with low coefficient of thermal expansion and preferably a Poisson's ratio near 0.5 is used for production tubing which is subject to substantial expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A floating production and storage facility (FPS) or "floating atoll" comprises a very large tension leg platform (TLP) having a regular or irregular polygonal horizontal cross-section (including a circle) and having a centralized opening (moonpool) therethrough. The floater has wave transparent attributes, stanchions sited interior of the moonpool adapted to receive risers and maintain the risers within a limited horizontal zone with reference to the vessel while allowing vertical freedom of motion with reference to the vessel. It also has risers sited in the stanchions and connected to the bottom of the body of water upon which the TLP floats. The risers have sufficient buoyancy means below but near the surface of the water to tension the risers into vertical position, and can have additional buoyancy means distributed over much of their length. The floater can have large oil storage means, and can be moored by lateral mooring as well as the TLP tendons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved downhole seismic source with an epicyclic eccentric weight system for the simultaneous generation of elliptically polarized shear wave seismic energy and compression wave seismic energy coupled into a borehole. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing and a drive means or electric motor disposed in the housing which provides rotational output to an epicyclic eccentric weight system also disposed in the housing. Expandable tapered wedging collars are used to firmly secure the motor and the epicyclic eccentric weight systems within the housing. A flexible shaft interconnects the centerline of the epicyclic cylindrical roller and the motor whereby the roller receives the rotational output from the motor. The shaft rotates in one direction and the roller rotates in the opposite direction thereby producing an epicyclic motion.

Abstract: A hybrid velocity model is used to image the subsalt reflector. A method for imaging subsalt reflectors includes receiving seismic data and depth migrating the raw data. Generated seismic P-waves are assigned a first P-wave velocity for travel outside a salt wedge. Prior to entering the salt wedge, the wave is treated as a compressional wave. Upon entering the salt wedge, the P-wave is treated as a converted S-wave and a corresponding S-wave velocity is assigned to the converted wave. When the converted S-wave exits the salt wedge, it is again converted, this time back to a P-wave. As this wave travels through the subsalt layer to a reflector interface, it is assigned a P-wave velocity. Thus, a velocity model which includes both P-wave and S-wave velocities is used to image reflectors below salt wedges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved downhole seismic source for the simultaneous generation of elliptically polarized shear wave seismic energy and compression wave seismic energy coupled into a borehole. The source of the present invention is capable of receiving several kilowatts of energy downhole to depths of several thousand feet. An orbital vibrator, energized by a hydraulic power means is disposed within a housing. The orbital vibrator imparts an orbital motion which generates seismic wave energy in the borehole. A cable supports the hydraulic power means and the orbital vibrator at selected positions along the borehole for coupling of the seismic wave energy into the borehole.

Abstract: A procedure for drilling out a cement plug from a liner top using a drill bit with extendible cutting elements to avoid the need for changing bits during the procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rapidly and efficiently generating traveltime tables from complex velocity models for application in depth migration. Initially, a velocity model is received which may include a plurality of velocities with various subsurface reflectors or boundaries. The model is plotted with the boundaries defining closed area cells within the model, with the cells having given velocity structures. The outside of each cell, or the cell wall, is made up of a series of segments. In the first basic step, traveltimes are computed from a preselected source location to each sample point on each segment. In this step, the order of processing all the cells is important. Therefore, the present method proceeds from those cells that are closest to the source location first to those cells that are further away in an expanding wave front from the source location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-complex, simple to use and economical coupling device or connecting two elements, which provides for disconnection of the two elements when the tension applied to the coupling device exceeds a predetermined load. The coupling device includes an outer and an inner sleeve each having an axial bore. The lower end of the inner sleeve is slidably disposed within the upper end of the outer sleeve and the sleeves are relatively moveable. A frangible elongated member with a predetermined tensile strength connects the outer and inner sleeves through the axial bores. The frangible member breaks under a predetermined amount of stress thereby allowing the outer and inner sleeves of the coupling device to separate and disconnecting the attached elements. One or more internal longitudinal passages through the outer and inner sleeves adjacent to the axial bores allow passage of wire cables, gases, fluids or mechanical linkages through the coupler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for locating correct near vertical boundary or fault positions in a velocity model using common reflection point (CRP) gathers. Conventional migration velocity analysis examines the migrated image for hints to correct the velocity model. Vertical boundaries such as faults or salt flanks must be accurately determined to produce reliable images of deeper reflectors. Previous methods have placed faults by trial and error, since a depth image of a nearly vertical boundary is difficult to produce. The present method examines the sensitivity of CRP gathers to abrupt lateral changes across a nearly vertical fault to determine the location and the dip of a nearly vertical fault from a series of CRP gathers.