Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions are provided. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled. In some embodiments, a compiler may obtain performance profile data, annotated by output obtained from the use of the performance indicators and counters, along with the instructions/data of the computer program and use this information to optimize the manner by which the computer program is executed, instructions/data are stored, and the like. The optimizations may be to optimize the instruction paths, optimize the time spent in initial application load, the manner by which the cache and memory is utilized, and the like.

Abstract: A multiple-link tool assembly includes an elongated handle, at least one exchangeable extension link, and an exchangeable tool link. The handle has a portion adapted for being gripped by a user. The exchangeable extension link includes first and second connecting ends, and an angled body intermediate the first and second connecting ends. The first connecting end is removably connected to the handle. The exchangeable tool link has a proximal end removably connected to the second end of the extension link and a fastener-engaging distal end adapted for engaging a threaded fastener.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tracking thread stacks during a trace of a computer program. Hardware assistance mechanisms allow a processor to autonomically maintain a thread work area for each thread where a call stack is stored. An operating system informs the processor of the size of the data area to allocate to a particular thread work area. When a trace of a computer program is to be performed, trace software, informs the processor to begin maintaining thread call stack information in the thread work area. For each thread in the computer program execution, the processor maintains a work area having a size that is determined based on the size communicated by the operating system. The processor contains microcode to cause the processor to automatically store thread tracking information in the work areas designated by control registers of the processor when a control bit is set.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product in a data processing system are presented for using hardware assistance for gathering performance information that significantly reduces the overhead in gathering such information. Performance indicators are associated with instructions or memory locations, and processing of the performance indicators enables counting of events associated with execution of those instructions or events associated with accesses to those memory locations. The performance information that has been dynamically gathered from the assisting hardware is available to the software application during runtime in order to autonomically affect the behavior of the software application, particularly to enhance its performance. For example, the counted events may be used to autonomically collecting statistical information about the ability of a software application to successfully acquire a semaphore.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions and monitoring accesses to memory location ranges. An instruction for execution is identified. A determination is made as to whether the instruction is within a contiguous range of instructions. Execution information relating to the instruction is identified if the instruction is within the contiguous range of instructions. With memory location accesses, an access to a memory location is identified. A determination of whether the memory location is within a contiguous range of memory locations is made. Access information is identified if the memory location is within the contiguous range of memory locations.

Abstract: A gardening chair 10 is provided for supporting a user 12 thereon. The gardening chair 10 is provided with a base support member 14, and a seat 52 aligned with and coupled to upper portions of the base support member for supporting a user's lower body thereon. A diagonally extending chest support member 72 is provided for supporting a user's chest 12 and upper body thereon. An L-shaped tensioning arm 152 and an elastic band 156 are coupled to one end of intermediate portions of the diagonally extending chest support member 72 and the base support member 14 to support the member for movement to a plurality of predetermined diagonal positions.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer instructions for hardware assist for autonomically patching code. The present invention provides hardware microcode to a new type of metadata to selectively identify instructions to be patched for specific performance optimization functions. The present invention also provides a new flag in the machine status register (MSR) to enable or disable a performance monitoring application or process to perform code-patching functions. If the code patching function is enabled, the application or process may patch code at run time by associating the metadata with the selected instructions. The metadata includes pointers pointing to the patch code block code. The program code may be patched autonomically without modifying original code.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions are provided. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled. Functionality may be provided in the performance monitoring application for initiating the measurement of secondary metrics with regard to identified instructions, data addresses, ranges of identified instructions, or ranges of identified data addresses, based on counter values for primary metrics. Thus, for example, when a primary metric counter, or a combination of primary metric counters, meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold value, an interrupt may be generated. In response to receiving the interrupt, counters associated with the measuring of secondary metrics of a range of instructions/data addresses may be initiated.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product in a data processing system are presented for using hardware assistance for gathering performance information that significantly reduces the overhead in gathering such information. Performance indicators are associated with instructions or memory locations, and processing of the performance indicators enables counting of events associated with execution of those instructions or events associated with accesses to those memory locations. The performance information that has been dynamically gathered from the assisting hardware is available to the software application during runtime in order to autonomically affect the behavior of the software application, particularly to enhance its performance. For example, the counted events may be used to autonomically collecting statistical information about the ability of a software application to successfully acquire a semaphore.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer instructions for hardware assist for autonomically patching code. The present invention provides hardware microcode to a new type of metadata to selectively identify instructions to be patched for specific performance optimization functions. The present invention also provides a new flag in the machine status register (MSR) to enable or disable a performance monitoring application or process to perform code-patching functions. If the code patching function is enabled, the application or process may patch code at run time by associating the metadata with the selected instructions. The metadata includes pointers pointing to the patch code block code. The program code may be patched autonomically without modifying original code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for measuring events associated with the execution of instructions are provided. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled. In some embodiments, the performance indicators, counters, thresholds, and other performance monitoring structures may be stored in a page table that is used to translate virtual addresses into physical storage addresses. A standard page table is augmented with additional fields for storing the performance monitoring structures. These structures may be set by the performance monitoring application and may be queried and modified as events occur that require access to physical storage.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions are provided. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled. Functionality may be provided in the performance monitoring application for initiating the measurement of secondary metrics with regard to identified instructions, data addresses, ranges of identified instructions, or ranges of identified data addresses, based on counter values for primary metrics. Thus, for example, when a primary metric counter, or a combination of primary metric counters, meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold value, an interrupt may be generated. In response to receiving the interrupt, counters associated with the measuring of secondary metrics of a range of instructions/data addresses may be initiated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus used in conjunction with a metallic container adapted for processing, storing and heating foodstuffs in a microwave oven, and more specifically, a substantially metallic stackable container with a microwavable transparent portion, metallic reinforcing member, and a selectively removable lid, wherein the same container can be used to store, ship, heat, and serve a foodstuff to a consumer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions and monitoring accesses to memory location ranges. An instruction for execution is identified. A determination is made as to whether the instruction is within a contiguous range of instructions. Execution information relating to the instruction is identified if the instruction is within the contiguous range of instructions. With memory location accesses, an access to a memory location is identified. A determination of whether the memory location is within a contiguous range of memory locations is made. Access information is identified if the memory location is within the contiguous range of memory locations.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus used in conjunction with a metallic container adapted for processing, storing and heating foodstuffs in a microwave oven, and more specifically, a substantially metallic stackable container with a microwavable transparent portion, metallic reinforcing member, and a selectively removable lid, wherein the same container can be used to store, ship, heat, and serve a foodstuff to a consumer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for autonomically counting selected branch instructions executed in a processor to improve branch predictions. Counters are provided to count branch instructions that are executed in a processor to collect branch statistics. A set of branch statistics fields is allocated to associate with a branch instruction. When a program is executed, the stored statistics allows the program to look at the branch statistics in the counter to perform branch prediction. Hence, a user may use branch statistics values from the hardware counter to perform analysis on application code.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for local program reorganization using branch count per instruction hardware. In a preferred embodiment, a hardware counter is used in the present invention to count the number of times a branch is taken when branch instructions are executed. Branch count statistics generated from the hardware counters are available to a program in order to analyze whether code reorganization is necessary. If reorganization is necessary, the program autonomically reorganizes instructions locally at run time to allow more instructions to be executed prior to taking a branch, so that the number of branches taken is minimized without modifying underlying program code.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for processing instructions. Responsive to receiving an instruction for execution in an instruction cache in a processor in the data processing system, a determination is made as to whether an indicator is associated with the instruction and whether the instruction is of a certain type within a range of instructions. An interrupt is generated if the indicator is associated with the instruction and the instruction is of the certain type within the range of instructions.