All The Claims

1. A process for producing a substrate for an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of pairs of electrodes each connected to one of the plurality of heat generating resistance members, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member integrally form a U-shaped wiring member with a bent portion arranged with all of said bent portions facing in the same direction; and
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form the substrate, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate.
2. A process for producing an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of pairs of electrodes each connected to one of the plurality of heat generating resistance members, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member integrally form a U-shaped wiring member with a bent portion arranged with all of said bent portions facing in the same direction;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed each corresponding to one of the U-shaped wiring members.
3. The process according to claim 2, wherein the end portions of the plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the end portion of the base plate.
4. An ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the ink jet recording head being produced by a production process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of pairs of electrodes each connected to one of the plurality of heat generating resistance members, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member integrally form a U-shaped wiring member with a bent portion arranged with all of said bent portions facing in the same direction;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head having a cut end portion, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed each corresponding to one of the U-shaped wiring members,
wherein the end portions of the plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the cut end portion of the substrate.
5. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, and means for supplying electric power to the ink jet recording head, the ink jet recording head being produced by a production process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of pairs of electrodes each connected to one of the plurality of heat generating resistance members, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member integrally form a U-shaped wiring member with a bent portion arranged with all of said bent portions facing in the same direction;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head having a cut end portion, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed each corresponding to one of the U-shaped wiring members,
wherein the end portions of the plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the cut end portion of the substrate.
6. A process according to claim 1, wherein each heat generating resistance member is a planar member having a longer side extending along the liquid passageway and a shorter side orthogonal to the liquid passageway, with the longer side having a length at least two times as long as the length of the shorter side.
7. A process according to claim 1, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in layers.
8. A process according to claim 2, wherein each heat generating resistance member is a planar member having a longer side extending along the liquid passageway and a shorter side orthogonal to the liquid passageway, with the longer side having a length at least two times as long as the length of said shorter side.
9. A process according to claim 2, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in layers.
10. An ink jet recording head according to claim 4, wherein each heat generating resistance member is a planar member having a longer side extending along the liquid passageway and a shorter side orthogonal to the liquid passageway, with the longer side having a length at least two times as long as the length of the shorter side.
11. An ink jet recording head according to claim 4, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in layers.
12. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each heat generating resistance member is a planar member having a longer side extending along the liquid passageway and a shorter side orthogonal to the liquid passageway, with the longer side having a length at least two times as long as the length of the shorter side.
13. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in layers.
14. A process for producing a substrate for an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways, each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of electrodes, including at least one selective electrode and at least one ground electrode, with each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members being connected to a selective electrode and a ground electrode, wherein each heat generating resistance member and corresponding selective and ground electrodes integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with each U-shaped conductive path facing in the same direction, and each heat generating resistance member being a planar member having a longer side extending along the liquid passageway and a shorter side orthogonal to the liquid passageway, with the longer side having a length at least two times as long as the length of the shorter side; and
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to the line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form the substrate, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate.
15. A process for producing an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of electrodes including at least one selective electrode and at least one ground electrode, with each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members being connected to a selective electrode and a ground electrode, wherein each heat generating resistance member and corresponding selective and ground electrodes integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with each U-shaped conductive path facing in the same direction, and each heat generating resistance member being a planar member having a longer side extending along the liquid passageway and a shorter side orthogonal to the liquid passageway, with the longer side having a length at least two times as long as the length of the shorter side;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the U-shaped conductive paths.
16. An ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the ink jet recording head being produced by a production process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of electrodes including at least one selective electrode and at least one ground electrode, with each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members being connected to a selective electrode and a ground electrode, wherein each heat generating resistance member and corresponding selective and ground electrodes integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with each U-shaped conductive path facing in the same direction, and each heat generating resistance member being a planar member having a longer side extending along the liquid passageway and a shorter side orthogonal to the liquid passageway, with the longer side having a length at least two times as long as the length of the shorter side;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head having a cut end portion, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed each corresponding to one of the U-shaped conductive portions,
wherein the end portions of the plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the cut end portion of the substrate.
17. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, and a controller for supplying electric power to the ink jet recording head, the ink jet recording head being produced by a production process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of electrodes including at least one selective electrode and at least one ground electrode, with each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members being connected to a selective electrode and a ground electrode, wherein each heat generating resistance member and corresponding selective and ground electrodes integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with each U-shaped conductive path facing in the same direction, and each heat generating resistance member being a planar member having a longer side extending along the liquid passageway and a shorter side orthogonal to the liquid passageway, with the longer side having a length at least two times as long as the length of the shorter side;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head having a cut end portion, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the U-shaped conductive paths,
wherein the end portions of the plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the cut end portion of the substrate.
18. A process for producing a substrate for an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways, each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of electrodes, including at least one selective electrode and at least one ground electrode, with each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members being connected to a selective electrode and a ground electrode, wherein each heat generating resistance member and corresponding selective and ground electrodes integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with each U-shaped conductive path facing in the same direction, and each selective electrode, ground electrode and corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in at least two layers; and
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to the line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form the substrate, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate.
19. A process for producing an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of electrodes including at least one selective electrode and at least one ground electrode, with each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members being connected to a selective electrode and a ground electrode, wherein each heat generating resistance member and corresponding selective and ground electrodes integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with each U-shaped conductive path facing in the same direction, and each selective electrode, ground electrode and corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in at least two layers;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the U-shaped conductive paths.
20. An ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the ink jet recording head being produced by a production process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of electrodes including at least one selective electrode and at least one ground electrode, with each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members being connected to a selective electrode and a ground electrode, wherein each heat generating resistance member and corresponding selective and ground electrodes integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with each U-shaped conductive path facing in the same direction, and each selective electrode, ground electrode and corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in at least two layers;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head having a cut end portion, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the U-shaped conductive portions,
wherein the end portions of the plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the cut end portion of the substrate.
21. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, and a controller for supplying electric power to the ink jet recording head, the ink jet recording head being produced by a production process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of electrodes including at least one selective electrode and at least one ground electrode, with each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members being connected to a selective electrode and a ground electrode, wherein each heat generating resistance member and corresponding selective and ground electrodes integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with each U-shaped conductive path facing in the same direction, and each selective electrode, ground electrode and corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in at least two layers;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head having a cut end portion, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the U-shaped conductive paths,
wherein the end portions of the plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the cut end portion of the substrate.
22. A process for producing a substrate for an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of pairs of electrodes each connected to one of the plurality of heat generating resistance members, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with a bent portion arranged with all of said bent portions facing in the same direction, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in layers; and
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form the substrate, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate.
23. A process for producing an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of pairs of electrodes each connected to one of the plurality of heat generating resistance members, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with a bent portion arranged with all of said bent portions facing in the same direction, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in layers;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the U-shaped conductive paths.
24. An ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, the ink jet recording head being produced by a production process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of pairs of electrodes each connected to one of the plurality of heat generating resistance members, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with a bent portion arranged with all of said bent portions facing in the same direction, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in layers;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head having a cut end portion, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the U-shaped conductive paths,
wherein the end portions of the plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the cut end portion of the substrate.
25. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising an ink jet recording head comprising a plurality of discharge openings for discharging a liquid and a plurality of liquid passageways each communicating with one of the plurality of discharge openings, and a controller for supplying electric power to the ink jet recording head, the ink jet recording head being produced by a production process comprising the steps of:
forming in a predetermined pattern on a base plate a plurality of heat generating resistance members arranged generally along a line and a plurality of pairs of electrodes each connected to one of the plurality of heat generating resistance members, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member integrally form a U-shaped conductive path with a bent portion arranged with all of said bent portions facing in the same direction, wherein each said pair of electrodes and each corresponding heat generating resistance member are laminated in layers;
cutting the base plate along a line substantially parallel to said line along which the plurality of heat generating resistance members are arranged at a location remote by a predetermined distance from each of the plurality of heat generating resistance members to form a substrate for the ink jet recording head having a cut end portion, the location for cutting determining a relative location between the plurality of heat generating resistance members and the plurality of discharge openings of the ink jet recording head to be produced using the substrate; and
attaching a liquid passageway forming member onto the substrate, whereby a plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the U-shaped conductive paths,
wherein the end portions of the plurality of liquid passageways are formed corresponding to the cut end portion of the substrate.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A computer-implemented method for use in assessing a cornea, which comprises:
selecting a principal image from among a series of layered images of the cornea;
detecting a plurality of corneal structures in the principal image; and
providing a quantitative analysis of the plurality of corneal structures.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the selecting a principal image comprises selecting an image with the most prominent nerves from among the series of layered images.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the series of layered images comprises a series of layered confocal microscopy images of the cornea.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of corneal structures comprises a plurality of nerves.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of corneal structures comprises a plurality of immune cells.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 which further comprises selecting a secondary image from among the series of layered images of the cornea and detecting a plurality of wing cells in the secondary image.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 which further comprises displaying a graphical representation of the plurality of corneal structures.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7 which further comprises receiving user input and modifying the graphical representation of the plurality of the corneal structures in response to the user input.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 which further comprises generating a three-dimensional view of at least one of the plurality of corneal structures.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 which further comprises selecting an anterior image and a posterior image to the principal image from among the series of layered images of the cornea, and registering a common reference point in each of the principal, anterior, and posterior images.
11. A computer readable medium with computer executable instructions stored thereon adapted to analyze corneal structures depicted in a series of layered images of a cornea, the computer executable instructions which comprise:
selecting a principal image from among the series of layered images of the cornea;
detecting a first type of corneal structure in the principal image; and
providing a quantitative analysis of the first type of corneal structure in the principal image.
12. The computer readable medium of claim 11 wherein the computer executable instructions adapted to select a principal image comprise selecting an image with the most prominent nerves from among the series of layered images.
13. The computer readable medium of claim 11 wherein the first type of corneal structure comprises nerves.
14. The computer readable medium of claim 11 wherein the first type of corneal structure comprises immune cells.
15. The computer readable medium of claim 11 wherein the computer executable instructions further comprise selecting a secondary image from among the series of layered images and detecting a plurality of wing cells in the secondary image.
16. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein selecting a secondary image includes selecting an image approximately 20 \u03bcm anterior to the principal image from among the series of layered images.
17. The computer readable medium of claim 11 wherein the computer executable instructions further comprise displaying a graphical representation of the first type of corneal structure.
18. The computer readable medium of claim 11 wherein the computer executable instructions further comprise generating a three-dimensional image including at least the principal image.
19. The computer readable medium of claim 18 wherein the three-dimensional image further comprises an anterior image and a posterior image to the principal image selected from among the series of layered images of the cornea.
20. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein generating the three-dimensional image comprises registering a common reference point in each of the principal, anterior, and posterior images.
21. A method for generating a three-dimensional image of a portion of a cornea, which comprises:
selecting a principal image from among a series of layered images of the portion of the cornea;
identifying an anterior image to the principal image from among the series of layered images of the portion of the cornea;
identifying a posterior image to the principal image from among the series of layered images of the portion of the cornea;
identifying a feature of the cornea visible in each of the principal, anterior, and posterior images;
registering the feature of the cornea in each of principal, anterior, and posterior images; and
rendering the three-dimensional image of the portion of the cornea using at least the principal, anterior, and posterior images from among the series of layered images of the cornea.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein rendering the three-dimensional image comprises rendering the three-dimensional image in a compositevolume mode.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein rendering the three-dimensional image comprises rendering the three-dimensional image in an isosurface mode.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein rendering the three-dimensional image comprises rendering the three-dimensional image in a slice mode.
25. The method of claim 21 which further comprises providing a quantitative analysis of the portion of the cornea.
26. The method of claim 21 wherein the portion of the cornea comprises a nerve plexus.
27. The method of claim 26 which further comprises graphically segmenting nerves in the nerve plexus.
28. The method of claim 26 which further comprises graphically segmenting immune cells proximate to the nerve plexus.

1. A method for implementing fragmented stream handling for hard disk drive (HDD) persistent media comprising:
defining disk regions as a plurality of Exception Regions for recording stream commands;
maintaining each of the Exception Regions in one of a free Exception Region, an active Exception Region, a recovery Exception Region and a used Exception Region;
writing host random commands into active Exception Regions in a received order of the host random commands; and
issuing TRIM commands for deleted content of invalid information.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the hard disk drive (HDD) persistent media includes a controller performing the steps of defining disk regions, maintaining each of the Exception Region, and a host operating system issuing TRIM commands for deleted content for invalid data.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the persistent media hard disk drives (HDDs) includes a Shingled Disk Drive (SDD).
4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein writing host random commands into active Exception Regions in a received order of the host random commands includes storing write command tracking information.
5. The method as recited in claim 4 includes writing sequential host commands into a dedicated active Exception Region.
6. The method as recited in claim 5 wherein writing sequential host commands into an active Exception Region includes the dedicated active Exception Region being written until substantially full.
7. The method as recited in claim 5 includes tracking write commands until defragmenting after TRIM commands for deleted content are issued.
8. The method as recited in claim 7 includes storing write command tracking information for each write command.
9. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein issuing TRIM commands for deleted content includes identifying a used Exception Region with a least amount of valid data and defragmenting said used Exception Region with the least amount of valid data.
10. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein defragmenting said used Exception Region with the least amount of valid data includes a compaction operation.
11. An apparatus for implementing fragmented stream handling for hard disk drive (HDD) persistent media comprising:
a plurality of Exception Regions for recording stream commands,
each of the Exception Regions being maintained in one of a free Exception Region, an active Exception Region, a recovery Exception Region and a used Exception Region;
host random commands being written into active Exception Regions in a received order of the host random commands; and
TRIM commands being issued by a host operating system for deleted content of invalid information.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein the hard disk drive (HDD) persistent media includes a Shingled Disk Drive.
13. The apparatus as recited in claim 11 includes a controller maintaining each of the Exception Regions in said one of said free Exception Region, said active Exception Region, said recovery Exception Region and said used Exception Region.
14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said host operating system issuing said TRIM commands for deleted content of invalid information includes said controller identifying Exception Region with least amount of valid data.
15. The apparatus as recited in claim 14 includes said controller defragmenting said used Exception Region with the least amount of valid data.
16. The apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein host random commands being written into active Exception Regions in a received order of the host random commands includes a controller writing host random commands into the active Exception Regions in the received order of the host random commands and storing write command tracking information.
17. The apparatus as recited in claim 16 includes said controller tracking write commands until defragmenting after TRIM commands for deleted content of invalid information are issued.
18. A data storage system comprising:
a persistent media;
a controller, and a write command tracking information coupled to said controller for implementing fragmented stream handling;
said controller defining disk regions as a plurality of Exception Regions for recording stream commands,
said controller maintaining each of the Exception Regions in one of a free Exception Region, an active Exception Region, a recovery Exception Region and a used Exception Region;
said controller writing host random commands into active Exception Regions in a received order of the host random commands; and
said controller identifying Exception Region with least amount of valid data for TRIM commands issued by a host operating system for deleted content of invalid information.
19. The data storage system as recited in claim 18 wherein said controller writing host random commands into active Exception Regions in a received order of the host random commands includes said controller storing write command tracking information.
20. The data storage system as recited in claim 18 includes said controller tracking write commands until defragmenting after TRIM commands for deleted content are issued.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

What is claimed is:

1. An inverter phase leg comprising:
(a) a high supply line and a low supply line across which a DC voltage may be provided;
(b) a high side gate controlled switch connected to the high line and a low side gate controlled switch connected to the low line, the switches connected between the high line and the low line with an output node between the high side switch and the low side switch;
(c) a series diode connected between the output node and the low side switch that is oriented to conduct current from the output node through the low side switch and to block current in the opposite direction;
(d) an electrical conductor providing a direct electrical connection without a resistive component from a junction between the series diode and the low side switch to the gate of the high side switch; and
(e) wherein a gate signal may be provided to the gate of the low side switch, and a high side switch gate supply circuit including a gate voltage supply line connected through a resistance to the gate of the high side switch.
2. The inverter phase leg of claim 1 wherein the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise an IGBT, and including a flyback diode connected in parallel with the high side switch from the high supply line to the output node and a flyback diode connected in parallel with the low side switch from the output node to the low supply line.
3. The inverter phase leg of claim 1 further including a capacitor connected between the gate voltage supply line and the output node.
4. The inverter phase leg of claim 1 wherein the series diode is a Schottky diode.
5. The inverter phase leg of claim 1 wherein the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise a power MOSFET.
6. The inverter phase leg of claim 1 including a low side driver amplifier having an input to which a gate control signal may be provided and an output which is connected to the gate of the low side switch.
7. An inverter phase leg comprising:
(a) a high supply line and a low supply line across which a DC voltage may be provided;
(b) a high side gate controlled switch connected to the high line and a low side gate controlled switch connected to the low line, the switches connected between the high line and the low line with an output node between the high side switch and the low side switch;
(c) a series diode connected between the output node and the low side switch that is oriented to a conduct current from the output node through the low side switch and to block current in the opposite direction;
(d) an electrical conductor providing a direct electrical connection without a resistive component from a junction between the series diode and the low side switch to the gate of the high side switch; and
(e) wherein a gate signal can be provided to the gate of the low side switch, and a high side inverting driver amplifier having an output connected through a resistance to the gate of the high side switch, the low side gate signal provided through a diode to an input of the high side inverting amplifier, the high side inverting amplifier connected between a high side gate voltage supply line and a line connected to the output node and providing at its output either the high side gate voltage or the voltage at the output node.
8. The inverter phase leg of claim 7 wherein the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise an IGBT, and including a flyback diode connected in parallel with the high side switch from the high supply line to the output node and a flyback diode connected in parallel with the low side switch from the output node to the low supply line.
9. The inverter phase leg of claim 7 wherein the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise a power MOSFET.
10. The inverter phase leg of claim 7 further including a semiconductor switch connected in parallel with the series diode and having a gate input by which the semiconductor switch may be turned on and off, and including a switch driver amplifier having an output connected to the gate of the semiconductor switch and an input connected to the input of the high side driver amplifier so that the switch driver amplifier provides an output signal to turn on the semiconductor switch when a signal is provided to the high side inverting amplifier to turn off the high side switch.
11. The inverter phase leg of claim 10 wherein the semiconductor switch and series diode are formed as a unitary synchronous rectifier device.
12. The inverter phase leg of claim 7 further including a semiconductor switch connected in parallel with the series diode and having a gate input by which the semiconductor switch may be turned on and off, and a semiconductor switch driver amplifier connected to receive the low side switch gate signal as its input and having an output connected to the input of the high side driver amplifier, the semiconductor switch driver amplifier providing a non-inverting output that is electrically connected to the gate of the semiconductor switch so that the switch is turned on when a signal is provided to turn off the high side switch and is turned off when a signal is provided to turn on the high side switch.
13. The inverter phase leg of claim 12 wherein the semiconductor switch and series diode are formed as a unitary synchronous rectifier device.
14. The inverter phase leg of claim 7 wherein the series diode is a Schottky diode.
15. The inverter phase leg of claim 7 including a low side driver amplifier having an input to which a gate control signal may be provided and an output which is connected to the gate of the low side switch.
16. An inverter phase leg comprising:
(a) a high supply line and a low supply line across which a DC voltage may be provided;
(b) a high side gate controlled switch connected to the high line and a low side gate controlled switch connected to the low line, the switches connected between the high line and the low line with an output node between the high side switch and the low side switch;
(c) a gate controlled connector switch connected between the output node and the low side switch; and
(d) an electrical conductor providing a direct electrical connection without a resistive component from a junction between the connector switch and the low side switch to the gate of the high side switch.
17. The inverter phase leg of claim 16 wherein the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise an IGBT, and including a flyback diode connected in parallel with the high side switch from the high supply line to the output node and a flyback diode connected in parallel with the low side switch from the output node to the low supply line.
18. The inverter phase leg of claim 16 wherein the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise a power MOSFET.
19. The inverter phase leg of claim 16 including a low side driver amplifier having an input that can receive a gate control signal and an output connected to the gate of the low side switch, and a high side inverting driver amplifier having an output connected through a resistance to the gate of the high side switch, the output of the low side driver amplifier connected to an input of the high side inverting amplifier, the high side inverting amplifier connected between a high side gate voltage supply line and a line connected to the output node and providing at its output either the high side gate voltage or the voltage at the output node, the connector switch connected to turn on when the high side switch turns off.
20. The inverter phase leg of claim 19 further including a connector switch driver amplifier having an output connected to the gate of the connector switch and an input connected to the input of the high side driver amplifier so that the connector switch driver amplifier provides an output signal to turn on the connector switch when a signal is provided to the high side inverting amplifier to turn off the high side switch.
21. The inverter phase leg of claim 19 wherein the connector switch comprises a unitary synchronous rectifier device having a switch and a parallel diode.
22. The inverter phase leg of claim 19 further including a connector switch driver amplifier connected to receive the output of the low side driver amplifier as its input and having an output connected to the input of the high side driver amplifier, the connector switch driver amplifier providing a non-inverting output that is electrically connected to the gate of the connector switch so that the connector switch is turned on when a signal is provided to turn off the high side switch and is turned off when a signal is provided to turn on the high side switch.
23. A DC to AC inverter comprising:
(a) a high DC supply line and a low DC supply line; and
(b) two or more inverter phase legs connected across the high supply line and the low supply line, each inverter phase leg comprising:
(1) a high side gate controlled switch connected to the high line and a low side gate controlled switch connected to the low line, the switches connected between the high line and the low line with an output node between the high side switch and the low side switch;
(2) a series diode connected between the output node and the low side switch that is oriented to a conduct current from the output node through the low side switch and to block current in the opposite direction;
(3) an electrical conductor providing a direct electrical connection without a resistive component from a junction between the series diode and the low side switch to the gate of the high side switch; and
(4) wherein a gate signal may be provided to the gate of the low side switch, and a high side switch supply circuit including a gate voltage supply line connected through a resistance to the gate of the high side switch.
24. The inverter of claim 23 wherein for each phase leg the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise an IGBT, and including a flyback diode connected in parallel with the high side switch from the high supply line to the output node and a flyback diode connected in parallel with the low side switch from the output node to the low supply line.
25. The inverter of claim 23 further including for each phase leg a capacitor connected between the gate voltage supply line and the output node.
26. The inverter of claim 23 wherein for each phase leg the series diode is a Schottky diode.
27. The inverter of claim 23 wherein for each phase leg the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise a power MOSFET.
28. The inverter of claim 23 wherein there are two phase legs which are connected together in an H-bridge configuration to provide single phase AC power across a load connected between the two output nodes of the two inverter phase legs.
29. The inverter of claim 23 wherein there are three phase legs connected in a bridge configuration having three output nodes which are connected to provide three phase AC power to three phase load.
30. The inverter of claim 23 including a low side driver amplifier having an input to which a gate control signal may be provided and an output which is connected to the gate of the low side switch.
31. A DC to AC inverter comprising:
(a) a high DC supply line and a low DC supply line; and
(b) two or more inverter phase legs connected across the high supply line and the low supply line, each inverter phase leg comprising:
(1) a high side gate controlled switch connected to the high line and a low side gate controlled switch connected to the low line, the switches connected between the high line and the low line with an output node between the high side switch and the low side switch;
(2) a series diode connected between the output node and the low side switch that is oriented to a conduct current from the output node through the low side switch and to block current in the opposite direction;
(3) an electrical conductor providing a direct electrical connection without a resistive component from a junction between the series diode and the low side switch to the gate of the high side switch; and
(4) wherein a gate signal may be provided to the gate of the low side switch, and a high side inverting driver amplifier having an output connected through a resistance to the gate of the high side switch, the low side gate signal provided through a diode to an input of the high side inverting amplifier, the high side inverting amplifier connected between a high side gate voltage supply line and a line connected to the output node and providing at its output either the high side gate voltage or the voltage at the output node.
32. The inverter of claim 31 wherein for each phase leg the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise an IGBT, and including a flyback diode connected in parallel with the high side switch from the high supply line to the output node and a flyback diode connected in parallel with the low side switch from the output node to the low supply line.
33. The inverter of claim 31 wherein for each phase leg the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise a power MOSFET.
34. The inverter of claim 31 further including for each phase leg a semiconductor switch connected in parallel with the series diode and having a gate input by which the semiconductor switch may be turned on and off, and including a switch driver amplifier having an output connected to the gate of the semiconductor switch and an input connected to the input of the high side driver amplifier so that the switch driver amplifier provides an output signal to turn on the semiconductor switch when a signal is provided to the high side inverting amplifier to turn off the high side switch.
35. The inverter of claim 34 wherein for each phase leg the semiconductor switch and series diode are formed as a unitary synchronous rectifier device.
36. The inverter of claim 31 further including for each phase leg a semiconductor switch connected in parallel with the series diode and having a gate input by which the semiconductor switch may be turned on and off, and a semiconductor switch driver amplifier connected to receive the low side gate signal at its input and having an output connected to the input of the high side driver amplifier, the semiconductor switch driver amplifier providing a non-inverting output that is electrically connected to the gate of the semiconductor switch so that the switch is turned on when a signal is provided to turn off the high side switch and is turned off when a signal is provided to turn on the high side switch.
37. The inverter of claim 36 wherein for each phase leg the semiconductor switch and series diode are formed as a unitary synchronous rectifier device.
38. The inverter of claim 36 wherein for each phase leg the series diode is a Schottky diode.
39. The inverter of claim 31 wherein there are two phase legs which are connected together in an H-bridge configuration to provide single phase AC power across a load connected between the two output nodes of the two inverter phase legs.
40. The inverter of claim 31 wherein there are three phase legs connected in a bridge configuration having three output nodes which are connected to provide three phase AC power to a three phase load.
41. The inverter of claim 31 including a low side driver amplifier having an input to which a gate control signal may be provided and an output which is connected to the gate of the low side switch.
42. A DC to AC inverter comprising:
(a) a high DC supply line and a low DC supply line; and
(b) two or more inverter phase legs connected across the high supply line and the low supply line, each inverter phase leg comprising:
(1) a high side gate controlled switch connected to the high line and a low side gate controlled switch connected to the low line, the switches connected between the high line and the low line with an output node between the high side switch and the low side switch;
(2) a gate controlled connector switch connected between the output node and the low side switch; and
(3) an electrical conductor providing a direct electrical connection without a resistive component from a junction between the connector switch and the low side switch to the gate of the high side switch.
43. The inverter of claim 42 wherein for each phase leg the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise an IGBT, and including a flyback diode connected in parallel with the high side switch from the high supply line to the output node and a flyback diode connected in parallel with the low side switch from the output node to the low supply line.
44. The inverter of claim 42 wherein for each phase leg the high side switch and the low side switch each comprise a power MOSFET.
45. The inverter of claim 42 further including for each phase leg a low side driver amplifier having an input that can receive a gate control signal and an output connected to the gate of the low side switch, and a high side inverting driver amplifier having an output connected through a resistance to the gate of the high side switch, the output of the low side driver amplifier connected to an input of the high side inverting amplifier, the high side inverting amplifier connected between a high side gate voltage supply line and a line connected to the output node and providing at its output either the high side gate voltage or the voltage at the output node, the connector switch connected to turn on when the high side switch turns off.
46. The inverter of claim 45 further including for each phase leg a connector switch driver amplifier having an output connected to the gate of the connector switch and an input connected to the input of the high side driver amplifier so that the connector switch driver amplifier provides an output signal to turn on the connector switch when a signal is provided to the high side inverting amplifier to turn off the high side switch.
47. The inverter of claim 45 further including for each phase leg a connector switch driver amplifier connected to receive the output of the low side driver amplifier as its input and having an output connected to the input of the high side driver amplifier, the connector switch driver amplifier providing a non-inverting output that is electrically connected to the gate of the connector switch so that the connector switch is turned on when a signal is provided to turn off the high side switch and is turned off when a signal is provided to turn on the high side switch.
48. The inverter of claim 42 wherein for each phase leg the connector switch comprises a unitary synchronous rectifier device having a switch and a parallel diode.
49. The inverter of claim 42 wherein there are two phase legs which are connected together in an H-bridge configuration to provide single phase AC power across a load connected between the two output nodes of the two inverter phase legs.
50. The inverter of claim 42 wherein there are three phase legs connected in a bridge configuration having three output nodes which are connected to provide three phase AC power to a three phase load.