Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the operation of an instruction pipeline in a computer are disclosed. The methods and apparatus function at both the effective beginning and end of the pipeline. At the pipeline's beginning, a Pipeline Controller monitors the availability of data for various floating point operations. Data is read at either a fast or slow rate, depending on its availability, and instructions are allowed to proceed through the pipeline based on this data availability. At the effective end of the pipeline, the Controller monitors all instructions in the pipeline, notes all potential resource conflicts, and resolves these potential conflicts by either the insertion of an appropriate number of HOLD states or the conclusion that no actual resource competition exists.

Abstract: An adhesive application apparatus for automatically applying a strip of adhesive material of predefined shape accurately to the periphery of either the window opening in a motor vehicle or a pane of glass sized to cover that window opening, the apparatus comprising a pressurized supply means feeding adhesive material under pressure to a nozzle 16 of a dispensing means 14, said nozzle being carried upon a rigid framework 52 in such a fashion that the nozzle can be moved in any direction relative to the surface on which the strip of adhesive material is to be placed by means of DC servo drive motors 44, 74 and 84, and the tip of the nozzle can be accurately guided around said periphery by a nozzle angle adjustment means operated by a DC servo drive motor 92, the rate at which the adhesive material is supplied to the nozzle 16 and the rates of operation of all four of the DC servo motors 44, 74, 84 and 92 all being under the full control of a computer numerical control system.

Abstract: A horizontal tray is provided for growing plants and a liquid nutrient reservoir for receiving a predetermined amount of liquid nutrient therein is supported, in counterbalanced fashion, for vertical shifting relative to the tray between an upper position elevated relative to the tray and a lowered position depressed relative to the tray. The support structure supporting the nutrient reservoir in counterbalanced fashion is slightly overbalanced to cause the support means to shift the nutrient reservoir, by gravity, toward the upper position thereof and a flexible drain tube communicates the lower portions of the interiors of the tray and reservoir for draining nutrient from the reservoir into the tray upon movement of the reservoir to the upper position thereof and return drainage of nutrient from the tray into the reservoir upon subsequent movement of the reservoir to the depressed position thereof, structure being provided to releasably retain the reservoir in the depressed position.

Abstract: An upstanding open top reservoir is provided and a foraminated plate is disposed within an upper portion of the reservoir with the latter and the plate including coacting structure supporting the panel or plate within the reservoir against downward displacement relative thereto. An upstanding sleeve is secured through a central portion of the plate and supported therefrom. The upper and lower ends of the sleeve include liquid outlet and liquid inlet structure, respectively, spaced above and below the plate and manually operable lift pump structure is disposed within the sleeve, includes an operator actuatable from the upper end of the sleeve and is operable, upon actuation of the operator, to lift liquid plant nutrient upwardly through the sleeve from the lower end thereof to the upper end thereof for flowing outwardly from the upper end of the sleeve through the liquid outlet structure.

Abstract: A mounting and control arrangement is provided for a threaded rod such that a subject spinning a split nut on the threaded rod can be "timed" for successive trial rotations. One series of times are taken with the threaded rod stationary. One or more trial times are taken with the threaded rod being rotated at a speed that requires more concentration and effort on the part of the subject. The various time trials are assimilated to provide a "persistence" rating for the subject.