Abstract: A microprocessor configured to reduce variance in the length of variable length instructions by compressing multiple prefix bytes into a single byte is disclosed. The microprocessor is configured with a predecode unit and an instruction cache. The predecode unit is configured to receive variable length instructions, each having a variable number of prefix bytes. The predecode unit is configured to detect the prefix bytes and compress them into one compressed prefix byte for each instruction. The instruction cache is coupled to the predecode unit and is configured to receive and store the instructions and compressed prefix bytes from the predecode unit. The instruction cache may be configured to output one of the instructions and any corresponding compressed prefix bytes in response to receiving a fetch address. A computer system, method, and software program configured to compress prefix bytes are also disclosed.

Abstract: An indirect lighting fixture for use with a series of parallel-connected lamp assemblies that consists of a mounting member of pre-selected length having a base and opposite light-directing side panels, and an insert strip for retention within the mounting member to support the series of lamp assemblies while still allowing individual lamp replacement.

Abstract: High strength, cellulosic-gel-containing kraft paper is made by mechanically refining kraft papermaking pulp to a freeness of CSF 500-800, mixing the resulting refined pulp with from 1 to 10% hydrated cellulosic gel binder, running the resulting fluid mixture into a felted sheet and pressing and drying the sheet to form the kraft paper product.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a stair nosing formation that is particularly adapted to provide an overhang for housing an indirect lighting source thereby to provide both functional and aesthetically appealing effects. The formation consists of a tread plate in perpendicular affixure to a riser plate while extending an overhang portion that is further formed into an overhang plate disposed parallel to the riser plate. A transverse plate is formed to extend between the overhang plate and riser plate to provide high structural strength while also defining a downwardly oriented channel for retention of an illumination source for directing light downward along the adjacent step riser toward the next lower step tread.

Abstract: A submersible motor pump assembly having an improved driving connection between the motor and pump. The motor shaft and pump shaft are disposed in end-to-end relation and a bolt extends through an axial passage in the pump shaft and the projecting end of the bolt is threaded in an axial opening in the end of the motor shaft. The outer or opposite end of the pump shaft is formed with a recess that communicates with the passage and the head of the bolt is fixed against rotation with respect to the pump shaft by a bolt retainer which is disposed with the recess. A shear pin interconnects the mating ends of the two shafts to provide a driving connection. The hand of the thread on the bolt is such that rotation of the motor shaft, after shearing of the shear pin, will cause the bolt to be unthreaded from the motor shaft to prevent locking up of the shafts.

Abstract: An indirect lighting assembly consisting of a housing structure and low voltage light tubing for retention therein, said housing structure being a unitarily extruded body having an anchor tab portion extending perpendicularly into a spacer portion and terminating in a light tube housing portion having an open area directing light generally perpendicular to the plane of said spacer portion.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for agitating and pumping a liquid slurry, such as manure slurry. The apparatus includes a vertical column mounted for rotation about its axis in a pit or vessel containing the liquid slurry. A motor-pump unit is mounted for rotation about the axis of the column and is also mounted for vertical sliding movement relative to the column. To guide the motor-pump unit in vertical movement on the column, a generally C-shaped guide on the motor pump unit rides on a flat plate-like track on the column. The upper end of the track terminates at a level slightly above the pit, so that by elevating the motor pump unit, the motor-pump unit can be freely removed from connection with the column. The upper end of the pit is enclosed by a closure plate having a central opening, and a rotary deck plate carried by the column encloses the opening and rotates with the column relative to the closure plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing free descent of a motor-pump unit. The motor-pump unit is mounted within a manure-containing pit for vertical sliding movement on a fixed column, and an elevating mechanism is employed for raising and lowering the pump within the pit and includes a cable having one end which is coiled on a drum while the opposite end of the cable is connected to the motor-pump unit. The weight of the motor-pump unit normally applies substantial tension to the cable. A mechanism is incorporated which is responsive to slackening of the cable and acts to arrest free descent of the motor-pump unit, as well as discontinuing operation of the cable drum mechanism.

Abstract: Optical devices utilizing multicapillary arrays such as beam splitters, calibrated beam attenuators, collimators, beam steering devices, beam modulators and phase shifters and lens.

Abstract: A medium density, high strength lignocellulose composition board comprises on a dry weight basis from 60 to 95% lignocellulose particles and from 5 to 40% exhaustively hydrated cellulosic gel binder, the gel binder being characterized in its gel condition by a TAPPI drain time of at least 350 seconds.

Abstract: Cellulosic pulp is made in 85% yield by mechanically defiberizing lignocellulose in a steam atmosphere, mixing the resulting aqueous fibrous pulp with a lignocellulose-pulping quantity of finely divided lime, and digesting the pulp in the presence of the lime to a predetermined degree of pulp digestion. The resulting digested fiber can then be mechanically beated in aqueous medium until it is substantially converted to a hydrated cellulosic gel product.

Abstract: A fire resistant bauxite composition board comprises, in percent by weight, from 10 to 85% lignocellulose particles, from 65 to 20% bauxite particles, and from 5 to 25% binder, particularly a hydrated cellulosic gel binder. The bauxite, (aluminum oxide dihydrate), is characterized by containing a large amount of water of hydration, by stability below 200.degree. C., and by release of its water of hydration at above 200.degree. C. Accordingly, the bauxite-containing board is stable during its manufacture, storage and use. However, in a fire situation the substantial amount of released water of hydration materially supplements the inherent non-combustible character of the bauxite in increasing the fire resistance of the board.

Abstract: A fire resistant vermiculite composition board comprises, in percent by weight, from 40 to 90% heat expanded vermiculite particles; from 5 to 20% ceramic clay particles; from 10 to 30% hydrated cellulosic gel having a TAPPI drainage time of at least 900 seconds; from 1 to 20% defiberized wood; and from 1 to 20% starch. The vermiculite is in an incompletely expanded condition of a degree predetermined to permit its further expansion upon subsequent exposure to heat. This results in a corresponding expansion of the composition board of which it is a component when the board is exposed to fire, preventing the formation of cracks and insuring continued fire protecting coverage of the area across which the board is applied.

Abstract: A slotted stud comprising two elongate, spaced-apart, parallel stud portions connected to one another at a point substantially intermediate their ends, and a partition formed by a plurality of such studs arranged in spaced-apart coplanar array and opposed panels mounted on respectively opposed stud portions, and in some embodiments, slotted plates respectively connected to aligned opposite ends of said studs, all of the above configurations contributing to or forming partitions with reduced sound transmission.