Abstract: A microprocessor capable of predecoding variable-length instructions and storing them in a three-dimensional instruction cache is disclosed. The microprocessor may comprise a predecode unit, an instruction cache, and an address translation table. The predecode unit receives variable-length instructions from a main memory subsystem. These instructions are then predecoded by detecting instruction field boundaries within each variable-length instruction. Instructions fields that are not present in a particular instruction may be added by inserting padding constants so that the instruction matches a predetermined format having all instruction fields. The predecoded instruction is stored in the instruction cache, which may be logically and physically structured as a three-dimensional array. Each instruction is stored in the cache so that it has a fixed length in two dimensions. The address translation table maintains address translations for each instruction stored in the instruction cache.

Abstract: An instruction cache having a pattern detector for use in predicting the length of variable length instructions in a microprocessor. The instruction cache comprises an instruction length calculation unit and the pattern detector. The pattern detector is configured with a content addressable memory and update logic. The content addressable memory stores fetch addresses and instruction lengths calculated by the calculation unit. The content addressable memory compares particular fetch addresses that it receives with fetch addresses already stored and outputs corresponding predicted instruction length sequences. The content addressable memory may receive, compare, and store instruction lengths or instruction bytes in addition to, or in lieu of, fetch addresses. A neural network or other type of memory configuration may be used in place of the content addressable memory.

Abstract: A microprocessor configured to predict the length of variable length instructions for decoding purposes by detecting patterns of instruction lengths that have been previously decoded. The microprocessor has a cache, an instruction length calculation unit, and a pattern detector. The instruction length calculation unit receives instruction bytes from the cache and generates an instruction length corresponding thereto. The pattern detector stores a plurality of instruction length sequences, each comprising an initial sequence and a final sequence. The pattern detector is configured to receive instruction lengths from the length calculation unit and compare them with the stored initial sequences. If the pattern detector finds a match, it outputs the corresponding final sequence for use as predicted instruction lengths. A method for using instruction length pattern detection for decoding is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system capable of sharing instruction predecode information is disclosed. By storing predecode information as it is calculated, and then allowing other processors in the system to access the information, subsequent prefetches of instructions are made without repeating predecode calculations. The multiprocessor system may comprise a bus connecting at least two microprocessors together. The microprocessors may be configured to generate predecode information for a plurality of instructions and then share the predecode information with other microprocessors coupled to the bus. The predecode information may be stored in a single storage location or in multiple locations, and the information may be stored internally within the microprocessors or externally. The microprocessors in the system may be configured to search for predecode information corresponding to instructions being accessed.

Abstract: A microprocessor employs a set of symmetrical functional units, each of which is coupled into an issue position. Instructions are fetched and aligned to the issue positions. During clock cycles in which fewer than the maximum number of instructions are concurrently selected for dispatch to the issue positions, the microprocessor distributes the selected instructions among the issue positions in order to substantially equalize the number of instructions conveyed to each issue position over a number of clock cycles. For example, the microprocessor may employ a counter, each value of which indicates a different set of issue positions to which instruction(s) are to be distributed. The counter is incremented each time the value is used to select a distribution. The resources in each issue position may be used more efficiently due to the more even distribution of instructions among the issue positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined quantity of a liquid from a dispensing pump. A recirculation path from the dispensing pump to a bulk reservoir is configured to be substantially identical to the dispensing path itself. Periodically, a recirculation cycle is undertaken and the flow rate during the recirculation cycle is determined. With the recirculation and dispensing paths being identical, the dispensing rate for the dispensing path is then known. The method for accurately determining the recirculation rate is derived from Boyle's law to determine the specific volume dispensed in a specific recirculation cycle time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing cold, carbonated coffee beverages. The apparatus comprises a plurality of reservoirs for holding the beverage ingredients. Each reservoir is selectively connected to at least one dispensing pump that is controlled by a control unit. The pumps deliver the ingredients to a dispensing head that is configured to mix the ingredients external to the dispensing head. The basic ingredients are coffee extract, soda, and a sweetener. Additionally, ingredients such as decaffeinated coffee extract and water may be included to expand the range of beverage selections. The apparatus dispenses the ingredients in a manner that forms a desired creme on top of the beverage.

Abstract: A fluid composition dispensing system employs a pair of bulk supplies of fluid components which communicate through air-actuated pumps to measurement and dispensing reservoirs. Each of the reservoirs has an associated float switch which is operative to inhibit operation of the associated pump when the reservoir is filled with a desired quantity of fluid component. A dispensing valve assembly is interposed between the two reservoirs to allow for dispensing from the reservoir at predetermined dispensing rates. A mechanical valve assembly has a linkage which is configured to allow the slower flowing fluid to pass through a larger valve orifice such that the dispensing rates of the two fluids are the same.

Abstract: A juice beverage dispenser employs a fixed ratio pump interposed between a source of juice concentrate and a source of water. The water drives the pump such that the water and juice concentrate outputs from the pump are presented in a fixed ratio independent of water pressure or juice concentrate viscosity. The outputs from the pump are passed to a check valve/premixer which blends the water and juice concentrate into a premixed blend for passage to a final mixer. A bypass line interconnects the source of water and the final mixer and has therein a metering valve with an adjustable orifice. By adjusting the orifice of the metering valve, the final ratio of juice concentrate and water in the final juice beverage may be established.

Abstract: A germicide applicator for cow udders incorporates a dispensing wand having a dispensing ring at an end thereof for applying a germicide solution to the teats of a cow. The dispensing ring has a central aperture sized to receive a teat and allow for the spraying of germicide from circumferentially spaced spray nozzles therein. A source of lactic acid and a source of sodium chlorite are provided in communication with the spray gun and are driven by respective pumps. Valves in the spray gun are actuated by a trigger and allow for the metering of both lactic acid and sodium chlorite in a common conduit within a wand, where they are mixed in the appropriate relationship to achieved the desired germicide. Float valves used in association with the sources of lactic acid and sodium chlorite shut down the pumps when an adequate supply of either is absent.

Abstract: A juice mixing nozzle, which provides for the mixing of juice concentrate with water, includes a head which receives a manifold, a diffuser, and a cap to enclose the head. A supply of water, concentrate and air are directed through the cap and manifold into a mixing area where the water velocity is greatly increased to provide a "slicing" action to cut the concentrate and blend it with the water to make juice. After mixing, the juice is deflected by the diffuser to reduce the velocity thereof. The head also has a collection area to further reduce the velocity of the juice and minimize the splashing of the juice as it exits the head. The unique mixing action provided by the juice mixing nozzle allows for a mixing ratio of about five parts water to about one part concentrate.

Abstract: A juice dispenser for providing a known quantity of juice at each dispensing cycle, wherein a supply of juice concentrate is transferred by a hose to a dispensing head and wherein a controller monitors a pressure transducer connected to one of the hose and a dispensing head so that the controller can determine a viscosity value of the juice concentrate based on readings of the pressure transducer and accordingly determine a count indicative of the volume of the juice concentrate dispensed in such a manner that the controller can adjust the count depending upon the viscosity value determined at each dispense cycle. The juice dispenser dispenses juice concentrate and water into cups supported by a thermally insulated tray wherein the tray has at least one cavity for receiving thermal material and which supports an insulation plate that carries the group of cups in such a manner that temperature variation is minimized so as to maintain the temperature of the juice within a desired range.

Abstract: A concrete mixing system includes reservoirs of liquid additives, where the additives are combined with concrete mix to add desired properties thereto. These reservoirs of liquid additive are connected to a storage chamber and a controller which controls and sequences various pumps, valves and sensors to attain the desired quantity of liquid additive for introduction to the concrete mix. The sensors measure pressure in the storage chamber, which the controller correlates to the volume therein for later mixing with the concrete mix. In situations where a back pressure in the chamber is a concern, a sensing tube is employed within the chamber. A differential pressure transducer, which has one sensor within the sensing tube and one sensor within the chamber, accurately determines the pressure and thus the volume received within the storage chamber. A modified sensing tube can also be employed to increase the sensitivity and the accuracy of the pressure measurement within the sensing tube.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system generally includes a liquid pump connected to a source of pressure and an outlet tube. A first valve regulates the flow of pressurized air or gas between the source of pressure and the liquid pump. The first valve also regulates air or gas from the liquid pump to the atmosphere. A second valve may regulate the flow of liquid from the liquid pump through the outlet tube. A controller manipulates the first valve to create a pressure head in the liquid pump and then manipulates the second valve to dispense liquid. When dispensing is complete, the controller closes the second valve and manipulates the first valve to exhaust the pressure head from the liquid pump. An agitator resides in the liquid inside of the liquid pump. The agitator has a housing having a chamber for accepting an increased portion of the liquid in response to the creating of the pressure head and for rejecting such increased portion of the liquid from the chamber in response to the exhaustion of the pressure head.

Abstract: A measured dispensing system includes a bulk reservoir containing a bulk quantity of a liquid material and a measurement container interconnected with the bulk reservoir. A pressure sensor is received within the measurement container for sensing a pressure head which develops therein as liquid is caused to enter the measurement container. Additionally, the measurement container has a level sensor therein for sensing the presence and absence of the liquid material in the measurement container at a particular level. A microprocessor controls valves allowing liquid to enter the tank during a filling cycle to determine when a specific quantity of the liquid has been received therein. The microprocessor similarly controls a dispensing valve and monitors a low level sensor to determine when that quantity has been dispensed from the tank.

Abstract: A soft drink dispensing head capable of rapidly dispensing soft drinks with minimized foaming action includes a housing connected to a source of soda and a source of syrup, a diffuser within the housing, and a plurality of passages disposed below the diffuser. The source of soda delivers a supply of soda to the diffuser which causes the direction of the soda flow to be changed 180 degrees. The soda then falls over the diffuser and through a plurality of dispensing passages exiting the housing in a free falling stream. The soda and syrup are dispensed separate from each other and allowed to mix external to the dispensing head but before colliding with a cup located beneath the dispensing head. The source of syrup is in fluid communication with a groove that encircles a portion of the housing. A plurality of syrup dispensing ducts are in fluid communication with the groove and are configured such that each centerline of each duct intersects the free falling stream of soda.

Abstract: A paint tinting system includes a plurality of colorant dispensing subsystems interconnected with a clear filler dispensing subsystem. Recipes maintained within a microprocessor control the dispensing of fixed volumes of colorant into dispensing tubes with such volumes being maintained between volumes of clear filler. Valve actuation introduces the colorant into a can of base paint, along with sufficient clear filler to assure a full measure of paint is generated. The subsystems provide for recirculation of the colorants and clear filler to assure that the same remain homogenous at the time dispensing is required.

Abstract: An elongate mercaptan injection apparatus is disclosed. From the remote end, there is an external fitting for connection with a supply line of liquid mercaptan. It communicates serially with an internal check valve captured in a chamber. The check valve includes a spring and ball cooperative with a valve seat. Through the check valve, the liquid mercaptan flows into an elongate hollow tubular member which is sealed externally with a number of fittings to prevent leakage. It extends to the interior of the pipeline through a fitting which seals to the wall of the pipeline. On the interior, it connects with an elongate hollow member packed with particulate material. A number of transverse openings provide cross ventilation so that flowing natural gas is able to pass through the particulate material.

Abstract: A soft drink dispenser is provided with a soda generator and cooling tank which employs the consumable ice from an ice bin as a source for cooling the soda while being maintained apart from the ice. Both the ice bin and soda tank are maintained upon a common cooling plate having serpentine passages for prechilling water before introduction into the soda tank. The ice within the bin serves as an energy source for the cooling plate which acts as a heat sink to provide a thermally conductive path for assuring that the soda within the tank is kept at a desirably low level.

Abstract: A carbonation system for a soft drink dispenser in which water is precooled and then introduced into an insulated tank where it is subjected to pressurized carbon dioxide. A pressure transducer monitors the pressure within the tank, with the dispensing of soda from the tank being regulated on a timed basis as a function of such pressure. The tank is periodically emptied and refilled to assure that the soda generated therein is fresh.