Abstract: A nested loop controller includes a first register having a first value initialized to an initial first value, a second register having a second value initialized to an initial second value, and a third register configured as a predicate FIFO, initialized to have a third value. The second value is advanced in response to a tick instruction during execution of a loop. In response to the second value reaching a second threshold, the second register is reset to the initial second value. The nested loop controller further includes a comparator coupled to the second register and to the predicate FIFO and configured to provide an outer loop indicator value as input to the predicate FIFO when the second value is equal to the second threshold, and provide an inner loop indicator value as input to the predicate FIFO when the second value is not equal to the second threshold.

Abstract: A tie bolt comprises a shank provided thereon with equally pitched screw-threaded portions (16, 18) separated by a spacer portion (14) capable of sliding through a hole created by the leading screw-threaded portion (16) so as to permit rapid screw-engagement of the trailing screw-threaded portion with said hole, characterized in that said threaded portions are provided by separate components (16, 18) arranged at a predetermined distance apart.