Abstract: A game court with improved and adjustable back bumper may feature a back bumper pivotably attached by a band to an interlocking member of the playing court. The bumper may then have a reactive nature to contact by a rolling ball in play. Sliding locks may be utilized to lessen, or even eliminate, the reactive nature of the bumper.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for a sliding-type game is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a length of a sliding surface is provided with an underlying target area and playing pieces are slid along the surface to land over desired targets. Magnets may be used to provide additional challenge. Many possibilities of use are possible as the apparatus may lend itself to various game scenarios.

Abstract: Efficient techniques are described for not executing an issued conditional non-branch instruction. A conditional non-branch instruction is identified as being eligible for a prediction, the prediction indicating that the eligible conditional non-branch (ECNB) instruction would not execute. The ECNB instruction executes as a no operation (NOP) instruction in response to the prediction that the ECNB instruction would not execute. A source operand required for the ECNB instruction to execute is not fetched in response to the prediction to not execute.

Abstract: A method for optimizing throughput in a microprocessor that is capable of processing multiple threads of instructions simultaneously. Instruction issue logic is provided between the input buffers and the pipeline of the microprocessor. The instruction issue logic speculatively issues instructions from a given thread based on the probability that the required operands will be available when the instruction reaches the stage in the pipeline where they are required. Issue of an instruction is blocked if the current pipeline conditions indicate that there is a significant probability that the instruction will need to stall in a shared resource to wait for operands. Once the probability that the instruction will stall is below a certain threshold, based on current pipeline conditions, the instruction is allowed to issue.

Abstract: Bauxite mineral is used directly, to remove phosphates from water, in a high efficiency, highly economical system. The process of the invention involves the step of contacting the waste water stream with Bauxite for a time sufficient to lower the phosphate concentration to a predetermined lower level. The predetermined lower level is typically less than about 2 mg/l of water, and can be to a concentration of less than 1 mg/l. The Bauxite has an average particle size of greater than about 50 mesh. Advantageously, the particle size is at least about one quarter of an inch.The Bauxite which is used can be washed and graded to produce Bauxite having a particle size on the order of about one quarter of an inch. The Bauxite can be ground to an average particle size of at least about 50 mesh to produce a material having a higher reaction rate.

Abstract: A wrench having an elongated handle and a socket drive member rotatably mounted in one end of the handle. A shaft extends through the handle to a knob at the end thereof opposite the drive and is connected to the drive member by a gear connection between the shaft and the drive member. The gearing includes a worm so as to prevent the rotation of the drive member with respect to the wrench except when the shaft is turned. The wrench is useful in positions wherein it is difficult to start a bolt with the fingers.