Abstract: An ISYNC instruction does not cause a flush of speculatively dispatched or fetched instructions (instructions that are dispatched or fetched after the ISYNC instruction) unconditionally. The present invention detects the occurrence of any instruction that changes the state of the machine and requires a context synchronizing complete; these instructions are called context-synchronizing-required instructions. When a context-synchronizing-required instruction completes, the present invention sets a flag to note the occurrence of that condition. When an ISYNC instruction completes, the present invention causes a flush and refetches the instruction after the ISYNC if the context-synchronizing-required flag is active. The present invention then resets the context-synchronizing-required flag. If the context-synchronizing-required flag is not active, then the present invention does not generate a flush operation.

Abstract: A field is defined in branch instructions which is interpreted by software as “Hint” bits and these bits are used to signal the processor of special circumstances that may arise when doing speculative branch instruction execution to enable better branch address prediction accuracy and a reduction in link stack corruption which improves overall execution times. A programmer or compiler determines if a branch instruction usage fits in the context for a Hint action. If so, the compiler or programmer, using assembly/machine language, sets Hint bits in the branch instruction when it is compiled. If the branch is later speculatively executed, the processor decodes the tint bits and executes and a hardware action corresponding the decode of the Hint bits. These Hints include four specific Hint actions, however, the field reserved for Hint bits is five bit wide reserving up to thirty-two specific Hint cases may be specified.

Abstract: A new invention, titled Dry Ear Set, has appeared. It is in the nature of personal hygiene. It is a single unit containing two ear covers, each with a water buffer and a 3/8 inch wide elastic tape attached from one water buffer to the other, and riding across the upper lip. This unit is light, friendly and due to the manner of construction does the job of keeping water out of the ears while one takes a shower. It appears the Dry Ear Set would be suitable for the sick room and for the beauty parlor,as well as in the home.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a sorbitan ester of the formula I and a monoazo pigment. The present invention further encompasses a process for its preparation and its use as well as the use of the sorbitan ester I as additive to improve color strength and dispersion properties.

Abstract: An XER scoreboard function is provided by utilizing the instruction sequencer unit scoreboard. A scoreboard bit is set if the XER is being used by a previous instruction. If a new instruction is fetched that uses the XER, a dummy read to the XER is generated to test the scoreboard bit to determine if the scoreboard bit is set. If the scoreboard bit is not set when the dummy read is executed, the X-form string proceeds to execution. If the scoreboard bit is set when the dummy is executed, the pipeline is stalled until the scoreboard bit is cleared, and then the X-form string padded with generated padding IOPs (Dummy or NOPs) is executed. After an accessing instruction is executed, the scoreboard bit is cleared.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reproducibly interfacing a living tissue sample to the measurement probe of a spectrometer instrument in-situ minimizes spectral interference related to sampling variations. A minimal contact subject interface includes supports replaceably mounted on a base. An optical coupling means, such as a fiber optic probe, contacts the measurement site through a probe aperture in the base. During use, a subject rests an extremity on the support elements, so that the extremity is reproducibly positioned and supported in relation to the optical coupling means. The supports have a small contact area, minimizing contact with the skin at the measurement site. The interface module is adjustable to fit any subject.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning internal operations (IOPs) for dispatch are disclosed. The method and system comprise conditionally asserting a predecode based on a particular dispatch slot that an instruction is going to be placed. The method and system further include using the information related to the predecode to expand an instruction into at least one dummy operation and an IOP operation whenever the instruction would not be supported in the particular dispatch slot.

Abstract: A brush attachment for use on a frame of a conventional dry mop. The brush attachment includes a clip assembly for releasably securing the brush to a portion of the mop frame with the brush also being adjustably connected to the clip assembly wherein the attack angle of the brush may be changed by the user. The brush attachment enables the user to clean both the floor surface with the dry mop as well as the baseboard and underneath display racks with the brush attachment, thus eliminating a second subsequent cleaning operation.

Abstract: A utility ramp having an overlapping hinge feature. The hinge feature provides a strong utility ramp that permits compact storage through nesting of the ramp sections.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based perimeter thermal energy control system regulates heating and cooling in the perimeter area of a building in accordance with instantaneous and integrated heat flow measurements and instantaneous temperature deviation measurements. Control of heat pumps and air conditioning units is provided as is automatic switching between heating and cooling. The inherent thermal parameters of the space are inductively determined and used by the system to continually self-adapt to the heat flow properties of the space. The gain of the heat flow based control system is varied automatically as a function of the deviation between the actual space temperature and the desired set point temperature. Morning recovery is initiated and regulated in response to instantaneous and integrated heat flow measurements and inductively determined thermal space parameters and produces a near linear stepwise change in the temperature of the space from night setback to occupancy temperature.