Computer memory with improved next word accessing

Claim 1

In a computer, the combination of an elementary operation (EO) memory having memory word storage locations each containing a plurality of EO words, each EO word containing an operation code, memory word address bits of a next memory word to be accessed, and information identifying a particular EO word in the next memory word, each EO word which contains a conditional branch operation code including information identifying an alternate EO word in the next memory word, to be utilized in dependence on a machine condition then existing, a memory word data register, an EO register, memory accessing means utilizing memory word address bits in said EO register to read a next memory word from said memory to said memory word data register, and means to execute the operation code present in said EO register, including means to test a machine condition, and thereafter transfer the selected original or alternate next EO word from said memory word data register to said EO register, whereby a next memory word is accessed concurrently with a determination of which next EO word in the accessed memory word is to be utilized.