Abstract: The assistive apparatus for hand held vessels or items is a device worn on the hand to facilitate the holding of anything of weight and to reduce the need for gripping strength. The device is a length of flexible material with at least two loops; one at either end; such that the loops are worn over the thumb and the pinky or one or more other fingers. The flexible material hangs like a hammock and allows the weight of an object, such as a glass or tool, to rest on the skeletal structure of the hand rather than depending upon the mechanical gripping force exerted by fingers. The device has application to help individuals suffering from a weakened grip from an ailment, such as arthritis, or that are in professions that require holding heavy objects for extend periods of time.

Abstract: Mechanisms and techniques provide a system for controlling performance of a data communications device that operates an input output protocol and/or architecture such as Infiniband by setting a configuration parameter of the input output protocol to a first value. The configuration parameter describes, to the input output protocol operating within the device, a virtual physical connectivity characteristic of the communications interface of the device to at least one other device operating the input output protocol. The system operates the device to communicate data, over the communications interface, at a first performance level corresponding to the first value of the configuration parameter and changes the first value of the configuration parameter to a second value such that the input output protocol perceives a virtual change to the physical connectivity characteristic of the device without the device experiencing an actual change to its physical connectivity characteristic of the communications interface.

Abstract: Mechanisms and techniques provide a system for controlling performance of a data communications device that operates an input output protocol and/or architecture such as Infiniband by setting a configuration parameter of the input output protocol to a first value. The configuration parameter describes, to the input output protocol operating within the device, a virtual physical connectivity characteristic of the communications interface of the device to at least one other device operating the input output protocol. The system operates the device to communicate data, over the communications interface, at a first performance level corresponding to the first value of the configuration parameter and changes the first value of the configuration parameter to a second value such that the input output protocol perceives a virtual change to the physical connectivity characteristic of the device without the device experiencing an actual change to its physical connectivity characteristic of the communications interface.

Abstract: A system for, and a method of, detecting the proximity of a source of an alternating magnetic field, such as that emanating from power transmission cables, comprising a sensor coil sensitive to the magnetic field under detection, processing means to derive from the signal induced in the coil a warning signal indicative of the proximity of the magnetic field under detection, and cancelling means operable to cancel the earth's field in the region of the sensor coil. The sensor coil may be one of a pair operable to provide a signal representative of the directional heading of the magnetic field under detection, with respect to the system, which embodiment is particularly useful in helicopters for detecting the proximity of power cables.