Abstract: Methods, and computer program product, the computer program product comprising program instructions implementing: a cloud agent module executed by the mainframe computer for communicating with the cloud storage; one or more first routines implementing low level I/O control events of the mainframe computer, including at least mount and unmount routines, said first routines substituting one or more OS routines executed by the mainframe computer; a SAM EOB routine for calling the cloud agent module to transmit or retrieve data from the cloud storage, the SAM EOB routine substituting an OS routine; and one or more exit routines, called for Open, Close and End of Volume related events, said exit routines sending notifications to the cloud agent module.

Abstract: Methods, and computer program product for writing data sets to and from cloud storage for legacy mainframe applications. A call to a mount request issued by the operating system is intercepted. An exit call to prepare for dataset write is received from an OS open routine. At least one call to a Basic Sequential Access Method (BSAM) End of Block (EOB) write routine is intercepted. Subject to the at least one call to the BSAM EOB routine being associated with cloud storage, data chunks are sent in an asynchronous manner to cloud storage. A second exit call for finalizing writing of the data chunks to the cloud storage is received. A call to an unmount request is intercepted. As a result, data is written directly from the mainframe to the cloud storage without intermediate storage.

Abstract: A multi-functional writing instrument which includes a combination pocket clip and stylus for input devices, such as personal digital assistants. The writing instrument includes a body having a cap portion, and the combination clip member and stylus having first and second ends, wherein an actuator tip is mounted to the first end and the clip member is mounted to the cap portion and pivotally movable with respect thereto. The clip member is pivotally movable relative to the instrument's body between a clamping position, for attachment to a pocket, and a stylus position, where the actuator tip is extended beyond one end of the body enabling engagement with a touch screen. The instrument allows the user to conveniently switch from writing on conventional media, for example paper, to inputting data in a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A multi-functional writing instrument which includes a combination pocket clip and stylus for input devices, such as personal digital assistants. The writing instrument includes a body having a cap portion, and the combination clip member and stylus having first and second ends, wherein an actuator tip is mounted to the second end and the clip member is mounted to the cap portion and slidably movable with respect thereto. The clip member is slidably movable relative to the body between a clamping position, for attachment to a pocket, and a stylus position, where the actuator tip of the clip member is extended beyond one end of the instrument's body enabling engagement with a touch screen. The instrument allows the user to conveniently switch from writing on conventional media, for example paper, to inputting data in a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided including a gripping section arranged along a portion of the writing instrument normally used for gripping and a writing tip extending from the gripping section. The gripping section may be provided on a replaceable cartridge element which is inserted into a cartridge-receiving cavity in the writing instrument body. A soft, resiliently deformable gripping member is provided on the gripping section and is preferably tubular in shape. The gripping member includes a smooth surface which may include a slightly elevated or raised pattern. The elevated pattern may comprise a plurality of interconnected parts so as to form a continuous lattice or pattern such as hexagons. The pattern is preferably continuous over the entire smooth surface. The elevated pattern is resiliently compressible with respect to the smooth surface so that a user's fingers may deform the elevated pattern to provide additional traction during use.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided including a cartridge carrying a writing or highlighting medium, and a writing tip exposed at one end of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a reduced cross-section which forms an annular recessed and tapered cavity. A gripping member is received in the cavity and is preferably tubular in shape and is tapered to follow the tapered contour of the cartridge. The gripping member includes a smooth surface which may include a slightly elevated or raised pattern. The elevated pattern may comprise a plurality of interconnected parts so as to form a continuous lattice or pattern such as hexagons. The pattern is preferably continuous over the entire smooth surface. The elevated pattern is resiliently compressible with respect to the smooth surface so that a user's fingers may deform the elevated pattern to provide additional traction during use. The writing instrument may also include a vented cap.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided including a cartridge carrying a writing or highlighting medium, and a writing tip exposed at one end of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a reduced cross-section which forms an annular recessed and tapered cavity. A gripping member is received in the cavity and is preferably tubular in shape and is tapered to follow the tapered contour of the cartridge. The gripping member includes a smooth surface which may include a slightly elevated or raised pattern. The elevated pattern may comprise a plurality of interconnected parts so as to form a continuous lattice or pattern such as hexagons. The pattern is preferably continuous over the entire smooth surface. The elevated pattern is resiliently compressible with respect to the smooth surface so that a user's fingers may deform the elevated pattern to provide additional traction during use. The writing instrument may also include a vented cap.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided including a cartridge carrying a writing or highlighting medium, and a writing tip exposed at one end of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a reduced cross-section which forms an annular recessed and tapered cavity. A gripping member is received in the cavity and is preferably tubular in shape and is tapered to follow the tapered contour of the cartridge. The gripping member includes a smooth surface which may include a slightly elevated or raised pattern. The elevated pattern may comprise a plurality of interconnected parts so as to form a continuous lattice or pattern such as hexagons. The pattern is preferably continuous over the entire smooth surface. The elevated pattern is resiliently compressible with respect to the smooth surface so that a user's fingers may deform the elevated pattern to provide additional traction during use. The writing instrument may also include a vented cap.