Abstract: A finger worn device (10) includes a tag reader for reading tags (12a, 12b) attached to similar shaped items (11a, 11b) respectively, an example of such items being jars containing different foodstuffs. When the device (10) is presented to one of the tags (12a, 12b) the device (10) reads data from the tag generates an output signal such as a tactile or audio output. The output signal is dependent on the tag being read. The user of the device has knowledge of a pre-defined association between a particular tag and a particular output signal that the device will produce on reading that tag. Furthermore the user has knowledge of which tag is provided on which item. Therefore, the user is able to establish which item is being presented to the device (10) by noting the output signal produced. The device is intended to assist a person who is blind or has poor eyesight with the task of identifying articles which are similarly shaped.

Abstract: A method of using a cryostat comprises supplying a stream of cold cryogas over a specimen, and surrounding said stream in the vicinity of the specimen by a dry annular flow of the same cryogas at ambient temperature. A nozzle for the cryostat comprises a central feed tube (36) for supplying the stream of cold cryogas over a specimen (35), and an annular feed opening (34) for supplying the dry annular flow of the same cryogas at ambient temperature.