Abstract: A locking cargo restraint with multiple retracting cables is provided for securing cargo to a base, surface, or object. The locking cargo restraint is generally composed of a housing, retractable cables, and spools. The cables may be spooled within the housing to take up slack for storage of the device or to provide tension when cargo is being secured. The spools are spring biased to assist the user in pulling the cables into the housing. The cables are independently operable, allowing the operator to secure symmetrical or irregularly shaped objects. The locking cargo restraint also features a mode selection knob that can effectuate different modes of operation of the device such that the cables may be extended from the housing, retracted into the housing, or tightened about cargo. Further, the device includes a lock mechanism that, when engaged, limits the operation of the mode selection knob.

Abstract: A computer system for optimizing bandwidth usage within a cloud storage system identifies distinct requests to access a particular digital file. When the number of requests exceeds a threshold, the computer system queries a remote directory server for the particular digital file. The query system then receives, from the remote directory server, addresses to data blocks stored within multiple remote storage nodes. The system requests at least a portion of the addressed data blocks. Upon receiving the blocks, the system decodes the particular digital file from the portion of the addressed data blocks. The computer system then stores the decoded digital file within local memory and communicates the local-area network address to the remote directory server.

Abstract: A computer system for optimizing bandwidth usage within a cloud storage system identifies distinct requests to access a particular digital file. When the number of requests exceeds a threshold, the computer system queries a remote directory server for the particular digital file. The query system then receives, from the remote directory server, addresses to data blocks stored within multiple remote storage nodes. The system requests at least a portion of the addressed data blocks. Upon receiving the blocks, the system decodes the particular digital file from the portion of the addressed data blocks. The computer system then stores the decoded digital file within local memory and communicates the local-area network address to the remote directory server.