Abstract: Enabling virtualization in a SAS expander is disclosed. For each SAS address to be virtualized through one or more physical or virtual Phy, a reference Phy associated with each SAS address is created within the expander. Next, a route table is generated that includes an entry for each of the SAS addresses being virtualized, each entry associated with one or more of the physical or virtual Phy through which the SAS address is being virtualized. With the route table so established, requests for a virtualized SAS address are routed to a particular one of the one or more physical or virtual Phy associated with the virtualized SAS address in the route table.

Abstract: The use of loops in SAS networks is enabled by designating ports connected to loop connections as table loop ports (TLPs). Under normal operating conditions, each TLP is blocked from receiving BCNs, appears to the expander to have nothing connected to it, and is made invisible to initiators. The loop connection and TLPs may be enabled and used to access devices when a problem is detected. In particular, the TLP will now appear in a list of destination ports within the expander to which a BCN should be propagated. In addition, during a subsequent self-configuration, the TLP is allowed to populate its route table with devices accessible through it, and the existence of the TLP is also reported back to initiators. After re-discovery is complete, communications between the initiator and a target can resume, with traffic re-routed through the TLPs as needed, bypassing the failure point.

Abstract: A back pad for use in connection with a safety harness including at least two spaced back straps. The back pad includes a shield covering at least a portion of each of the back straps of the safety harness. The shield extends between the back straps to cover a portion of a user's back when the safety harness is worn. A full body safety harness to be worn by a person includes an upper torso portion and a lower seat portion. The upper torso portion is operatively connected to the lower seat portion by a first connector on a first lateral side and a second connector on a second lateral side thereof. The first connector and the second connector can, for example, enable forward and rearward rotation of the upper torso portion relative to the lower seat portion (for example, without causing a significant increase in tension in the upper torso portion or the lower seat portion). At least one of the first connector and the second connector includes a shaft.

Abstract: A full body safety harness to be worn by a person includes an upper torso portion and a lower seat portion. The upper torso portion is operatively connected to the lower seat portion by a first connector on a first lateral side and a second connector on a second lateral side thereof. The first connector and the second connector enable forward and rearward rotation of the upper torso portion relative to the lower seat portion (as in the case of forward and rearward bending by a user of the harness) without causing a significant increase in tension in the lower seat portion. A safety harness to be worn by a person which includes at least one strap section including a cam buckle in operative connection therewith to adjust a fit of the strap section. A safety harness includes a label pack system including a base having an attachment mechanism to attach the base to a strap of the safety harness and a closure in operative connection with the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the surface finish and/or surface integrity of a workpiece formed or shaped with a tool increase the surface hardness of the workpiece during forming or shaping of the workpiece. A method and apparatus for forming or shaping a workpiece also increase the surface hardness of the workpiece during forming or shaping of the workpiece with a tool, as do a method and apparatus for manufacturing a finished part or product from a workpiece. In some embodiments, an expanding jet of cryogen may be jetted to a surface of a workpiece and a tool from a nozzle, wherein the cryogen is at least partially separated into a condensed phase portion and a vapor portion within a downstream portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: A foothold system for attachment to a fall protection device includes at least one foot upon which a user can rest a foot and an attachment member in operative connection with the foot seating. The attachment member is adapted to attach to the fall protection device (for example, a safety harness, a safety belt or a lanyard).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for reducing a thickness of a thermomechanically-affected layer on an as-machined surface of a hard metal workpiece being machined by a hard cutting tool exerting a thermomechanical load on a surface of the workpiece. The method involves reducing the thermomechanical load on the surface of the workpiece, and the apparatus includes a means for reducing the thermomechanical load on the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid jet is used in an apparatus and a method for remote cooling of a cutting tool engaged in machining a workpiece under high-energy conditions, such as high-speed machining, hard-turning, cutting of difficult to machine materials, and combinations thereof. The apparatus and method use a stabilized, free-expanding cryogenic fluid jet having a pulse cycle time less than or equal to about 10 seconds. The apparatus and method increase the cleanliness of machined parts and chips and machining productivity of hard but brittle tools, including but not limited to tools which should not be cooled with conventional cooling fluids.

Abstract: A container for dispensing a viscous agent. The container includes a lid with an upper planar surface having an opening therein. A prophylactic sheath depends from the opening and has an extendable body, a normally open interior and end opening which defines a mouth region. The mouth region is affixed to the lid in proximity to the border of the lid opening. The user can insert one or more fingers within the end opening to extend the sheath for dispensing a viscous agent from the body of the container during use. The sheath can also be afixed to an insert which is installed within the mouth opening of the container.

Abstract: A shingle removing implement can include a flat blade adapted to be inserted underneath the designated shingle, and an elongated handle extending a substantial distance from the blade to cause the blade to exert a lifting action on the shingle. An arcuate plate is secured to the back surface of the blade, to form a wedge structure that facilitates a prying action of the blade on the shingle.

Abstract: A keg tapping apparatus includes a keg unit secured within the neck of a keg by a retainer and a tavern unit coupled to the keg unit by the retainer. An operating handle opens valves associated with the keg unit to establish fluid communication between the keg and fluid inlet and outlet fittings on the tavern unit. The retainer has a body which includes a generally cylindrical bore and notches which communicate with the bore. Complementary inserts received within the notches are integrally attached to the body and define coupling lugs which project into the bore for coupling connection with the tavern unit. The inserts are made from a harder material than the body.