Abstract: A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring grid-based computing resources are disclosed. Example embodiments provide for the determination and display of a variety of metrics. Data related to processor utilization by a plurality of applications is accumulated, aggregated, and normalized. At least one metric related to the use of the grid by the plurality of applications is assayed or otherwise determined from the aggregated, normalized data. An archive database for archival storage of at least some of the data can also be provided. In some embodiments, a Web server displays metrics via a Web page. In addition, provision can be made to verify the service level agreement (SLA) compliance of the various resources on the grid.