A method and apparatus to provide failover capability to a data storage and retrieval system in the event of a failure of a data storage drive, where that data storage and retrieval system includes one or more active data storage devices and one or more reserve data storage devices. The device carries out a data transmission to the communication adapter that carries out a data transmission to a computer by means of a data connection. Under such conditions, it is economically feasible to produce large panel, bubble-free liquid crystal cells. If the number of pending requests for the destination node is below a predetermined threshold and the entire buffer is not full, then the request is added to the linked list for the destination node. The integrated life jacket upon separation from the heavily ballasted body armor continues to provide reliable airway protection.