Abstract: A lock having a body, an engaging element having a first end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end to the body, the locking mechanism adapted to selectively conceal or reveal a passage in the body, through translation of a sliding gate, through which the first end may move to unlock the lock; the engaging element has a second end which is retained by the body at all times but is free to rotate. In other aspects, a lock has a body, a shackle having heel and toe portions, the heel portion engaged within the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body from which the toe portion may move to unlock the lock, wherein movement of the toe portion is achieved through rotation of the toe about the heel.

Abstract: A link for connecting at least one securing member, such as chain, with a locking device having a body and a shackle, where the link comprises a base having a through hole adapted to receive the shackle of a locking device and a first securing element associated with the base, the first securing element adapted to receive a first securing member, wherein the shackle of a lock may be inserted through the through hole such that the lock blocks the first securing member from being separated from the securing element. Also disclosed is a system for securing a locking device having a handle hinged to a vertical lockrod, where the system comprises a strap and a link adapted to be installed upon the vertical lockrod and handle such that the handle is prevented from being manipulated in such a manner as to unlock the locking device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for locking and unlocking a component, where the system comprises a lock adapted to lock a component, the lock capable of being opened by manipulation of a combination mechanism, the lock having a communication apparatus for communicating information related to the opening of the lock with a tool. The system further comprises a tool matable with the lock and adapted to open the lock by manipulation of the combination mechanism, the tool adapted to receive the communicated information related to the opening of the lock from the communication apparatus. Also disclosed are locks and tools suitable for use in such a system, and methods of opening at least one combination lock with a tool.

Abstract: A lock having a body, an engaging element having a first end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end to the body, the locking mechanism adapted to selectively conceal or reveal a passage in the body, through translation of a sliding gate, through which the first end may move to unlock the lock; the engaging element has a second end which is retained by the body at all times but is free to rotate. In other aspects, a lock has a body, a shackle having heel and toe portions, the heel portion engaged within the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body from which the toe portion may move to unlock the lock, wherein movement of the toe portion is achieved through rotation of the toe about the heel.

Abstract: This invention provides methods to identify individuals predisposed to developing osteoarthritis, to diagnose osteoarthritis, and to monitor the progression of the disease. The method also provides methods to identify modulators of bone development that affect a wnt/fzd signaling pathway and methods to prevent or treat osteoarthritis by administering the modulator of bone development.

Abstract: A side-release buckle having a male member having at least one forwardly dependent catch arm, and a female member having an opening adapted to receive the at least one forwardly dependent catch arm, wherein the at least one forwardly dependant catch arm includes an aperture permitting the connection of a security device. The female member may also include a second opening, the male member having three forwardly dependant catch arms, the middle of which is adapted to penetrate the second opening with an extension member having an aperture capable of receiving a security device. The male member and the female member may be connected by a strap. The female member may include a housing capable of preventing the strap from being loosened when the male member is within the female member.

Abstract: A device for clamping a strap, the device having a first surface and a second surface connected to the first surface by a hinge. The first surface having an edge including a tab member extending away from the first surface and toward the second surface. A strap may be placed between the first surface and the second surface such that when the first surface and the second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween. The tab member may prevent the device from being slid along the strap by friction created between the tab member and the strap.

Abstract: A multiple function lock comprising a body, an engaging element having a first end and a second end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end and the second end of the engaging element to the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body through which the second end may move to unlock the lock. In certain embodiments, a multiple function lock may comprise a body, a U-shaped shackle having toe and heel portions, the heel portion rotatably secured within the body, a locking mechanism for locking the heel and the toe portions within the body, a passage through the body adjacent to the toe portion, the toe portion adapted to move through the passage to unlock the lock, and either a retaining cup, an adjustable gate, or an outer housing, each being adapted to selectively block or reveal the passage.

Abstract: A multiple function lock comprising an engaging element and a captive element. The engaging element enters a captive space provided in the captive element for locking the lock. sThe captive element includes a selectable passage into the captive space for permitting the engagement element to be selectively released or secured. The selectable passage is revealed or concealed through translation or rotation of a blocking element. In certain embodiments, the multiple function lock comprises a body, a shackle having toe and heel portions, a first locking mechanism for securing the heel portion to the body and a separate second locking mechanism for securing the toe portion to the body. The second locking mechanism is operative to engage and disengage the toe portion from the body so the shackle may rotate about the heel portion secured by the body.

Abstract: An optical transceiver circuit pack in which specialized components, i.e., optical components associated with transmitting and receiving at a first wavelength or first band of wavelengths, are arranged on a first optical transceiver card section constituting a first module, and wherein generic components, i.e., electronic components which are arranged and operable to electrically interact with any first module regardless of its particular wavelength or band of wavelengths, are arranged on a second optical transceiver card section constituting a second module, the respective modules being detachably coupled to one another such that the first module may be replaced with either an identical module (i.e., one being configured to transmit and receive at said first wavelength or first band of wavelengths) or a different module (i.e., one being configured to transmit at a wavelength or band of wavelengths different than said first wavelength or first band of wavelengths.