Abstract: A lock having a movable shroud for protecting a lock shackle is disclosed. The lock includes a lock body, a locking mechanism attached to the lock body, a shackle and a shroud. The shackle has a first portion disposed within the lock body and a second portion movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The shroud is attached to the lock body and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the shroud covers at least a portion of the shackle that extends beyond the lock body. The lock may include corresponding detents and openings on adjacent lock body and shroud surfaces to guide the movement of the shroud relative to the lock body. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A swirling type fabric canopy is affixed on an upright mast which can be incrementally rotated on a base to protect a person in one position while the sun travels during daylight. The swirling type canopy can be rotated from right-handed shading to left-handed shading and collapsed when not in use or for portage. An optional semi-circular non-folding canopy can be added on top.

Abstract: A two-way communications switch is provided that includes a first state machine connected to a first communications ring and a second state machine connected to a second communications ring. The first state machine is capable of transmitting data to the first communications ring and of receiving data from the first communications ring. The second state machine is capable of transmitting the data to the second communications ring and of receiving data from the second communications ring. Logic circuitry selectively connects the first state machine and the second state machine for receiving data from the second communications ring and transmitting data to the first communications ring and for receiving data from the first communications ring and transmitting data to the second communications ring.

Abstract: A centering and clamping device for clamping a support (4) to a base (1) has contact surfaces (29 and 8) which come into contact with each other and have installed therein device parts (5 and 2), with passive (6) and active (3) coupling elements. The device parts have centering elements (31 and 33) which work in conjunction, one of which (31) is designed to yield elastically in the direction of clamping. The active coupling element (3) contained in the base part (2) of the device can be moved between its retracted position within the contact surface (8) of the base (1) and an operating position where it projects above this contact surface. The elastic centering element (31) is a circular collar having a base area, reduced in cross-section, and an S-shape (36) by narrow radial circular grooves (34, 35).

Abstract: A shrouded shackle lock having two shell halves with a cover plate in one shell half and a hole in the opposite other shell half. Fastener means positioned in the lock are turnable by a wrench inserted in the hole in the other shell half for removing the cover when the fastener means is disengaged from the cover. Upon the removal of the cover the lock cylinder is removable for rekeying or substitution.The lock shell halves are engaged together using a lock retainer ring welded to one shell half and thereafter bent over and around the other shell half.

Abstract: A flexible elastic padlock cover both form-fit and stretch-fit to the padlock body and having handle means for ready handling of the cover in putting it on and taking it off. The cover may be split so that the upper half can remain on the body while the lower half is removed for lock operation.

Abstract: A combination lock having both dial and key locking mechanisms and having long and short shackle legs which lock has a body containing a reciprocal cam plate for moving steel balls into and out of engagement with the shackles from lock to unlock position. An extending arm mounted on the cam plate engages the dial and key control means having a second extending arm is also engageable with the cam plate. The lock includes a spring upset arrangement.

Abstract: In a certain form of key-operated padlock of generally curved contour with a flat bottom there is accessible from the bottom of the padlock body a generally rectangular crevice outlining the cavity in the body block which flushly receives the retainer block and cylinder. In the present invention the padlock body and the enclosed retainer block have mating and cooperating eccentrically shaped ribs and grooves which are effective in preventing unauthorized attempts at a tool insertion in the crevice surrounding the exposed end portion of the block sufficient to separate portions of the block and the enclosing padlock body, or to break out wall portions of the latter. Additionally, unauthorized disengagement of the retainer block from the padlock body is prevented by a pair of hardened pins which extend from the padlock body into the retainer block and are rotatably mounted in the latter.