Abstract: In an EAS system and method, a reference antenna is used to spatially separate the interference and tag signal allowing the interference signal to be removed, which improves performance of the EAS receiver. The reference antenna is coupled to the system by an adaptive filter, which can be a software filter that is continually adapting itself to optimum performance. The continuous adaptation obviates the need for manually tuning the coupling network and permits the system to perform at its optimum level over long periods of time.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance (EAS) system and method utilizing two transmitted signals to generate and detect a marker signal is provided. The first signal is set at or near the resonance of the marker so its energy can be transmitted and stored in the marker. The second signal is a low frequency magnetic field that changes the resonant frequency of the marker. Because the marker's resonant frequency is constantly varying in response to the low frequency magnetic field, the marker's response to the first transmitted signal also changes. As a result, the marker performs a modulation on the first transmitted signal. Detection of a sideband of the modulated signal indicates the presence of the marker within an interrogation zone formed by the two transmitted signals. Multiple interrogation zones can be implemented by transmitting multiple low frequency signals, one low frequency signal for each interrogation zone.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance system responsive to the distance to a target within an interrogation zone is provided. The interrogation zone is defined by an electromagnetic field generated with a known level and transmitted by at least one antenna. A target within the interrogation zone can be any object, such as a person or shopping cart, within the interrogation zone. The target may include an EAS marker securable to an article for passage through the interrogation zone. The EAS marker is detectable at a frequency when in the electromagnetic field, and is detected by EAS detection equipment, as known in the art. The target within the interrogation zone is detected, and the distance from the antenna to the target is measured. The level of the electromagnetic field is controlled according to the distance to the target within the interrogation zone. The output level is adjusted to according to the distance to the target.

Abstract: A system to non-invasively interface a POS reader/scanner to an EAS tag deactivator is provided and includes a reader for reading indicia, such as a bar code, associated with an article. The system is non-invasive because the integrity of the POS reader is not violated by the interface. The POS reader generates a signal to indicate a successful read of the indicia associated with the article. A sensor senses the signal produced by the POS reader and generates an output signal. An EAS tag deactivator is connected to the sensor. The sensor output signal triggers the EAS tag deactivator, which will remain energized for a preselectable period of time to deactivate an EAS tag associated with the article.

Abstract: A self-checkout/self-check-in and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is provided. EAS tags and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are connected to articles for use with the invention. A preferred embodiment for self-checkout includes a housing having a cavity for receiving articles for self-checkout. The cavity is disposed within a deactivation zone. The RFID tags are read, and after verification of an authorized transaction, a deactivation antenna is energized to deactivate the EAS tags, and a stored inventory database is updated. Information about the transaction can be displayed. A preferred embodiment for self-check-in includes an elongated housing into which articles are deposited for return. Once deposited, the articles pass through the housing and out the other end.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing data from indicia associated with an article and for deactivating an electronic article surveillance tag associated with the article comprising a housing defining a volume in which a bag can be placed for packaging the article, a scanner positioned adjacent the upper portion of the volume to capture data from the indicia associated with the article as the article is placed into the bag; and deactivation means positioned below the scanner to deactivate the electronic article surveillance tag when the article is in the bag.

Abstract: A self-contained conveyor member including a plurality of EAS deactivators is adapted to connect in-line to an existing conveyor system for transporting goods at a manufacturer or distributor's site. The conveyor member has attached to it several commercially available EAS marker deactivators spaced apart to provide continuous coverage across the width of the conveyor and such that the deactivation field of each of the deactivators do not cause interference of the deactivation fields of the adjacent deactivators. EAS markers attached to articles being transported on the conveyor member will pass through at least one of the deactivation fields and will be deactivated. The deactivators selectively deactivate a variety of specific EAS markers such as RF and/or magnetomechanical EAS markers.

Abstract: An apparatus for deactivating a surveillance tag comprising a first coil located in a first plane, a second coil located in a second plane, and a third coil located in a third plane such that the third plane intersects the first and second planes at an angle that is greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees.

Abstract: A cartridge for electronic article surveillance labels comprising a housing shaped to hold a plurality of electronic article surveillance labels in a stack such that the electronic article surveillance labels can be removed individually from a first side of the housing and a system utilizing such housing and a plurality of electronic article surveillance labels that are at least semirigid.

Abstract: An apparatus for data communication and deactivating an electronic article surveillance tag comprising an antenna for communicating with a transponder located within a predetermined area and a deactivation coil for deactivating an electronic article surveillance tag located within the predetermined area.

Abstract: A system and method for setting the activation state of electronic article surveillance markers, tags, and labels being transported on a conveyor system is provided. The system includes a pair of electromagnetic transmitting coils mountable on opposite sides of a conventional conveyor section, an electronic controller, and can include a remote external controller for manual operation. The electromagnetic transmitting coils are mounted within sensor housings that include one or more sensors to automatically sense an article traveling on the conveyor system and trigger the transmission of preselected activation or deactivation electromagnetic pulses when the article is in the proper location. The system can include an inhibiting sensor input to prevent the automatic transmission of an activation/deactivation pulse for specific preselected articles. The system includes a logic scheme to preselect and shape the activation or deactivation electromagnetic pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in activating and/or deactivating an EAS tag which comprises a support, a first number of one or more first discrete small magnets arranged in a first row and a second number of one or more second discrete small magnets arranged in a second row. Each first discrete small magnet is situated adjacent a second discrete small magnet and has a first region of a first magnetic polarity and a second region supported on the support of a second magnetic polarity. Each second discrete small magnet has a first region of the second magnetic polarity and a second region supported on the support and of the first magnetic polarity.

Abstract: An antenna system for use in detecting an information tag in an interrogation zone comprising a first coil for generating a first field in an interrogation zone, a second coil that is larger than said first coil and positioned proximate the first coil for generating a second field that opposes the first field, and a nonferrous conductive plate positioned proximate the first and second coils and being shaped so that its periphery is approximately at least as large as the periphery of the second coil.

Abstract: A data communication and electronic article surveillance tag includes a data communication transponder and an electronic article surveillance tag.

Abstract: An EAS tag package in which an EAS tag is enclosed within a sealed, thin-walled flexible bag.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive element for use in a magnetomechanical article surveillance marker formed by first annealing an amorphous metal alloy, such alloy comprising iron and cobalt with the proportion of cobalt being in the range of about 5 to about 45 atomic percent, in the presence of a saturating magnetic field and then second annealing the alloy in the absence of the saturating magnetic field.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for deactivating electronic article surveillance tags comprising a deactivation coil, a capacitor, charging means for charging the capacitor to a predetermined level, and an electronic switch connected to the capacitor and the deactivation coil so that when the switch is open the capacitor can be charged by the charging means and when the switch is closed the capacitor can discharge through the deactivation coil.