Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided, including a first body, which has a display screen, a second body, which is slidably connected to the first body, and a door unit, which opens and closes a battery compartment disposed between the first and second bodies, in which the door unit is concealed and made externally visible according to the position of the second body relative to the first body, and in which the door unit can be opened and closed when it is externally visible.

Abstract: A system for testing radio frequency (RF) communications of a device capable of such communications is provided. The system includes a chamber for isolating the device from RF interference, an antenna that is suitable for RF communications with the device wherein the antenna is capable of communications over a range of frequencies, the antenna being located within the chamber, and a digital communication link for providing non-RF communications with the device.

Abstract: A security storage container for securely retaining an item of merchandise therein. The storage container is in the form of a box having a base and a lid, with the item of merchandise being received in the base. The lid is locked to the base by a locking mechanism. The storage container also includes an internally disposed alarm system which is activated when the lid is locked to the base and is deactivated when the lid is unlocked from the base. The lid can only be unlocked with a specially designed key. The alarm system includes a flashing LED which indicates to the consumer that the storage container has an activated alarm therein. The alarm system further includes an EAS tag for activating a security gate at an exit to the protected environment; and further includes a sound-emitting device that will emit a loud sound if an attempt is made to pry the lid from the base when the lid is in a locked position.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a structure, such as a residence or other building, against intrusion, while reducing generation of false alarms when an occupant of the structure inadvertently trips a contact detector by opening an entry point (door, window, etc.) is provided. The contact detector is coupled with a motion detector that is directed to monitor motion within the structure at a location proximate to the entry point being monitored by the contact detector. Generally, when the contact detector detects that the entry point is being opened, a fault is issued to a control panel, which in turn generates an alarm. However, if motion is detected within the structure and proximate to the entry point prior to the contact detector registering an opening of the entry point, no fault is generated.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly is provided. The protective cover assembly includes a flexible cover and an alarm assembly. The flexible cover includes an outer layer of flexible material, an inner layer of flexible material, and at least one layer of tear resistant material positioned between the outer and inner layers. The alarm assembly includes a pair of conductor plates positioned between the outer layer of flexible material and the inner layer of flexible material, a power source, and an alarm system electrically connected to the power source and at least one of the first and second conductor plates such that upon an electrical conducting implement piercing the first conductor plate and contacting the second conductor plate an electrical connection is established between the first conductor plate and the second conductor plate thereby causing the alarm system to emit an alerting signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, gateways, and servers are provided for by-exception notification to a user when an event does not occur at a premises. An interface is provided through which a user can define a time window and an event capable of being sensed by a device at the premises. A server records the first event and the first time window and communicates these to a gateway at the premises. A gateway sets up an automation to detect the first event during the first time window. Devices detect if the first event occurs during the first time window. If the first event does not occur during the time window, the gateway indicates to the server the non-occurrence of the first event. The server sends notification to the user of the by-exception event. Methods, systems, gateways, and servers combine event notification upon the occurrence of an event with by-exception event notification.

Abstract: There is disclosed an antitheft security alarm system and method for manhole covers, rainwater drains, and the like, to prevent burglary of the cover by transmitting a wireless alarm signal to a remote station when the cap is removed to notify a dispatch center or other notification message recipient of the burglary incident and location. The security apparatus may be an integrated unit, including sensors, a telemetry unit, a power supply, a processor, and supporting hardware, all located in an enclosed, waterproof housing. The security alarm system apparatus is adapted to fit within a manhole cavity without the need for extensive or alteration of existing manhole structures.

Abstract: In a movie projection system, a switch circuit is disposed on a door of a case in which a video server is disposed. A tamper detector detects a state of the door as to whether the door is open or not and a state of the switch circuit as to whether the switch circuit has been tampered with or not, on the basis of an output signal provided by the switch circuit. A projecting operation controller controls the operation of the movie projection system such that when the door is detected to be in the open state or the switch circuit is detected to have been tampered with, the projecting operation controller stops inputting and outputting video data to or from the video server.

Abstract: A security system for a boundary is generally shown as (1) in FIG. 1. The components comprise an elongate member (2) and a support (3) for the bar. The bar support (3) can be fitted to boundary support. A conduit (7) extends through the housing (3). The rod is surrounded by a resilient member. The boundary supports (4) and the bars (2) are in communication with a circuit monitor unit (17) and from an electromechanical disturbance mechanism (EMDM) unit for detecting security breakdown of the boundary.

Abstract: The invention provides a closure (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116 and 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116 and 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (e.g. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (e.g. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.

Abstract: Various embodiments of object tracking systems and related methods and devices are disclosed. One enclosure for object tracking comprises an interior space that is designed to contain radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The enclosure further includes top, bottom and side walls that form the interior space. The walls are designed to prevent very little or no radio frequency (RF) signals leakage outside of the enclosure. The side walls include a front wall that includes at least one slot to facilitate accessing the interior space. The enclosure further includes at least one access member that is designed to move in and out of the enclosure via the at least one slot. The access member includes extending members that are designed to cover the openings between the access member and slot, thus preventing very little or no RF signals leakage outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A security system is disclosed for detecting intrusions at a plurality of predetermined locations having moveable closure members. The system comprises a plurality of intrusion sensors disposed at the locations for detecting movement of the closure members. Primary and secondary optical fiber sensor lines are routed through the intrusion sensors, and primary and secondary scanning units pulse signals along the sensor lines and receive reflected signals back from the sensor lines. A processor processes the reflected signals to determine if a reflection and/or attenuation change has occurred in a reflected pulse signal signifying a prescribed level of unauthorized intrusion activity which matches a signature intrusion signal. In the event of a cut through in the sensor lines, the primary sensor line monitors the sensors downstream of the break, and the secondary sensor line is activated to monitor the sensors upstream of the break.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing with sensors using an open architecture and standards based approach is provided. A sensor controller located on each container and any variety of one or more sensors are equipped with complementary short range wireless communications devices. The sensor may adhere to a predefined interface specification such that it may be automatically commissioned into, and operation in conjunction with the sensor controller and the container security system.

Abstract: A security system for monitoring, controlling, and automating one or more work areas and office furniture components, or monitoring, controlling, and automating utility components in other environments such as retail, restaurant, and home applications. The system includes passive and active access authentication devices and active or passive unlocking and lockdown devices for utility components, such as storage components, office furniture components, offices, and work sites. The system may include, for example, a processor, an access authentication device, sensors for monitoring work areas, actuators for controlling and automating work areas, and status and alarm notifiers.

Abstract: Mounting devices for attaching electronics equipment to a cargo container. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mounting plate comprising a first portion for securing the electronics equipment to the mounting device, a second portion, coupled to the first portion at an edge of the first portion, at an approximate right angle to the first portion, and a third portion, coupled to the second portion at a second edge, wherein the third portion is approximately parallel to the first portion, wherein a length of the second portion being substantially similar to a width of a door of the cargo container, and the third portion is of sufficient length to retain the mounting device on the cargo container when the door of the cargo container is closed.

Abstract: A mail delivery alert system includes a mailbox housing that encloses an interior space that defines an open front. A door is pivotally coupled to the housing and is movable between open and closed configurations relative to the open front. A first sensor is positioned in the housing so as to detect an opening of the door and a second sensor is positioned so as to detect the presence of an article, such as mail, in the open space of the housing. The system includes a transmitter and a processor. The processor includes programming for actuating the transmitter to transmit an alert signal through the air upon the first sensor detecting an opening of the door and the second sensor detecting the presence of an article in the open space of the housing. The system includes a receiver remote from the housing for receiving the alert signal.

Abstract: Switch-controlled security assemblies (20, 76) are provided which are especially designed for use with cargo enclosures (40), in order to detect any unauthorized opening of the cargo doors (38). The assemblies (20, 76) include one or more switch assemblies (26, 28) each having a switch member (44) and an associated shiftable component (46). In preferred forms, the switch member (44) includes a pair of switch elements (50, 52) and a body (54) movable between a first position in simultaneous electrical contact with the elements (50, 52), and a second position out of such simultaneous contact. The body (54) and components (46) are magnetically coupled such that movement of the component (46) during unauthorized opening of door (38) effects corresponding movement of the body (54), in turn actuating an alarm controller (30).

Abstract: A method and system for remote notification of arrival of postal mail in a mailbox through a wireless transmitter and receiver, is herein disclosed. The system consists of a battery-powered motion sensor placed within an upper back portion of a standard, approved mailbox thereby a fastening means. When the mailbox door opens, the motion sensor is activated and automatically generates and transmits a wireless signal to a receiver located within a pre-determined proximity. The receiver is capable of providing both an audible and visual signal.

Abstract: An electronic seal may be associated with a container and configured to detect an access event associated with the container, and may be further configured to output a notification of the access event in response thereto. A tag writer may be configured to receive the notification of the access event and further configured, in response, to write a data element to a write-once memory of a tag that is attached to an item within the container, the data element signifying the access event.

Abstract: A security device for preventing theft of a hinged electronic product comprising a band that is inserted through the open area about the hinge of the product and a pair of anchor assemblies that are attached to the ends of the band. Alternatively, the security device may include a cable that extends about the hinge and is secured in an anchor assembly. A tether or cable attaches the security devices to an object to permit the hinged product to be moved over a limited distance. The security device also is connected to an alarm system so that removal or tampering with the band or cable activates the alarm. Filaments and contacts may also be used to detect the presence of the band within the second anchor assembly. An indicator may also provide notice when the security device is armed and/or tampered with.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring beverage dispensing from a container. Independently obtained data from a pour event and ring up are matched using a recipe database. The method involves receiving ring up data for a transaction of the beverage dispensing, determining one or more beverage brands from a selected drink recipe using the ring up data and matching the ring up data with at least one of a plurality of pour event data entries using the determined one or more beverage brands, wherein each of the plurality of pour event data entries is obtained independently of the ring up data.

Abstract: An illumination and detection architecture that illuminates a target for detecting a material of interest. The architecture includes an illumination component that illuminates the target using a predetermined light wavelength known to energize and thereby cause a detectable change in the desired chemical and/or compounds associated with the target in a particular way. The change is then captured by an image capture system and processed to determine the presence or absence detected of the desired material of interest at the target.

Abstract: An apparatus (500) for detecting removal of items from a compartment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a reader (540) for reading Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags attached to items in the compartment and a processor (510), coupled to the reader (540), for identifying items removed from the compartment. Removal of an item from the compartment is detected based on absence of a RFID tag that was previously detected by the reader (540). The RFID tags may be read exclusively when a door of the compartment is closed and the apparatus may further comprise a detector coupled to the processor (510) for detecting open/close status of the door. Removal of an item is preferably confirmed only when a RFID tag attached to an item has been absent from the compartment for longer than a defined time period.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent security apparatus for container, a mechatronic customs seal and a bracket, a bracket, internally installed with an antenna, a processing circuit and power with electrical connection thereamong and mounted on a door of a container; a hole for fitting a customs seal, opened on the bracket; and a mechatronic customs seal, internally provided with a detecting wire and a chip written with ID code and inserted through the hole in the bracket and lock rod handle; wherein the mechatronic customs seal is inserted in the hole of the bracket, the detecting wire and the chip written with ID code in the mechatronic customs seal is electrically connected to the processing circuit in the bracket. The intelligent security apparatus provided by the present invention has physical seal structure and electrical real-time monitoring function at the same time.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for interactive mail management of physical mail. Physical mail is received in a mailbox. An identifier is read in response to receiving the physical mail in the mailbox. The physical mail contains the identifier. Information contained in the identifier is sent to the mail recipient. The mail recipient is able to identify instructions for communicating with a sender associated with the physical mail based on the information from the identifier.

Abstract: A container transportation monitoring system is disclosed, which comprises a wireless transmitting module, a wireless receiving module, and a monitoring center. The wireless transmitting module is located on a container, and the wireless receiving module is located on a container crane or a tractor. Besides, the wireless receiving unit of the wireless receiving unit receives the container information transmitted through the wireless transmitting unit of the wireless transmitting module, and the container information is then transmitted to the monitoring center through the monitoring transmitting unit. When the monitoring transmitting unit receives the container information, the container information is compared with the database container information stored in a database, and the comparing result is output to the monitoring device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tamper detection, memorization, and indication for packaging. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: detecting when the package is opened and closed; and generating an alarm if the package is opened more than once after it is initially closed to indicate that the package has been tampered with.

Abstract: A self-contained handle assembly for a door provides a light emitting diode which indicates whether the door is locked or unlocked. The LED blinks when the door is locked and thus provides an active reminder of the position of the deadbolt.

Abstract: This is a container breach detection system wherein a piece of material is affixed across the outside surface of container doors. When the container doors are opened, the strip will rip and cannot be repaired satisfactorily, thereby making detection of a breach much easier and much more cost effective. The material is meant to be disposable.

Abstract: A removable cap for fuel tanks of vehicles includes a gripping portion and a locking portion, operatively set between which is a key-operated locking device. In the closing condition of the device, a rotation movement imparted manually upon the gripping portion is not transferred to the locking portion, while in the opening condition of the device a rotation movement imparted manually upon the first part is transferred to the clamping portion. In the closing condition at least one component of the locking device is rotatable together with the gripping portion, and switching with the key of the locking device between the conditions of closing and opening causes an angular movement of the component with respect to the gripping portion, between a first pre-defined angular position and a second pre-defined angular position.

Abstract: A monitoring system, for monitoring an object, which includes a microprocessor comprising a memory to store data, and a control program executed by said microprocessor, said microprocessor having a stand-by mode and an active mode, a communications means connected to said microprocessor for transmitting data from said microprocessor to a monitoring station, a zone monitoring device on the object connected to said microprocessor in a loop with said microprocessor in said stand-by mode, a power source for supplying power to said microprocessor, communications means and zone monitoring device, wherein upon said microprocessor receiving an input signal from said zone monitoring device, said control program directs said microprocessor to switch to active mode, generate and store in said memory an alarm message corresponding to said input signal from said zone monitoring device, activate said communications means, and transmit said alarm message to a monitoring station.

Abstract: An intrusion sensing device includes an intrusion detection sensor enclosed within a housing and operable to detect an intrusion into a container. A mounting detection mechanism contacts the surface of the container when the housing is mounted thereto and is operable to detect when the housing is not in contact with the surface of the container. An access detection mechanism is operably connected to an access panel of the housing and operable to detect removal of the access panel from the housing. A control module is operable in a setup mode and an active mode. The control module is adapted to receive an alarm message from the intrusion detection sensor and operable to initiate an alarm event during the setup mode which varies from an alarm event initiated during the active mode. A wireless transmitter is operable to transmit an alarm indication signal to a remote monitoring system.

Abstract: A seal device includes a locking member with a magnetically permeable material portion, and structure that can receive the locking member. The structure supports a magnetic field generator and detector at locations spaced from each other and from a region that is occupied by the portion of the locking member when the locking member is received by the structure. The structure defines a main flux path as a loop having a first portion, a second portion and a remainder that are mutually exclusive, and that collectively define the entirety of the flux path. The first and second portions are respectively within the magnetic field generator and the region, and most of the remainder extends through magnetically permeable material of the structure. The detector is located where the magnetic field has different characteristics when the portion of the locking member is respectively present in and absent from the region.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the contents of a closed container is provided. The system includes a sensing system for monitoring the contents of the container; a signal receiving element for receiving sensor data from the sensing system; a control element for analyzing received sensor data; a first transceiver element for receiving signals containing sensor data from within the container and for transmitting those signals outside of the container; and a satellite transceiver element for receiving signals from the first transceiver element and for forwarding the received signals via satellite uplink to a remote location.

Abstract: Security material such as cloth, either normal strength or armored, or fragile webbing into which electronic micro-devices are woven to detect and react to tampering of the monitored article at the scene or via a network. Also disclosed are the use of fuses connected in the cloth or webbing to further monitoring tampering and multi-layered cloth for use as circuit boards and sensors. Facilitates the monitoring of high value articles and facilities and automatically records or responds to tampering attempts to increase the level of security for personal and organizational uses.

Abstract: A security device for preventing theft of a hinged electronic product comprising a band that is inserted through the open area about the hinge of the product and a pair of anchor assemblies that are attached to the ends of the band. A tether or cable attaches the security devices to an object to permit the hinged product to be moved over a limited distance. The security device also is connected to an alarm system so that removal or tampering with the band activates the alarm. Filaments and contacts may also be used to detect the presence of the band within the second anchor assembly. An indicator may also provide notice when the security device is armed and/or tampered with.

Abstract: A remote door access monitoring system includes a central monitoring component and a remote monitoring component. The central monitoring component includes an optical source, an optical power level receiver, and a microcontroller. The optical power level receiver is in communication with the microcontroller. The remote monitoring component includes an optical switch that is operably associated with a door of a communications equipment cabinet. The communications equipment cabinet is located at a geographical location different from a geographical location of the central monitoring component. The optical source transmits an optical signal from the optical source to the optical switch and back to the optical power level receiver. The optical switch attenuates the optical signal in response to opening and closing of the door. The optical power level receiver is configured to detect an attenuated optical signal and then notify the microcontroller of the existence of an attenuated optical signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring environmental parameters within an enclosure includes a power source; a communication device electrically connected to the power source and attachable to a cover of the enclosure; and a sensor suspended away from the cover of the enclosure. A method for providing a monitor of environmental parameters within an enclosure includes attaching a communication device to a cover of the enclosure, connecting the communication device to a power source; and suspending a sensor away from the cover of the enclosure. A method for monitoring environmental parameters within an enclosure includes monitoring one or more environmental parameters with a sensor suspended by a cable within an enclosure, and transmitting data representing one or more monitored environmental parameters from a communication device to a second communication device.

Abstract: A security storage container for securely retaining an item of merchandise therein. The storage container is in the form of a box having a base and a lid, with the item of merchandise being received in the base. The lid is locked to the base by a locking mechanism. The storage container also includes an internally disposed alarm system which is activated when the lid is locked to the base and is deactivated when the lid is unlocked from the base. The lid can only be unlocked with a specially designed key. The alarm system includes a flashing LED which indicates to the consumer that the storage container has an activated alarm therein. The alarm system further includes an EAS tag for activating a security gate at an exit to the protected environment; and further includes a sound-emitting device that will emit a loud sound if an attempt is made to pry the lid from the base when the lid is in a locked position.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a secure enclosure from a remote location to determine whether a secure enclosure door has been opened includes a seal having a base material and an indicator. The base material is bonded across first and second secure enclosure surfaces that must move relative to each other when the secure enclosure door opens. The indicator includes an indicator component that is coupled to the base material to deform in response to a relative movement between the first and second secure enclosure surfaces. The indicator provides a first indication prior to deformation of the indicator component and a second indication after deformation. Indicator components can include an impedance element, a piezoelectric material, volatile memory, a transmitter assembly component or a bar code. A monitor (e.g. RF signal receiver or a bar code reader) receives the indication and determines whether the secure enclosure door has been opened.

Abstract: A remotely actuable refrigerator door lock has a body portion attached to the cabinet and a door portion attached to an edge of the door. A latch in the body portion engages a strike plate in the door portion and can be remotely lifted to open the refrigerator. The door lock assembly is connected to a remote host computer via a USB or ethernet connection. Temperature and/or humidity in the refrigerator is compared with a predetermined limit, and in the event the sensed value is beyond the limit, the remote opening functionality is disabled, and a microprocessor automatically generates and sends a warning message. A key lock can provide access in the event of an adverse temperature or humidity event. The host computer keeps an audit trail of the times and personnel accessing each refrigerator. The system may be used in hospital for controlling access to pharmaceuticals or may be used in a weight loss program.

Abstract: A remote sensing system and method for instrumenting the entries to manhole enclosures, in order to provide a platform and means for sensing environmental parameters within and around the enclosures and wirelessly transmitting those parameters to a distant site. The system comprises a housing with sensor for monitoring environmental parameter in the vicinity of the manhole. A microcontroller in the housing sends the parameters to a radio module, which transmits the parameters to a communication device for alerting a user that a manhole has been tampered with.

Abstract: A container monitoring system which includes a microprocessor comprising a memory to store data, and a control program executed by said microprocessor, said microprocessor having a stand-by mode and an active mode, a communications means connected to said microprocessor for transmitting data from said microprocessor to a monitoring station, a zone monitoring device on the container connected to said microprocessor in a loop with said microprocessor in said stand-by mode, a power source for supplying power to said microprocessor, communications means and zone monitoring device, wherein upon said microprocessor receiving an input signal from said zone monitoring device, said control program directs said microprocessor to switch to active mode, generate and store in said memory an alarm message corresponding to said input signal from said zone monitoring device, activate said communications means, and transmit said alarm message to a monitoring station.

Abstract: An anti-theft system includes a detecting device, a processing unit, and an alarm unit. The detecting device includes a first detecting unit that is operable so as to transmit a first signal, and a second detecting unit that transmits a second signal to the first detecting unit in response to the first signal. The processing unit verifies the second signal, and enables the first detecting unit to continue to transmit the first signal upon successful verification of the second signal. The alarm unit generates an alarm signal upon unsuccessful verification of the second signal. A container that is safeguarded by the anti-theft system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a container is disclosed. A sensor secures the container and may be configured to detect an opening of a door of the container. The sensor may be a container security device. An arming device may be coupled with the sensor to transmit a unique identifier to the sensor. The arming device may be a remote arming plug. The sensor may combine the unique identifier with a tag key to create an arming key. As part of the arming sequence, the sensor may enter a pre-armed state. After the door of the container is closed, the sensor may count down and change to an armed state when the countdown ends. The arming device may be removably coupled to the container security device. The arming device may also include a bolt. The arming device and/or the bolt may be coupled with a door securing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to location and communication systems that can be utilized for locating cargo containers using tags with a radio communication subsystem in the form of a transponder or micro-transponder. Each cargo container tag (CCT) is capable of communicating with either other cargo container tags or a base-station (BS) locator devices. The tags can be arranged for tracking the opening and closing of doors on individual cargo containers using radio communication methods. Lost cargo container can be located using communications from a base station and the cargo container tags. CCT devices can also detect intrusions and/or tampering with cargo containers, and store a variety of collected data for later retrieval.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trap including a status LED configured to indicate a trap status, a door sensor configured to indicate a door status, and a status button, configured to: 1) wake a micro controller such that the telemetry-enabled trap can be registered with a telemetry system, and 2) cause the status LED to indicate at least the trap status and the door status. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring the trap. The method includes receiving GPS data, monitoring the GPS data for valid positional information, and receiving an event message from a trap tracker module.

Abstract: A portable computer and a method of controlling the same that can secure safety of circuit and system by interrupting or providing an output of power and/or image signal supplied to a display panel in accordance with results of sensing an operation of a locking unit.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a housing includes: an opening/closing section provided to the housing; a detection section provided to the housing, having a wireless IC chip in which alarm information is pre-stored, and an antenna driving the wireless IC chip with a driving electric power induced by receiving a predetermined radio wave and wirelessly transmitting the alarm information outputted from the wireless IC chip; a reader provided independently outside the housing, and outputting the predetermined radio wave and receiving the alarm information transmitted from the detection section; and a restriction section restricting a transmission of the alarm information when the opening/closing section is in a closed state.

Abstract: A container and contents monitoring system includes a device, a reader, a server, and a software backbone. The device communicates with the reader in order to determine the security of the container to which the device is attached. The reader transmits the information from the device to the server. The sensor senses a distance or an angle value between a door of the container and a frame of the container and the sensed value is then transmitted to the device. The device obtains a baseline value that is related to a calculated mean value. The device also obtains a detection threshold. The device determines if a security condition has occurred based on the sensed value and the detection threshold.