Article On Pedestal, In Display Case, Or Mounted On Wall (e.g., Work Of Art) Patents (Class 340/568.8)
  • Patent number: 11753852
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment is provided. A shroud may at least partially enclose a portable electronic device. A dock may releasably engage the shroud such that the shroud and portable electronic device are locked to the dock when engaged with the dock. A key may engage activate a lock mechanism to release the shroud and the portable electronic device from the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Moock, Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett, Nicholas M. Sedon, Matthew Thomas Kerley
  • Patent number: 11749076
    Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: In Vue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
  • Patent number: 11694496
    Abstract: A smart storage locker can be used to store an individual's mobile device while the individual is at work, school or another location where mobile devices should be restricted. The smart storage locker will therefore prevent the individual from carrying his or her mobile device while in such restricted environments. In addition to storing mobile devices, the smart storage locker can also be configured to automatically detect an individual's identity when the individual's mobile device is secured within the smart storage locker. This detection can then be employed to track when the individual is present at a particular location while not having access to, and therefore not using, his or her mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventor: Hans Kirchhausen
  • Patent number: 11495105
    Abstract: A system for monitoring efficiency and security of a solar array includes a voltage-based monitoring circuit and a photoelectric sensor. The system detects a voltage across the solar array and compares the voltage to changes in light detected by the photoelectric sensor. In response to reduced light detected at the photoelectric sensor, the system generates a low-efficiency alarm. In response to reduced voltage while light detected by the photoelectric sensor remains constant, the system generates a security alarm signal. The system may also include a PIR sensor, an RFID reader, and a solar panel circuit including the solar panels of the solar array. In response to an infrared alarm at the PIR sensor, an unauthorized alarm at the RFID reader, and an open circuit alarm signal of the solar panel circuit, and the security alarm signal, the system may transmit a master alarm to a monitoring center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ayed A Ruwaili, Abdulaziz H Saiyari, Khalid H Qahtani, Abdulaziz A Alonazi, Muath M Khaldi
  • Patent number: 11401738
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes a plurality of arms configured to immobilize the article of merchandise relative to a tray. At least one arm is operated by an electromechanical release mechanism between closed and opened positions. When the electromechanically actuated arm is in the closed position, the article of merchandise is immobilized relative to the tray. When the electromechanically actuated arm is transitioned into the open position, the article of merchandise can be removed from the tray. The anti-theft device may include a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked configuration, in which the arms are immobilized relative to the tray, and an unlocked configuration, in which the arms can be extended or retracted relative to the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Wade Zhu, Lee Eckert, Francesc Agustin, Jasen Paul Biggins, John N. Figh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10984376
    Abstract: Provided is a storage method including the following. An object is stored in a storage space. The object is sensed to generate sensing data. An identification model is generated according to the sensing data. In addition, the identification model is uploaded to a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hsin-Chien Huang, Wen Tsui, Chu-An Chung, Chun-Chia Lai, Po-Yuan Hsiao
  • Patent number: 10963949
    Abstract: Described is a multiple-camera system and process for determining an item involved in an event. For example, when a user picks an item or places an item at an inventory location, image information for the item may be obtained and processed to identify the item involved in the event and associate that item with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hao Jiang, Yasser Baseer Asmi, Nishitkumar Ashokkumar Desai, Emilio Ian Maldonado, Ammar Chinoy, Daniel Bibireata, Sudarshan Narasimha Raghavan
  • Patent number: 10943451
    Abstract: A method includes, receiving, by a monitoring server, weather data that corresponds to at least one weather condition at a location where a monitoring system monitors an item that is located at an outdoor location of a property and that includes a motion beacon, based on the received weather data, determining a motion tolerance for determining whether a force other than weather likely caused movement of the item, receiving, from the motion beacon, motion data that indicates motion of the item, comparing the motion data to the motion tolerance, based on comparing the motion data to the motion tolerance, determining whether to generate a monitoring system event indicating that a force other than weather likely caused the movement of the item, and performing the monitoring system event indicating that a force other than weather likely caused the movement of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Maurer, Alison Jane Slavin
  • Patent number: 10930098
    Abstract: Provided are a display frame for displaying objects, and an object processing method, device, apparatus, and system. The display frame includes: a lock assembly configured to lock an object on the display frame, the locked object being touchable by a user; a graphic code scanner configured to scan a graphic code to perform resource transfer for the locked object; a circuit configured to send the scanned graphic code to a server for performing identity verification on the user, and when the identity verification succeeds, initiate the resource transfer for the locked object, wherein the circuit is configured to send to the lock assembly an unlocking signal for controlling opening of the lock assembly when the resource transfer has been successfully performed, and in response to the unlocking signal, the lock assembly is configured to be opened to disengage the object locked from the display frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: ADVANCED NEW TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chuan Lu
  • Patent number: 10908765
    Abstract: The invention provides a display interface in a social networking system that enables the presentation of information related to a user in a timeline or map view. The system accesses information about a user of a social networking system, including both data about the user and social network activities related to the user. The system then selects one or more of these pieces of data and/or activities from a certain time period and gathers them into timeline units based on their relatedness and their relevance to users. These timeline units are ranked by relevance to the user, and are used to generate a timeline or map view for the user containing visual representations of the timeline units organized by location or time. The timeline or map view is then provided to other users of the social networking system that wish to view information about the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew W. Hamlin, William Joseph Flynn, III, Burak Guzel, Samuel Lessin, Paul M. McDonald, Stefan Parker, Aaron Sittig, Arun Vijayvergiya, Zizhuang Yang, Mark E. Zuckerberg
  • Patent number: 10837783
    Abstract: A method for navigating through a predefined space is described herein. The method includes receiving, by a remote unit, a signal indicative of a selection of at least one destination category, wherein the selected destination category is associated with a plurality of destination locations. A position of each of the plurality of destination locations is determined within the predefined space. A final destination location is determined within the predefined space, an origination location of the remote unit is determined, and a first route is determined from the origination location to the final destination. The first route including each destination location included in the selected destination category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Intelligent Design Labs, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mitchael C. Freeman, Michael H. Freeman
  • Patent number: 10497241
    Abstract: A method includes, receiving, by a monitoring server, weather data that corresponds to at least one weather condition at a location where a monitoring system monitors an item that is located at an outdoor location of a property and that includes a motion beacon, based on the received weather data, determining a motion tolerance for determining whether a force other than weather likely caused movement of the item, receiving, from the motion beacon, motion data that indicates motion of the item, comparing the motion data to the motion tolerance, based on comparing the motion data to the motion tolerance, determining whether to generate a monitoring system event indicating that a force other than weather likely caused the movement of the item, and performing the monitoring system event indicating that a force other than weather likely caused the movement of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Maurer, Alison Jane Slavin
  • Patent number: 10359861
    Abstract: A plurality of modules are connected to the front side and back side of an electronic device via corresponding attachment/detachment units. The electronic device includes an orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the electronic device. Based on a selection of a module to be removed and a touch operation on a touch panel of the electronic device, the selected module is determined to be either on the front side or the back side of the electronic device. When the electronic device is in an orientation suitable for removal of the selected module, the module is disconnected from the electronic device by a corresponding attachment/detachment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motonari Yamada
  • Patent number: 10200523
    Abstract: A slave device provides a service to a master device via wireless communication, e.g. via wireless docking. The master device has a graphical user interface arranged for generating a system image (400) for showing node elements (310, 311, 320) graphically representing the devices and services, e.g. on a touch screen. The user may draw a line (410, 420) on the touch screen between selected node elements causing a line drawing input being detected. The slave device now initiates a setup operation between selected devices corresponding to the selected node elements. The setup operation is subsequently performed by establishing a wireless connection between the selected devices. Advantageously, the user intuitively commands a wireless connection to be set up for using a service via wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Walter Dees
  • Patent number: 9827456
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a firefighting equipment inspection notification device that includes a main body for housing a processor that is conventionally connected to an internal memory, a timer, an input/output unit, a visual indication unit, a power source and a wireless communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: James Aaron McManama
  • Patent number: 9728054
    Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
  • Patent number: 9041537
    Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display are provided. In one example, a security system includes at least one sensor operably coupled to the item of merchandise and at least one alarm module operably coupled to, and configured to communicate with, the at least one sensor. The alarm module is configured to generate a first alarm signal in response to the item of merchandise being handled in an abnormal manner, and the alarm module is further configured to generate a second alarm signal in response to the item of merchandise continuing to be handled in an abnormal manner. In general, the second alarm signal is different than the first alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, Nicholas M. Sedon, Larry T. McKinney, Andrew W. Moock, Jeffrey A. Grant
  • Patent number: 8994530
    Abstract: The present invention provides means for initiating a distress signal by knocking over an object, such as a table, decorative piece, furniture, etc., that includes a built-in or embedded safety device. When the safety device senses substantial movement (i.e., toppling) of the object, the safety device transmits a distress signal to third-party responders, and also can initiate various events in the environment surrounding the object to deter, delay, or disrupt a perpetrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: David Amis
  • Patent number: 8970369
    Abstract: A system which monitors a display of products includes a motion detection unit. The motion detection unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from a sensor concerning a portion of a plane disposed between at least one product held in a display and an individual. Further, the motion detection unit determines whether the portion of the plane is breached based on temporal deviations in the electromagnetic signal and, in response to determining a breach, generates a notification of the breach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Scott Arthur McMullen
  • Patent number: 8957774
    Abstract: A transmitter, GPS, clock and, optionally, a microphone, video camera and identification signal means, and health monitoring sensors are housed in personal articles such as a pendant, a watch, a ring, mobile telephone, or other personal article. The article is disguised to look like it does not have all or some of said features, and is provided with a switching device, preferably operable with one hand, to turn the transmitter on. Preferably, the switching device has two switching elements which require simultaneous operation to energize the transmitter, so as to minimize false alarms. The method of use includes selecting the best-suited type of transmitter, causing emergency personnel to be prepared to act when receiving transmission from the alarm device, and advising users on carrying the modified personal article when protection is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Vivian B. Goldblatt
  • Patent number: 8947213
    Abstract: Present invention relates to method for confirming location of product using RFID. Method for confirming location of product on a shelf in a product location confirmation system including: a plurality of shelf areas; a location tag which is provided at each shelf and transmits an RFID signal; a reader which is provided at each shelf and reads the RFID signal; and a server for analyzing the information collected through the reader comprises the steps of: the reader confirming whether a location tag signal is received; the server determining the absence of the product on the corresponding shelf when the location tag signal is received; the reader confirming whether a product tag signal as the RFID signal transmitted from the product is received when the location tag signal is not received; and the server determining the presence of the product within the corresponding shelf when the product tag signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Ho Woo, Ju-Ho Lee, Ji-Eun Kim
  • Patent number: 8941495
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods, computer readable media, and computer program products are provided for implementing a wireless shelf pusher activity detection system. One example apparatus is a monitoring device for monitoring theft or sales activity associated with a product pusher device. The monitoring device may include a sensor configured to detect movement of a pusher member of the product pusher device, a wireless communications interface, and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive at least one sensor signal from the sensor indicating movement of the pusher member, determine a product movement activity type based on characteristics of the at least one sensor signal, and generate, for transmission via the wireless communications interface, a pusher activity message indicating the product movement activity type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Wiese, David Christianson, Mark Shafer
  • Patent number: 8878673
    Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8872660
    Abstract: A powered item attachment device includes an onboard power supply and alarm system that sounds in the event a protected device is tampered with or removed from a retail display. The powered item attachment device may also track the location of a protected device if it is removed from the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Geoff Yunker, Walter V. Raczynski V, Charles L. Zimnicki
  • Patent number: 8860574
    Abstract: A cabinet lock for protecting merchandise within a merchandise display cabinet having an inner door and an outer door. The cabinet lock includes a strike plate affixed to the inner door and a lock housing affixed to the outer door such that the cabinet is in a locked configuration that prevents access to the merchandise when the lock housing is operably engaged to the strike plate. A programmable electronic key communicates a security code with the cabinet lock and transfers electrical power to the cabinet lock to operate a lock mechanism between the locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. An indicator is provided for indicating whether the cabinet lock is in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration. The indicator includes a first segment and a second segment that can be energized to visually indicate the status of the cabinet lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, David N. Berglund, Hrishikesh P. Gogate, Justin A. Richardson, William M. Warren, Andrew W. Moock
  • Patent number: 8842012
    Abstract: A combination non-programmable and programmable key for a security device of the type used to display items of merchandise includes a non-programmable portion for cooperating with a mechanical lock of the security device and a programmable portion for cooperating with a sensor of the security device that is operatively coupled to an alarm for indicating a security threat to the security device or to an item of merchandise displayed on the security device. The non-programmable portion includes a side assembly having a magnet that cooperates with a magnetically attractable locking pin to unlock the mechanical lock of the security device. The programmable portion emits an energy signal that cooperates with the sensor of the security device to disarm the alarm and thereby permit the security device to be removed or an item of merchandise to be removed without the alarm indicating a security threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventor: James K. Sankey
  • Patent number: 8842016
    Abstract: A system for notifying when a fire extinguisher is discharged or moved uses a device mounted on the fire extinguisher for monitoring one or more conditions. For example, the device may be interconnected with a trigger detecting mechanism otherwise present on the extinguisher or sense a sudden drop in pressure to detect when the extinguisher is activated. An accelerometer may be provided to detect motion. GPS processing can identify the location of the fire extinguisher when an event occurs. When the device detects a change in one or more of the conditions, or needs to send periodic updates of the fire extinguisher conditions, a message is forwarded from the device to a third party clearinghouse via a wireless communication network. The clearinghouse reviews the data, and forwards the data, as may be appropriate, to one or more authorized parties identified in the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Carlos A. Cazanas, Azam Khan, Terence John Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8842011
    Abstract: An anti-sweep device having a mechanism that allows a customer to take a pre-determined number of items from a peg or display hook, after which the hook is locked for a pre-determined period of time before allowing another predetermined number of items to be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Casey
  • Publication number: 20140266725
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment is provided. The anti-theft device includes a dock configured to temporarily receive and support the portable electronic device and an alarming device configured to arm when the portable electronic device is positioned within the dock. The alarming device is configured to be disarmed by an authorized user for removing the portable electronic device from the dock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Berglund, Gary A. Taylor, Jeffrey A. Grant
  • Publication number: 20140197953
    Abstract: A signal emitting retail device is provided. The signal emitting retail device includes a sensor and an emitter. The emitter is configured to emit a signal when the sensor senses removal of merchandise from a merchandise display structure. The sensor is also configured to sense potential theft conditions. The emitter is configured to emit a signal indicative of potential theft conditions when such conditions are sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTHERN IMPERIAL, INC.
    Inventors: Peter T. Valiulis, Thomas E. Valiulis
  • Publication number: 20140167962
    Abstract: An alarm device configured to monitor retail merchandise on a retail pusher system is provided. The alarm device includes a triggering mechanism that activates an alarm when retail merchandise is removed from the retail pusher system. The alarm makes store personnel aware that retail merchandise has been removed from a particular pusher system. In certain embodiments of the invention, the alarm device is disposed on a front stop of the retail pusher system. A biasing member of the pusher system biases retail merchandise into a switch of the alarm device. In this configuration, the alarm device may include a plunger switch that activates an alarm when retail merchandise is not biased into the plunger switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas E. Valiulis, Jörg Niederhüfner
  • Patent number: 8749387
    Abstract: A merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an item of merchandise having a movable or removable cover includes a sensor configured to be attached to the cover. The sensor may include a magnet assembly that produces a magnetic field defining a predetermined minimum strength when the sensor is attached to the cover and the cover is closed on the item of merchandise. A transducer detects the presence of the magnetic field, or alternatively, changes in the strength of the magnetic field and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, for example an output voltage. The transducer communicates the electrical signal to electronics that activate an alarm if the strength of the magnetic field is less than a predetermined minimum strength or greater than a predetermined maximum strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, David N. Berglund, David P. Christianson
  • Patent number: 8736448
    Abstract: A notebook computer stand includes a base and an anti-theft circuit received in the base. A number of supporting pads are positioned on the top surface of the base, to support a notebook computer. The anti-theft circuit includes a pressure sensitive switch, an alarm, a control switch, and a battery. The pressure sensitive switch, the alarm, and the control switch are connected in series. The pressure sensitive switch is positioned on one of the supporting pads. When the notebook computer is placed on the top surface, the pressure sensitive switch is open. The pressure sensitive switch is closed when not under the pressure applied by the weight of the notebook computer, and the battery supplies power to the alarm, the alarm works, when the control switch is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xue-Yun Chen
  • Publication number: 20140118145
    Abstract: A wireless theft detection system comprises a device holder and a docking station. The device holder includes a first wireless communication module adapted to establish a wireless link with an external second wireless communication module, a first alarm module, and a first processing module. The docking station includes the second wireless communication module, a second alarm module, and a second processing module. The first wireless communication module is adapted to generate first link quality information or the second wireless communication module is adapted to generate second link quality information, and both the first processing module and the second processing module are adapted to control the first and the second alarm module to generate a first and a second alarm signal, respectively, when a quality of the wireless link is below a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent WAWRZYNIAK, Jerome Vernet, Philippe Heinrich, Celine Baffrey
  • Patent number: 8698629
    Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers may transmit one or more encapsulated commands within the payload of an encapsulating command. An encapsulated command includes at least a command code and an instruction. A reader may instruct a tag to store the encapsulated command(s) or instruction(s) for later execution. A sequence of encapsulated commands may be contained within one encapsulating command or spread across multiple encapsulating commands. The sequence of encapsulated commands, or the sequence of instructions associated with the encapsulated commands, may form a program. The reader may cause the tag to execute the instructions or program upon receipt, upon a trigger event, serially or in parallel, and/or may cause the tag to modify the instructions or program by adjusting parameters. The reader may later instruct a tag to execute the instructions or program via another command which, in some cases, may be sent prior to tag singulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Theron Stanford, Christopher J. Diorio, Harley Heinrich
  • Patent number: 8674833
    Abstract: A sensor is provided for displaying an item of merchandise on a display stand. The sensor includes a bottom portion having a recess formed therein and a top portion movably disposed on the bottom portion and adapted for attaching the item of merchandise to the sensor. A power connector is configured to be received within the recess formed in the bottom portion and retained therein when the top portion is aligned with and secured to the bottom portion such that the power connector cannot be removed from the sensor. The sensor may further include an optional anti-rotation bracket for preventing an unauthorized person from rotating the merchandise relative to the sensor and thereby detaching the item of merchandise from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Johnston, Larry K. Hooks, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140070948
    Abstract: A signal emitting retail device is provided. The signal emitting retail device includes a sensor and an emitter. The emitter is configured to emit a signal when the sensor senses removal of merchandise from a merchandise display structure. The sensor is also configured to sense potential theft conditions. The emitter is configured to emit a signal indicative of potential theft conditions when such conditions are sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter T. Valiulis, Thomas E. Valiulis
  • Patent number: 8669870
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the surveillance conducted by lost or stolen electronic devices dependent upon the location of such electronic devices is provided. A data repository contains data that specifies, for each of a plurality of geographic regions (e.g. legal jurisdictions), a set of surveillance methods that are permissible in the respective region. At least some of the geographic regions have different respective sets of permissible surveillance methods than others. A computer system is operable to communicate with the devices over a computer network, and programmed to use received information regarding a location of a potentially lost or stolen device, in combination with the data in the computer data repository, to cause the potentially lost or stolen device to initiate surveillance according to the set of permissible surveillance methods (and/or other actions) corresponding to the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Absolute Software Corporation
    Inventors: Byron Jung, Damien Loveland
  • Publication number: 20140043162
    Abstract: A tobacco product display for monitoring inventory and aiding in theft prevention. A position sensor tracks the quantity of products on the display. A scanner, such as a barcode reader, tracks the identification of products removed from the display. A proximity and identity sensor detects authorized removal of products from the display and identifies persons removing the products. An alarm is triggered in the case of unauthorized product removal. Product inventory information is printed, sent to a network, computing device, smart phone, or similar device to alert authorized personnel of inventory reports and alarms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Siciliano, Michele P. Burns
  • Publication number: 20140015674
    Abstract: A merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an item of merchandise having a movable or removable cover includes a sensor configured to be attached to the cover. The sensor may include a magnet assembly that produces a magnetic field defining a predetermined minimum strength when the sensor is attached to the cover and the cover is closed on the item of merchandise. A transducer detects the presence of the magnetic field, or alternatively, changes in the strength of the magnetic field and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, for example an output voltage. The transducer communicates the electrical signal to electronics that activate an alarm if the strength of the magnetic field is less than a predetermined minimum strength or greater than a predetermined maximum strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, David N. Berglund, David P. Christianson
  • Patent number: 8629772
    Abstract: A signal emitting retail device is provided. The signal emitting retail device includes a sensor and an emitter. The emitter is configured to emit a signal when the sensor senses removal of merchandise from a merchandise display structure. The sensor is also configured to sense potential theft conditions. The emitter is configured to emit a signal indicative of potential theft conditions when such conditions are sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter T. Valiulis, Thomas E. Valiulis
  • Patent number: 8624737
    Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with charging merchandise items are presented. A method of charging merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. A first power supply charges a portion of the display that does not include the merchandise items and a second power supply charges the merchandise items. The merchandise items can be charged at the display on a multiplexed basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Julia Irmscher, Michael Rapp, Rainer Brenner
  • Publication number: 20130328681
    Abstract: A combination non-programmable and programmable key for a security device of the type used to display items of merchandise includes a non-programmable portion for cooperating with a mechanical lock of the security device and a programmable portion for cooperating with a sensor of the security device that is operatively coupled to an alarm for indicating a security threat to the security device or to an item of merchandise displayed on the security device. The non-programmable portion includes a side assembly having a magnet that cooperates with a magnetically attractable locking pin to unlock the mechanical lock of the security device. The programmable portion emits an energy signal that cooperates with the sensor of the security device to disarm the alarm and thereby permit the security device to be removed or an item of merchandise to be removed without the alarm indicating a security threat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventor: James K. Sankey
  • Patent number: 8599021
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying merchandise item is presented. A merchandise display system includes a display cabinet, an alarm unit and a key extension device. The display cabinet can display several different kinds of merchandise items. The alarm unit generates an alarm when one of the merchandise items is removed from a predetermined distance from the display cabinet. The key extension device can be mounted on the display cabinet away from the alarm unit to allow an electronic key to be inserted into the key extension devise to control the alarm unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Michael Rapp
  • Patent number: 8595514
    Abstract: A data entry device including a housing formed of at least two portions, data entry circuitry located within the housing, at least one case-open switch assembly operative to sense when the housing is opened and tamper indication circuitry operative to receive an input from the at least one case-open switch assembly and to provide an output indication of possible tampering with the data entry circuitry located within the housing, the at least one case-open switch assembly including an arrangement of electrical contacts including at least first, second and third contacts and a displaceable conductive element, the tamper indication circuitry and the third contact together being operative such that when the third contact is short circuited to at least one of the first contact, the second contact and another contact, an output indication of possible tampering is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Verifone, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehran Mirkazemi-Moud, John Henry Barrowman, Christian Eric Schulz, Arnon Aviv, Amihay Avital, Sergey Meron, Dave Faoro
  • Patent number: 8564438
    Abstract: A merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an item of merchandise having a movable or removable cover includes a sensor configured to be attached to the cover. The sensor may include a magnet assembly that produces a magnetic field defining a predetermined minimum strength when the sensor is attached to the cover and the cover is closed on the item of merchandise. A transducer detects the presence of the magnetic field, or alternatively, changes in the strength of the magnetic field and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, for example an output voltage. The transducer communicates the electrical signal to electronics that activate an alarm if the strength of the magnetic field is less than a predetermined minimum strength or greater than a predetermined maximum strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, David N. Berglund, David P. Christianson
  • Patent number: 8542119
    Abstract: A combination non-programmable and programmable key for a security device of the type used to display items of merchandise includes a non-programmable portion for cooperating with a mechanical lock of the security device and a programmable portion for cooperating with a sensor of the security device that is operatively coupled to an alarm for indicating a security threat to the security device or to an item of merchandise displayed on the security device. The non-programmable portion includes a side assembly having a magnet that cooperates with a magnetically attractable locking pin to unlock the mechanical lock of the security device. The programmable portion emits an energy signal that cooperates with the sensor of the security device to disarm the alarm and thereby permit the security device to be removed or an item of merchandise to be removed without the alarm indicating a security threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventor: James K. Sankey
  • Patent number: 8537013
    Abstract: Methods and other embodiments associated with a display stand with interchangeable head devices are presented. In one embodiment, a display assembly comprises a base, an interchangeable head device, a mounting member, a tether, and a sensor. The interchangeable head device is mounted to the base. The interchangeable head device is one of a plurality of different base head devices configured to be interchangeably mounted to the base. The mounting member is adapted for mounting thereon a display item and is movable between a mounted position in contact with one of the base head devices mounted to the base. The mounting can be removed from the base to facilitate viewing and handling of the display item. The tether is attached to the mounting member. The sensor transmits a signal to an alarm system when the mounting member is removed from the base head device mounted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Yeager, Michael Rapp, Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8523122
    Abstract: A display apparatus for portable electronic device including a base, a plurality of mounting sleeves, a plurality of mounting posts, a plurality of mounting brackets, and a power supply unit. The base has a lockable panel that conceals an interior space at least partially defined by the base. The mounting sleeves are coupled to the base. The mounting posts are lockingly engaged with the mounting sleeves in the interior space at least partially defined by the base. The mounting brackets are secured to the mounting posts, each of the mounting brackets fixedly retaining a respective portable electronic device of a plurality of portable electronic devices so that the respective portable electronic device is rigidly secured relative to the base. The power supply unit is concealed and has a plurality of power ports shaped to receive automotive accessory power plugs from the portable electronic devices fixedly retained in the mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake M. Johnson, Joseph H. Bowser
  • Patent number: 8514077
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying merchandise item is presented. A disposable merchandise display includes a disposable display stand, an alarm unit and tethers. The disposable display stand is interchangeable with other disposable display stands and the alarm unit. The disposable display stand further includes one or more display areas for displaying merchandise items and allowing for the handling of the merchandise times. The alarm unit is configured to be placed inside the disposable display stand. Each of the tethers can be connected between the alarm unit and a corresponding merchandise item. The alarm unit is configured to generate an alarm when a merchandise item displayed at the merchandise display is moved away from the disposable merchandise display or a tether is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rapp