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: 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: 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 improved attachment mechanism for a reusable theft deterrent tag of the type that includes a tack assembly as part of the attachment mechanism. The provided attachment mechanism includes a tack assembly having an elongated tack body connected to a tack head. A retaining member is attachable to the tack head and forms a loop to provide a variety of additional attachment positions for attachment to various articles to be protected and/or identified. The tack head includes at least one recessed area under the tack head on the side adjacent the tack body to receive at least one end of the retaining member. When the tack body is inserted into a theft deterrent tag, the tack head rests relatively flush against the tag body, capturing the retaining member end in the recessed 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.