Abstract: A method of triggering a security alert using a tracking device, including detecting motion using a motion sensor of the tracking device, determining that the detected motion meets a motion threshold, detecting one or more wireless access points in proximity to the tracking device, determining that the one or more wireless access points do not correspond to a recognized wireless access point, and in accordance with the determination that the one or more detected wireless access points do not correspond to a recognized wireless access point, triggering a security alert.

Abstract: An electronic tracking device comprising: a first power cell positioned on a first portion of a substrate; a second power cell positioned on a second portion of the substrate, the second power cell being spaced apart from the first power cell by a gap; the substrate comprising a flexible printed circuit board having a flexure disposed along a central transverse axis of the substrate between the first portion and the second portion of the substrate, the flexure being bendable to allow the first portion to move relative to the second portion between a first configuration wherein the first portion is substantially coplanar with the second portion of the substrate and a second configuration wherein the first portion and the second portion of the substrate forms an angle of greater than or less than about 180 degrees, wherein, in the first configuration, a center of mass of the electronic tracking device is located in the gap between the first power cell and the second power cell.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating locational and other pertinent information from a tracking device associated with an asset in need of tracking during a tracking event and for selectively retaining and deleting information stored during a loss of communication between the tracking device and a communication network, to increase probability of retaining information suitable for use as evidence in court or other proceedings in which accurate information is desired regarding the tracking event.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating locational and other pertinent information from a tracking device associated with an asset in need of tracking during a tracking event and for selectively retaining and deleting information stored during a loss of communication between the tracking device and a communication network, to increase probability of retaining information suitable for use as evidence in court or other proceedings in which accurate information is desired regarding the tracking event.

Abstract: A marking apparatus (1) for marking an item (12). The apparatus comprises: means to receive the item; a nucleic acid marker; means to release a marking fluid (8); and a distribution mechanism (11) coupled to the nucleic acid marker and the means to release the marking fluid. The means to release the marking fluid can be activated to release the marking fluid such that the distribution mechanism disperses a mixture of the nucleic acid marker and the marking fluid onto the item.

Abstract: A tracking unit for assisting in the recovery of stolen monies or other property includes a housing containing a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from overhead satellites, a cellular phone transceiver, a microprocessor, and a battery. Following a theft, the microprocessor activates the cellular phone transceiver to dial the telephone number of a central monitoring station. The microprocessor obtains location data from the GPS receiver and transmits the location data, along with identification information, to the central monitoring station. The tracking unit also includes a separate, conventional RF beacon transmitter for allowing authorities to home-in on the tracking unit within a large building or other structure, either after the GPS signals are lost, or after the location of the tracking unit is localized to a specific building or area.

Abstract: A tracking unit for assisting in the recovery of stolen monies or other property includes a housing containing a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from overhead satellites, a cellular phone transceiver, a microprocessor, and a battery. Following a theft, the microprocessor activates the cellular phone transceiver to dial the telephone number of a central monitoring station. The microprocessor obtains location data from the GPS receiver and transmits the location data, along with identification information, to the central monitoring station. The tracking unit also includes a separate, conventional RF beacon transmitter for allowing authorities to home-in on the tracking unit within a large building or other structure, either after the GPS signals are lost, or after the location of the tracking unit is localized to a specific building or area.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for selectively providing an alert to a user of a tracked asset in an asset recovery system. The method includes activating a tracking device on the tracked asset to generate a report, evaluating the report and a condition based on a home location assigned to the tracking device for generating an alert, creating the alert based on the evaluation of the condition and the report, and sending the alert to the user.

Abstract: A tracking unit for assisting in the recovery of stolen monies or other property includes a housing containing a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from overhead satellites, a cellular phone transceiver, a microprocessor, and a battery. Following a theft, the microprocessor activates the cellular phone transceiver to dial the telephone number of a central monitoring station. The microprocessor obtains location data from the GPS receiver and transmits the location data, along with identification information, to the central monitoring station. The tracking unit also includes a separate, conventional RF beacon transmitter for allowing authorities to home-in on the tracking unit within a large building or other structure, either after the GPS signals are lost, or after the location of the tracking unit is localized to a specific building or area.

Abstract: A tracking unit for assisting in the recovery of stolen monies or other property includes a housing containing a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from overhead satellites, a cellular phone transceiver, a microprocessor, and a battery. Following a theft, the microprocessor activates the cellular phone transceiver to dial the telephone number of a central monitoring station. The microprocessor obtains location data from the GPS receiver and transmits the location data, along with identification information, to the central monitoring station. The tracking unit also includes a separate, conventional RF beacon transmitter for allowing authorities to home-in on the tracking unit within a large building or other structure, either after the GPS signals are lost, or after the location of the tracking unit is localized to a specific building or area.

Abstract: A flexible security device for tracking and location. The device comprises a flexible housing having a hollow medial region. A location tracking assembly is contained, at least in part, within the hollow region. The location tracking assembly comprises a plurality of modules, including a wireless communications antenna module, a wireless communications electronics module, a global positioning system antenna module, a global positioning system electronics module, and a power module. A plurality of interconnects are configured among the plurality of modules, with one or more of the interconnects having sufficient flexibility to permit relative movement of at least one module relative to an adjacent interconnected module.

Abstract: A security system for use in an enclosure which may be an ATM. The security system includes a first electronic module housed within the enclosure and at least one removable container for storing valuables. A second electronic module is housed within the removable container. The modules communicate with each other wirelessly within the enclosure. The first module includes one or more inputs for receiving an output of at least one sensor for sensing an activity predetermined to indicate a security threat, a first logic circuit in communication with the inputs, and a first wireless communication device connected to the logic circuit. The second electronic module includes a second wireless communication device; a second logic circuit connected to the second communication device; and at least one output for sending an activation signal to a theft deterrent device in response to a pre-programmed sequence of events, including at least one communication from the first module.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for preventing applying a reverse polarity voltage to an electronic circuit from a coin cell used to power such circuit by providing a first insulating wafer over the top conductive surface of a coin cell and a second insulating wafer over the bottom conductive surface of the cell. The first wafer has a central opening and the second wafer is designed to cover the portion of the bottom conductive surface corresponding to the opening of the first wafer so that when the two wafers of the protection system are placed over the coin cell with the first wafer and the insulating area positioned on the top and bottom conductive surfaces respectively, the insulating area extends fully under the first opening.

Abstract: A wake-up circuit and associated method for use in an alarm system hidden in a currency resembling security pack. The alarm system includes an alarm device and an electronic alarm activation circuit that actuates the alarm device upon receipt of an alarm actuation signal. The wake up circuit includes a flexure sensor used to detect flexure of the security pack and upon sensing such flexure to switch the electronic alarm activation circuit from a first, dormant state to a second, active state.

Abstract: A device to be incorporated in a container for valuables comprises a first reservoir (3) containing a liquid coloring material or a noxious gas, preferably an ink, a second reservoir (14) containing a pressurized gas, and an actuator (13) connected to a detection system. The pressurized gas is liberated if required by the detection system. The first reservoir (3) is able to collapse under the sudden increase in pressure resulting from the release of the gas. The content of the first reservoir is ejected through a retaining valve and an elongated perforated pipe (10) for spraying the valuables.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic smoke generator which is flexible and may be molded or extruded into a thin layer is provided by embedding smoke composition particles in an elastomer, preferably silicone. The smoke composition particles have a preferred particle size range which will pass through a number 18 sieve and not through a number 40 sieve. The smoke generator may be utilized with flexible circuitry in a currency alarm pack to provide a money pack with an alarm which provides the flexibility and feel of a money pack without an alarm pack. The smoke composition particles when used in a money pack would contain a red dye and may contain tear gas. The smoke generator may be provided with a film covering, such as polyurethane, or embedded reinforcing fibers for additional strength. A film coating may also provide additional sealing capability for sealing the smoke composition particles and tear gas within the elastomer.