Abstract: A composite antenna system for an article surveillance system, in which a plurality of differently-phased loop antennas are supplied with different currents to provide desired positioning of peaks and nulls in the near-field strength, and to produce near-zero far-field strength, as desired. In one preferred form, a smaller loop is placed near the floor and a larger loop placed above it, with the lower loop supplied with a correspondingly higher-intensity of current to provide an enhanced near-field strength near the floor, while still maintaining far-field cancellation.

Abstract: The access window of a slot scanning data capturing system, or the gun of a hand held data capturing system, is fitted with a deactivation system of the type which is generally used to deactivate the tags or labels of an electronic article surveillance system so that the tag or label which is provided on the goods (to be purchased) is deactivated in the course of capturing the data at the point of sale.

Abstract: To reduce the occurrence of false alarms, the disclosed system incorporates an auxiliary sensor for detecting the presence of a shopper passing through the electronic article surveillance device, such that the device is operated continuously, and the auxiliary sensor is used to enable external alarms of the device only upon detecting the shopper's presence. Thus, while the device continuously monitors field-induced signals which are received, activation of the external alarm is permitted only when a shopper passes through the security device and is detected by the auxiliary sensor. Sounding of the alarm is then based upon an analysis of the data received at and just prior to the detected approach of the shopper to be monitored, eliminating phantom alarms while significantly reducing false alarms and merchandise-activated alarms.

Abstract: In an electronic article surveillance system, a low-power supply is used to power the system during ordinary search-and-detect operation, and the increased power needed to transmit high-power signals for deactivating the tag circuit is produced by charging up a rechargable storage device, such as a capacitor or rechargable battery, in the intervals between deactivations and using the charged-up storage device to provide the high supply power needed during deactivation, to generate the deactivation transmission.

Abstract: A field-sensitive tag or label incorporates a layer for mechanically deactivating the tag resulting from subsequent use of the article to which the tag has been applied. To this end, a layered tag is provided which, in addition to the layers which are traditionally provided to achieve the function of a resonant circuit (e.g., substrate and etched outer layers), further incorporates a circuit-deactivating layer which preferably takes the form of an abrasive substance disposed in a suitable binder. The resulting layer can then operate to mechanically deactivate the tag by damaging at least a portion of the resonant circuit which comprises the tag due to movement of the article in subsequent use. The field-sensitive tag of the present invention is advantageously applied to footwear in regions where flexure of the tag can be anticipated, preferably in the sole, making the article well suited to placement in a self-service retail setting while maintaining an adequate degree of security.

Abstract: A resonant circuit which forms part of a security tag for use in an electronic security system includes a fusible link which opens the circuit in response to radio frequency at the resonant frequency. The fusible link opens at a lower signal intensity than otherwise, because the substances of which it is made include at least one accelerator that promotes the fuse action.

Abstract: A person desiring to check out articles protected by security tags deposits these articles at one end of a check-out aisle. From there, they are transported to the opposite end of the check-out aisle as part of the check-out procedure. The person who deposited the articles is restrained from accompanying these articles all the way through the check-out aisle, but is able to reach its opposite end only via a path which is separate from the check-out aisle itself. That separate path is equipped with an electronic article surveillance system. The same separate path and its associated electronic article surveillance system serve several check-out aisles.

Abstract: Security tags which bear a resonant circuit made of conductors on opposite sides of a dielectric are deactivated by applying to a tag sufficiently high RF power at the resonance frequency to produce breakthrough between opposed conductors. A tag presence alert signal is intentionally extended beyond the period of active tag presence detection. During high power operation, the system inhibits other nearby RF deactivating and electronic article surveillance systems. The RF transmissions of all these systems may also be slaved. The high power RF produced by the deactivating system is principally dissipated where it causes no undesirable heating effects.

Abstract: A person desiring to check out articles protected by security tags deposits these articles at one end of a check-out aisle. From there, they are transported to the opposite end of the check-out aisle as part of the check-out procedure. The person who deposited the articles is restrained from accompanying these articles all the way through the check-out aisle, but is able to reach its opposite end only via a path which is separate from the check-out aisle itself. That separate path is equipped with an electronic article surveillance system. The same separate path and its associated electronic article surveillance system serve several check-out aisles.

Abstract: A resonant circuit-bearing tag, which is capable of causing an article protection system to give an alarm, is provided with a release liner surface. To permit removal of an article to which the tag is attached without causing an alarm, a metal foil-bearing label is adhered to the release liner surface of the tag. By virtue of the release liner on the tag, the label is susceptible of being peeled off the tag, thereby restoring the tag's ability to cause an alarm.