Abstract: A localization method for use in a tag communication system includes associating a supertag having a plurality of tags with an item, reading backscatter signals from the tags of the plurality of tags to provide a plurality of backscatter signals, estimating a signal parameter of the backscatter signals of the plurality of backscatter signals to provide a plurality of derived signal parameters, and localizing the item in accordance with the plurality of derived signal parameters. The backscatter signals are read by a tag reader having a single antenna and the item is localized in accordance with an antenna array technique performed upon the plurality of derived signal parameters. The backscatter signals are read with an antenna array to provide a further plurality of derived signal parameters for each tag of the plurality of tags, and the item is localized in accordance with the further pluralities of derived signal parameters.

Abstract: A product display apparatus including a product supply module that includes a support frame and defines a storage area. A door assembly coupled to the support frame is structured to provide bulk access to the storage area in an open position and prevent bulk access to the storage area in the closed position. A return area is defined between the support frame and the top of the door assembly while a retrieval area is defined between the support frame and the bottom of the door assembly. A modular display portion is coupled to the door assembly that extends into the retrieval area to define a single unit retrieval opening. A load block member may be disposed in the retrieval area to permit retrieval of a product, but inhibit return of a product. A retrieval detector may be configured to detect when a product has been withdrawn through the retrieval area and generate an alert upon detection of rapid product removal.

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.

Abstract: An anti-theft security system that utilizes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) beacon that emits an electromagnetic field that a corresponding security tag transponder detects in determining whether to set off onboard transponder alarms or to remain dormant. The EAS beacon is a self-contained beacon that can be easily installed at any desired location and can utilize local utility power or revert to battery power. Among other things, this avoids the large installation, calibration and maintenance costs and tasks of conventional EAS pedestals. The EAS beacon includes coil panels that are secured to an elongated housing that can be flexed to avoid or minimize damage should something or someone come into contact with the panels. An audible/visible alarm is activated when such flexing or tampering occurs. A passive infrared detector is provided to reduce power consumption when the EAS beacon is operating on battery power.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and other means for providing a key device that may be used with a monitoring system are discussed herein. The key device may be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, silence an alarm, commission a tag, decommission a tag, unlock a tag from an item, among other things. The key device may include rules that permit particular functionality based on, for example, time and/or location.

Abstract: A security device includes a housing containing a ratchet mechanism and a rotatable spool for storing a plurality of cable loops which extend outwardly from a plurality of openings formed in the housing and wrapped around the sides of a box-like object. A collar is mounted on the bottom of the housing and has openings adjacent each of the housing opening requiring the cable loops to abruptly change direction after exiting the housing and passing either beneath or above the collar before extending along the secured object. This abrupt change of direction reduces the amount of force which are exerted on the cable loops from being transmitted onto the ratchet mechanism. In alternate embodiments, adjacent cable loops pass through one or a pair of rings which cause a change of direction in the cable loops to reduce the transmission of forces onto the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A hand-held labeler is described with a casing having an upper opening in which a label roll is rotary-mounted on a holder that can be moved up and down. A cap is hinged on the casing at the upper opening. When the cap is closed, it fully surrounds the label roll. The cap is coupled with the holder by a link guide in such a way that, by manually swinging the cap, the holder can be moved out of the opening and into the opening while the spacing between the cap and a label roll seated on the holder can be varied. When the cap is fully opened, the label roll is exposed and can easily be taken off the holder or attached to the holder.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to complete an electrical path to close an electrical circuit which turns the device on. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. The carrier remains on the purchased merchandise for subsequent disposal after removal of the alarm tag from the carrier by the use of a magnetic key to unlock a locking mechanism which engages the pin.

Abstract: An anti-theft security device is particularly useful with bottles and is typically secured to a bottle neck. The device may carry an onboard alarm. The device typically includes a catch member which engages the bottle neck to secure the device to the bottle and a blocking structure to help block access to the catch member.

Abstract: A security device a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a locking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The locking member includes a key portion for unlocking the tightening mechanism when the cable is removed from the item. The tightening mechanism includes a spool and a ratchet mechanism. Alternate embodiments for locking and unlocking the ratchet mechanism are disclosed. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. The cables are part of one or more of the sense loops. The device is configured to sound a security gate alarm upon passing through the gate and upon simply reaching a certain distance from the gate. The tightening mechanism includes a housing having a flip-up handle for tightening the ratchet mechanism to tighten the cable.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a security device are provided for attaching to and securing small articles, such as jewelry or other accessories that are either loose or attached to a display card. The security device may engage various sizes of card stock and/or secure articles that include a ring component in a practical and unobtrusive manner. The security device may detect unauthorized removal of the item from the retail premises. In some cases, the security device may also be configured to detect tampering of the security device and may include one-alarm, two-alarm, or three-alarm functionality. Moreover, the security device may also provide other features or functionalities that a retail operator may prefer or consider prior to the use or selection of a particular security device over others. The device may provide easy securing to and/or removal from an object by an authorized operator, such as an employee, and may be reusable.

Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.

Abstract: A security hard tag, uses an attachment clip to couple to an article, such as but not limited to clothing, to be protected and which can only be released from the article by use of an authorized detacher that is inserted into the security hard tag. The attachment clip may include various types of locking mechanisms on its two ends, one end which is permanently secured within the security hard tag housing and the other end which is releasably secured within the housing. Before being releasably secured within the housing, the one end is inserted through or around a portion of an article, or through a security tag loop attached to the article, and then that end is locked into the housing. The detacher uses a cam, either located on the detacher itself or positioned within the security hard tag housing, to interact with the one end of the attachment clip to release the locked end.

Abstract: A security device for protecting a merchandise item against theft typically includes a pair of clamping members, a cable extending between the clamping members, and a tightening mechanism for tightening the cable to cause the clamping members to move toward one another and clamp onto the merchandise item. One of the clamping members typically serves as a housing containing the tightening mechanism, which may include a spool, a lock slide for releasably securing the spool and a locking mechanism for releasably securing the lock slide. The locking mechanism may be unlocked with a magnetic key. The security device is typically configured to set off an alarm upon tampering or attempted removal of the item and security device from a store.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of detecting out-of-stock conditions for retail products, and for dynamically updating associated replenishment plans, sales forecasts, and event scripts for product stocking events such as turn stock products, promotional products, new product introductions and modular resets. The invention accesses RFID data associated with product stocking events for identifying product movements in a retail supply chain and within a retail store. The invention optionally accesses point-of-sale and perpetual inventory data for detecting out-of-stock conditions. The invention also includes a method for dynamically improving product layout and optimized planograms based on out-of-stock velocity detection.

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 powers 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 are charged at the display on a multiplexed basis. An alarm is generated if the first power supply or the second power supply looses power but not if the first and second power supply loose power.

Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around an object. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl or lever. A key is used to unlock the clip from the housing. An alarm system is contained in the housing and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. Insertion of the clip into the housing automatically actuates the ratchet mechanism preventing movement of the cable in the unwind direction and activates the alarm system.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to provide an electrical path between the contacts to close a first electrical circuit which turns the device on. A flexibly mounted projection on the carrier depresses a plunger switch to arm the device when the carrier is attached to an item of merchandise. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. Security gate alarms also sound if the tag moves through the gate or within a predetermined distance thereof.

Abstract: A security storage container has a primary security feature that is adapted to be locked and unlocked with an appropriate key. A secondary security feature is activated when the security storage container is opened without first unlocking the lock with the key. In one embodiment, the secondary security feature includes prongs that are moved to an extended position when the primary security feature of the container is defeated. In the extended position, the prongs will at least damage the item of merchandise protected by the security storage container. The extended position of the prongs may also further lock the item of merchandise within the security storage container.