Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft of the article has a housing containing an alarm system including an audible alarm with a defeat mechanism having a two-part connector that attaches to both a cable and a locking mechanism. The connector includes a mechanical fuse (e.g., two-step ferrule holder) that provides defeat prevention of the alarm device. The locked device alarms if pulled too hard from twisting the cable without releasing the primary lock. The connector is preferably shaped as a generally elliptic cylindrical bayonet having an oval transverse cross-section and a truncated oblique cone-shaped distal end. This enables the plug to be inserted into a locking channel of the locking mechanism in either of two directions facilitating the locking of the attached cable about an article of merchandise.

Abstract: In an RFID system with existing reader and tags communicating with each other, appliqués derive information by listening to this communication to yield significant performance benefits, while not affecting the communication between the existing nodes. For example, an appliqué capable of receiving beamforming can estimate the angle of arrival of the signal emitted by a tag, thereby providing information that can be used to localize the tag. An appliqué may be connected to an existing reader by means of an existing port, such as to an antenna port or to an Ethernet port. The information from appliqués can be integrated with that obtained from existing nodes at either the appliqués, or further up the hierarchy in middleware.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting articles (2), especially displayed goods, from theft. Said device comprises a sensor, connected to a control and alarm device (4) for triggering an alarm when the sensor (3) responds, and to be secured to the article (2) to be protected. The device (1) also comprises a device for detecting if a person gets closer to the displayed article (2) or when the article (2) is removed but not taken. For this purpose, a sensor (7) responds when a person gets closer or when the article (2) is removed and is control-connected to the control and alarm device (4). The control and alarm device (4) is connected to a product information device (13) for presenting the displayed article (2).

Abstract: A security storage container securely retains an item of merchandise and typically includes a base and lid. An alarm system in the container is activated when the container is locked and deactivated when the container is unlocked. The alarm system may include a flashing LED, an EAS tag for activating a security gate, and a sound-emitting device which may emit a loud alarm upon an attempt to pry the lid from the base or upon the container entering into proximity of a security gate.

Abstract: A resonant circuit for use with a radio-wave detection system for the prevention of shoplifting or the like, which is formed on a flexible substrate and has a coil and capacitor circuit whereby the capacitor has an indented area in the dielectric of the capacitor to promote disablement of the circuit when exposed to a strong electromagnetic field. Upon exposure to a strong electromagnetic field, an electrical short forms across the dielectric of capacitor in the indented area. Because the short is fragile and can be opened by flexure of the circuit, an island of reinforcing material is formed in the indented area, such that when the substrate is flexed, the indented area remains rigid to protect the short. The indented area can be further stress-relieved by introducing a gap in the conductors forming the capacitor plates.

Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like article. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device and locked. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl. A top wall of the housing has a key receiving recess for positioning the key for unlocking the clip from the housing and releasing the spool. The housing has a rotatable handle for manually rotating the internal spool to further tighten the cable about the article after the cable slack is taken up by an internal spring. An alarm system in the housing actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions. 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 device to protect an article from theft is disclosed. The device includes a pointed pin member to enable attachment of the device to the article to be protected from theft. A housing disposed within the device includes a floor and a wall tapering towards a confining end. The housing includes coaxial openings for insertably receiving the pin member. A ball clutch mechanism is located within the housing and includes a plurality of balls. As the balls are urged towards the confining end of the housing, they wedge between the tapering wall and the pin member to apply increasing radial pressure against the pin member to prevent it from being withdrawn from the device. The floor includes a member which deflects downwardly upon insertion of the pin member into the housing to apply a radial force against the pin member to frictionally engage it within the device.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with protecting merchandise items are presented. A method of protecting merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. A detection is made if one merchandise items has been moved beyond a predetermined authorized distance from the consumer display. The method determines if an authorized key is detected within a predetermined key distance from the consumer display. An alarm is then generated when one of merchandise items has been moved beyond a predetermined authorized distance and an authorized key is not detected within a predetermined key distance.

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. The merchandise items are charged at the display on a multiplexed basis.

Abstract: A method for determining billing information for a tag application process for billing a customer using the tag application process, includes the steps of determining a cost component of said tag fabrication process and determining billing information in accordance with said cost component. The customer is billed in accordance with said determined billing information.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically advertising items put on display, as well as protecting those items against theft. The system and method include an event sensor associated with the item and connected to a monitoring and alarm transmitter for initiating an advertising experience on an associated and local graphic display whenever the item is manipulated or approached by a patron. Should the item be removed or taken from its display stand, a wireless alarm is automatically transmitted to a receiver of an authorized person. The system and method also perform a logging function when a patron approaches the item or removes it without taking it away. The system and method also include the ability to provide power to electronic items that are on display.

Abstract: A security device may include a spool, locking mechanism, button, plug, and latch. The spool is configured to either wind or unwind a cable for wrapping around an object. The locking mechanism is configured to partially lock the spool. The button may be used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The button may be blocked by inserting a plug into a housing of the device such that the button can not be activated to unlock the spool. The plug may be secured to the housing through the latch that prevents the unauthorized removal of the plug. For an enhanced locking feature, the latch and the plug may be configured to require at least two forces to move the latch and free the plug. The spool, locking mechanism, and button may be stacked along a common axis to provide a more compacted design.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with protecting merchandise items are presented. A method of protecting merchandise items includes displaying a plurality of merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. Each merchandise item is connected to the consumer display with a corresponding tether. A first alarm is generated when one of the consumer items is removed from one of the corresponding tethers. A second alarm is generated that is different than the first alarm when one of the tethers is severed.

Abstract: A combination EAS and UHF security tag that adds the ability to add item level UHF functionality to a retail tag and maintain the integrity of the EAS systems installed in the business and whereby the EAS and UHF security elements are substantially formed from a common conductive layer. This combination tag also includes the ability to change a tag from a “far-field read” tag to a “near-field read” tag.

Abstract: A security may include a base that defines an aperture or opening configured for receiving at least a portion of an object to be secured. The base may support a capture member that is configured to move between a capture position and a release position. The security device may further include a driving member that is configured to move between a first position and a second position and may engage the capture member. When the driving member is moved from the first position to the second position it may urge the capture member from the release position to the capture position. The capture member may be configured to secure the object within the aperture when the capture member is in the capture position. The security device may further comprise a locking member may be configured to releasably engage the driving member to prevent movement of the driving member from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A lockable container for an article comprises a frame which has an access opening, a closure member which is pivotally mounted in relation to the frame, and a latch member which is axially movable within the closure member between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch member and the frame are each provided with one or more interengageable detents whereby when the closure member is in a closed position and the latch member is in the latched position the detents are engaged and prevent pivoting of the closure member. Movement of the latch member to the unlatched position causes the detents to disengage and permit pivoting of the closure member. The closure member is provided with a locking member for engaging the latch member to retain it against axial movement.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically advertising items put on display, as well as protecting those items against theft. The system and method include an event sensor associated with the item and connected to a monitoring and alarm transmitter for initiating an advertising experience on an associated and local graphic display whenever the item is manipulated or approached by a patron. Should the item be removed or taken from its display stand, a wireless alarm is automatically transmitted to a receiver of an authorized person. The system and method also perform a logging function when a patron approaches the item or removes it without taking it away. The system and method also include the ability to provide power to electronic items that are on display.

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: 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.