Patents Assigned to Checkpoint Systems Inc.
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Patent number: 7839352Abstract: A resonant tag for use with a radio-wave detection system for the prevention of shoplifting or the like, which has a coil and capacitor circuit formed on opposite sides of an extremely thin substrate of a biaxially-oriented polypropylene, with one of the capacitor plates formed on one side of the substrate and the coil and other capacitor plate formed on the other side of the substrate, and paper layers on both sides of the tag, whereby the circuit is destroyed when the tag is washed in water or dry cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Seth Strauser, Charles Iacono
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Patent number: 7820481Abstract: A rotary chip attach process and manufacturing approach takes chips (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs)) from a wafer in a rotary process. A chip wafer with a positioning unit is placed over the top of a sprocketed wheel that picks the ICs directly from the wafer and moves them in a semi-continuous in-step motion to a web that will accept the ICs. The sprocketed wheel includes chips that are preferably the same type as used in a typical pick-and-place robotic system, with vacuum heads adapted to pierce the wafer flat membrane (if needed), grab and IC and place and IC as desired. This positioning system keeps the IC's placement in an accurate position on the web, which can be made to move continuously with a plurality of sprocketed wheel placement units in place.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andre Cote, Detlef Duschek
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Publication number: 20100231388Abstract: The present invention relates to security devices used to protect merchandise or other objects, including security devices having one or more adjustable cables used to wrap around objects of various shapes and sizes, such that the security devices are secured to the objects. The present invention also relates to a removable module that can enable a disposable, one-alarm passive security device to provide three-alarm functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Matthew R. Shute, Adam Mark Will
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Patent number: 7782207Abstract: An antitheft security system and method using networked pedestals for monitoring, and reporting data relating to, merchandise, having security tags coupled to or embedded therein, leaving or entering a business establishment and alerting business establishment personnel when a theft may be occurring. The system and method collect and communicate security tag data and associated peripheral device data to a remote server for analysis.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Peter Gillard, David Ivins, Nathaniel Cabigao Lacsamana, Harry Oung, Nimesh Shah, Bogdan Sima
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Patent number: 7724135Abstract: A system for displaying an item includes a display shelf having an aperture through it and a thin tether having a first end and a second end that extends through the aperture. The first end of the tether is secured to a mount above a top side of said display shelf and the second end of said tether is secured adjacent to a bottom side of the displays shelf. The first end of the tether has a mount for connection of tether to the item, above the shelf. The system further includes a coiled cable coiled around the tether extending through the aperture. The coiled cable provides an electrical path to the item. The coiled cable has a first end and a second end. The first end is secured adjacent to the mount and the second end securely terminates below the bottom unexposed side of said display shelf.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Rapp, Rainer Brenner
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Patent number: 7709294Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding integrated circuits uniquely suited to high volume tag production is described, where conductive material of a substrate at the die-attach-area is cut before an IC chip or transponder is placed on the conductive material over the cut and bonded. The apparatus performs the method of placing a first chip on a substrate having a conductive layer, measuring the location of the first chip on the substrate, cutting the conductive layer at a location of an expected subsequently placed chip to form a cut based on the measured location of the first chip, and placing the subsequently placed chip on the substrate over the cut.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Clare, Andre Cote, Eric Eckstein
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Patent number: 7704346Abstract: A method of fabricating a tag includes the steps of applying a first patterned adhesive to the surface of the substrate and applying a first electrically conductive foil to the first patterned adhesive. A portion of the first electrically conductive foil not adhered to the first patterned adhesive is removed and a second patterned adhesive is applied to a portion of a surface area of the tag. A preformed second electrically conductive foil is applied to the second patterned adhesive to adhere the second electrically conductive foil to the surface of the substrate and portions of the first and second electrically conductive foils are electrically coupled to each other to form a tag circuit. A second patterned adhesive can be disposed between the first and second electrically conductive foils.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventor: Andre Cote
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Patent number: 7701339Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Julia Irmscher, Michael Rapp, Rainer Brenner
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Patent number: 7692547Abstract: A microwave-resistant and waterproof security tag for use with food products, especially meat products. The security tag includes a pair of single, open loop conductive traces in between which is disposed a similarly-shaped dielectric layer. This combination is encapsulated within plastic membranes or covers that are sealed at their common edges. The preferred embodiment includes rectangularly-shaped single, open loop conductive traces with rounded corners and with one end of each trace forming a capacitor plate. The width of each trace is at least 1/10 of the length of the security tag.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Appalucci, Anthony Piccoli, Seth Strauser, George West
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Publication number: 20100060424Abstract: One or more readers transmit radio frequency (RF) beacons to be electronically reflected by tags. Data transmitted via modulated backscatter from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags is encoded so as to permit reliable demodulation of simultaneous transmissions from multiple tags. This includes the use of spreading sequences as in direct sequence spread spectrum, where the spreading sequences may be a function of the tag ID, or may be randomly chosen. Backscattered signals from multiple tags may be detected using well-known receiver techniques for code division multiple access (CDMA) systems. Readers may be equipped with transmit and/or receive antenna arrays. A receive antenna array permits a reader to estimate directions of arrival for received signals, as well as to enhance range by performing receive beamforming.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ben J. Wild, Upamanyu Madhow, Kannan Ramchandran, Artem Tkachenko
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Patent number: 7663489Abstract: Alarm systems, wireless alarm devices, and article security methods are described according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one aspect, an alarm system includes a base communication device, a remote communication device configured to communicate with the base communication device, wherein the remote communication device is adapted to be associated with an article to be secured and wherein the remote communication device comprises alarm circuitry, and wherein the remote communication device is configured to generate a reference signal comprising a plurality of identifiable components corresponding to communications intermediate the base communication device and the remote communication device and to control the alarm circuitry to generate a human perceptible alarm responsive to detection of the presence of the plurality of identifiable components in the reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ian R. Scott, Brian J. Green, Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
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Patent number: 7659817Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft has a housing containing an alarm system including an audible alarm speaker. The alarm system includes a conductor located within the housing which forms a loop that extends at least partially about the alarm speaker or about the periphery of the housing. The conductor which can be an electrical conductor, fiber optic conductor, light pipe, etc., when severed by a thief will actuate the audible alarm. In another embodiment, the conductor forms a loop about a simulated speaker grille formed in the housing to prevent tampering, wherein the audible alarm is located in the housing remote from the simulated speaker grille.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Ningsheng Zhang, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Lee H. Eckert
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Patent number: 7652577Abstract: Systems and methods for beamforming in radio frequency identification (RFID) applications are disclosed. A beamforming system uses a distributed architecture and techniques for antenna beamforming using a feedback control loop to direct radio frequency (RF) energy onto a specific region, referred to as an interrogation zone, which includes a calibration node where one or more RFID tags may be located. The distributed architecture of the beamforming system is resistant to fading and shadowing effects, providing accurate RFID reader operation even in environments with multi-path reflections or environmental changes, such as people moving around or changes in the location of equipment.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Upamanyu Madhow, Ben J. Wild, Kannan Ramchandran
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Patent number: 7650768Abstract: A bottle security device includes a housing with an electronic surveillance article tag therein and a ratchet strap which extends from the housing and loops around the bottle neck to secure the device thereto. The strap has one-way locking teeth which are lockably engaged by a locking mechanism in the housing when the strap is inserted therein to secure the strap in a locked position. The housing has first and second opposed outer surfaces which taper radially outwardly and toward one another in a manner which makes the housing difficult to grasp manually or otherwise, thus helping prevent the breakage and removal of the device from the bottle. The tapered outer surfaces also serve to deflect impact forces to the housing to help prevent unauthorized removal of the device. An arcuate channel of the housing receives and aligns the strap for improved locking capability.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio
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Patent number: 7646305Abstract: A capacitor strap that is applied to a security tag coil or antenna to form and properly tune an EAS or an RFID security tag. The capacitor strap is a thin film capacitor formed of two metal foils in between which is a dielectric material having ends that are electrically coupled to different points of a security tag coil or antenna. The capacitor strap may include an RFID integrated circuit, either in series or in parallel with the capacitor, which is then applied to security tag coil at a particular location to tune the tag to a predetermined frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andre Cote, Luis Francisco Soler Bonnin
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Patent number: 7646304Abstract: A method for efficiently producing a plurality of EAS or RFID tags or inlays that form a label ready for use. The process utilizes a first web of RFID chip straps or capacitor straps that are releasably secured to a liner using only a low tack adhesive and utilizes a second web of coils or antennas which are secured to a second liner. After indexing these two webs, selective heat and pressure are applied to the chips straps or to the capacitor straps to transfer them and electrically couple them to a corresponding coil or antenna. Where both chip straps and capacitor straps are applied to a common antenna, a third web of the additional strap is used in the process.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andre Cote, Detlef Duschek
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Patent number: 7642915Abstract: A multiple frequency detection system allows the seamless integration of an almost ideal EAS function with an RFID function. While not being limited to a particular theory, the preferred embodiments integrate EAS technology at, for example, 8.2 MHz or 14 MHz, and RFID technology at, for example, 13.56 MHz in a common antenna package. The use of standard RFID frequencies as forcing functions will allow for the easy packaging of EAS with RFID and have a true roadmap of a scalable technology.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventor: Eric Eckstein
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Publication number: 20090288460Abstract: A security device includes a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a lockable cable-linking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The cable-linking member may include a key member for unlocking the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism includes an internal spool and other internal members some of which are related to the locking and unlocking of the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which typically include the cables and which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. 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 may include a flip-up handle for rotating the spool to tighten the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ningsheng Zhang, Ronald M. Marsilio, Dennis D. Belden, JR.
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Patent number: 7621043Abstract: A poly sheet continuously moving in a machine direction is heated to a temperature just below its glass thermal temperature to make the poly malleable. A circuit (e.g., RFID chip, EAS chip, transponder, IC) is placed on the poly sheet and embedded into the poly sheet, preferably with a heat resistant soft (e.g., rubber) roller that presses the circuit into the poly without breaking the circuit. A conductive strip or wire may be applied on or into the poly sheet to align with connection points (e.g., conductive bumps) of the circuit for conductive communication with the circuit. The conductive strip or wire is preferably cut to form gaps that are nonconductive between the cut sections of wire to avoid shorting of the circuit and/or allow the conductive strip or wire to function as an antenna for the circuit, and thus to form a chip strap or tag. The poly sheet thus provides a protective womb or shield for the circuit and wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andre Cote, Detlef Duschek
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Patent number: RE41550Abstract: A disposable theft deterrent tag includes first and second elements that lock together through a portion of an item of merchandise to secure the tag to the item of merchandise. The first portion of the tag includes a first locking member having opposed teeth that are adapted to lockingly engage a second locking member that is carried by the second element of the tag. The second locking member is in the form of a stepped post that snaps between the opposed teeth to lock the post to the teeth. The tag may be unlocked by moving the teeth with respect to the post. In one embodiment of the invention, a portion of the body of the first element may be destroyed while moving the teeth from the locked position to the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventor: David K. Huehner