Patents Assigned to Checkpoint Systems Inc.
  • Patent number: 7623040
    Abstract: A blister pack having at least one security tag formed from the metal layer of the blister pack. In one embodiment, the security tag is a detached portion of the metal layer that is entrenched in a corresponding channel in the plastic layer of the blister pack and which is then completed by electrically coupling a capacitor strap or chip strap to a gapped portion of the entrenched aluminum layer. Another embodiment also forms the security tag from the metal layer but the coil or antenna of the security tag is formed as part of the process of sealing the metal layer to the plastic layer. A capacitor strap or chip strap is then electrically coupled to a gapped portion of the coil or antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Cote
  • Publication number: 20090261976
    Abstract: This invention relates to dynamically controlled, electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems whereby an array of antenna elements is digitally phased and actively driven for concurrent transmission, and digitally phased and combined in the receiver unit to improve detection. In particular, the individual frequency and phase of the plurality of the transmit/receive signals are rapidly varied to allow for automated manipulation (steering) of the transmit field pattern and receive field sensitivity. The invention achieves the following features via means of digital phasing and dynamic computer control: sufficient far-field cancellation, null-free detection and uncompromised detection performance regardless of tag's orientation while using single transmission drivers to drive entire antenna structures, whether loop antenna or ferrite core antenna, using a phase coupler, thereby allowing more efficient system operation or additional features such as deactivator antenna operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Oung, Kefeng Zeng
  • Patent number: 7605708
    Abstract: A communication-ready corrugated article and method for making the corrugated article is disclosed. The corrugated article includes a linersheet (e.g., craft paper), an undulating medium (e.g., craft paper), a conductive strip (e.g., metal, aluminum, wire, coil), and a security chip (e.g., RFID chip, EAS chip, integrated circuit, chip strap, RFID tag, EAS tag). The linersheet has a first side and a second side. The undulating medium is coupled to the first side of the linersheet, the conductive strip is positioned on the first side of the linersheet between the linersheet and the undulating medium. The security chip is attached to the second side of the linersheet opposite the conductive strip and is coupled to the conductive strip through the linersheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Cote, Luis Francisco Soler Bonnin
  • Patent number: 7602297
    Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap, have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Marsilio, Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Patent number: 7598861
    Abstract: A security storage container for securely retaining an item of merchandise therein. The storage container is in the form of a box having a base and a lid, with the item of merchandise being received in the base. The lid is locked to the base by a locking mechanism. The storage container also includes an internally disposed alarm system which is activated when the lid is locked to the base and is deactivated when the lid is unlocked from the base. The lid can only be unlocked with a specially designed key. The alarm system includes a flashing LED which indicates to the consumer that the storage container has an activated alarm therein. The alarm system further includes an EAS tag for activating a security gate at an exit to the protected environment; and further includes a sound-emitting device that will emit a loud sound if an attempt is made to pry the lid from the base when the lid is in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Nicholas M. Sedon
  • Patent number: 7583195
    Abstract: A re-usable security hard tag for use with containers. The hard tag comprises two portions that are pivotally connected at first portion ends and the portions include semi-circular, outwardly extending flanges. A security tag is associated with one of the two portions. A displaceable pin of a latch mechanism locks together respective pin receptacles of each portion. The flanges couple to the bottom edge of either end of a container whereupon closure of the two portions' free ends about a hinge causes the pin to latch through the pin receptacles. The only way retract the pin and thereby release the hard tag from the container is by positioning the hard tag/container assembly adjacent a properly sized magnet available at a point of sale in a retail establishment. Non-removal of the hard tag before leaving the retail establishment causes store electronics to detect the security tag and set off an alarm or other warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignees: Checkpoint Systems, Inc., Century Plastic & Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Benedict Chua, Wu Zhao Lian
  • Patent number: 7583194
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a novel procedure and system for making a security tag for an aluminum-pressed, cardboard container. The method employs a system of distancing the tag from the container and a method of calibrating the tag. The tag is then inserted into a specially designed cap and spaced a given distance from the container. The product is sealed and then sold to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Appalucci, Dave McGoldrick, Paul Roberts, George West
  • Patent number: 7581418
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Sedon, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., William Shepler
  • Patent number: 7569932
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Cote, Detlef Dusckek
  • Patent number: 7564360
    Abstract: A releasable security tag for attachment to an article of merchandise includes: a locking mechanism with a release for attaching the tag to the article of merchandise; an EAS resonant circuit or an RFID circuit for responding to a first RF signal at a predetermined frequency corresponding to the resonant circuit or to the RFID circuit; an ambient RF energy harvesting circuit; a release signal detection circuit coupled to and powered by the ambient RF energy harvesting circuit and an electro-mechanical actuator electrically coupled to the release signal detection circuit. The electro-mechanical actuator releases the locking mechanism whenever the release signal detection circuit receives a release signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Cote, Farrokh Abadi
  • Publication number: 20090146818
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Strauser, Charles Iacono, Gary Mazoki, Anthony Picoli, Hideki Imaichi
  • Patent number: 7538680
    Abstract: Alarm systems, wireless alarm devices, and article security methods are described according to some aspects of the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian R. Scott, Brian J. Green, Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7530188
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an adapter (29) for attaching an electronic shelf label (26) to a cantilever (22) of a blister hook (20). The adapter (29) has a housing (30) into which the shelf label (26) is inserted, and a suspension device for pivotal mounting of the housing (30) on a cross-strut (24) provided on the free end of the cantilever (22). The suspension device is a yoke (32) that is connected to the housing (30) and has two pliable sleeves (44, 54), each with a free end that is placed around the cross-strut (24) and is snap-locked onto the yoke (32). The adapter (29) is suitable for nearly universal use on various blister hooks of different size and shape. The housing (30) is angularly adjustable relative to the yoke (32) in order to align the product and price display of the shelf label (26) in the observer's viewing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai Beilenhoff, Ulrich Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20090115615
    Abstract: A security tag that can be attached to an item or items that provides a zero or low impact to the item or items such as elegant or soft goods. The security tag includes a security element that is enclosed within a pliable material that is looped around the item or items it is protecting and then is closed on itself or on an extension of the pliable material. No puncturing, piercing or adhesive attachment to the elegant or soft goods occurs, thereby making a “zero or low impact” on the item while also making a pleasant presentation to customers when the item (or items) is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Bleckmann, James Brodzik, Bryan T.R. Rowland
  • Patent number: 7522048
    Abstract: A security alarm is removably attached to a band extending about a package which sounds an alarm should tension on the band be reduced to prevent theft of the package contents. The band extends through a passage formed between the bottom of an alarm housing and a bottom lock plate pivotally connected to the housing. A plunger switch is mounted in the housing and engages the band. Reduction of the band tension permits the switch plunger to move and actuate an audible alarm. A slide lock locks the bottom lock plate to the alarm housing to prevent removal of the alarm from the band. A key unlocks the slide lock from the alarm housing enabling the alarm to be slid from beneath the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7497100
    Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base of the locking member and secured therein by a magnetically attractable tine. The ratchet mechanism includes a housing containing a spool and a locking pawl. A bottom wall encloses a portion of the housing and includes a rotatable central portion having a key receiving recess for unlocking the spool from the pawl. The housing has a rotatable top wall portion which includes a flip-up handle for rotating the top wall portion and the internal ratchet to tighten the cable about an article. An alarm system is contained in the housing of the ratchet mechanism and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. An LED located within the housing provides a visual indication that the alarm system is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio, Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7497004
    Abstract: A method of making UHF antennas for security tag and antennas thereby. A web of electrically conductive material having a thickness in the range of approximately 5 to approximately 50 microns is releasably secured to a carrier web using a releasably securable adhesive substantially coextensive with the conductive web. A series of antennas of a desired shape are die-cut into the conductive web, but not into the carrier web. The portion of the conductive web not making up the antennas is in the form of scrap and is removed, thereby leaving the series of antennas releasably secured to the carrier sheet. The antennas are arranged to be removed from the carrier sheet, whereupon the releasably securable adhesive is transferred to them, so that they may be subsequently secured to other components to form a security tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Cote, Detlef Duschek
  • Patent number: 7497101
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio
  • Patent number: 7498944
    Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Marsilio, Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Patent number: 7498945
    Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Marsilio, Christopher J. Fawcett