Abstract: An example tamper detection mechanism may include an electrical pathway having a closed conductive configuration and being openable to prevent electrical conduction along the electrical pathway, and may further include detection circuitry connected to the electrical pathway and configured to detect a change in the resistance of the electrical pathway. The electrical pathway includes a pair of conductive pads electrically isolated from one another, and also includes a connector which in the closed conductive configuration contacts both conductive pads to form an electrical connection therebetween. The connector is moveable away from the pads to open the electrical connection for tamper detection. The connector has a resistor of predefined resistance which in the closed conductive configuration is included in the electrical pathway. The detection circuitry can distinguish, on the basis of the resistance of the electrical pathway, between connection of the pads by the connector and shorting between the two pads.

Abstract: A component (10) of a device, such as a keypad mechanism (10) of a cash dispenser, is provided with a mechanism for detecting separation of the component from another part (16) of the device, for example a front panel (16) of the cash dispenser. The mechanism includes a member (64) moveable between first and second positions, and biasing means (34) to bias the member resiliently in the first position. In use, the member (64) is forced into the second position by contact with the part (16). If the component (10) and the part (16) are separated, the member (64) moves from the second position to the first position. The mechanism also includes a signal means to provide a warning signal when the member (64) moves to the first position. A tube (50) of ceramic material or other hard material is provided to resist ingress of a drill bit to the member (64).

Abstract: A connector (26) transmits electrical signals between two electronic circuit boards (10, 12). The connector (26) comprises an electrically non-conductive support having two spaced surfaces (36, 38). Each surface (36, 38) has a respective interface (42) for electrical connection with a respective one of the two electronic circuit boards (10, 12) to be connected. At least one electrical conductor passes through the support and connects the two interfaces (42) for transmitting electrical signals between the two interfaces. The support also has an external surface (40). At least one electrically conductive pathway (A, B, C) is provided between the external surface (40) and the at least one electrical conductor for detecting an attempt to drill from the external surface to the at least one electrical conductor.

Abstract: A connector (26) transmits electrical signals between two electronic circuit boards (10, 12). The connector (26) comprises an electrically non-conductive support having two spaced surfaces (36, 38). Each surface (36, 38) has a respective interface (42) for electrical connection with a respective one of the two electronic circuit boards (10, 12) to be connected. At least one electrical conductor passes through the support and connects the two interfaces (42) for transmitting electrical signals between the two interfaces. The support also has an external surface (40). At least one electrically conductive pathway (A, B, C) is provided between the external surface (40) and the at least one electrical conductor for detecting an attempt to drill from the external surface to the at least one electrical conductor.

Abstract: A component (10) of a device, such as a keypad mechanism (10) of a cash dispenser, is provided with a mechanism for detecting separation of the component from another part (16) of the device, for example a front panel (16) of the cash dispenser. The mechanism includes a member (64) moveable between first and second positions, and biasing means (34) to bias the member resiliently in the first position. In use, the member (64) is forced into the second position by contact with the part (16). If the component (10) and the part (16) are separated, the member (64) moves from the second position to the first position. The mechanism also includes a signal means to provide a warning signal when the member (64) moves to the first position. A tube (50) of ceramic material or other hard material is provided to resist ingress of a drill bit to the member (64).

Abstract: A keypad is provided wherein the keys are sealingly mounted in keyholes provided in a housing by means of a key mount which centers each key and seals the space between each key and the edge of its keyhole. The key mount also provides an electrical contact which is brought into engagement with underlying circuitry in response to depression of a key. The key mount also resiliently mounts the key within the keyhole so after depression of the key the key mount returns the key to its initial position in which the contact is spaced from the circuitry.