Abstract: An alarm interface module is described that permits an alarm monitoring system to be operational through an existing wide area network (WAN) modem that is linked to an existing local area network (LAN) system wherein the alarm interface module has a first LAN port coupled to the LAN system, a second LAN port coupled to an output port of an alarm control panel of the alarm monitoring system, a WAN port coupled to the WAN modem, and a programming element capable of recognizing an identifying address dynamically assigned to the alarm control panels to route data from a remote alarm server to the alarm control panel while also permitting data communications to the LAN system from the WAN modem that are not initiated from the remote alarm server. The security system interface module of the present invention can be used with any security alarm panels, sensors, video devices, etc.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device allows a customer to handle an item of merchandise to which the device is connected. The device is configured to protect items of merchandise having first and second pieces each of which are sufficiently valuable to warrant such protection. The device includes a base mountable on a support structure, an audible alarm, first and second connectors which attach respectively to the first and second pieces of the item of merchandise, lanyards for connecting the base to the first and second connectors and a removal sensor for sensing removal of one or both of connectors from the first and second pieces of the item of merchandise so that the alarm is activated when the connector or connectors are removed from the item of merchandise. The lanyards provide electrical communication between the alarm and the connectors, which may include plunger switches which serve as removal sensors.

Abstract: A pin tumbler lock of a first embodiment includes a shell containing top pins; and a plug, rotatable within the shell, containing standard bottom pins, and a shorter bottom pin, set back from the face of the plug. A tubular key has bitings corresponding to the standard bottom pins, and a projection corresponding to the short bottom pin. When the key is inserted, the bitings and the projection press all the bottom pins to the shear line. In a second embodiment, a lock includes a shell containing top pins and a depression; and a plug, rotatable within the shell, containing bottom pins. The depression is configured and dimensioned to receive one of the bottom pins. The depression may be opposite one of the bottom pins, and there may be one more bottom pin than top pins. When the key is inserted, the bottom pins are moved to the shear line.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for a acquiring, manipulating, and monitoring data associated with one or more assisted living facilities. The invention includes utilizing one or more monitoring devices to gather data regarding at least one assisted living facility. The data is then transmitted across a network and saved in a database. An enterprise management application then operates on the data to manipulate and display the data according to parameters and instructions specified by one or more users. The data may be used by the one or more users to monitor and manage the one or more assisted living facilities.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook for mounting on a display structure includes a one-piece elongated U-shaped rigid member having a pair of spaced parallel rods and a connecting base. A sleeve is secured to the base and telescopically receives a shaft therethrough forming a pivot. A pair of lugs are fixed to outer ends of the shaft and have L-shaped ends which extend through openings in the display structure. Downward movement of the base along the support structure while the rods remain in a horizontal position pivotally move the lugs through and behind the support structure to a securely mounted position on the support structure eliminating the need for any upward angled movement of the display hook to install the hook, enabling the hook to be installed in a confined area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards apparatuses and methods for securing a location. Particularly, the present invention is directed towards methods, apparatuses, and integrated systems for the screening of individual passengers and their corresponding carry-on baggage carts with improved throughput, efficiency, and quality. In addition, the current invention is directed towards a carry-on baggage cart specifically designed for the disclosed integrated carry-on baggage cart and passenger screening system of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scanning process having microwave arrays comprised of microwave transmitters in radiographic alignment with microwave receivers. The microwave array emits controllably directed microwave radiation toward an object under inspection. The object under inspection absorbs radiation in a manner dependent upon its metal content. The microwave radiation absorption can be used to generate a measurement of metal content. The measurement, in turn, can be used to calculate at least a portion of the volume and shape of the object under inspection. The measurement can be compared to a plurality of predefined threats. The microwave screening system can be used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray transmission based screening, X-ray scattered based screening, or Computed Tomography based screening.

Abstract: An adapter includes a rigid plate which has a plurality of fastener elements extending from one side. The fastener elements align with fastener-receiving holes formed in a member heretofore intended to receive fasteners for mounting the member on a supporting surface. An exposed side of the plate has pressure sensitive adhesive for securing the member to a support surface eliminating the use of fasteners extending directly from the member into the support surface. Preferably, the plate fastener elements are self-clinching and are press-fitted in the plate and have threaded bores for receiving fasteners which extend through the usual mounting holes formed in the base of the member to secure the plate to the member eliminating the use of screws for attaching the member to a support surface.

Abstract: A key blank or key has a rectangular parallel metal shaped blade which has side edges formed with grooves for cooperating with a complementary shaped keyway; the sides of the blank having a portion grooved for registration, another portion grooved for top-level hierarchical master keying, and two other portions, one on each side of the blade, for further master key variations and different combinations. One of the two further sections being curvilinear and the other rectangular or angular cuts.

Abstract: A shield for use in resisting reading of radio frequency chips includes a flexible non-metallic substrate having a metallic coating. The shield may be incorporated into a book such as a passport, an envelope, a folder, or removably adhered to an article having a radio frequency chip disposed thereon.

Abstract: Alarm systems, remote communication devices, and article security methods are described according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one aspect, an article security method includes associating a remote communication device with an article to be secured; using the remote communication device, generating a plurality of electrical signals responsive to receipt of spurious electromagnetic energy and a plurality of wireless signals of a base communication device associated with the remote communication device to form an alarm system; distinguishing the electrical signals generated responsive to the spurious electromagnetic energy from electrical signals generated responsive to the wireless signals of the base communication device; and responsive to the distinguishing, generating a plurality of human perceptible alarm signals corresponding to respective ones of the electrical signals generated responsive to the wireless signals of the base communication device.

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.

Abstract: Software can be administered via an application service provider scenario. An administrator can specify configuration directives to be implemented at nodes in a network. The nodes can be organized into groups. The configuration directives can be organized into policies. The administration functions can be performed via an application service provider scenario. For example, a browser-based user interface can be used to configure nodes and indicate appropriate settings, software, or behavior for the nodes. Agent software at a node can query a data center to discover and implement the configuration directives. More than one organization can be serviced by an application service provider.

Abstract: A mechanical key and lock cylinder with mechanical bittings include an electronic access control feature, with minimal modification and without affecting or interfering with the mechanical function of the key and cylinder. A small, low-profile memory cell is embedded in a recess or later hole through the key, with one cell terminal grounded to the key and the other having a contact extension. When the key is inserted into the keyway of the cylinder plug, the ground connection is made with the cylinder and the memory cell contact extension engages a spring-loaded contact of a connector unit which extends from the cylinder plug. An insulated wire carries the conductive path out of the lock cylinder. The key remains of very low profile, and the cylinder plug is modified only by a small longitudinal bore from front to rear. Existing mechanical locks and cylinders can easily be retrofitted with the electronic access control feature.

Abstract: A display device has a base and an upper platform for removably supporting a retail product thereon. A sensor or attachment device includes an attachment surface for attaching the sensor to the product and has an internal magnet which magnetically couples with another magnet located in the platform to automatically orient the sensor and attached product to a desired display position on the base. A metal plate is mounted within the sensor between the internal magnet and attachment surface to provide magnetic shielding for magnetic sensitive components of the product attached to the sensor. A lanyard extends between the sensor and the base or a remote fixture and may contain electrical conductors for controlling a plunger actuated switch in the sensor.

Abstract: A lock mechanism is mounted on a pair of vertically spaced merchandise display rods to prevent removal of items of merchandise supported on the lower rod. The lock mechanism includes a housing having a internal lock chamber and a pair of upper and lower slots, each receiving one of the rods therethrough. The lower slot has a side opening enabling the lower rod to pass out of the housing when the housing is pivotally moved on the upper rod to an unlocked open position. A bayonet is slidably moveable in the chamber of the housing and has an elongated slot through which both of the rods extend. A locking device has a magnetically attractable locking tine which locks the housing and bayonet in a closed locked position on the pair of rods. A magnetic key moves the tine to an unlocked position enabling the housing and bayonet to move to an unlocked open position exposing the side opening of the housing lower slot for removing the housing out of engagement with the lower rod.

Abstract: A display assembly for a retail product has a base and a platform adjustably mounted on an upper end of the base. The platform includes a lower housing which is pivotally supported in a cradle attached to the upper end of the base. The platform is pivotally mounted on the cradle by a pair of pivot pins, at least one of which is threaded to secure the platform in an adjusted titled position on the cradle. A plurality of notches are formed on the platform housing and selectively engage a detent formed on the cradle to retain the platform in an adjusted position. A sensor may be removably mounted on the platform and connected to the product and to the base by an expandable cord to actuate an alarm if the product is removed in an unauthorized manner from the sensor or base.

Abstract: A device for securing a cable plug within a socket of an apparatus such as a USB plug within the USB port of a computer. A housing having an interior chamber is placed over the plug by sliding the cord through an axial slot formed in the housing, with the plug cord extending through an end opening of the housing. A retainer clip or collar having a U-shaped channel formed about an inner end periphery is slid over and along the housing and mates with a complementary shaped channel formed in the housing to lock the clip and housing together. A pair of adhesive pads are mounted on the ends of the pair of arms extending outwardly from the retaining clip for attachment to the apparatus adjacent the plug receiving socket.

Abstract: A device for securing a cable plug within a socket of an apparatus such as a USB plug within the USB port of a computer. A housing having an interior chamber is placed over the plug by sliding the cord through an axial slot formed in the housing, with the plug cord extending through an end opening of the housing. A retainer clip or collar having a U-shaped channel formed about an inner end periphery is slid over and along the housing and mates with a complementary shaped channel formed in the housing to lock the clip and housing together. A pair of adhesive pads are mounted on the ends of the pair of arms extending outwardly from the retaining clip for attachment to the apparatus adjacent the plug receiving socket.