Abstract: An EAS system employs multiple antennas which are in separate electrical circuits and do not overlap to avoid magnetic coupling. Each antenna is paired with each other antenna. The controls for the system employ multi-function amplifier filters (MAF) to perform a difference operation on the signals in each pair. The results are converted from analog to digital and directed to a digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP adjusts digital potentiometers to minimize the differences at the MAFs. The controls then operate at least one antenna to pulse generate an interrogation field. The controls monitor the antenna signals for additional signal at the MAFs. The DSP performs pattern recognition on additional signals at the MAFs to distinguish types of EAS tags.

Abstract: An anti-theft device monitors bottles. It is comprised of a two components hingably connected together. They can move from an open position to a closed position to enclose the neck of a bottle. One component has a first latch element and contains electronics including switches. The other component has a second latch element. The latch elements combine to hold the two components in the closed position. When the two components are moved to the closed position, and a bottle is in position, the bottle contacts elements which in turn change the states of associated switches. One of these elements also functions to retain the bottle on the tag. The anti-theft device may be armed or disarmed by remote devices. The latching elements may be releasably lockable such as by a magnet. The anti-theft device may have passcode protection capabilities.

Abstract: Active tags are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an active tag is made similar to a shell in shape. The tag includes two parts, one is referred to as a cover and the other one is referred to as a base. The base includes a trigger tip (e.g., a reset switch) that is engaged when the two parts are closed. In an exemplary application, the needle of the cover part goes through a piece of garment and is engaged into the cover. These two parts can be disengaged by a detacher that is typically controlled by a casher (e.g., at point of sale). One of the important features in the present invention is that the tag is active, which means the shell tag will set off an alarming audio if disengaged improperly or without authorization.

Abstract: An antenna system for an electronic article surveillance system, comprising: a first antenna and a second antenna, the first antenna and the second antenna mounted for use in a substantially overlapping manner, the first antenna configured as a loop, the second antenna configured in a “figure-8”; a control circuit for selectively activating one of the first and second antennas. The first and second antennas each operate as a transmit and receive antenna. The control circuit further comprises a switch to selectively enable operation of one of the antennas when the other is open circuit. One of the antennas transmits and receives while the other is open circuit, and vice versa. The loop antenna substantially detects markers oriented substantially perpendicular to an elongated axis when entering into a surveillance area. The “figure-8” antenna substantially detects markers oriented substantially parallel to an elongated axis when entering into a surveillance area.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system and method of reducing noise interference in a way that employs pseudorandom coding. A transmitter and receiver are provided to send and receive a string of non-periodic pulses. The string of non-periodic pulses can be a sequence of pseudorandom codes. The random transmission of pulses in a non-periodic manner promotes a significant immunity to periodic interferences of constant noise operating in a surveillance area. The string of non-periodic pulses can be mutually spaced and binary, in the form of 0 or 1, and can include several bits per cycle to measure the mean and standard deviation of the string of non-periodic pulses received. A circuit is coupled to the transmitter and receiver for comparing the portion of the string of non-periodic pulses received with the string of non-periodic pulses transmitted; and whereby an alarm in triggered if the portion of the string of non-periodic pulses is above a threshold value.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system and method of reducing noise interference in a way that employs pseudorandom coding. A transmitter and receiver are provided to send and receive a string of non-periodic pulses. The string of non-periodic pulses can be a sequence of pseudorandom codes. The random transmission of pulses in a non-periodic manner promotes a significant immunity to periodic interferences of constant noise operating in a surveillance area. The string of non-periodic pulses can be mutually spaced and binary, in the form of 0 or 1, and can include several bits per cycle to measure the mean and standard deviation of the string of non-periodic pulses received. A circuit is coupled to the transmitter and receiver for comparing the portion of the string of non-periodic pulses received with the string of non-periodic pulses transmitted; and whereby an alarm in triggered if the portion of the string of non-periodic pulses is above a threshold value.

Abstract: An antenna system for an electronic article surveillance system, comprising: a first antenna and a second antenna, the first antenna and the second antenna mounted for use in a substantially overlapping manner, the first antenna configured as a loop, the second antenna configured in a “figure-8”; a control circuit for selectively activating one of the first and second antennas. The first and second antennas each operate as a transmit and receive antenna. The control circuit further comprises a switch to selectively enable operation of one of the antennas when the other is open circuit. One of the antennas transmits and receives while the other is open circuit, and vice versa. The loop antenna substantially detects markers oriented substantially perpendicular to an elongated axis when entering into a surveillance area. The “figure-8” antenna substantially detects markers oriented substantially parallel to an elongated axis when entering into a surveillance area.