Abstract: A tracking system and method provide updated location and status information of a vending machine even after the vending machine is moved from its installed location. This allows law enforcement to use the updated location information to locate and recover the vending machine and the assets contained therein during a theft or in other security breach situations. A method also provides for automatically assigning the vending machine to an installation location using the location and status information from the vending machine.

Abstract: A flexible security device for tracking and location. The device comprises a flexible housing having a hollow medial region. A location tracking assembly is contained, at least in part, within the hollow region. The location tracking assembly comprises a plurality of modules, including a wireless communications antenna module, a wireless communications electronics module, a global positioning system antenna module, a global positioning system electronics module, and a power module. A plurality of interconnects are configured among the plurality of modules, with one or more of the interconnects having sufficient flexibility to permit relative movement of at least one module relative to an adjacent interconnected module.

Abstract: A flexible security device for tracking and location. The device comprises a flexible housing having a hollow medial region. A location tracking assembly is contained, at least in part, within the hollow region. The location tracking assembly comprises a plurality of modules, including a wireless communications antenna module, a wireless communications electronics module, a global positioning system antenna module, a global positioning system electronics module, and a power module. A plurality of interconnects are configured among the plurality of modules, with one or more of the interconnects having sufficient flexibility to permit relative movement of at least one module relative to an adjacent interconnected module.

Abstract: An enclosure for shipping an article capable of releasing a combination of gas and particulates. The enclosure comprises a material of construction, such as spun bold polyolefin, adapted to allow escape of the gas from the enclosure while retaining the particulates. The enclosure, which is sized to contain the article, has no breaches capable of allowing escape of the particulates, except for an opening at the top end. The opening is adapted to be sealed in a closed configuration, which may comprise one or more pinch lines, that prevents escape of the particulates. In one embodiment the enclosure may be in the form of an envelope having adhesive on a front face and a back face thereof to facilitate securing the top of the envelope after folding along a plurality of pinch lines. The enclosure may be particularly useful in a method for shipping a currency anti-theft device.

Abstract: A security system for use in an enclosure which may be an ATM. The security system includes a first electronic module housed within the enclosure and at least one removable container for storing valuables. A second electronic module is housed within the removable container. The modules communicate with each other wirelessly within the enclosure. The first module includes one or more inputs for receiving an output of at least one sensor for sensing an activity predetermined to indicate a security threat, a first logic circuit in communication with the inputs, and a first wireless communication device connected to the logic circuit. The second electronic module includes a second wireless communication device; a second logic circuit connected to the second communication device; and at least one output for sending an activation signal to a theft deterrent device in response to a pre-programmed sequence of events, including at least one communication from the first module.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for preventing applying a reverse polarity voltage to an electronic circuit from a coin cell used to power such circuit by providing a first insulating wafer over the top conductive surface of a coin cell and a second insulating wafer over the bottom conductive surface of the cell. The first wafer has a central opening and the second wafer is designed to cover the portion of the bottom conductive surface corresponding to the opening of the first wafer so that when the two wafers of the protection system are placed over the coin cell with the first wafer and the insulating area positioned on the top and bottom conductive surfaces respectively, the insulating area extends fully under the first opening.

Abstract: A wake-up circuit and associated method for use in an alarm system hidden in a currency resembling security pack. The alarm system includes an alarm device and an electronic alarm activation circuit that actuates the alarm device upon receipt of an alarm actuation signal. The wake up circuit includes a flexure sensor used to detect flexure of the security pack and upon sensing such flexure to switch the electronic alarm activation circuit from a first, dormant state to a second, active state.

Abstract: A security system for use in apparatus comprising a cabinet having least one removable container for storing valuables within the cabinet, the security system comprising a first electronic module housed within the cabinet and a second electronic module housed within the removable container. The first module comprises one or more inputs for receiving an output of at least one sensor for sensing activity predetermined to indicate a security threat, a first logic circuit in communication with said one or more inputs, and a first wireless communication device connected to said logic circuit. The second electronic module comprises a second wireless communication device; a second logic circuit connected to said second wireless communication device; and at least one output for sending an activation signal to a theft deterrent device in response to a pre-programmed sequence of events, including at least one communication from the first controller.

Abstract: A wake-up circuit and associated method for use in an alarm system hidden in a currency resembling security pack. The alarm system includes an alarm device and an electronic alarm activation circuit that actuates the alarm device upon receipt of an alarm actuation signal. The wake up circuit includes a flexure sensor used to detect flexure of the security pack and upon sensing such flexure to switch the electronic alarm activation circuit from a first, dormant state to a second, active state.

Abstract: An enclosure for shipping an article capable of releasing a combination of gas and particulates. The enclosure comprises a material of construction, such as spun bold polyolefin, adapted to allow escape of the gas from the enclosure while retaining the particulates. The enclosure, which is sized to contain the article, has no breaches capable of allowing escape of the particulates, except for an opening at the top end. The opening is adapted to be sealed in a closed configuration, which may comprise one or more pinch lines, that prevents escape of the particulates. In one embodiment the enclosure may be in the form of an envelope having adhesive on a front face and a back face thereof to facilitate securing the top of the envelope after folding along a plurality of pinch lines. The enclosure may be particularly useful in a method for shipping a currency anti-theft device.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for preventing applying a reverse polarity voltage to an electronic circuit from a coin cell used to power such circuit by providing a first insulating wafer over the top conductive surface of a coin cell and a second insulating wafer over the bottom conductive surface of the cell. The first wafer has a central opening and the second wafer is designed to cover the portion of the bottom conductive surface corresponding to the opening of the first wafer so that when the two wafers of the protection system are placed over the coin cell with the first wafer and the insulating area positioned on the top and bottom conductive surfaces respectively, the insulating area extends fully under the first opening.