Abstract: A deactivatable coded marker for use in article surveillance systems has a core of soft magnetic material. An electrically conductive element at least partly surrounds the core, by reason of which the marker will generate a phase-shifted harmonic signal responsive to a reference signal. A magnetizable element of high coercivity is adjacent to and overlying the electrically conductive material, the marker generating the phase-shifted harmonic signal when the high coercivity element is not magnetized but generating a non-phase-shifted harmonic signal responsive to the reference signal when the high coercivity element is magnetized, whereby the high coercivity element neutralizes the effect of the electrically conductive element when magnetized. The deactivatable marker may have a plurality of cores, a plurality of electrically conductive elements and a plurality of separately magnetizable elements, forming respective and independently activatable and deactivatable marker parts.

Abstract: Markers carried in an interrogation zone by articles to be monitored are subjected to an electromagnetic field varying in time at a fundamental frequency and respond by generating signals at harmonic frequencies of the fundamental frequency, characteristic of soft magnetic materials. The system comprises: a transmitter for the electromagnetic field signal; a receiver and processor for signals generated by the article markers; and, a clock for phase locking the transmitter, the receiver and processor with one another. Signal information corresponding to at least one even order harmonic of the fundamental frequency in the received signals is tested for, and the duration thereof is measured. Signal information corresponding to at least one odd order harmonic is tested for, and if present, the phase angle thereof is measured.

Abstract: A surveillance system is based upon generation and detection of phase shifted harmonic signals responsive to transmission of a reference signal at a fundamental frequency in a detection zone. Phase shifted harmonic signals may be generated by markers comprising a core of soft magnetic material and an electrically conductive material at least partly surrounding the core. Phase shifted harmonics are not accidentally generated by biassed ferrous alloys, the cause of most system failures.

Abstract: A microstrip antenna is incorporated in a floor mat, the latter consisting of a conductive grid laminated to a conductive sheet with a layer of dielectric material therebetween to form a capacitor. The microstrip antenna is connected to a source of microwave energy for the purpose of radiating a microwave signal through a surveillance area. A low frequency signal is applied to the capacitor section of the mat for direct capacitive coupling through the body of a pedestrian to any surveillance tag carried thereupon.

Abstract: A surveillance marker has a semiconductor connected between arms of a dipole antenna, one arm being of non-ferrous conductive material and the other of high permeability low coercivity material such as permalloy. Higher coercivity magnetizable pieces are disposed adjacent the low coercivity arm, and all is sandwiched between paper or other insulating layers. The marker is detected by a combination of RF field and low frequency magnetic field generating and receiving units that energize a master alarm only when both units simultaneously detect the marker signals. Magnetizing the higher coercivity pieces suppresses a signal that would otherwise be reradiated by the marker from the high permeability arm thereby rendering the marker undetectable.

Abstract: A continuous loop transmitting winding assembly is disposed in one panel and a vertically oriented figure eight receiving coil winding assembly is disposed in a second panel, the two panels being mounted on pivots for swinging gate type movement straddling the pathway to be controlled by a magnetic surveillance system. This arrangement confines the surveillance field to the pathway and tends to follow the passage of an object bearing a marker therealong. No marker detecting backfield is generated. Alternatively, one winding assembly is moveable while the other is stationary thereby similarly confining the field.Special winding configurations are used to reduce interference from third harmonic signals produced in adjacent metallic counters. The arrangement also imposes immunity to signals emanating from cash registers, motors and the like.Door and single gate mounted magnetic and microwave surveillance systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence within a surveillance zone of a body of high permeability material creates a surveillance field varying sinusoidally at a fundamental frequency. Parallel filter channels select the second and third harmonic components of the perturbations created by said material when present in the field and the phase of the second harmonic relative to a reference signal is compared. The signal level of each of the second and third harmonic components as well as the aforesaid phase congruency cooperatively control an alarm circuit. Rhomboid shaped transmitter coils surrounding figure "8" receiver coils improve coupling to the high permeability body.

Abstract: A continuous loop transmitting winding assembly is disposed in one panel and a vertically oriented figure eight receiving coil winding assembly is disposed in a second panel, the two panels being mounted on pivots for swinging gate type movement straddling the pathway to be controlled by a magnetic surveillance system. This arrangement confines the surveillance field to the pathway and tends to follow the passage of an object bearing a marker therealong. No marker detecting backfield is generated. Alternatively, one winding assembly is moveable while the other is stationary thereby similarly confining the field.Special winding configurations are used to reduce interference from third harmonic signals produced in adjacent metallic counters. The arrangement also imposes immunity to signals emanating from cash registers, motors and the like.Door and single gate mounted magnetic and microwave surveillance systems are also disclosed.