Patents by Inventor Lee H. Eckert
Lee H. Eckert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20200399933Abstract: A security device for a retail item or packaging has housing that retains a gear that is operably connected to a pawl with two arms. One arm of the pawl is operably engaged by the gear. The other arm of the pawl is operably engaged with an unlocking key within the housing. The unlocking key is operably controlled by an unlocking tool by inserting a portion of the unlocking tool into a complementary portion of the unlocking key through a keyway formed in the housing. The unlocking key may have a magnet or components that are attracted to a magnet that enable the unlocking key to disengage a slot formed in the housing to allow the unlocking key to rotate to move the pawl. The housing may additionally be formed with a channel that allows a plurality of similarly constructed security devices to be tethered or daisy-chained together.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Jasen P. Biggins, Lee H. Eckert, Robert E. Ekle, JR., Joel A. Jenkins
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Publication number: 20160239794Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment. In one aspect, the invention can be a system comprising: a monitoring device configured for attachment to the article, the monitoring device including a display configured to display a price of the article; a server; and a router configured to maintain a wireless communications connection between the monitoring device and the server; wherein the monitoring device is configured to: receive a communication including a price change message; and modify a stored price in response to receiving the price change message.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Gary Mark SHAFER, Michael MERCIER, Lee H. ECKERT, James Gordon WYATT
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Patent number: 9171439Abstract: A security apparatus and method for protecting merchandise items is presented. In the preferred embodiment, a merchandise security device includes a housing with an access door that has an open position and a closed position, a primary power source, a secondary power source and alarm system. The alarm system determines when a voltage of the primary power source drops below a threshold value. When the voltage drops below the threshold value, the alarm system switches to the secondary power source for its power. When the alarm system is in a standby mode, it will not generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source. However, when the alarm system has not been placed into a standby mode, the alarm system will generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source and the access door is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence R. Yeager, Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
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Publication number: 20150287299Abstract: Anti-theft device and a method of operating and using the device are provided. The security device may include a housing and a disposable tamper strip which is configured to attach to a merchandise item or other article. The tamper strip may include a conductor such that when the conductor is severed, an alarm is sounded. The tamper strip may include tear points which encourage the conductor to be torn, such as when a potential thief attempts to remove the device from the merchandise item or other article.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Lee H. Eckert, David P. Christianson, Adam Mark Will, Matthew R. Shute, William J. Kozlowski
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Publication number: 20140351098Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment. In one aspect, the invention can be a system comprising: a monitoring device configured for attachment to the article, the monitoring device including a display configured to display a price of the article; a server; and a router configured to maintain a wireless communications connection between the monitoring device and the server; wherein the monitoring device is configured to: receive a communication including a price change message; and modify a stored price in response to receiving the price change message.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Gary Mark SHAFER, Michael MERCIER, Lee H. ECKERT, James Gordon WYATT
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Patent number: 8452868Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Michael Mercier, Lee H. Eckert, James Gordon Wyatt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130098122Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft of the article has a housing containing an alarm system including. A cable has one end attached to the housing and a second end attached to a plug which is selectively inserted into and locked to the housing. The cable formed with an outer braided jacket that is difficult to cut and includes a conductor electrically connected to the alarm system when in the locked position. The audible alarm is activated if the integrity of the cable is compromised. An EAS tag located in the housing will actuate an alarm at a security gate and can actuate the audible alarm of the security device when the device is in proximity to a security gate. A magnetically attractable lock mechanism releasably secures the cable plug in the locked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Lee H. Eckert, Matthew R. Shute, David P. Christianson
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Patent number: 8378826Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and other means for providing a key device that may be used with a monitoring system are discussed herein. The key device may be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, silence an alarm, commission a tag, decommission a tag, unlock a tag from an item, among other things. The key device may include rules that permit particular functionality based on, for example, time and/or location.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mercier, James Gordon Wyatt, Jr., Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
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Patent number: 8373564Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to complete an electrical path to close an electrical circuit which turns the device on. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. The carrier remains on the purchased merchandise for subsequent disposal after removal of the alarm tag from the carrier by the use of a magnetic key to unlock a locking mechanism which engages the pin.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: James G. Wyatt, Jr., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
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Publication number: 20130009770Abstract: A security apparatus and method for protecting merchandise items is presented. In the preferred embodiment, a merchandise security device includes a housing with an access door that has an open position and a closed position, a primary power source, a secondary power source and alarm system. The alarm system determines when a voltage of the primary power source drops below a threshold value. When the voltage drops below the threshold value, the alarm system switches to the secondary power source for its power. When the alarm system is in a standby mode, it will not generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source. However, when the alarm system has not been placed into a standby mode, the alarm system will generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source and the access door is in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Lawrence R. Yeager, Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
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Patent number: 8344884Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
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Patent number: 8284062Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to provide an electrical path between the contacts to close a first electrical circuit which turns the device on. A flexibly mounted projection on the carrier depresses a plunger switch to arm the device when the carrier is attached to an item of merchandise. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. Security gate alarms also sound if the tag moves through the gate or within a predetermined distance thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: James G. Wyatt, Jr., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
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Publication number: 20120098665Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to complete an electrical path to close an electrical circuit which turns the device on. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. The carrier remains on the purchased merchandise for subsequent disposal after removal of the alarm tag from the carrier by the use of a magnetic key to unlock a locking mechanism which engages the pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: James G. Wyatt, JR., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
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Publication number: 20120001756Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
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Publication number: 20110234405Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to provide an electrical path between the contacts to close a first electrical circuit which turns the device on. A flexibly mounted projection on the carrier depresses a plunger switch to arm the device when the carrier is attached to an item of merchandise. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. Security gate alarms also sound if the tag moves through the gate or within a predetermined distance thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: James G. Wyatt, JR., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
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Patent number: 7994911Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
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Patent number: 7961100Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to provide an electrical path between the contacts to close a first electrical circuit which turns the device on. A flexibly mounted projection on the carrier depresses a plunger switch to arm the device. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. The carrier can remain on the purchased merchandise for subsequent disposal.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: James G. Wyatt, Jr., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
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Publication number: 20110084840Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and other means for providing a key device that may be used with a monitoring system are discussed herein. The key device may be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, silence an alarm, commission a tag, decommission a tag, unlock a tag from an item, among other things. The key device may include rules that permit particular functionality based on, for example, time and/or location.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Michael Mercier, James Gordon Wyatt, JR., Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
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Publication number: 20110074580Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
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Patent number: D678794Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lee H. Eckert, Brian Vincent Conti, Gary Mark Shafer, Brian Wiese, David P. Christianson