Abstract: A universal lattice assembly for use in a magnetic type electronic article surveillance system is disclosed which comprises a frame formed of two identical molded plastic half-shells, a metal chassis within which specific electronic sub-assemblies may be positioned and a coil assembly including a drive coil and a sense coil. The housing is adapted to enclose and to interlock and index the chassis, while also rigidly anchoring the coil assembly within an extensive cavity to prevent unwanted movement of the coil. A null adjustment mechanism within the frame enables a slight precise displacement of a coil to enble nulling of the two coils with respect to each other. Upon insertion of the coil assembly and chassis within the half-shells, the two are permanently pinned and bonded together to form an exceptionally rigid and durable composite lattice.

Abstract: A multi-sectional raceway is used in combination with a pair of interconnected panels of a detection system. The panels are attached to the ends of a pair of support beams, and electrical wiring runs between the panels. The raceway runs between the panels, and is comprised of two ramp sections and a platform section interlocked to provide ease of assembly and flexibility. The sections are flexibly interconnected by pressure engageable male members depending from the lower surface of the platform section at opposite ends with generally U-shaped female members located on the leg portions extending from the raised abutting end of each ramp section. The raceway also includes at least one generally E-shaped girder structure running underneath the entire width of the platform section to define at least one passageway for the protection of electrical wiring running therealong.

Abstract: Operation of similar electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems in proximity to each other may result in false alarms or system "shut-downs" as a result of signals transmitted from one system being detected in the receiver circuits of the other systems. This may especially occur with EAS systems in which the receivers are only activated during quiescent intervals between transmitted bursts, such that if the systems are unsychronized, the transmitted bursts of the one system may occur during the quiescent intervals of the other system. In the present invention, synchronization is effected by responding to RF detected during the quiescent intervals and preventing the transmitted bursts from occurring during the quiescent intervals of the other system.