Abstract: A mechanism for detecting the position of a carriage moveable along a track. The mechanism includes a wheel fixed to the carriage which rotates as the carriage moves along the track. A mark is disposed on a portion of the wheel. A detector is fixed to the carriage for sensing the mark as the wheel rotates and outputs a signal in response. A carriage processor receives the signal and determines the position of the carriage along the track.

Abstract: A mechanism for detecting the position of a carriage moveable along a track. The mechanism includes a wheel fixed to the carriage which rotates as the carriage moves along the track. A mark is disposed on a portion of the wheel. A detector is fixed to the carriage for sensing the mark as the wheel rotates and outputs a signal in response. A carriage processor receives the signal and determines the position of the carriage along the track.

Abstract: A mechanism for detecting the position of a carriage moveable along a track. The mechanism includes a wheel fixed to the carriage which rotates as the carriage moves along the track. A mark is disposed on a portion of the wheel. A detector is fixed to the carriage for sensing the mark as the wheel rotates and outputs a signal in response. A carriage processor receives the signal and determines the position of the carriage along the track.

Abstract: A moving electrical contact for connecting a track-mounted moveable carriage to a signal rail. The moving electrical contact comprises a spring plate secured to the moveable carriage on one end and a contact pad attached to the other end of the spring plate. The contact pad is biased against the signal rail by the tension in the spring plate. The contact pad is constructed from approximately sixteen layers of a wire mesh consisting of tin coated, stainless steel conductive wire knitted in a tricot pattern and may include conducting jelly.

Abstract: A method for confirming the authenticity of an article including placing a semi hard piece of material on an article then printing a magnetic pattern on the semi hard piece of material. In order to view the pattern, a viewer containing a suspension of materials will be placed over the semi hard piece of material. The suspension of materials will then orient in the presence of a magnetic field adjacent to the magnetic material.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards and integrated circuit assemblies have security markers formed thereon by deposition techniques or affixed thereto, either directly or by prior encasement of the markers in a resin prior to such affixation.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance system capable of reliable operation at high frequencies such as about 8 MHz, has an arrangement of transmitter and receiver antennas each lying in a flat, horizontal plane in substantial alignment with each other, with the receiver antenna positioned at the floor of a passageway at an interrogation zone and the transmitter antenna positioned overhead. Each antenna takes the form of a pair of parallel-connected, coplanar loops with the transmitter-connected loops being positioned such that electrical current flows around each loop in parallel in the same direction (a ++ configuration) and in the receiver antenna electrical current flows around each loop in parallel in mutually opposite directions (a +- configuration). The antennas are approximately of the same size and overall configuration, and they are positioned in substantial alignment so that the currents induced in the receiver antenna by the field from the transmitter antenna will effectively cancel.

Abstract: A fastener and fastener assembly characterized by a pin with an expansive molded plastic head of concave configuration and a frangible membrane sealed to the head to enclose a hollow space for containing an undesirable fluid such as a dye, so that when prying forces are applied to bend the head, the membrane is stressed and shatters to release the dye.