Abstract: Several embodiments of a wire cable seal are shown. They use a cylindrical body having a passage intersected by two or three slots. Each slot receives a disk rolling in the slot. The slot tapers to pinch the cable in the passage with the disk. Each disk is separately spring loaded to protrude and pinch the cable. The multiple disks are located at different heights and different angles.

Abstract: A cable lock comprising a housing having two longitudinal channels extending therethrough, a pocket at one end, and a cable having one end permanently locked within one channel. There is a spring disposed within the other channel, a cap disposed in the pocket to retain the spring and a gripping mechanism slidably disposed within the second channel adjacent the spring. The second channel is tapered toward the end nearest the gripping mechanism. The gripping mechanism is a substantially rectangular device having a plurality of gripping teeth arranged in two rows along its top edge to form a plurality of opposing tooth pairs. The gripping mechanism is also tapered to conform to the tapered channel in which it is disposed. There is a longitudinal concave channel for receiving the other end of the cable disposed on the top surface of the gripping mechanism between each pair of teeth and an angled front surface for leading the other end of cable into longitudinal concave channel.

Abstract: An anti-shoplifting seal is constituted by a rigid body provided with a flexible and/or elastic cord, the cord being provided at the end thereof with a spike. The spike after going through an opening formed in the product to be marked is inserted in a non-removable manner within the body. The seal comprises two half-bearings placed one in front of the other and joined one to the other in a manner to form an internal cavity within which there is placed a plate of a ferromagnetic material or any other material sensitive to apparatuses marking magnetic fields, radio frequency signals and other similar sources well known at the present state of technology.

Abstract: A lever and latch assembly for a split ring for securing a cover on a drum includes a bar on the lever for disposition in a pocket of latch with a snap action. An enlarged finger engaging flange on the latch facilitates movement to a latched position and an unlatched position with a suitable tool. The assembly is designed to accommodate domestic and international seals for security purposes.

Abstract: The lockable tamper-evident device is suitable for securing a closure member in its closed position to an article. The device comprises a pair of arms (1,1') which are movable between an open position in which the arms (1,1') are engagable with an article and/or a closure member, and a locked-closed position in which disengagement of the arms from the article and/or the closure member is prevented by engagement of a cooperable locking means.Preferably, the arms (1,1') are engagable with a projection 7,7' extending either from the article and through an opening in the closure member or from the closure member and through an opening in the article.Preferably, the cooperable locking means (8,10,11,12) is carried by the arms (1,1'), activation of the locking means (8,10,11,12) being brought about by movement of the arms (1,1') to the locked-closed position. In the locked-closed position removal of the closure member is prevented by engagement of the arms (1,1') with the article and/or the closure member.

Abstract: An improved cargo seal structured to securely close a container having at least one door, the cargo seal including a lock assembly, having at least one lock aperture defined therein and being structured to secure the door in a closed orientation, and an elongate segment of substantially strong, generally flexible material. The elongate segment is structured to extend through the lock aperture of the lock assembly so as to restrict movement and/or actuation of the lock assembly. A pair of lock segments are further provided and are correspondingly disposed at a first end and a second end of the elongate segment, at least one of the lock segments being structured to be securely coupled with at least one mating segment at one end of the elongate segment. Each of the lock segments has an increased diameter relative to a diameter of the elongate segment so as to prevent removal of the elongate segment from the lock aperture by passage over the ends of the elongate segment.

Abstract: A material-economizing, tamper-evident seal is disclosed having dual, non-contiguous, symmetrically placed, reusable catches and a tear-off identification tag. Should seal replacement become necessary, the seal's identification tag is first torn off, and then the remainder of the seal is passed through one of the catches. A replacement seal with its own identification tag may then be engaged with both of the catches. The invention's preferred embodiment allows easy rotation of the identification tag, thus facilitating inspection of the tag's identifying mark, typically a serial number. The tag's tear-off feature is effected by the presence of an abscission bead, which may take one of several forms, as, for example, a row of perforations. Whereas some of the invention's components are preferably molded out of a resilient and relatively weak, thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, other components may with advantage be molded out of a much-stronger material, such as polycarbonate, instead.

Abstract: A safety sealing device includes a support. An electronic safety circuit is glued to one face of the support. The electronic safety circuit includes a winding of fine wire connected to an electronic component. The electronic component is activated and interrogated by outside checking means via the winding, which acts as an antenna. The electronic component may be coded so that it responds to the interrogation with its code. The safety sealing device may further comprise differentiated gluing means. When attempting to tamper with the support to which the safety circuit has been glued in order to unseal a receiving article, the attempt at ungluing or a tearing causes a break in the continuity of the electronic circuit. As a result, the electronic component no longer responds to an interrogation with its code, thus assuredly indicating that the safety sealing device has been tampered with.

Abstract: A variably-sized strap lock includes a strap and a lock body. The strap consists of a free end portion, a hinge portion and a lock portion. A variably-sized loop is formed by inserting the strap into the lock body and pulling the strap through the lock body to remove excess slack. The lock body engages either a series of teeth or a pair of chain-like members located on the strap and prevents withdrawal without disengagement by the user. A pair of hinges or the pair of chain-like members of the strap allow the hinge portion of the strap to lie flush against the lock body portion of the strap thus allowing the strap lock to be tightly secured onto an object to prevent rattling or inadvertent disengagement.

Abstract: A security device comprises a cable whose ends are engageable within a plunger. The cable is threaded around a door handle or other item to be secured and then, with the cable ends engaged therein, the plunger is slid within a housing for retention by a locking slide. Retraction of the plunger into the housing moves a slide upwardly. This movement causes a pivotally mounted striker to be flipped from one end position to another by an over-centre spring arrangement. In moving, the striker strikes a number of wheels each carrying a sequence of numbers. The wheels are rotated and a random number is displayed. If, subsequently, the plunger is released to release the cable, the wheels are struck again by the striker whereby the displayed number is changed. The number is changed again if the plunger is repositioned. The chance of the same number being randomly generated is insignificant. Thus, any opening and closing of the security device is immediately apparent because of the change in the number displayed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic housing has a chamber open at one end and a bottom wall at the other end. A thermoplastic rotor is locked axially in the chamber by a snap fitting ridge and groove. A one or more bores are in the housing bottom wall in communication with the chamber. The rotor has a central boss with one or more bores aligned with the housing bores in an initial position of the rotor and includes an outer ring with axially depending radially flexible pawls which engage housing ratchet teeth in the chamber. The pawls and teeth rotationally lock the rotor relative to the housing in one direction while seal filament segments inserted in the aligned bores are twisted about each other or about a post in the cavity. The rotor is rotated relative to the housing manually by finger gripped-flanges attached to the rotor and to the housing. The rotor ring and boss are spaced by a weakening groove which causes the boss to permanently separate from the ring when the filament is pulled in an attempt to defeat the seal.

Abstract: A compressed gas cylinder safety cap and valve seal retainer comprising a cap having a floor, a wall and a stem, the wall extending perpendicularly from and circumferentially around the floor, the stem extending perpendicularly from the floor at the central axis of the floor; a second strap connected at its proximal end to the cap, the second strap having a pair of bendable areas, a tear tab and perforations, a second strap angled portion attached at its proximal end to the second strap and at its distal end to a clasp tab, the clasp tab having a double ridged portion extending perpendicularly away from the clasp tab, the double ridged portion having a first set of ridges and a second set of ridges offset from the first set of ridges; a first strap, the first strap being connected at its proximal end to the cap, the first strap having at its distal end a clasp receptacle, the clasp receptacle having a hollow interior, the hollow interior having mounted therein on an interior surface a series of ridges and on

Abstract: A thermoplastic housing has a chamber open at one end and a thermoplastic rotor is locked axially in the chamber by snap fit ridges and grooves. Two pairs of bores on opposite sides; of the chamber are aligned, with one pair connected by a transverse slot. The rotor has two bores aligned with the housing bores and includes flexible pawl teeth which engage ratchet teeth in the chamber. The teeth rotationally lock the rotor relative to the housing in one direction while a seal filament inserted in the bores is wrapped about the rotor as the rotor is rotated in the other direction. The slot permits the filament to be fixed to the rotor when the rotor is rotated 180.degree. causing the filament to traverse the slot and permit the remaining adjacent bores in the same plane as the fixed filament to be aligned and free to receive the filament free end.

Abstract: A substantially conventional case for a CD is secured by a security tag. The security tag is formed from sheet material having an adhesive surface which is secured to both the lid and the base of the case to retain the case closed and to secure the CD therein. A security device is secured to the adhesive security tag. This security device is an article surveillance device detectible by detectors provided in gangway structures at the exits of retail outlets.

Abstract: A rigid base interconnects a pair of spaced legs, one of the legs being resiliently hinged to the base. A locking socket with a cavity is secured to an end of one of the legs distal the base and a locking stud is secured to the end of the other leg distal the base, the stud for manual resilient insertion into the socket cavity. The stud is rectangular having a wide transverse dimension and includes a locking tip with at least one barb which extends along the width. A U-shaped spring steel female locking member is secured in the socket cavity and has at least one locking tang to engage the at least one barb. The U-shaped member comprises any one of a plurality of different tang arrangements each for engagement with the same given barb configuration and are randomly assembled to the sockets of different seals.

Abstract: A security device comprises a cable whose ends are engageable within a plunger. The cable is threaded around a door handle or other item to be secured and then, with the cable ends engaged therein, the plunger is slid within a housing for retention by a locking slide. Retraction of the plunger into the housing moves a slide upwardly. This movement causes a pivotally mounted striker to be flipped from one end position to another by an over-center spring arrangement. In moving, the striker strikes a number of wheels each carrying a sequence of numbers. The wheels are rotated and a random number is displayed. If, subsequently, the plunger is released to release the cable, the wheels are struck again by the striker whereby the displayed number is changed. The number is changed again if the plunger is repositioned. The chance of the same number being randomly generated is insignificant. Thus, any opening and closing of the security device is immediately apparent because of the change in the number displayed.

Abstract: An improved cargo seal structured to securely close a container having at least one door, the cargo seal including a lock assembly, including at least one lock aperture, that secures the door in a closed orientation, and an elongate segment of substantially strong, generally flexible material. The elongate segment is structured to extend through the lock aperture of the lock assembly so as to restrict movement and/or actuation of the lock assembly, and is sufficiently elongate to extend across the doors and thereby prevent opening thereof. A pair of lock segments are further provided and are correspondingly disposed at a first end and a second end of the elongate segment, at least one of the lock segments being structured to be securely coupled with at least one mating segment at the first end of the elongate segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a theft-deterrent device which is intended to be attached to and locked on theft-attractive goods (10) and which is constructed to coact with a device release means (8) for release of the device from said goods. The theft-deterrent device includes a first unit (2) which comprises a base element (3) and a connecting element (4) which projects out from the base element and which is intended for insertion through the goods (10), and a second unit in the form of a locking element (6) which is intended to be placed on the connecting element (4) and locked to said element against movement in a direction away from the base element (3) so as to secure the device firmly to said goods (10). The locking element (6) is constructed for release from the connecting element (5) by the action of a gasflow delivered to the locking element (6). The invention also relates to a locking element (6) for a theft-deterrent device, and to a theft-deterrent device release means (8).

Abstract: A tamper-evident ring is made from a split ring made of a strong resilient material and terminated by male and female fittings. The two fittings can be connected to form a continuous ring of the type that allows keys to slide entirely around the ring. One of the two fittings is breakable to prevent the ring from being reclosed and to provide a visual indication that the ring has been reopened.

Abstract: A tamper evident, cargo container door lock structured to be used on a cargo container of the type having a pair of doors secured in a closed orientation by a closure assembly of the type including a lock rod and an actuation handle connected to the lock rod to facilitate pivotal movement of the lock rod and permit slided movement thereof to release the door from the closed orientation, the door lock including a primary shroud assembly formed of a substantially strong, cut resistant metal and structured to cover and shield from external access a connection joint between the actuation handle and the lock rod of the closure assembly, thereby preventing access to the connection joint without cutting or removing the primary shroud assembly.

Abstract: Integral one piece molded thermoplastic male and female housing segments are interconnected by a bridge member via living hinges, The female segment has a sheet metal insert with a locking aperture. A wire or other member is inserted in passages in the two segments in an unfolded position forming a loop whose ends are passed through the passages. An edge of the insert is adjacent to the passages in the female segment. The male housing segment has a locking stud extending therefrom and engaged with the insert locking aperture locking the male segment in a recess in the female housing segment. The bridge member encloses a housing end and the passages at that end. The folded over segments cause the wire to bend sharply in a 180.degree. bend about the insert edge. The edge digs into the wire upon withdrawal of the wire from the passages, severing the wire. Different embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A locking device prevents a rod for closing a door of a container or truck from being rotated in an unlocking direction so as to keep the container doors locked, even if a control handle of the rod should be cut. The rod has is provided near the surface of the door so as to be rotatable about its axis into and out of engagement with door closing members fixed on the container body. The locking device has a first locking member mounted on the control handle at a base portion thereof, a second locking member mounted at a position opposite to the first locking member across the control handle, and a fixing member for inseparably fixing the second locking member to the first locking member. The second locking member prevents the rotation of the rod in the unlocking direction by abutting the surface of the door when the second locking member and the first locking member are inseparably coupled together around the control handle.

Abstract: A tamper resistant seal and a method of sealing an object using the tamper resistant seal are disclosed. The seal includes a receptacle and an insert adapted to be received in the receptacle. A tamper indicating wire is partially embedded in the insert and protrudes from an end of the insert. When the seal is assembled the insert is received in the receptacle and the wire extends along channels formed in opposite faces of the insert. If the wire is severed or removed from the channels by a tamperer attempting to break the seal, the structure of the channels prevents the wire from being repositioned therein to give a false indication of non-tampering. In addition, the receptacle is transparent to enable the wire to be visually examined to determine whether tampering has occurred.

Abstract: A tape seal for containers is provided. The tape seal comprises a strap mountable to locking bars of a shipping container, a tensioning device connected to the strap for applying tension to the straps after the straps are mounted to the locking bars, and an indicator affixed to the strap. The indicator has a first indicia coacting with the strap for indicating that the strap is at an initial tension and the container is secured. The indicator also has a second indicia also coacting with the strap for indicating that the strap is at a second tension less than the initial tension after the initial tension has been applied. The first indicia indicates that the strap is securely mounted to the locking bars and the second indicia indicates that the strap is not securely mounted to the locking bars thus indicating that there may have been tampering with the seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a security mechanism for electronics enclosures such as network interface units which permits access by customers and craftspersons. A bracket is mounted to the cover of the enclosure. The bracket includes two apertures, one for receiving a security screw, and the other for receiving an ordinary screw which fastens the cover to the enclosure. The bracket also includes a cavity which accommodates the shackle of a padlock so that the ordinary screw can be covered and access prevented. Craftspersons can override the padlock by loosening the security screw and moving the bracket until the padlock is removed from the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tag assembly which includes an anchor and an identification tag with human and machine readable media covered by a protective thermoplastic transparent layer of plastic including the ultimate application thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing a strapped carton against pilferage is disclosed. A security clip includes a common member having two or more foldable over and crimpable prongs extending therefrom at right angles to each other. The security clip is applied to cross straps around the carton. A hole may be provided through the clip and cross straps within which a once only lockable member is inserted.

Abstract: A cable lock device is set forth. In one embodiment, a soft metal housing is constructed having an internal cavity for locking on the dead end of the cable. The cable is extended from the housing in a bight and the free end of the cable is inserted through a pair of aligned openings in said housing. The free end of the cable is immediately adjacent to a locking surface and is forced against that surface by a spring loaded rotatable disk. The locking surface incorporates a pair of parallel sharp edges wherein said edges are jammed against the cable, and/or deformed because the cable is made of harder material. In another aspect, the cable on insertion, dislodges a sacrificial U-shaped bracket to enable the cable to get past the disk. A relatively strong spring bears against the cable to enable firm backing, and the spring force is sufficiently strong that disk movement is assisted by the bracket to enable initial cable insertion.

Abstract: A tamper resistant seal and method of forming a seal including a strip having at least one end portion which is foldable about one or more score lines each having two or more segments which converge with one another across the strip generally obliquely relative to a longitudinal axis thereof and wherein the end portion is caused to be severed in a controlled manner to provide visual evidence of tampering.

Abstract: An improved locking device which has a body member with a cable which has one end attached to the body member and a second end of the cable which can be inserted into the body member in a first direction but which cannot be withdrawn in a second direction. An improved spiral spring biases a disc that rides on a ramp into engagement with the second end of the cable so as to lock it so it cannot be withdrawn from the body member, the coil spring provides a simple and efficient biasing device.

Abstract: A lockable container is disclosed in combination with a U-shaped bicycle lock. The lock has a rigid U-shaped portion in which the open end is spanned by a rigid locking bar. The container comprises a body and a cap, both with channels thereon, which receive the parallel arms of the U-shaped portion and the locking bar therein. When the lock is locked, the cap cannot be removed from the container, so articles left therein are safe. A space between the bight of the U-shaped portion and the bottom of the container can be used to securely attach the combination to a suitably shaped permanent fixture.

Abstract: A serpentine shaped wire clip is disposed in a tapered bore of a housing for axial displacement in the bore and has in a preferred embodiment three U-shaped loops interconnected by end portions. The clip has a bore dimensioned for receiving a cable or rod in radial resilient compressive engagement along the clip entire length which engagement causes the clip to axial displace with the displacement of the cable or rod. The axial displacement of the clip in the tapered bore wedges the clip to the housing and cable or rod locking the elements. The clip may have any number of loops and wire diameter. Also, the housing may have a cylindrical bore and the tapered region may be formed on a rod or bar. The clip may be locked to smooth and grooved surfaces including threads. The housing and rod each have a different one of a cylindrical surface and tapered surface. The clip radially grips the cylindrical surface while wedging in response to relative displacement of the tapered surface to the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A protecting seal for the doors of containers and trailers that include a rotating rod to which a locking bar pivoting housing is rigidly mounted and a locking bar that is pivotally mounted within the pivoting housing which includes a pin pivotally supporting the locking bar. The protecting seal has locking assemblies mounted to flap members extending from the longitudinal edges of a jacket member. The flap members and the jacket member embrace the rotating rod. An adhesive is used on the internal walls and surfaces to further secure the protecting seal to the rod and pivoting housing. This results in the protection of the pivoting pin mounted to the pivoting housing.

Abstract: A sealing system of the type in which a locking pin is received in a cavity containing a tooth that cooperates with the pin to prevent withdrawal of the pin. The object of the invention is to provide this type of seal but which is at the same time both of high security and simple to manufacture. In the system of the invention, the cavity (2) has two openings (14, 16) adjacent to each other and separated by the base 17) of the tooth (18). The cavity is otherwise totally closed and its inner wall (21), which extends to the bottom of the cavity, is curved under the base (17) of the tooth. This permits manufacture using an injection mould having a plate (39) provided with a fixed part (40) and a part (41) rotatably mounted on the fixed part to define therebetween the male mould portion for moulding a cavity with a tooth.

Abstract: In a cable lock and seal device a roller is rotatable about a single axis normal to the axis of an inextensible member and with respect to a ramp which, in turn, is inclined with respect to the axis of the inextensible member. The roller is moveable up and down the ramp between a retracted position in which the member can be drawn through a passage in which the device and a locking position in which the roller rolls up the ramp to clamp the member against movement in the opposite direction with the member trapped between the roller and the opposite face of the passage. A spring acts on the roller to urge it up the ramp at all times.

Abstract: A sealing device for an electrical meter includes a positioning ring and a fragile outer ring. The positioning ring is integral with an upper end of a meter socket and includes an oblique circular upper end which inclines outwardly, an outer peripheral wall which has an annular recess therein, and an annular ledge extending radially outwardly from a lower end thereof and having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures therein. The outer ring is L-shape in section and includes first and second annular arms disposed perpendicular to each other. One annular engaging member projects outwardly from an inner wall of the second annular arm which is concentrically disposed around the positioning ring for engaging with the annular recess in the positioning ring. A plurality of spaced-apart lugs extend downwardly from a bottom of the second annular arm for engaging with the apertures in the positioning ring to prevent rotational movement of the outer ring.

Abstract: A padlock concept consisting of a novel shackle comprised of two tapered shackle elements arranged so that they overlay each other to enclose and opening sufficient to accept the staple of a hasp or attachment device. The shackle elements are connected at one end and when unlocked and unlatched are free to move apart, in a motion causing the two shackle elements to separate, providing a clearance between them, at the unconnected end. Each shackle element includes an opening to allow the staple of the hasp to pass to the common opening. This clearance occurs in opposing elements so that when the elements are brought together or closed the staple of the hasp is completely enclosed by the two shackle elements which substantially fill the space available within the hasp staple. The elements are then latched and locked to provide the security function of a padlock engaged with the staple of a hasp of attachment device.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for attaching a theft-deterrent tag to an article to be protected in an article surveillance system, the assembly comprising a strap having a first end and a strap section extending from the first end, the strap section being adapted to loop around so as selectively bring subsections of the strap section adjacent the first end and having a plurality of first engagement means spaced along the length of the strap section. The first end includes a second engagement means adapted to engage with the first engagement means included in a subsection of the strap section brought adjacent to the first end when the strap section is looped around, thereby to form a closed loop of a selective dimension. The first end and strap section are further adapted to include means for receiving a locking means for locking the strap section and first end together.

Abstract: A one piece molded thermoplastic, preferably polypropylene, high security seal for coin bags has a locking socket body from which a flag extends on one side and a rectangular flat elongated shackle extends on the opposite side via an intermediate flat member which has a tear band there across for selectively separating the member into two pieces to facilitate removal of the locked seal. The shackle has several locking circular segment teeth in two parallel linear arrays on opposite edges of the shackle adjacent to a tamper resistant flange at the member end. A locking sheet metal stamped insert has two sets of tangs defining two spaced tooth receiving openings in a socket locking cavity aligned with shackle receiving openings in the body. The body receives the insert transverse to the shackle insertion direction through a cavity side wall later sealed with a flap formed in the seal body. The locked shackle precludes removal of the insert should the side wall seal be tampered with.

Abstract: A pair of aligned tandemly attached locking elements are cantilevered from a stud and a socket are hinged together to be placed in an engaged first locking mode with the outermost one of the locking elements. The elements are secured to the stud such that an axial separating force on the stud and socket for disengaging the locked engagement causes the engaged locked element to sever from the seal, and the other second intermediate element remains attached to the stud so the seal can be used with the second element in a second locking mode. A stop is provided for preventing insertion of the second intermediate locking element into engagement with the socket in a lock condition when the first locking element is attached to the stud and locked to the socket.

Abstract: An electronic seal comprises a housing (12), a cord (14) with one end fixed to the housing (12) and a free end which can be passed through a door catch or the like and releasably connected to the housing (12), an electronic circuit within the housing (12) arranged to generate one of a number of unique codes when a switch (70) in the housing (12) is actuated on connection or disconnection of the cord (14) to or from the housing (12) and a display device (18) which can display the unique code. The cord (14) has a series of regularly spaced enlargements (36), and the interior of the housing (12) has a plurality of teeth (40) arranged so that when a length of cord (14) at its free end is inserted into the housing (12) the enlargements (36) can fit between the teeth (40) to hold the cord (14) against withdrawal from the housing (12).

Abstract: A computer with a removable cartridge type hard disk drive (14) or other removable device includes a three position slider 26. At one end of the slider is a tab (20A) having a hole (20B) for receiving a lock. When the slider is in a first position, the tab is retracted within the computer housing (2) and the disk drive can be easily removed from the computer. When the slider is in a second position, the tab protrudes from the housing and the disk drive cannot be removed from the computer. In the second position and with the tab protruding from the housing, a padlock can be inserted into the hole in the tab to secure the slider in the second position, thereby locking the disk drive in the computer. When the slider is in the third position, the tab does not protrude from the housing, but the disk drive cannot be removed from the computer.

Abstract: A molded rectangular plastic body in one embodiment is formed with a shallow depth rectangular chamber in which an insert is inserted. The insert takes up the full width, depth and length of the chamber and comprises a relatively thin molded plastic sheet. A plurality of thin walls upstand from one side of the sheet to form a plurality of chambers with the body. A shackle formed of resilient wire has two legs each with a reversely bent end portion. Each leg is inserted into and lockable in a different chamber. A bar code label or bar code indicia is adhered to or imprinted on a side of the insert opposite the locking chambers and recessed in the insert. The indicia is surrounded by a wall which is welded to the body to seal the indicia. The body is transparent so the bar code is externally readable. The insert may be opaque to provide seal identity classification by color coding the insert.

Abstract: The security tag (10) has a housing (11) and a clasp (12), which can move longitudinally therein, in the manner of a padlock. In its closed position, a piston (20), which is prestressed by a spring (21), engages into a gap or interruption (15) in the clasp (12). In order to open the clasp (12), a reduced-pressure source, which raises the piston (20), is placed onto a projection (28), so that the said piston releases the clasp (12). The use of a reduced-pressure source exacerbates the unauthorized opening of the security tag.

Abstract: A substantially transparent or open window injection molded plastic security container having an integral locking mechanism comprising a plurality of locking fingers designed to interface with a plurality of locking bars. The locking mechanism is generally inaccessible to a customer without a special key, which is preferably retained in a location inaccessible to customers but accessible to employees of a retail establishment, such as in a location behind a counter. The locking mechanism is designed to be inserted onto a stable, fixed key and then rotated relative to the key, whereby the key provides preselected movement of the fingers to release them from the locking bars and open the security package to release the contents thereof.

Abstract: A tamper evident seal for assembled components having aligned apertures. The seal includes a hollow housing, a stem, a flexible elongated element, a means for rotating the stem, and a means for opposing the rotation of the stem. The hollow housing has a circular side wall surrounding a central axis, and the side wall has a first wall opening. The stem is contained within the housing for rotation about the axis, and the stem has a stem opening aligned at an initial setting with the first wall opening. The flexible elongated element protrudes from the housing. The means for rotating the stem operates in one direction. The means for opposing rotation of said stem relative to the housing opposes rotation in the opposite direction. In use, the free end of the flexible element is passed through the aligned apertures of the assembled components and then through the circular side wall and stem via the wall and stem openings.

Abstract: A progressively set of more costly and higher level keyless locking devices secure an electric utility meter. A first low level and low cost keyless device includes a female member with spaced resilient legs which compressively converge when inserted in a plate hole and then naturally diverge to a normal state. A male locking member is inserted between the legs to lock the legs in the plate hole. A seal secures this arrangement. In a further embodiment, a female locking body is attached to a first end of a clamp ring. A second apertured ring end is inserted through the first ring end into the body. A keyless thermoplastic locking device of a first level is inserted into the body for securing the ring ends. A seal secures this arrangement. Other embodiments are disclosed including an all metal locking body used with a thermoplastic keyless male member for providing a higher security level and higher cost.

Abstract: A safety lock defining one and another, substantially rigid, elongated legs, the one leg defining an outer first leg portion and an inner second leg portion, and the another leg defining an inner third leg portion and an outer fourth leg portion, and an arcuate web integrally joining the second and third leg portions; the web being made from a resilient material whereby the web forms a hinge for relative movement of the one and another legs; the fourth leg portion including a channel, being releasably engaged by the first leg portion whereby the second and third leg portions form with the web a large shackle-like structure for use in locking a utility control box, and ears, for use in receiving the small shackle of at least a few padlocks whereby the first leg portion thereafter becomes locked into the channel; and a notch arrangement, for automatically but releasably retaining a free end tip of the first leg portion against the channel distal end, even when no padlock shackle engages a corresponding ear.

Abstract: A cable locking and sealing device which has an attached cable and the free end of the cable can be passed through a member to lock it. Then the free end of the cable is passed down through an opening in the body of the locking and sealing device in which there is a spring biased conical-shaped member that carries a ball mounted in a transverse opening. The ball rides on an inclined conical surface and engages and locks the cable when an attempt is made to withdraw it from the locking device in a direction opposite to the inserted direction.

Abstract: The closing of tubular casings containing foodstuffs by mounting a binder on a constriction of the casing involves the traditional problem of a high waste percentage due to the binders either damaging the casing material or sliding off the constriction. A method and a binder are proposed which makes it possible to obtain a very strong clamping of the binder without damaging the casing material, and, in connection with tight plastic casings, it is even possible to provide a "super tight" closure, by ranging the constriction with an oblong cross section between opposed straight clamping beams, which are forced together so as to produce a controlled deformation flowing of the casing material.