Including Tamper Resistant Device Patents (Class 340/539.31)
  • Patent number: 11934502
    Abstract: The present invention provides an RF communication device equipping with a biometric sensor and preventing physical antenna hacking, the RF communication device comprising: a power supply unit; an RF communication unit including a processor connected to the power supply unit, a biometric sensor connected to the processor, a memory connected to the processor and storing biometric information, an RF driving switch connected to the processor, an RF communication module connected to the RF driving switch, and a first RF antenna; and a physical hacking determination unit connected to the RF driving switch to periodically exchange data for verification, wherein the physical hacking determination unit deletes the biometric information and/or a unique ID when communication of the verification data is disconnected or an abnormal signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Jechun Moon
  • Patent number: 11694529
    Abstract: A first functionality of anti-theft security system infrastructure provides at least signal reception capabilities and enables the anti-theft security system infrastructure to detect mobile anti-theft devices by receiving advertising signals therefrom and to hand over a respectively detected mobile anti-theft device to a second functionality of the anti-theft security system infrastructure, wherein the second functionality provides at least signal transmission capabilities and enables the anti-theft security system infrastructure to communicate with an handed-over mobile anti-theft device including the sending of a release command to the handed-over anti-theft device, automatically after the handing-over or if at least one release condition is fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: RAPITAG GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Müller, Alexander Schneider
  • Patent number: 11651674
    Abstract: An electronic monitoring system includes an electronic monitoring device that is worn on a part of the body of a person to be monitored, to acquire location information and state information; an at-home monitoring device that receives the location information and the state information provided from the electronic monitoring device and determines whether the electronic monitoring device is at home, on the basis of the location information; and a control center that receives the location information and the state information from at least one of the electronic monitoring device or the at-home monitoring device to manage the person to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Life Science Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeong Hwan Kim, Min Joon Choi
  • Patent number: 9870662
    Abstract: The invention discloses a wireless lock sensory delivery and control device, system and method comprising a wireless lock and alarm connected to and controlled by Bluetooth connection to a remote device such as a cell phone, tablet, computer or PDA. The lock and alarm can be adjusted by the user remotely through the remote device, to control and modulate functions including alarms, sirens or other sound emitters; shock and movement sensors; lights; global positioning system (GPS) location and tracking components; battery strength detection components; alarm and lock testing and diagnostic feedback mechanisms; registration and warranty monitors; and data collection and storage components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventors: Tristan Mullane, Ivan Foti
  • Patent number: 9418329
    Abstract: A holder for a product package includes a substrate having an inside surface, with opposing end portions of the substrate being folded upwards. The holder also includes a securing member disposed on at least one of the end portions, the securing member configured to secure the product package within the end portions of the substrate. The holder also includes a RFID tag disposed on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Wavemark, Inc.
    Inventors: James Barry Billington, Richard Eugene Leitermann
  • Patent number: 9218509
    Abstract: In response to a tamper-attempt indication, a memory device selectively disables one or more memory operations. Disabling can be accomplished by different techniques, including altering bias voltages associated with performing the memory operation, gating off a current needed for performing the memory operation, and limiting the needed current to a magnitude below the threshold magnitude required for the operation. After disabling the memory operation, a mock current can be generated. The mock current is intended to mimic the current normally expended during the memory operation when not disabled, thereby leading a user to believe that the device is continuing to operate normally even though the memory operation that is being attempted is not actually being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Everspin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Syed M. Alam, Thomas Andre
  • Patent number: 9218732
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated flood and temperature sensor may comprise sensing a presence of water in a premises by measuring a resistance between at least one pair of metal probes in an integrated flood and temperature sensor, sensing a temperature utilizing one or more temperature sensors, and sensing an orientation of the integrated flood and temperature sensor with respect to gravity utilizing one or more level sensors. The metal probes may be extendable. The metal probes may be gold plated. A tamper sensor may sense whether an enclosure for the integrated flood and temperature sensor has been tampered with. The presence of water may be sensed utilizing a remote probe. The integrated water and temperature sensor may communicate wirelessly with one or more external devices utilizing a wireless transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Fibar Group S.A.
    Inventors: Maciej Fiedler, Bartlomiej Arcichowski, Jakub Hermanski, Piotr Kurowski, Adam Pudlowski
  • Patent number: 9165441
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for objects on display is provided. The anti-theft device includes a containment body which accommodates internally at least one electric circuit provided with elements for closing the electric circuit. At least one cable is also provided, which has a first end accommodated in a corresponding seat defined in the containment body and a second end which can be inserted in an opening defined by the containment body in order to form a loop which can be associated with an object to be alarmed in such a manner that the object to be alarmed is in contact with the containment body. The anti-theft device includes elements for preventing the intrusion of foreign objects in the containment body in order to prevent the jamming of the cable in the containment body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Total Protection Service S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Tinti
  • Patent number: 9142107
    Abstract: An electronic security seal (e-Seal) is disclosed. The e-Seal monitors security of shipments including intermodal containers, reports tampers in real-time, monitors environmental status of goods and reports exceptions in real-time, and reports the location of the shipment with high frequency. The security monitoring complies with the ISO 17712 standard, adding electronic real-time reporting of tamper time and location and LED tamper indication. The e-Seal can be manufactured and operated at low cost due to diagnostic and logistic features. The e-Seal supports low cost upgrades due to a modular architecture allowing a plug-in update of separate functions. The e-Seal allows flexible usage across supply chain tradelanes, due to highly programmable operation including over-the-air remote programming via wireless communications. The e-Seal provides low power operation to save battery usage and lower costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Deal Magic Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Dirk Stevens
  • Patent number: 9024750
    Abstract: The subject matter discloses a method and system for calibrating an electronic monitoring device having a housing and a strap being connected to a first end and a second end of the housing. The method provides for calibrating a transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap. Then, the signal is generated and transmitted along the strap from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Calibrating the transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap provides for minimizing the power level to a lowest transmission power level detectable by a receiver located in the housing or until the signal is lower than a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: John Christopher Defant
  • Patent number: 9000917
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for a high degree of container security using tamper-evident electronic seals is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the tamper evident electronic seal is implemented as a smart E-seal monitoring device and includes a GPS transponder, a sensor manager, an expandable sensor suite, and other components. The smart E-seal may be snapped into place in the door jamb of an existing container. According to one aspect of the invention, the smart E-seal automatically disarms itself after entering a safe zone, and automatically arms itself when leaving a safe zone. More specifically, the smart E-seal may transmit messages to a remote monitoring station regarding the arming/disarming events and the sensor conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: GlobalTrak, LLC
    Inventor: Richard C. Meyers
  • Patent number: 8988233
    Abstract: A data entry device including a housing formed of at least two portions, data entry circuitry located within the housing, at least one case-open switch assembly operative to sense when the housing is opened and tamper indication circuitry operative to receive an input from the at least one case-open switch assembly and to provide an output indication of possible tampering with the data entry circuitry located within the housing. The at least one case-open switch assembly includes an arrangement of electrical contacts arranged on a base surface and a resiliently deformable conductive element, which defines a short circuit between at least some of the arrangement of electrical contacts only when the housing is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Verifone, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. H. Neo, Mehran Mirkazemi-Moud, John Henry Barrowman, Christian Eric Schulz
  • Patent number: 8970369
    Abstract: A system which monitors a display of products includes a motion detection unit. The motion detection unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from a sensor concerning a portion of a plane disposed between at least one product held in a display and an individual. Further, the motion detection unit determines whether the portion of the plane is breached based on temporal deviations in the electromagnetic signal and, in response to determining a breach, generates a notification of the breach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Scott Arthur McMullen
  • Patent number: 8907788
    Abstract: A theft tracking device includes a circuit board, a battery, a battery case, a housing, and an engagement part. The circuit board specifies a current position and transmits current position information regarding the current position specified through a wireless communication. The battery case houses at least a part of the battery. The housing houses the circuit board, the battery case and the battery housed in the battery case. The engagement part is provided by the housing, and engages with the battery case such that a first space of the housing in which the circuit board is located is separated from a second space of the housing that faces the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Hisada
  • Publication number: 20140354427
    Abstract: An emergency alert system comprising one or more access-controlled wireless transmitters and a plurality of wireless wearable receivers that can be deployed locally to privately warn users of potential danger, by allowing authorized users to use the transmitters to send alert signals to the receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Patti A. Rapaport, Ryan Enman, Daryl B. Boyington
  • Patent number: 8902062
    Abstract: A method for determining the displacement of or the tampering with a device is provided. The method includes determining an effective displacement in an X direction of a device, determining an effective displacement in a Y direction of the device, and determining an effective displacement in a Z direction of the device. The method also include determining if any one of the effective displacement in the X direction, the effective displacement in the Y direction, or the effective displacement in the Z direction is greater than a predetermined threshold, and when at least one of the effective displacement in the X direction, the effective displacement in the Y direction, and the effective displacement in the Z direction is great then the predetermined threshold, determining that the device has been displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: VenkataChalapathi Terugu, Vinayak Sadashiv Kore, Andrew G. Berezowski
  • Patent number: 8884757
    Abstract: An anti-tampering protection assembly for sensing tampering with at least one conductor, the anti-tampering protection assembly including unpredictably varying signal generating circuitry, connected to the at least one conductor, for providing unpredictably varying signals on the at least conductor and tampering sensing circuitry for sensing tampering with the at least one conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Verifone, Inc.
    Inventors: Efi Sasson, Yuval Ben-Zion, Ofer Itshakey
  • Patent number: 8680984
    Abstract: Covering arrangement for a pipe which can be welded to a series of further pipes to produce pipelines intended, in particular, for transporting gaseous or liquid media, wherein the covering arrangement is designed for sealing at least the pipe edge which is at risk of corrosion, and wherein the covering arrangement comprises an inner cap with an inner sleeve which is designed for abutment against the inside of the pipe and has a covering element which is provided for the purpose of at least partially covering the inner cross section of the pipe which is not covered by the inner sleeve. The invention also relates to a pipe having a corresponding covering arrangement and a system for monitoring pipes having corresponding covering arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rosen Swiss AG
    Inventor: Hermann Rosen
  • Patent number: 8653974
    Abstract: An interface device includes an elongated sensor strap having a secured end and an unsecured end opposite to the secured end. The unsecured end of the sensor strap represents a first sensor half, and a second sensor half is adapted to receive the first sensor half/unsecured end to form a sensor link between the two sensor halves. A deployment sensor switch provides an input to a monitoring device for an alarm system. The deployment sensor switch is adapted to reside in an armed state when the first and second sensor halves form a sensor link, but change to an alarm state when the first sensor half and second sensor half are separated to break the sensor link. The sensor strap is sufficiently long to produce a closed loop around a firearm or other object to in a monitored position when the first and second sensor halves are placed together to form the sensor link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: D. Wayne Crook
  • Patent number: 8599022
    Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like article. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device and locked therein by a magnetically attractable member. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl or lever. A top wall of the housing or locking clip has a key receiving recess for positioning the key for unlocking the clip from the housing and releasing the spool from the ratchet mechanism. The housing has a rotatable handle for manually rotating the internal spool to further tighten the cable about the article after the cable slack is taken up by an internal spring. An alarm system is contained in the housing and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. The spool is biased by the internal spring to automatically wind the cable onto the spool after the clip has been unlocked from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Christopher J. Fawcett, David P. Christianson, Mitchell S. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 8564410
    Abstract: A process for monitoring containers including use of a severable security lock with an radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna adapted sever upon dislocation of the lock. The process utilizes an electronic identification number to ensure security lock integrity. The process includes detecting the security lock in transit by the use of mobile and fixed transmission units at regional boundaries. Updates are provided to an event log associated with the security lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Llewellyn Greene
  • Patent number: 8482411
    Abstract: A tamper indicating padlock assembly for providing remote indication of tampering with the lock mechanism of the padlock includes a padlock having a padlock housing, an arm extending from the padlock housing, and a locking mechanism selectively engaging the arm. A sensor is positioned in the padlock housing for sensing movement of the arm within the padlock housing. The sensor is operationally coupled to a processor. A transmitter is operationally coupled to the processor for transmitting a tamper signal upon the sensor detecting movement of the arm relative to the housing. A key is provided to release the arm from the locking mechanism. A remote alarm assembly has a remote receiver for receiving the tamper signal. The remote alarm assembly includes a remote tamper indicator operationally coupled to the remote receiver for providing an indication of tampering to a user when the remote receiver receives the tamper signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Monty M. Brown
  • Patent number: 8456298
    Abstract: A method for tracking movements in a portable tracking apparatus includes a movement sensor. Virtual object position information is generated and local movement instructions for a user of the portable tracking apparatus is determined based on the generated virtual object position information. The local movement instructions are presented only non-visually to the user and movement of the portable tracking apparatus is determined using the movement sensor. A non-visual feedback is presented to the user of the portable tracking apparatus based on the determined movement of the portable tracking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Timo Valtonen
  • Patent number: 8456302
    Abstract: An electronic security seal (e-Seal) is disclosed. The e-Seal monitors security of shipments including intermodal containers, reports tampers in real-time, monitors environmental status of goods and reports exceptions in real-time, and reports the location of the shipment with high frequency. The security monitoring complies with the ISO 17712 standard, adding electronic real-time reporting of tamper time and location and LED tamper indication. The e-Seal can be manufactured and operated at low cost due to diagnostic and logistic features. The e-Seal supports low cost upgrades due to a modular architecture allowing a plug-in update of separate functions. The e-Seal allows flexible usage across supply chain tradelanes, due to highly programmable operation including over-the-air remote programming via wireless communications. The e-Seal provides low power operation to save battery usage and lower costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Savi Technology, Inc., Deal Magic, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Dirk Stevens
  • Publication number: 20130127617
    Abstract: An asset tracking device includes a mounting bracket and a housing attached to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a magnetic portion, first apertures that receive first fasteners for attaching the mounting bracket to the asset, and second apertures that receive second fasteners. Third apertures in the housing, aligned with the second apertures in the mounting bracket, receive the second fasteners for attaching the housing to the mounting bracket. When the housing is attached to the mounting bracket, the housing makes the fasteners in the mounting bracket inaccessible so that the mounting bracket cannot be removed from the asset. When the housing is removed from the mounting bracket, a magnetic switch changes state and triggers a controller to generate a tamper alert with location information indicating the location of the tracking device. A wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits the tamper alert and location information to a central monitoring station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SPIREON, INC.
    Inventor: Spireon, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8434158
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relates to systems, devices and methods of detecting tampering and preventing unauthorized access by incorporating programmability and randomness into a process of coupling, driving and sensing conductive wires that are arranged above sensitive areas in a secured system. Such a tampering detection system comprises a security mesh network, a random number generator, a security controller and a security monitor. The security mesh network includes a plurality of security elements made from the conductive wires. The security controller selects a subset of security elements, forms a security array, and generates a driving stimulus. The security monitor selects a SENSE node, monitors an output at the SENSE node, and generates a flag signal indicating the presence of a tampering attempt. Programmability and randomness are introduced to at least one of the system parameters including array configuration, driving stimulus, SENSE node, and detection mode via random numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianxin Ma, Sung Ung Kwak, Irfan Azam Chaudhry
  • Patent number: 8410926
    Abstract: A security system can include a tag unit adapted to be secured to an infant via band. The first tag unit can include a temperature sensor, and a capacitance sensor. A temperature alarm can be provided in response to a negative slope of a temperature curve associated with temperature data from the temperature sensor. A capacitance alarm can be provided in response to a comparison to capacitance data from the capacitance sensor to a baseline when the tag unit is not secured to the infant. A resistance alarm can be provided in response to resistance data indicating a spike in resistance followed by a relatively flat line response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: RF Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wyndham F. Gary, Jr., Jeff Krueger, John LaBorde
  • Patent number: 8344880
    Abstract: A field device of automation technology, is fed via a two-wire line or via an energy source of limited energy reserve associated with the field device. The field device includes: a hardwired communication interface having at least one communication channel; and, associated with the communication interface, a functional unit, which is embodied in such a manner, that it performs sending and/or receiving of digital communication signals via the communication interface. The functional unit, for the purpose of energy saving, is turned on only in active, operating phases, while it is switched off in inactive, resting phases; and a detection circuit is provided, which detects a communication signal applied to the communication interface and automatically activates the functional unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Process Solutions AG
    Inventors: Christian Seiler, Marc Fiedler
  • Patent number: 8319638
    Abstract: A motion detector and a method for detecting a tampering of the motion detector. The tampering can include a spraying or brushing of a lens of the motion detector. The motion detector comprises a lens, a single sensing section for detecting infrared signals within a protected area, and detecting vibrations on the lens in the form of acoustic signals, the vibrations and the infrared signal causing a voltage change in the single sensing section, a first and second amplifier for amplifying the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, first and second filter for filtering the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, a microcontroller for determining if the detected voltage change is consistent with a pattern that is indicative of tampering or motion and alarm generating section for generating a tamper alarm or a motion alarm based upon the determination by the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120194339
    Abstract: A method for determining the displacement of or the tampering with a device is provided. The method includes determining an effective displacement in an X direction of a device, determining an effective displacement in a Y direction of the device, and determining an effective displacement in a Z direction of the device. The method also include determining if any one of the effective displacement in the X direction, the effective displacement in the Y direction, or the effective displacement in the Z direction is greater than a predetermined threshold, and when at least one of the effective displacement in the X direction, the effective displacement in the Y direction, and the effective displacement in the Z direction is great then the predetermined threshold, determining that the device has been displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: VenkataChalapathi Terugu, Vinayak Sadashiv Kore, Andrew G. Berezowski
  • Patent number: 8228191
    Abstract: An anti-tamper assembly (40, 40a) is provided in order to sense the attempted removal of a body attached to a surface (17) by a fastener (36, 36a). The assembly (40, 40a) includes an anti-tamper access-blocking element (42, 42a) positioned in an anti-tamper position proximal to the fastener (36, 36a), along with an anti-tamper switch (44, 102) operably coupled with the element (42, 42a) in order to bias the switch (44, 102) to one switch condition. In the event that the element (42, 42a) is moved from its anti-tamper position, the switch (44, 102) moves to another switch condition, which generates an alarm signal. The assembly (40, 40a) may be used to protect an alarm section (16, 16a) forming a part of an alarm assembly (10, 10a). The section (16, 16a) includes a sensor or switch (64) operable to detect relative movement between first and second members such as a door (12) and doorframe (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Magnasphere Corp.
    Inventor: Randall Woods
  • Publication number: 20120179921
    Abstract: An intrusion detection module includes an enclosure and a sensor to detect a predetermined type of intrusion. The module further includes a tamper sensor to detect a tampering attempt. An encryption mechanism is coupled to receive signals from the sensor and tamper sensor and encrypt such signals for transmission to a control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Cinch Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Curtis Christianson, Gregory Brett Olson
  • Publication number: 20120062380
    Abstract: A system which monitors a display of products includes a motion detection unit. The motion detection unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from a sensor concerning a portion of a plane disposed between at least one product held in a display and an individual. Further, the motion detection unit determines whether the portion of the plane is breached based on temporal deviations in the electromagnetic signal and, in response to determining a breach, generates a notification of the breach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Scott Arthur McMullen
  • Patent number: 8072326
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising an RFID component which can act in an active mode and a passive mode. Preferably the electronic device is a PCB and the RFID component is at least partially located in the PCB. More preferably, the RFID component is located within the PCB. An electronic device comprising an embedded active component is disclosed. A method of exchanging information within an electronic device is disclosed comprising the steps in providing an electronic device which contains an RFID component which connect in a active and a passive mode, and a remote RFID device, and exchanging information between the RFID component and the remote RFID device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Martin Cotton
  • Patent number: 8063779
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification seal comprises an antenna including a main antenna portion and at least one break-away portion and an RFID tag coupled and tuned to the antenna. The RFID tag outputs a signature in response to a scanning signal when tuned to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Solbyung Coveley
    Inventors: Michael E. Coveley, Srdjan Milutinovic, Yuping Huang
  • Publication number: 20110267190
    Abstract: An anti-tampering device and method to inhibit or prevent unauthorized probing of an electronic circuit. Propriety target circuitry transmits a distinct signature in the form of an RF signal which is received by the RF anti-tampering detection circuitry. The transmitted RF signature is monitored by the RF anti-tampering detection circuitry for user-defined changes. In the event an unauthorized attempt is made to probe the target system electronics, the mass of the probe alters the RF transmission characteristics of the RF transmission media, changing the RF signature. The altered RF signature is received by the receiving antenna and RF receiver and is processed by signal processing electronics. The change in the RF signature indicates a tamper event and a predefined anti-tamper event is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Irvine Sensors Corporation
    Inventors: Ellwood Payson, John Leon
  • Patent number: 8031069
    Abstract: A tamper-proof electronic security seal which includes a bolt and a locking element and an electronic seal element. The bolt has a head and a hollow shank extending therefrom having a longitudinal bore formed therein. The shank is dimensioned to pass through a lock hasp and has a free end formed for locking engagement with the locking element. The electronic seal element is formed for mechanical connection to the bolt head, and includes an electrical power source, a control unit, communications means responsive to the control unit and a sensor adapted for insertion into the longitudinal bore of the shank, and connected to the control unit. In response to a severing of the shank and the sensor inserted therein, the control unit is operative to activate the communications means to emit an alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: Oded Yair Cohn, Zvi Ben-Shalom
    Inventors: Oded Yair Cohn, Zvi Ben Shalom
  • Patent number: 8026816
    Abstract: An RFID cargo/storage container tamper seal consisting of a main insulating body, a locking rod and a circuit module is disclosed. The main insulating body has a helix-shaped antenna and a ring-shaped metal ring, wherein the inner surface of the metal ring has a C-shaped ring inlaid therein, and the antenna has an antenna probe extending and protruding from the metal ring. A first portion of the locking rod is cone-shaped and encapsulated by an insulating material, and a second portion thereof exposed from the insulating material has a ring-shaped groove disposed around its peripheral surfaces. The circuit module has an RFID chip embedded therein and is packaged inside the rod portion, thereby allowing an RFID reader to read electromagnetic waves/signals containing identification codes transmitted from the RFID chip of the RFID tamper seal via the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jin-Hao Chao Cheng
  • Patent number: 8013744
    Abstract: An enhanced method and apparatus are provided for tracking and managing a plurality of packagings, particularly packagings containing radioactive and fissile materials. A radio frequency identification (RFID) surveillance tag is provided with an associated packaging. The RFID surveillance tag includes a tag body and a back plate including predefined mounting features for mounting the surveillance tag to the associated packaging. The RFID surveillance tag includes a battery power supply. The RFID surveillance tag includes a plurality of sensors monitoring the associated packaging including a seal sensor. The seal sensor includes a force sensitive material providing a resistivity change responsive to change in a seal integrity change of the associated packaging. The resistivity change causes a seal integrity tag alarm. A tag memory stores data responsive to tag alarms generated by each of the plurality of sensors monitoring the associated packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Han-Chung Tsai, Yung Y. Liu
  • Patent number: 7999656
    Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A sensing system allow the lock box to determine whether the contents of the lock box have been replaced as well as ensuring the correct key or object has been returned. The system reports the status of the object back to the central clearinghouse computer through an electronic key or secure memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: SentriLock, LLC
    Inventor: Scott R. Fisher
  • Patent number: 7978095
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an output pad, an alarm output pad, and a test mode output pad. A first multi-bit register is programmable to store programmable data such as data that identifies a customer for whom the integrated circuit has been manufactured. A second multi-bit register is programmable to store customer specified threshold data. A first circuit selectively couples the first and second multi-bit registers to the output pad. The first circuit is operable responsive to the integrated circuit being placed into a test mode to perform parallel-to-serial conversion of either the customer identification data stored in the first multi-bit register or the customer specified threshold data stored in the second multi-bit register and drive the converted data for output through the output pad. The integrated circuit further includes a tamper detection circuit operable responsive to the customer specified threshold data to generate a tamper alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. McClure, Sooping Saw, Robert Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7936266
    Abstract: A container seal device is provided that comprises a seal device for a shipping container, comprising a first unit that is affixed to a shipping container. A control system is contained in the first unit containing a control system. A second unit is provided that is configured to engage with an element of a door of a shipping container to which the first unit is affixed and to electrically connect with the control system in the first unit. The control system in the first unit is configured to detect a breach of the second unit indicative of access being made to the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Maritime Container Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hugh Francis, James Edward Mandry, David James Holigan, Douglas Webster Prince, Ed Allen Vrablik
  • Patent number: 7884313
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes at least one transparent elevation, which is formed on the surface. The transparent elevation is made of a first transparent material. At least one first facet of the transparent elevation defines a first angle with the surface. This first angle is larger than an angle at which a total-reflection occurs at an interface of the first transparent material and air and is at the same time smaller than an angle at which a total reflection occurs at an interface of the first transparent material and the liquid. A light source is arranged for emitting an incident ray into a first direction passing through the surface into the transparent elevation such that in a presence of a liquid at the first facet, an incident ray is transmitted through the first facet. In an absence of a liquid, the incident ray is reflected due to a total reflection at the facets. A light detector is provided for detecting the reflected ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Matthieu Richard
  • Publication number: 20110012731
    Abstract: An electronic security seal (e-Seal) is disclosed. The e-Seal monitors security of shipments including intermodal containers, reports tampers in real-time, monitors environmental status of goods and reports exceptions in real-time, and reports the location of the shipment with high frequency. The security monitoring complies with the ISO 17712 standard, adding electronic real-time reporting of tamper time and location and LED tamper indication. The e-Seal can be manufactured and operated at low cost due to diagnostic and logistic features. The e-Seal supports low cost upgrades due to a modular architecture allowing a plug-in update of separate functions. The e-Seal allows flexible usage across supply chain tradelanes, due to highly programmable operation including over-the-air remote programming via wireless communications. The e-Seal provides low power operation to save battery usage and lower costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy Dirk Stevens
  • Patent number: 7825798
    Abstract: A security and tracking system to prevent the unauthorized use or access to machinery having hydraulic components whereby the system has a rerouting device housed in a tamperproof casing. The rerouting device might have a selective re-directional valve that can be remotely activated and monitored using wireless signal technology to direct hydraulic fluid to at least two hydraulic circuits, a control center that communicates via wireless signal technology to the rerouting device, a first hydraulic circuit that has a source of fluid, a fluid pumping means, the rerouting device, and a power take off device (PTO) and a second hydraulic circuit that has the source of fluid, the fluid pumping means, and the rerouting device. In operation the rerouting device selectively routs hydraulic fluid about the hydraulic circuit that includes the PTO, thereby rendering the hydraulic equipment functionally operable until the hydraulic fluid is rerouted to the second hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Juan G. Torres
  • Patent number: 7812720
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring one or more components of a wireless communication network. Preferably, an alarm system is linked to one or more components of a wireless communication network to determine whether the one or more components have been tampered with, removed or otherwise disabled. The monitored component can be a ground system in a cellular telephone network. The alarm system can include at least one conductive path linked to a ground bar of a ground system in a cellular telephone network such that if the ground bar is removed from the cellular telephone network the at least one conductive path is severed thereby generating an alarm signal. The alarm signal may take the form of an audible alarm (e.g., a horn), a visual alarm (e.g., flashing lights) and/or a signal transmitted to a monitoring station indicating that the ground bar has been removed and the equipment at the tower site is now vulnerable to lighting strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cambien Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Andrew King, Jennifer Lynn King
  • Patent number: 7760085
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for tanks and the like, comprising detecting means (4; 506) to detect the filling level of a tank, detecting means (5, 106; 206) to detect the opened and closed states of opening/closing means (6) of said tank, and gathering and processing means (106) to gather and process the detected data, characterized in that said processing means (106) are integrated with an RFID unit (116) which can communicate said data with at least one appropriate remote transceiver unit (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Montalbano Technology S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Lertora, Daniele Grosso, Giuseppe Oriana, Luca Noli
  • Patent number: RE42671
    Abstract: A monitoring system provides for monitoring of a person and taking an action to dissuade the person from a course of action. The system has a device attached to the person which includes mechanisms to provide for an intervention to dissuade the person from the course of action. The intervention may be in the form of delivery of either a medication or an electrical shock to the person. The system may further include monitoring of a bodily function of the person or positional tracking of the person. Various scenarios are described to provide for activation of the intervention. The system may include a second device in possession of a restrictor person with positional tracking of this person and comparison relative to the positional location of a restrictee person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Michelle Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: John E. Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE43245
    Abstract: A wireless network covering a large local geographic area is used to link a large number of payment terminals provided in the same area. Each payment terminal is located near a plurality of parking spaces, either at the curbside or in municipal lots. Parking data is gathered from motorists at the payment terminals, the parking data including vehicle identification data or parking space identification data. The parking data is sent from the payment terminals to the wireless network in response to payment made at the payment terminals. A plurality of portable terminals are provided for use by parking wardens inspecting the parking spaces of the local geographic area. The wireless network is used to transmit the parking data substantially upon receipt from the payment terminals to the portable terminals in the local geographic area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Axxian Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Luc Ouimet, Nicholaos Leoutsarakos
  • Patent number: RE44085
    Abstract: A monitoring system provides for monitoring of a person and taking an action to dissuade the person from a course of action. The system has a device attached to the person which includes mechanisms to provide for an intervention to dissuade the person from the course of action. The intervention may be in the form of delivery of either a medication or an electrical shock to the person. The system may further include monitoring of a bodily function of the person or positional tracking of the person. Various scenarios are described to provide for activation of the intervention. The system may include a second device in possession of a restrictor person with positional tracking of this person and comparison relative to the positional location of a restrictee person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Satellite Tracking of People LLP
    Inventor: John E. Taylor, Jr.