Abstract: A vehicle having an item detection system is provided having at least one indicator for selectively emitting an alarm when activated, a vehicle alarm control module, at least one radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, and a radio frequency (“RF”) interrogator. The vehicle alarm control module is in communication with the at least one indicator and includes control logic for sending an activation data signal to the at least one indicator to selectively activate the at least one indicator. The RFID tag is configured for receiving a query RF signal and transmitting a reply RF signal upon receipt of the query RF signal. The RF interrogator is in communication with the vehicle alarm and is located within a specified distance of the RFID tag. The RF interrogator has a processor, and includes control logic for transmitting the query RF signal to the RFID tag.

Abstract: A harvester grain bin monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that monitors the perimeter of the bin proximate to the top rim to provide a warning to an operator when the grain level reaches approaches the bin rim. The sensor may be optical or mechanical.

Abstract: A portable alarm device includes a portable enclosure, a wireless communication system disposed in the portable enclosure and configured to receive a signal from a monitoring device. The device further includes a processor in communication with the wireless communication system and wherein the processor is configured to initiate an alert when the signal indicates that the portable enclosure is beyond a pre-determined distance from the monitoring device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding articles, such as keys, which is attachable to a person's clothing, handbag or a purse, and wherein a physical or electronic tether is used to allow the user to use the articles stored thereupon without removing them from the holder or from their clothing, handbag, purse, briefcase or other hand carried item. The tension on the tether is manageable by the use of a tension management system, so that the tension of the tether will not damage the article or the mechanism that the article is used with and the article is tracked by use of the tether so that the user does not lose the article. Infrared, radio frequency, and transponder and polling versions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The system incorporates wire deflection, taut wire detection for perimeter security applications. Generally, the system of the invention provides intrusion detection by an internal mechanism. The internal mechanism can detect wire deflection in any direction. In turn, given a sufficient amount of wire deflection, a security system is signaled. However, the force required to sufficiently deflect the wires is high enough so as to minimize nuisance alarms. The internal mechanism is generally held within a structure so that it is protected from tampering. As such, the internal mechanism is also kept separate from the wire array so that it is protected from attempts by an intruder to isolate the wire array.

Abstract: A detection system comprising a plurality of taut wire panels having vertical detection/sensor wires. The sensor wires are tensioned to position trigger plates associated one or more of the wires. Trigger plate movement causes an actuating means to indicate a sensor wire has been moved. In one embodiment, sensor wires and portions of the panel frame have similar coefficients of thermal expansion to substantially eliminate environmental expansion effects that may result in false alarms. Linked sensor wires on adjacent panel may signal movement of entire panels. Panels are monitored by panel controllers reporting to sector controllers that report to a central command computer that automatically numbers sector and panel controllers at start-up. Bi-directional communication enables alarms and system faults to be precisely located.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding articles, such as keys, which is attachable to a person's clothing, handbag or a purse, and wherein a physical or electronic tether is used to allow the user to use the articles stored thereupon without removing them from the holder or from their clothing, handbag, purse, briefcase or other hand carried item. The tension on the tether is manageable by the use of a tension management system, so that the tension of the tether will not damage the article or the mechanism that the article is used with and the article is tracked by use of the tether so that the user does not lose the article. Infrared, radio frequency, and transponder and polling versions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal including a shaft portion (10), a socket arranged to engage the shaft position in a monitorable manner, whereby disengagement of the socket (12) and the shaft portion results in a monitorable event, and a wireless communicator associated with at least one of the shaft portion and the socket and being operative to provide a remotely monitorable indication of the monitorable event.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the integrity of a container specifically adapted for the system and constructed with at least one door. A sensor is secured in the container for detecting proximity of the at least one door relative to another area of the container and for providing sensor data that may be communicated from the container relative to its integrity.

Abstract: The system incorporates wire deflection, taut wire detection for perimeter security applications. Generally, the system of the invention provides intrusion detection by an internal mechanism. The internal mechanism can detect wire deflection in any direction. In turn, given a sufficient amount of wire deflection, a security system is signaled. However, the force required to sufficiently deflect the wires is high enough so as to minimize nuisance alarms. The internal mechanism is generally held within a structure so that it is protected from tampering. As such, the internal mechanism is also kept separate from the wire array so that it is protected from attempts by an intruder to isolate the wire array.

Abstract: A method is described for attaching a monitoring device to a patient comprising providing a fastener having a frame defining an opening adapted to receive a reel in a button hole fashion; inserting the reel behind a portion of the patient's clothing; positioning the frame on the opposite side of the portion of the patient's clothing relative to the reel and inserting the reel into the opening trapping the portion of material between the reel and the frame; and attaching the monitoring device to the fastener by a tether.

Abstract: A control cord for connecting an auxiliary device to a portable electronic device is provided. The control cord includes a flexible longitudinal housing and a plurality of electrical conductors extending from one end of the housing to which the auxiliary device will be connected, to an other end of the housing. In addition, the control cord includes a connector affixed to the other end of the housing and configured to connect the plurality of electrical conductors to the portable electronic device to enable operation of the portable electronic device in cooperation with the auxiliary device. The connector includes at least one terminal configured to be received by the portable electronic device, and the at least one terminal provides a control input to the portable electronic device, the control input being derived from physical manipulation of the housing.

Abstract: A security device including a base having a plurality of holes extending therethrough. A noose cable is attached to the base and extends out of the base on one side and passes through the base on another and may be wrapped around merchandise to be secured against theft. A switch is carried by the base and depressed by a lid carried by the base so that when the lid is raised, an alarm will sound. A fastener extends through the lid of the base and secures the noose cable from removable such that when the lid is in the closed position, the head of the fastener is beneath the lid and access to the fastener is prevented. The base is electrically connected to an alarming station in order to provide power to the switch and to provide the alarming function associated with the noose cable security device.

Abstract: A security system having a flexible cord with a length, a housing, and a connector on the cable. The housing is mountable in an operative position on the support. The cord is urged into a stored state into the housing and can be selectively withdrawn therefrom. The connector is attachable to an article to be monitored. At least one of a) a first discrete part of the cord is repositionable relative to a second discrete part of the cord and b) at least a part of the housing is repositionable relative to a support on which the housing is mounted in an operative position to control twisting of the cord about the length of the cord by reason of turning of the connector.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system including a movement detecting and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a security response, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an environmental monitoring member for sensing an environmental condition and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, a visual information gathering member for gathering visual information and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an audio output member for receiving a signal from the signal receiving and alarm generating member and generating an audio output, and components for delivering a security notification to remote recipients.

Abstract: The present invention is a taut wire security system that is used with a perimeter fencing system. The device senses changes in the tension in the taut wire and produces a tension signal when a disturbance in the tension is created. This signal is transmitted to a central location when such a tension deviation occurs. The housing of the device has two compartments, with the electronic components being substantially sealed from the atmosphere such that moisture, dirt or other elements do not cause the electronic components to malfunction. The device also includes a tampering sensor to detect whenever the lid of the device is being removed.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system which can be installed on a temporary basis and removed from an object whose movement is to be detected including a motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member for mounting proximate the object whose movement is to be detected, a member for selectively coupling and decoupling the motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member relative to the object whose movement is to be detected, a combined radio signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the combined motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member and producing an alarm, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the radio signal receiving and alarm generating member, and components for providing object identification information identifying the object whose movement is to be detected and distance measurement information for measuring the distance moved by the object.

Abstract: A home security system which includes sensors 11 to 18 that detect an alarming situation in different locations inside a facility, cameras 21 to 26 that capture images of different locations inside a facility, and a controller 30 that memorizes the associations between sensors 11 to 18 and cameras 21 to 26, and when any of the sensors 11 to 18 detects an alarming situation, has cameras that are associated with the sensors that have detected an alarming situation capture images based on the associations, and also updates the memorized associations.

Abstract: A weather resistant, battery powered tripwire warning device includes a weather resistant housing, a battery mounted within the housing, an alarm mounted within the housing, at least one spotlight mounted on a side of the housing and configured to illuminate regions extending from the side of the housing, and at least one and preferably a pair of switches mounted on opposing sides of the housing and configured to close a circuit between the alarm and the battery when either switch is activated. Each switch is configured to be attached to a trip cord, such that a selected tension on the trip cord will activate the alarm. The tension required for activation of the switches is individually adjustable. The battery powered tripwire device may be employed for perimeter security of a military force or for training exercises.

Abstract: An intrusion detection fence and system is provided. In one embodiment, the fence includes a plurality of trip wires secured between a pair of anchor posts, a plurality of detector posts anchored in the ground, located between the anchor posts, at least one actuator attached to each of the detector posts, the actuator also being coupled to each of the plurality of trip wires; and a detecting device attached to the actuator and secured to each of the detector posts. The deflection or cutting of any of the plurality of trip wires activates at least one of the detecting devices adjacent to the activated trip wires.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system which can be installed on a temporary basis and removed from an object whose movement is to be detected including a motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member for mounting proximate the object whose movement is to be detected, a member for selectively coupling and decoupling the motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member relative to the object whose movement is to be detected, a combined radio signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the combined motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member and producing an alarm, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the radio signal receiving and alarm generating member, an information gathering device adapted to receive the predetermined signal, to gather information relating to the movement, and to transmit the information, and a remote notification device adapted to receive the information from the information gathering device, to establish data communication with a r

Abstract: A device for indicating/limiting the overall displacement of a movable member from a preset position, wherein the device (1) is selectively positionable to accomodate variation in allowable displacement of the movable member (32, 38, 39, 42, 49, 50, 52) prior to preventing displacement of the movable member or for providing an indication of any such displacement of the member.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system which can be installed on a temporary basis and removed from an object whose movement is to be detected including a motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member for mounting proximate the object whose movement is to be detected, a member for selectively coupling and decoupling the motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member relative to the object whose movement is to be detected, a combined radio signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the combined motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member and producing an alarm, and a remote control for actuating and deactuating the radio signal receiving and alarm generating member.

Abstract: A removable security device for a portable article that includes an alarm housing with an audible electronic alarm circuit and a locking mechanism, a receiver that attaches to the portable article. The alarm housing has a pair of opposed rails that define a channel and the receiver has a pair of opposed flanges that mate with and that slide into the channel. A lock bolt, operated by the locking mechanism, extends from the alarm housing into a shaped depression in the receiver to secure the alarm housing to the receiver, and retracts from the depression to permit removal of the alarm housing from the receiver. The audible alarm is triggered by a motion detector or by cutting an attached cable.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a magnetically actuated switch (16), such as a reed switch, and a permanent magnet (10). A path defining arrangement (14) is mechanically coupled (by track follower 210) to the permanent magnet, for allowing the magnet to move in a defined path. A particular part of the path lies adjacent to a portion of the reed switch. The particular part (218) of the path is close enough to the reed switch to actuate the switch. Consequently, or whereby, the magnet, at a particular position along the path will cause the reed switch to assume one of first (open) and second (closed) states. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the magnet, when at the particular position along the path, causes a normally-open switch to close. An energy storage arrangement is coupled to at least the magnet, for urging the magnet toward one end (220) of the path. In the particular embodiment, the energy storage arrangement is coupled to the magnet by way of a track follower (210).

Abstract: An alarm and latch apparatus for a closure panel mounted within an opening perimeter of a building opening includes a closure panel link member having a link member first end mounted to the closure panel and a link member second end including a slot engaging slide; and a latch box having a slide slot with a slot end opening for receiving a portion of the slide, the latch box being mounted to the opening perimeter and containing an alarm circuit including a mechanism for alarm activation upon movement of the slide along the slide slot.

Abstract: A device for supervising movable articles or objects has a supervising member which can be attached thereto. The device includes a connector disposed in a housing. The housing includes an aperture and a rotary blocking member positionable between the connector and the aperture of the housing. The supervising member is coupled to the connector. The blocking member prevents the supervising member from being recoupled to the connector after it has been removed from the housing. An alarm system is also provided. The alarm system includes ambient condition detectors in communication with a control unit.

Abstract: A gate alarm system includes a gate of a wire or cable between supports, a gate entry and a gate alarm comprising a gate alarm housing, a switch, a switch activating device, a spring or coiled wire for biasing the switch activating device, an alarm, and a power source for the alarm. The switch activating device is maintained under compression by the spring or coiled wire during the gate closed mode and contacts the switch and sets off the alarm in the gate open mode when this compression is relaxed. The gate entry can range from a handle, a clasp and a loop to a handle, a combination of a threaded rod and tube, a clasp and loop. This very simple alarm system warns of unauthorized entrance to parking lots of commercial establishments, driveways to private dwellings, and roads or cart paths to farms and ranches; and to alert personnel of open gates in enclosures around unsafe areas such as wells or in construction and demolition sites.

Abstract: A portable multi-purpose device for monitoring patient movement in a number of different ways. The device includes a data processor programmed to respond to signals from multiple different external sensors that easily connect to the device through a jack in the device housing. If patient movement beyond a limit is sensed, the device generates an alarm for an attendant. To sense the different types of patient movement, one sensor is simply substituted for another. Examples of sensors include tether, door monitoring, and weight sensors. The device protects against unauthorized disabling of the sensors by sounding an alarm if a sensor is unplugged from the device impermissibly. The device provides power to sensors that require power to operate, reducing the need for additional power sources. The device also stores patient data (e.g., number of alarms, time before attendance response, etc.) during a given time period for evaluating a patient's care.

Abstract: A security system for protecting a vehicle and its contents including a protective cover having conductors threaded through a hollow seam and electrically connected to a two member electrical connector. Each conductor is connected to a sensing circuit configured to detect an open circuit condition in the conductor-connector loop. In use, the loop is pulled taut around the protected vehicle and secured by a tensioning system while the electrical connector is held together by a temporary restraint system. The loop tension is adjusted and the temporary restraint is released subjecting the connector to the adjusted tension in the conductor. In this state, the security system is ready to detect movement of the protective cover or an open circuit condition.

Abstract: A retractable sensor assembly for use with an alarm system to prevent theft of valuable products while eliminating the problem of entangled and unsightly sensor cords is disclosed. The retractable sensor allows the user to grasp the product and pull it to a comfortable position. The invention consists of a housing, a retraction means contained in the housing, a sensor having two states, 1) secured when attached to the product and 2) unsecured when detached from the product, a multiconductor cable having a first end connected to the sensor, cooperating with the retraction means and a second end extending out of the housing, where the retraction means urges the sensor to the housing, yet allows the sensor to be pulled from the housing when an external force is exerted on the sensor, while maintaining a continuous electrical path from the first, sensor end of the cable to the second end of the cable.

Abstract: A generally rectangular housing defines an interior cavity therein. A conventional battery powered alarm circuit is supported within the interior cavity. A supporting suction cup is securable to the housing to permit attachment of the housing to a convenient surface. The housing defines an elongated slot in proximity to the circuit battery and a pair of spring contacts are provided for completing the battery power circuit connection to the alarm circuitry. An insulating tab is receivable within the alarm housing through the slot and extends between one of the spring contacts and its associated battery terminal to interrupt the battery power to the alarm circuit. The insulative tab is coupled to a second suction cup by a flexible line. The alarm system is installed by positioning the alarm housing and the second suction cup on opposite sides of a movable door or window portion.

Abstract: An alarm system comprises a pair of interlocking components, which when separated causes an electrical switch operable in response there to change states and activate the alarm. The switch may be either a mechanical type device or a magnetic proximity type device. A cable may be attached to one or both components.

Abstract: A removably attachable casing for a ski tow signal transmitter to alert an operator of a boat pulling a skier that the skier has fallen, with an upper housing and a lower housing that surround and captures a handle of a ski tow rope in a passageway while being matingly joined together. The removably attachable casing facilitates easy installation of the safety device in different boats or rapid replacement of a broken handle or ski tow rope.

Abstract: An alarm device has an actuating member for energising the alarm, the member being placed in its actuating state by passive action on the part of the user in the case of an emergency. A preferred form of actuating member according to the invention is a ring pull, in which the alarm device is caused to operate by the ring pull being pulled away from the remainder of the device.

Abstract: A security device for deterring theft of articles of merchandise displayed for customer handling and demonstration. A cable is attached to an article and is extendable under tension from a storage reel attached to a store fixture. A switch adjacent to the reel is held in one of two operative positions by the cable stretching across an actuator arm of the switch. If the cable is severed or cut, as by a thief intending to steal the article, the storage reel retracts the cable past the actuator arm causing the switch to change to the other position and actuate an alarm.

Abstract: The apparatus described herein is a chain with a warning sign attached to it, that incorporates an audible alarm signal which is activated when a person moves the chain away from an egress that it is blocking, such as a supermarket check-out lane. The apparatus solves the problem of how to block a check-out lane so as to draw attention to any patron who is exiting the store by way of an unattended check-out lane, yet is a device that can be easily discarded from the egress, in the event of an emergency. The unique sign incorporates circuitry within. In the preferred embodiment, the sign is a sandwich with outer layers that have something appropriate printed on them, such as "ALARMED EXIT--For Emergency Use Only", and the inner, hidden portion contains an audible alarm, a battery, an arming switch and position sensitive contacts for detecting when an unauthorized person tampers with the barrier.

Abstract: A self contained alarm is arranged to be attached to a door or near a building opening. One version uses a spring loaded switch held open by a door frame, which closes and sounds an audible alarm when the door is opened. A relay with normally open contacts is energized with the alarm to maintain the alarm until a reset switch is opened by a card or key inserted into a mating slot. Another version uses a rotary trip switch which is operated by a line. The line is placed across a building opening to be guarded and closes the rotary switch if the line is disturbed. A second embodiment uses an arm-disarm switch also operated by a card or key inserted into a mating slot to control a second relay. This arm-disarm switch is placed in a second box on the outside of a door to be guarded to permit arming the alarm after the door is closed. Here contacts of the second relay keep the alarm circuit open until the card or key is withdrawn to provide an arm-disarm function.

Abstract: A remote alarm module and an alarm system. The remote alarm module has a base which defines a passage. A transient generator is joined to the base. The transient generator is generally non-conducting of electricity after transmission of a single electric transient following the connection of the transient generator to an electrical circuit. A switch has a body and a lever. The body is joined in rigid relationship to the base. The switch has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected electrically in series with the transient generator. The lever has an inner end and an outer end. The inner end is pivotably connected to the body. The outer end has a line receiver. The line receiver adjoins the passage. The lever pivots between a second position, in which the terminals are electrically isolated from each other and a first position, in which the terminals are in electrically conductive relationship.

Abstract: In a taut wire type intrusion detection system, each parallel wire defining a section of security fence is tensioned between a pair of wire-supporting vertical anchor posts. Intermediate the anchor posts there is provided a row of regularly spaced vertical detector posts each presenting a plurality of individual sensors, each associated with one of the taut wires and operable to produce a sensor signal when the tension of the wires changes. With each detector post there is associated sensor signal processing means, operable to analyze the sensor signals produced by the sensors of the detector post in response to changes in tension of the taut wires, and to generate output signals correlatable with the sensor signals. Each sensor preferably includes a pressure transducer comprising a partially conductive compressible elastic sensing element whose resistance changes with applied pressure.

Abstract: Call switch for use by hospital patients and staff members to summon aid in wet areas such as shower and bath areas. An actuating magnet is positioned on the front side of a waterproof panel for controlling the operation of electronic circuitry mounted in a dry area behind the panel. The magnet is carried by a slide for movement between rest and tripped positions, and a pull cord is connected to the slide by a breakaway member which permits the cord to separate from the slide when a patient becomes entangled in the cord or the pull on the cord otherwise exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A security arrangement for a closed door having an elongated member connected between the door and the wall and a tautly mounted string joining the door knob and an electrical switch on the wall, the string passing over the elongated member. When an attempt is made to open the door tension on the string is increased resulting in the switch being moved into its closed position thereby energizing an alarm device.

Abstract: A patient monitor includes an enclosure which is secured to the bed of a patient. The enclosure is electrically connected with a nurse's call panel and the enclosure serves to mount a jack which is electrically connected to the nurse's call panel. This jack includes a normally closed switch which is opened when a mating plug is installed in the jack. The plug is connected by a cord to the gown of the patient in the bed. When the patient attempts to leave the bed the patient's motion pulls the plug from the jack, thereby allowing the switch to close and signalling via the call panel the patient's attempt to leave the bed.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained combination smoke and burglar alarm includes a smoke sensor and a tester switch both capable of energizing of an audible warning device, all contained in a housing adapted for mounting on an interior room surface such as on a wall or ceiling above a door or window. A releasably inserted locking pin retains a spring-biased plunger mounted above a pressure actuable tester switch accessible externally of the housing to maintain the plunger in its cocked condition. A line attached to the releasable locking pin also attaches to an adjacent door or window such that opening of the door or window increases tension on the line which effectively removes the locking pin and releases the plunger to strike the tester button and actuate the alarm.

Abstract: An intrusion alarm comprised of a retractible cord having a releasable member attached to one end of the cord. The releasable member can be held at one side of an entry way such as a door way, holding the cord extended. A retractor mounted at the other side of the entry way so as to retract the cord when the releasable member is released, such as by the opening of a door. The alarm includes a power source and a signal, these being operatively connected to sound an alarm when the releasable member is released. The releasable member may be such as a magnet, and it can also be used as a switch to connect the power supply to the signal.

Abstract: A battery operated personal alarm having a withdrawable actuating pin extending from the case thereof is provided with a multi-purpose handle attached to the exterior of the case, permitting attachment of the alarm to the person or purse-handle of a user in a first position, and in a second position permitting attachment of the alarm to a door handle for use as a portable burglar alarm. Removal of the handle from its inverted keyhole shaped aperture on the back of the case permits the hanging of the alarm from a screw head or a nail head attached to a fixed support, the actuating pin being attached by a lanyard to a relatively moveable object, for displacement thereby.

Abstract: In an alarm control system for protecting a premises, a four conductor bus line leading from a master control station is extended about the interior perimeter of the premises. Sensors positioned near each port of entry to be monitored are connected in parallel relationship to the bus line, as is at least one remote station for manually arming, disarming or activating the system. Each sensor comprises a biased reel carrying line secured to window, door, screen, or the like. Disturbance of a sensor causes a magnetically responsive switch therein to generate a pulse triggering circuitry within the control station to activate the desired alarm device for a predetermined period of time. The system then resets automatically to an armed or ready condition to continue protecting the premises against subsequent intrusions. Preferably, the lines in the sensors are of a thermoplastic material so that the system is also activated by abnormally high temperature in the event of fire.

Abstract: A door latch and alarm apparatus has a support mounted on the door and a support mounted on the doorjamb. A relatively inextensible and flexible element is anchored to the door support and has a free end provided with an end piece fittable in a latch on the doorjamb support. A pair of conductors, one of which may be the inextensible and flexible element, extend from the door support to the end piece where they are connected together via a resistor. At their other ends these conductors are connected to a resistance detector which operates an alarm whenever the resistance between the two conductors increases, as when the conductors are broken, and whenever it decreases, as when they are short-circuited.

Abstract: Members are attachable to the window or door around which a cord can be stretched, under tension, in the form of a polygon. A switch is positioned within the polygon, said switch being attached by further cords to two of the sides of the polygon. The switch is held under a selected tension and the shape of the polygon is such that an intruder cannot enter through the window or door without disturbing the cord polygon and, thereby, the tension on the switch. The switch is designed to respond to a change in the tension applied thereto, to supply a signal to an alarm system.

Abstract: A retractable sensor assembly for use with an alarm system to prevent theft of valuable products while eliminating the problem of entangled and unsightly sensor cords is disclosed. The retractable sensor allows the user to grasp the product and pull it to a comfortable position. The invention consists of a housing, a retraction means contained in the housing, a sensor having two states, 1) secured when attached to the product and 2) unsecured when detached from the product, a multiconductor cable having a first end connected to the sensor, cooperating with the retraction means and a second end extending out of the housing, where the retraction means urges the sensor to the housing, yet allows the sensor to be pulled from the housing when an external force is exerted on the sensor, while maintaining a continuous electrical path from the first, sensor end of the cable to the second end of the cable.