Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing external magnetic fields in implantable medical devices are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus for sensing magnetic fields. An apparatus embodiment includes a sensing circuit with at least one inductor having a magnetic core that saturates in the presence of a magnetic field having a prescribed flux density. The apparatus embodiment also includes an impedance measuring circuit connected to the sensing circuit. The impedance measuring circuit is adapted to measure impedance of the sensing circuit and to provide a signal when the impedance changes by a prescribed amount. According to an embodiment, the sensing circuit includes a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit. The impedance measuring circuit includes a transthoracic impedance measurement module (TIMM), according to an embodiment. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: An application for a theft prevention system includes a self-contained alarm that secures to a structure of a boat or other vehicle, especially a pleasure craft. The self contained alarm includes a motion detector and a signaling device which is either audible or visual. The signaling device lights and/or sounds responsive to detection of motion by the motion detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device with its related electronic circuit and to a detection process targeted to detect any magnetic material moving around the antennas/sensors used in Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) electromagnetic systems, which can be internally or externally coupled to these kind of anti-theft systems, significantly decreasing its current vulnerability to fraud since the current EAS electromagnetic systems are vulnerable for not being able to detect magnetic materials. The present process and detector device filter and treat the DC signal generated by the displacement of a magnetic material around one or more EAS electromagnetic system antenna/sensor(s). Magnetic material detection is achieved from a differential signal existing in the antenna/sensor receiver, such signal being forwarded to a control unit wherein there are coupled a device comprising a “n” order filter, a buffer, a sensitivity control circuit, a control logic and an alarm module.

Abstract: A system for detecting electronic article surveillance marker shielding includes electronic article surveillance (“EAS”), metal detection and video analysis subsystems communicatively coupled to a system controller. The EAS subsystem detects EAS markers within a detection zone. The metal detection subsystem detects metallic objects within the detection zone. The video analysis subsystem captures a video image of the metallic object. The system controller determines a probable classification for the metallic object and calculates a confidence weight for the probable classification. If the metallic object is identified as EAS marker shielding according to the probable classification and the corresponding confidence weight, an alert is generated.

Abstract: A non-defeatable magnetically actuatable switch device is shown and described for restricting access to industrial controls. The non-contact switch device employs one or more non-contact access switches, and an access key removably disposed in close proximity to each access switch. Removal or installation of an access key alters the electrical state of a corresponding access switch. A connected control unit determines a mode of operation, or grants permissions, based on the combination of access keys that are present or absent from the device. A lockable or sealable cover is provided over the access keys to limit unauthorized access. A tamper detection switch is also provided for the sole purpose of identifying foreign magnetic sources in the vicinity of the access switches to ensure that the device is non-defeatable.

Abstract: A system for testing radio frequency (RF) communications of a device capable of such communications is provided. The system includes a chamber for isolating the device from RF interference, an antenna that is suitable for RF communications with the device wherein the antenna is capable of communications over a range of frequencies, the antenna being located within the chamber, and a digital communication link for providing non-RF communications with the device.

Abstract: A system and method for activating vehicle sensors which are based on inductive loops. A transformer is used to couple the vehicle frame to activation circuitry. Within the activation circuitry, a voltage controlled oscillator which drives the transformer is scanned throughout the required frequency range while a balanced mixer, low-pass filter, and detector are arranged to show the presence of a signal from an inductive loop by the amplitude of the resultant signal at a difference frequency. The voltage controlled oscillator is then made to dwell at or near the frequency of the sensor loop by adjusting so as to keep the amplitude of that low-frequency difference as high as possible.

Abstract: A tampering detection apparatus is used to determine the occurrence of unauthorized tampering with a barrier. At a tampering detection apparatus, a quantity during an operation of the movable barrier is sensed without actuating a magnetic switch. The quantity is potentially indicative of unauthorized tampering with the movable barrier. A determination is made as to whether the quantity is within a valid operating range. When the quantity is not within the valid operating range, a warning is issued to a user. The warning indicates a potential tampering with the movable barrier.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and methods for a directed energy beam virtual fence. The directed energy beam virtual fence may include a source unit to provide an energy beam and a sequence of relay units disposed at intervals along the length of the virtual fence. Each relay unit in the sequence may receive the energy beam from a previous unit and may recollimate and redirect the energy beam towards a subsequent unit.

Abstract: A magnetic screening system uses directional gradiometers with high resolution and accuracy to measure magnetic field signatures of target objects (e.g., gun, knife, cell phone, keys) in a volume of interest. The measured signatures can be compared to signatures of known objects stored in a local database. Various mathematical processes may be used to identify or classify target object signatures. A magnetic screening system network according to embodiments of the present invention includes gradiometers, gradiometer processors, screening computers, and a management computer. The gradiometers sense target objects in a subject volume and the gradiometer processors process data obtained from the gradiometers. The screening computers process data output of the gradiometer processors and maintain local databases of signatures associated with known target objects.

Abstract: A security system for a boundary is generally shown as (1) in FIG. 1. The components comprise an elongate member (2) and a support (3) for the bar. The bar support (3) can be fitted to boundary support. A conduit (7) extends through the housing (3). The rod is surrounded by a resilient member. The boundary supports (4) and the bars (2) are in communication with a circuit monitor unit (17) and from an electromechanical disturbance mechanism (EMDM) unit for detecting security breakdown of the boundary.

Abstract: A message leaving system for digital photo frame (DPF) is provided. The message leaving system includes a message recording unit configured to record a message in the DPF, a detecting sensor initiated by information sent from the message recording unit to detect human presence after a predetermined detecting time period from the message being stopped recording, a message reminding unit generating a notification signal to inform users to play the message when the detecting sensor detects human presence, and a message handling unit configured to store or delete the message after the message being played.

Abstract: A passenger screening system including a first gradiometer, and a second gradiometer disposed adjacent the first gradiometer. The first and second gradiometers are each configured to operate at a first frequency and a second frequency to facilitate detecting the presence of an explosive material. A method of operating the passenger screening system is also described herein.

Abstract: A collision detection device is provided with a coil which is arranged at an inner side of an outer panel of a body portion of a vehicle and faces the outer panel to generate a magnetic field in a direction toward the outer panel, and a collision determining unit for determining a collision with the body portion of the vehicle based on a variation of an inductance of the coil. The collision determining unit includes a resonance circuit which is constructed of the coil. When there occurs a collision with the vehicle body portion, a distance between the outer panel and the coil will decrease so that an inductance of the coil can instantly decrease. Therefore, a resonance frequency of the resonance circuit will increase and be detected, thus shortening the response time.

Abstract: A device for recognizing when an object or a person crosses a threshold that is marked by a magnetic field comprises a first magnetic field sensor that is designed to detect a first magnetic field component of the magnetic alternating field and to deliver an associated magnetic field sensor signal. The device comprises a second magnetic field sensor that is designed to detect a second magnetic field component of the alternating magnetic field. The device also comprises an evaluator that is designed to deliver information in response to a change in a phase relationship between the magnetic field sensor signal delivered by the first magnetic field sensor and a reference signal based on the detection of the second magnetic field component by the second magnetic field sensor, said information indicating that the object or person has crossed the marked threshold.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus and system are disclosed for activating, deactivating or reactivating an electronic article surveillance (EAS) label by way of a coil antenna in an H-bridge circuit which generates from the antenna: a positive increasing magnetic field; a positive decreasing magnetic field; a negative increasing magnetic field; and a negative decreasing magnetic field. The positive and negative magnetic fields are created by positive and negative currents directed through the antenna by four switches connected to the antenna in an H-bridge configuration. The method and apparatus enable low voltage activation, deactivation or reactivation of an EAS tag, e.g., at voltage levels of 12 to 24VDC, ensure uninterruptible power in case of loss of external power, and portability without a high voltage capacitor which is normally required in large deactivation designs. Activation and reactivation is by an increasing magnetic field followed by a decreasing magnetic field without altering polarity.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed metal detector is provided. The metal detector allows for operation of the metal detector between two modes of operation while maintaining an operator's hand position relative to the surface.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present technology provides an apparatus, comprising at least one compass sensor and at least one main electronic board capable of determining a mismatch from said compass sensor and further sending a signal to a at least one vehicle control board to activate at least one security action. The present technology also provides for a security method, comprising determining at least one variation in a magnetic field with at least one magnetic sensor, amplifying said variation by at least one electronic amplifier, processing said variation by a least one electronic board and receiving said processed variation by a vehicle control board to trigger at least one security action in an alarm system.

Abstract: Surgical implements used during an operating procedure are detected in human tissue. Markers attached to the surgical implements change their impedance at a preselected frequency in the presence of an electromagnetic field. Each of the markers is thereby provided with signal-identifying characteristics. The signal-identifying characteristics are detected outside the operating room in an accurate, reliable manner. Potential interference with operating room electronic instrumentation is avoided, the possibility of operator error is reduced and system cost and space requirements are substantially lowered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic impedance measurement device comprising an apply coil for generating an alternate magnetic field of variable frequency, a power source for the apply coil, at least one magnetic sensor means comprising a pair of magnetic sensors for detecting orthogonal vector components of a magnetic field generated from a test object, the vector components being parallel to the face of the apply coil, a measurement means for the magnetic sensor for measuring a detected signal from said magnetic sensor mean, the measurement means being located at a distance from the face of the apply coil and facing the test object, a lock-in amplifier circuit for detecting from an output of the measurement means a signal having the same frequency as the frequency of the apply coil and an analysis means for analyzing intensity and phase changes of an output of the magnetic sensor means with the use of an output signal of the lock-in amplifier circuit.

Abstract: An underwater detection system comprising: at least one transmitter (14) for transmitting electromagnetic and/or magneto-inductive signals through water; at least one receiver (15, 16); means for monitoring a signal received from the transmitter (14), and means for using the monitored signal both as a reference and to identify any change or changes in the received signal to infer the presence of an interposing object.

Abstract: A security tag assembly structured to discourage unauthorized removal of merchandise comprising a base including at least one magnetomechanical member normally operatively oriented in an armed mode. The armed mode is at least partially defined by the magnetomechanical member demonstrating a vibration or mechanical resonance when exposed to a predetermined resonant frequency, such as when passing through or otherwise disposed in proximity to a monitoring alarm assembly. A stabilizing assembly comprising at least one stabilizing magnet is disposed and structured to expose said magnetomechanical member to a stabilizing magnet field sufficient operative characteristics to facilitate restoration or maintenance of the armed mode of the magnetomechanical member even when exposed to a disruptive magnetic field, such as when the magnetomechanical member is attempting to be disarmed by an unauthorized source.

Abstract: An in-container monitoring sensor system is based on an UWB radar intrusion detector positioned in a container and having a range gate set to the farthest wall of the container from the detector. Multipath reflections within the container make every point on or in the container appear to be at the range gate, allowing intrusion detection anywhere in the container. The system also includes other sensors to provide false alarm discrimination, and may include other sensors to monitor other parameters, e.g. radiation. The sensor system also includes a control subsystem for controlling system operation. Communications and information extraction capability may also be included. A method of detecting intrusion into a container uses UWB radar, and may also include false alarm discrimination. A secure container has an UWB based monitoring system.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are described for an electronic article surveillance security tag having a magnetically releasable tack retaining system, and a magnetic detaching device for use with the electronic article surveillance tag. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A hybrid-technology metal detector, using pulse-induction and sine-wave excitation of the transmitter coil alternately, in rapid succession. The energy stored in the transmitter coil, in the pulsed mode, is used to shock-excite a high-Q circuit formed by the coil and a parallel capacitor into oscillations in the sine-wave mode. The multiplicative action of the circuit Q causes high currents to flow in the transmitter coil, causing high fluxes to be impressed on the searched area, with increased sensitivity as a result. Using a linear coil-current ramp to assess and minimize the coupling between the transmitter and receiver coils permits effective separation of the reactive and resistive components of the target signals, making accurate identification of targets possible.

Abstract: In a communication network or networked system, cables that interconnect systems or parts of a system are provided with RFID tags embedded at periodic intervals along their lengths. A network of GPS-enabled RFID readers with triangulation capabilities enables the determination of the physical routing of cables within an area of interest. It also enables communication of the physical routing information to an operations support system for cable management.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent workers from inadvertently discarding metal articles is used in the hospitality industry. The apparatus includes a base suitable for mounting to an open end of a waste receptacle, a tray pivotally mounted to the base, and a metal detector mounted to the underside of the tray. The metal detector detects the presence of metal articles deposited in the tray amidst food scraps or other waste. The metal detector signals an audible alarm alerting workers to the presence of metal articles in the waste. Once the metal articles are removed, the worker can use a handle or a button system to pivot the tray, so as to deposit the food scraps or other waste in the waste receptacle.

Abstract: An acoustic-magneto (AM) anti-theft marker is formed with the bias piece made from a soft magnetic material, instead of a “semi-hard” magnetic material that has been used in conventional anti-theft AM security markers. The method of manufacturing such soft magnetic bias pieces includes cold deforming a soft magnetic material with at least an eighty percent reduction rate, while keeping its DC coercivity below 12.5 Oe. The strip or wire of soft magnetic material is then cut to size as required for the bias piece. The anti-theft AM security marker has the soft magnetic bias piece placed inside or outside of the resonating cavity of the housing for the security tag with the resonator pieces inside the resonating cavity with a cover film placed over the housing. The soft magnetic bias piece or pieces effectively operate close to resonator piece or pieces with or without a non-magnetic separating film.

Abstract: A seal device includes a locking member with a magnetically permeable material portion, and structure that can receive the locking member. The structure supports a magnetic field generator and detector at locations spaced from each other and from a region that is occupied by the portion of the locking member when the locking member is received by the structure. The structure defines a main flux path as a loop having a first portion, a second portion and a remainder that are mutually exclusive, and that collectively define the entirety of the flux path. The first and second portions are respectively within the magnetic field generator and the region, and most of the remainder extends through magnetically permeable material of the structure. The detector is located where the magnetic field has different characteristics when the portion of the locking member is respectively present in and absent from the region.

Abstract: A security device, according to various aspects of the present invention, detects removal of the device from a provided surface. The security device includes a body; at least one magnet coupled to the body; and a sensor coupled to the body proximate to at least one of the at least one magnet. The sensor does not move with respect to the at least one magnet. The at least one magnet magnetically couples the body to the surface. Each one magnet provides a magnetic flux. When the body couples to the surface, at least a portion of the magnetic flux conducts away from the sensor. When the body is not coupled to the surface, at least a portion of the magnetic flux from at least one magnet of the at least one magnet conducts through the sensor thereby indicating removal of the body from the surface.

Abstract: A security device, according to various aspects of the present invention, detects movement of a provided portal cover. The security device includes a sensor, a bias magnet, and a processor. The sensor provides indicia of a magnitude of a magnetic flux through the sensor. The bias magnet provides the magnetic flux through the sensor. The processor detects a change in the magnitude of the magnetic flux outside an upper boundary and a lower boundary of a first threshold and a second threshold respectively. The sensor does not move with respect to the magnet. Movement between the sensor and the portal cover changes the magnitude of the magnetic flux through the sensor. The processor determines an average value of a series of values of the indicia of the magnitude of the magnetic flux that fall within the upper boundary and the lower boundary of the first threshold. The upper boundary and the lower boundary of the first threshold and the second threshold respectively are set in accordance with the average value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security device used in connection with an access barrier of a protected area. The access barrier is movable between an open position and a closed position for selectively permitting ingress and egress to the protected area. The device has an access barrier position detector to detect the position of the access barrier and generate a status signal indicative of the access barrier being open or closed. The device also has a lock position detector to detect the position of a lock for selectively locking and unlocking the access barrier and generate a status signal indicative of the access barrier being locked or unlocked. A signal transmitter is provided to transmit the status signals.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and locating ferromagnetic objects in a security screening system. One method includes a step of acquiring magnetic data that includes magnetic field gradients detected during a period of time. Another step includes representing the magnetic data as a function of the period of time. Another step includes converting the magnetic data to being represented as a function of frequency. Another method includes a step of sensing a magnetic field for a period of time. Another step includes detecting a gradient within the magnetic field during the period of time. Another step includes identifying a peak value of the gradient detected during the period of time. Another step includes identifying a portion of time within the period of time that represents when the peak value occurs. Another step includes configuring the portion of time over the period of time to represent a ratio.

Abstract: A scooping device with an integrated electromagnetic (EM) surveillance device for a container. The container defines an interior for storing a product. The scooping device is configured for scooping or capturing the product. The electromagnetic surveillance device is integrated with, embedded into or attach to the body of the scooping device. The electromagnetic surveillance device may be an EAS, Bistatix, RFID, or other electromagnetic surveillance tag or label that is configured to respond to an electromagnetic signal such that the presence of the electromagnetic surveillance device is detectable. The detectability of the electromagnetic surveillance device provides an anti-theft feature to the container without interfering with the construction of the container.

Abstract: A message leaving system for digital photo frame (DPF) is provided. The message leaving system includes a message recording unit configured to record a message in the DPF, a detecting sensor initiated by information sent from the message recording unit to detect human presence after a predetermined detecting time period from the message being stopped recording, a message reminding unit generating a notification signal to inform users to play the message when the detecting sensor detects human presence, and a message handling unit configured to store or delete the message after the message being played.

Abstract: A system for controlling door-mounted or door-embedded antennas. An antenna, for example, an EAS or an RF antenna, sends interrogation signals which are received by markers located on merchandise within a range of detection, i.e., an “interrogation zone”. Antennas that are mounted on or embedded in a door move along with the motion of the door. Thus, the interrogation zone covered by the antenna's magnetic field is continually changing with the movement of the door. The system and method of the present invention control door-mounted antennas by monitoring the motion of the door upon which the antenna is mounted, and by adjusting the size and breadth of the interrogation zone generated by the antenna accordingly.

Abstract: A communication-ready corrugated article and method for making the corrugated article is disclosed. The corrugated article includes a linersheet (e.g., craft paper), an undulating medium (e.g., craft paper), a conductive strip (e.g., metal, aluminum, wire, coil), and a security chip (e.g., RFID chip, EAS chip, integrated circuit, chip strap, RFID tag, EAS tag). The linersheet has a first side and a second side. The undulating medium is coupled to the first side of the linersheet, the conductive strip is positioned on the first side of the linersheet between the linersheet and the undulating medium. The security chip is attached to the second side of the linersheet opposite the conductive strip and is coupled to the conductive strip through the linersheet.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to various aspects of the present invention, that couples a provided security device to a provided portal cover and communicating between a first side and a second side of the portal cover. The security device includes a first magnet and a second magnet. The apparatus includes a second device, a first metal fastener, and a second metal fastener. The first metal fastener has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second metal fastener has a third end portion and a fourth end portion. The first end portion and the third end portion are positioned on a first side of the cover. The second end portion and the fourth end portion are positioned on a second side of the cover. The first magnet and the second magnet magnetically and electrically couple to the first end portion and the third end portion respectively thereby coupling the security device to the cover. The second device electrically couples to the second end portion and the fourth end portion.

Abstract: A metal detector for control of protected access comprises two oblong shape vertical housings (10, 12), a structure (14) connecting the upper part of the vertical housings (10, 12) and emitting and receiving electrical coils (3, 5) provided in the housings (10, 12). Each of the two housings (10, 12) comprises two separate emitting (3) and/or receiving (5) coils. The coils operate so that each of the two housings (10, 12) comprises one emitting coil (TX) and one receiving coil (RX). The metal detector further comprises a controller for controlling operation of the emitting and receiving coils, so that when an emitting coil (TX1, TX2) provided in a housing (10, 12) is active, the two receiving coils (RX1, RX2) provided respectively in both the two housings are also simultaneously or subsequently active.

Abstract: A sensor for a security system is disclosed to detect intrusions at one or more predetermined locations wherein each location includes a moveable member which must be moved in order to intrude the location. The system includes a fiber network routed in close proximity to one or more locations. The sensor comprises a sensor housing for being disposed at a location to detect a predetermined movement of the moveable member from a secure position to an unsecured position, and means for mounting the sensor housing in a stationary position at the location without a physical connection to the moveable member. The sensor housing includes a fiber inlet and a fiber outlet, and a fiber chamber for receiving a predetermined sensor fiber of the fiber network being routed through the sensor housing.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling door-mounted or door-embedded antennas. An antenna, for example, an EAS or an RF antenna, sends interrogation signals which are received by markers located on merchandise within a range of detection, i.e., an “interrogation zone”. Antennas that are mounted on or embedded in a door move along with the motion of the door. Thus, the interrogation zone covered by the antenna's magnetic field is continually changing with the movement of the door. The system and method of the present invention control door-mounted antennas by monitoring the motion of the door upon which the antenna is mounted, and by adjusting the size and breadth of the interrogation zone generated by the antenna accordingly.

Abstract: A metal object detecting apparatus comprising, a transmitter for generating a primary magnetic field having a resultant magnetic field direction which varies along any substantially linear path through a surveillance volume such that at three locations along said path the resultant magnetic field points in three mutually substantially orthogonal directions; a detector for measuring a secondary magnetic field at a plurality of positions as a function of time due to the presence of a metal object within the surveillance volume as it passes a plurality of measurement points there-through; and a processor for determining from the measured secondary magnetic fields a track through the surveillance volume comprising a plurality of locations of the metal object and a magnetic moment thereof at each location, the processor being adapted in use to derive there-from a magnetic signature that is characteristic of the metal object and independent of the orientation and track of the metal object.

Abstract: A sensor having a crystal having a first face and a second face, the first face comprising a prong, wherein the sensor is adapted to track movement of an object in a medium other than vacuum and the prong has a frequency of vibration that substantially matched a frequency of vibration of the crystal is disclosed. A method to track movement of an object a method of manufacturing a system to track movement of the object is also disclosed. The method of tracking includes creating a sensor adapted to track movement of the object in medium other than vacuum and providing a spatial tracking map. The method of manufacturing the system to track movement of the object includes fabricating a plurality if sensors, arranging the plurality of sensors in a three-dimensional space and feeding data from the plurality of sensors into a mapping algorithm.

Abstract: A hand-held, wand-type buried object detector includes a motion and position sensor that provides data about the sensor head of the buried object detector. An inertial measuring device including three accelerometers and three gyroscopes is one example of a motion and position sensor. The buried object detector includes a processor/communicator device that is capable of processing the data from the motion and position sensor and communicating feedback, based on the processing results, to the operator about the operation of the buried object detector. In one example, a personal digital assistant may be configured for use as a processor/communicator device of a buried object detector.

Abstract: Articles are magnetically tagged by a spatial distribution of passive magnetic elements. Each such magnetic element comprises a layer of soft magnetic material characterised by high permeability, low coercivity and a non-linear B-H characteristic, and formed as a discrete region of such material. Each such magnetic element also has at least one second layer of magnetic material capable of being permanently magnetised at least in a region adjacent the first layer to provide a magnetic bias for the magnetic element. The bias of individual such magnetic elements in the spatial distribution and the particular spatial nature of the distribution enables the article to be magnetically encoded.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetic detecting device comprising an apply coil 1 for generating an alternate magnetic field of variable frequency and a power source 2 for the apply coil; a magnetic sensor 5 for detecting a change in the magnetic field induced by a test object 9 placed at a distance from a surface of said apply coil and toward said test object, said magnetic sensor being provided with a cancel coil 6 for canceling a magnetic field generated at the position of the magnetic sensor by a direct magnetic field and/or said apply coil; a measurement circuit 7 for the magnetic sensor for measuring a detection signal of said magnetic sensor; a lock-in amplifier circuit 8 for detecting an output of said measurement circuit for the magnetic sensor into two signals having the same frequency as that of said apply coil and phases different from each other by 90 degrees; and an analysis means 10 for analyzing a phase change of the output of said magnetic sensor 5 using an output signal from said lock-i

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for monitoring and detecting movement of components of a shipping container latch. A latch monitor may embody an electromagnetic sensing unit and a nearby magnet or light emitter for measuring and characterizing the profile of a nearby electromagnetic field. The field profile is monitored to detect a change in the profile, log the change, and report any abnormal disturbance to the electromagnetic field, indicating a breach of the integrity of a latching mechanism on a shipping container. An alert of a breach event may be sent via a communication network to an authority for response. The invention can distinguish authorized, incidental, and tampering events, and also store and upload an electronic manifest for a shipping container.

Abstract: The present technology involves a method and apparatus for detecting and reporting magnetic fields in the proximity of a utility meter as an approach to determining tampering of such meter. The sensitivity level of the magnetic field sensors may be adjustable allowing either remote or local sensitivity adjustments to a magnetic field sensor to compensate for variations in the electromagnetic environments of different meter installation sites. Alternatively, the output of each magnetic field sensor may be connected to the input of an adjustable threshold circuit. When the output voltage of the magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a magnetic event signal is generated. Threshold adjustments to the adjustable threshold circuit may be performed locally at the meter site or remotely from a station. The output of each magnetic field sensor may be monitored by a locally or remotely programmable magnetic sensor output monitor.

Abstract: A tamper detecting enclosure arrangement for enclosures containing an interior space in which a protected item is positioned having a magnetoresistive sensing memory storage cell positioned in or near the protected item in the enclosure having a two state offset magnetoresistance versus externally applied magnetic field. A magnet is positioned at a selected separation distance from the magnetoresistive sensing memory storage cell to thereby provide a magnetic field about the magnetoresistive sensing memory storage cell if said enclosure has not been opened in such a manner as to result in substantially increasing said separation distance.

Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor that inhibits the loading of a non-compliant shopping cart onto the conveyor. In one aspect, the invention provides a conveyor comprising a track operable to guide the shopping cart between a first location and a second location, a gate assembly including a door movable between a closed position inhibiting entry to the track and an open position allowing entry to the track, a lock for securing the door in the closed position, and a sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a radar sensor, an infrared sensor, an RFID reader, a magnetic sensor, and a mechanical sensor) positioned to detect the presence of a shopping cart. In another aspect, the conveyor is configured to move the gate from the closed position to the open position when the sensor detects the presence of a shopping cart. Preferably this is done using a drive mechanism coupled to the gate.