Abstract: A GPS directed intrusion system with data acquisition is provided. Some methods can include detecting a threat event associated with a monitored facility, collecting data relevant to the threat event, and transmitting the data relevant to the threat event to a mobile device of an authority figure dispatched to the monitored facility. Some methods can also include placing a surveillance device associated with the monitored facility in a tracking mode, tracking motion captured by the surveillance device, and transmitting data representative of the motion to a mobile device of an authority figure dispatched to the monitored facility.

Abstract: A security system includes a structure having a structural surface. The structure is sized to contain an asset therein and configured to provide a forceful breaching delay. The structure has an opening formed therein to permit predetermined access to the asset contained within the structure. The structure includes intrusion detection features within or associated with the structure that are activated in response to at least a partial breach of the structure.

Abstract: A sensitivity adjustment device may include: a light receiver configured to receive a reflected light that has been emitted from a light emitting unit and reflected by a reflector, the light receiver being configured to convert the reflected light into an analog electrical signal; an A/D converter configured to convert the analog electrical signal into a digital signal; a threshold value calculator configured to calculate a threshold value with reference to a voltage level of the digital signal that has been sequentially converted and output by the A/D converter; and a determination unit configured to compare a high voltage level of the digital signal with the threshold value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an expandable antenna for a security system that is installed within a wall. The security system may include a control unit. The control unit may include a casing that houses one or more internal components of the control unit and a radio-frequency (RF) communication module that is situated within the casing. The RF communication module includes an antenna connected that is exposed to the exterior of the casing. An expandable antenna connects to the antenna connector. The expandable antenna is fit through an aperture in a wall and is then expanded to an enlarged size within the gap of the wall.

Abstract: A pocket-sized blister-pack case, designed to receive a blister pack of a known type with a plurality of cells each containing a product, for example a pharmaceutical product in the form of a pill or tablet, has a plurality of capacitive and/or optical sensors for counting and displaying the number of pills that are taken out of the respective cell, as likewise the date and time of when they were taken, and is able to communicate via a packet mobile-radio interface the data to an authorized remote control centre that can check the degree of compliance of the patient to the therapy prescribed and can dialogue with the patient himself via packet and/or circuit mobile-radio interface.

Abstract: An item storage and tracking unit for holding a plurality of discrete items may include a housing including a plurality of receptacles positioned therein and defining a plurality of associated inner areas. A signal emitting device is associated with at least one item and configured to emit a signal. At least one movement sensor and/or at least one weight sensor may be associated with each receptacle of the plurality of receptacles. At least one signal receiving arrangement is associated with each receptacle and configured to scan at least a portion of the inner area of the associated receptacle for the signal emitted from the signal emitting device associated with the at least one item. The scan is initiated at least partly in response to a determination by the at least one movement sensor, the at least one weight sensor, and/or an antenna associated with the associated receptacle.

Abstract: A container assembly includes sensors to detect events that occur in proximity to the container including thermal energy changes, light variances, and movement. For example, an item placed in or removed from an open end of the container, movement of the container, and shadows that pass over an open end of the container. The sensors detect the event then transmit a signal to a measuring or control instrument to trigger a predetermined illumination and/or audio signal. The sensors embed in a base portion of the container, operatively joining with a processor. Sensors include photocells for light, passive infra-red for temperature, and omni-directional sensors for movement. In this manner, movement, changes in temperature and light cause an illumination portion to emit light, and an audio portion to emit an audio signal to provide animation and safety features for the container.

Abstract: Display hooks for displaying items of merchandise are provided. For example, the display hook includes at least one rod for supporting a plurality of items of merchandise and an end assembly coupled to the at least one rod. The end assembly includes an alarm mechanism configured to generate at least one alarming signal. The end assembly is configured to detect removal of each item of merchandise, wherein the alarm mechanism does not generate an alarming signal when at least a first item of merchandise is removed from the rod, and wherein the alarm mechanism is further configured to generate an alarming signal when a second item of merchandise has been removed from the rod within a predetermined period of time from the first item of merchandise being removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for providing Quality of service to RFID. In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of providing quality of service in an RFID network comprising storing RFID priority information corresponding to the RFID network, wherein the RFID network comprises one or more tags and one or more readers mapping the RFID priority information into priority information corresponding to a second network.

Abstract: A cover for a mobile device includes an engaging portion for engaging an exterior surface of the mobile device to secure the cover to the mobile device, a back protective panel for protecting a back surface of the mobile device and at least one wall extending from an interior side of the back protective panel and contacting the back surface of the mobile device. A theft-detection device capable of generating a signal in response to passing through a field is positioned on the interior side of the back protective panel such that a height of the theft-detection device is less than a height of the at least one wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods to secure near field communications (NFC) are disclosed. An NFC polling device may detect a change in voltage when attempting to communicate with another NFC device and based at least in part on the magnitude of the change in voltage if there is an attempted hacking and/or snooping event. The NFC polling device may further identify the number of modulation voltage levels detected and determine if there is an attempted hacking event based on the number of modulation voltage levels detected.

Abstract: A method of and system for monitoring an instance and a duration of hand-washing activity using a lightweight, wearable device including a radio frequency identification tag reader; an external communication device; an alarm device that is adapted to generate at least one of a visual, an audible, and a haptic signal; data storing device(s) having multi-dimensional movement, acceleration, and/or moment data representative of hand-washing activity; an accelerometer to measure multi-dimensional movement and acceleration of the device; a gyroscope to measure multi-dimensional movement and moment of the device; and a processing device that uses measured multi-dimensional movement, acceleration, and/or moment data to evaluate hand-washing activity by determining when hand-washing activity has begun and ended and by comparing the duration of hand-washing activity to a pre-determined minimum hand-washing requirement, to determine whether or not said hand-washing activity complies with the minimum hand-washing require

Abstract: A programmable system to visually indicate a predefined tablet to be consumed at a predefined time is provided. The programmable system includes a plurality of sections each corresponding to one of a plurality of tablets in a tablet strip, a wired interface or a wireless interface coupled to the plurality of sections. The wired interface or the wireless interface receives a set of instructions that include a set of sections and their corresponding times from a programming device. A memory stores the set of instructions. A timer tracks time and generates a message based on the set of instructions. A controller generates an electrical stimulus and communicates the electrical stimulus to a first section of the plurality of sections at a first time based on the set of instructions. The first section is modified visually at the first time in response to the electrical stimulus.

Abstract: A mounting strap assembly or cuff of a tracking device includes a primary mounting strap and at least one secondary reinforcing strap. Cut resistant material having the form of a woven, knitted, stranded, mesh or stacked material is also provided to further resist cutting or severing of the cuff.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant housing assembly may include an internal housing that is wrapped in a flex circuit. The flex circuit can cover an outside surface of the internal housing and can carry a conductive electrical trace. The electrical trace can define a continuous electrical path from a first contact pad to a second contact pad, such that piercing the an outer surface of the housing through to the inner surface of the housing interrupts the continuous electrical path.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an object of value to optimize energy consumption, the object of value being equipped with an event detection device including: a circuit configured to provide contactless communication with a remote entity; a sensor configured to detect an event related to the monitoring of an object of value; a unit configured to collect energy; the method including a first step of collecting energy by the detection device; a second step, started following the detection of an event by the detection device, in the course of which energy collected during the first step is restored such that: the detection device activates at least one contactless communication circuit of a remote entity or searches for one; the detection device transmits to the contactless communication circuit of the remote entity information related to the detected event.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises an outer case, a wireless card reader and a signal processing device. The outer case comprises a door and a metal wall. The metal wall is disposed on a lateral side of the outer case and has an opening. The door is disposed on the metal wall and capable of covering the opening. The wireless card reader is inside the door and capable of transmitting wireless signals. The signal processing device has a case, a data storage device and a safety mechanism. The signal processing device is inside the outer case and is electrically connected to the wireless card reader. The signal processing device is capable of processing the data of wireless signals from the wireless card reader. When the case is dissembled, the safety mechanism destroys at least part of the data stored in the data storage device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for identifying and determining quantity data for consumable items from a plurality of weight sensing devices. A consumption metric for the consumable items is determined based on the identification and quantity data. Consumption-related information is provided based on the consumption metric. Consumption-related information may be used for a number of purposes, including for providing aggregate consumption information to suppliers, and health advice and recipes to users, for example.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to integration of circuitry including a transmitter or transceiver component into energy storage devices, such as battery packs for portable electronic equipment. Further embodiments also relate to providing a tuned miniature antenna and/or encapsulating such antenna inside the energy storage device.

Abstract: A solid medical waste collection system for collecting solid medical waste. The system includes a mobile cart with a bag for storing the waste. A pre-detection apparatus detects metal-containing objects prior to placing them inside the bag to reduce costs to the facility in which the cart is employed. The system may also include a bag-tensioning mechanism for securing the bag to the cart.

Abstract: An approach for enabling a security function of a mobile device to be activated based on a change in proximity of another device is described. A notification service determines whether a proximity threshold between a first device and a second device is satisfied based on pairing information corresponding to a wireless link between the first device and the second device. The notification service also generates a control signal to activate a security function to restrict access on either the first device or the second device based on the determination.

Abstract: A compartment storage container for use in a collective objects management system with remote location of compartments containing sought objects. Each compartment has an address decoder with a unique address electrically connected to an electrical input connector which supplies compartment search signals to the container. Each compartment has an LED indicator which is activated when a compartment search signal specifies a compartment address which matches the address of an address decoder in the container. Each container has an electrical output connector which can be connected to the electrical input connector of another container so that several containers can be connected to one another. Each container can be removably installed in a cabinet drawer and electrically connected to conductive support rails in the drawer to communicate with a cabinet based collective objects management system.

Abstract: A device and system for electronically tracking one or more objects, such as tools or equipment is provided. The tool locator device and system of the present invention provides an electronic checklist specially designed to keep track of a set of tools or accessories.

Abstract: A control device having a graphical user interface for controlling the operation of a transport refrigeration unit is disclosed. The graphical user interface may include a menu structure having multiple levels of menu options, executable functions and data items that may be navigated and viewed by a user. Access to the various menus may be user-specific and controlled so that a subset of the information in the menu structure is available to normal users, and larger subsets of the information are available to advanced users having higher levels of authorization to the menus and information contained in the graphical user interface device. The graphical user interface may also include programmable soft keys that may take users directly to frequently viewed menu options, functions and data items without the necessity of navigating through the levels of the menu structure.

Abstract: A digital delivery system and method. The method includes receiving identification information related to at least one digital book, and generating an anonymous receipt that has a single access code that represents the at least one digital book.

Abstract: A signal transceiver with enhanced return loss in a power-off state includes a connector, a band-pass filter, a front-end module and an impedance transformation circuit. The impedance transformation circuit is coupled between the band-pass filter and the front-end module for transforming an input impedance of the signal transceiver, and includes an input terminal coupled to the band-pass filter for receiving a signal; an output terminal coupled to the front-end module for outputting the signal to the front-end module; an impedance transforming unit; and a power source input circuit coupled to the impedance transforming unit for providing a power source; wherein the impedance transforming unit is coupled between the power source input circuit and the input terminal, for transforming the input impedance of the signal transceiver.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to a mobile device (e.g., cellular phone) case and neck lanyard (with integrated headphones and microphone) allowing hands-free use of the mobile device. An embodiment magnetically couples the case to the lanyard. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A card exhibiting enhanced operating modes is provided. A normal-operating mode reverts to a low-power mode of operation after a period of inactivity has transpired. The card automatically reactivates in response to a passive detection event during a low-power mode of operation when the card is ready for use.

Abstract: As automated screening system and method. A method includes receiving a personal identifier from an individual at an induction kiosk and issuing a scanning unit at the induction kiosk. The method includes associating the scanning unit with the personal identifier and inducting the scanning unit, including at least one item added by the individual, at the induction kiosk. The method includes conveying the scanning unit to an imaging device, and imaging the scanning unit and the item to produce a scanned image. The method includes receiving the personal identifier at a return kiosk and returning the scanning unit and the item to the individual based on the association between the scanning unit and the personal identifier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer network comprising a storage facility, a data processing device, a data transmission device, and a server in operative connection with the storage facility. The storage facility comprises a load state detection device and a user detection device. The user detection device is configured to record a time period of at least one user in front of and/or in the vicinity of the storage facility. The load state detection device is configured to detect a removal of at least one article from the storage facility and/or loading of the storage facility with at least one article. Data acquired by the user detection device and/or the load state detection device of the storage facility can be transmitted to the server and/or can be retrieved from the server. The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating such a computer network.

Abstract: An asset retention device, including: a housing including a base portion and a cap portion, the base portion and the cap portion containing a plurality of electrical contacts; and an asset attachment structure securely coupled to the cap portion and making electrical contact with the plurality of electrical contacts, thereby completing an electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing; wherein, if the continuity of the asset attachment structure is broken, the electrical circuit is broken. The base portion of the housing is configured to be selectively coupled to a main console including a controller/processor operable for detecting a break in the continuity of the asset attachment structure and the associated electrical circuit. The asset retention device also includes an identifying chip. The asset attachment structure includes a plurality of hooked ends that extend through channels manufactured into an interior portion of the cap portion of the housing.

Abstract: An alarm system for monitoring a local premises and multiple remote objects is described. The system includes sensors in the local premises, an alarm panel connected to the sensors in the local premises, and remote objects having alarm systems in communication with the alarm panel. The remote objects are assigned a zone in the alarm panel to represent the remote object, such that an alarm condition at the remote object is reported as an alarm condition in the assigned zone.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for monitoring a structure at a fixed location, e.g., a house, parked boat or parked airplane, includes a monitoring or sensor system arranged to obtain information about the structure, an exterior of the structure and/or an interior of the structure different than the location of the structure, and a communication system coupled to the sensor system and being provided with a location of the structure. The communication system transmits the information about the structure obtained by the sensor system and the location of the structure to a remote facility. The remote facility can therefore monitor the structure, and take steps to ensure the integrity of the reservoir and the fluid therein. To enable wireless and powerless monitoring, a power source independent of a power grid extending outside of the trailer may be provided to supply power to the sensor system and the communications unit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a monitoring server, a theft detection signal from a first augmented reality device worn by a first employee of a retail store. The method also includes the step of linking, with the processing device, the first augmented reality device in communication with an electronic computing device operated by a second employee in response to said step of receiving the theft detection signal. The second employee can assist the first employee in assessing whether a theft is occurring.

Abstract: Method for monitoring a cargo container in which a transmitter is arranged on the container and periodically transmits messages to a remote site or location according to a schedule of messages. When a message is not received according to the schedule, which may be the result of tampering with the transmitter or another nefarious action involving the container, it may be considered that the container has been stolen. A rate of transmission of the messages may be modified based on a condition of the vehicle, such as the presence of a driver inside the vehicle, a distance between a driver inside the vehicle and the vehicle, the vehicle being at rest after motion of the vehicle stops, a location of the vehicle, biometric identification of a driver of the vehicle and deviation of the vehicle from an expected route, and/or based on current time and weather around the vehicle.

Abstract: A proximity-based catalytic converter protection system for a vehicle that includes a controller, and a catalytic converter, both located in the vehicle. The protection system further includes a pair of electrodes that are electrically coupled to the controller and located in proximity to the converter. The controller monitors capacitance between the electrodes to detect movement external to the vehicle near the converter. The controller may activate an alarm element upon detecting a change in capacitance between the electrodes that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A portable deactivator having a corresponding identifier is provided. Identification data associated with a user is captured by the portable deactivator. A determination is made whether to activate a deactivation element in the portable deactivator based at least in part on the captured user identification data. The deactivation element is configured to disable at least one electronic article surveillance, EAS, tag when the deactivation element is activated. The deactivation element remains disabled when the determination is made the user associated with the captured identification data is unauthorized to use the deactivator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and tracking surgical objects is disclosed. More specifically, a method and apparatus for identifying and tracking surgical objects such as needles, scalpels, blades, sponges and instruments in a medical industry using an identifier encoded on a fluorescent paint attached to the surgical object combined with detectors and software capable of retrieving the identifying information on the identifier.

Abstract: A circuit, a system and/or a method detect a passive electrical connection and/or an active electrical connection between an electrical device and a power supply. An integrity of the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power supply is monitored to determine if the electrical device may have access to power and/or to determine if the electrical device may be secure while on display. A high frequency AC signal is modulated onto a positive power rail between the electrical device and the power supply. Capacitance circuitry of the electrical device may remove the high frequency signal from the positive power rail. An absence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection exists between the electrical device and the power supply. A presence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection does not exist between the electrical device and the power supply.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) system tag detacher for unlocking an EAS tag is provided. The EAS tag includes a housing and a locking mechanism disposed within the housing. The EAS system tag detacher includes an EAS tag receiving area configured to receive the EAS tag. The EAS system tag detacher further includes a detaching element configured to unlock the EAS tag; and a haptic feedback element. The haptic feedback element is configured to generate haptic feedback when energized, the haptic feedback element being energized when the EAS tag has been unlocked by the detaching element.

Abstract: A storage system for material containers provides a readable ID distinguishing each container, and includes a scale that weighs containers, so that the system can distinguish between containers that are sufficiently loaded to be effective and containers that are insufficiently loaded. The system preferably includes storage for containers held in contact with readers of the container IDs. This allows a controller to keep track of containers checked out for use and returned for storage, and to identify containers that have been discharged.

Abstract: A reminder system for a portable-device charger is designed for determining when it is likely that the charger is about to be left behind. Detection which may be in real time can pertain, depending on the embodiment, to disconnection of a portable device from the charger, and/or movement of a portable device out of wireless range of the charger or a charger adaptor. In some versions, the onset of reminding is, upon detecting disconnection, tentatively postponed until a predetermined criterion is met, such as expiry of a predetermined time period. Or the criterion can be detection of an out-of-range condition based on distance between the portable device and an adaptor or charger. In some embodiments detection and reminder issuance are incorporated in a unit, such as a plug-in wall adaptor or the charger itself.

Abstract: A central piece of network equipment having at least one Ethernet connector having first and second pairs of contacts used to carry BaseT Ethernet communication signals and at least one electrical supply used by the central piece of network equipment to change impedance between at least one of the contacts of the first pair of contacts and at least one of the contacts of the second pair of contacts.

Abstract: A security device for securing an item, the security device comprising a housing configured to house a circuit board comprising electronics configured to send a telecommunication signal to a receiver when the electronics is activated; a cable configured to establish a conductive path with the circuit board when the housing is closed, thereby activating the electronics; a lock assembly configured to be activated when the housing is closed; and a cover configured to close the housing, the cover having a first pin configured to engage a first end of the cable to prevent removal of a first end of the cable from the housing when housing is closed, and the cover having a second pin configured to activate the lock assembly to prevent removal of a second end of the cable from the housing when the housing is closed.

Abstract: A mobile lock with a retractable cable. The mobile lock includes an integral wireless locator system that can precisely locate the mobile device in real-time if stolen with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (i.e., a drone, etc.) The wireless locator system also automatically send messages (e.g., e-mail, text, instant messages, voice, etc.) and make automatic posts to social networking sites (e.g., FACEBOOK, TWITTER, etc.) and social shopping sites (CRAIG'S LIST, E-BAY, etc.) that the mobile device has been stolen.

Abstract: Solar panel theft protection system operable both during daytime and nighttime. Power is feed into a solar array system sufficient to operate local management units. The units monitor solar panels; in the event that a panel is disconnected, an alarm is set off.

Abstract: In the embodiments described herein, a RFID enabled license plate is constructed by using the license plate, or a retro-reflective layer formed thereon as part of the resonator configured to transmit signals generated by and RFID chip integrated with the license plate. Such an RFID enabled license plate can include a metal license plate with a slot formed in the metal license plate, and a RFID tag module positioned in the slot. The RFID tag module can include a chip and a loop, and the loop can be coupled with the metal license plate, e.g., via inductive or conductive coupling. In this manner, the metal license plate can be configured to act as a resonator providing increased performance.

Abstract: An embedded security system for an environment-controlled trailer including a transportation refrigeration unit. The security system includes a plurality of sensors mounted to the trailer and a communication device embedded in the transportation refrigeration unit of the trailer, the communication device being configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors, and to send the received data to a controller being remote from the trailer. The controller is configured to monitor the security status of the trailer and to determine a security risk at the trailer based, at least in part, on the received data.

Abstract: Implementations for a system to receive a message indicating that an ambient light level measured by an ambient light sensor within a container exceeds a first threshold value or falls below a second threshold value; in response to the message indicating that the ambient light level exceeds the first threshold value, activate a cargo sensor; and in response to the message indicating that the ambient light level falls below the second threshold value, de-activate the cargo sensor.

Abstract: A rapid-access gun safe includes a portable enclosing structure and a communication module. The portable enclosing structure encloses a firearm. The portable enclosing structure includes a fixed portion and a collapsing wall. The collapsing wall provides rapid access to the firearm. The communication module is coupled to the fixed portion of the enclosing structure. The communication module facilitates incoming and outgoing electronic communication of at least one access signal from a device external to the rapid-access gun safe.