Abstract: A design and manufacturing methods for reusable, stackable shipping containers made from composite materials is described. The composite material is embedded with optical fibers, data and electrical paths, and various types of components. These embedded devices are capable of detecting intrusions through the container walls, securely storing and processing information, and securely communicating information to other containers and to remote devices.

Abstract: A display apparatus for portable electronic device including a base, a plurality of mounting sleeves, a plurality of mounting posts, a plurality of mounting brackets, and a power supply unit. The base has a lockable panel that conceals an interior space at least partially defined by the base. The mounting sleeves are coupled to the base. The mounting posts are lockingly engaged with the mounting sleeves in the interior space at least partially defined by the base. The mounting brackets are secured to the mounting posts, each of the mounting brackets fixedly retaining a respective portable electronic device of a plurality of portable electronic devices so that the respective portable electronic device is rigidly secured relative to the base. The power supply unit is concealed and has a plurality of power ports shaped to receive automotive accessory power plugs from the portable electronic devices fixedly retained in the mounting brackets.

Abstract: A security tag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a membrane operable for attachment to merchandise, wherein the housing is connected the membrane, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the membrane and an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the membrane in an unauthorized condition. A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the merchandise and an alarm operable to emit a tamper alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the merchandise in an unauthorized condition.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying merchandise item is presented. A disposable merchandise display includes a disposable display stand, an alarm unit and tethers. The disposable display stand is interchangeable with other disposable display stands and the alarm unit. The disposable display stand further includes one or more display areas for displaying merchandise items and allowing for the handling of the merchandise times. The alarm unit is configured to be placed inside the disposable display stand. Each of the tethers can be connected between the alarm unit and a corresponding merchandise item. The alarm unit is configured to generate an alarm when a merchandise item displayed at the merchandise display is moved away from the disposable merchandise display or a tether is cut.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a merchandise item is presented. An alarm system for protecting the merchandise item includes: an alarm logic, a cable, and a switch. The cable has first and second ends with the first end adapted to be plugged into the alarm system. The switch is located at the second end of the cable and indicates when the second end of the cable is attached to the merchandise item and when the second end of the cable is not connected to the merchandise item. The second end of the cable can be connected to a standard port located on the merchandise item. The alarm system generates an alarm when the second end of the cable is not connected to the merchandise item.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying merchandise item is presented. A merchandise display system includes a display cabinet, an alarm unit and a key extension device. The display cabinet can display several different kinds of merchandise items. The alarm unit generates an alarm when one of the merchandise items is removed from a predetermined distance from the display cabinet. The key extension device can be mounted on the display cabinet away from the alarm unit to allow an electronic key to be inserted into the key extension devise to control the alarm unit.

Abstract: A power strip may automatically disconnect a wired connection in response to received weather alert data based on a configuration file including one or more user preference settings. The power strip may include a receiver for a National Weather Service Specific Area Message Encoding system message including an alert type. The power strip may process the message and disconnect a wired connection based on the preference settings. A timer function may also define a time period that the power strip monitors its receiver for weather alert data and automatically disconnects and reconnects the wired connections.

Abstract: A signal received by a television over a communication medium is interrogated for the presence of a remotely transmitted ping. The television is operated in response to detection of the presence of the ping in the received signal. The television is locked against use in response to failing to detect the presence of the ping in the received signal.

Abstract: A communication port identification system enables an intelligent interconnect patch panel to reliably track connections to network switches. Network switch ports are provided with port ID modules that are inserted into the ports. Intelligent interconnect patch cords each utilize a patch cord microcontroller and out-of-band conductors to enable communication between an intelligent interconnect patch panel and the port ID modules of the switch port. Each port ID module is provided with a unique identification number, and the intelligent interconnect patch panel is thereby able to track all of its connections to the port ID modules in real time, and to update a network management system accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recognition of the theft of at least one solar module (5) on a photovoltaic unit with an inverter (1) an intermediate circuit (3), a DC-AC converter (4), at least one solar module (5) connected via connector lines (19) and a control device (8). A signal unit (19) which can be connected to the connector lines (9, 10), for generating and transmitting an electrical signal and a device for measuring and analyzing the signal received from the at least one solar module (5) are provided such that conclusions can be drawn about the theft of a solar module (5) from the received signal. According to the invention, reliable recognition of theft of a solar module (5) can be achieved by designing the signal unit (19) for generating varying electrical signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cable that includes at least one insulated conductor insulated from and within and inside a insulated second conductor, with both conductors connected with both ends with a cable alarm tag to form a closed electrical circuit, with the loop of the cable connected to an article for securing the article. With the cable of the present invention, if severed, the use of jumper cables will maintain the electrical circuit loop closed for the outer conductor only, but not the insulated inner conductor that is within and inside the outer conductor. Therefore, when severing the cable to disconnect and discontinue the physical loop to remove the secured article, even if cable jumpers are used, the insulated inner conductor will remain open circuited when the cable is cut, resulting in trigger of the alarm.

Abstract: A theft deterrent apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion device. The theft deterrent apparatus includes an authentication unit, a fault detection unit arranged to detect a fault of the authentication unit, and an operation control unit arranged to control operation of the propulsion device. When the authentication unit is normal, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device in accordance with an authentication result of the authentication unit. When a fault has occurred in the authentication unit, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device without referring to the authentication result of the authentication unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a security hang tag that includes a body, a head and a strap. The body includes a head-receiving compartment defining a circumferentially-extending flange. The head includes a circumferentially-extending lip to engage the flange, capturing the lip within the compartment such that the head is rotatably secured to the body. The head has a first strap-receiving channel including a first locking shoulder and a second strap-receiving channel including a second locking shoulder. The strap has first and second ends and includes a first cavity at the first end and a second cavity at the second end. The first end is configured for insertion within the first strap-receiving channel until the first cavity engages the first locking shoulder and the second end is configured for insertion within the second strap-receiving channel until the second cavity engages the second locking shoulder.

Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments, a process for transmitting a signal is presented. The process may be implemented to detect an occurrence of a predetermined event associated with an object and in response to detecting the occurrence of the predetermined event, transmit a signal relating to a content associated with the object.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting device (1) comprising one or more light sources (10) arranged to generate light, an accommodating device (5) having an external boundary (2) which is at least partly translucent and is arranged to accommodate the one or more light sources and a controller (40). The lighting device can generate two types of light. One or more lighting parameters selected from the group consisting of the first luminous intensity of the first type of light, the second luminous intensity of the second type of light, the color point of the first type of light and the color point of the second type of light can be controlled. This allows task lighting and atmosphere lighting. The invention is also directed to a method of providing a wake-up stimulus by means of such a lighting device.

Abstract: An anti-theft protection system for goods presented to the public includes a set of sensors connected to the goods and linked to a control unit capable of determining states, the states being at least a state of presence of the goods and a state of theft attempt and/or actual theft, the shift from a state of presence of the goods to a state of theft attempt and/or actual theft resulting, in the absence of inhibition of the detection for the sensor, in the control unit being set into alarm, the control unit including or being connected to a sonorous alarm generating elements.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for providing reliable redundant data communications. The mechanism issues a request for data to a set of powered elements using a set of secondary communication channels in response to a reduction in a level of communications being detected. The set of secondary communication channels comprises one or more alternating current power lines and the request is sent as data injected onto the alternating current power lines to the set of powered elements. The mechanism receives the data using the set of secondary communication channels from the set of powered elements, analyzes the data to determine a set of recovery actions to restore the level of communications, and issues the set of recovery actions to the set of powered elements using the set of secondary communication channels.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying merchandise item is presented. A merchandise display system includes a display cabinet, an alarm unit and a key extension device. The display cabinet can display several different kinds of merchandise items. The alarm unit generates an alarm when one of the merchandise items is removed from a predetermined distance from the display cabinet. The key extension device can be mounted on the display cabinet away from the alarm unit to allow an electronic key to be inserted into the key extension devise to control the alarm unit.

Abstract: A powerline communications device comprises a powerline communications interface and at least one other communications interface configured to communicate over a computing network. The powerline communications interface is further configured to receive electrical power. The computing network may comprise mediums including powerlines, telephone lines, and/or coaxial cables. In some embodiments, the powerline communications interface may communicate with a network apparatus, such as a personal computer, via an Ethernet interface. The powerline interface, the telephone line interface, and/or the coaxial cable interface may all be associated with the same media access control (MAC) address. The powerline communications device may receive a message via a first medium and repeat the message via a second medium based on a quality of service (QoS) metric. In some embodiments, the powerline communications device may communicate using multiple frequency bands.

Abstract: Smart aerospace structures are described herein utilizing a deactivated RFID tag including an IC and an electrical by-pass. The electrical by-pass is conductive and the electrical by-pass is in parallel with the IC such that the deactivated RFID becomes activated upon an abnormal condition, such as an improper clamp installation, a clamp failure, an impact, a thermal event or a crack.

Abstract: A power device may include channels coupled to conductors in lines, where each one of the channels is coupled to a different one of the lines than the other channels and where the channels deliver direct current power signals over the conductors to the load devices. Each one of the load devices may be powered by a different one of the direct current power signals. The power device may include a power communicator that communicates with the load devices over the conductors that propagate the direct current power signals. The power communicator may determine a target power level for the load devices based on the communication over the conductors. The load device may adjust an amount of power in the direct current power signals in order to match the target power level.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of merchandise display security devices including anti-theft features for preventing theft of an item of merchandise being displayed in a display area of a retail store are shown and described. The security devices provide a dual alarm merchandise security system including an alarm unit attached to the item of merchandise and electrically and mechanically connected to a fixed unit that is attached to a fixed support within the display area. The alarm unit and the fixed unit each include an alarm that is activated by a control circuit upon predetermined alarm conditions. A breakaway cable interconnects the alarm unit and the fixed unit and defines a sense loop therebetween. In one embodiment, the fixed unit is a display stand and the alarm unit is a sensor configured to be removably supported on the display stand.

Abstract: An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line input port and a control unit. The communication line input port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The control unit is configured to obtain first information from the communication line via the communication line input port, and is further configured to adjust the operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including one or more security structures. The one or more security structures includes: a weldable frame; a plurality of composite panels, each panel securable to the weldable frame, each composite panel configured to form at least one joint with at least one adjoining composite panel; and a respective security element embedded within each of the composite panels. The security element is configured to detect a breach in the composite panel.

Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.

Abstract: An alarm system is applied for a computer to warn an owner of an electronic device via a terminal when the electronic device is detached from the computer. The alarm system includes a memory unit and a main controller connected the memory unit. The main unit controller includes a recording unit, a determining unit, and an information obtaining transmitting unit. The recording unit is used to log the electronic device detachably connected to the computer. The determining unit is used to determine whether the electronic device detachably connected to the computer is detached from the computer. The information obtaining transmitting unit is used to read the alarm information from the memory unit when the electronic device is detached from the computer, and transmit the alarm information to the owner' terminal.

Abstract: A surveyor's mark and a method for forming the mark. The mark includes a stick and a head assembled to the stick. The stick is configured to be planted in a ground and the head is configured to be above the ground. The head includes a tag having an identification number. The identification number has a value which is a first code value. The stick includes a thin wire configured as an electrical conducting loop and connected to the tag. If the stick is planted in the ground and the head is above the ground, then pulling the head in an attempt to pull up the mark from the ground results in the head being disassembled from the stick and the thin wire breaking so as to open the loop which changes the value of the identification number from the first code value to a second code value.

Abstract: A retractable merchandise security tether with alarm is provided. The security tether includes a housing carrying a spool for winding an unwinding a cable therefrom. A security module is also packaged within the housing. The security module includes a sensor operable to detect the presence of a severed end of the cable within the housing. Upon detection, the security arrangement is operable to provide an indication of the presence of the severed end in the form of an alarm or other indication.

Abstract: An activation system for optical media in one embodiment includes a tag having at least one pair of conductors with at least one heating element coupled to the conductors. The heating element is oriented proximate one or more activation regions on the optical media, and wherein the heating element activates the optical media. The tag in one embodiment is an elongate flexible tag material with a number of conductors that couple on one end to heating elements wherein the heating elements are disposed within a media case such that they are proximate activation regions on a media article.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a power management device that measures the idle or standby power consumed by an attached electronic product, and then automatically and completely shuts off all power to the electronic product when that product consumes idle power for a continuous, predetermined length of time.

Abstract: An electronic device has a chassis, and a printed wiring board (PWB) having a hole. A fastener is installed in the hole thereby securing the PWB to the chassis. A pair of conductive traces is formed in the PWB. A cap, being an amount of conductive glue, covers a part of the fastener and fills an electrically insulating gap between the two traces, to thereby form a conductive path that connects the two traces. A sensing circuit is coupled to the traces, to detect a change in impedance of the path and signal a tamper event alert. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detection of an electric field generated by the human/animal body can include providing a passive antenna system for detecting changes in the ambient electric field due to interaction of the ambient with the charges generated by the human/animal body, and a high impedance sensor that is fixed to the encapsulated wire antenna. The result is a passive human/animal detection system without any moving parts. The antenna can be an encapsulated wire, and the wire length can be chosen according the desired application. For systems that are intended to detect the presence of a human being or animal, the encapsulated wire can have a length of one hundred feet or more, and a grid of wires can be used for detection within an Area of Interest (AOI).

Abstract: A data center equipment location system includes both hardware and software to provide for location, monitoring, security and identification of servers and other equipment in equipment racks. The system provides a wired alternative to the wireless RFID tag system by using electronic ID tags connected to each piece of equipment, each electronic ID tag connected directly by wires to a equipment rack controller on the equipment rack. The equipment rack controllers then link over a local area network to a central control computer. The central control computer provides an operator interface, and runs a software application program that communicates with the equipment rack controllers. The software application program of the central control computer stores IDs of the equipment rack controllers and each of its connected electronic ID tags in a database.

Abstract: A system including at least one sensor capable of indicating the physiological presence an individual proximate thereto, an access control unit associated with the sensor that provides physiological access to a secure area and control circuits coupled to the at least one sensor, and the unit and responsive thereto to adjust a security level and alarm state in a selected region of the secure area.

Abstract: A merchandise display stand for displaying an item of merchandise defines an angled exit path for a security cable attached to the merchandise. The display stand includes a base configured for attachment to a support surface and an upright extending from the base. The security cable extends from the base through an internal passageway defined by the upright to the merchandise. The upright has an arcuate or an angled shape relative to the support surface and the angled exit path forms an acute angle with a central axis between about fifteen and about seventy-five degrees. A sensor housing may be disposed between an upper end of the security cable and the merchandise and configured for attachment to the merchandise. A first displacement sensor may be provided for indicating whether the base is separated from the support surface and a second displacement sensor may be provided for indicating whether the merchandise is separated from the sensor housing.

Abstract: A merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise includes a mounting element adapted to be mounted on a support surface with the mounting element defining an opening over a hole formed through the support surface. A base having a cable collection tube is configured to be received within the opening of the mounting element and passed through the hole to a location beneath the support surface. The base is releasably attached to the mounting element so that the base can be detached from the mounting element and the collection tube passed through the hole to provide access to the collection tube above the support surface. The collection tube may be movably disposed on the base so that the cable collection tube can be positioned at any desired angular location beneath the support surface relative to the base.

Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft of the article has a housing containing an alarm system including an audible alarm with a defeat mechanism having a two-part connector that attaches to both a cable and a locking mechanism. The connector includes a mechanical fuse (e.g., two-step ferrule holder) that provides defeat prevention of the alarm device. The locked device alarms if pulled too hard from twisting the cable without releasing the primary lock. The connector is preferably shaped as a generally elliptic cylindrical bayonet having an oval transverse cross-section and a truncated oblique cone-shaped distal end. This enables the plug to be inserted into a locking channel of the locking mechanism in either of two directions facilitating the locking of the attached cable about an article of merchandise.

Abstract: A merchandise display security device for an article of merchandise having an audio cord includes an electrical control circuit for producing a sense loop in the audio cord, monitoring a non-alarming state and an alarming state of the sense loop, and activating an alarm in the event that the sense loop changes from the non-alarming state to the alarming state. In one embodiment, the device includes a security sensor adapted for being attached to a media player. The security sensor has an audio jack for receiving an audio plug on the audio cord and includes an audio connector cord having an audio plug for engaging an audio jack on the media player. The security sensor may be electrically connected to an alarming base by a sense cord and include a power adapter cord for providing power to the media player through the sense cord and the power adapter cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alert alarm lock system comprising: a lock; a cable assembly, where the lock may place the cable assembly in a locked position or an unlocked position; a copper conductor, where the copper conductor runs along the length of the cable assembly; a power source that provides power to the components of the lock system; a speaker that emits an audible alert; a wireless chip that transmits a RF signal to a remote receiver; a mechanism to initiate the alert and the transfer of the RF signal from the wireless chip.

Abstract: A posture sensing alert apparatus is provided. The posture sensing alert apparatus comprises an attachment element, a detecting element, a processing element and an alert element. The attachment element is adapted to attach on a human body. The detecting element is disposed on the attachment element and is adapted to sense a posture change from the human body. The processing element is disposed on the attachment element and connects to the detecting element. The processing element is adapted to output a signal to the alert element in response to the posture change for a predetermined period so that the alert element is adapted to output an alert accordingly.

Abstract: A system for detecting electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) marker shielding includes an EAS subsystem, a metal detector, a people counting system, and a processor. The EAS subsystem operates to detect an EAS marker in an interrogation zone. The metal detector operates to detect a metal object in the interrogation zone. The people counting system operates to detect one or more people in the interrogation zone. The processor is electrically coupled to the EAS subsystem, the metal detector and the people counting system. The processor is programmed to receive information outputted from the people counting system and information outputted from the metal detector to determine whether to generate an alarm signal based on the presence of EAS marker shielding.

Abstract: A display stand for displaying an article of merchandise includes a base defining an outer periphery and means for dispensing and collecting a helical cable attached to the article of merchandise. The means for dispensing and collecting supports and guides the helical cable along the outer periphery of the base between a retracted length and an extracted length. The dispensing and collecting means may include at least one wheel disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include at least one roller disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include a low-friction surface disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include a scalloped surface disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The display stand may further include a collection tube for delivering the helical cable to the article.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying merchandise item is presented. A disposable merchandise display includes a disposable display stand, an alarm unit and tethers. The disposable display stand is interchangeable with other disposable display stands and the alarm unit. The disposable display stand further includes one or more display areas for displaying merchandise items and allowing for the handling of the merchandise times. The alarm unit is configured to be placed inside the disposable display stand. Each of the tethers can be connected between the alarm unit and a corresponding merchandise item. The alarm unit is configured to generate an alarm when a merchandise item displayed at the merchandise display is moved away from the disposable merchandise display or a tether is cut.

Abstract: A network of power and communication receptacle devices having a plurality of power and communication receptacle devices. Each power and communication receptacle device has at least one power receptacle, at least one communication receptacle, and a power cable assembly having a dual power head. The power cable assembly is configured to provide electrical power to the power receptacle. The network includes a plurality of interconnecting power cables. Each power cable has a first power feeder electrically connected to the dual power head of one of the power and communication receptacle devices and a second power feeder electrically connected to the dual power head of a next power and communication receptacle device. The network includes a power feeding cable having electrically connected thereto a power feeder for connection to a dual power head of a first one of the power and communication receptacles and a device for connection to a power source.

Abstract: An antitheft sensor system includes a covering which is placed around an object to be protected (such as a cable). Sensor wires are located in the covering. Signals are sent through the sensor wires and the wires are monitored for changes in the signals (such as changes in wire resistance) that may indicate theft or tampering. The system allows determination of theft or tampering of objects which may be operated only infrequently, such as conductors bridging rails.

Abstract: Semiconductor sensor chips are assembled with semiconductor communication chips to form sensor nodes which are wired together and placed in a tube preform which is sealed to form a tube containing an array of sensor nodes. The tube, resembling a wire in appearance, can then be assembled with power conductors to form a power delivery cable to allow monitoring of conditions within the cable at a plurality of spaced locations along the length of the cable so that the cable can be operated near or at its actual current carrying capacity which may be altered by ambient conditions and allowing management of risk of failure of the cable.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are provided for communicating to a powered element in a rack system. A controller injects communication data onto power lines that provides power to a plurality of powered elements. The powered elements determine if the communication data transmitted via the power lines should be used for configuration using an address embedded within the communication data. The powered elements compare an embedded target address within the communication data to the address of the particular element. If there is a match between the addresses, the corresponding powered element processes the communication data to configure the powered element. As a result, data may be communicated over the power lines thereby eliminating the need for separate communication lines. Thus, the amount of cables required to interconnect the powered elements of the distributed data processing system may be reduced by eliminating the communication lines from the system configuration.

Abstract: A collective objects management system for objects such as documents contained in file folders in drawers of file cabinets. Each file folder has an electrical circuit with a visible indicator mounted on the file folder. Each folder circuit has a pair of crystals which are responsive to R.F. signals of specific frequencies, the frequencies of each pair being different for each folder circuit. An associated computer operates an R.F. signal generator to produce R.F. signals at the frequencies of the particular folder circuit of the file folder selected for retrieval. To aid the user, each file drawer has a visible indicator mounted on the front panel, the panel indicator being illuminated when the sought folder is contained in that drawer. The invention can be applied to a wide variety of collective objects management systems, such as supermarkets, automobile parts distributors, and various manufacturing operations.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with charging merchandise items are presented. A method of charging merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. A first powers supply charges a portion of the display that does not include the merchandise items and a second power supply charges the merchandise items. The merchandise items are charged at the display on a multiplexed basis. An alarm is generated if the first power supply or the second power supply looses power but not if the first and second power supply loose power.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with protecting merchandise items are presented. A method of protecting merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. A detection is made if one merchandise items has been moved beyond a predetermined authorized distance from the consumer display. The method determines if an authorized key is detected within a predetermined key distance from the consumer display. An alarm is then generated when one of merchandise items has been moved beyond a predetermined authorized distance and an authorized key is not detected within a predetermined key distance.