Abstract: A monitoring device to prevent separation including a transmitter portion adapted for coupling with a person or object to be monitored. A receiver portion is provided that is adapted for being worn on a person. The receiver portion is in communication with the transmitter portion. The receiver portion has a predetermined separation parameter measured between the receiver portion and the transmitter portion. The receiver portion includes the ability to determine the distance between the receiver portion and the transmitter portion. The receiver portion includes an alarm for sounding once the predetermined separation parameter has been exceeded. The transmitter portion also includes an alarm for startling a would-be wrongdoer and alerting others near the object of person being monitored.

Abstract: A personal item unit, for use in a personal item locator system, is attached to a personal item to be located and includes a personal item antenna, a personal item receiver, a personal item controller, a personal item audio output device and a personal item battery contained in a personal item housing. The personal item housing includes a resonating cavity for the personal item audio output device.

Abstract: A switch arrangement includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a locating mechanism, the transmitter and the receiver having a respective power circuit and a respective power on/off switch controlling the respective power circuit, the transmitter being controlled to transmit a radio signal, the receiver receiving the radio signal from the transmitter and running subject to the radio signal received, the locating mechanism being used to hold the transmitter and the receiver together, the power on/off switches of the receiver and the transmitter being forced to switch off the respective power circuits when the transmitter and the receiver are fastened together, the power on/off switches of the receiver and the transmitter automatically switching on the respective power circuits when the transmitter and the receiver are separated from each other.

Abstract: An EAS tag in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly a part of which is releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. A spring clamp provides the releasable preventing function and includes jaws specifically adapted to respond to in-plane torsional forces provided by the arcuate probe which is moved through the arcuate channel by rotation to reach the spring clamp. The tag has improved anti-defeat devices and methods including one or more of the following; a shield to protect the EAS sensor, a shield to protect the releasable spring clamp, a tag self-alarm that alarms upon various unauthorized defeat attempts, an LED to signal an armed condition of the tag alarm, a magnet switch to alarm the tag upon exposure to a relatively strong magnetic field, and a plurality of apertures to decoy the position of the alarm piezo.

Abstract: An integrated electronic apparatus includes a personal electronic device other than a personal alarm. A personal alarm is integrated with the personal electronic device. A battery is electrically coupled to the personal electronic device and the personal alarm so as to provide electric power to both the personal electronic device and the personal alarm.

Abstract: The invention provides an antitheft system comprising an alarm unit 1 attachable to a commodity, and an antitheft gate 2 installed in the vicinity of an exit of a store and having incorporated therein a transmitting circuit for producing an alarm activating signal for the alarm unit 1. The alarm unit 1 comprising a buzzer 1, receiving antenna 15 and control circuit 18. The control circuit 18 comprises an interrupt detecting circuit 18b alternatively settable in an interrupt permitting mode wherein the signal received by the antenna 15 is permitted to pass through the circuit 18b or an interrupt prohibiting mode wherein the received signal is prevented from passing therethrough, and a CPU 18a for judging whether the received signal input from the interrupt detecting circuit 18b is the alarm activating signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for theft prevention and/or recovery of stolen drink dispensers generally comprises the provision of an anti-theft device within a drink dispenser machine for detecting illegitimate movements of the machine and thereafter disabling the machine's operation. The disruption of operation is accompanied by an indication on the machine's display panel alerting the possessor of a general failure and requesting the placement of a maintenance service call. Concurrently, an innocuous indicator is also activated for alerting the responding service technician to the possibility that the dispenser machine under repair is stolen.

Abstract: An electronic event recorder for attachment to a vehicle is provided which can broadcast encrypted signature and data, thereby leaving behind an electronic version of a “fingerprint” in the event of an accident or traffic violation. The fingerprint, captured by an external data acquisition system or another vehicle so equipped, provides a history of events related to the vehicle. The event recorder is preferably integrated on a smart card and housed in a tamper proof casing. In a first mode of operation, monitoring stations along the roadways periodically send an interrogation signal, such as when radar detects that the vehicle is speeding. Upon receiving the interrogation signal the smart card transmits the vehicle's signature information to the monitoring station where it is time and date stamped along with the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A locating device for aiding a user in finding an object. The locating device includes a remote unit and a tag unit. The remote unit is retained by the user and includes a first processor for generating an alarm activation signal; a transmitter for transmitting the alarm activation signal; a sound alarm button and a light alarm button. The sound and light alarm buttons are manually activated for controlling the processor to generate the alarm activation signal. The tag unit is releasably secured to the object and includes a tag section and a locking section. The tag section includes identification information concerning the user and a cover for providing selective access to the information. The locking section includes a lock for releasably securing the tag unit to the object; a second processor; an alarm signal generator; and a receiver for receiving the alarm activation signal and activating the alarm generator to generate at least one of a visual and audible alarm signal.

Abstract: A computing device receives page messages and performs functions based on the page message. The messages may be stored in a non-volatile memory. The functions may include security functions for portable computing applications.

Abstract: A protective housing for an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag is adhered directly to an article with an adhesive layer that is difficult to remove. The housing comprises a cavity defined by a base and rectilinear side walls, with the EAS tag secured against the base. The dimension of the side walls together with the adhesive layer is significantly greater than the thickness of the EAS tag, so that there is a substantial portion of the cavity between the EAS tag and the article to which the housing is attached.

Abstract: A master authenticator (10) is worn by a user and wirelessly transmits information associated with the user to a remotely located electronic device. The master authenticator contains a sensor (12) to determine or sense whether or not the user is wearing the authenticator, along with a means to allow the user to log (22) in to the master authenticator by performing predefined physical action on the master authenticator. Once the sensor senses that the user is physically coupled to or wearing the device, the user logs in so as to uniquely associate the master authenticator with the user. Once the user is logged in, a transmitter is enabled so that the information can be transmitted to an electronic device in the proximity of the user. When the user ceases to wear the master authenticator by removing it, the log in means de-authorizes further transmissions by the master authenticator due to action of the sensor sensing that the authenticator is no longer on the user.

Abstract: A monitoring and alerting system for luggage including a master unit and a plurality of slave units. Each slave unit has a unique identity. The master unit and slave units each have a status display having numbered indicia which normally displays the numbered indicia for the slave units in a first color, and has an annunciator. When the master unit and slave units are separated by a predetermined distance, an alert condition is established whereby the numbered indicia for that slave unit changes to a second color and both the master unit and slave unit sound an alert with their annunciators. A wire loop may be used to attach the slave units to luggage, which normally maintains a closed circuit, such that if the wire loop is removed from the luggage and becomes open circuited while the slave unit is on, the alert condition is established.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors the movement of a person through an exit. The apparatus comprises an electronic article surveillance system adapted to generate an electromagnetic field at the exit and a tag worn by the person. The tag is responsive to the electromagnetic field. It is caused to alarm upon departure of the person from the exit. The tag is further provided with an alarm means for alarming the electronic article surveillance system.

Abstract: A tamper resistant enclosure for protecting an electronic device containing sensitive information (e.g. an electronic cryptographic card), is provided. The enclosure includes an external cover and an internal cover. Four screws (one at each corner) secure the internal cover to the device and the external cover by means of standoffs. A washer is interposed between the device and the standoff. The device has a dielectric substrate with a metal pad around each hole for ensuring the electrical connection to ground through the washer, the standoff and the conductive body of the external cover. When one of the screws is at least partially removed and the internal cover is moved, the circuit is interrupted and the system assumes that a tampering is being attempted. The circuit is designed to give an alarm and/or destroy all the sensitive information contained in the protected electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for theft prevention and/or recovery of stolen drink dispensers generally comprises the provision of an anti-theft device within a drink dispenser machine for detecting illegitimate movements of the machine and thereafter disabling the machine's operation. The disruption of operation is accompanied by an indication on the machine's display panel alerting the possessor of a general failure and requesting the placement of a maintenance service call. Concurrently, an innocuous indicator is also activated for alerting the responding service technician to the possibility that the dispenser machine under repair is stolen.

Abstract: A method for forming a securing label including affixing a security activating material to a substrate to form a sub-assembly label, attaching the sub-assembly label to a top label material, and cutting the top label material to form a top label where the sub-assembly label and the top label form the securing label. Attaching of sub-assembly layer includes inserting the sub-assembly layer between a paper layer and a carrier layer of the top label material which have been separated from each other and then remarried after insertion.

Abstract: A hang tag having a bifolding body, one part of which has a long tail, and one of the parts having a recess adapted to receive an electronic article surveillance (EAS) device. The EAS device is placed or secured in the recess, the tail is wrapped around a piece of merchandise, and the other end of the tail is affixed to one of the bifolding bodies, and then the bifold is snapped shut permanently. The tag is made out of a tough, minimal stretch plastic such as nylon or another polyamide, enabling the tag to be assembled onto the merchandise simply by looping and snapping, without any riveting or other joining required. Using a tough polymer, the snap fit can be designed to create a permanent attachment so that the tag would have to be cut off or destroyed to remove it.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic proximal security system comprising a master device including a first transmitter for communicating at least one device code, and a code processor. The system also comprises at least one slave device including a receiver for communicating the at least one device code, a code translator, and a slave controller for limiting access to functionality of the slave device responsive to the at least one device code transmitted from the master device.

Abstract: An object locating system for automatically locating a hidden or lost wireless object. This is applicable to objects such as remote controls for TVs and VCRs and the like. An ambient light photosensor is located on the object. The object locating system also includes an alarm located on the wireless object, which is electrically connected to the ambient light photosensor. The ambient light photosensor senses ambient lighting conditions. The alarm is actuated when the ambient light photosensor detects ambient light below a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus to detect and reliably record the physical history of a product including effects due to one or more of the following: 1) product use 2) handling 3) tampering and 4) environment of the product (as changes in the environment, such as excessive temperatures, humidity, or shocks, can result in degradation to a product). The apparatus includes a “smart card”, or, more generally, “smart token”, in combination with one or more sensors which record the external influences on the product and/or the environment and records those changes in an encrypted form. This information can then be verified by any individual who is equipped with a (possibly public) decryption key, but capability to modify this information, depending on the application, is restricted to those with access to the encrypting key.

Abstract: A protected device is provided which may normally operate in a first state of normal operation. A first event may cause the protected device to go into a second state of alert where the protected device still operates normally but additionally provides warnings to a user. For example, during the second state of alert a user may be warned that an access code needs to be entered to prevent degradation or altering of the operation of the protected device. The first event may be triggered or may depend on one or more sub-events some of which may occur with some probability and some of which may automatically occur or may be deterministic. If a second event occurs prior to the user providing an access code then the protected device would transition from the second state (normal operation with warnings) to a third state in which the operation of the protected device would be altered or degraded.

Abstract: A item locator system for locating lost personal articles. The item locator system includes a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space. The first device includes a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each has a distinct frequency. A microprocessor actuates the first transceiver and determining the distinct transmitted signal. The microprocessor is operationally coupled to the first transceiver. A speaker emits an audible sound, is operationally coupled to the microprocessor and actuated when the first transceiver receives a signal. A plurality of input actuators input information into the microprocessor and are operationally coupled to the microprocessor. A plurality of second devices receives and transmits signals over free space. Each of the second devices is adapted for receiving one of the distinct signals and transmitting a signal to the first transceiver. Each of the second devices is positionable on one of the articles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking items automatically is described. A passive RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is used with a material tracking system capable of real-time pinpoint location and identification of thousands of items in production and storage areas. Passive RFID tags are attached to the item to be tracked, remote sensing antennas are placed at each remote location to be monitored, interrogators with several antenna inputs are connected to the sensing antennas to multiplex the antenna signals, and a host computer communicates with the interrogators to determine item locations to an exacting measure.

Abstract: A theft deterrent outdoor lighting, comprising in combination a light housing for housing a light, a battery for storing electrical energy, an alarm and a motion detector electrically connecting the alarm to the battery to actuate the alarm when motion is detected, whereby theft of the theft deterrent outdoor lighting is deterred by the alarm.

Abstract: Techniques for an electronic shelf label (ESL) system which uses an ESL's liquid crystal display (LCD) to transmit information to a relay unit, or CBS, by reflecting infrared (IR) or visible light to the relay unit. In a first embodiment, a plurality of IR light sources flood the area where the ESL is located. To transmit a message to the relay unit, the ESL reflectively modulates the IR light by blinking, or turning on and off, at least one segment of the LCD display. The relay unit then receives and interprets the modulated reflected IR light. In a second embodiment, the relay unit does not generate IR light. Instead, the ESL reflectively modulates the visible light present in the retail establishment to transmit a message to the relay unit. The relay unit may use one or more cameras to receive this reflectively modulated visible light.

Abstract: A beverage locating device including an insulated container dimensioned for receiving a canned beverage therein. The insulated container has an open upper end and a closed lower end. A speaker is disposed within the closed lower end of the insulated container. The speaker is capable of generating an audible signal.

Abstract: A universal, customizable computer security system including a set of security input signals each relating to a possible security event and a rules engine with a universal software interface responsive to the security input signals. The rules engine is configurable to perform one or more security actions in response to each security input signal. The rules engine further includes a user interface program to allow a user to select one or more customized security actions for a combination of one or more chosen security input signals, and a universal software output interface responsive to the selected security actions.

Abstract: Tracking of an article through geographic areas using electromagnetic signals, specifically radio frequency (RF) signals. The article contains a tag operating as a transmitter and receiver. Tag-readers in the defined geographic areas transmit RF signals and in response, the tag transmits RF signals received by the tag-reader. By knowing the areas in which the tag-readers are located, a system tracks the article by monitoring the tag-readers communicating with the tag.

Abstract: A security display system typically used to display, and permit the handling of, costly items such as cameras, video cameras and recorders, while preventing the theft of those items. The system permits persons to handle the item and prevents theft of the item through a cable which acts to tether the item, provide power to the item and trigger an alarm if it is cut or disconnected. The cable is largely hidden until the item is picked up, as the cable runs through the item support and under the counter.

Abstract: A child protection bracelet for preventing unauthorized passage of a child through the monitored entrance or exit region of a public facility includes a flexible band which can be locked upon a child's wrist or ankle. Attached to the band is a housing which protectively confines an alarm-activating component which is activated by passage through said monitored region.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, an apparatus, and a system for detecting a change in position of a door or a window in an alarm system. The present invention is a singular housing with a magnetometer for monitoring the magnetic field of the earth, and a microprocessor for detecting a change in the position of the singular housing with respect to the magnetic field of the earth. The microprocessor generates an alarm signal upon detecting the change, and causes the alarm signal to be transmitted, by wireless transmission, to a remote receiving station.

Abstract: A first unit (10) comprises a first transmitter (12) for wireless transmission of a signal in the from of periodic frames comprising identity information encoded in varying form in each frame, and a second unit (20) comprises a first receiver (22) for receiving said signal and for causing an alarm (29) to operate in response to failure to receive or to recognize identity information. Means (16, 26, 15a, 25a, 15b, 25b) are provided for automatically deactivating at least one of the first and second units when they are physically close together, and for automatically activating said units when they are physically separate from each other.

Abstract: A security system installed in the casing of a computer to detect the condition of the casing of the computer, the security system including a switch which is switched on when the casing of the computer is opened, or switched off when the casing of the computer is closed, and a logic circuit connected to the switch and triggered by the switch to output an alarm signal to a burglar alarm when the casing of the computer is opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for electronically protecting items against theft. Said device consists of a security element which is integrated into the item and is excited within a given security area by an interrogation field of a transmitting device to generate a characteristic signal, wherein a receiver device triggers an alarm upon recognition of the characteristic signal. The invention has the aim of providing a method and a device enabling protection of the supply of items made from varying materials. This is done by providing a shape-retaining security element and/or a shape-retaining security element enclosed by shape-retaining casing, and by embedding or integrating said device in the item during manufacturing.

Abstract: This invention provides radio frequency identification devices, wireless communication systems, communication methods, methods of forming a radio frequency identification device, methods of testing wireless communication operations, and methods of determining a communication range. According to a first aspect, a radio frequency identification device includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to at least one of receive wireless signals and communicate wireless signals; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to indicate operation of the radio frequency identification device. A communication method according to another aspect includes providing a radio frequency identification device including indication circuitry; receiving a wireless signal within the radio frequency identification device; and indicating operation of the radio frequency identification device using the indication circuitry after the receiving.

Abstract: An object locator system includes a transmitter unit which sends one of a plurality of RF signals upon actuating a first pushbutton, and a receiver unit attached to or incorporated into an object for detecting the RF signals and illuminating a light element and/or activating a sound speaker in response to the detected RF signal. The user may program the receiver unit by using the transmitter unit to select a specific melody or song stored in the receiver unit. The transmitter unit may be used at one time with a plurality of receiver units by programming the transmitter unit to send a unique coded signal corresponding to each receiver unit. The object locator system may also be set in a protection mode which continuously transmits an RF signal but activates the light element and/or the sound speaker only when the receiver unit no longer detects the RF signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, wireless communication systems, and methods of indicating operation. According to a first aspect, a radio frequency identification device includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive wireless signals including spurious signals; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to output an indication signal to indicate reception of the spurious signals within the communication circuitry. Another aspect provides a method of indicating operation of a radio frequency identification device including providing a radio frequency identification device including communication circuitry and indication circuitry; receiving wireless signals including spurious signals using the communication circuitry; and emitting human perceptible signals using the indication circuitry to indicate the receiving spurious signals.

Abstract: A computer anti-theft security system comprises a USB connector having a housing section and a connector connected to the housing section. A cable is connected to the connector and extends through the housing section. The connector inserts into a USB port of a computer or peripheral and the cable is then connected to a central alarm monitoring unit. A sensor and electro-mechanical switch are disposed within the housing and connected to the cable as well. If the USB connector is disconnected from the computer or peripheral, thus opening the switch, or if the cable is cut, an alarm sounds from the central alarm monitoring unit.

Abstract: A tamper evident smart label with an RFID or RF transponder. Use of tamper evident label materials in the layered construction of the smart label prevents removal, transferal, replacement and or alteration of the smart label without noticeable evidence of tampering. Propagation cuts in the RF Transponder substrate, adhesive that separates into visible patterns, holograms and or microprinting may be used to increase label tampering visibility.

Abstract: A monitoring device to prevent separation including a transmitter portion adapted for coupling with a person or object to be monitored. A receiver portion is provided that is adapted for being worn on a person. The receiver portion is in communication with the transmitter portion. The receiver portion has a predetermined separation parameter measured between the receiver portion and the transmitter portion. The receiver portion includes the ability to determine the distance between the receiver portion and the transmitter portion. The receiver portion includes an alarm for sounding once the predetermined separation parameter has been exceeded. The transmitter portion also includes an alarm for startling a would-be wrongdoer and alerting others near the object of person being monitored.

Abstract: Devices having either wireless data communication capability or RFID tags can be located using dual function fixed devices which are distributed throughout a facility. The devices will identify those units with which they are communicating using a wireless radio data communications protocol and also identify items within the local area using RFID tags on the units.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting and rewarding the returning of shopping carts to the supermarket collection points is provided. During shopping, a first signal A is generated. When a shopping cart is returned, a signal B is generated. These two signals A and B are correlated either in the supermarket or in an information device that the customer carries with him or her, in order to deliver a reward for returning the shopping cart. When the first signal A is generated, the customer or an information device carried with the customer is identified. Alternatively, the signal is provided to the customer at the supermarket checkout so that the customer himself/herself can take steps for the correlation of the signal A with the signal B that is still to be obtained.

Abstract: A system for detecting and rewarding the return of shopping carts to collection points provided therefor in a supermarket. A signal corresponding to a dividend is generated as soon as a shopping cart is returned to a collection point. The signal is only generated when the shopping cart is returned correctly to a row of shopping carts. The correct return of the shopping cart is monitored by means of a digital image processing camera or with an optical signal transmitter which cooperates with evaluation units disposed on the shopping cart.

Abstract: A vibration-sensing alarm device has a receiving circuit for receiving radio signals transmitted from a transmitter. A decoder decodes the signals transmitted from the receiving circuit. A control switch is controlled by the decoder to be turned on or off. An alarm circuit is activated to drive an alarm module to generate an alarm when the control switch is turned on and is disabled when the control switch is turned off. A power supply and timing control is provided to supply power and timing signals to the receiving circuit, the decoder, the control switch, and the alarm circuit. A motion sensor is provided for turning on the power supply and timing control when sensing a vibration.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating the locating of lost or stolen articles. The method includes providing an article registry comprising one or more registered article identification information and associated owner preference information. The method also includes providing a lost article registry comprising one or more lost article identification information. The method further includes receiving a first article identification; and responsive to finding the first article identification in the lost article registry, transmitting the associated owner preference information. The system includes a security server which includes an article registry comprising one or more registered article identification information and associated owner preference information. The security server also includes a lost article registry comprising one or more lost article identification information.

Abstract: An ice chest which incorporates a mechanism for alerting an owner or user that an unauthorized individual is tampering with the ice chest contents or the ice chest itself. Burglar proof ice chest 10 includes a lid 12 and a bottom portion 14 with a spring loaded activation switch. Opening the lid portion generates the audible alarm output.

Abstract: A security cable for protecting transportable items. The security cable produces a wireless alarm transmission to a remote location upon the detection of a security breach. The security cable may consist of two sections of conductive cable emanating from an enclosure. The enclosure houses means to monitor at least one characteristic of the cable after the cable ends are joined. A communications device is secured within the enclosure and adapted to initiate and complete a wireless transmission to a remote location in response to certain changes in the monitored characteristic of the cable. Embodiments of the security cable may be used independently or in conjunction with an existing alarm system. The security cable may further utilize an integral motion detector, may communicate with other remote wireless transmitting devices, and may possess other features such as an audible siren, a strobe light, a programmable keypad, a wireless receiver, indicator lights and a tamper switch.

Abstract: A method and device for activation of large quantities of security elements for the electronic article protection. The security elements are exposed to at least one magnetic field produced by one or more coils carrying a line current subjected to sine oscillations. The coils are supplied with current pulses that are shorter than the sine oscillations. The amplitude of the current pulses diminishes as a function of time.

Abstract: A system for tracking objects. A plurality of electrical receptacles are provided each at a corresponding storage location in the container. A plurality of object tracking units are provided, each having a plug capable of mating with any one of the electrical receptacles. Each object tracking unit having an object attachment member to attach to an object to be tracked and a memory device storing a unique identifier which can be accessed via the data line. A controller couples to the electrical receptacles to read the identifier of a memory device of an object tracking unit when its plug is installed in any electrical receptacle.