Abstract: The reproducing device is prevented from being taken out because the reproducing device becomes controllable by operation of the device only when a visitor who borrowed the reproducing device enters through a specified entrance and that the reproducing device becomes uncontrollable by operation of the device when the visitor has come out of the exit. When a receiving means of the reproducing device receives an ID code signal for enabling control by a command from an operation means of the device, the reproducing device becomes controllable by a command from the operation means. When the receiving means receives another ID code signal for disabling control by a command from the operation means, control by a command from the operation means is disabled and a reproducing means of the reproducing device outputs voice information requesting a return of the device.

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 personal item theft deterrent system which sets forth two individual embodiments and one of which relies upon a physical attachment of a personal item to an individual as, for example, through a cord or cable. The other of the embodiments relies upon a wireless and uncoupled alarm responsive system. In the embodiment using a physical attachment, a cord or cable is connected to the personal item and to the individual to whom the personal item belongs by a tether or cord and preferably a decorative cord. A tensioning device which places tension on the cord is incorporated with the cord so that the user can sense someone attempting to move the personal item. In the second embodiment, a transmitter is located in or on the personal item and sends a proximity signal to a receiver located at or with the owner of the person item.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for monitoring equipment. A computer having an enclosure defining an enclosure space is initially provided. Disposed within the enclosure space is a central processing unit including a memory and an arithmetic logic unit. The computer is provided with communication means operably connected to the central processing unit for permitting communication between the central processing unit and a peripheral device. An alarm sensor is disposed within the enclosure space of the computer. When the alarm sensor senses an alarm condition, the security system outputs a data signal indicative of the alarm condition for sounding an alarm, for example.

Abstract: If a determining element 101 determines, according to signals issued by sensors 20 to 2n, that a data processing apparatus 10 has been taken out, an alarm element 105 issues an alarm. A power supply password requestor 103 causes, if the determining element 101 determines at the time of turning on the power supply to the data processing apparatus 10 that the data processing apparatus 10 has been taken out, a password to be entered and, if the entered password is found illegitimate, effects control so as not to start up the data processing apparatus 10.

Abstract: A method of detecting a signal (10, 10′) between a token (12) and an electronic device (14) for authorizing a user (16) to access the electronic device (14). The method comprises the steps of emitting a signal (10, 10′) containing data, detecting the signal (10, 10′) with a plurality of antennas (18, 18′), and measuring the strength of the signal (10, 10′) detected at each of the antennas (18, 18′). If the maximum signal strength detected by any of the antennas (18, 18′) is above an operational threshold, the electronic device (14) will be enabled. If the signal (10, 10′) is above the operational threshold, the signal (10, 10′) is compared to a user code database for authorizing the user (16) to access the electronic device (14). The operational threshold may be lowered to account for any signal variances that may occur after the user (16) has been authorized to access or when accessing the electronic device (14).

Abstract: A suitcase locating device for quickly finding luggage in an airport luggage pick-up area. The suitcase locating device includes a housing. The housing has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front side, a back side, a first side wall and a second side wall. The housing is generally hollow. The top surface has a plurality of bar code indicia thereon. The bar code indicia is unique to the housing. A microprocessor actuates a plurality of lights and decodes a received signal. The microprocessor is securably mounted in the housing. A power supply for powering the microprocessor is operationally coupled to the microprocessor. Each of a plurality of lights is mounted in and is generally flush with the top surface of the housing. Each of the lights is electrically coupled to the microprocessor. A receiving means for receiving a signal is securely positioned in the housing and operationally coupled to the microprocessor.

Abstract: This invention provides an antitheft system comprising an antitheft gate 2 installed in the vicinity of an exit of a store, and an alarm unit 1 attached to a commodity. The gate 2 has incorporated therein a signal generator 21 for producing a notifying signal, and an alarm device 22 capable of producing an alarm. The alarm unit 1 comprises an electronic buzzer 11, a receiving antenna 15 for receiving the notifying signal from the signal generator 21 of the gate 2, and a control circuit 17 for operating the buzzer 11 upon the antenna 15 receiving the notifying signal. The alarm device 22 of the gate 2 comprises an alarm producing circuit 225 capable of producing an alarm, a receiving antenna 221 for receiving electromagnetic waves generated by the buzzer 11 by operating the buzzer 11, and a control circuit 224 for operating the alarm producing circuit 225 upon the antenna 221 receiving the electromagnetic waves. The construction described renders the alarm unit 1 compact.

Abstract: An authorization system for authorizing an IC card is provided. When an IC card—storing a different code from the code proper to an in-vehicle device and yet having been authorized by the in-vehicle device—inserted to the invehicle device, the system allows the in-vehicle device to authorize the IC card and vice versa. In other words, when an IC card having a different code from the proper code to the in-vehicle device is inserted into the in-vehicle device, an on-road apparatus disposed at a tollgate rewrites the code stored in the in-vehicle device to agree with the code stored in the IC card. As a result, the codes of the in-vehicle device and the IC card agree with each other, and thus the IC card can be authorized.

Abstract: A burglar detection apparatus has a tag 11 that includes a resonance circuit. The tag is preferably contained with an object 15 whose theft is desired to be detected. The tagged object may be placed in a drawer 14 which is contained in a box 13. A tag detection sensor 16 is installed in the box and detects whether the tag 11 is present in the drawer 14. Also, a drawer sensor 17 detects whether the drawer is opened. Based on respective detection outputs of the tag detection sensor 16 and the drawer sensor 17, a control circuit 19 controls an alarm 18. Advantageously, the apparatus can be installed in a comparatively small space, does not malfunction even if subjected to large amounts of electrical noise, and reliably detects the presence or absence of a tag even if the tag is located near a metal object.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power source for use in electronic articles to assist in the location of misplaced articles, and to a method for enabling a battery-operated electronic apparatus to recognize a desired actuation sound used by a lost article detector unit in deciding whether to activate a locating signal. The power source includes a power cell for supplying electrical energy to the electronic article, and a lost article detector module mounted to the power cell. The lost article detector module includes an input transducer that generates an internal signal in response to an audible sound and a locator signal generator that generates a locator signal in response to detection by the detector module of a desired actuating frequency of the audible sound.

Abstract: A locating unit includes a wireless communications interface for transmitting signals to one or more locating tags. A user physically associates each tag with an item of interest, such as a briefcase or key ring. When a tagged item is misplaced, the user uses the locating unit to find it. Using the user interface included in the locating unit, the user selects the desired item from a listing of tagged items. Based on the user selection, the locating unit polls the associated tag. The polled tag responds by emitting an audible signal, thereby aiding the user in determining its location. Preferably, the locating unit is a mobile terminal and communications between the mobile terminal and individual tags is two-way. Thus, a polled tag returns a found signal to the mobile terminal in response to being polled.

Abstract: A housing for an alarm includes a base adapted for mounting on a wall, a cover detachably connectable to the base and a sabotage detector for triggering an alarm signal in the event of unauthorized removal of the cover or forcible removal of the alarm from the wall. The base includes a breakaway portion which can be formed as strip-shaped region bordered by weak points. A number of screw insertion points extend through the breakaway portion for fastening the breakaway portion to a wall with one or more screws. A web projects from the breakaway portion and towards the cover such that when the housing is closed, the web engages a contact switch mounted in the cover. In the event of the housing being ripped off the wall, the strip-shaped region is broken off the base and remains on the wall, thereby opening the contact switch. The web is also disengaged from the contact switch in the event of unauthorized removal of the cover from the base.

Abstract: A laptop computer is supplied with special-purpose software that detects when the cover is being closed by an unauthorized person. When the cover is closed, an alarm sounds using the speaker integral the laptop. The closed-cover condition is detected. The software operates on either interrupt-driven devices or polled devices which have some means for detecting that the cover is closed. The software includes a password feature and a hot-key feature for overriding the alarm so that an authorized person may close the cover without disturbing other persons or to stop the alarm if the authorized person forgets to disable the alarm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-theft element in an anti-theft device which is intended to be attached to a theft-attractive article such that said device can only be removed from the article with the aid of a special release device. The anti-theft element includes a fouling-substance ampule which contains a fouling substance and which is disposed in the anti-theft element so as to be broken, crushed or otherwise destroyed or opened so as to release said fouling substance if an attempt is made to release the anti-theft device from the theft-attractive article without the aid of said special release device. The ampule (2) encloses a first fouling substance (B; D; G) having a specific fouling property, and at least one second fouling substance (C; E, F; H) having a fouling property which differs from the fouling property of the first fouling substance (B; D; G).

Abstract: An automated and seemingly animated door knocker is disclosed that includes a housing with a pivotably connected knocking member, the housing being releasably supported on the door by an over-the-door hanger or other similarly satisfactory attachment device, and the knocking member being reciprocated by a battery-powered, motor-driven linkage that is controlled by an integrated circuit and activated by a difference in light intensity as sensed by a photocell when someone approaches the door. A sound generator controlled from the circuit board is also desirably activated contemporaneously with the motor-driven linkage to play a prerecorded sound sequence.

Abstract: This invention provides a security system which remembers an alarm event until either the alarm event is intentionally reset or the condition causing the alarm event is corrected. The security system includes at least one sensor coupled to a hub and at least one hub. A serial chain of hubs is connected to a control unit having a controller. The controller sounding a main alarm when an alarm event is generated by the at least one sensor. After the main alarm is silenced and the security system is disarmed, the controller activates a hub annunciator of a hub connected to one of the sensors having generated an alarm event. When a predetermined period of time from disarming the security system expires, the controller sounds the main alarm if there are any alarm events that occurred during the predetermined period of time that are either not reset or the condition causing the alarm event is not corrected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for combining RF-EAS circuits with paperboard for producing disposable RF-EAS security tags, or to a method for manufacturing paperboard packaging, such as trays, lids, cartons containers or combinations with an integral RF-EAS security tag.

Abstract: A computer system includes circuitry for detecting whether it becomes disconnected from an object, which may include an AC power source. In response to the computer system becoming disconnected from the object, it determines whether the disconnection is authorized, which may include determining whether a valid password has been output to the computer system. In response to the disconnection being unauthorized, an alarm action is initiated.

Abstract: The invention comprises a lid or cover closing the top of a container or bottle, where the cover contains a built-in device that alerts the user when the container is opened or its content is leaking and will emit an alarm so that the user can respond and perform a subsequent action such as closing the container or bottle.

Abstract: A construction of packaging such as an envelope is disclosed that comprises a wall surrounding contents of the packaging and electrically conductive tracks extending over the wall. An electronic control device is mounted to the wall and includes a plurality of output ports to which one end of each conductive track is connected and an input port to which an opposite end of the conductive tracks are connected. The control device outputs from the output ports pulses which are distinguished from one another and monitors the input port for receipt of these pulses to provide an indication of integrity of the wall of the package.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which can be realized in a number of ways to facilitate baggage tracking and recovery. In the most rudimentary realization, the traveler receives a signal from transmitters placed in the baggage which can identify the presence of each item of baggage by a code number which may show either as the code number or as a user supplied personal designator for a particular item of luggage. The transmitter is inexpensive and low power but works well in the aircraft environment and causes no interference with aircraft control, communication or navigation equipment. Advanced versions of the invention include programmability and transponder control as well as enhanced audio signalling.

Abstract: A motion and proximity sensitive system for monitoring spatial relationship between mobile objects comprising two way communication between a Child Unit, affixed to the child, and a Parent Unit, carried by the parent or guardian, is disclosed. When the Child Unit senses motion and determines that it is beyond a set near field proximity to the Parent Unit, the Child Unit communicates alerts to the Parent Unit allowing the parent to trigger an alarm on the Child Unit. A second alarm function selected by the mode switch sounds an alarm automatically in response to motion beyond the set near field proximity according to an adaptive alarm sequence.

Abstract: Method and device for destruction of objects stored in an alarm-protected security container. There is used a destructive agent which is distributed over the object or objects when the alarm is triggered, so as to mark and/or destroy the object/objects. There is also used a destructive device which includes an explosive agent that acts at least partially on the object/objects when the alarm is triggered. The device includes a channel whose opening faces towards the object/objects. The destructive agent is encapsulated in the channel and the explosive agent is disposed adjacent the channel. The channel has a generally U-shaped cross section and includes end-walls.

Abstract: A tag disclosed in this invention detects theft of bills, notes, or securities positioned therewith in a cash register, a safe, or the like. The capability of a tag-detecting sensor is not affected by a conductive or magnetic auxiliary member disposed between the sensor and the tag. The tag for detecting theft, which has one or more resonant circuit sections on an insulating base sheet, is positioned with an article in a specified place. An alarm is not activated when the tag is detected by the sensor, while it is activated when the tag is not detected by the sensor. At least one of the resonant circuit sections is disposed apart from the conductive or magnetic auxiliary member, with respect to the auxiliary member to be disposed between the sensor and the tag. The specified place refers to a case positioned in a cash register or a safe; the article includes bills, notes, or securities; and the auxiliary member is a metal retainer.

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: An electronic seal including a housing, alarm circuitry which when actuated provides an alarm signal, a wire extending from the housing and in electrical communication with the alarm circuitry, a locking element which selectively lockingly engages the wire to the housing, and a switch external to the housing in electrical communication with the locking element which selectively unlocks the locking element to release the wire. There is also provided an electronic seal including a housing including alarm circuitry, the alarm circuitry when actuated providing an alarm signal, a wire extending from the housing and in electrical communication with the alarm circuitry, the wire being attached at a first point and at a second point thereof to the housing, a portion of the wire between the first and second points, called a tying portion, being suitable for tying an object, wherein tampering with the tying portion actuates the alarm circuitry, and an adjustment device for adjusting a length of the tying portion.

Abstract: A bonding pad for a semiconductor device is provided with a mechanical supportive structure substantially surrounding the pad. The mechanical supportive structure prevents cracking of passivation material over the pad when a lead is compression bonded to the pad.

Abstract: A closure (14) and a package (10) with the closure removably affixed to a neck of a container (12), the closure carrying an electrical element (36) for emitting an audible message or signal upon the distortion of the electrical element that results from application of a removal load to the closure. The closure is of the two-piece child resistant type having an inner closure member (18), which carries the electrical element, and the inner closure member is directly affixed to the neck of the container. The closure also has an outer closure member (20) that surrounds the inner closure member. A top panel (30) of the outer closure member has a circumferentially spaced plurality of radial ribs (28) that extend toward a top panel (34) of the inner closure member, and the top panel of the inner closure member has a like circumferential plurality of radial recesses (32) that face the top panel of the outer closure member.

Abstract: A monitoring system 10 is provided which includes a primary electronic tag 12, a secondary electronic tag 16, reading apparatus 20, and a comparator 26. The primary electronic tag 12 includes primary identification data associated with the primary bearer 14 of the tag 12 and the secondary electronic tag 16 includes secondary identification data. The secondary identification data is associated with a secondary bearer 18 of the tag 16 and is also associated with the primary identification data. The reading apparatus 20 remotely reads the primary and secondary identification data and the comparator 26 compares the data and generates an output signal dependent upon the outcome of the comparison. The invention extends to a primary electronic tag 12 for use in monitoring movement of at least one secondary electronic tag 16. The invention also extends to a method of monitoring movement from a selected zone and a method of monitoring the use of at least one vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a voice device for a fire extinguisher. The voice device is installed on a fire extinguisher. The voice device comprises a power source, a control switch, a spring rocking switch, a capacitor, a voice IC, and a sound device. The spring rocking switch is connected to the power source. The voice IC is driven to output a specific signal when the spring rocking switch is on and electricity is conducted. The voice amplifying circuit receives the signal from the voice IC and outputs an amplified signal to the sound device for giving specific voices recorded in the voice IC. When the fire extinguisher is rocked, the voice device will automatically tell the user how to operate the fire extinguisher.

Abstract: An electronic identification tag is made up of at least one cover strip and a carrier strip having an antenna and transponder mounted thereon, and an adhesive to secure the strips together such that the antenna is interposed between the strips, the transponder being pre-programmed to generate a signal having a unique code correlated with indicia on the tag to identify a passenger or luggage. The tag further lends itself well to a novel method of tracking luggage and passengers in a transportation facility.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring tamper events in a computer system in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The system comprises a detector means for detecting at least one tamper event and for providing an indication when the tamper event has occurred for longer than a predetermined time period. The system also includes an adapter means coupled to the detector means for receiving the indication and for disabling the computer system. The present invention is directed to a computer system, which has the ability to functionally determine if a tamper event is authorized and therefore allows the computer to operate after such an event. In a preferred embodiment, the tamper event could be as simple as a toggle switch being activated when the cover of the personal computer is removed.

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: An apparatus monitors the departure of a child from 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 child, the tag being responsive to the electromagnetic field. The tag is caused to alarm upon departure of the child from the exit. Optionally, the tag is provided with an alarm means for alarming the electronic article surveillance system.

Abstract: An article identification tag comprises a body defining a channel extending therethrough, an article engaging element forming a loop exteriorly of the body and a portion continuous with the loop extending into and through the channel to a pulling member accessible exteriorly of the body, a size of the loop being changeable by pulling of the pulling member, and structure disposed in the body for maintaining the loop in its changed size.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel electronic case for carrying credit cards and the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel electronic case which accounts for the credit cards held in the case and sounds an alarm and activates an alert light if one or more of the cards is missing from the case. A portable electronic card carrying case comprising: (a) a case which can be opened to reveal the interior of the case, and closed to conceal the interior of the case; (b) at least one card receptacle housed in the interior of the case; (c) a power supply associated with the case; (d) a microprocessor associated with the case, the microprocessor being powered by the power supply; (e) an electronic sensor powered by the power supply and monitored by the microprocessor, and adapted to detect the presence or absence of a card in the card receptacle; and (f) an alarm which is activated when a card is not returned to its card receptacle, and the case is closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the location of an object. An object to be located can be provided with an object locator that includes a display. When the object locator receives a signal indicating that the object associated with the object locator is to be located, the display changes display state to provide a visual indication that the signal has been received. The object locator can be ambient energy-powered, and the display can be a bistable display, such as a rotating element display device.

Abstract: A remotely testable Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag interrogation system is described. The system comprises a remotely activated test PIT tag fixed within the field of the system antenna. By selectively activating the test PIT tag, and determining successful receipt of the test tag identification signal during such activation, remote confirmation of proper operation of the system is achieved. The system also contains components which permit the remote detection of the antenna field by analyzing signals present in the antenna during operation. Remote detection of the natural frequency to which the antenna is tuned is also achieved by analyzing signals present in the antenna during the collapse of the electromagnetic field in the antenna when the antenna drive signal is removed.

Abstract: An alarm for a travel bag includes a casing attached to the bag having a receptacle thereon for receiving the bag zipper tongue. A locking device locks the tongue within the receptacle while simultaneously providing power to an alarm circuit. The alarm circuit includes a switch that moves to an open position upon the tongue being inserted into the receptacle. If the tongue is removed, the switch closes activating an audible alarm and a wireless transmitter. The transmitter transmits a signal to a remote unit likewise having an audible alarm. The remote unit further includes an activation button allowing a user to remotely activate or deactivate the alarm.

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

Abstract: A portable alarm device of minimum dimensions and weight having secure activation and deactivation, and a visible alarm display, is activated by a motion detection switch, which, when displaced from it's original position, causes electrical current from an internal power source to activate a high decibel alarm speaker. The alarm device can be permanently attached to the object to be secured or attached by an easily removeable fastener system so that the alarm can be used on various objects as a security need may arise.

Abstract: A radio burglar alarm system for travel bag includes a transmitter unit and at least one receiver unit, the transmitter unit transmitting one of a set of control signals, each receiver unit including a control switch controlled by the control signal from the transmitter unit to close/open the circuit, a vibration sensor for detecting a vibration of the respective receiver unit, and an alarm circuit controlled by the vibrations sensor to output an alarm signal. The control switch of each receiver unit closes the circuit between the vibration sensor and alarm circuit of the respective receiver unit when receiving no signal from the transmitter unit, enabling the alarm circuit to be triggered by the corresponding vibration sensor when the corresponding vibration sensor detects a vibration of the respective receiver unit. The transmitter unit has an emergency button, which directly drives the alarm circuit of each receiver unit to activate the alarm when depressed.

Abstract: An article protection tag comprising a first housing defining a compartment therein an EAS member disposed in the compartment a second housing fabricated separately from the first housing assemblable therewith, the second housing defining a channel extending through the second housing to openings in opposed end the tag, the channel being contiguous with the compartment a securement member disposed in the channel in juxtaposition with EAS member and extending through the openings of the first second housings to securement member couplings disposed exteriorly of the assembled first and second housings.

Abstract: A sleep alert apparatus adapted to be worn upon the head of the operator of a transportation vehicle includes a baseball-type cap, a flexible pouch attached to the exterior surface of a side portion of the cap, and having an upwardly directed entrance opening, and a tilt monitoring device removably insertable into the pouch. The tilt monitoring device includes a housing confining a gravity activated switch, a noise generator, and a battery power source.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a device (1) for clothes (2) and others which device after activation is arranged to function as protection against theft of the object in question by cooperation with an alarm indicator gate, a hand scanner or any similar control apparatus. A label (3) which is woven comprises an electric alarm (4) inserted into a woven label (3).

Abstract: An alarm system for detecting attempted theft of an article includes means incorporated in the article itself and arranged to transmit and to continuing transmitting an alarm signal when the article is removed from its original location. An example of the alarm system provides an audible alarm, or transmitted alarm, and is arranged to be operated when a thief removes or attempts to remove a car radio, cassette player, compact disc player or the like from a car. Unauthorized removal of the unit from a car is detected by the consequent breaking of an electrical circuit which may be the power supply connections to the radio from the car electrical system or may be the connections to the loudspeakers or the radio aerial.

Abstract: An in-car personal computer system facilitates the addition of peripheral devices using device bays. Components can be removably plugged into the device bay. The device components operate immediately. When components are removed, the user is prompted to determine whether or not all files have been closed. In addition, the user can be prompted for a removal authorization. If the code is not forthcoming, an alarm can be activated, for example by operating the horns or lights of the vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-theft power cord for use with electrical devices has sensors for detecting removal of the cord from an electrical receptacle and for detecting the removal of the cord from the device sought to be protected. Control systems associated with each of the sensors activate alarms when receiving signals from the sensors. The control systems, comprising microcontrollers, also communicate with one another along the power cord and will sound an alarm if the cord is cut. A battery backup system is provided to allow the power cord to function as an anti-theft device even during a power failure without sounding false alarms.