Alarm On Protected Article Patents (Class 340/571)
  • Patent number: 8314700
    Abstract: A method and system for notifying an owner of a mobile electronic device of an unauthorized movement of the mobile electronic device from a physical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Joseph Hamzy
  • Patent number: 8311555
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a wireless device for use in a wireless network, systems and methods for identifying radar signals and for giving the wireless network a radar-avoidance capability. In one embodiment, the wireless device includes: (1) a pulse analyzer configured to make a determination whether a received pulse is a radar pulse and not a wireless network pulse and (2) a pulse reporter coupled to the pulse analyzer and configured to generate, if the determination is positive, a report thereof for transmission over the wireless network to a central aggregation node thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Agere Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jan P. Kruys, Amiram Levi
  • Patent number: 8299921
    Abstract: A golf club storage and protection device comprising an elongated member and a sensing device. The elongated member houses the golf club shaft and grip and protects the shaft and grip from wear and damage. The sensing device is housed within the elongated member and includes a motion sensor that senses movement of the elongated member beyond a motion threshold level, and an alarm. The sensing device contacts the grip when the golf club is present in the elongated member and the alarm is kept deactivated. When the golf club is removed from the elongated member for at least a predetermined time period and the elongated member is moved beyond the motion threshold level, the alarm will activate until either the golf club is returned to the elongated member or the device is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony F. LaSala
  • Patent number: 8284068
    Abstract: An activity monitor which can be pre-programmed at the factory, the doctors office or the pharmacist, or that can be programmed by the user. The activity monitor is affixed to a medicine bottle or container and activity associated with the bottle or container, such as movement, opening, volume changes, etc. are monitored in view to the schedule. The activity monitor records and allows for the analysis of the recorded data to determine is there is a likelihood of substance abuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Sam Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120235816
    Abstract: An item location and theft prevention system includes a base unit housing having a processor in electrical communication with a memory, a transmitter, a receiver, a communication unit, an input unit and a base power source; the system also includes a property attachment housing having a processor in electrical communication with a memory, a transmitter, a receiver, a communication unit, a switch and a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Luis Estrada
  • Patent number: 8258653
    Abstract: Power saving is promoted by oscillating only power transmission coil contributing to contactless charging without using any communication means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Kitamura, Tomohiro Ota, Seiichi Iwao
  • Patent number: 8253565
    Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Scott T. Trosper
  • Patent number: 8248237
    Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting the loss, theft or unauthorized use of a device and/or altering the functionality of the device in response. In one embodiment, a device monitors its use, its local environment, and/or its operating context to determine that the device is no longer within the control of an authorized user. The device may receive communications or generate an internal signal altering its functionality, such as instructing the device to enter a restricted use mode, a surveillance mode, to provide instructions to return the device and/or to prevent unauthorized use or unauthorized access to data. Additional embodiments also address methods and systems for gathering forensic data regarding an unauthorized user to assist in locating the unauthorized user and/or the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Yougetitback Limited
    Inventors: William Fitzgerald, Peter Bermingham, Frank Hannigan, Paul Prendergast
  • Patent number: 8217792
    Abstract: A theft prevention system for protecting portable electronic devices is disclosed. An acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of a portable electronic device, and a controller analyzes this acceleration to determine whether a theft condition is present. If so, an alarm can be initiated. The theft prevention system can include a filter for attenuating irrelevant acceleration frequencies and isolating those representative of theft, and comparison hardware/software for determining whether the detected acceleration matches a known acceleration profile characteristic of theft. Various parameters of the theft prevention system can also be set by a user through mechanisms such as a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Wehrenberg
  • Patent number: 8212658
    Abstract: A container for a product is used with an external device having long-range communication capability and short-range communication capability and location sensing capability. The container has a storage element for storing an access code for a central facility and a container identification code, a first data acquisition component for detecting that the container has been opened, and a second data acquisition component for sensing an identity of a nearby person, the nearby person being a member of a group registered at a central facility, the container identification code not uniquely associated with a member of the group. The container also has a local communication interface for communicating with the external device using the short-range communication capability of the external device, and a processor for producing information and directing the local communication interface to send the information to the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Henry Schein, Inc.
    Inventor: O. Napoleon Monroe
  • Patent number: 8212672
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting articles (2), especially displayed goods, from theft. Said device comprises a sensor, connected to a control and alarm device (4) for triggering an alarm when the sensor (3) responds, and to be secured to the article (2) to be protected. The device (1) also comprises a device for detecting if a person gets closer to the displayed article (2) or when the article (2) is removed but not taken. For this purpose, a sensor (7) responds when a person gets closer or when the article (2) is removed and is control-connected to the control and alarm device (4). The control and alarm device (4) is connected to a product information device (13) for presenting the displayed article (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Brenner
  • Patent number: 8207852
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Sherrie Oehlert, Gene Oehlert
  • Patent number: 8207848
    Abstract: An electronic locking device secures a shipping container and includes a housing, two arms, a sensing circuit, and electronics. The pair of arms extend from the housing and couple to the hasp. The arms transition between locked and unlocked configurations relative to the hasp, with one or both of the arms pivoting relative to the other. A bolt seal locks the arms in the locked configuration. The sensing circuit, which includes sensing contacts, is in a “closed” state or “open” state depending on whether the arms are in the locked or unlocked configuration. The electronics record and report the state of the sensing circuit, thereby indicating whether the arms are locked or unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Berger, Joseph E. Denny
  • Patent number: 8190730
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a location system is provided using both RF and IR signals for the determination of an object. Another embodiment of the invention provides a direct network connection for a receiver. The direct connection may be provided for connection to an Ethernet network, a telephone network, a cable TV network, a UTP network, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a medical telemetry network or the Internet. A web server is optionally provided according to an embodiment of the invention. According to a further embodiment, a fixed location identifier is provided to receive signals from a transmitter and then transmit a signal to a receiver, which may be connected to a network. According to a further embodiment, two identifiers may be transmitted, one identifier corresponding to an object, while a second identifier identifies a group designator of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Consortium P, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael K. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 8174388
    Abstract: A combination Electronic Article Surveillance/Radio Frequency Identification (“EAS/RFID”) tag and method and system for deactivating said combination EAS/RFID tags without the need to physically contact the tag with a deactivation device. The EAS/RFID tag replaces the conventional diode with a non-linear device such as a capacitor with a given breakdown voltage threshold. Inducing a predetermined voltage across the capacitor results in destruction of the capacitor rendering the EAS/RFID tag undetectable in the interrogation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Ming-Ren Lian, Richard Loyd Copeland
  • Patent number: 8169323
    Abstract: A noncontact IC tag label includes: a band-shaped label base material inclusive of a release surface formed at least at one end of the base material and releasably treated in advance, and a non-release surface; an electroconductive layer formed on the non-release surface of the band-shaped label base material and including a required antenna pattern; and an IC chip mounted on one face of the electroconductive layer. The electroconductive layer and the IC chip are shrouded by a surface protection sheet via a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. A thermoadhesive resin layer bonded onto the non-release surface of the band-shaped label base material is provided on an opposite face of the electroconductive layer including the antenna pattern, with respect to the surface protection sheet. Also, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is bonded onto the non-release surface and release surface of the band-shaped label base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Ogata, Hideto Sakata
  • Patent number: 8164452
    Abstract: A system for and method of generating a notification regarding post office box contents. The system comprises at least one indicator transmitter arranged to generate and transmit a notification signal regarding contents of the post office box responsive to an operator actuation, and at least one receiver/network interface communicatively coupled with the at least one indicator transmitter and arranged to transmit a first signal responsive to receipt of the notification signal from the at least one indicator transmitter. The method comprises generating a notification signal responsive to an operator actuation responsive to a change of the contents of a post office box, and transmitting the generated notification signal to a client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Moses, Richard Moses
  • Patent number: 8164449
    Abstract: The clip alarm (100) is a retaining clip attachable to personal items in order to function as a loss prevention device capable of emitting an audible and/or visual alarm in response to the clip and attached item being dislodged from a user's person. Upon dislodgment from a person or other support, a top clip member (105) of the device is pivoted towards an opposing, bottom clip member (110) through spring tensioning to make electrical contact with a battery (118) powering the alarm. The bottom surface of the bottom clip member (110) may have a permanently attached hook and loop fastener (200) to enable attachment of the clip to an item having a complementary hook and loop fastener. A recessed switch (120) is provided to turn the unit off when the user desires to intentionally remove it from his/her person or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: David Van Tassel
  • Publication number: 20120092165
    Abstract: An alarm for digital storage discs includes an alarm module positioned within the central indention found in conventional CD and DVD jewel cases. A lid sensor in communication with the alarm module includes a pair of spaced trigger arms that form an ovate opening. A nodule on the uppermost arm engages the jewel case lid to maintain engagement of electrical contacts on the arms. An arming switch includes a magnetically-operated pin that is extended into the opening formed between the triggers to prevent the contacts from separating. Once the jewel case is sealed, an arming station initially retracts the pin while the case lid firmly engages the nodule to maintain the contacts in engagement. If an unauthorized user opens the jewel case without first extending the pin at the arming station, the triggers will automatically separate thereby activating the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Mary L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8149101
    Abstract: A control unit of a display device controls the display device in a normal mode of operation to operate in a normal state. The control unit controls the display device to enter into an anti-crime security mode of operation, when a state representing that the external information processing device may not be currently used is determined. The control unit cancels the anti-crime security mode of operation, when the information indicative of an authorized user for confirmation has been entered through the operation buttons by a user in the anti-crime security mode of operation. The control unit controls the display device to operate in an alarm mode of operation, when information indicative of the authorized user for confirmation has not been entered by a user in the anti-crime security mode of operation. The control unit performs an alarm operation in the alarm mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Keizou Ueno
  • Patent number: 8144015
    Abstract: Detecting the absence of tagged objects near a computing device and attempting to locate the absent, tagged objects using other computing devices in a power-efficient manner. The computing device is monitored for triggering conditions. Upon occurrence of at least one of the triggering conditions, the computing device polls for the tagged objects expected to be proximate to the computing device. By polling responsive to occurrence of the triggering conditions, power consumption by the computing device is reduced. The triggering conditions include, for example, time-based transitions, movement of the computing device, or a geographic location of the computing device. Upon detecting the absence of at least one of the objects, the computing device, or a web service, identifies other computing devices to which the absent object may be proximate. The other computing devices determine whether the absent object is proximate, and notify the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Donn Burket, Shobana Kapoor
  • Patent number: 8130114
    Abstract: An entry detecting system includes a terminal device; a point-to-point communication device; an entry detecting device; and a guard device. The point-to-point communication device includes a transmitting-receiving antenna having directivity in a specific direction. The point-to-point communication device communicates by radio with the terminal device via the transmitting receiving antenna so as to detect a response time from the terminal device and report detected response time to the entry detecting device. The entry detecting device detects a distance from the point-to-point communication device to the terminal device based on the response time reported by the point-to-point communication device, generates entry detecting information based on the detected distance, and transmits the entry detecting information to the point-to-point communication device and the guard device. The point-to-point communication device transmits the received entry detecting information to the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Masahiro Yanagi, Shigemi Kurashima, Takashi Yuba, Takashi Arita
  • Patent number: 8102268
    Abstract: A machine-washable ID label for attachment to a washable item includes: a) an outer shell for housing an electronic article surveillance element, with a first component and a second component, the first component being a hollow component with a bottom and side walls, the walls having inside surfaces and outside surfaces and a continuous loop rim, the first component having a U-shaped view from a cut side view and from a cut end view, the first component having an outwardly extending male connector on the rim, and the second component being a hollow component with a top and side walls, the walls having inside surfaces and outside surfaces and a continuous loop rim, the first component having a U-shaped view from a cut side view and from a cut end view, the first component having an inwardly extending female connector receiver on the rim, wherein the male connector is located in the female connector receiver and the first component and the second component are hermetically sealed to one another so as to render
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Union Tool & Mold Company
    Inventor: Robert Arrighi
  • Patent number: 8099080
    Abstract: Systems and methods which facilitate wireless communications within a controlled environment in a controlled manner are shown. Embodiments operate to recognize wireless communications, whether voice, text, video, or data, terminating within a controlled environment facility and control one or more aspects of the communication using a call processing platform or other communication control system. In addition to providing a higher percentage of calls completed calls, embodiments of the invention provide improved investigatory tools for the controlled environment facility through controlling, monitoring, redirecting, and/or interrupting wireless communications. Embodiments deploy one or more wireless communication nodes in communication with a call processing platform operating in association with the controlled environment facility, such that wireless communications passing through the wireless communication nodes are subject to call processing by the call processing platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Securus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Rae, Peter Keahon, Michelle L. Polozola
  • Patent number: 8095265
    Abstract: A variety of sensors, such as mechanical triggers, light sensors and motion sensors, magnetic sensors, and radio frequency identification tags, are strategically placed throughout a motor vehicle to detect service and maintenance activities relating to the vehicle during the lifetime of the vehicle. A sensed activity then activates a suitable recording device, such as a video recorder, to record the activity. The completion of the activity likewise is sensed and causes deactivation of the recording device. The recorded activity is typically retained in a non-erasable, indexed storage device from which it can be easily retrieved. The sensors may also be used for tamper detection and vehicle motion detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Peter G. Finn, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, James W. Seaman, Keith R. Walker
  • Patent number: 8085126
    Abstract: A system for controlling access at secure facilities to locations and assets contained in those locations, comprising a biometric identification device, an RFID tag and receiver, and a database for processing information from them to allow or deny access to the locations and assets. The system ties into an existing network in the facility and also includes a programming device for evaluation of the biometric template and acknowledgement of the identification, if made. The system also controls the permissible locations of assets such as laptops, desktop computers, photographic equipment, weapons such as rifles, data storage devices and the like, such that while a person may have access to a location, use of an asset or removal of the asset may not be part of that person's authorized conduct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Determan, Bruce W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8077038
    Abstract: A RFID monitoring system, which can be used to track and identify RFID tags and tag readers as they are used, can include a computing device including an RFID tag database for storing a list of authorized RFID tags that have been licensed by an intellectual property owner or licensee. The monitoring system may be configured to receive transmitted RFID tag data relating to the location, date, and/or time of detection of tags and other devices. Based on a statistical analysis of this data, the system can determine whether RFID tags and devices are authorized by a rights holder. Other features and embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventor: Janis Harwell
  • Publication number: 20110298617
    Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Scott T. Trosper
  • Patent number: 8069693
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for locking at least one door of a container in a closed position includes first and second members slidably coupled to each other to move relative to each other, a latching mechanism configured to prevent the two members from moving relative to each other in at least one direction when the latching mechanism is in a locked state, and first and second lock members, each of the lock members including a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first and second lock members protrude through the body. The second end of the first lock member is coupled to the first member of the locking mechanism and the second end of the second lock member being coupled to the second member of the locking mechanism. The first ends of the first and second lock members are configured to engage portions of the container to lock the at least one container door in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Powers, Donald H. Warf, Daniel Bertuna, Walter C. Bonneau, Jr., David K. Aberizk, Jon D. Neasham, Scott Wilson, Keith L. Frankie, Stuart J. Waddell, Jamie Sparks
  • Patent number: 8072338
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an external sensor attached to an undergarment worn by a patient that detects voiding information. The sensor stores the voiding information in a voiding log and transmits the voiding log to an external device. The external device includes a user interface that displays the voiding log to the patient for review. The patient may correct any incorrect voiding information that was logged in error or due to a non-voiding event. A user, such as a clinician or the patient, may use the voiding information to diagnose a condition of the patient. In addition, the voiding information of the voiding log may be used by the user to adjust a stimulation therapy or the external device to automatically adjust stimulation therapy. The undergarment may be disposable or washable after patient use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Rondoni, Martin T. Gerber
  • Patent number: 8054183
    Abstract: Method and system for safely transporting valuable articles to a client. A known amount of articles for transport are packed in a transport package comprising a security circuit and a security system for the valuable articles. In the armed state the valuable articles are devaluated in case of an unauthorized manipulation in the transport package. A first client identifier is given. The valuable articles in the transport package are transported to the client. A portable computer transported with the valuable articles serves for recording and/or capturing the first client identifier, for capturing a second client identifier, for evaluating the first client identifier and the second client identifier, and for establishing a communication connection with the security circuit of the transport package, in order to transfer and release the package into the not-armed state, if permitted after evaluating the client identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Villiger
  • Publication number: 20110267193
    Abstract: For identifying an object and releasing a security of the object an identification element is associated with the object and recognized by recognizing unit, a securing element is attached to an object and releasable from the object, and the identification element and the securing element are formed so that a release of the securing element is possible only after the identification of the object by recognizing the identification element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Oleg Aronov
  • Patent number: 8044799
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for preventing a loss of a portable terminal, the apparatus including: a luminous intensity sensor unit detecting a current luminous intensity; a main controller unit controlling to request for an input of a password and controlling to output a warning sound when a current luminous intensity is higher than a reference luminous intensity; a display unit outputting a screen for requesting for the password and other screens related to a process of loss prevention; a key input unit via which keys related to the process of loss prevention are inputted; a memory unit in which the current luminous intensity detected by the luminous intensity sensor unit and the reference luminous intensity are saved; and a warning device generating and outputting the warning sound in accordance with the controlling of the main controller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung Soo Chae, Ghun Hahm, Hyun Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8040231
    Abstract: A system and method are provided that allow analysis of alarm data to generate security reports. A security report system may include a monitoring tool and a data analyzer. The monitoring tool may include an alarm data acquiring module and an alarm database for storing the alarm data acquired by the alarm data acquiring module. The data analyzer may include a data parsing module for parsing the alarm data into a plurality of data segments each indicating an attribute of the alarm data, a data categorizing module for categorizing the plurality of data segments into a plurality of data groups in accordance with the attributes of the data segments, and a data processing module for processing the data segments of at least one of the data groups to generate a security report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Anoop Kuruvila, Sridhar Ganta
  • Patent number: 8035516
    Abstract: A system and method for false alarm prevention in unstable locations is presented. In one embodiment, the method comprises activating an asset sensor and a reference sensor, detecting motion in the asset sensor, determining if the reference sensor detects motion, and preventing transmission of an alarm if the reference sensor detects the motion. In another embodiment, the method comprises activating an asset sensor and a reference sensor, detecting motion in the asset sensor and transmitting acceleration data in accordance with the detected motion, sensing local acceleration data from the reference sensor, and signaling an alarm if a difference between the transmitted acceleration data and the local acceleration data is greater than a predetermined threshold. The reference sensor can be mounted in a control panel, and the asset and reference sensors can be enrolled in the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lewin Edwards, Christopher Beach
  • Publication number: 20110241870
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Julia Irmscher, Michael Rapp
  • Patent number: 8031073
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for a security device for a bottle are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Hogan, Paul Griffiths, legal representative, Gilbert Fernandez, Pedro Lopez, Dale W. Raymond, Franklin H. Valade, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8031074
    Abstract: A personal security apparatus includes a transmitting device having an event detector initiating different signals which indicate different event types. A transceiver receives the signals from the transmitting device and interprets each signal as corresponding to a particular event type. The transceiver sends respective event type alert signals to a remote monitoring device. The remote monitoring device provides a plurality of respective event type indicators for each of the event type alert signals received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred M. Lizza
  • Publication number: 20110227736
    Abstract: A theft prevention system for protecting portable electronic devices is disclosed. An acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of a portable electronic device, and a controller analyzes this acceleration to determine whether a theft condition is present. If so, an alarm can be initiated. The theft prevention system can include a filter for attenuating irrelevant acceleration frequencies and isolating those representative of theft, and comparison hardware/software for determining whether the detected acceleration matches a known acceleration profile characteristic of theft. Various parameters of the theft prevention system can also be set by a user through mechanisms such as a graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Wehrenberg
  • Patent number: 8019322
    Abstract: A use limiting system of electronic equipment capable of suppressing power consumption while preventing unauthorized use by other people by limiting the use in the case of theft or loss of electronic equipment is provided. A key 10 and a use limiting apparatus 20 built into a mobile telephone 1 start polling at predetermined polling intervals and also periodically check an operation state of the mobile telephone 1. When the mobile telephone 1 is in operation at that time, the polling interval of the key 10 and the use limiting apparatus 20 is increased from T1 to T2 and when the mobile telephone 1 is not in operation, the elapsed time from the nearest operation time is clocked by a timer and the polling interval is gradually decreased from T1 or T2 to T3-T5 according to the clocked time and the polling is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Satou
  • Patent number: 8013742
    Abstract: An Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) tag and method and system for deactivating EAS tags without the need to physically contact the tag with a deactivation device. The EAS tag replaces the conventional diode with a non-linear device such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor (“MOS”) capacitor with a given breakdown voltage threshold. Inducing a predetermined voltage across the MOS capacitor results in destruction of the MOS capacitor rendering the EAS tag undetectable in the EAS interrogation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Ming-Ren Lian, Richard Loyd Copeland
  • Patent number: 8014787
    Abstract: For use in a wireless network, systems and methods for identifying radar signals and for giving the wireless network a radar-avoidance capability. The system for identifying radar signals includes: (1) a pulse analyzer, associated with a wireless device, configured to make a determination whether a received pulse is a radar pulse and not a wireless network pulse and (2) a pulse reporter configured to generate, if the determination is positive, a report thereof for transmission over the wireless network. Another system gives the wireless network a radar-avoidance capability and includes: (1) a report receiver configured to receive reports via the wireless network from wireless devices thereof and (2) a report analyzer, associated with the report receiver, configured to analyze relationships among the reports to make a determination whether a sequence of radar pulses exists and, if the determination is positive, generate a radar transmission alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jan P. Kruys, Amiram Levi
  • Patent number: 8013740
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically advertising items put on display, as well as protecting those items against theft. The system and method include an event sensor associated with the item and connected to a monitoring and alarm transmitter for initiating an advertising experience on an associated and local graphic display whenever the item is manipulated or approached by a patron. Should the item be removed or taken from its display stand, a wireless alarm is automatically transmitted to a receiver of an authorized person. The system and method also perform a logging function when a patron approaches the item or removes it without taking it away. The system and method also include the ability to provide power to electronic items that are on display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Julia Irmscher, Michael Rapp
  • Patent number: 8004407
    Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Scott T. Trosper
  • Patent number: 8004406
    Abstract: A security tag that can be attached to an item or items that provides a zero or low impact to the item or items such as elegant or soft goods. The security tag includes a security element that is enclosed within a pliable material that is coupled to the item or items it is protecting by either a lanyard or by passing a portion of the unfinished garment through aperture(s) in the pliable material. The lanyard can take on various compositions and can couple to the pliable material using different latching mechanisms. No puncturing, piercing or adhesive attachment to the elegant or soft goods occurs, thereby making a “zero or low impact” on the item while also making a pleasant presentation to customers when the item (or items) is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Frederick A. Bleckmann, James Brodzik, Seth Strauser, Gary Mazoki
  • Patent number: 7994911
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
  • Publication number: 20110187532
    Abstract: A pluggable security device for protecting an electronic device, such as a laptop, is disclosed. The pluggable security device has a battery, a siren, and an optional accelerometer. The security device is triggered by unplugging from the electronic device, or by sensing acceleration, or by disconnecting the electronic device from AC power or from a network. Once the security device is triggered and its internal siren is activated, it can only be deactivated by reinserting the pluggable security device into the electronic device it has been disconnected from and by entering a password in the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Fredric Edelstein, James Morrison
  • Patent number: 7986233
    Abstract: A theft prevention system for protecting portable electronic devices is disclosed. An acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of a portable electronic device, and a controller analyzes this acceleration to determine whether a theft condition is present. If so, an alarm can be initiated. The theft prevention system can include a filter for attenuating irrelevant acceleration frequencies and isolating those representative of theft, and comparison hardware/software for determining whether the detected acceleration matches a known acceleration profile characteristic of theft. Various parameters of the theft prevention system can also be set by a user through mechanisms such as a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Wehrenberg
  • Patent number: 7982608
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying a lost or stolen device is disclosed herein. The system includes: a transmitter, coupled to said device, for transmitting identification information; a receiver for receiving the identification information transmitted by the transmitter, when the transmitter is within a defined distance from the receiver; and a computer, coupled to the receiver for receiving the information from the receiver, and having a database for storing data associated with lost or stolen devices; wherein the computer compares the information with the data, and generates an alarm if the information indicates that the device is lost or stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis D. Elledge
  • Patent number: 7982604
    Abstract: A monetary package capable of detecting and communicating tampering is described. The monetary package may comprise a container having a volume configured to hold monetary items such as currency, checks, and negotiable instruments, a sensor configured to detect an opening of the container, a device coupled to the sensor and configured to store data responsive to the sensor detecting the opening of the container, and a transmitter configured to wirelessly send the stored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Bank of America
    Inventors: Michelle Nichols, Todd Atwood, James Heddleson, Karen Garnett, Elizabeth S. Votaw, Felix Mon