A method for a secured purchase process. The method may include encoding a device with a unique identification code related to a specific item, attaching the device to the item by a locking mechanism included in the device, receiving, by a receiver included in the device, a signal upon a completion of a payment transaction related to the unique identification code, enabling an unlocking movement of the locking mechanism upon receipt of the signal, and unlocking the locking mechanism to enable releasing the device from the item.

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

The disclosed technology relates to a security tag. The security tag can include a tamper assembly having a clutch assembly capable of affixing the security tag to a merchandise item and a locking device for inserting into the clutch mechanism. An insertion of the locking device into the clutch mechanism causes a transmission of a closed signal indicating a closed status for the security tag, and a displacement of the locking device causes a transmission of an open signal indicating an open status for the security tag.

An electronic article surveillance tag including a tag body member and a connecting member having a pin portion releasably engageable with the tag body member, wherein the pin portion extends along a first axis. The tag further includes a locking member having a clutch mechanism including a plunger member formed from a non-ferromagnetic material and an unlocking member connected to the clutch mechanism. The unlocking member is moveable along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein during movement between the locked position and the unlocked position, the unlocking member moves the clutch mechanism between the first position corresponding to the locked state and the second position corresponding to the unlocked state.

Systems and methods for operating an RFID tag. The methods comprise: inducing current through a magnetic loop or solenoid disposed within the RFID tag that is caused by a inductive field, a magnetic field or an RF field being generated within a surrounding environment; using the current which is induced through the magnetic loop or solenoid to charge a capacitor disposed within the RFID tag; decreasing the amount of current induced through the magnetic loop or solenoid; receiving a detaching signal at the RFID tag; electrically connecting the capacitor to a detaching unit disposed within the RFID tag in response to the detaching signal; and activating the detaching unit by supplying current from the capacitor to the detaching unit, whereby the RFID tag can be detached from an article.

An electronic article surveillance device with an electronics housing and base attaches to an article to be protected. The housing and base have connecting interfaces which act together to attach the housing to the base. The housing has a switch on the underside and the base has an aperture partially covered by a flexible tab that aligns with the switch. The flexible tab normally protrudes away from the bottom surface of the base. When the base is attached to an article, the tab is pushed back into the aperture. When the housing is attached to the base, the switch contacts the tab. If the EAS device is removed from the base without disarming the device, the tab moves out of the aperture and allows the switch to detect the removal. The EAS device then issues an alarm. The flexible tab may a piercing element to pierce plastic wrapping, if present.

A cooler access control system locks a cooler when occurrence of an event is detected that requires limiting access to the inside of the cooler. Examples of such events include the loss of power to the cooler for a predetermined period of time, the opening of the cooler door for longer than an allowed time, the loss of functionality of a temperature probe and others. In an embodiment, a service mode is supported wherein the door is left unlocked despite the occurrence of such an event, to allow a stocker or other personnel to leave the cooler door open while stocking the cooler with product.

A security system and security tag assembly cooperatively operative to restrict unauthorized removal of an article from an area, wherein the security tag assembly is removably attached to the article and includes an RFID component/label configured to encode and retain data associated with the article to which it is attached. A deactivator assembly includes a read component structured to read the article data encoded in the security tag assembly, before or during removal of the tag assembly, wherein the read data is transmitted to a processor for display, storage and/or supplementary processing. One or more portable readers, not associated with the deactivator assembly or processor, are configured to access and display the article data for authorized article control. A review application may be downloaded on communication devices having short range technology and is configured to access the article data to obtain information relating thereto.

A cooler access control system locks a cooler when occurrence of an event is detected that requires limiting access to the inside of the cooler. Examples of such events include the loss of power to the cooler for a predetermined period of time, the opening of the cooler door for longer than an allowed time, the loss of functionality of a temperature probe and others. In an embodiment, a service mode is supported wherein the door is left unlocked despite the occurrence of such an event, to allow a stocker or other personnel to leave the cooler door open while stocking the cooler with product.

In an aspect, the present disclosure includes a method, apparatus, and system for operating a security tag, comprising activating a piezo-electric component of the security tag to generate an electrical charge in response to an applied mechanical force on the security tag; determining whether a verification signal has been received by the security tag upon activating the piezo-electric component; and disengaging a mechanical component of the security tag based on a determination that the verification signal has been received.