Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise, wherein the sensor includes an electrical connector. The security system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the base includes an electronics module having a connector. The connector of the sensor and the connector of the electronics module are configured to electrically connect with one another when the sensor is supported on the base, and the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the item of merchandise from the sensor.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a base for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a recoiler operably coupled to the sensor. The recoiler includes a rotatable member defining a helical recess. The system further includes a cable configured to connect to the sensor and to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base. The helical recess is configured to at least partially receive the cable therein as the cable is wound on the rotatable member.

A monitoring circuit configured to be installed within a rechargeable battery, wherein the monitoring circuit is initially configured to function in a storage mode and consume minimal current, wherein the monitoring circuit in storage mode is configured to identify if the rechargeable battery is deployed in a consumer system, then the monitoring circuit changes to a consumer mode in which the monitoring circuit samples the status of the rechargeable battery based on a sensor and/or a global positioning chip, records information of sampling the status in the memory and periodically communicates with a server to transmit the recorded information and receive instructions from the server, wherein in consumer mode if the processor identifies an abnormal event the monitoring circuit changes to function in a movement mode in which it continuously communicates the location of the monitoring circuit to the server.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for displaying and securing articles of merchandise. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of security devices, wherein each of the security devices includes a sensor configured to be attached to an article of merchandise. Each of the security devices further includes a base for removably supporting the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a controller in communication with each of the security devices, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a remote device to lock at least one of the security devices such that the article of merchandise and the sensor cannot be removed from the base.

Various embodiments relate to an electronic device and a method for outputting an alert, and a system comprising a locking device coupled to the electronic device. To this end, the electronic device, according to various embodiments, comprises: a connection terminal; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: detect a connection with a locking device via the connection terminal; receive an identifier of the locking device from the locking device; identify the received identifier to set the electronic device in an alert mode; detect a disconnection between the electronic device and the locking device; and output an alert in response to the detected disconnection. Other embodiments may be possible.

An anti-theft device having an inductive charging coil for wirelessly powering an article of merchandise. A retention member is configured to be attached to the merchandise. A pedestal configured to removably support the retention member. Complementary contacts on the retention member and the pedestal are configured to provide electrical power from the pedestal to the inductive charging coil, when the retention member is at rest on the pedestal. The retention member has an optical transmitter configured to communicate optical signals to an optical sensor. When the article of merchandise requests power increase, the optical transmitter emits a corresponding optical signal, which causes a control unit to increase an output voltage of a power supply supplying power to the electrical contacts of the pedestal. In this manner, an optical communication channel is used to increase the power wirelessly provided from the inductive charging coil to the merchandise.

Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.

A system for generation of electrical power including an inverter connected to a photovoltaic source including a theft prevention and detection feature. A first memory is permanently attached to the photovoltaic source. The first memory is configured to store a first code. A second memory is attached to the inverter. The second memory configured to store a second code. During manufacture or installation of the system, the first code is stored in the first memory attached to the photovoltaic source. The second code based on the first code is stored in the second memory. Prior to operation of the inverter, the first code is compared to the second code and based on the comparison; the generation of the electrical power is enabled or disabled.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for monitoring a status of a plurality of a merchandise display devices for displaying items of merchandise at respective display positions. For example, the method includes monitoring for a change in a preselected characteristic of a circuit defined by an electrical connection between the security devices and a plurality of nodes and between the nodes and an alarm unit. The method also includes determining whether an item of merchandise has been added to or removed from a respective display position based on a change in the preselected characteristic.

A junction box used for making electrical connections to a photovoltaic panel. The junction box has two chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber and a wall common to and separating both chambers. The wall may be adapted to have an electrical connection therethrough. The two lids are adapted to seal respectively the two chambers. The two lids are on opposite sides of the junction box relative to the photovoltaic panel. The two lids may be attachable using different sealing processes to a different level of hermeticity. The first chamber may be adapted to receive a circuit board for electrical power conversion. The junction box may include supports for mounting a printed circuit board in the first chamber. The second chamber is configured for electrical connection to the photovoltaic panel. A metal heat sink may be bonded inside the first chamber.