A security tag assembly for placing around a boot, including a circuit board having a processor, and one or more wires electrically connected to the circuit board that form a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings are respectively configured to receive first and second components of the boot. The assembly further includes a tension switch connected to the one or more wires and having a closed position corresponding to a first tension level on the one or more wires and an open position corresponding to a second tension level on the one or more wires, wherein the second tension level is greater than the first tension level. Further, the processor is configured to monitor whether the tension switch is in at least the open position, wherein the processor is configured to trigger an alarm in response to the switch being in the open position.

Improved systems and techniques are disclosed for controlling the security states of anti theft security systems such as product display assemblies using security fobs. The tasks relating to fob authentication are offloaded to a computer system, and these authentications can be based on identifiers for the different security fobs. The computer system can maintain a list of identifiers for authorized security fobs that is easily updated when new security fobs are added to or existing security fobs are de-authorized from the system.

An electrical switch with a conductive bridge, a first wire configured to provide continuity with the conductive bridge, and a biasing member connected to the first wire. The biasing member provides a threshold reaction force to maintain continuity between the first wire and the conductive bridge. The switch further includes a housing that directs tensile forces acting upon the first wire to oppose a reaction force of the biasing member. When a tensile force acting on the first wire exceeds a threshold reaction force of the biasing member continuity between the first wire and the conductive bridge is broken.

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.

A merchandise security system for an electronic item of merchandise is provided. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a continuous alarming power cord comprising at least one electrical conductor. The alarming power cord has a first end adapted to be electrically connected to the electronic item of merchandise and a second end. The merchandise security system also includes a reel for receiving the second end of the alarming power cord and adapted for storing at least a portion of the alarming power cord thereon. In addition, the merchandise security system includes monitoring circuitry in electrical communication with the alarming power cord and configured to detect an interruption in an electrical signal provided to the alarming power cord.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise security systems and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise, wherein the sensor includes alarming circuitry. The system also includes a tether comprising a pair of conductors electrically connected to the alarming circuitry, wherein the pair of conductors is configured to transfer power to the sensor and/or to the article of merchandise. In response to power ceasing to be transferred, the alarming circuitry is configured to monitor an electrical signal transmitted through the pair of conductors in order to determine whether the tether has been cut or removed from the sensor.

Improved systems and techniques are disclosed for controlling the security states of anti-theft security systems such as product display assemblies using security fobs. The tasks relating to fob authentication are offloaded to a computer system, and these authentications can be based on identifiers for the different security fobs. The interactions between security fobs and product display assemblies can be consistent regardless of the population of authorized security fobs by using a security code that is shared by the security fobs. When attempting to use a security fob to change a security status for a product display assembly, the provision of the code to the subject product display assembly can be predicated on authorization of the subject security fob by the computer system. The computer system can maintain a list of identifiers for authorized security fobs that is easily updated when new security fobs are added to or existing security fobs are de-authorized from the system.

A system for determining an operating mode of a battery includes a voltage sensor configured to detect a present voltage across terminals of the battery. The system further includes a non-transitory memory configured to store previously detected voltages across the terminals of the battery, and a previous operating mode of the battery. The system further includes a processor coupled to the voltage sensor and the non-transitory memory and configured to determine the operating mode of the battery by comparing the present voltage across the terminals of the battery to the previously detected voltages of the battery and based on the previous operating mode of the battery.

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 and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The sensor has a generally L-shaped surface for being secured to a portion of the rear and bottom surfaces of the item of merchandise. The base includes a charging circuit for providing power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

Improved systems and techniques are disclosed for controlling the security states of anti-theft security systems such as product display assemblies using security fobs. The tasks relating to fob authentication are offloaded to a computer system, and these authentications can be based on identifiers for the different security fobs. The computer system can maintain a list of identifiers for authorized security fobs that is easily updated when new security fobs are added to or existing security fobs are de-authorized from the system.