Systems and methods are provided for labeling a piece of merchandise with a wireless communication device. In addition to a wireless communication device, the merchandise tag includes an associated label made of a washable fabric material. The wireless communication device is incorporated into the label and includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna, with the antenna including a conductor sheet that defines a slot. The label is secured to a piece of merchandise at a sew line, with the sew line dividing the label into an upper portion and a lower portion. The RFID chip and the slot of the antenna are positioned within the upper portion of the label, which may itself be positioned within a seam or neckline or waistband of the piece of merchandise.

Systems and methods for operating an EAS detection system. The methods comprise: detecting an Active Security Tag (“AST”) in an EAS detection zone; determining whether AST is coupled to an object identified in a list; and performing operations when a determination is made that AST is coupled to a listed object. The operations involve: accessing sensor data generated by at least one sensor device disposed on/near display equipment associated with the listed object; processing the sensor data to determine whether a person was within a defined distance range of AST during a period of time immediately preceding the detecting; concluding that a false alarm scenario exists when the sensor data indicates that a person was not within the defined distance range of AST during the period of time; and suppressing alarm issuance by the EAS detection system in response to the false alarm scenario conclusion.

A method for securing a security tag into an article of clothing includes positioning an end of the security tag into a first opening to an interface space between two layers of the article of clothing. The two layers are fixedly connected by one or more opposing connectors that are spaced apart in a manner to form the interface space sized to receive the security tag. The security tag is fully moved into the interface space. Also described herein is a security tag specially configured for placement into the interface space between two layers of the article of clothing.

Systems and methods are provided for labeling a piece of merchandise with a wireless communication device. In addition to a wireless communication device, the merchandise tag includes an associated label made of a washable fabric material. The wireless communication device is incorporated into the label and includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna, with the antenna including a conductor sheet that defines a slot. The label is secured to a piece of merchandise at a sew line, with the sew line dividing the label into an upper portion and a lower portion. The RFID chip and the slot of the antenna are positioned within the upper portion of the label, which may itself be positioned within a seam or neckline or waistband of the piece of merchandise.

A method for configuring a sensor tag includes placing the sensor tag in a location on a garment or fabric to be affixed. The method may further include applying a heat source at a temperature to the sensor tag for a time period. The method may further include removing the heat source after the time period has elapsed. The method may further include removing a paper layer between an adhesive layer and the garment of fabric prior to placing the sensor taking in the location. The method may further include removing a top protective layer after removing the heat source.

Durable fabric RFID labels are provided for mounting on garments, fabrics and other fabric-containing items, the mounting and durability being before, during or after manufacturing and processing of the items. These labels are robust enough to withstand processing during manufacturing, while being capable of remaining on the item during inventory handling, merchandising and consumer use, including washing and drying. The durable labels include an RFID inlay, a face sheet overlying a first face of the RFID inlay, and a functional adhesive, such as a hot-melt adhesive, overlying a second face of the RFID inlay. The face sheet can be of printable material or have indicia or be a printed face sheet. The functional adhesive can be of a moisture-resistive type. The RFID inlay can be encased within a pocket of polymeric material. A polymeric sheet reinforcement layer can be adhered to and cover all or a portion of the RFID inlay.

A method for configuring a sensor tag includes placing the sensor tag in a location on a garment or fabric to be affixed. The method may further include applying a heat source at a temperature to the sensor tag for a time period. The method may further include removing the heat source after the time period has elapsed. The method may further include removing a paper layer between an adhesive layer and the garment of fabric prior to placing the sensor taking in the location. The method may further include removing a top protective layer after removing the heat source.

A reinforcing element, in particular for shoes, bags or orthopedic applications, comprises a support layer and a cover layer. A memory element such as a RFID chip, is arranged between the support layer and the cover layer. Also, a manufacturing method for such a reinforcing element.

A semi-hard magnetic alloy for activation strips in magnetic anti-theft systems is provided. The alloy consists essentially of 5 to 15 wt % Ni, 0.5 to 8 wt % Mn, 0.2 to 4 wt % Cu, 0 to 2 wt % Ai, 0 to 2 wt % Ti, the remainder iron and up to 1 wt % impurities, where 0.5 wt %<(Cu+Al+Ti)<5 wt %.

Systems and methods are provided for labeling a piece of merchandise with a wireless communication device. In addition to a wireless communication device, the merchandise tag includes an associated label made of a washable fabric material. The wireless communication device is incorporated into the label and includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna, with the antenna including a conductor sheet that defines a slot. The label is secured to a piece of merchandise at a sew line, with the sew line dividing the label into an upper portion and a lower portion. The RFID chip and the slot of the antenna are positioned within the upper portion of the label, which may itself be positioned within a seam or neckline or waistband of the piece of merchandise.