Voltage selectable alarm sensor

• US 6,756,900 B2
• Filed: 01/04/2002
• Issued: 06/29/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Roger J. Leyden, Se-Kure Controls Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Se-Kure Controls Incorporated
• Inventors: Passuntino, Peter J., Parent, Michael A., Leyden, Roger J.
• Primary Examiner(s): GOINS, DAVETTA WOODS
• Application Number:
  US10/037,521
• Publication Number:
  US 20030128118A1
• Time in Patent Office: 907 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568.4, 340/568.1, 340/568.2, 340/568.3, 340/568.8, 340/506, 340/653, 340/693.1, 340/693.4, 340/686.1, 340/687, 340/571, 340/572.8, 340/572.9, 200/61.18, 439/531, 439/676, 439/917, 439/924.1
• US Class Current: 340/568.4
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/14 by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1472 with force or weight detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/917 Alarm circuit, e.g. window affixed foil

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method involving a voltage selectable alarm sensor for operably mounting an anti-theft device to an article being monitored. The voltage selectable alarm sensor comprises a sensor housing, a detector switch having at least first and second alternative positions to indicate that an alarm event is occurring, an electrical cord for providing power to the alarm sensor which power is then directed to the article being monitored through connection to a power output port on the sensor. The voltage emanating from the power output port and directed to the article may be varied by a voltage selection switch positioned on the sensor.

Claims

1. A voltage selectable alarm sensor for operably mounting an anti-theft device to an article being monitored, said alarm sensor comprising:

a sensor housing having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite thereto, where said top surface is adjacent said article being monitored when said sensor housing is operably mounted to said article;

means for mounting said alarm sensor onto said article being monitored;

a detector switch operably positioned proximate said top surface of said alarm sensor having at least a first and a second orientation, in which said first orientation of said detector switch indicates that said alarm sensor is operably and properly mounted on said article and said second orientation of said detector switch indicates that said alarm sensor is not operably and properly mounted onto said article thereby causing an alarm event;

an electrical cord for providing power to said alarm sensor,

said electrical cord also providing a means for communicating with a remote alarm detection unit towards determining the current orientation of said detector switch and whether, in turn, an alarm event is occurring,

said electrical cord also providing power to said article being monitored;

said sensor housing including a power output port capable of producing and providing electrical current of varying selectable voltages to electrically operate a plurality of said articles at a plurality of varying voltages, respectively; and

a voltage selection switch for selecting a desired electrical voltage from amongst said plurality of available varying voltages to operate said article.

2. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 1 wherein said mounting means includes a layer of releasable adhesive applied to said top surface of said sensor housing so as to be sandwiched between said alarm sensor and said article being monitored, when said alarm sensor is mounted on said article.

3. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 1 wherein said alarm sensor further includes means for visually determining the orientation of said detector switch.

4. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 1 wherein said alarm sensor further includes means for visually determining said voltage selected for transmission through said power output port, to said article.

5. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 1 in which said voltage selection switch is a slide switch having at least three predetermined positions for selecting said voltage transmitted to said power output port.

6. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 1 in which said voltage selection switch is a slide switch having four predetermined positions for selecting said voltage transmitted to said power output port.

7. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 1 wherein said mounting means includes a threaded fastener that extends from said top surface of said sensor housing for mated receipt by a threaded aperture located in said article being monitored.

8. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 1 further including an adapter cord for connecting said power output port to said article thereby providing power to said article to permit said article to function.

9. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 1 further including a plurality of adapter cords, where one of said adapter cords for connecting said power output port to said article thereby providing power to said article to permit said article to function.

10. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 9 in which each of said plurality of adapter cords are configured with a standardized connector for mated connection with said power output port and a non-standard connector for mated connection with said article being monitored.

11. A voltage selectable alarm sensor for operably mounting an anti-theft device to an article being monitored, said article being monitored including a threaded mounting aperture, said alarm sensor comprising:

a substantially rectangular sensor housing having a top surface and a bottom surface, where said top surface is adjacent said article being monitored when said sensor housing is operably mounted to said article;

a layer of releasable adhesive applied to said top surface of said sensor housing so as to be sandwiched between said alarm sensor and said article being monitored when said alarm sensor is mounted on said article;

a threaded fastener that extends from said top surface of said sensor housing for mated receipt by said threaded mounting aperture located in said article being monitored;

a detector switch operably positioned proximate said top surface of said sensor housing having at least a first and a second orientation, where said first orientation indicates that said alarm sensor is operably and properly mounted on said article and said second orientation indicates that said alarm sensor is not operably and properly mounted onto said article thereby causing an alarm event;

an electrical cord for providing power to said alarm sensor, said electrical cord also providing a means for communicating with a remote alarm detection unit towards determining the current orientation of said detector switch and, in turn, whether an alarm event is occurring;

said electrical cord also for providing power to said alarm sensor and said article being monitored;

a power output port capable of producing and providing electrical current of one of at least three predetermined voltages as transmitted from said electrical cord;

a slide switch having at least three predetermined positions for selecting said voltage provided by said power output port to one of at least three predetermined voltages;

a light emitting diode for visually indicating whether said detector switch is in said first orientation or said second orientation; and

a set of at least three light emitting diodes each respectively corresponding to each of said at least three predetermined positions of said slide switch and said at least three predetermined voltages and illuminating so as to indicate which of said at least three predetermined voltages is provided by said power output port.

12. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 11 wherein said light emitting diode for visually indicating said orientation of said detector switch is constantly illuminated when said alarm sensor is receiving power through said electrical cord, while said detector switch is in said first orientation and intermittently illuminated when said alarm sensor is receiving power, while said detector switch is in said second orientation.

13. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 11 further including an adapter cord for connecting said power output port to said article thereby providing electrical power to said article to enable operation of said article.

14. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 11 further including a plurality of adapter cords, where one of said adapter cords for connecting said power output port to said article thereby providing power to said article to enable the operation of said article.

15. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 14 in which each of said plurality of adapter cords are configured with a standard connector for mated connection with said power output port and a non-standard connector for mated connection with said article being monitored.

16. A voltage selectable alarm sensor for operably mounting an anti-theft device to an article being monitored, said alarm sensor comprising:

a substantially cylindrical sensor housing having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, where said top end is proximate to said article being monitored when said sensor housing is operably mounted to said article;

means for mounting said alarm sensor onto said article being monitored;

a detector switch having at least a first and a second orientation, in which said first orientation indicates that said alarm sensor is operably and properly mounted on said article and in which said second orientation indicates that said alarm sensor is not operably and properly mounted onto said article thereby causing an alarm event;

a substantially circular security indicator ring having a top and bottom surface and positioned so that said bottom surface is adjacent said top end of said sensor housing at said top end'"'"'s circumference, where said security indicator ring is capable of illumination for visual detection from a range of locations so as to indicate said first and second orientations of said detector switch, which is operably positioned adjacent said indicator ring and said article being monitored; and

an electrical cord for providing power to said alarm sensor, said cord also providing a means for communicating with a remote alarm detection unit towards determining the current orientation of said detector switch and, in turn, whether an alarm event is occurring, said electrical cord also for providing power to said alarm sensor and said article being monitored.

17. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 16 where in said sensor housing further includes:

a power output port capable of producing and providing electrical current of varying voltages to operate said article electrically; and

a voltage selection switch for selecting a desired voltage from amongst a plurality of available voltages provided by said power output port to operate said article.

18. A voltage selectable alarm sensor for operably mounting an anti-theft device to an article being monitored, said article being monitored including a threaded mounting aperture, said alarm sensor comprising:

a substantially cylindrical sensor housing having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, where said top end is proximate to said article being monitored when said sensor housing is operably mounted to said article;

a detector switch having at least a first and a second orientation, where said first orientation indicates that said alarm sensor is operably and properly mounted on said article and said second orientation indicates that said alarm sensor is not operably and properly mounted onto said article thereby causing an alarm event;

a substantially circular security indicator ring having a top and bottom surface and positioned so that said bottom surface is adjacent said top end of said sensor housing at said top end'"'"'s circumference, said security indicator ring is capable of illumination for visual detection from a range of locations so as to indicate said first and second orientations of said detector switch, which is operably positioned adjacent said indicator ring and said article being monitored;

a threaded fastener that extends from proximate said top end of said sensor housing through said security indicator ring for mated receipt by said threaded mounting aperture located in said article being monitored;

a stabilization peg extending from said top surface of said security indicator ring towards said article being monitored so as to be received by a recess in said article towards preventing rotation of said article about said sensor housing;

an electrical cord for providing power to said alarm sensor, said cord also providing a means for communicating with a remote alarm detection unit towards determining the current orientation of said detector switch and, in turn, whether an alarm event is occurring, said electrical cord also for providing power to said alarm sensor and said article being monitored;

a power output port capable of producing and providing electrical current of varying voltages to at least electrically operate said article; and

a voltage selection switch for selecting a desired voltage from amongst a plurality of available voltages provided by said power output port to operate said article.

19. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 18 wherein said security indicator ring is constantly illuminated when said alarm sensor is receiving power through said electrical cord and said detector switch is in said first orientation and intermittently illuminated when said alarm sensor is receiving power through said electrical cord and said detector switch is in said second orientation.

20. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 18 wherein said alarm sensor further includes means for visually determining said voltage emanating from said power output port.

21. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 20 in which said voltage regulator switch is a slide switch having at least three predetermined positions corresponding to at least three predetermined voltages to be provided by said power output port.

22. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 21 where said means for visually determining said voltage emanating from power output port comprises at least three light emitting diodes each corresponding to one of said at least three predetermined positions of said slide switch.

23. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 18 further including an adapter cord for connecting said power output port to said article thereby providing power to said article to permit said article to function.

24. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 18 further including a plurality of adapter cords, where one of said adapter cords for connecting said power output port to said article thereby providing power to said article to permit said article to function.

25. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 24 in which each of said plurality of adapter cords are configured with a standardized connector for mated connection with said power output port and a non-standard connector for mated connection with said article being monitored.

26. A voltage selectable alarm sensor for operably mounting an anti-theft device to an article being monitored, said article being monitored including a threaded mounting aperture, said alarm sensor comprising:

a substantially cylindrical sensor housing having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, where said top end is proximate to said article being monitored when said sensor housing is operably mounted to said article;

a detector switch having at least a first and a second orientation, where said first orientation indicates that said alarm sensor is operably and properly mounted on said article and said second orientation indicates that said alarm sensor is not operably and properly mounted onto said article thereby causing an alarm event;

a security indicator ring having a top and bottom surface and positioned so that said bottom surface is adjacent said top end of said cylindrical sensor housing at said top end'"'"'s circumference, said security indicator ring is capable of illumination so as to indicate said first and second orientations of said detector switch, which is operably positioned adjacent said indicator ring and said article being monitored, said security indicator ring is constantly illuminated when said alarm sensor is receiving power through said electrical cord and said detector switch is in said first orientation and intermittently illuminated when said alarm sensor is receiving power through said electrical cord and said detector switch is in said second orientation;

a threaded fastener that extends from proximate said top surface of said security indicator ring for mated receipt by said threaded mounting aperture located in said article being monitored;

a layer of releasable adhesive applied to said top surface of said security indicator ring so as to be sandwiched between said alarm sensor and said article being monitored when said alarm sensor is mounted on said article;

a stabilization peg extending from said top surface of said security indicator ring towards said article being monitored so as to be received by a recess in said article towards preventing rotation of said article about said sensor housing;

an electrical cord for providing power to said alarm sensor, said cord also providing a means for communicating with a remote alarm detection unit towards determining the current orientation of said detector switch and, in turn, whether an alarm event is occurring, said electrical cord also for providing power to said alarm sensor and said article being monitored;

a power output port capable of producing and providing electrical current of varying voltages to at least electrically operate said article;

a slide switch having at least three predetermined positions for selecting said voltage provided by said power output port to one of at least three predetermined voltages; and

a set of at least three light emitting diodes each corresponding to one of said at least three predetermined positions of said slide switch and said at least three predetermined voltages and illuminating so as to indicate which of said at least three predetermined voltages is provided by said power output port.

27. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 26 in which said slide switch having at least three predetermined positions has four positions for selecting said voltage provided by said power output port to one of four predetermined voltages;

and

said set of at least three light emitting diodes including four light emitting diodes, one each corresponding to one of said four predetermined positions of said slide switch and said four predetermined voltages, towards illuminating each so as to indicate which of said four predetermined voltages is provided by said power output port.

28. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 26 further including an adapter cord for connecting said power output port to said article thereby providing power to said article to permit said article to function.

29. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 26 further including a plurality of adapter cords, where a selected one of said adapter cords can connect said power output port to said article, thereby providing power to said article to permit said article to function.

30. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 29 in which each of said plurality of adapter cords are configured with a standardized connector for mated connection with said power output port and a non-standard connector for mated connection with said article being monitored.

31. A method for attaching a voltage selectable alarm sensor of an anti-theft device to an article being monitored, said method comprising the steps of:

mounting a sensor housing having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite thereto, so that said top surface is adjacent said article being monitored when said sensor housing is operably mounted to said article;

positioning a detector switch having at least a first and a second orientation proximate said top surface of said alarm sensor so as to be sandwiched between said sensor housing and said article, to orient said detector switch in said first orientation to indicate that said alarm sensor is operably and properly mounted on said article and, alternatively, in said second orientation to indicate that said alarm sensor is not operably and properly mounted onto said article thereby causing an alarm event;

powering said alarm sensor through an electrical cord towards further powering said article from an output port located on said sensor housing;

communicating with a remote detection unit through said electrical cord unit towards determining the current orientation of said detector switch and whether, in turn, an alarm event is occurring;

selecting a voltage at said sensor from a plurality of voltages capable of being transmitted by said output port in said alarm sensor to power said article being monitored;

selecting an appropriate adapter cord from amongst multiple adapter cords for at least electrically connecting said sensor to said article; and

electrically coupling said sensor to said article, to electrically power said article.

32. A voltage selectable alarm sensor for operably mounting an anti-theft device to an article being monitored, said alarm sensor comprising:

a sensor housing;

a cap positionable on said housing and having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite thereto, where said top surface is adjacent said article being monitored when said sensor is operably mounted to said article;

means for releasably mounting said alarm sensor onto said article being monitored, said means for mounting said alarm being accessible only when said cap is separated from said sensor housing;

a detector switch operably positioned in said sensor housing and having a vertically movable switch member movable between at least first and second positions, in which said first orientation of said detector switch indicates that said cap is operably and properly mounted on said sensor housing and said second orientation of said detector switch indicates that said cap is not operably and properly mounted onto said sensor housing thereby causing an alarm event;

an electrical cord for providing power to said alarm sensor,

said electrical cord also providing a means for communicating with a remote alarm detection unit towards determining the current orientation of said detector switch and whether, in turn, an alarm event is occurring,

said electrical cord also providing power to said article being monitored;

said sensor housing including a power output port capable of producing and providing electrical current of varying selectable voltages to electrically operate a plurality of said articles at a plurality of varying voltages, respectively; and

a voltage selection switch for selecting a desired electrical voltage from amongst said plurality of available varying voltages to operate said article.

33. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 32 wherein said mounting means includes a layer of releasable adhesive applied to said top surface of said sensor housing so as to be sandwiched between said alarm sensor and said article being monitored, when said alarm sensor is mounted on said article.

34. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 32 wherein said alarm sensor further includes means for visually determining said voltage selected for transmission through said power output port, to said article.

35. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 32 in which said voltage selection switch is a slide switch having at least three predetermined positions for selecting said voltage transmitted to said power output port.

36. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 32 in which said voltage selection switch is a slide switch having four predetermined positions for selecting said voltage transmitted to said power output port.

37. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 32 wherein said mounting means includes a threaded fastener that extends from said top surface of said sensor housing for mated receipt by a threaded aperture located in said article being monitored.

38. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 32 further including an adapter cord for connecting said power output port to said article thereby providing power to said article to permit said article to function.

39. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 32 further including a plurality of adapter cords, where one of said adapter cords for connecting said power output port to said article thereby providing power to said article to permit said article to function.

40. The voltage selectable alarm sensor according to claim 39 in which each of said plurality of adapter cords are configured with a standardized connector for mated connection with said power output port and a non-standard connector for mated connection with said article being monitored.