Programmable key for a security system for protecting merchandise
First Claim
1. A programmable key for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise, said key comprising:
- a) a housing;
b) a power supply mounted in the housing; and
c) a logic control circuit including a controller, a wireless communication circuit and a security code memory mounted in the housing and operably connected to the power supply by a control switch, said controller initially receiving a security code from a remote source through the wireless communication circuit for storage in the security code memory and for subsequent transmission of said security code by the wireless communication circuit to a security device adapted to be attached to an item of merchandise upon actuation of the control switch.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A programmable key for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise has a housing, a power supply mounted in the housing, a logic control circuit which includes a controller, a wireless communication circuit and a security disarm code (SDC) memory. The key has visual indicators such as an LED which is operatively connected to the logic control circuit and pulsed to indicate the state of the SDC. The control circuit includes a timer which has a preset time limit programmed therein, which invalidates the stored SDC if not refreshed by a remote programming source within a certain time period. The logic circuit further includes a counter which counts the number of activations of a control switch, and which permanently deactivates the control circuit upon reaching a certain count value to ensure that the internal battery has sufficient power to maintain the key operational. The wireless communication circuit preferably is infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) controlled.
146 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A programmable key for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise, said key comprising:
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a) a housing; b) a power supply mounted in the housing; and c) a logic control circuit including a controller, a wireless communication circuit and a security code memory mounted in the housing and operably connected to the power supply by a control switch, said controller initially receiving a security code from a remote source through the wireless communication circuit for storage in the security code memory and for subsequent transmission of said security code by the wireless communication circuit to a security device adapted to be attached to an item of merchandise upon actuation of the control switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A security system for protecting an object comprising:
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a key operated security device for attachment to the object, said security device containing a first security code; a key programmed with a second security code to actuate the security device when placed in proximity thereto; a first communication system operable for effecting communication between the key and the security device for enabling the comparison of the second security code of the key to the first security code of the security device; a remote programming station containing a second communication system operable for effecting communication between the programming station and the key, said remote programming station randomly generating the second security code and programming the second security code in the key using the second communication system; and a timer in the key for automatically invalidating the second security code after a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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16. A programmable key for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise, said key comprising:
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a) a housing; b) a control circuit including a controller, a communication circuit and a security code memory mounted in the housing, said controller initially receiving a security code from a remote source through the communication circuit for storage in the security code memory and for subsequent transmission of said security code by the communication circuit to a security device adapted to be attached to an item of merchandise; and c) a power source in the housing for powering the control circuit and a control switch for effecting the transfer of the security code from the remote source to the security code memory. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification