Programmable security system and method for protecting merchandise
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A programmable security system for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the programmable security system comprising:
- a logic control circuit configured to provide a unique security code, the unique security code being unique to the logic control circuit;
a programmable key comprising a memory configured to store the unique security code; and
a security device comprising an alarm and a memory for storing the unique security code, the security device configured to be attached to an item of merchandise, the security device further configured to activate the alarm in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised,wherein the programmable key is configured to control the security device upon a matching of the unique security code stored in the memory of the security device with the unique security code stored by the programmable key.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A programmable security system for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the programmable security system comprising:
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a logic control circuit configured to provide a unique security code, the unique security code being unique to the logic control circuit; a programmable key comprising a memory configured to store the unique security code; and a security device comprising an alarm and a memory for storing the unique security code, the security device configured to be attached to an item of merchandise, the security device further configured to activate the alarm in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised, wherein the programmable key is configured to control the security device upon a matching of the unique security code stored in the memory of the security device with the unique security code stored by the programmable key. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the method comprising:
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providing a unique security code with a logic control circuit, the unique security code being unique to the logic control circuit; storing the unique security code at a programmable key; storing the unique security code at a security device attached to an item of merchandise, the security device comprising an alarm configured to be activated in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised; and controlling the security device upon a matching of the unique security code provided by the logic control circuit with the unique security code stored by the security device. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification