Sensor element for a monitoring device

• US 7,079,031 B2
• Filed: 03/07/2003
• Issued: 07/18/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ott Security Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Reinhold Ott
• Inventors: Ott, Reinhold
• Primary Examiner(s): GOINS, DAVETTA WOODS
• Application Number:
  US10/382,889
• Publication Number:
  US 20030210144A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,229 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568.2, 340/568.4, 340/568.1, 340/571, 340/572.1, 340/650, 340/652, 340/686.1, 340/687, 340/572.5, 340/572.8
• US Class Current: 340/568.2
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/149 with electric, magnetic, capacitive switch actuation

Abstract

A sensor element may be provided for a monitoring device designed to protect displayed merchandise against theft. The sensor element may be flexible and include a sensor layer with a measuring circuit loop integrated therein. During attempted theft, a contact element that may be arranged on an adhesive surface creates an open in the measuring circuit loop, thereby triggering an alarm.

Claims

1. A sensor element comprising:

a sensor layer having a measuring circuit loop, the measuring circuit loop having a break, the sensor layer being fastenable to a device by way of an adhesive layer having a contact element positioned on a surface thereof, the contact element for short-circuiting the break of the measuring circuit loop, wherein the sensor element is one of flexible and elastic;

wherein the sensor layer includes a second measuring circuit loop, the second measuring circuit loop having a break and being connected electrically in series to the measuring circuit loop, the sensor layer being attachable to a fastening element via a second adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer includes another contact element for short-circuiting the break of the second measuring circuit loop.

2. The sensor element according to claim 1, wherein the sensor layer is connected with the second adhesive layer.

3. The sensor element according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element is rigid.

4. The sensor element according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive layers are double-sided adhesive strips.

10. A method comprising securing works of art from theft by way of the sensor in accordance with claim 1.

5. A monitoring device for protecting displayed merchandise against theft, the monitoring device comprising:

a processing circuit;

a cable for connecting a sensor element with the processing circuit;

wherein the sensor element includes a sensor layer having a measuring circuit loop, the measuring circuit loop including a break, the sensor layer being attachable to the merchandise by way of an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer having a contact element located on a surface thereof, the contact element for short-circuiting the break in the measuring circuit loop, and wherein the sensor element is one of flexible and elastic; and

a second sensor element, the second sensor element at least for attaching the processing circuit to a member.

6. The monitoring device according to claim 5, further comprising a cable for connecting the second sensor element with the processing circuit.

7. The monitoring device according to claim 5, wherein a sensor layer of the second sensor element is attachable to the member by way of another adhesive layer.

8. The monitoring device according to claim 5, wherein the second sensor element is attachable to the processing circuit in a non-detaching manner.

9. The monitoring device according to claim 5, wherein the second sensor element is integrated with the processing circuit.