Allied Corporation

Richard C Ujazdowski

Philip M Anderson, Iii

Jeffrey C Urbanski

Ronald K Reich

An apparatus and method are provided for product verification wherein a verification marker attached to the product produces a signal identified by a disguised scanning code and matched to a visible code indicia on the product. The signal from the marker is in response to a known applied interrogation field generated by a scanning unit. The scanning unit is portable and includes a detector for the response signal. An EPROM processes the response signal and generates the scanning code. The programming is such that the code is random and different for each manufacturer/product and corresponds to the visible code indicia. The marker includes an amorphous metal ribbon having a known magnetomechanical vibration characteristic.

Apparatus and method for marker verification

A unit and method are provided for the short range scanning of magnetic markers. The scanning unit includes an antenna adapted to provide a narrow interrogation field of short overall range. Control circuitry is provided for establishing the applied magnetic interrogation field and detecting and processing the response signal of the marker. A light emitting diode then provides a signal to the operator indicating whether a response signal is received from the marker being interrogated. The scanning unit is also equipped with a ferromagnetic plate of high magnetic coercivity for producing a dc bias field and activating the marker.

An electromagnetic release apparatus and method are provided for unfastening a magnetically actuated surveillance marker clip assembly from an article. The release apparatus includes a primary solenoid coil that, when energized, produces a magnetic field of sufficient force to initially unlock the clip assembly for removal. A secondary magnet produces another magnetic field sufficient in force to retain the clip assembly in the unlocked position. The secondary magnet is mounted to a piston slidably received in the central bore of the primary solenoid coil. The primary solenoid coil is energized by inserting the clip assembly into the central bore of the coil, thereby, pressing the piston downwardly until it closes a 'one-shot' microswitch. The electrical charge of a capacitor is then discharged through the primary coil to produce the relatively high power magnetic field for unlocking the clip assembly. A clip assembly removal reminder system assures proper processing of an article and removal of the clip assembly by the clerk or cashier. The system includes an interrogation and detection circuit for detecting the presence of a clip assembly at a final checkout station. An alarm remains continuously activated until the clip assembly is removed from the final checkout station and the release apparatus is activated to remove the clip assembly from the article.

Growing community of inventors

Flemington, NJ, United States of America

Richard C Ujazdowski