Release of pin-clutch mechanism in theft-deterrent device

Abstract

An apparatus for releasing locked components of a theft-deterrent device includes a seat for receiving a component of the theft deterrent device that contains a clutch and a ferromagnetic anvil that is positioned by a spring to force the clutch to apply pressure against an inserted pin that is anchored in another component of the device so as to restrain the pin from release from the clutch; and a magnet with a pole piece coupled thereto, with the magnet and the pole piece being disposed for movement between a protracted position and a retracted position. When magnet and the pole piece are in their protracted position the pole piece is disposed about the sides of the clutch-containing component and applies magnetic flux from the magnet that is directed to overcome the force of the spring and reposition the ferromagnetic anvil to thereby relax the pressure applied against the pin by the clutch so that the pin-anchoring component can be released from the clutch-containing component. The magnet and the pole piece are forced into their protracted position by a spring; and a flange is attached to the pole piece for enabling the magnet and the pole piece to be moved to their retracted position by applying pressure against the flange to overcome the force of the spring. When the magnet and the pole piece are in their retracted position, the attraction between the magnet and the anvil is less and the sides of the clutch-containing component are exposed so that the clutch-containing component can easily be gripped at its sides and removed from the seat. Also, when the magnet and the pole piece are in their retracted position, the releasing apparatus does not then enable the pin-anchoring component to be released from the clutch-containing component; and the releasing apparatus further includes a lock for locking the magnet and the pole piece in their retracted position to prevent unauthorized use of the releasing apparatus.