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US 9,428,938 B2Granted
Merchandise security devices for use with an electronic key
AssigneeInVue Security Products Inc.
InventorsGary A. Taylor, Jeffrey A. Grant, David N. Berglund
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.
Claims20
A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, comprising:
- an electronic key configured to communicate data and transfer electrical power;
- and
- a merchandise security device comprising a lock mechanism that is configured to be operated by electrical power transferred from the electronic key to the lock mechanism,
- wherein the lock mechanism is operably engaged with a shape memory material that is configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power from the electronic key to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism,
- wherein the electronic key is configured to communicate data to the merchandise security device,
- wherein the merchandise security device is not configured to recognize the data, and
- wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power to the lock mechanism after transmitting the data to the merchandise security device and not receiving a return signal from the merchandise security device.
4 more elements
A method for protecting an item of merchandise susceptible to theft, comprising:
- receiving data from an electronic key at a merchandise security device, wherein the merchandise security device is not configured to recognize the data and comprises a lock mechanism;
- receiving electrical power from the electronic key at the merchandise security device after receiving the data and not receiving a return signal from the merchandise security device;
- and
- locking or unlocking the lock mechanism in response to a change in shape of a shape memory material operably engaged with the lock mechanism.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.