ELECTRONIC KEY FOR MERCHANDISE SECURITY DEVICE

摘要

An electronic key including an internal power source is provided for transferring electrical power to a merchandise security device to operate a mechanical lock mechanism. In one embodiment, the key transfers power to the device via electrical contacts disposed on a transfer probe of the electronic key and corresponding electrical contacts disposed within a transfer port of the device when the transfer probe engages the transfer port. In another embodiment, the key transfers power to the device via inductive transfer as a result of passing an electrical current through an inductive coil disposed within the transfer probe to generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of a corresponding inductive coil disposed within the transfer port and thereby induce an electric current in the inductive coil of the device. In other embodiments, the electronic key is programmed with a security code and the key initially programs the merchandise security device with the security code and subsequently determines whether the security code of the key matches the security code of the device to permit the key to transfer power to the device.

主权项

1. A security system for protecting an item of merchandise susceptible to theft, comprising:
a programming station comprising a logic control circuit configured to provide a unique security code and a memory for storing the unique security code; a programmable key configured to communicate and perform a handshake communication protocol with the programming station to determine whether the programmable key is an authorized key, wherein the programmable key comprises a memory configured to receive and store the unique security code from the programming station when the programmable key is an authorized key; and a passive security device comprising a memory for storing the unique security code, wherein the programmable key is configured to operate 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.