System and method for detecting a breach of an electronic article surveillance tag

摘要

An EAS tag is provided having improved anti-defeat devices and methods. A pin assembly is coupled to a lanyard and includes a reduced cross-sectional profile that may be passed through a monitored article to produce no damage or minimal damage to the monitored article. The pin assembly engages a spring clamp provided in the EAS tag and is electrically coupled to an intermediate spring contact that provides an electrical current to a PC board for arming the EAS tag. A force may be applied to the intermediate spring contact to generate a reset signal that disarms the EAS tag. An alarm signal is generated if current to the PC board is disrupted without a corresponding reset signal, such as if the pin assembly is removed without rotating the intermediate spring contact or if the lanyard is cut. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part.