On the counter deactivator

Claim 1

A deactivator for magnetically altering a tag used in an electromagnetic article surveillance system, wherein the deactivator is adapted for use on a conventional, pre-existing check-out counter, wherein the deactivator includes: an elongated cover plate having a length and width, adapted to be secured on an edge of the counter so that the length of the cover plate extends along the counter, the cover plate having a leading edge and a trailing edge extending along its length, wherein the leading edge has a C-shaped cross-section whereby the cover plate is configured to be hooked onto the counter edge along the length of the cover plate, and wherein the cover plate is configured to define a cavity therein extending along its length; and an elongated magnet assembly having a length and a width positioned within the cavity, the length of the magnet assembly extending substantially along the length of the cavity, wherein the magnet assembly provides a magnetic field above the cover plate, whereby the magnetic field is used to deactivate the tag secured to an object as the object is passed over the cover plate.