Security tag and complemental deactivation apparatus

A combination comprises an EAS tag having an exteriorly accessible channel and a releasable lock for securing the tag to an article, the lock being disposed at a given distance along the channel, and a detacher for detaching the tag from the article, the detacher including a probe adapted for movement in the passage, a drive unit energizable for moving the probe in the channel, and timing circuitry for controlling energization of the drive unit such that the drive unit moves the probe through distance corresponding to the given distance. The timing circuitry controls energization of the drive unit to move the probe through a distance corresponding to the given distance in a first sense for disposing the probe in releasing engagement with the lock. The timing circuitry controls energization of the drive unit to move the probe through a distance corresponding to the given distance in a second sense for moving the probe from engagement with the lock means to the exterior of the tag. The timing circuitry defines a third time period between the first and second sense movements of the probe wherein the drive unit is unenergized.