John E French

US Patent:

6486768, Nov 26, 2002

Filed:

Sep 16, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/153912

Inventors:

John R. French - San Diego CA
Philip Witham - Portland OR

Assignee:

CartTronics, LLC - San Diego CA

International Classification:

G06F 704

US Classification:

340 592, 194211, 194213, 194905, 705 14, 705 26, 235383, 235385

Abstract:

A system and method for providing an incentive to a cutomer of a store to return a shopping cart to a cart return location. The cart return location, such as a cart corral, has a plurality of detection loops at an entrance to the corral. The system detects a change in inductance of the loops when a cart is returned to the cart corral and generates a cart return signal, which is indicative of a returned cart, in response to the change of inductance. The system determines wheather a cart is being removed from or returned to the cart corral by use of the multiple detection loops. Visual and/or audible feedback indicative of an action may be provided to the customer.

US Patent:

6975205, Dec 13, 2005

Filed:

Mar 23, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/535076

Inventors:

John French - San Diego CA, US
Philip Witham - Portland OR, US

Assignee:

Carttronics, LLC - Carlsbad CA

International Classification:

H04Q019/00

US Classification:

340 592, 194211, 705 14, 235383, 3405185

Abstract:

A system and method for providing an incentive to a customer of a store to return a shopping cart to a cart return location. The system generates a cart return signal. The system determines whether a cart is being removed from or returned to the cart corral. Alternatively, a radio frequency identification system may be used to detect return of a cart. The shopper is credited with points or credits in a frequent shopper or reward program for returning the shopping cart to the cart return location. The cart return system may be readily configured to integrate with a wide range of existing, or new frequent shopper or loyalty programs.

US Patent:

7420461, Sep 2, 2008

Filed:

Dec 28, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/617587

Inventors:

Joseph F. Nebolon - Del Mar CA, US
David A. Poirier - Escondido CA, US
John R. French - San Diego CA, US

Assignee:

Carttronics, LLC - San Diego CA

International Classification:

B60R 25/10

US Classification:

34042611, 3405685, 188 112

Abstract:

A locking system for stopping a shopping cart includes a caster that can be selectively disabled when the cart encounters an electronic barrier. The caster includes a brake that is mounted on the frame of the caster. Also mounted on the frame are two receivers for separately receiving different signals from an electronic barrier. Respective decoders on the frame decipher lock commands in the signals, and a controller selectively activates the brake to prevent further movement of the cart in response to the lock commands. The electronic barrier can include an underground loop antenna and an above-ground RF beacon.

US Patent:

20060279421, Dec 14, 2006

Filed:

Jun 1, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/445453

Inventors:

John French - San Diego CA, US
Joseph Nebolon - Del Mar CA, US

International Classification:

G08B 1/08
H04Q 7/00
G08B 23/00

US Classification:

340539100, 340539170, 340573100

Abstract:

A tracking system for monitoring cleaning frequency has a home unit mounted where a broom or other cleaning device is stored, at least one track recording device mounted on any normal cleaning or sweeping device, a series of beacons which comprise infra red or radio frequency emitters located throughout an area to be monitored such that they illuminate the area, and a data collection unit for storing sweep track data and producing risk management reports based on the stored data. The track recording device has a receiver for detecting each beacon and storing the identification of the beacon along with a time stamp as the cleaning device is moved through the area. The stored information is transmitted to the home unit each time the cleaning device is returned to the storage area, and the cleaning history is provided to the data collection unit.

US Patent:

20070225879, Sep 27, 2007

Filed:

Mar 22, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/386877

Inventors:

John French - San Diego CA, US
Joseph Nebolon - Del Mar CA, US

International Classification:

G01C 21/00

US Classification:

701023000, 701207000

Abstract:

A network for monitoring and managing the occurrence of specified events in an environment requires a plurality of beacons. Specifically, the beacons are positioned at predetermined locations in the environment to emit respectively unique signals. Tags, with each tag having a distinctive identifier, are separately responsive to each beacon signal to generate a data record that is indicative of an interaction between the tag and a beacon signal. The data record is then transferred to a network control center for use in monitoring and managing the occurrence of specified events in the environment.

US Patent:

20080309389, Dec 18, 2008

Filed:

Jun 15, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/763710

Inventors:

John R. French - San Diego CA, US
Joseph F. Nebolon - Del Mar CA, US
Robert M. Harling - Valley Center CA, US
Dante A. Galli - Vista CA, US

International Classification:

H03K 5/01
B62D 39/00

US Classification:

327167, 280 33992

Abstract:

A system and method for preventing push-out theft includes a network of electronic devices that are collectively operable in either a “safe restart” mode” or in an “operational” mode. The network is installed in a shopping area and prevents shopping cart removal from the area when in the “operational” mode. It does this by initially issuing egress permits to every shopping cart. The network then selectively removes egress permits when a shopping cart enters a selected section of the shopping area. Another egress permit is issued when the shopping cart successfully passes a cashier location. Otherwise, a sentry beacon will disable a shopping cart with no egress permit, before it can leave the shopping area. The network defaults to a permit issuing mode whenever a component of the system becomes inoperable.

US Patent:

20090058644, Mar 5, 2009

Filed:

Aug 31, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/849074

Inventors:

John R. French - San Diego CA, US
Robert M. Harling - Valley Center CA, US

International Classification:

G08B 13/14

US Classification:

3405682

Abstract:

A merchandise monitoring system includes a weight sensor mounted on a pad for supporting merchandise. Further, a controller is electronically connected to the weight sensor for measuring weight decrements as merchandise is removed from the pad. Also, an enunciator is mounted on the controller to create an alarm when a cumulative weight decrement exceeds a predetermined value within a pre-selected time duration. Accordingly, a mobile corresponder is carried by store personnel for receiving the alarm. To provide oversight for system operation, the controller is electrically connected to a monitor.

US Patent:

20090063176, Mar 5, 2009

Filed:

Aug 31, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/849063

Inventors:

John R. French - San Diego CA, US
Joseph F. Nebolon - Del Mar CA, US
Robert M. Harling - Valley Center CA, US

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

705 1

Abstract:

A system prevents non-payment for goods carried through a checkout aisle in a shopping cart. In the system, a scale determines the end-weight of the cart after all goods are presumably removed. Further, a controller compares the end-weight and the tare weight of the cart. When theft is suspected, a camera captures an image of the cart while an indicator at the checkout location alerts the cashier to inspect the cart for unremoved goods. Specifically, the controller creates a signal when the end-weight exceeds the tare weight to instruct the camera to capture the image and to activate the indicator to alert the cashier. The controller may include or be integrated into a network accessible by store management or outside security advisors to examine the performance of cashiers and to determine possible patterns or profiles for theft.