Patents by Inventor John M. Coutta

John M. Coutta has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4510526
    Abstract: A surveillance system wherein a TV camera is pivotally mounted along its optical axis on or along a ceiling, and a mirror is pivotally mounted about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis to intercept the view of the camera. Then, by selected rotation of the camera and mirror about these axes, both pan and tilt functions are achieved in a very compact structure. Camera and mirror controls are effected by a wireless link to a carriage supporting the camera, and the video output of the camera is applied as an output over a second wireless link. Further, power for locomotion of the carriage, orientation of elements on the carriage, and for electronic circuitry on the carriage is all provided via a battery on the carriage. The charge on the battery is maintained by a trolley-type power application system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Inventors: John M. Coutta, Paul A. Van Dusen
  • Patent number: 4337482
    Abstract: A closed circuit TV surveillance system for business and other types of establishments in which a TV camera is movable along and suspended from a modified T-shaped rail assembly, which assembly is within a partially opaque housing. The view of the camera is selectively trainable by a movable mirror on any area of interest along the rail assembly, including, for example, stations at which there are electronic indicating cash registers. Digital data from the cash register observed is converted to video characters and mixed with the video output of the camera, and the combined video presentation is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Inventor: John M. Coutta
  • Patent number: 4327819
    Abstract: A shopping cart wherein the positioning of an article on a lower tray is signalled to a checkout attendant. A tray is pivotally supported at one end and spring biased in an upper position at an opposite end. A reflector is positioned on the tray such that it is moved to a lower position when an object is placed on the tray. A beam of light is directed across the path of a cart as it approaches a checkout position. This beam is at an elevation to strike the reflector when the tray is deflected downward by the weight of an object. A light sensor is positoned to detect light reflected by the reflector and to initiate a signal to a checkout attendant, alerting the attendant to the fact that there is an object on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Inventor: John M. Coutta
  • Patent number: 4326218
    Abstract: A surveillance system wherein a TV camera is pivotally mounted along its optical axis on or along a ceiling, and a mirror is pivotally mounted about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis to intercept the view of the camera. Then, by selected rotation of the camera and mirror about these axes, both pan and tilt functions are achieved in a very compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Inventors: John M. Coutta, Paul A. VanDusen
  • Patent number: 4120004
    Abstract: A closed circuit TV surveillance system for business and other types of establishments in which a TV camera is movable along a ceiling suspended rail assembly, which assembly is within a partially opaque housing. The camera is selectively trainable, manually or automatically, on any area of interest along the rail assembly, including, for example, stations at which there are electronic indicating cash registers. Digital data from the cash register observed is converted to video characters and mixed with the video output of the camera, and the combined video presentation is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Inventor: John M. Coutta
  • Patent number: 4027329
    Abstract: A closed circuit TV surveillance system for retail and industrial establishments in which one or more cameras are movable along a rail assembly suspended from the ceiling which enables the cameras to be selectively trained on any area of interest within the establishment. Employing two cameras, one may be both tilted and horizontally trained to observe any location within the line of sight of the camera and the other one particularly tilted and trained to observe the amount showing on a cash register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Inventor: John M. Coutta
  • Patent number: 3935380
    Abstract: A closed circuit TV surveillance system for retail and industrial establishments in which one or more cameras are movable along a rail assembly suspended from the ceiling which enables the cameras to be selectively trained on any area of interest within the establishment. Employing two cameras, one may be both tilted and horizontally trained to observe any location within the line of sight of the camera and the other one particularly tilted and trained to observe the amount showing on a cash register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Inventor: John M. Coutta
  • Patent number: D268110
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Inventor: John M. Coutta
  • Patent number: D312830
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Visual Communication Productions Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Coutta