Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring and recording the movements of a plurality of mobile units in an environment in which more than one type of mobile unit is present. For inventory control, an emitter tag is mounted on each mobile unit. Initially, the mobile units are physically sorted by type and each emitter is read to input each mobile unit's unique tag identifier and the corresponding mobile unit type (setup data) into computer readable memory at a base station. For the system, a plurality of remote stations, each having a limited signal receiving range, are strategically positioned in the environment. Each remote station receives in-range emitter signals and communicates the occurrence of mobile unit movements (operational data) to the base station. The operational data can be used together with the setup data described above to generate mobile unit movement reports for each mobile unit type.

Abstract: A system and method encourage shopper compliance with a monitoring schedule is provided. When signing up for a customer loyalty card, a shopper is invited to participate in an incentive program. The incentive program provides more valuable benefits to the shopper compared to customers who do not opt-in to the incentive program. More valuable benefits are awarded in exchange for the shopper agreeing to an enhanced level of monitoring as part of the monitoring schedule used while the shopper is in the store. Detectors communicate shopper and cart information to a controller and a computer when the shopper retrieves a cart from a cart corral. Upon completion of the monitoring schedule, the system provides the shopper with various benefits under the incentive program as long as the shopper has opted-in to the incentive program.

Abstract: A system ensures payment for the purchase of merchandise carried through a checkout aisle on the lower tray of a shopping cart. For that purpose, the system includes a controller with an embedded program for identifying a virtual structure substantially equivalent to the physical structure of the tray. Further, the system includes a sensor that determines when a cart is positioned at the checkout aisle. The system also includes a camera for creating an image of the physical structure of the tray and transmitting the image to the controller. The controller includes a means for activating the embedded program to compare the image with the virtual structure. As a result of the comparison, the controller determines whether merchandise is on the physical structure of the tray. During the comparison, the controller removes the virtual structure from the image.

Abstract: A system and method encourage a shopper to return a shopping cart to a corral at a store. In the system, detectors recognize the shopper and the cart selected by the shopper at the cart corral. Further, the system includes a scanner at the point-of-sale that recognizes the shopper and records the goods purchased by the shopper. During operation of the system, a controller monitors the goods purchased by the shopper and determines suggested goods for subsequent purchase by the shopper. If the shopper returns the cart to the cart corral, the controller provides the shopper with coupons for the suggested goods. In order to provide the shopper with the coupons for purchase of the suggested goods, the system may include a coupon dispenser mounted on the cart or on the cart corral.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a shopping cart or other wheeled vehicle having a plurality of casters has a braking member rotatably mounted on a wheel axle of one of the wheels. The braking member is movable between a raised position spaced above the ground surface and an operative position contacting the ground surface, and has a portion projecting radially outwardly from the outer peripheral rim of the wheel at least in the operative position so as to separate the wheel from the ground and impede movement of the vehicle. A locking device releasably locks the braking member in the raised position, and is released by a trigger device in response to a signal from a signal system extending around an area in which carts are to be retained, at which point the braking member rotates into the operative position, stopping normal movement of the cart.

Abstract: A campfire box forms an enclosure having an open top, a closed bottom floor, and inner and outer side walls extending around the periphery of the enclosure with the inner side walls being of insulating material. One or more layers of fire insulating material cover the floor. The insulating side panels and floor provide a cavity formed of fire insulating material for enclosing combustible material.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a security system for a golf bag with a set of golf clubs. The invention may utilize a small, lightweight control subsystem which is easily mounted on a golfer's existing golf bag to protect both the golf clubs and the bag from theft. In another embodiment, the golf security system may be built into or integrated with a golf bag. The golf security system utilizes the electronic, programmable control subsystem which is designed to prohibit false alarms and senses minute unauthorized changes in the electromagnetic field defined by a detection loop. The control subsystem may include an input device such as a keypad, an electronic key, or other similar input means to arm and disarm the system. In one embodiment, a tag having high magnetic permeability is attached to golf clubs having non-metallic shafts.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a shopping cart having a plurality of casters has a braking member rotatably mounted on a wheel axle of one of the wheels. The braking member is movable between a raised position spaced above the ground surface and an operative position contacting the ground surface, and has a portion projecting radially outwardly from the outer peripheral rim of the wheel at least in the operative position so as to lift the wheel from the ground and impede rotation of the wheel. A locking device releasably locks the braking member in the raised position, and is released by a trigger device in response to a signal from a signal system extending around an area in which carts are to be retained, at which point the braking member rotates into the operative position.