John A Costa

US Patent:

D3863174, Nov 18, 1997

Filed:

Dec 21, 1995

Appl. No.:

D/048122

Inventors:

John D. Costa - Ormond Beach FL

International Classification:

0607

US Classification:

D 6300

US Patent:

20140352818, Dec 4, 2014

Filed:

Jul 8, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/936842

Inventors:

John COSTA - Saugerties NY, US

International Classification:

G08B 15/02

US Classification:

137560

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for tagging, or otherwise marking, a perpetrator or suspected perpetrator are provided. The apparatus includes a marker delivery device configured to mark the perpetrator, for example, with a canine scent or fluorescent marker; and a trigger configured to actuate the marker delivery device, for example, a button or switch. The marker delivery device may deliver a fluid or a solid to the clothes or accessories of a perpetrator when activated. The apparatus may also include a sensor adapted to detect the presence of the perpetrator, for example, an optical or mechanical sensor. The sensor may be adapted to detect the presence of the perpetrator in a target area of the marker delivery device. Methods of tagging are also disclosed. Aspects of the invention are uniquely adapted for convenience store or gas station security, but can also be applied in residential and office environments, among others.