Abstract: A checkout stand includes a first extendable conveyor extending in a first direction for delivering one or more articles to a first bagging station. A second conveyor is provided for conveying one or more articles from the first conveyor to at least a second bagging station. A scanner may be provided for scanning the articles, such as during delivery by an infeed conveyor upstream of the first conveyor. A controller may control the first conveyor to selectively divert articles between the first and second bagging stations. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a checkout module for use in a retail checkout lane and methods of using the checkout module. The module needs only a power source and a network source. In another embodiment, the checkout module is designed to be used in a self-checkout mode or an assisted checkout mode and is further designed to be easily rotated to convert the checkout lane into a fully attended lane. The present invention may be used to quickly convert a conventional, attended checkout into an automated checkout, which may use one or more employees to assist with bagging the purchased items.

Abstract: Apparatus for the control of steam-heating power plants to optimize the use of energy in producing the required steam and electrical power comprising means for sensing steam and electricity demands, means for comparing these sensed demands with the electricity and steam output of turbine means in the plant, and means for adjusting operating set points of the turbines and steam generator for coordinated control of power plant energy consumption and production.