Abstract: A transition plate assembly and a position sensor assembly are used to detect a dislodged or removed transition plate from a gap between the discharge end of a conveyor and the first end of a run-out ramp. The position sensor assembly may detect a safe seated position of a hinged transition plate protecting the gap and generate a motor-enabling signal to a drive motor that drives the conveyor. An interrupted motor-enabling signal, corresponding to an unsafe condition, may turn off the drive motor to prevent damage to articles or persons until an enabling signal is restored. In one embodiment, the termination of the power to the drive motor continues until a delay period has elapsed following the detection of an enabling signal.

Abstract: A transition plate assembly and a position sensor assembly are used to detect a dislodged or removed transition plate from a gap between the discharge end of a conveyor and the first end of a run-out ramp. The position sensor assembly may detect a safe seated position of a hinged transition plate protecting the gap and generate a motor-enabling signal to a drive motor that drives the conveyor. An interrupted motor-enabling signal, corresponding to an unsafe condition, may turn off the drive motor to prevent damage to articles or persons until an enabling signal is restored. In one embodiment, the termination of the power to the drive motor continues until a delay period has elapsed following the detection of an enabling signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for facilitating product weight identification in a checkout lane. The apparatus includes an open-frame back, a pair of opposing support arms to support an open plastic bag, a pair of opposing open-frame sides, and a gate. The opposing sides are connected to the back and are positioned to define a receiving area for the plastic bag. The gate may be connected to a side or the back and retains an item placed in an open bag within the receiving area. Furthermore, guards may be mounted near the top of each side to retain handles of the bag supply within a predefined area. The apparatus may be attached to a scale associated with a self checkout lane.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for facilitating product weight identification in a checkout lane. The apparatus includes an open-frame back, a pair of opposing support arms to support an open plastic bag, a pair of opposing open-frame sides, and a gate. The opposing sides are connected to the back and are positioned to define a receiving area for the plastic bag. The gate may be connected to a side or the back and retains an item placed in an open bag within the receiving area. Furthermore, guards may be mounted near the top of each side to retain handles of the bag supply within a predefined area. The apparatus may be attached to a scale associated with a self checkout lane.

Abstract: A system is provided for the operator-unassisted checkout of articles, inclusive of bulk articles, typically of the nature of produce or the like, wherein supermarket personnel or a customer applies a UPC label to the bulk articles upon selection, as distinguished from the normal instances wherein the article bears a "source-applied" UPC indication, e.g., as in the case of source-packaged goods. Price computation is effected for the bulk articles by scanning of the UPC indication and use of price per unit weight or price per piece derived from storage responsively to the scanning. The article measured weight or the numbers of the article are used respectively in computation of price for the selected bulk article.