Abstract: Embodiments described herein pertain to checkout stands and related components. Checkout stands illustratively include scanners and cash drawers. In some embodiments, cash drawers are located downstream from scanners. In some embodiments, checkout stands include item entering and exiting sides. Scanners are illustratively positioned between an entering side and a cash drawer, and cash drawers are illustratively positioned between a scanner and an exiting side.

Abstract: An emergency access mechanism for a cash drawer is provided. In one embodiment, the emergency access mechanism comprises an emergency access plug configured to engage with a locking mechanism of the cash drawer such that actuation of the emergency access plug causes the locking mechanism to release. The mechanism may also comprise an emergency access cover configured to fit partially over and engage the emergency access shell, such that actuation of the emergency access cover causes a portion of the emergency access cover to break.

Abstract: Cash drawers that are operated by wireless devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cash drawer includes a network interface and a controller. The network interface enables the cash drawer to communicate with one or more wireless devices. The controller optionally controls access of the one or more wireless devices to the cash drawer based on a collection of biometric information. The collection of biometric information may be collected by the cash drawer, by the one or more wireless devices, or by an input device that is communicatively coupled to the one or more wireless devices. The collection of biometric information is illustratively used to verify an identity of a user.

Abstract: Cash drawers that are operated by wireless devices are disclosed. A cash drawer illustratively includes a communication interface that receives commands from a wireless device, and a controller that process the command received from the wireless device. The cash drawer may optionally include a reader that reads an identifier associated with the wireless device. The reader is illustratively an RFID reader and the identifier is an RFID tag associated with the wireless device. Alternatively, the reader is an NFC reader and the identifier is an NFC chip associated with the wireless device. In another embodiment, the cash drawer includes an identifier that is configured to be read by a wireless device. The identifier is illustratively either barcode, an RFID tag, or an NFC chip. The cash drawer may also include an indicator that identifies when the wireless device is authorized to operate the cash drawer.