Abstract: To enable the payment of charges, for example those for mobile telephones, with cash there is provided an automated terminal for receiving payments including an input for currency notes, an acceptor for such currency notes and an input for information on an account for charges to which payment is required together with a control arrangement to record said account information and the value of acceptable currency notes fed in, to relate said information to said value as payment to said account and to hold said related information and value and acceptable currency notes available for retrieval. In this way a user need not have a bank account to make a payment to an account with a service provider.

Abstract: To enable the payment of charges, for example those for mobile telephones, with cash there is provided an automated terminal for receiving payments including an input for currency notes, an acceptor for such currency notes and an input for information on an account for charges to which payment is required together with a control arrangement to record said account information and the value of acceptable currency notes fed in, to relate said information to said value as payment to said account and to hold said related information and value and acceptable currency notes available for retrieval. In this way a user need not have a bank account to make a payment to an account with a service provider.

Abstract: A method of advertising with a retail system having a display monitor associated therewith is disclosed. The method includes the step of operating a kiosk of the retail system in order to obtain product information associated with a first item without transacting a sale of the first item. The method also includes the step of entering a record corresponding to the first item in a user profile in response to the kiosk operating step. Further, the method includes the step of operating a checkout terminal of the retail system so as to transact a sale of a second item. The method additionally includes the step of displaying an advertising message on the display monitor during the checkout terminal operating step based on the record corresponding to the first item which was entered in the user profile. An apparatus for displaying a customized advertising message with a retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base. The terminal also includes a scanner movably secured to the terminal base. The scanner is configured to be moved relative to the terminal base so as to be positionable between an assisted scanner position and a self-service scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction in which a first number of items are scanned with the scanner by retail personnel when the scanner is positioned in the assisted scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction in which a second number of items are scanned with the scanner by a customer when the scanner is positioned in the self-service scanner position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base having (i) a customer side, and (ii) a personnel side which is opposite the customer side. The checkout terminal also includes a code entry device secured to the terminal base. The code entry device is operable in (a) an assisted mode of operation in which a first item for purchase is entered with the code entry device by retail personnel, and (b) a self-service mode of operation in which a second item for purchase is entered with the code entry device by a customer. During operation of the code entry device in the personnel mode of operation (a) the retail personnel is positioned on the personnel side of the terminal base, and (b) the customer is positioned on the customer side of the terminal base. During operation of the code entry device in the self-service mode of operation the customer is positioned on the customer side of the terminal base. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable checkout system which is suited for self-service and full-service operation. The system includes a first portion including a dual-aperture bar code scanner rotatably mounted within the first portion. The dual-aperture bar code scanner is rotatable between a full-service position and a self-service position. The system further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion containing a bagging area for use in full-service and self-service checkout operations.

Abstract: A reconfigurable checkout system which is suited for self-service and full-service operation. The system includes a first portion including a dual-aperture bar code scanner rotatably mounted within the first portion. The dual-aperture bar code scanner is rotatable between a full-service position and a self-service position. The system further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion containing a bagging area for use in full-service and self-service checkout operations.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base. The terminal also includes a scanner movably secured to the terminal base. The scanner is configured to be moved relative to the terminal base so as to be positionable between an assisted scanner position and a self-service scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction in which a first number of items are scanned with the scanner by retail personnel when the scanner is positioned in the assisted scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction in which a second number of items are scanned with the scanner by a customer when the scanner is positioned in the self-service scanner position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-service checkout apparatus for processing items selected by a customer for purchase includes a customer operated device, such as a scanner/scale, for identifying each item selected for purchase. The apparatus also includes a self-service terminal which includes a card or cash payment accepting device, a cash dispensing device for providing a customer with cash by way of change or cashback, and an electronic controller connected to the customer operated device and arranged to determine the price of each item identified by the customer operated device. The terminal displays the total amount payable on a screen. A customer exit is normally closed by a security gate which is arranged to be opened in response to the customer making payment for the total amount. The terminal can be used to provide ATM services independently of a checkout transaction.

Abstract: A self-service banking system includes a walk-in kiosk (12) housing an ATM (10), the ATM including a user console (16) provided in a front wall (17) of the kiosk. The ATM includes a safe (24) in which are housed a currency dispenser unit (20) and a depository unit (22) when the safe is closed. The dispenser and depository units are mounted on the safe door (72), and when the door is fully opened, these units are pivoted through 180 degrees from their home positions to positions outside the safe. The kiosk includes a movable portion (58) which is pivotable through 90 degrees to an extended position in order to accommodate the safe door (72) and the dispenser and depository units (20, 22) when the door is pivoted to its fully open position. The kiosk provides a secure enclosed environment for an authorized person who has opened the safe door (72) for the purpose of carrying out a servicing or note replenishment operation.

Abstract: A cassette which is arranged to hold currency notes or other valuable articles and which may be used for transporting currency notes from a bank to an automatic cash dispensing machine. The cassette includes a receptacle for notes, and locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the receptacle. There is provided a tampering indicating mechanism which is arranged to be actuated during an unlocking and locking cycle of operation of the locking mechanism, this indicating mechanism including a latch which is set to a first state when the cassette is loaded with notes. The latch is tripped during an unlocking operation of the locking mechanism, the latch when tripped serving to prevent any further unlocking operation until such time as the latch is reset to its first state.