Abstract: A self checkout system/terminal includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The EAS system includes an EAS detector and an EAS deactivator. EAS tag detection is associated with a purchase transaction event, such as scanning or bagging of an item. After EAS tag detection, the customer is directed to deactivate the EAS tag. Some of the self-service checkout terminal (SCOT) operation/functionality may be paused during an EAS tag deactivation period. The subject EAS system and/or process eliminates the need to deactivate every item, thereby streamlining the self checkout process when EAS is used in a store.

Abstract: A scale comprises a pair of elongate support members, each member containing a gauge, which provides an indication of the weight of an item placed across the two members. The members are structurally connected solely via a surface plate adapted to rest on the support members to provide a substantially flat surface to receive items to be weighed.

Abstract: A checkout system which includes a product security label deactivator with a sensor for assisting operators with proper deactivation of security labels. The checkout system includes a computer, a barcode reader coupled to the computer for reading a barcode label on an item, and a security system coupled to the computer and activated by the barcode reader following reading of the barcode label including a field generator for deactivating a security label on the item, and a sensor for sensing placement of the item adjacent to the field generator. The security system initiates display of a message instructing the operator to place the item adjacent the field generator until the sensor senses the placement.

Abstract: A modular self checkout terminal configuration kit includes a set of input modules operative to position a plurality of items for processing, a set of main modules operative to process the items, and a set of output modules operative to position the items for bagging. A modular self checkout terminal is configured from one input module of the set of input modules, one main module of the set of main modules, and one output module of the set of output modules. The set of input modules includes a bumper, an input belt module and/or a shelf. The one main module includes a scanner and/or a weight scale. The set of output modules includes a take-away belt module and/or a bagwell.

Abstract: A self checkout system/terminal includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The EAS system includes an EAS detector and an EAS deactivator. EAS tag detection is associated with a purchase transaction event, such as scanning or bagging of an item. After EAS tag detection, the customer is directed to deactivate the EAS tag. Some of the SCOT operation/functionality may be paused during an EAS tag deactivation period. The subject EAS system and/or process eliminates the need to deactivate every item, thereby streamlining the self checkout process when EAS is used in a store.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a first bagging station and a second bagging station which is spaced apart from the first bagging station. The terminal also includes an item transport mechanism. The item transport mechanism is positionable between a first transport position and a second transport position. The item transport mechanism is configured to transport a first item for purchase of the number of items for purchase to the first bagging station when the item transport mechanism is positioned in the first transport position. The item transport mechanism is further configured to allow a second item for purchase of the number of items for purchase to be advanced to the second bagging station when the item transport mechanism is positioned in the second transport position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a checkout terminal having a movable item shelf includes the step of positioning the item shelf in an assisted shelf position. The method also includes the step of operating the checkout terminal so as to perform an assisted retail function while the item shelf is positioned in the assisted shelf position. The method further includes the step of moving the item shelf from the assisted shelf position to a self-service shelf position. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating the checkout terminal so as to perform a self-service retail function while the item shelf is positioned in the self-service shelf position. A checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a checkout terminal having a display monitor includes the step of operating the checkout terminal so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction while the display monitor is positioned in an assisted monitor position. The method also includes the step of pivoting the display monitor such that the display monitor is positioned in a self-service monitor position. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating the checkout terminal so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction while the display monitor is positioned in the self-service monitor position. A checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retail terminal includes a first base assembly secured to a first mounting surface. The first mounting surface has a first mounting opening defined therein out of which a first electrical cable segment extends. The retail terminal also includes a second base assembly secured to a second mounting surface. The second mounting surface has a second mounting opening defined therein out of which a second electrical cable segment extends. The retail terminal further includes a core module assembly which operates to perform retail functions in a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The core module assembly is electrically coupled to the first electrical cable segment and attached to the first base assembly when the core module assembly is operating in the first mode of operation. The core module assembly is electrically coupled to the second electrical cable segment and attached to the second base assembly when the core module assembly is operating in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A retail terminal assembly includes a mounting structure having number of mounting slots defined therein. The retail terminal assembly also includes a first mounting plate which is secured to a first mounting surface, the first mounting plate having a number of first mounting tabs secured thereto. The retail terminal assembly also includes a second mounting plate which is secured to a second mounting surface, the second mounting plate having a number of second mounting tabs secured thereto. The retail terminal assembly yet further includes a core module assembly which operates to perform retail functions. The number of first mounting tabs are positioned within the number of mounting slots so as to secure the base assembly to the first mounting plate when the core module assembly operates to perform retail functions for a first time period.

Abstract: A self-service computer system which is sturdy and has a small footprint in a transaction establishment. The system includes a first module including a computer, a bar code reader coupled to the computer for reading bar codes on item purchased by a customer, a card reader coupled to the computer for reading a customer payment card, and a mount for the computer, bar code reader, and card reader; a second module below the first module including a receipt printer coupled to the computer for printing a customer receipt and a housing for the receipt printer; and a third module below the second module including a pedestal for supporting the first and second modules on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: An electrical/mechanical tubing connector attached to a surface mounted electrical device box having a cover releasably secured to a mounting base includes a grooved inner end portion received within a notch in a wall of the cover and opposing recesses in the inner end portion receiving a tongue carried by the mounting base. Barbs on the tongue incise and grip the connector for improved retention and electrical continuity. An end of a length of mechanical/electrical tubing received within the outer end of the connector is secured to the connector by a set screw.