Abstract: A detection device is provided for alerting a cashier to the presence of an object located on the lower tray of a shopping cart. The detection device uses a combination of a weight sensor and a presence sensor to trigger a signal, all of which are mounted on the cart. The signal is positioned so as to be visible by the user of the cart and store personnel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an object detection system and device for detecting objects located on storage sections, and in particular a lower storage section, of a moving shopping cart. The system and device comprise a detecting means which detects objects on the storage sections of shopping carts when the shopping cart moves into a predetermined position. The detecting means generates a detection signal if an object is detected. The detecting means operates in response to a trigger signal which is sent from a triggering means. The triggering means is operable to sense at least one, and preferably two parts of the shopping cart when the shopping cart moves into the predetermined position. The triggering means sends the triggering signal when it senses the presence of a cart or other body. The preferred triggering embodiment senses three spaced-apart portions of the cart, to minimize erroneous operation of the system by objects other than a cart of predetermined character.