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.

Abstract: A system for processing articles selected for purchase and bearing distinct identification codes comprises, in one version: (a) a code reader for generating an output signal indicative of such article identification code; (b) a conveyor for receipt and transport of such article; (c) an entrance sentry for defining an inlet to a secured zone extending along a portion of the conveyor and for generating an output signal indicative of entry of the article into the secured zone and of a measurable characteristic of the article; and (d) a controller for selective movement of the conveyor in respective article acceptance and article rejection senses.

Abstract: The check-out counters for use in a supermarket, or the like, are provided with a laser scanner for reading the UPC labels on the individual products presented to it by each customer. The counters are also provided with transport belts or conveyors controlled by a central processor which, in turn, is supplied with information from a weigh scale under the input conveyor and from optical curtain devics at strategic locations along the belts and in a bagging area. The outfeed conveyor operates through a tunnel such that a customer cannot reach a product being conveyed therethrough. An opticl curtain disposed at the entry to the tunnel is broken by passage of an article into the tunnel and also by a customer reaching into the tunnel. Products are conveyed to the bagging area if (1) the actual weight of the product as determined by the scale corresponds to the anticipated weight obtained from a memory bank based upon the product UPC label identification and (2) none of various other events have occurred.