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US3628632A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic checkout counter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-08-12
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Granted: 1971-12-21
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Expires: 1989-08-12
Abstract
Abstract An automatic checkout system for supermarkets and the like in which shopping carts are sequentially and automatically unloaded by an elevator mechanism. The articles in the cart are placed on a carousel-style conveyor by the operator and are moved by the carousel to a bag-loading station having means for automatically supplying open bags to receive the articles which are fed automatically from the carousel to the bag. Means are provided for conveying the bags to a storage or pickup area.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank Lambert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:13
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47F; A47F9/00; A47F9/02; A47F9/04; A47F9/042; A47F9/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
A checkout counter apparatus for groups of articles of varying shape, size and weight comprising: means for holding a group of articles; means for positioning said holding means for individual checking of said articles; and means for receiving said checked articles at a checking position and thereafter discharging said articles at a bundling position including: a carousel having means defining at least two oppositely disposed recesses for accommodating articles, means located adjacent a bottom opening in one recess for moving articles into the recess located near the checking position and means located adjacent a bottom opening of the other recess for moving articles out of the recess located near the bundling position, a moveable wall means disposed in each recess, and means intercoupling said wall means responsive to movement of articles against the wall of said one recess to cause the wall of said other recess to force articles in said other recess to be discharged to said bundling position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
A checkout counter apparatus for groups of articles of varying shape, size and weight comprising: means for holding a group of articles; means for positioning said holding means for individual checking of said articles; and means for receiving said checked articles at a checking position and thereafter discharging said articles at a bundling position including: a carousel having means defining at least two oppositely disposed recesses for accommodating articles, means located adjacent a bottom opening in one recess for moving articles into the recess located near the checking position and means located adjacent a bottom opening of the other recess for moving articles out of the recess located near the bundling position, a moveable wall means disposed in each recess, and means intercoupling said wall means responsive to movement of articles against the wall of said one recess to cause the wall of said other recess to force articles in said other recess to be discharged to said bundling position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A checkout counter apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carousel has means defining four recesses disposed at 90* positions about the carousel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A checkout counter apparatus as set forth in claim 2 having belt means disposed adjacent a bottom opening of each of the foUr recesses wherein the belt means associated with two of the diametrically opposed recesses remain stationary.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A checkout counter apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for moving includes a belt and pulley means for supporting and causing rotation of said belt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A checkout counter apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said belts rotate in the same direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
A checkout counter apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means intercoupling said wall means includes a rigid shaft attached at opposite ends to said wall means disposed in said recesses, and means for supporting said rigid shaft for longitudinal movement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
An automatic checking and packaging system as set forth in claim 1 including a magazine for a stack of bags, means for removing one bag at a time from said magazine, and means for opening one bag at a time for positioning at said bundling position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
An automatic checking and packaging system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means for opening said bags includes a plurality of vacuum plates adapted to engage opposite sides and secure under vacuum opposite walls of a flexible bag and means for moving apart said vacuum plates when engaging said walls.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
54 words
An automatic checkout and packaging system as set forth in claim 7, wherein said means for supporting removable containers includes means for receiving said containers on a side with the opening in said container positioned to receive articles moving horizontally and means moving said container to a position with the opening thereof directed upwardly.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
An automatic checking and packaging system as set forth in claim 7 including means for supporting a container with its opening upright when articles are contained therein and means for receiving and storing a plurality of said container having articles therein.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-20 | 1975-06-21 | 1975-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-20 | 1979-06-21 | 1979-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-20 | 1983-06-21 | 1983-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |