Methods and apparatus for improved self-checkout system
US7114611B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G23/06
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A conveyor system for a self-checkout apparatus including a first side support rail having an inner side and an outer side and a second side support rail spaced apart from said first side support rail and positioned parallel thereto, where the second side support rail includes an inner side and an outer side. The system also includes a first motor mount affixed to the first side support rail at a first end, a second motor mount affixed to the second side support rail at the first end, and a drive roller having a knurled surface. The drive roller transmits a driving force from a drive motor and positioned at one end of the first side support rail and the second side support rail. The system further includes a return roller positioned at a second end of the first side support rail and the second side support rail, a pair of first tracking guides provided adjacent both ends of the driver roller, a pair of second tracking guides provided adjacent both ends of the return roller and a conveyor belt. Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to inclined roller delivery conveyors for transporting articles down an inclined under power of gravity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.