High-Velocity Scanned Item Distribution Method and Apparatus

摘要

A high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus and method are presented. The high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus permits bagging operations for multiple purchase transactions to occur in parallel. Overlapping the bagging operation of multiple purchase transactions allows the scanning and payment operations of the purchase transactions to continue at higher speeds. In addition, point of sale terminals with high-velocity item scanners are allowed to function at higher speeds.

主权项

1. A high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus that receives items scanned by a point of sale terminal and distributes them to multiple collection areas, the apparatus comprising:
a distribution area with the shape of a disk rotatably mounted in the center of the apparatus forming a top surface of the apparatus; a collection area fixably mounted to the apparatus extending circularly outward from the edge of the distribution area for approximately three fourths of the circumference of the distribution area and forming a top outer surface of the apparatus; a plurality of area divider arms mounted to the collection area that extend radially between the inner and outer edges of the collection area and divide the collection area into a plurality of individual collection areas; a plurality of extendable item fences where one of the plurality of arc shaped extendable item fences is located between the inner edge of each of the plurality of individual collection areas and the outer edge of the distribution area; and wherein the distribution area is configured to receive an item from the point of sale terminal and rotatably move the item to a location above a first of the plurality of individual collection areas wherein the item will exit the distribution area sliding on to the first of the plurality of individual collection areas when a first of the plurality of arc shaped extendable item fences located proximate to the inner edge of the first of the plurality of individual collection areas is in a lowered position.