Patent ID: 6378684
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: G07F,Y10S

Abstract:
A shopping cart detection apparatus and a reward system associated therewith comprising, a housing for location adjacent to a designated cart return area containing a power supply linked to a control interface unit that connects to both a reward dispenser and a communications interface module, which control interface unit connects to a reader module that includes a pair of in-line first and second cart sensors that individually sense passage of a cart traveling past each said sensor into a cart collection area or cage indicating cart direction of travel, and said control interface unit provides a radio frequency interrogation of a receiver unit that is mounted onto said cart to collect data received from said reader module and to verify that said cart has properly passed said sensor or sensors, whereupon said control interface commands operation of said reward dispenser to dispense a patron reward, and passes a record of said cart return to a communication interface that is linked to a computer or micro processor; and an adjustable timer or timer circuit connected to said control interface that is actived and begins counting down for a set period of time upon receipt of the transmission from said receiver unit, which said timer must time out prior to sending the signal to activate said reward dispenser to issue a patron reward.