POINT OF SALE BARRIER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to point of sale areas for retail settings, such as stores and pharmacies. More particularly, the present invention relates to barriers for use at point of sale areas.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a point of sale barrier including an upright panel configured to separate a first person on a first side of the upright panel from a second person on a second side of the upright panel, and an opening formed through the upright panel. The opening at least partially defined by a wall extending outwardly from the upright panel. The point of sale barrier also includes a dispenser positioned within the opening and movable relative to the upright panel between a first position, in which an object on the dispenser is accessible to the first person, and a second position, in which the object on the dispenser is accessible to the second person. The point of sale barrier further includes an actuator coupled to the dispenser and operable to move the dispenser between the first and second positions. The dispenser and the wall are shaped to inhibit free air flow through the opening as the dispenser moves between the first and second positions.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a point of sale barrier including an upright panel configured to separate a first person on a first side of the upright panel from a second person on a second side of the upright panel, an opening formed through the upright panel, and a dispenser positioned within the opening. The dispenser includes a first planar plate secured to a second planar plate. The dispenser is pivotable relative to the upright panel between a first position, in which the first planar plate is horizontal and the second planar plate blocks the opening, and a second position, in which the second planar plate is horizontal and the first planar plate blocks the opening. The point of sale barrier also includes an actuator coupled to the dispenser and operable to move the dispenser between the first and second positions.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of separating a first person from a second person using a point of sale barrier. The method includes providing the point of sale barrier having an upright panel configured to separate the first person on a first side of the upright panel from the second person on a second side of the upright panel, an opening formed through the upright panel and at least partially defined by a wall extending outwardly from the upright panel, a dispenser positioned within the opening, and an actuator coupled to the dispenser. The method also includes positioning the dispenser in a first position relative to the upright panel, in which the dispenser is accessible to the first person; placing an object on the dispenser while in the first position; and actuating the actuator to move the dispenser relative to the upright panel from the first position to a second position, in which the object on the dispenser is accessible to the second person. As the dispenser moves between the first and second positions, air is inhibited from freely flowing through the opening.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for disinfecting paper. The apparatus includes a housing having a first port and a second port, and a conveyor positioned within the housing. The conveyor is configured to move the paper from the first port to the second port. The apparatus also includes a disinfecting unit positioned within the housing. The disinfecting unit is configured to kill bacteria and viruses on the paper.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a store including a counter with a plurality of point of sale barriers.

FIG. 2 illustrates a store including a drive-up window with a point of sale barrier.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a point of sale barrier including a dispenser in a first position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the point of sale barrier of FIG. 3 with the dispenser in a second position.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the point of sale barrier of FIG. 3 with the dispenser in the second position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another point of sale barrier including a dispenser in a first position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the point of sale barrier of FIG. 6 with the dispenser in a second position.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the point of sale barrier of FIG. 6 with the dispenser in the second position.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of an apparatus for disinfecting paper.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a point of sale barrier including the apparatus of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of an automated teller machine (ATM) including the apparatus of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a heating apparatus for disinfecting paper.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the heating apparatus of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the heating apparatus of FIG. 12 while in an open position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the heating apparatus of FIG. 12 with a top housing and a printed circuit board removed.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the heating apparatus of FIG. 12 with the top housing and the printed circuit board removed.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the heating apparatus taken along section line 17-17 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the heating apparatus taken along section line 18-18 of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

To help slow the transmission and spread of diseases, it is recommended that people stay at least six feet apart while ill, which is approximately the distance droplets from a cough or sneeze can travel through the air before falling to the ground. It is not always possible, however, to maintain this recommended distance. For example, in retail settings, such as a store or pharmacy, a clerk or technician typically most be much closer to a customer to interact with the customer.

FIG. 1 illustrates a store 10 (and, more particularly, a pharmacy) where a first person (e.g., a pharmacist) interacts with a second person (e.g., a customer). The store 10 includes a counter 14 having one or more point of sale areas. At each area is a point of sale barrier 18, which may also be simply referred to as a barrier. In the illustrated embodiment, the store 10 includes three barriers 18 positioned on the counter 14. In other embodiments, the store 10 may include fewer or more barriers 18. Additionally or alternatively, the barriers 18 may be positioned in other locations in a store, such as at a drive-up station or as part of an enclosed wall.

FIG. 2 illustrates a store 22 including a drive-up window 26, providing a point of sale area. The drive-up window 26 allows a customer to purchase and/or pick-up a prescription without leaving the car. A point of sale barrier 18 is positioned in the drive-up window 26.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate one of the barriers 18 in more detail. The illustrated barrier 18 includes an upright panel 30, an opening 34, a dispenser 38, and an actuator 42. The upright panel 30 is a flat panel defining a first side 46 and a second side 50. The upright panel 30 is configured to separate the first person on the first side 46 from the second person on the second side 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the upright panel 30 is made of a transparent material, such as a transparent thermoplastic (e.g., Plexiglas®). The upright panel 30 may also provide security and be made of a bulletproof glass. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire panel 30 is transparent such that the first person and the second person can see each other during a transaction. In other embodiments, the upright panel 30 may be opaque and may include a window for the first person and the second person to see each other.

Two sidewalls 54, 58 extend from the upright panel 30. The first sidewall 54 extends from a first edge 62 of the upright panel 30 at first angle. The second sidewall 58 extends from a second edge 66 of the upright panel 30 at a second angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second angles are both 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the first and second angles may be other values (e.g., 45 degrees, 30 degrees, etc.) and/or may be different from each other. The sidewalls 54, 58 provide stability for the barrier 18 such that the barrier 18 may be freestanding. The sidewalls 54, 58 also help separate two adjacent customers if multiple barriers 18 are arranged side-by-side (as shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, an upper wall may also extend from a top edge 70 of the upright panel 30. In further embodiments, the upright panel 30 may be a curved panel. The curved panel may be bent into, for example, a 45 degree arc to be freestanding.

The opening 34 is formed through the upright panel 30 to provide selective access between the first and second sides 46, 50 of the panel 30. The opening 34, or port, is defined by one or more walls. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 34 is defined by an upper wall 74 and two sidewalls 78. The upper wall 74 and the sidewalls 78 extend outwardly from the upright panel 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper wall 74 and the sidewalls 78 extend from both sides 46, 50 of the upright panel 30. The upper wall 74 and the sidewalls 78 also extend generally equal distances from both sides 46, 50 of the upright panel 30. Such an arrangement adds stability to the barrier 18. In other embodiments, the upper wall 74 and the sidewalls 78 may only extend from one side of the upright panel 30. Alternatively, the upper wall 74 and the sidewalls 78 may extend unequal distances from each side 46, 50 of the upright panel 30. The illustrated upper wall 74 is curved or arcuate to provide clearance for movement of the dispenser 38, as further described below.

The dispenser 38 is positioned within the opening 34 and is movable relative to the upright panel 30. The illustrated dispenser 38 includes two plates 82, 86 that are connected together by a third plate 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the each plate 82, 86, 90 is generally planar, but may alternatively have other shapes, sizes, or configurations (e.g., an integrated depression or recess that functions as a dish). By making the dispenser 38 from planar plates without intricate contouring, surfaces of the dispenser 38 may be quickly and easily wiped down for cleaning and disinfecting. The illustrated plates 82, 86, 90 are integrally formed as a single piece and bent to into shape. In other embodiments, the plates 82, 86, 90 may be separate pieces that are secured (e.g., welded, fastened, glued, etc.) together. The illustrated dispenser 38 is also preferably made of copper, which acts an antimicrobial surface. Alternatively, the dispenser 38 may be made of other materials, such as plastic or stainless steel. Such materials may require more frequent cleaning than copper.

The dispenser 38 is coupled to the upright panel 30. More particularly, the dispenser 38 is coupled to at least one of the sidewalls 78 that defines the opening 34, which are secured to the upright panel 30. In other embodiments, the dispenser 38 may be directly coupled to the upright panel 30. The dispenser 38 is movable relative to the upright panel 30 between a first position (FIG. 3) and a second position (FIGS. 4 and 5). In the first position, the first plate 82 is generally horizontal or flat on the counter 14 (FIG. 1), while the second plate 86 blocks the opening 34. In this position, the first person (e.g., the pharmacist) can retrieve objects from the dispenser 38 (e.g., a prescription script, payment, etc.) and place objects on the dispenser 38 (e.g., a filled prescription order, etc.). In the second position, the second plate 86 is generally horizontal or flat on the counter 14 (FIG. 1), while the first plate 82 blocks the opening. In this position, the second person (e.g., the customer) can place objects on the dispenser 38 (e.g., the prescription script, payment, etc.) and retrieve objections from the dispenser 38 (e.g., the filled prescription order, etc.).

In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 38 is pivotable relative to the upright panel 30 between the first and second positions. The dispenser 38 is coupled to a shaft 94 that is coupled to the sidewalls 78. The shaft 94 defines a horizontal axis of rotation. The curvature of the upper wall 74 provides clearance for the plates 82, 86 as the dispenser 38 pivots within the opening 34. In other embodiments, the dispenser 38 may move in other manners relative to the upright panel 30. For example, the dispenser 38 could be configured as a drawer that slides linearly relative to the upright panel 30. Alternatively, the dispenser 38 could be configured as a turntable that rotates about a vertical axis relative to the upright panel 30. In such embodiments, the upper wall 74 and the sidewalls 78 could be reconfigured and positioned to provide clearance for movement of the dispenser 38.

During use, the dispenser 38 inhibits the free flow of air through the opening 34 to stop transmission of airborne bacteria and/or viruses between the first and second sides 46, 50 of the upright panel 30. For example, the first and second plates 82, 86 are generally the same size (e.g., width and height) as a vertical cross-section of the opening 34. As such, when the dispenser 38 is in the first position (FIG. 3), the second plate 86 blocks airflow through the opening 34. Similarly, when the dispenser 38 is in the first position (FIGS. 4 and 5), the first plate 82 blocks airflow through the opening 34. The first and second plates 8286 may form a relatively tight fit with the upper wall 74 and the sidewalls 78 to block airflow around the dispenser 38. In some embodiments, a gasket or other deflectable material may be positioned around an edge of the dispenser 38 to help create a seal between the dispenser 38 and the upper wall 74 and sidewalls 78.

The upper wall 74 also has a sufficient length such that the opening 34 remains blocked by the first plate 82, the second plate 86, or both as the dispenser 38 transitions between the first and second positions. For example, the first and second plates 82, 86 of the dispenser 30 are angled at 90 degrees relative to each other. The upper wall 74, thereby, forms an arc that is at least as large as the angle formed by the plates 82, 86 (e.g., at least 90 degrees). As such, even when the dispenser 38 is midway between the first position and the second position, the opening 34 is still blocked by the first plate 82 and the second plate 86. In other embodiments, the first and second plates 8286 may be angled at different amounts relative to each other (e.g., 100 degrees, 120 degrees, etc.), and the length of the upper wall 74 may be similarly sized.

As used herein, free flow of air means air cannot travel directly through the opening 34 of the barrier 18 unhindered. Air captured between the first and second plates 34, 38 of the dispenser is still transferred between the first side 46 and the second side 50 of the upright panel 30 as the dispenser 38 moves. The air, however, cannot directly flow from the first side 46 to the second side 50 (unless the air passes completely around the barrier 18). Such an arrangement is useful, for example, if a person on one side of the barrier coughs or sneezes. In this scenario, droplets from the cough or sneeze will fall on a surface of the barrier 18 (or elsewhere), rather than flying directly toward a person on the other side of the barrier 18. As such, the people on opposite sides of the barrier 18 are protected from transmitting airborne viruses and bacteria to each other. In addition, since the barrier 18 is simply constructed of mainly planar surfaces, the barrier 18 can be easily cleaned and disinfected by wiping down surfaces. Specifically, between customers, the pharmacist on the first side 46 of the barrier 18 can quickly wipe down the dispenser 38 with, for example, disinfectant wipes.

The actuator 42 is coupled to the dispenser 38 to move the dispenser 38 between the first position and the second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 42 includes a lever. The lever is positioned on the first side 46 of the upright panel 30 for operation by the first person (e.g., the pharmacist). The lever is not accessible to the second person on the second side 50 of the upright panel 30. Pivoting the lever causes similar pivoting movement of the dispenser 38. In other embodiments, the actuator 42 may include other means for moving the dispenser 38. For example, the actuator 42 could include a dial or slider to move the dispenser 38. Alternatively, the actuator 42 may be a powered actuator (e.g., a motor, a solenoid, etc.) that, when powered and activated, moves the dispenser 38.

In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier 18 also includes an intercom 98. The intercom 98, or talking port, is supported by the upright panel 30, but may alternatively be positioned elsewhere on the barrier 18. The intercom 98 facilitates communication between the first person on the first side 46 of the barrier 18 and the second person on the second side 50 of the barrier 18. In some embodiments, the intercom 98 may be a passive intercom, such as an opening with a filter (e.g., a HEPA filter). In other embodiments, the intercom 98 may be a powered intercom (e.g., a microphone and speaker).

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate another point of sale barrier 118. The illustrated barrier 118 is similar to the barrier 18 described above with reference to FIGS. 3-5, and like parts have been given the same reference numbers. Differences between the barriers 18, 118 are described below.

The barrier 118 includes a dispenser 138 positioned within an opening 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 138 is rotatable relative to the upright panel 30 about a vertical axis. Such an arrangement facilitates moving, for example, containers of liquid between the first side 46 and the second side 50 of the barrier 118. The illustrated opening 134 is defined by an upper wall 174, a lower wall 176, and a curved sidewall 178. The curved sidewall 178 forms an arc that is at least as large as an angle of the dispenser 138, similar to the curved upper wall 74 (FIGS. 3-5) described above. The illustrated dispenser 138 includes a lower plate 182, an upper plate 184, a first side plate 186, and a second side plate 190. The lower plate 182 is configured to receive and support objects. The first and second side plates 186, 190 are shaped and sized to block the opening 134 as the dispenser 138 moves between a first position (FIG. 6) and a second position (FIGS. 7 and 8). Specifically, the second side plate 190 blocks the opening 134 while the dispenser 138 is in the first position, and the first side plate 186 blocks the opening 134 while the dispenser 138 is in the second position. The curved sidewall 178 has a sufficient length such that the first side plate 186, the second side plate 190, or both bock the opening 134 as the dispenser 138 travels between the first and second positions.

In use, the barriers 18, 118 are generally used the same way. To setup, a user simply places the barrier 18, 118 at a point of sale area (e.g., a counter, drive-up window, etc.). A customer walks up to the second side 50 of the barrier 18, 118 and, for example, places a prescription script on the dispenser 38, 138. A pharmacist on the first side 46 of the barrier 18, 118 operates the actuator 42 to move the dispenser 38, 138 from the second position (FIGS. 4-5 or FIGS. 7-8) to the first position (FIG. 3 or FIG. 6). The pharmacist can then read the script and take necessary action. The pharmacist and the customer can also communicate with each other through, for example, the intercom 98.

After the pharmacist fills the prescription, the pharmacist can place the filled prescription on the dispenser 38, 138 and operate the actuator 42 to move the dispenser 38, 138 from the first position (FIG. 3 or FIG. 6) to the second position (FIGS. 4-5 and FIGS. 7-8). The customer can then retrieve the filled prescription from the dispenser 38, 138. The customer can also pay for the filled prescription in a similar manner using the dispenser 38, 138.

During the interaction, the customer did not have to touch any surfaces of the barrier 18, 118. As a precaution, however, the pharmacist can operate the actuator 42 to move the dispenser 38, 138 back to the first position and wipe down surfaces of the dispenser 38, 138 before the next customer arrives.

FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus 200 for disinfecting paper, such a money (e.g., bills), checks, written prescriptions, medication instructions, receipts, and the like. The apparatus 200 may be integrated into a point of sale barrier 204, as shown in FIG. 10. In such embodiments, the apparatus 200 may be supported on a panel 208 of the barrier 204. Alternatively, the apparatus 200 may be part of a dispenser 212 of the barrier 204. In some embodiment, the apparatus 200 may be a standalone apparatus used in conjunction with the point of sale barrier 204. The apparatus 200 may also be used in other settings and systems, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) 216 (FIG. 11), where money and other paper products are exchanged.

As shown in FIG. 9, the apparatus 200 includes a housing 220 having a first port 224 and a second port 228. The first and second ports 224, 228 define a path of travel 232 therebetween along which paper may travel. In some embodiments, the first port 224 may be an inlet and the second port 228 may be an outlet such that path of travel 232 is unidirectional (as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9). In other embodiments, the path of travel 232 may be bidirectional such that the paper can travel from the first port 224 to the second port 228, or from the second port 228 to the first port 224.

The illustrated apparatus 200 also includes a plurality of drive rollers 236, a motor 240, a controller 244, and a power supply 248. The drive rollers 236 are operable to drive the paper between the first and second ports 224, 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes four sets of drive rollers 236 spaced apart along the path of travel 232. In other embodiments, the apparatus 200 may include fewer or more drive rollers 236, such as only a first set of drive rollers adjacent the first port 224 and a second set of drive rollers adjacent the second port 228. The drive rollers 236 are operatively coupled to the motor 240 by a drive mechanism 252 (e.g., a belt drive, a gear mechanism, etc.). The motor 240 is operable to drive (e.g., rotate) the drive rollers 236 to move the paper through the path of travel 232. In some embodiments, each of the drive rollers 236 may be driven by the motor 240. In other embodiments, only some of the drive rollers 236 (e.g., the lower drive rollers) may be driven by the motor 240, and the other drive rollers 236 (e.g., the upper drive rollers) may be passive rollers. The drive rollers 236 may be driven by the motor 240 at a constant speed or at variable speeds, depending on the desired amount of exposure for the paper traveling through the apparatus 200.

The controller 244 and the power supply 248 are coupled to the motor to control and power the motor 240. The controller 244 may control, for example, the operating speed and operating direction of the motor 240. The power supply 248 may be a dedicated internal battery, such as a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the power supply 248 may be connected to an AC power supply (e.g., a wall outlet) by a power cord.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 200 also includes one or more disinfecting units 256 positioned within housing 220. The disinfecting units 256 are positioned between the drive rollers 236 and face toward the path of travel 232. The disinfecting units 256 are also positioned above and below the path of travel 232 such that both sides of the paper in the path of travel 232 are exposed to at least one disinfecting unit 256. The disinfecting units 256 are coupled to the controller 244 and the power source 248 to be controlled and powered.

Each of the illustrated disinfecting units 256 includes a light source. The light sources are operable to emit ultraviolet C (UVC) light. For example, the light sources may emit UVC light having a 220 nm wavelength. In some embodiments, the light sources may emit UVC light having a wavelength between 210 nm and 230 nm. As the paper in the path of travel 232 passes through the housing 220 between the disinfecting units 256, the light from the disinfecting units 256 may kill bacteria and viruses on the paper.

In other embodiments, the disinfecting units 256 may include heat sources. The heat sources may expose the paper passing through the apparatus 200 to a suitable level of heat for killing bacteria and viruses on the paper. In some embodiments, the heat source may be a single, continuous heat source that extends the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the path of travel 232. The heat source may include, for example, a thin plate with an integrated heating element. The heat source may be operable to output heat at 250 degrees Fahrenheit or more. In some embodiments, the heat source may output heat between 250 degrees Fahrenheit and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the low mass of the paper traveling through the apparatus, the paper can rapidly cool under normal ambient conditions before being touched by a user.

In further embodiments, the disinfecting units 256 may include spray units. The spray units may be configured to spray a suitable disinfectant or other chemical on the paper passing through the apparatus 200 to kill bacteria and viruses on the paper, or to otherwise clean the paper.

In some embodiments, the disinfecting units 256 may include combinations of light sources, heat sources, and/or spray units.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another apparatus 300 for disinfecting paper. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 300 is a heating apparatus. Similar to the apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 9, the heating apparatus 300 may be integrated into a point of sale barrier, integrated into an ATM, or used as a standalone unit.

The illustrated heating apparatus 300 includes an upper housing 304 and a lower housing 308. The upper housing 300 is movably coupled to the lower housing 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper housing 300 is pivotably coupled to the lower housing 308 by a hinge 312. In other embodiments, the upper housing 304 may be movably coupled to the lower housing 308 by other suitable mechanisms. The hinge 312 allows the upper housing 304 to move (e.g., pivot) relative to the lower housing 308 between a closed position (FIGS. 12 and 13) and an open position (FIG. 14). When in the closed position, the heating apparatus 300 is suitable for use. When in the open position, interior components of the heating apparatus 300 are accessible for cleaning and/or maintenance. In some embodiments, the heating apparatus 300 may include a housing that is not configured to be opened.

The upper housing 304 includes inlets 316A, 316B on opposing sides of the upper housing 304. The inlets 316A, 316B are configured to receive paper (e.g., money) to direct the paper through the heating apparatus 300. The upper housing 304 also includes a user interface 320 (e.g., a button) to control operation of the heating apparatus 300. For example, the user interface 320 may be actuated (e.g., depressed) by a user to turn the heating apparatus 300 on and off. In some embodiments, the user interface 320 may include an indictor (e.g., an LED or other light) to notify a user when the heating apparatus 300 is on. In addition, the upper housing 304 includes one or more vent holes 324 to facilitate cooling the heating apparatus 300. In other embodiments, the user interface 320 and/or the vent holes 324 may alternatively be located on the lower housing 308.

The lower housing 308 includes outlets 328A, 328B on opposing sides of the lower housing 308. The outlets 328A, 328B are configured to direct paper (e.g., money) out of the heating apparatus 300. The outlets 328A, 328B are positioned adjacent the inlets 316A, 316B. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlets 328A, 328B are positioned beneath the inlets 316A, 316B. In other embodiments, the outlets 328A, 328B may be positioned above the inlets 316A, 316B. In such embodiments, the outlets 328A, 328B may be positioned on the upper housing 304, and the inlets 316A, 316B may be positioned on the lower housing 308.

As shown in FIG. 14, the heating apparatus 300 also includes a conveyor 332. The illustrated conveyor 332 is supported within the lower housing 308, but may alternatively be supported within the upper housing 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor 332 includes a belt 336 that is wrapped around a drive pulley 340 and an idler pulley 344 (FIG. 17). The idler pulley 344 is coupled to a drive motor 348 that rotates the drive pulley 340, and thereby the belt 336. The illustrated drive motor 348 includes an output gear 352 coupled to a drive gear 356 on the drive pulley 340. In other embodiment, the drive motor 348 may be coupled to the drive pulley 340 by other suitable means. The conveyor 332 is operable to move paper inserted through either of the inlets 316A, 316b to the outlet 328A, 328B on the opposite side of the lower housing 308. In some embodiments, the heating apparatus 300 may include two conveyors. For example, one conveyor may be supported within the lower housing 308 (below the paper being cleaned), and another conveyor may be supported within the upper housing 304 (above the paper being cleaned).

As shown in FIG. 17, the lower housing 308 may also include a belt tensioner 360. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the lower housing 308 is formed as a cantilevered arm 364. The cantilevered arm 364 engages the belt 336 to tighten the belt 336 between the drive pulley 340 and the idler pulley 344. The natural resiliency of the material used to make the lower housing 308 (e.g., plastic) helps the cantilevered arm 364 act as a spring that is biased toward the upper housing 304. In other embodiments, other suitable belt tensioners (e.g., rollers, pulleys, springs, etc.) may be used.

Referring back to FIGS. 14-16, the heating apparatus 300 also includes one or more sensors 368A, 368B positioned adjacent each inlet 316A, 316B. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating apparatus 300 includes two sensors 368A, 368B positioned adjacent each inlet 316A, 316B. The sensors 368A, 368B may be optical sensors operable to detect, for example, edges of paper. In other embodiments, other suitable sensors may be used. The sensors 368A, 368B detect through which inlet 316A, 316B the paper is being inserted into and in which direction. As such, the conveyor 332 may be a bi-directional conveyor. That is, when the sensors 368A at the first inlet 316A detect that the paper is being inserted through the first inlet 316A, the sensors 368A can send a signal to operate the conveyor 332 in a first direction and carry the paper to the second outlet 328B. The sensors 368B at the second outlet 328B can detect when the paper has passed through the second outlet 328B and send a signal to stop operation of the conveyor 332. Conversely, when the sensors 368B at the second inlet 316B detect that the paper is being inserted through the second outlet 316B, the sensors 368B can send a signal to operate the conveyor 332 in a second direction and carry the paper to the first outlet 328A. The sensors 368A at the first outlet 328B can detect when the paper has passed through the first outlet 328B and send a signal to stop operation of the conveyor 332.

With continued reference to FIGS. 14-16, the heating apparatus 300 includes a disinfecting unit 372 positioned within the upper and lower housings 304, 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the disinfecting unit 372 is a heating element. The illustrated heating element includes a heating plate 376 positioned within the upper housing 304. A passive plate 380 is positioned within the lower housing 308. In other embodiments, the disinfecting unit 372 may include other suitable heating elements, such as a heating coil, multiple heating plates, and the like. The heating plate 376 is positioned above the belt 336 to heat, and thereby disinfect, paper traveling through the heating apparatus 300 along the conveyor 332. The passive plate 380 is positioned below the belt 336 to help guide and maintain the belt 366, and thereby the paper, close to the heating plate 376. Although the passive plate 380 is shown as extending through the belt 336 in FIG. 14 for ease of illustration, it should be understood that the belt 336 extends over the top of the passive plate 380. Similar to the disinfecting unit 256 described above, the illustrated heating plate 376 may be operable to output heat at 250 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

As shown in FIGS. 15-16, the heating apparatus 300 also includes a cooling fan 384 adjacent the heating plate 376. The cooling fan 384 is operable to cool the heating plate 376. In particular, the cooling fan 384 is operable to draw air into the upper housing 304 to cool the heating plate 376. The air may be drawn through the vent holes 324 (FIGS. 12-13) in the upper housing 304 and expelled through the inlets and outlets 316A, 316B, 328A, 328B, or may be drawn through the inlets and outlets 316A, 316B, 328A, 328B and expelled through the vent holes 324.

The user interface 320, the drive motor 348, the sensors 368A, 368B, the heating plate 376, and the cooling fan 384 are coupled to a printed circuit board 388 (PCB) (FIG. 14). The PCB 388 is positioned within the upper housing 304 adjacent the cooling fan 384. The PCB 388 may include a cutout to allow airflow through the vent holes 324 to the cooling fan 384. In other embodiments, the PCB 388 may be located elsewhere in the heating apparatus 300, or may be split into several PCBs. The PCB 388 controls operation of the other components of the heating apparatus 300.

The heating apparatus 300 may be selectively powered by a power supply. In some embodiments, the power supply may be a power cord to plug the heating apparatus 300 into an AC power source (e.g., a wall outlet). In other embodiments, the power supply may be a battery supported by the upper housing 304 or the lower housing 308. The battery may be a dedicated battery or a removable battery. In further embodiments, the heating apparatus 300 may include both a power cord and a battery. In such embodiments, the heating apparatus 300 may run off of the AC power source while plugged in, and may run off the battery when not plugged in or when the AC power source is not available. In some embodiments, the AC power source may also charge the battery while plugged in.

Referring to FIG. 17, in operation, the heating apparatus 300 is turned on using the user interface 320 to preheat the heating plate 376. When the heating plate 376 is sufficiently hot, the heating apparatus 300 receives paper (e.g., bills, prescriptions, receipts, etc.) through either of the inlets 316A, 316B. The sensors 368A, 368B adjacent the inlet 316A, 316B through which the paper is being inserted detect that the paper is being inserted such that the PCB 388 controls the drive motor 348 to operate the conveyor 332 in a suitable direction. The conveyor 332 then carries the paper under the heating plate 376 to the opposite outlet 328A, 328B. As the paper travels under the heating plate 376, the heating plate 376 heats the paper to kill bacteria and viruses on the paper, thereby disinfecting the paper. The conveyor 332 continues to carry the paper to the opposite outlet 328A, 328B until the sensors 368A, 368B at the outlet detect when the paper has reached the outlet 328A, 328B. At this point, the PCB 388 stops the drive motor 348 and the conveyor 332. The low mass of the paper allows the paper to rapidly cool before a user touches the paper without a separate cooling device. Paper can continue to be passed back and forth through the heating apparatus 300 using both inlets 316A, 316B until the transaction is complete.

As shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 18, the illustrated heating apparatus 300 also includes a latch mechanism 392 to selectively secure the upper housing 304 (FIG. 14) in the closed position. The latch mechanism 392 is configured to maintain the upper housing 304 in the closed position until the heating plate 376 is below a predetermined temperature threshold. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch mechanism 392 includes a temperature sensor 396, a bi-metal strip 400, and a latch 404. The temperature sensor 396 is mounted to the heating plate 376 to monitor a temperature of the heating plate 376. The bi-metal strip 400 is also mounted to the heating plate 376 and is coupled to the temperature sensor 396. The bi-metal strip 400 is configured to deform (e.g., bend) in response to heat from the heating plate 376. The latch 404 is coupled to the upper housing 304. The illustrated latch 404 is a wheel that is rotatably coupled to the upper housing 304. The latch 404 includes a tooth 408 that selectively engages a projection 412 on the lower housing 308. The latch 404 also includes a spring element 416 that engages the heating plate 376 (or other suitable structure) to return the latch 404 to a disengaged position. The illustrated spring element 416 is a living spring molded into the latch 404. In other embodiments, other suitable latches may be used. The latch 404 is also coupled to the bi-metal strip 400 such that as the bi-metal strip 400 deforms, the latch 404 moves (e.g., rotates).

When the heating plate 376 is below the predetermined temperature threshold (i.e., not uncomfortable to human touch), the latch 404 is biased by the spring element 416 to the disengaged position. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 416 biases the latch 404 to rotate clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 18. In this position, the tooth 408 on the latch 404 disengages the projection 412 on the lower housing 308 such that the upper housing 304 can be opened relative to the lower housing 308.

When the heating plate 376 is above the predetermined temperature threshold (i.e., hot), the bi-metal strip 400 is deformed (e.g., bent) and pushes against the latch 404. In the illustrated embodiment, the bi-metal strip 400 forces the latch 404 to rotate clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 18, against the force of the spring element 416. In this position, the tooth 408 on the latch 404 engages the projection 408 on the lower housing 308 such that the upper housing 304 cannot be opened relative to the lower housing 308. This position may be referred to as an engaged position. When the heating plate 376 suitably cools below the predetermined temperature threshold, the bi-metal strip 400 reverts to its undeformed (e.g., unbent) shape, such that the spring element 416 can return to the latch 404 to the disengaged position.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

	Number	Date	Country
	63086088	Oct 2020	US
	62993578	Mar 2020	US

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