Registers – Systems controlled by data bearing records – Mechanized store
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-17
2001-09-25
Frech, Karl D. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Systems controlled by data bearing records
Mechanized store
C429S096000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293463
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electronic price labels (EPLs), and more specifically to an electronic price label battery storage apparatus and replacement method.
EPL systems typically include a plurality of EPLs for merchandise items in a transaction establishment. EPLs typically display the prices of corresponding merchandise items on store shelves and are typically attached to a rail along the leading edge of the shelves. A transaction establishment may contain thousands of EPLs to display the prices of the merchandise items. The EPLs are coupled to a central server from where information about the EPLs is typically maintained in an EPL data file. Price information displayed by the EPLs is obtained from a price look-up (PLU) data file and stored within an EPL price change record.
EPLs further include a memory for storing information, such as serial numbers and prices. The memory is typically a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). Thus, EPLs further include a power source for maintaining the contents of the memory. The power source is typically a battery.
However, removal and replacement of the battery causes loss of memory contents. Reprogramming the EPL with a serial number and other critical data after battery replacement is a labor intensive, error prone, and costly process.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an electronic price label battery storage apparatus and replacement method which preserve the contents of the memory during battery replacement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an electronic price label battery storage apparatus and replacement method is provided.
The electronic price label battery storage includes a first electrical contact for simultaneously providing a first electrical path to first polarity sides of a plurality of batteries within the electronic price label, a second electrical contact for simultaneously providing a second electrical path to second polarity sides of the plurality of batteries, and a retainer which maintains at least a single one of the batteries in contact with the first and second electrical contacts during removal of other batteries to maintain power to a memory within the electronic price label.
The method of replacing batteries in an electronic price label includes retaining at least a single one of first batteries in the electronic price label to maintain power to a memory in the electronic price label, removing a first number of the first batteries other than the single one battery from the electronic price label, and inserting a second number of second batteries into the electronic price label.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an electronic price label battery storage apparatus and replacement method.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic price label battery storage apparatus and replacement method which preserves the contents of a volatile memory.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic price label battery storage apparatus and replacement method which is low in cost.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic price label battery storage apparatus and replacement method which employ two batteries.
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Kato Shuzo
Takagi Osamu
Utsumi Yoshitaka
Frech Karl D.
Martin Paul W.
NCR Corporation
Taylor Larry D
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