Device for automated removal of security tags and associated systems and methods

A system for removing a security tag, having a tag body and a retainer pin, from an article, the system comprising:

• a housing including an opening positioned to receive the security tag and at least a portion of the article;
• one or more sensors positioned proximate the opening;
• a magnet supported in the housing adjacent the opening and operative to retain the tag body and to release the retainer pin from the tag body when the security tag is inserted into the opening;
• a pin retractor positioned in the housing opposite the magnet and operative to capture the retainer pin;
• a retractor actuator coupled to the pin retractor;
• a release frame supported in the housing and positioned proximate the magnet;
• a frame actuator coupled to the release frame;
• and
• at least one memory device storing instructions for causing at least one processor to:
• receive information from the one or more sensors indicating the presence of the article in the opening;
• activate the retractor actuator to move the pin retractor away from the magnet, thereby separating the retainer pin from the tag body;
• and
• activate the frame actuator to move the release frame away from the magnet, whereby the tag body is moved away from the magnet thereby releasing the tag body from the magnet.

A method for removing a security tag, having a tag body and a retainer pin, from an article, the method comprising:

• positioning a release frame in a first position proximate a magnet, wherein the release frame and the magnet are supported in a housing;
• retaining the tag body against the release frame with the magnet;
• releasing the retainer pin from the tag body with the magnet;
• separating the retainer pin from the tag body;
• and
• moving the release frame to a second position away from the magnet, whereby the tag body is moved away from the magnet thereby releasing the tag body from the magnet.