Device and method for optically scanning a machine-readable label applied to an object

A device for use in a self-service store for optically scanning a machine-readable label applied to a retail item, comprising:

• a first belt conveyor having a first upper surface and being guided by a first pair of pulleys;
• a second belt conveyor having a second upper surface and being guided by a second pair of pulleys;
• an optical scanning device positioned between the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor;
• an additional conveyor device disposed around the first and second belt conveyors and the scanning device, comprising:
• first and second conveyor organs spaced apart from each other so as to lie directly on the first and second upper surfaces of the first and second belt conveyors and run along sides of the first and second belt conveyors;
• a plurality of carriers attached to the conveyor organs and positioned perpendicular to the direction of conveyance of the first and second belt conveyors so as to lie directly on the first and second upper surfaces of the belt conveyors;
• the additional conveyor device extending around both belt conveyors such that the conveyor organs encircle the first and second belt conveyors and the scanning device and are guided by one of the first pair of pulleys and one of the second pair of pulleys;
• and
• a drive device configured to drive the first and second belt conveyors and the additional conveyor device conveyor device at the same speed;
• wherein the plurality of carriers and the conveyor organs cooperate to define a corresponding plurality of pockets for receiving the retail item.