Abstract: A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.

Abstract: A weight sensing system for retail shelves includes multiple shelves having an electrical communication and power distribution system, and weight sensors located on the top surfaces of the shelves and coupled to the electrical communication and power distribution system for detecting the placement of retail products on the shelves. A controller monitors real-time at-the-shelf inventory and issues alerts when a retail product becomes out-of-stock, is anticipated to become out-of-stock, or is misplaced on a shelf. Collection of real-time inventory data enables comprehensive inventory control at the shelf and in storage areas.

Abstract: An inventory sensor for monitoring the inventory status at one or more retail shelves. The inventory sensor may comprise a mat and a plurality of opposing contact pairs. The mat is adapted to be disposed on a retail shelf with a forward edge of the mat facing the front of the retail shelf. The plurality of opposing contact pairs are arranged into a plurality of regions within the mat, the regions being arranged forward to aft in the mat with the first region being disposed along the forward edge of the mat and subsequent regions being disposed sequentially further aft from said first region. The contact pairs are biased open and the closing of an opposing contact pair produces results in the production of an electrical signal associated with the closed opposing contact pair. A controller monitors the mat to determine retail item footprints.

Abstract: An advertising beacon configured to inductively couple to a power and control system which may include various retail electronic devices such as electronic shelf labels, video monitor displays, out of stock or inventory control sensors, promotional glass displays, and the like. The advertising beacon wirelessly broadcasts content, such as a web address or a programmed computer code associated with a web address, to smart devices which are able to retrieve coupons, advertisements, product information and the like from the web address. The advertising beacon operates in conjunction with other electrical devices of the power and control system to aid a customer's product selection and to aid store personnel's inventory and information management.

Abstract: A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.

Abstract: Wireless camera tags, inventory management systems with wireless camera tags, and methods for making and methods for using wireless camera tags are disclosed. A wireless camera tag is disclosed for a camera system with a mounting rail having one or more electrical conductors connected to a power source. The camera tag includes an outer housing for mounting to the mounting rail proximate the electrical conductors. A digital camera for generating image data signals is attached to the outer housing. An inductor coil is attached to the outer housing and electrically connected to the digital camera. The inductor coil inductively couples power from the electrical conductors of the mounting rail and transmits the power to the digital camera. The inductor coil may comprise an air core coil. The camera tag may further include a rectifier circuit, and a capacitor connected in parallel to the inductor coil to form a resonant circuit.

Abstract: A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.

Abstract: A solar power system configured for use in a retail environment comprising at least one solar panel, a charge controller, a battery, and various electrical and electronic devices operatively connected to a low-voltage power control and distribution system which may include a Tag Area Controller, a system controller, a low-voltage wire loop, and at least one inductively coupled connector. At least one electronic shelf label may be powered from the solar power system.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring temperatures in retail environment. The method includes associating temperature monitoring electronic shelf labels with a product and monitoring the temperature at the temperature monitoring electronic shelf label. When the monitored temperature is outside a predetermined range for the associated product, a warning is generated and transmitted to system users. Temperatures are also stored for each monitored product and zone for subsequent review. The temperature monitoring electronic shelf label comprises a temperature sensor integrated with an electronic shelf label, is mounted in a retail environment with temperature-sensitive products, and is connected to a low voltage power supply and communicates with an area controller.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for operating video monitor displays in a retail environment. The apparatus comprises a base, cover, side, and divider which define a pair of compartments, each compartment configured to hold a video monitor display device such as a tablet, smart phone, or similar system. Each of the pair of compartments include apertures for viewing the screen of the video monitor display, and these apertures face opposition directions. The system generally comprises a video monitor display mounted to a retail shelf, a power supply for the video monitor display supplying power via an inductively coupled connection, a wireless Internet connection device integrated with the video monitor display, and associated hardware and software for downloading, storing, and displaying digital content on the video monitor display.

Abstract: A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.

Abstract: A power converter for use with an area controller system to provide electrical power to electrical devices at the shelves of retail stores. The power converter converts power from the voltage, frequency, and amperage of the area controller system to the voltage, frequency, and amperage of various electrical devices.

Abstract: A weight sensing system for retail shelves includes multiple shelves having an electrical communication and power distribution system, and weight sensors located on the top surfaces of the shelves and coupled to the electrical communication and power distribution system for detecting the placement of retail products on the shelves. A controller monitors real-time at-the-shelf inventory and issues alerts when a retail product becomes out-of-stock, is anticipated to become out-of-stock, or is misplaced on a shelf. Collection of real-time inventory data enables comprehensive inventory control at the shelf and in storage areas.

Abstract: A weight sensing system for retail shelves includes multiple shelves having an electrical communication and power distribution system, and weight sensors located on the top surfaces of the shelves and coupled to the electrical communication and power distribution system for detecting the placement of retail products on the shelves. A controller monitors real-time at-the-shelf inventory and issues alerts when a retail product becomes out-of-stock, is anticipated to become out-of-stock, or is misplaced on a shelf. Collection of real-time inventory data enables comprehensive inventory control at the shelf and in storage areas.

Abstract: An electrical control system for controlling the electrical voltage applied to each of multiple pixel electrodes on one side of an electrophoretic display comprises (1) a substrate having a plurality of spaced parallel aluminum conductors on one side of the substrate; (2) a thin oxide layer on spaced pixel regions of each of the aluminum conductors to form a gate insulator over each of the spaced pixel regions; (3) a field-effect transistor (FET) formed on the thin oxide layer in each of the spaced pixel regions, the FET having a source terminal, a drain terminal, and a gate connected to the aluminum conductor on which the FET is formed; and (4) a CMOS controller connected directly to each of the aluminum conductors and adapted to supply gate control signals for the FETs. The controller supplies a separate gate control signal for each of the aluminum conductors.