Abstract: An automatic lifting display rack includes a display rack body, an elastic device, and a lifting platform. The display rack body has an accommodation space therein. The elastic device is disposed in the accommodation space. The lifting platform is above the elastic device. Corners of the lifting platform are integrally connected with a plurality of first upright posts that are parallel to side walls of the accommodation space. At least one first roller is mounted to each of the first upright posts. The first roller is configured to roll on a corresponding one of the side walls of the accommodation space. The automatic lifting display rack can improve the smoothness and stability of the lifting platform to be moved up and down.

Abstract: A system and techniques for identifying an absence of any contact fitting lens in an user-friendly manner for automated replenishment. The system includes an assembly stocked with fitting lenses of know types that are depletable from known compartment locations of the assembly. Further, depletion of a compartment through the natural course of fitting lens distribution to customers results in the automatic display of a visual indicator at the corresponding compartment location. Thus, an imaging application of the front of the assembly may be utilized to immediately ascertain lens types of the assembly which are depleted. As a result, the image may be used to facilitate automatic replenishment of such depleted fitting lenses.

Abstract: A lifting structure of a display rack includes an upright post, a retainer, a lifting support, and a tension spring. The upright post includes a guide rail on an inner corner of the upright post. The retainer is installed on an upper end of the guide rail. The lifting support includes a support portion that is movably fitted in the inner corner of the upright post and a slide portion that is slidably fitted in the guide rail. The support portion is configured to support a bearing plate of the display rack. Upper and lower ends of the tension spring are connected to the retainer and the slide portion, respectively. The lifting structure of the display rack can be lifted and lowered smoothly without shaking.

Abstract: A pressing device for applying a compressive force to products of a product display device includes a pressing part for transmitting the compressive force. The pressing device has a mass body with a predefined mass. The pressing device includes a support part carrying the mass body, which is movably connected to an inclined surface carrying the products. An assembly comprises a shelf element having a set-down surface for products, and a pressing device for applying a compressive force against the products.

Abstract: A counting device bears a visually distinct pattern or marking, and is coupled to a pusher or other movable system of a shelf in a manner that causes the counting device to rotate in response to changes in position of the pusher. When items are placed on a shelf, or removed from the shelf, causing the pusher to move, the pattern on the counting device rotates at an angle defined by an extent of the movement of the pusher. Images captured of the counting device at various times may be processed to determine orientations of the pattern at such times. Where a change in an orientation of a pattern is detected, a number of items added to or removed from a shelf may be calculated based on the change in orientation and an event involving the number of items may be determined to have occurred.

Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a frame, a pusher that slides along the frame, at least one divider, and at least one baffle plate extension slidable relative to the divider and the frame.

Abstract: A product divider assembly includes a rail and a divider. The rail includes a front surface having a plurality of first teeth and a rear surface formed on an opposite side of the rail from the front surface. The divider includes a base having a bottom side including plurality of second teeth facing the plurality of first teeth of the rail and one or more biasing members engaging the rear surface of the rail to bias the rail in a direction towards the plurality of first teeth. The divider is operable to be pulled in an opposite direction from the biasing force to disengage the first teeth from the second teeth to allow the divider to be translated along the rail.

Abstract: A plate delivery system provides storage for plates in a first-in, last-out configuration. As the kitchen staff completes a meal (plated), the plate is presented to a staging area of the plate delivery system. The plate is moved into a storage area to be ready for the next plate at the staging area. After a number of plates are stored, the plate delivery system relocates from the kitchen to the eating area (e.g., restaurant table or banquet table) and each plate is sequentially presented by a delivery mechanism (e.g., telescoping arms, a robot, or a waitperson) for delivery to the table. In some embodiments, the plate delivery system is enclosed and has a cover mechanism. In some embodiments, the plate delivery system has telescoping arms with fingers for moving the plate from the staging area to the table.

Abstract: A modular inventory management system is disclosed herein that includes a bin module. The bin module may include a module base, a sensor configuration, and a divider. The module base may have a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, and a top surface that connects the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge. The sensor configuration may be arranged on the module base between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge. The sensor configuration may include a plurality of sensor elements that are arranged in a single row on a center axis of the module base and configured to sense whether one or more objects are positioned on the top surface of the module base. The divider may be situated at the first lateral edge and may be configured to slide laterally with respect to the module base to adjust a width of the bin module.

Abstract: Modular sweep detectors, systems, and methods for securing items of merchandise from theft and are provided. In one example, a modular sweep detector includes a housing configured to engage a pusher of a pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device. The biasing member is configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the pusher for determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.

Abstract: A retail merchandise pusher is configured for sliding along a pusher assembly track. The pusher assembly is mountable to a retail merchandise shelf. The pusher includes a housing, a spring drum rotatably mounted within the housing, and a coil spring mounted to the spring drum. The coil spring is coilable and uncoilable upon rotation of the spring drum. A controller is coupled to a sensor arrangement within the housing. The sensor arrangement has a spring drum sensor for detecting rotation of the spring drum. A direction sensor detects a direction of rotation of the spring drum. An incremental distance sensor detects incremental movement of the pusher. The controller is configured to calculate, based on data from the sensor arrangement, a total distance and direction of travel by the pusher, and to generate an alarm when the pusher travels more than a threshold distance within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A merchandising system includes a rail having a base. A first wall extends from the base and has a first engagement surface. A second wall extends from the base and includes a second engagement surface facing the first engagement surface and spaced apart from the first engagement surface by a channel. The merchandising system also includes a cooperating member including a first portion received within the channel and a second portion extending from the second wall of the rail. The first portion is operable to selectively engage the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a track, a pusher, a biasing member, and a damper. The pusher is moveably coupled to the track. The biasing member is coupled to the pusher and the track and configured to move the pusher relative to the track in a first direction. The damper is coupled to the pusher and the track and configured to reduce a speed at which the pusher moves relative to the track in the first direction.

Abstract: A fixture for storage and presentation of goods includes a support structure and a multitude of rod shelves disposed on the support structure. Each of the multitude of rod shelves includes support brackets and rods disposed between the support brackets. The fixture further includes a multitude of configurable trays disposed on the multitude of rod shelves and configured to hold the goods. Each of the multitude of configurable trays is removably clipped to the rods of one of the multitude of rod shelves to occupy substantially all available space between the support brackets.

Abstract: A retail merchandise tray including a front stop having a product support surface is provided. The product support surface is located between mounting features that attach the front stop to the rest of the retail merchandise tray. The front stop itself is an embodiment as well.

Abstract: An adjustable tray for a merchandise display system may include a retainer for limiting the movement of products loaded in the adjustable tray, a first divider extending from a first panel and second divider extending from a second panel. The spacing between the first divider and the second divider can be configured to be adjusted. The first panel and the second panel can be configured to move to provide additional surface area for the adjustable tray to accommodate different sized products. The adjustable tray may further include a pusher mechanism configured to bias product toward the retainer.

Abstract: The retail cigarette inventory management system forms a containment structure that stores one or more packs of smoking materials. The retail cigarette inventory management system counts the number of individual packs contained in the one or more packs of smoking materials. The retail cigarette inventory management system visibly displays the counted number of individual packs of the one or more packs of smoking materials contained in the retail cigarette inventory management system. The retail cigarette inventory management system visibly displays the number of individual packs contained in the one or more packs of smoking materials.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a shelf assembly.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an adjustable height workstation comprising a mast having lock pin receptacles disposed along the mast, a work surface, and an accessory surface that is interconnected with a work surface and configured to slide along the mast. A lock pin can be inserted into a lock pin receptacle to abate the accessory surface moving along the mast. The work surface comprises a release rail that a user can operate to adjust the height of the accessory and work surfaces. A tapered pully assembly and counterbalance assembly are operationally related allowing the user to work ergonomically by adjusting the height of the accessory and the work surfaces, in a counterbalanced manner, up and down the mast in a variety of positions including floor level so that the user can work on the work surface at floor level.

Abstract: A product display merchandiser includes a tray having a top product-supporting surface with a longitudinally extending channel defined therein. A first sidewall has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, and at least a laterally inner part of the horizontal portion can slide laterally with respect to the tray between a bottom of the tray and a base plate below the tray. A front end of the tray has a fitting received in a socket in the base plate. At a rear end of the tray, the channel receives a support assembly that connects the tray to a support structure.

Abstract: A product display module comprises a body with a base, a back wall extending upwards from the base, a hang bar coupled to the back wall and extending over the base, and a spring loaded pusher assembly slidably mounted to the base. Each module can include at least one side wall. Multiple modules can be ganged together and coupled to a mounting plate to provide a product display system.

Abstract: A pusher tray assembly configured to hold product includes a pusher tray including a floor configured to hold the product thereon. The pusher tray including a front wall, at least one sidewall, and at least one back wall. The assembly further includes a pusher paddle having a front face and a back face, a plurality of engagement mechanisms arranged on a lower side of the pusher paddle and configured to secure the pusher paddle to the floor, a plurality of channels arranged in the floor and configured to receive the plurality of engagement mechanisms, and a spring configured to urge the pusher paddle towards the front wall. The plurality of engagement mechanisms stabilize the pusher paddle.

Abstract: A product display merchandiser includes a product support, a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from respective sides of the product support, a first product stop extending upwardly from a front end of the product support, and a second product stop extending from at least one of the pair of sidewalls.

Abstract: A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lifting display screen hanger, comprising a movable rack assembly, a fixed rack assembly and a balance assembly. The balance assembly comprises a balance spring, a tension spring, a pulley component and a linkage component, the linkage component comprising a first linkage component and a second linkage component arranged to intersect each other at an intersection and hinged at the intersection thereof, and an uppermost hinged point of the first linkage component and the second linkage component being connected to the movable rack assembly. A draw cord is connected to a lower end of at least one of the first linkage component and the second linkage component by the pulley component.

Abstract: A product pusher assembly includes a rail, a divider, and a pusher. The rail extends in a first direction and includes a first engagement mechanism. The divider extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is coupled to the rail for translation in the first direction and the second direction. The divider includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a second engagement mechanism disposed between the front portion and the rear portion. The second engagement mechanism is configured to selectively engage the first engagement mechanism during translation in the second direction.

Abstract: An enhanced ejection device (10) for an automatic dispenser (12) of the automatic vending machine type, suitable for being incorporated in said automatic vending machine and applied to a shelf (14) subdivided into seats or channels (28) defined by opposing separator elements or shoulders (26) internally to which there are accommodated products of different types, the device comprising product handling and ejection means (27) for handling and ejecting the product from said seats or channels, and said handling and ejection means (27) being quickly couplable with/decouplable from the shelf (14).

Abstract: A manual, bottom supporting, shelf allocation and management system allocates shelf space among rows of products and moves products toward the shelf front and includes a plurality of adjacent shelf allocating and managing units. Each unit includes a base adapted to rest on a shelf and to support the at least one row of products, a perpendicular side divider fixedly attached to a side edge of the base, a puller positioned immediately adjacent to the divider and immediately adjacent to a top of the base, and a back-stop attached to the rear of the puller and protruding laterally across the base which is configured, when the puller is drawn forward, to make contact with a rearmost product resting on the base and to push the rearmost product and any other products on the base forward with the forward movement of the puller.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.

Abstract: Quick-load retail merchandising product pusher systems and methods dispense retail products, wherein the systems and methods have a fixed portion having a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the fixed portion, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the fixed portion. Further, the systems and methods have a movable track movably connected to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the movable track, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the movable track.

Abstract: Disclosed are discrete gravity feed merchandise-advancement seats for use on a shelf support. The seats have a width having two sides and a length, a merchandise-advancement mechanism retention element disposed on each side along the length, and a merchandise-advancement mechanism disposed in retention elements. A driver is disposed in combination with the seat. A guide channel on each side of the driver surrounds the two retention elements so that the driver can traverse the length of the seat, and provide vertical and horizontal stability to the driver. The seats may have attachment mechanisms on front and rear edges that attach to mating attachment mechanisms proximal the front and rear of the shelf support. Dividers cooperate with the seats to provide merchandise display channels. Attachment mechanisms disposed proximal the front and rear of the shelf support allow for adjustable lateral placement of the seats and dividers.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a tray on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The tray may include a notch for accessing the merchandising product from below and the product management display system may be thin to minimize vertical height. The trays may also be engaged with the shelf and may be, locked and unlocked.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that may define a cam glide.

Abstract: A merchandising system includes a first cooperating member having a first engagement structure for engaging the mounting member in order to restrict movement of the first cooperating member relative to the mounting member in at least one direction. A second cooperating member includes a second engagement structure for engaging the mounting member to restrict movement of the second cooperating member relative to the mounting member in at least one direction. A third engagement structure is provided for selectively connecting the first cooperating member to the second cooperating member. The first cooperating member and the second cooperating member are selectively independently mountable to the mounting member and are selectively attachable to each other and mountable as a combined structure to the mounting member.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that may define a cam glide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a packaging and a system for such. The method includes the following steps: providing a precut blank (1) consisting of a foldable material having a bottom (3) and hinged to it, lateral panels (4), a rear panel (6) and a front panel (5), fastening of an unstressed elastic element (15) to the front panel (5) or to connecting flaps (7) that are hinged to the front panel (5), erecting the lateral panels (4), the rear panel (6) and the front panel (5) out of a flat transport condition into an unfolded usable condition and connecting the lateral walls (4) with the rear panel (6) and the front panel (5) and tensioning the elastic element (15).

Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a pair of load bearing members, a front stop mounted to the load bearing members, a wire support structure removably attached to the front stop and load bearing members, a pusher that slides along the wire support structure, and a pair of movable divider assemblies.

Abstract: A system for pushing products for purposes of dispensing the products. Systems can include a base track, a fence tracker, a rear cap, and a rounded front guard that define a product containment channel for containing products in a queue for dispensing. Systems can also include a pusher mechanism for applying a constant and substantially uniform force to a product to push the product towards a rounded front guard where it can be dispensed.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a tray on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The tray may include a notch for accessing the merchandising product from below and the product management display system may be thin to minimize vertical height. The trays may also be engaged with the shelf and may be, locked and unlocked.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to sensor-equipped display management systems. In one aspect, the systems and methods may be utilized to calculate a number of products removed from a display management system based upon motion of one or more mechanisms within the display management system. In another aspect, the systems and methods may be utilized to detect patterns from the sensor data, which may be indicative of attempted theft of products stored within the display management system.

Abstract: A device for drying hair extensions includes an elongated main body having a hinged door and an interior space. A blower unit having a fan and a heat element are positioned along the top end of the main body and function to deposit forced air into the interior space. A hanger unit is positioned within the interior space and aligns hair extensions beneath the forced air to dry the same.

Abstract: Inventory locations in a materials handling facility may be used to store items of various shapes and sizes. Described is an auto-facing unit designed to stow and arrange items against a front of the unit in a uniform fashion. The auto-facing unit may include one or more sensors to generate sensor data. The sensor data may be used to determine a quantity of items remaining in the auto-facing unit. The auto-facing unit and associated structures may be readily reconfigured to accommodate changes in store layout, product presentation, and so forth.

Abstract: A manual, bottom supporting, shelf allocation and management system allocates shelf space among rows of products and moves products toward the shelf front and includes a plurality of adjacent shelf allocating and managing units. Each unit includes a base and at least one removably attached side divider wherein at least one row of products may be positioned on the base immediately adjacent the side divider. Each unit is a modular tray which may be, while filled with at least a single row of products, lifted clear of the shelf and moved to another shelf location. The base and side divider are coupled to allow the side divider to move forward and backward relative to the base. A backstop is attached to the rear of the side divider so that the products may be moved towards the shelf front when the side divider is drawn forward relative to the stationary base.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that may define a cam glide.

Abstract: A merchandising system including a track and a pusher. The track defines a longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of tabs. Each tab of the plurality of tabs includes a width that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The pusher member is configured to slide longitudinally with respect to the track. The pusher member includes at least one leg configured to mechanically engage the track. The track includes a discontinuity to facilitate removal of the pusher member from the track. The discontinuity includes at least one other tab having a width less than a width of an adjacent tab of the plurality of tabs.

Abstract: A product display unit includes a base having a forward end cap at one longitudinal end. At least one pusher track extends in a longitudinal direction from the end cap. The pusher track includes a locking feature for retaining a pusher rail therein. The pusher rail has a corresponding locking feature such that the pusher rail is locked into the pusher track by compression of the pusher rail against the pusher track. The display has at least one pusher having a wound spring. The forward end cap has a retaining groove for a retaining tongue at one end of the wound spring. The pusher has inwardly projecting side rails defining a channel for insertion therein of the pusher rail.

Abstract: A product display unit for use on a shelf. The product display unit includes a bottom member and a tail. The bottom member has a track defining a longitudinal axis. The track is configured to support a plurality of products thereon. The tail is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a distal portion of the track. The tail is movable from a first position where the tail is parallel to the track to a second position where the tail is disposed at an angle with respect to the track.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for controlling access to product, such as but not limited to bottles, housed within the dispenser. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an opening having a contour that generally mirrors the shape and/or dimensions of the product stored within the dispenser plus a relatively small amount of clearance and also includes a tunnel within the interior of the device. The configuration of the opening and/or the tunnel feature prevents a user from accessing product stored behind the opening within the dispenser. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a pusher system that provides a time delay between the dispensing of products into a receiving area.

Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods, computer readable media, and computer program products are provided for implementing an item pusher apparatus with channel-based shuttle displacement detection. One example method includes determining a position of a channel engagement member affixed to a shuttle, where the shuttle is movable and configured to at least exert a force on an item to urge the item towards a stopping member. The channel engagement member is configured to at least physically interface with as channel defined such that movement of the shuttle alone a defined movement path causes movement of the channel engagement member in a direction that is nonparallel to the defined movement path in at least one plane. Example systems apparatuses, methods, computer readable media, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring shelf inventory that combines bar code and RFID technologies to permit electronic data entry of item shelf assignments and real time reporting of item removal from display/dispensing storage shelves.