Abstract: In an electronic product information display system including multiple product storage areas, a plurality of display tags associated with the product storage areas, a multiplicity of the display tags including an annunciator, a controller connected for communication with the display tags, and a portable wireless terminal operable for communication with the controller, expanded retail mode functions and methods are provided for stocking products, locating products, printing new overlay labels for tags, and performing tag maintenance.

Abstract: A bracket for coupling a rail having an upper slot and a lower slot to a shelf edge having an upper groove and a lower groove. The bracket comprises a central body portion, an upper flange extending generally upwardly from the body portion, a lower flange extending generally downwardly from the body portion, and a plate. The plate is received between the upper and the lower flanges such that as the plate is moved toward the body, the plate urges the upper flange and the lower flange into the upper and lower groove, respectively, to couple the bracket to the shelf edge. The bracket further comprises a first upper tang extending generally upwardly from the body portion and a first lower tang extending generally downwardly from the body portion, the upper tang and lower tang being shaped to be received in the upper and lower slot, respectively. At least one of the tangs has at least one tang groove therein to facilitate the attachment of the bracket to the rail.

Abstract: A product information display system has electronic display tags for displaying pricing and product information for products in stores or warehouses. The electronic display tags are electromagnetically coupled to a conductor. A control circuit is used to generate an information signal which contains a tag address and related data. A modulator circuit modulates an a-c. power signal with the information signal and applies it to the conductor for transmission to the display tags. Each of the display tags is equipped with a coil that is electromagnetically coupled to the conductor for picking up the signals carried by the conductor. A demodulator is used to demodulate the signal picked up by the coil to obtain the original information signal. Each of the display tags is provided with a manually operated switch for initializing the tags with initial addresses transmitted by the conductor.

Abstract: A product information display system has electronic display tags for displaying pricing and product information for products in stores or warehouses. The electronic display tags are electromagnetically coupled to a conductor. A control circuit is used to generate an information signal which contains a tag address and related data. A modulator circuit modulates an a-c. power signal with the information signal and applies it to the conductor for transmission to the display tags. Each of the display tags is equipped with a coil that is electromagnetically coupled to the conductor for picking up the signals carried by the conductor. A demodulator is used to demodulate the signal picked up by the coil to obtain the original information signal. Each of the display tags is provided with a manually operated switch for initializing the tags with initial addresses transmitted by the conductor.

Abstract: A product information display system has electronic display tags for displaying pricing and product information for products in stores or warehouses. The electronic display tags are electromagnetically coupled to a conductor. A control circuit is used to generate an information signal which contains a tag address and related data. A modulator circuit modulates an a-c. power signal with the information signal and applies it to the conductor for transmission to the display tags. Each of the display tags is equipped with a coil that is electromagnetically coupled to the conductor for picking up the signals carried by the conductor. A demodulator is used to demodulate the signal picked up by the coil to obtain the original information signal. Each of the display tags is provided with a manually operated switch for initializing the tags with initial addresses transmitted by the conductor.

Abstract: A display system adapted for use in combination with one or more electronic display tags is provided and includes a mounting panel having a plurality of openings therein forming at least one line of spaced openings. A conductive member is positioned adjacent the mounting panel and extends along at least a portion of the line of spaced openings. An elongated peg hook frame has a display end and an attachment end. The peg hook frame includes an elongated product support adapted at its front end to receive products for support and display thereof, and an elongated information display support having an attachment surface at its front end for receiving an electronic display tag. The rear end of the peg hook frame includes at least one hook-type member which is positioned within one of the spaced openings of the mounting panel.

Abstract: A power and communication system is provided for a product information display system associated with a product display or storage establishment having multiple product display or storage areas. A plurality of electronic display tags are mounted adjacent the product display or storage areas. An electrical power system supplies a/c. power to the display tags. A main power distribution loop is connected to the power supply and is magnetically coupled to multiple branch power distribution loops which extend along selected groups of display tags for supplying power to those display tags.

Abstract: A magnetic coupler for magnetically or inductively coupling a pair of conductors. The coupler includes a first magnetic core member having prongs and at least one slot between the prongs for receiving the conductors, and a second magnetic core member. The coupler further includes a base for retaining the first core member and a shuttle for retaining the second core member. The shuttle is slidably mounted within the base such that the shuttle slides across and in contact with the prongs from an open position in which the slot is exposed to a closed position in which the slot is covered by the second core member, and the conductors are thereby contained within the slot. The sliding action of the cores cleans debris off the mating surfaces of the core elements to provide good mating contact between the core members for efficient coupling.

Abstract: A product information display system has electronic display tags for displaying pricing and product information for products in stores or warehouses. The electronic display tags are electromagnetically coupled to a conductor. A control circuit is used to generate an information signal which contains a tag address and related data. A modulator circuit modulates an ac power signal with the information signal and applies it to the conductor for transmission to the display tags. Each of the display tags is equipped with a coil that is electromagnetically coupled to the conductor for picking up the signals carried by the conductor. A demodulator is used to demodulate the signal picked up by the coil to obtain the original information signal. Each of the display tags is provided with a manually operated switch for initializing the tags with initial addresses transmitted by the conductor.