Abstract: A low voltage power inverter utilizes reed switches to control a number of display tubes. The reed switches are controlled by magnetic coils or permanent magnets. The magnetic coils receive a control signal from a control circuit. The control circuit is powered by a capacitor coupled around a power lead and a capacitor coupled around a return lead. The permanent magnet is coupled to a mechanical actuator.

Abstract: A merchandise display system includes a support member and a locking bar. The support member, which may include a series of slotted rails, is adapted to receive display enclosures having an internal display space for displaying merchandise. Each display enclosure includes at least one locking tab which serves to support the enclosure on the support member and which cooperates with the locking bar to prevent removal of the enclosure from the support member when the locking bar is in a first position and to permit removal of the enclosure when the locking bar is in a second position. In a second embodiment of the display system a display rack is mounted in a frame. The display rack includes first and second spaced apart, substantially parallel side members. A plurality of separators are slidably coupled intermediate the first and second members and include retaining means, such as lips or flanges for engaging and retaining merchandise positioned between the separators.

Abstract: An electrode socket assembly for receiving gas discharge tubes is disclosed. The electrode socket assembly is designed for mounting along a generally flat surface. The assembly includes a barrier panel designed to lie along the flat surface. A housing having a base and a socket is mounted against the barrier panel. A leaf-spring is attached to the base and extends upwardly into the interior of the socket to cooperate with the flexible outer walls of the socket for securely holding the gas discharge tube electrode when inserted into the socket. Additionally, the flexible outer walls of the socket may include ribs that also help secure the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: A merchandise display system includes a support structure; at least one display bar mounted substantially vertically on the support structure and a plurality of merchandise holders or enclosures disposed in a column along the display bar. Each enclosure includes an end portion having a bore for receiving the display bar and a display portion extending from the end portion and having a bottom panel, side walls and an open upper end. Each holder or enclosure further includes a retaining member configured to engage an adjacent enclosure in the column and permit alignment of the enclosures. The retaining member may be a peripheral flange extending around the bottom of the enclosure, permitting nesting of enclosures in the column.

Abstract: A merchandising system for holding items, such as compact discs, is disclosed. The system includes a base on which several item holders are rotatably mounted. Each item holder is configured to receive at least one and preferably a plurality of items arranged vertically. A plurality of motors rotate the items while cooperating sensors provide an output corresponding to the rotational position of the item holder. A controller is coupled between the sensors and motors to maintain alignment of rotation based on the output signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: A billiards ball rack for displaying information and for assisting a user in racking billiards balls on a billiards table is disclosed. The billiards ball rack preferably includes a bottle cap shaped shell having a circular outer wall with a plurality of ridges. A display wall extends inwardly from the outer wall and terminates in a ball rack portion. The ball rack portion includes side walls arranged in an appropriate configuration to rack the billiards balls prior to initiating the game.

Abstract: An oil filter crushing apparatus includes a frame on which is mounted a filter platform configured to receive a used oil filter for crushing. An air spring actuating device is secured within the frame, and a ram is secured to a lower end of the air spring. A control valve regulates the flow of a pressurized gas into the air spring which then forces the ram toward the filter platform to crush the filter. A safety pneumatic circuit prevents inadvertent actuation of the ram.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing uniformly sized packages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a storage portion having consecutive slots for storing uniformly sized packages vertically within each slot. The packages fall from the slots into a dispensing portion and they come to rest on a bottom support wall. A puller assembly slides along this bottom support wall to move the lowermost packages to the front of the apparatus where they may be selected individually by a user of the apparatus.

Abstract: An oil filter crushing apparatus has a crushing frame (12, 312) mounting a filter platform (16, 316) on which a used oil filter is supported on end for crushing by a ram device (40, 336) having a single ram rod (52, 338). An air spring actuating device (42, 344) is mounted on the frame (12, 312) and operates on low pressure shop air for selectively forcing the ram device (40, 336) downwardly to crush the filter against the platform (16, 316).

Abstract: An indicia display device including an outer casing having at least one opening or window. A non-planar guideway is provided within the casing and a sheet of flexible material is mounted for rotation within the guideway and conforms to the non-planar configuration of the guideway. The sheet carries indicia, such as numerals, words, or the like, which is disposed in a generally circular pattern about the axis of rotation of the sheet, and the window is located in alignment with the pattern of indicia. By rotating the sheet within the guideway, the indicia can be successively exposed through the window to the viewer.

Abstract: A method of making simulated stained glass from moldable plastic material. One wall of a die is formed with a series of interconnected recesses which border isolated areas, and the isolated areas of the die are provided with random surface indentations. A sheet of plastic film having a series of dark colored interconnected strips, corresponding in configuration to the recesses in the die, and having a series of light colored zones of the same configuration as the isolated areas of the die, is disposed on the die surface with the dark colored strips in precise registry with the recesses of the die and the light colored zones in registry with the isolated areas of the die. The plastic film is held against the die surface by a vacuum, and a liquid thermoplastic resin is injected into the die cavity.