Patents Assigned to RTC
  • PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140138330
    Abstract: A merchandise display system can include a pusher extender that increases the pushing surface of the pusher. The pusher extender may define an elongated pusher body having a cavity. The pusher extender may be configured to slide over the pusher wall via the cavity like a sleeve. The pusher extender with an enlarged, substantially planar surface thereby creates an enlarged pushing surface for pushing larger products toward the front of the display system. The pusher extender can also be provided with an angled pusher surface to accommodate larger products. The display system can be mounted to a rear hang bar located towards the back of the shelf. A hanger may be positioned within a cavity formed in the divider and extend the length of the divider. The hook end of the hanger may then be positioned on the hang bar and the entire system may cantilever out from the hang bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Merchandise dispensing apparatus providing theft deterrence
    Patent number: 8727179
    Abstract: A box structure has a plurality of walls positioned and configured to prevent access to an interior space housing merchandise in a secure manner. A first movable wall permits manual access to a frontal portion of the interior space while at the same time moving a barrier strip to prevent manual access to other than said frontal portion of the interior space. A roll-out shelf mounts merchandise supporting modules with pushers to move merchandise toward the front of the structure where ejection mechanisms in each of the modules are able to direct selected items to the front of the structure where they can be accessed by consumers. The ejection process creates a characteristic noise to alert store personnel that products are being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Colelli, Eric E. Oberg, Johnnie Cruz, Keith Cleland
  • ENHANCING DIGITAL SIGNALS
    Publication number: 20140133582
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing digital signals. In one implementation, a digital signal that has undergone a non-linear distortion can be received. The non-linear distortion can be reformulated as one or more linear operators that yield a statistical connection between a first signal and a second signal and one or more convex constraints on the first signal and/or the second signal. A convex minimization problem can be formulated in view of the first signal, the second signal, and the one or more convex constraints. The digital signal can be processed to solve the convex minimization problem, thereby generating an enhanced digital signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Vision Ltd.
    Inventors: Nir Avrahami, Jacob (Slava) Chernoi
  • Product Securement and Management System
    Publication number: 20140117818
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The merchandise system may be configured to hold a number of products, such as cans (for example, baby formula cans) in the merchandise system that would be accessible to the customer one at a time out of the front of the merchandise system. The front of each merchandise system may include its own individual security window attached to the merchandise system that allows the customer to remove one can at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Dipaolo, John Wildman, Stephen N. Hardy
  • Product Management Display System
    Publication number: 20140112752
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a divider secured to a support structure and a barrier that is moveable by rotation between a folded position and an upright position without a rotation biasing element. A product positioned in the system can contact the barrier when the product moves toward the forward end of the system and rotate the barrier from the folded position to the upright position. The system may include a rotational mounting structure to which the moveable barrier is connected. The rotational mounting structure may be removably connected to the forward end of the divider. The merchandise display system may be used in conjunction with a product tray which provides for product stored in the product tray to be slid from in the product tray into the product pocket of the merchandise display system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, Stuart Parsons
  • Product management display system
    Patent number: 8662319
    Abstract: An integrated “T” assembly combines into a single integrated assembly, a track portion along both sides of a divider. The T assembly may have a wide-base portion, which may include a spring-urged-pusher track, on one side of the divider and a narrow-base portion on the opposite side of the divider. An offset pusher may have an upper portion that is offset, via an angled offset portion, from a lower portion of the pusher. Additional supporting bases, any of which may include spring-urged-pusher tracks and/or a spring-urged pusher, may be used under a wide product. Left and right side finisher components may be paired with T assemblies near the sides of a merchandise-display shelf. The T assembly, base, and/or end finishers may be coupled to a front rail via a complimentary tongue and groove arrangement and/or a non-slidable engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Product Securement and Management System
    Publication number: 20140034592
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH TRACKLESS PUSHER MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20140021150
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Multi-component display and merchandise systems
    Patent number: 8627965
    Abstract: A multi-component divider including a first divider component and a connection mechanism for a second divider component. The second divider component connects to the first divider component when the first divider component is connected to a base. The second divider component extends above the first divider component, thereby extending the overall height of the divider. The base and multi-component divider can be used in locations where there is limited space between shelves, such as a shelf in a freezer or refrigerated display, or in any application where a higher divider may be preferred, but cannot be installed. The base can additionally include a pusher moveable along a longitudinal direction of the base, wherein the pusher is also adjustable linearly along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Product Securement and Management System
    Publication number: 20130327730
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED CHARACTER RECOGNITION IN DISTORTED IMAGES
    Publication number: 20130279759
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for recognizing characters within a distorted image. According to a one aspect, a method for recognizing one or more characters within a distorted image includes rendering one or more imitation images, the imitation images including simulations of the distorted image, applying one or more distortion models to the imitation images, thereby generating distorted imitation images, comparing the distorted imitation images with the distorted image in order to compute similarities between the distorted imitation images and the distorted image, and identifying the characters based on the best similarity. According to other aspects, the systems and methods can be configured to provide recognition of other distorted data types and elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: RTC VISION LTD.
    Inventors: Sefy Kagarlitsky, Joseph Rubner, Nir Avrahami, Yohai Falik
  • Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism
    Patent number: 8550262
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along at least a portion of a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of the invention also includes a pusher surface for pushing the product. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher surface and extend across a portion of the shelf. In use, the product may be placed on the coiled spring. The invention may be used with the merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, as well as with gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity as a mechanism to urge product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • SHELF GAP SPACER DEVICE FOR A MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20130248476
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a spacer device for use with a merchandise display. The merchandise display may include a first upright and a second upright opposite the first upright, a pegboard mounted between the two uprights, and at least one shelf mounted to the two uprights, wherein the configuration includes a gap between a back of the shelf and the pegboard. The spacer device may include two opposing ends. Each of the opposing ends may include a support arm that extends downward towards the gap, a mounting arm that extends downward towards the gap, and a tab that projects outward and away from the mounting arm. The spacer device may also include a gap filler portion extending between the two opposing ends wherein when the device is secured in the gap, the gap filler portion fills the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Barenbrugge
  • Continuous Display Shelf Edge Label Device
    Publication number: 20130226742
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along an edge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including first information about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least one second user interface including at least one second information about at least one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. An individual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interface and/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may include at least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape of the user interface on the display, and a location of the user interface on the display. The first information and the at least one second information may be outputted concurrently to the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: RTC Industries, Inc.
  • Product Management Display System with Trackless Pusher Mechanism
    Publication number: 20130206713
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: RTC Industries, Inc.
  • PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH TRACKLESS PUSHER MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20130200019
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: RTC Industries, Inc.
  • Product Securement and Management System
    Publication number: 20130193096
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: RTC Industries, Inc.
  • LIGHT EMITTING DIODE CIRCUITS FOR GENERAL LIGHTING
    Publication number: 20130193861
    Abstract: Improved circuits minimize, or eliminate, energy losses in the supply of energy to control LEDs. Diodes and a capacitor reduce or eliminate LED blinking, and create smooth and continuous, infinitely variable dimming. The components are added to supply power to each LED during the half of the AC cycle where it would normally be turned off. A first added diode allows an added capacitor to charge during the half cycle that the original diode is turned on, but does not allow the other half cycle to discharge the added capacitor. When the added capacitor is charged enough to turn on the original diode, it stays on throughout the AC cycle. The same relationship exists between the second added diode, the added capacitor and the second original diode. Zener diodes protect the LEDs from voltage surges/spikes by shunting current around LEDs when the voltage exceeds the Zener diode's breakdown voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: RTC INC.
    Inventor: RTC Inc.
  • LED LIGHTING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF LIGHTING FOR A MERCHANDISE DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20130188356
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lighting assembly and method for illuminating a vertical planar area, such as a merchandise display. The lighting assembly can comprise two opposing support arms and a lighting bar extending between the two opposing support arms, a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs mounted to the inside of the lighting bar; and a plurality of reflective surfaces located adjacent to the plurality of LEDs, wherein the plurality of reflective surfaces are positioned such that the LEDs project a first light beam in a first direction and a second light beam in a second direction different than the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: RTC Industries, Inc.
  • Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism
    Patent number: 8469205
    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. The pusher mechanism of the invention also includes a pusher paddle and a floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the coiled spring and on the floor of the pusher mechanism. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. The invention may be used with the merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity to urge product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy