Abstract: A sign for the display of characters, such as price digits, is disclosed in which each character is formed of line segments with pivoting character elements. The character elements are mounted within openings of a panel and may be pivoted to display either a contrasting surface or a noncontrasting surface.

Abstract: A security system is provided for a dispensing rack on which cigarette cartons are stacked, the rack having a front face with an opening defined therein, at least one shelf for holding a stack of cartons thereon, and a shield for partially closing the opening to deter theft of the cartons placed on the shelf. The security system includes a corner bracket having an extrusion with an interior side adapted to receive an elongate support and also adapted to receive a lock bar assembly. An elongate support is mounted to the extrusion so as to securely support the shelf and also to pivotally support the shield in a cooperating manner so as to allow the shield to pivotally move between an open position wherein stacks of cartons can be added to the shelf, a first closed position wherein the cartons are protected from theft in-mass but can be removed individually from the bottom of the stack of cartons, and a second closed position wherein articles cannot be removed from the shelf.

Abstract: The system includes optical detectors, a control microprocessor, and an alarm. The detectors optically detect the presence of cartons within the shelf exit openings and emit carton-present signals upon such detection The microprocessor is responsive to the signals and activates an alarm when a preselected detector signal pattern is observed. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm patterns include four signals within 15 seconds or one signal having a duration of 6.5 seconds.