Abstract: A dispenser which deters theft of packaged items includes an ejector. The ejector is resiliently biased to an extended position, and is selectively retracted to a retracted position. When so retracted, it can be released so that it can translate a static package into a dynamic state as quickly as possible to minimize the effect of drag and friction between the package being ejected and the package immediately behind it in a column of packages, as well as between the package and the portions of the housing which are initially contacted by the package. The first package is ejected in a short impulse so as to minimize a transfer of kinetic energy to a second package, thus minimizing the effect of static inertia of the second package on the first package.

Abstract: Systems and methods for targeted advertising to specific consumers are disclosed. A system may include a memory storing instructions and at least one processor configured to execute the instruction to: receive, over a network, client-provided data from a client device; identify at least one consumer by comparing the client-provided data against consumer data recorded in an electronic consumer database; obtain at least one unique consumer identifier for the identified at least one consumer, the at least one unique consumer identifier not including personal identifiable information; generate a target audience pool based on the at least one unique consumer identifier; and deliver, over a network, the target audience pool to the client device to facilitate targeted advertising to specific consumers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for correcting positional errors in an image arising from gaps in a detector assembly. In one embodiment, a method comprises generating a sinogram based on a plurality of photon coincidence events, selectively inserting one or more pseudo-slices into the sinogram, and generating an image based on the sinogram including the one or more pseudo-slices. In this way, positional errors may be reduced without modifying an image reconstruction algorithm to include a full detector geometry or modifying the detector geometry itself.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a rail to a wire shelf having a plurality of support rods extending in parallel spaced-apart fashion. The fastener has a fastener body with an elongate rail engaging flange, a shelf engaging flange, and a connecting shaft portion extending between the rail engaging flange and the shelf engaging flange. The rail engaging flange is insertable through an elongate opening of an the rail in a first orientation and, upon rotation of the fastener, the rail engaging flange is configured to extend across said elongate opening thereby restricting withdrawal therefrom, while the shelf engaging flange traps a support member of the shelf thereby interlocking the associated rail to the associated shelf.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior space within the housing. At least one merchandise support module is mounted in the housing and includes an electro-mechanical ejector located adjacent a front end of the at least one module. The ejector includes an electrical motor with an output shaft, along with an ejector plate movably mounted in relation to the housing. A gear train connects the output shaft of the motor to the ejector plate. A relay selectively provides electrical power to the motor.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a rail to a wire shelf having a plurality of support rods extending in parallel spaced-apart fashion. The fastener has a fastener body with an elongate rail engaging flange, a shelf engaging flange, and a connecting shaft portion extending between the rail engaging flange and the shelf engaging flange. The rail engaging flange is insertable through an elongate opening of an the rail in a first orientation and, upon rotation of the fastener, the rail engaging flange is configured to extend across said elongate opening thereby restricting withdrawal therefrom, while the shelf engaging flange traps a support member of the shelf thereby interlocking the associated rail to the associated shelf.

Abstract: A merchandising assembly includes a latch configured to attach a cooperating member to a rail supported on an associated shelf. The rail is adapted to be mounted to the associated shelf and the elongated cooperating member is configured to engage the rail. The latch includes a first end and an opposite second end, such that the first end is adapted to be attached to the cooperating member and the second end is configured to be selectively attached to the rail. The latch includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm being spaced from the second arm such that the first arm can be resiliently biased relative to the second arm. An attachment member extends from the first arm and is configured to selectively connect to the rail.

Abstract: A merchandising security system includes a support adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure and at least one product barrier movably mounted to the support. The at least one product barrier extends away from the support so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The product barrier is at least one of slidably mounted in relation to the support and pivotably mounted in relation to the support, wherein the product barrier includes first and second members which cooperate to retard a forward movement of an associated object supported on the first associated merchandising structure. At least one of the first and second members is mounted in relation to the support via a hinge.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for correcting positional errors in an image arising from gaps in a detector assembly. In one embodiment, a method comprises generating a sinogram based on a plurality of photon coincidence events, selectively inserting one or more pseudo-slices into the sinogram, and generating an image based on the sinogram including the one or more pseudo-slices. In this way, positional errors may be reduced without modifying an image reconstruction algorithm to include a full detector geometry or modifying the detector geometry itself.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for an associated merchandising structure includes a planar divider mounted to the associated merchandising structure with the divider including a first side, a second side, a front end and a rear end. A first retainer is pivotally mounted to a first side of the divider adjacent the front end thereof. A second retainer is pivotally mounted to the second side of the divider adjacent the front end thereof. The first and second retainers are biased into an orientation normal to the plane of the divider. Each of the first and second retainers is adapted to pivot omnidirectionally in relation to the plane of the divider.

Abstract: An anti-tip guide for a merchandising shelf including an associated support member for supporting at least one associated object for display and/or dispensing, and a pair of associated dividers mounted to the support member and spaced from each other. The pair of spaced dividers define between them a longitudinal pathway along which the associated at least one object can travel from a rear position to a front position on the associated support member. The anti-tip guide includes a first section mounted to one of the pair of associated dividers and extending along a plane of the one of the pair of associated dividers. A second section of the anti-tip guide protrudes away from the first section. A third section extends from the second section. At least one of the second and third sections includes a material which is more resilient than is a material of the first section.

Abstract: A merchandising assembly includes a latch configured to attach a cooperating member to a rail supported on an associated shelf. The rail is adapted to be mounted to the associated shelf and the elongated cooperating member is configured to engage the rail. The latch includes a first end and an opposite second end, such that the first end is adapted to be attached to the cooperating member and the second end is configured to be selectively attached to the rail. The latch includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm being spaced from the second arm such that the first arm can be resiliently biased relative to the second arm. An attachment member extends from the first arm and is configured to selectively connect to the rail.

Abstract: A latch or connector assembly that is adapted to attach a track to a rail along a platform of a merchandising shelf assembly. The connector assembly includes an adapter having a first end and an opposite second end such that the first end is adapted to be attached to the track and the second end is configured to be selectively attached to the rail. The adapter includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm is spaced from a second arm such that the first arm can be resiliently biased relative to the second arm. An attachment member extends from the first arm and is configured to selectively connect to the rail. A press surface is configured to be pressed by a user to bias the first arm relative to the second arm to selectively connect the attachment member to the rail.

Abstract: A latching system for a gravity fed merchandising apparatus includes a shelf slidably mounted between a first and a second side bracket, the shelf being adapted to move between a vending position and a stocking position. A first latch member is operably mounted to one of the shelf and the first side bracket and a second latch member is operably mounted to one of the shelf and the second side bracket. The first and second latch members are located adjacent opposed side edges of the shelf. Each of the first and second latch members is resiliently biased to an extended position. An actuating device is provided for moving the first and second latch members to a respective retracted position allowing the shelf to slide from the vending position to the stocking position.

Abstract: A connector assembly which is adapted to selectively attach a cooperating member to a rail of a merchandising shelf includes a U-shaped lip including a first end and an opposite second end such that the first end is adapted to be selectively attached to the cooperating member and the second end is adapted to be selectively attached to the rail. The clip includes a first arm, a second arm and a bridge portion joining the two arms. The clip includes a resilient material and wherein the first arm is spaced from the second arm such that the first arm is movable in relation to the second arm. A protrusion extends in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane of the first arm. The protrusion includes a section configured to selectively cooperate with an engagement portion of the rail. The first engagement portion of the rail includes a layer of a flexible thermoplastic material having a Shore A hardness of less than 75.

Abstract: A dispenser which deters theft of packaged items includes an ejector. The ejector is resiliently biased to an extended position, and is selectively retracted to a retracted position. When so retracted, it can be released so that it can translate a static package into a dynamic state as quickly as possible to minimize the effect of drag and friction between the package being ejected and the package immediately behind it in a column of packages, as well as between the package and the portions of the housing which are initially contacted by the package. The first package is ejected in a short impulse so as to minimize a transfer of kinetic energy to a second package, thus minimizing the effect of static inertia of the second package on the first package.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for collecting and processing change of address data and providing change of address services to a customer using a computer network. The address data can include a physical address, an electronic address, or both. The systems and methods may also provide additional services to the customer to assist in changing addresses.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft has at least one merchandise support module which includes a covering defining an interior space within the module. A support member and a dispensing member are mounted to the module, the dispensing member being mounted adjacent to the support member. A lockout device is also mounted to each module and connected to the dispensing member. The lockout device includes a housing with a user input member accessible from outside the housing. The user input member communicates with the dispensing member. A controller, which includes a memory and a processor, electrically communicates with the user input member. A sensor electrically communicates with the controller and senses the dispensing of an associated packaged item mounted on the support member. A signaling device electrically communicates with the controller to provide a notification upon the dispensing of the associated packaged item.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior space within the housing. At least one merchandise support module is mounted in the housing and includes an electro-mechanical ejector located adjacent a front end of the at least one module. The ejector includes an electrical motor with an output shaft, along with an ejector plate movably mounted in relation to the housing. A gear train connects the output shaft of the motor to the ejector plate. A relay selectively provides electrical power to the motor.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a rail to a wire shelf having a plurality of support rods extending in parallel spaced-apart fashion. The fastener has a fastener body with an elongate rail engaging flange, a shelf engaging flange, and a connecting shaft portion extending between the rail engaging flange and the shelf engaging flange. The rail engaging flange is insertable through an elongate opening of an the rail in a first orientation and, upon rotation of the fastener, the rail engaging flange is configured to extend across said elongate opening thereby restricting withdrawal therefrom, while the shelf engaging flange traps a support member of the shelf thereby interlocking the associated rail to the associated shelf.