Abstract: A shelf system for use in displaying and storing merchandise is especially suited for use in a refrigerated or chiller compartment that can be used with other conventional display sections. The shelving system or unit includes a squared frame that is mounted in a refrigeration compartment. Side or knife brackets are mounted on opposite sides of the frame and shelves on which items of merchandise are stored in spring loaded pusher track systems are mounted on the side brackets. Guide members mounted on the side brackets allow the shelves to slide between a retracted and an extended position on a planar path, but when the shelves reach the extended position, the glide members tilt allowing the shelves to tile for easier access to items stored thereon.

Abstract: A battery pack or receptacle includes a battery housing having end to end battery compartments. Contacts are located at each end and between battery compartments so electrical continuity is possible only if the batteries are properly oriented. Contacts can be wired so that the batteries are wired in series and the batteries in different housings can be wired in parallel so that multiple battery receptacles can be ganged to provide prescribed DC voltage levels and amperage levels for many different applications. The battery receptacles and its components thus form a modular assembly suitable for use in electronic point of sale displays and in other applications where stand alone, portable or field assembled devices would be employed.

Abstract: A sign is edge lit and illuminated by an array of light emitting diodes disposed along an edge of a light transmissive panel. A light diffusion surface, which can be formed by a series of serrations on the panel edge, disperses light from the discrete light emitting diodes in the array. A geometric figure, which can be text or graphics or both is formed on one face of the panel by grooves, which redirect diffused light so that an illuminated image, corresponding to the geometric figure, can be seen on the front of the panel. The grooves forming the figure and the light diffusion surface comprise parts of a one-piece panel, and the grooves and the light diffusion surface can be formed when the panel is injection molded.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus in the form of a refrigeration and storage apparatus employs a cooling unit, such as a thermoelectric module. Forced cool air is circulated in a storage compartment containing retail merchandise. An air duct extends from an intake on one side of a door on the front of storage compartment to the rear of the apparatus where air passes by hot side sink and air is then exhausted on a opposite side of the door. The refrigeration and storage apparatus can be mounted in a cabinet or on a shelf and can be surrounded by other item without obstruction of the air duct intake and exhaust and without heating adjacent items.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus in the form of a point of sale cooler employs a cooling unit, such as a thermoelectric module. Forced cool air deflected upwardly into a storage compartment in which retail merchandise is visible through two transparent walls forming the storage compartment and a transparent door. The door has a pocket receiving merchandise, which expands the volume of the storage compartment. Edge lit images on the transparent walls are illuminated by light emitting diodes to draw the attention of prospective purchasers.