Abstract: Two embodiments of a modular storage and dispensing rack for dispensing articles are disclosed. The first embodiment is a rack with a top and bottom shelf, while the second embodiment is a rack with only one shelf. The shelves normally have between five and nine discrete tray modules, wherein the tray modules are fixed in a side-by-side relationship to form the shelves. The tray modules each have a top side for storing articles and a bottom side having saddles that are designed to receive connecting members. The first embodiment has connecting members fabricated from square steel tubing. These connecting members pass through the saddles of the tray modules in opposite directions and overlap. The overlapping connecting members are fixed relative to the tray modules so that the tray modules remain fixed in a side-by-side relationship to form a shelf. The top shelf is supported above the bottom shelf with spacing members fabricated from square tubing.

Abstract: A free-standing vertical display system for displaying merchandise, such as beverage containers, at the point of purchase, is described. The system includes a base and one or more trays which are slidably received on a center pole. In a first embodiment a merchandise-bearing tray rests on the merchandise on the tray beneath it. When the tray is empty, it may be stored on four screws protruding from the top of the center pole, allowing the customer to access the lower trays. A second embodiment of the invention provides a spring on the center pole, underneath each tray. When a tray is loaded with merchandise, the spring compresses and the tray rests on the merchandise on the tray beneath it. When a tray is emptied, the spring pushes the tray up, so that merchandise may be removed from the tray below. A third embodiment of the invention provides stationary spacer poles at the periphery of each tray to separate the trays, so that merchandise may be accessed from all trays simultaneously.

Abstract: A shelf-supported expandable gravity feed system is shown herein for displaying and dispensing cans, bottles, aseptic packages, and packages of cans or bottles. The apparatus includes two side members, having a ribbed support track, a wall, and two end members. A plurality of side members may be connected by a plurality of end members to form the expandable gravity feed system. To facilitate this interconnection the fasteners and end members include corresponding corrugated portions. The corrugated portions also permit varying the distance between interconnecting side members thereby expanding or contracting the width of the feed system. To provide a stable integral assembly the fasteners include a locking flange which is received within a recessed portion in the end member. Alternatively, the end members may include a locking flange which is received within a slot in the fastener.

Abstract: A beverage bottle package display system is disclosed. The display system includes a base unit, a plurality of shelves and a shelf holder. The base unit and each shelf have a horizontally extending rib and two vertically extending ribs on their top sides. Each horizontal rib intersects two vertical ribs to form six rectangular compartments on the top side of the base unit and each shelf. Each compartment is define to accept one package of twelve 12-ounce beverage bottles or two packages of six 12-ounce beverage bottles. The display is built by placing any combination of 12-bottle packages or two 6-bottle packages in the base unit compartments. A first shelf is then placed on top of the packages in the base unit, and the first shelf compartments are filled with 12-bottle and/or two 6-bottle packages. Successive shelves of 12-bottle or 6-bottle packages may be added to the display system in the same manner.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing rack for dispensing bottles or cans in an upright position. The rack includes at least two side members interconnected by at least one shelf. The side members include a plurality of apertures in paired, adjacent relationship. The shelves include a plurality of flanges, each flange being removably received by a separate one of adjacent pair of apertures. The shelves are ribbed and constructed from a material with a low coefficient of friction. The side members include a first support edge which is slanted and a second support edge which is not slanted.

Abstract: This invention relates to lead-free fuel compositions having improved anti-knock and octane characteristics, which comprise a gasoline and, as a synergistic anti-knock and octane-improvement agent, a small amount of an organic compound selected from para-cresol or alkanediols such as 2,5-hexanediol in combination with an organo-cerium (IV) chelate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the inhibition of microbial growth in liquid distillate hydrocarbon fuels and more particularly to the use of halonitro alcohols as microbicides which effectively inhibit microbial growth in liquid distillate hydrocarbon fuels when incorporated therein at low concentrations.

Abstract: A rack for storing and dispensing cans is provided with means to simultaneously accommodate cans of different heights on each individual shelf. The shelves are inclined so that the cans will roll toward the front of the rack, and specially designed rails are positioned on opposite sides of the shelves to accommodate the differently sized cans.

Abstract: An audio-visual display device which sequentially displays and discusses pictorial representations of merchandise and thereafter mirrors actual merchandise is comprised of a display enclosure, audio apparatus and timer apparatus. The display enclosure has a plurality of compartments each provided with separate illumination apparatus therein. At least one side of each compartment has a one-way mirror which enables a consumer to see pictorial representations of merchandise affixed to the inside of the one-way mirror when the illumination apparatus has been actuated and to see an image of the consumer in the one-way mirror when the illumination apparatus is not actuated. The audio apparatus provides an oral description of pictorial representations of merchandise and actual merchandise.