Abstract: A system for determining whether to present an online bid content from a prequalified value chain entity at a virtual point-of-decision on a web site includes an online customer database storing online customer data, a product manufacturer database storing prequalified value chain entity profiles and a dynamic arbitration engine. The dynamic arbitration engine determines whether a customer is at the virtual point-of-decision on the web site, a customer segment of the customer based on the online customer data, a next most profitable action based on the customer segment of the customer, prequalified value chain entities based on product manufactured and the bid content that may be presented to the customer at the virtual point-of-decision based on the customer segment of the customer and a product type. The dynamic arbitration engine also inserts the bid content at the virtual point-of-decision.

Abstract: A system determines one or more winning candidate bids and includes an offer receipt module that creates an offer which includes a request for a demand shaping tactic, a type of product, a demand opportunity group, and a desired demand response. A customer potential scoring module determines a customer potential score for the offer based on the demand opportunity group and the demand shaping tactic. A bid receipt module receives a plurality bids for a plurality of different offers including the offer. A bid matching module determines one or more matching bids of the plurality of bids based on the demand shaping tactic, the type of product, the demand opportunity group, and the desired demand response of the offer. A bid determination module determines one or more winning candidate bids based on the customer potential score, ad yield of the winning candidate bid, and customer lifetime value.

Abstract: Adjustability in fastening is afforded by hooks extending from a periphery of wiremesh panels that is engageable simultaneously with any one of a plurality of parallel support rods which extend across another wiremesh panel so that both panels may rest against each other. Adjustability in fastening is also afforded by three elements which may be fastened together into a plurality of positions relative each other and which has one element secured to a support post of a gondola and another element supporting a lever system for a storage bin or for a shelf bin. Elongated slots in each of the three elements provide adjustability.

Abstract: Shelving for supporting merchandise includes a sloping base shelf that extends outwardly from a gondola wall and slightly upwardly toward a shopping aisle. The base shelf is supported by a framework that rests upon the floor. An extension shelf is mounted on a framework that is slidably mounted to the base shelf. The extension shelf and base shelf are substantially parallel and spaced apart. A pin on the frame of the extension shelf is selectably positioned in any of a plurality of stop positions provided on the base shelf framework. In a first position in the base shelf overlies the extension shelf and in a second position the extension shelf extends beyond the base shelf into the aisle. Where a large inventory is desired on the selling floor, the base shelf surface is supplemented by pulling out the extension shelf from beneath the base shelf.

Abstract: An expandable item carrying tray assembly adapted to be supported on a shelf is provided. The tray assembly includes at least one track and a mechanism for mounting the at least one track to the shelf so that the track is fixed longitudinally with respect to the shelf. The tray assembly also includes a tray member for carrying items thereon which is moveably secured to the track and is moveable in a lateral direction with respect to the track and the shelf. The tray member is releasably lockable in at least two positions with respect to the track. The tray assembly is both convenient to use and provides an aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching appearance to a consumer.

Abstract: Merchandise display assembly including a vertical bin having an upper filling opening and a lower dispensing opening, mounted by a suspension linkage on brackets attached to a vertical support structure, to swing the bin outwardly and downwardly from an upper storage position at which the bin rear is adjacent the support structure and the lower opening is at a height at which merchandise items in the bin can be readily removed by a consumer, to a lower filling position at which the bin rear is outwardly spaced from the support structure and the upper opening is at a height at which such items can be readily filled thereinto, while maintaining the bin vertical in any movement position thereof.

Abstract: A display for supporting merchandise includes a horizontal arm assembly comprising a pair of elongated nesting segments that can be selectively and reversibly locked at a number of longitudinally positions relative to each other. One end of the arm assembly is free. The other end connects to an indexing pin assembly that in turn connects to a support structure. A support bracket directly connects to the support structure, for example, a wall, and the arm assembly mounts to the support bracket by a vertical indexing pin that is rotatably supported in support bracket openings and keyed to the support arm. A key on the indexing pin engages any one of a plurality of slots on the support bracket to selectively set the angular position of the arm assembly relative to the support structure. Arm length is adjustable without using tools.

Abstract: A radially expandable shelf display includes a plurality of stacked shelves, arrayed at a plurality of selected vertical levels and clustered about a central axis. A post extends vertically and is connected to each shelf in a vertical stack. A guide beam, fixedly attached to the post, extends radially outward from the central axis. A platform, above the layers of shelves encloses a rectangular box-like structure having an open bottom. Guide rails extend radially from the platform, the guide rails being separated by a gap wherein the guide beam is seated. In use, each post, and connected shelves, may be individually moved radially outward from the axis with the guide beam sliding between the guide rails.

Abstract: A variable sized free standing promotional display for promotional advertising. In place of the normal cardboard display shelf of one size, the invention contemplates using end members of plastic having vertical pedestals above and below the end members. The end members include one-way locking tabs on both the side, upper and lower walls to receive an appropriately slotted and cut beam member, which may be made of corrugated cardboard from the packing materials. The side edges of the beam are received and locked by the one-way locking tabs and is centered and held rigidly by central vertical channels. The transverse length of the shelves may be varied, in accordance with the length of the beam member utilized.Vertical cardboard columns may be anchored on the pedestal members to provide a vertical promotional display of more than one shelf.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for cylindrical containers is disclosed in which containers are disposed one-by-one from a vertical presentment position. The dispenser comprises a storage compartment which stores the containers substantially horizontally in a side-by-side relationship, and a dispenser portion which is located at one end of the storage compartment. The storage compartment has a downward and sideway slant so that the containers are gravitationally urged to roll towards the dispenser portion. The degree of slant of the surface upon which the containers move is such as to provide sufficient torque when the container engages a swivel means to cause it to swivel and drop from the stored horizontal to vertical presentment positions.