Abstract: The novel invention provides methods and systems for automated production of merchandising displays. The displays can be assembled in whole, shipped in whole and filled with customer-selected products in customer-selected amounts, filled with criteria-selected products in criteria-selected amounts or both.

Abstract: A gun safe, according to various embodiments, comprises: (1) a secure housing defining an interior and an opening; (2) a door; and (3) a vertical array of shelves within the interior of the secure housing immediately adjacent a lateral portion of the opening. In various embodiments, each of the shelves defines a handgun support portion that comprises a cutout that is dimensioned to allow a portion of a handgun to extend through the cutout as the handgun is supported on opposite sides of the handgun by the shelf. In particular embodiments, the gun safe further comprises at least one shelf disposed within the interior of the secure housing that is configured to rotate about a central axis and defines one or more handgun support portions.

Abstract: A dispenser automatically dispenses beverage cans. A housing has a conveyor along which cans are conveyed by gravity to a removal opening. A dispensing flap is on the removal opening and can be pivoted between a closed position, in which it prevents the removal of products through the removal opening, and a removal position. The dispensing flap has two trough-shaped receptacles lying at right angles to the conveyor section for one can, and is pivotal such that in the closed position a can is conveyed from the conveyor section into the first receptacle positioned to the inside of the housing, removal of the can from the first receptacle being prevented. In the removal position the can rolls from the first receptacle into the second receptacle, at the same time a new can is prevented from being conveyed from the conveyor into the first receptacle.

Abstract: A portable spice rack that comprises a square or rectangular shaped housing and a plurality of spice drawers which are stacked vertically within the housing. The spice drawers provide a plurality of compartments that are uniquely designed to accommodate storing and retrieving varying shaped and sized spice bottles or other types of containers. Specifically, the spice drawer provides a substantially rectangular compartment having a base further providing a slot formed by an opening and opposed supporting walls. The rectangular compartment and slot within the base coact to enable, in particular, square, rectangular, and/or circular spice bottles or containers, or any combination thereof, to be stored and retrieved at the same time within any of the plurality of compartments within the spice rack.

Abstract: A cantilever carousel system for efficiently storing multiple print cylinders while providing a common access point for loading and unloading the print cylinders. The cantilever carousel system generally includes an external frame structure defining an internal cavity and a shell connected to the external frame structure to surround the cavity, wherein the shell includes at least one access opening extending therethrough. An internal frame structure is positioned within the cavity and a vertically oriented carousel is supported by the internal frame structure. A drive assembly is mechanically connected to the carousel, wherein the drive assembly circulates the carousel and a plurality of cantilever mandrels are supported by the carousel and circulate with the carousel. A plurality of print cylinders are removably received by the plurality of cantilever mandrels through the access opening.

Abstract: A wall-mounted, thermal paper storage device is provided having a substantially rectangular housing and a lower carriage member for supporting at least one vertical column of thermal paper rolls near a cash register point of sale. The device housing includes a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls forming an interior volume with an open upper and an open lower portion. Along the lower portion is a paper roll carriage formed from downward bar members curving into a cup-like support for paper rolls as they exit the housing lower portion, while the column of rolls in the housing rest against the supported roll in the carriage. The front wall includes a viewing window for visualizing the housing interior, while the rear wall includes wall mounts for mounting to a vertical wall surface. The housing interior preferably accepts two paper roll columns separated by a divider wall.

Abstract: A merchandising display and dispensing system for displaying and dispensing articles, including cylindrical shaped articles or rolls of disk-shaped articles. In particular, the invention relates to a modular display and dispensing system having a plurality of modules fitted with one another. Each module comprises a left side panel and a right side panel which are fitted together and form a serpentine chute which feeds articles by gravity to an access tray where an article can be removed by hand, thus permitting another article to enter the tray. The front of the module receives a front cover for covering the chute and provides a surface for indicia of contents inside the module. The front cover is preferably hinged at the bottom to permit reloading product in the top of the chute. Various connecting structures can be formed on the side panels and adapted to join the module to a front cover, to another adjacent module, to a module base, and/or to a module header to form a modular display and dispensing system.

Abstract: A vending machine includes at least one width-adjustable storage rack, the storage rack having a fixed wall and a movable wall connected to the fixed wall by at least one connecting link; and an adjustment mechanism constructed and adapted to position the movable wall relative to the fixed wall and to thereby vary an interior width between the fixed and movable walls. Two movable walls can be connected to a single fixed wall.

Abstract: An entirely mechanical gas bottle dispensing machine that allows to either only dispense by gravity a filled bottle upon insertion of a first token or dispense a filled bottle with return of an empty bottle upon insertion of a second token.

Abstract: A jar dispenser includes a housing defining a row that accommodates multiple jars of baby food in single file atop a planar floor. A pushplate is configured for movement along the row. A biasing member is in communication with the pushplate to bias the pushplate from a housing back side toward a housing front side. The device includes a door adjacent the row at the housing front side, the door being pivotal to restrict access to the row when at a closed position and to allow access to the row when at open and load positions. A first biasing member biases the door toward the closed position. A door catch is positioned to interact with the door when the door is at the load position. A second biasing member biases the door to bias the door to interact with the door catch when the door is at the load position.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism for a vending machine is provided to properly align product containers for vending purposes. The vending machine includes a cabinet that establishes a product storage zone, a product delivery zone and a dispensing chamber. Arranged within the product storage zone are a plurality of shelves which include dividers that separate the shelves into a plurality of product queues. Each product queue includes an dispensing mechanism that releases a selected product from the product queue for delivery to the dispensing chamber. In addition, each product queue includes a positioning mechanism to align products in the product queue. The positioning mechanism includes a support member secured to the divider and a spacer bar pivotally secured to the support member. The spacer bar automatically adjusts to a width of a product container placed in the product queue in order to assure proper alignment of the product for dispensing.

Abstract: An article display tray is provided with a movement guide device, wherein cylindrical articles can move more smoothly in a communication portion of the article display tray, via which the pair of storage chambers are communicatively connected to each other, and further wherein an increase in size of the article display tray can be avoided. A pair of left-right force-applied portions and an arraying guide surface positioned between the pair of force-applied portions are formed on a rocking member positioned inside the rear-end communication portion of an article display tray. When one of the pair of force-applied portions is pushed rearward by a cylindrical article that is placed in one of a pair of left-right storage chambers, the other force-applied portion pushes forward a cylindrical article that is placed in the other storage chamber.

Abstract: A vending machine includes at least one width-adjustable storage rack, the storage rack having a fixed wall and a movable wall connected to the fixed wall by at least one connecting link; and an adjustment mechanism constructed and adapted to position the movable wall relative to the fixed wall and to thereby vary an interior width between the fixed and movable walls. Two movable walls can be connected to a single fixed wall.

Abstract: A merchandising display shelf track device for receiving a row of articles for sliding movement therealong has non-planar front face members connected to a base wall and sidewalls. Racking forces exerted on the front face members are transferred through the non-planar face members to the base wall and sidewalls to minimize racking. An anti-torsion bar connects the front face members to prevent spreading of the sidewalls and thereby minimize racking.

Abstract: An assembly for securing SCUBA gear on a boat without increased use of deck space is provided. A platform is disposed above the deck of a boat. A retainer is disposed above the platform. An opening is disposed within the retainer dimensioned to receive a SCUBA tank therein. The platform may form the upper surface of a cabinet. The cabinet having at least one SCUBA tank supporting member therein. The SCUBA tank supporting member having a radiused surface for securely retaining the SCUBA tank within the cabinet. The support member has a first end and a second end, the first end being higher than the second end.

Abstract: A water bottle delivery, storage, and retrieval system is provided which comprises an enclosed structure having an upper shelf and a lower shelf having opposing inclines. The structure may also have access doors positioned to allow storage and retrieval of the full and empty water bottles. Bottles filled with water may be loaded onto the bottom shelf. The shelf is inclined so the bottles can roll along the plastic ribs of the bottles guided by rails which are attached to the upper surface of the bottom shelf. The rails are attached to the shelf so that they are positioned between the ribs of the bottles. The empty bottles may also be stored in the dispenser on the upper shelf. The upper shelf may be inclined in a direction opposite to the incline of the lower shelf. The upper shelf may also have rails to guide the empty bottles as they roll along the shelf. Other embodiments of the invention may be freestanding systems with or without enclosures.

Abstract: A merchandising display shelf track device for receiving a row of articles for sliding movement therealong has non-planar front face members connected to a base wall and top stop members. Racking forces exerted on the top stop members are transferred through the non-planar face members to the base wall to minimize racking.

Abstract: A merchandising display shelf track device for receiving a row of articles for sliding movement therealong has non-planar front face members connected to a base wall and top stop members. Racking forces exerted on the top stop members and front face members are transferred through the non-planar face members to the base wall to minimize racking.

Abstract: A front panel for a display rack has a base, upstanding sidewalls connected along their bottom end portions to the base, face members connected to the front edges of the sidewalls, and an elongate connecting member connected to the top end portions of the face members. The base, face members and connecting member define a viewing window for the display rack through which a beverage container in a display rack in a refrigerator can be viewed. The base and connecting member curve outward to position a beverage container forward in the display rack. A pair of downwardly extending fingers fit into receiving slots in a front segment of the rack to fasten the front panel to the front segment of the display rack.

Abstract: A merchandising display shelf track device for receiving a row of articles for sliding movement therealong has a front track segment, a riser panel and a number of ribs. The front track segment has a base wall with a front portion and a rear portion. The riser panel is upstanding from the front portion of the base wall. The ribs are upstanding from the base wall and are attached to the riser panel. The top surface of the ribs is inclined at the front so that a bottle sliding along the track has its direction changed so that the bottle does not tip over.

Abstract: PTV cabinetry comprising molded plastic foam parts formed from expanded polystyrene or phenolic foam. The foam parts are preferably functionally designed to replace the equivalent parts presently being made by wood fabrication or other molded plastic techniques. In a preferred embodiment, a PTV cabinet may be assembled from thee matching molded foam parts. The foam parts may be uniquely located with respect to one another via locating features molded into the foam parts. Once assembled, an external cabinet or cosmetic fascia part may be placed over the foam parts.

Abstract: A cooler cabinet having an opening defining an access to the interior of the cabinet, the rear of the cabinet being the coldest part of the cabinet, the cabinet comprising at least one shelf with spaced apart vertical walls which together define a flow path having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being at the front of the cabinet so that food containers to be cooled can be retrieved in succession, the flow path being arranged so that containers pass through the rear of the cabinet before they reach the outlet.

Abstract: A rectangular compartment for receiving and dispensing pressurized gas cylinders. The compartment, for its use, requires a minimal space both inside and outside the compartment. The compartment contains a tank receiving unit configured to receive multiple tanks arranged in files. The tank receiving unit is pivoted near its center of mass so as to permit easy rotation in place of the tank receiving unit. The compartment is provided with an access door. When the access door is open and the tank receiving unit is rotated outward to receive tanks, the tank receivers in a file project a short distance outside the compartment and are arranged one above the other. When the access door is closed, the tanks are in an upright position and secured in that position by an interlock between the tank receiving unit and the access door.

Abstract: The system comprises at least one cabinet (A) having several compartments for containing bottles, each compartment consisting of a generally half-cylindrical gutter part (5) and an access part (6) that converges toward the gutter part and opens at the front of the cabinet, where it can be closed by a door (13) fitted with a bolt (15) controlled by a transaction module (B). Applicable to the on-site distribution of industrial gas bottles.

Abstract: A rectangular compartment for receiving and dispensing pressurized gas cylinders. The compartment, for its use, requires a minimal space both inside and outside the compartment. The compartment contains a tank receiving unit configured to receive multiple tanks arranged in files. The tank receiving unit is pivoted near its center of mass so as to permit easy rotation in place of the tank receiving unit. The compartment is provided with an access door. When the access door is open and the tank receiving unit is rotated outward to receive tanks, the tank receivers in a file protect a short distance outside the compartment and are arranged one above the other. When the access door is closed, the tanks are in an upright position and secured in that position by an interlock between the tank receiving unit and the access door.

Abstract: This retainer system for a vending machine compartment includes a retainer having an upper hook wall connection which interfits a selected upper slot and a lower tab wall connection which includes a spring clip which interfits a selected lower slot aligned with an associated upper slot, the upper and lower slots being arranged in staggered rows to facilitate installation in a vertical orientation of the retainer.

Abstract: A sewing accessories box includes a bottom part, as a set-up base, a back wall, a front wall, which is designed as a door, two side walls, a deck and interior shelves, which serve as receiving shelves for receiving accessories, such as bobbins or presser feet for a sewing machine. Each individual accessory is able to be retained in a holding and transport position on the receiving shelf so that, by way of actuation by a release key or by a swivelling movement of an individual accessory, the accessory can be moved from its holding and transport position into a removal position.

Abstract: A merchandising track device for displaying articles is disclosed. The device comprises first and second elongate track members formed separately as two discrete structures. The first and second members are connected together in an end-to-end, longitudinally adjacent relationship. Each member comprises a track base for carrying articles for sliding movement along the respective member, and at least one article-guiding side wall upstanding from the track base of the respective member and extending along the respective member. The one side wall of the first member is disposed in general longitudinal alignment with the one side wall of the second member. The track device further comprises a locking mechanism for interconnecting the one side wall of the first member and the one side wall of the second member to lock the first and second members in position relative to each other.

Abstract: A carton assembly for dispensing product members such as spools of wire and other rollable products having circular ends of the same diameter. The carton comprises a bottom, forward and rearward end walls, two side walls and a closable top. Within the carton each side wall has associated therewith one upper guide member, at least one intermediate guide member and a lower guide member. The guide members of one wall are mirror images of the corresponding guide members of the other side wall and are correspondingly positioned with respect to their respective side walls. The intermediate and lower guide members provide narrow sloping edges in parallel spaced relationship which maintain the product members in a row made up of zig-zag row segments, one above the other. The carton has a dispensing opening in its forward wall through which the forwardmost and lowermost product member can be extracted.

Abstract: A display rack for displaying and dispensing cylindrically-shaped products. The display rack includes a first storage region and a second storage region. The first storage region is capable of holding a plurality of cylindrically-shaped products. The first storage region has a first dispensing position. The first storage region is tilted towards the first dispensing position. The second storage region surface is capable of holding a plurality of cylindrically-shaped products. The second storage region has a second dispensing position. The second storage region is adjacent to the first storage region. The first storage region and the second storage region tilt away from each other. The second storage region is tilted towards the second dispensing position.

Abstract: A system for displaying products generally forming a queue having a rear product on a display surface having a rear portion and a front portion, comprising an arranging mechanism operable for moving the products selectively and manually from the rear portion of the display surface towards the front portion of the display surface. The arranging mechanism comprises a positioning element having a vertical portion adapted to engage the rear product in the queue from a rear side of the rear product towards the front portion of the display surface and having a horizontal portion extending generally parallel to the display surface. The system further has a supporting mechanism on each of the products that defines an open pathway from one side of one of the products to a substantially opposite side of the one of the products. The open pathway is adapted to receive the horizontal portion of the arranging mechanism.

Abstract: A CRT display device having a cathode ray tube for displaying an image, includes a front case having plural fixing bosses for mounting the cathode ray tube therein and four sides defining a display area; a deflection preventing rib, formed on each side of the front case, for minimizing a gap between the cathode ray tube and the front case; and a CRT chassis for fixing the cathode ray tube to the fixing bosses. Each deflection rib is made up of a first portion for receiving a pressing force from the installation of the cathode ray tube and a second portion for generating a reaction force against the front surface of the cathode ray tube. The first and second portions forming a profile comparable to the outer surface of the cathode ray tube.

Abstract: The power control apparatus in a display device including a button, a link bar and a power switch is provided. The monitor includes a bracket, a circuit board and a panel. The bracket includes a guiding slot. The button, which includes a first end and a second end, is located on the panel. The first end is provided to be accessed by a user. The link bar has a first end and a second end. The first end of the link bar contacts with the second end of the button such that the link bar moves responsive to movement of the button. The power switch, responsive to movement of the second end of the link bar, selectively applies a power supply to the circuit board. The link bar includes an engagement portion for engaging with and sliding longitudinally along the bracket. The link bar of the invention is easily installed and disjoined and does not occupy the space on the print circuit board.

Abstract: A structure of building-block type members for assembly of computer components permitting spatial variation, within, blocks in pillar and tube of same length and equally spaced are butted to a monitor and the main unit with the circumference of the tube in diameter not greater than the spacing between any two abutted pillars of surrounding four pillars; said tubes are provided on the back panel of the monitor, and pillars, on the sides of the main unit combine the monitor and main unit allowing optimal space use for combination as desired and the additional of peripherals.

Abstract: A video display positioning and support system that permits the orientation of a video display towards the user with variations in vertical height, horizontal rotation, and angular tilt. The system includes actuators for each of the movements involved that are capable of control by way of a remote operating system. The system provides a platform upon which the video display may be placed. The platform may be tilted at an angle from the horizontal as controlled by an actuator positioned near the back of the platform. The platform may be rotated in a horizontal plane so as to direct the video display from side to side, by an actuator that turns the platform on a circular bearing track. The display platform is positioned on a support frame that is attached to a vertical lift actuator that raises and lowers the entire display. The lift actuator is attached to and supported by a base frame that holds a storage cabinet and has a number of wheels for easy movement of the complete system.

Abstract: A visionary replacement (substitute) back panel for a commercially available television cabinet is provided which permits a security inspection of the interior of the television cabinet without the removal of any cabinet walls or the opening of the cabinet members. The substitute back panel conforms to the shape, electrical and structural standards of the O.E.M. (original equipment manufacturer) back panel. optically clear viewing planes are provided. Ultraviolet (U.V.) light filtering may be incorporated. Tamper resistance attachment may be included. An auxiliary light source may also be included which is selectively activated. A method of inspection of the interior of the cabinet is easily conducted from the outside thereof.

Abstract: A monitor shell includes a frame detachably and horizontally mounted to a seat, which is attached to the bottom of a metal housing for holding a cathode-ray tube. A circuit board is mounted on the detachable frame so that it is not necessary to detach the metal housing when repair or maintenance of the circuit board is needed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organizer apparatus for use with a computer monitor. The organizer apparatus has a base which is sized and shaped to rest on top of the computer monitor. The base has a bracket reception means, preferably a slot through either side of the base. The base includes, in various embodiments, a variety of storage devices in several different configurations, including a media storage bin for CD-ROMs. The base preferably further includes a CR-ROM and 3.5 inch floppy drive. A pair of brackets engage with the base in opposing locked positions. Each of the brackets includes an upper horizontal portion for engagement with the base, a vertical portion for laying adjacent to one side of the video monitor and a lower horizontal portion having the speaker supporting stand. In the preferred embodiment, the organizer apparatus further includes a folder bin bonded to the monitor with two sided adhesive tape and positioned between the vertical portion of at least one of the brackets.

Abstract: An improved cabinet for supporting a television and supporting electronics. In one embodiment, the cabinet uses three pillars to support the television unit. Shelves positioned between the three pillars support video source components. Removable side panels facilitate access to cables used to couple the television unit to the video source components.

Abstract: The TV center organizer for organizing and retaining a variety of electronic devices and corresponding storage media has a central shell structure having first and second ridges for slidable attachments, a housing for a television, a base portion, a plurality of interior storage compartments, a first slidable shell and a second slidable shell with respective first and second recesses, and a top portion. The first and second slidable shells conceal interior storage compartments in a first state and provide access to said interior storage compartments in a second state. The central shell includes a recessed and inclined plane for mounting a clock therein. The top portion has a central storage compartment with first and second arcuate and transparent storage covers hingedly attached at opposing ends of the central storage compartment. A number of covered and uncovered storage compartments are disposed within the central storage compartment for items such as remote control devices or similar sized articles.

Abstract: A front panel for a display rack has a base, upstanding sidewalls connected along their bottom end portions to the base, face members connected to the front edges of the sidewalls, and an elongate connecting member connected to the top end portions of the face members. The base, face members and connecting member define a viewing window for the display rack through which a beverage container in a display rack in a refrigerator can be viewed. The base and connecting member curve outward to position a beverage container forward in the display rack.

Abstract: An adaptable retail merchandise product display system is particularly suited for display and storage of printed media in planar or roll form. The system includes display cassettes supported in tiers in a cabinet or rack; adjustable roll trays which accommodate rolled merchandise in various roll widths and also supported in tiers in a cabinet or rack; a fin to support merchandise displays and with integral storage compartments; and display spinners having a central vertical axis and radially extended attachment points between which display media extends in a concave form to maximize displayed surface area. The various aspects of the adaptable display can be combined in different arrangements according to the type of merchandise and the retail environment.

Abstract: A device, having a case body and case lid, for use with a remote visual inspection system. The case body is adapted to accommodate a light source for providing light to the remote visual inspection system. The case lid is adapted to cover the case body, and to accommodate a video display monitor for displaying an image captured by the remote visual inspection system.

Abstract: A television has a housing front portion, the housing front portion has a "standard thickness" meaning the thickness thereof is constant, with a speaker thereon. The television has a vibration preventing device having a vibration preventing structure integrally formed on the housing front portion for diminishing a vibration of the television caused by the speaker by controlling a natural frequency of the housing front portion and reinforcing the housing front portion.

Abstract: A housing structure for projection type television receivers comprises a casing provided with an opening on each of the front side and the back side, a framework holding a screen and a back cover. The framework for holding the screen is installed on the front side of the casing. The back cover is installed on the back side of the casing. Concaved members for mating with bosses that are used to mount the framework are formed on the outer rim of the front side of the casing. Reinforcing ribs and guide ribs that are used to mount the back cover are formed on the back side of the casing. The housing structure disclosed here makes it possible to mount and detach the screen, working from the outside of the housing structure.

Abstract: An easily-combinable and movable speaker case includes two side boards, a front holed board, a speaker support board, an electric circuit board, a rear control board, a cap board, a bottom board, and a pull member. The two side boards are spaced apart parallel and respectively has a plurality of vertical position grooves and posts spaced apart on an inner surface for inserting the front holes board, the speaker support board, the electric circuit board and the control board in the position grooves of the two side board. Then the cap board and the bottom board are respectively fixed on and under the two side boards with screws. Further two rollers are fixed under the bottom board to permit the speaker case inclinedly move on the ground by pulling the pull member.

Abstract: A monitor shell includes a frame detachably and horizontally mounted to a seat, which is attached to the bottom of a metal housing for holding a cathode-ray tube. A circuit board is mounted on the detachable frame so that it is not necessary to detach the metal housing when repair or maintenance of the circuit board is needed.

Abstract: A visionary replacement (substitute) back panel for a commercially available television cabinet is provided which permits a security inspection of the interior of the television cabinet without the removal of any cabinet walls or the opening of the cabinet members. The substitute back panel conforms to the shape, electrical and structural standards of the O.E.M. (original equipment manufacturer) back panel. Optically clear viewing planes are provided. Ultraviolet (U.V.) light filtering may be incorporated. Tamper resistance attachment may be included. An auxiliary light source may also be included which is selectively activated. A method of inspection of the interior of the cabinet is easily conducted from the outside thereof.

Abstract: A height-adjustable case structure is provided for the display of a portable computer, such as a notebook computer, which allows the user to adjust the display of the portable computer to a suitable height for comfortable viewing. The height-adjustable case structure includes a first case for housing a keyboard and a main circuit board for the portable computer; a second case for housing a display for the portable computer; means for hinging the second case on the first case; at least one guide bar on which the second case is slidably mounted, allowing the second case to be slidable along the guide bar to an elevated position; and an actuating mechanism mounted on the guide bar for securing the second case at a user-desired position on the guide bar. With this height-adjustable case structure, the user can adjust the second case, which houses the display, to a desired height that allows comfortable viewing of the display.

Abstract: A three-dimensional amusement device for transforming the outer appearance of a video terminal thus enhancing its appeal and improving the state of mind of the person requiring its use, particularly when that person is a child.