Abstract: Item images and item information for an item identified as being associated with a potential theft during a transaction at a transaction terminal are sent in real time to an alert controller of a management terminal. The item images and item information with transaction details are presented on a display for resolution by a clerk operating the management terminal. A timer is also set and a confidence score calculated representing a confidence level that the item is the subject of theft. When the timer expires and there is still no resolution provided by the clerk a decision is made as to whether to interrupt the transaction processing on the transaction terminal for assistance or whether to permit the transaction to complete on the transaction terminal based on the calculated confidence score.

Abstract: A child's shoe sizing kit, system, and method are disclosed. The kit includes a variety of shoe sizers, or cut out templates of a foot sized in a variety of sizes. The kit includes whole and half sizes shoe sizers for: Infant, Baby Walker, Toddler, Little Kid, and Big Kid. The kit would have the size on each sizer also marked with Left and Right. Each kit of sizers would come in a small clear carrying bag with handle for easy transport to stores. The child steps down on the sizers to determine which size the child's foot is. Select the sizer which fits the size and shape of the child's foot. Take the correct sizer that matches the child's foot and place it inside of a shoe. Place your hand in the shoe to feel where the sizer ends compared to where the shoe ends.

Abstract: A device for dispensing and locking carts disposed in a stack, comprising: a dual-lever mechanism, comprising: a locking lever which is blocking movement of a first cart of a plurality of carts disposed in a stack when in open position; a base adjacent to said locking lever which is movable forward and backward with respect to the stack; and a dispensing lever mounted on the base which is blocking movement of a second cart of the plurality of carts when in open position; and a drive belt driving the plurality of carts in parallel to movement of said base by moving forward and backward in coordination with the base.

Abstract: A mobile application (“app”) enabling a shopper to identify an item or items that the user wishes to locate or purchase. The device displays a list of stores which stock the item(s), and a user is then provided with in-store guidance enabling the shopper to find the item or items that the user wishes to locate or purchase. A user can identify an item or items by scanning a product bar code, scanning a product label; capturing an image of a product, or typing a product name in a search field. The method further includes identifying stores that stock the item. Items can be added to an accumulative shopping list, and items may be ordered online if not available nearby. The system provides basic navigation to store(s) carrying the item(s). Once at a store, an interior route to a product is portrayed through an overhead view map of a store layout. Once near a product, a user may be shown a virtual display of a shelf with the vertical or height placement of the product on the nearby shelf.

Abstract: Support method for the management of beverages bars in points of sale connected to a data manager, including identifying a display container associated with a beverage preparation machine through a data tag placed in the display container; determining preparation of a recipe of a beverages through a first data control and acquisition module coupled to the beverage preparation machine, according to information associated with the data tag of the display container; counting time elapsed from start of the preparation of the beverage recipe; emitting an alarm from a second data control and acquisition module coupled to the display container to a message center, the alarm including messages for a need for a new preparation of the beverage recipe if content of the display container has expired depending on the time elapsed or is empty due to consumption of the beverage; and sending a notification to a mobile device if the messages have not been attended to in a given period of time.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a commercial transaction is presented. An article of manufacture has a time cell that is read by an electronic apparatus. In response to a determination of a state of the time cell by the electronic apparatus, usage of the article of manufacture in a commercial transaction is enabled or denied based on the determined state of the time cell. The expiration period of a time cell controls the time period during which the commercial transaction is enabled or is denied to be performed; an unexpired time cell may both enable or deny performance of a commercial transaction, and an expired time cell may also both enable or deny performance of a commercial transaction. The time cell may be used to restrict the usage period of a coupon, a promotional offer, a pre-paid service, or some other commercial transaction that involves an article of manufacture.

Abstract: A method of handling and removing batteries from a telecommunications site includes identifying one or more batteries for removal, each of the one or more batteries having a hazardous condition associated therewith; individually wrapping each of the one or more batteries and placing each wrapped battery in a container or in a location in a container; tracking the container or the location in the container to the associated wrapped battery; removing the container from the telecommunications site to a storage facility; storing the container in the storage facility separate from other batteries; provide the container to a recycling facility; and verifying proper disposal of the one or more batteries based on the tracking from the telecommunications site to the storage facility and to the recycling facility.

Abstract: A stationary wheelchair storage apparatus includes a floor mounted enclosure, an entrance, at least one guard rail, and a wheelchair stopper. The floor mounted enclosure includes a base floor, a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall are perpendicularly mounted onto the base floor. The third wall is terminally positioned to the first wall and the second wall. The third wall is perpendicularly connected to the first wall and the second wall thus defining a specific storage area for wheelchairs. The entrance is delineated by the first wall and the second wall and provides an opening to enter the floor mounted enclosure. The at least one guard rail internally connected to the floor mounted enclosure to eliminate damages from the wheelchairs. The wheelchair stopper is integrated into the enclosure to secure the wheelchairs within.

Abstract: A process for shipping absorbent products having a substantially airfelt free absorbent core, on pallets, is provided. The loaded pallet comprises a plurality of packages, each having a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior space of the package, wherein the plurality of packages are arranged on the pallet such that the plurality of packages on the pallet exhibit a density of from about 11.0 lbs/ft3 to about 14.6 lbs/ft3.

Abstract: A handcart includes a cart frame having a receiving portion on which a shopping basket is placeable and a handle portion, a caster disposed at a bottom region of the cart frame, a display mounting arm adjacent to the handle portion and extending upward from the cart frame, and a display device attached to an upper end of the display mounting arm. The display mounting arm is movable to position the display device at a location that is shifted to a left or a right side with respect to a center of the cart frame in a width direction thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes a Support System and Method for the Management of Beverages Bars in Points of Sale composed of a data manager, a message center, data control and acquisition modules, mobile device, fixed device, a database, that continually register the activity in the beverage preparation machines and beverages display containers to determine when they require attention informing, through the message center, the personnel that operate the points of sale of pending tasks to perform in order to have the displayed beverages fresh and prepared on time, reporting to the supervisor through mobile and/or fixed devices when said tasks haven't been attended to and when they were finally performed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a promotion or incentive. The systems and methods may include detecting, by a computing device comprising a processor, that a consumer has evaluated a product. The product located at a retail store. The systems and methods may also include providing, by the computing device, an incentive to the consumer to purchase the product based on an amount of time the consumer has evaluated the product within the store.

Abstract: An electronic periodical advertisement including a number of time dependent offers is generated, e.g., using a computing device. The offers are organized into a number of modules. A default set of the modules is presented to a user. The default set of modules is edited to generate a user-defined set of modules. A user-defined electronic periodical advertisement including the user-defined set of modules is presented to the user.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to monitor point of sale terminals and provide information to customers, via a lighting system. In some embodiments, information is provided, via visible light, to consumers and, via invisible light, to the management of a retail shopping facility. For example, a notification system for monitoring point of sale terminals in a retail shopping facility may include one or more visible light emitting status lights, at least one non-visible light emitting status light at each of the point of sale terminals, one or more optical sensors configured to detect the non-visible wavelength and an intensity associated with the non-visible wavelength emitted from the at least one non-visible light emitting status light; and a control circuit.

Abstract: A device for reducing rotation of an article during singulation of a stack of articles is disclosed. The device may include a torsion element, a rotatable member configured to rotate about an elongated axis of the torsion element between a first position and a second position, and a revolving member coupled to the rotatable member. An outer surface of the revolving member contacts a drive belt in the first position and an article in the second position. The torsion element exerts torque on the rotatable member when it moves from the first position towards the second position. The torque causes the outer surface of the revolving member to apply a frictional force to the article, thereby minimizing rotation of the article. Systems and methods of singulating articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a code reader, an information processing apparatus configured to receive codes read by the code reader, and a first printer in communication with the information processing apparatus. Upon receiving a first code which indicates printing information and a second code which indicates a target printer, the information processing apparatus selects the target printer indicated by the second code, and transmits the printing information indicated by the first code to the target printer. The first printer receives from the information processing apparatus the printing information and prints the printing information, when the first printer is indicated by the second code as the target printer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to monitor point of sale terminals and provide information to customers, via a lighting system. In some embodiments, information is provided, via visible light, to consumers and, via invisible light, to the management of a retail shopping facility. For example, a notification system for monitoring point of sale terminals in a retail shopping facility may include one or more visible light emitting status lights, at least one non-visible light emitting status light at each of the point of sale terminals, one or more optical sensors configured to detect the non-visible wavelength and an intensity associated with the non-visible wavelength emitted from the at least one non-visible light emitting status light; and a control circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for using a discount display system are provided in which a plurality of purchase option screens are displayed to a user. For each discount-eligible item identifier selected by the user, the price of the item is added to the user's total, the current discount available to the user is recalculated and the updated discount is displayed to the user.

Abstract: A mount for a mobile telecommunications terminal device includes a receptacle for the mobile telecommunications terminal device, a first interface for transmitting data from the mobile telecommunications terminal device to the mount, a second interface for transmitting data from the mount to a point-of-sale or cash register system and a first fastening device for detachably fastening the mount to a shopping cart. A payment system, a mobile telecommunications terminal device, a scanner wall and software for locking and/or unlocking the mount are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually querying an aircraft. A model is identified for the aircraft. Sections of the aircraft are displayed in a graphical user interface on a display device. The sections correspond to sections as manufactured for assembly of the aircraft. The sections are selectable.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and software are disclosed for reading RFID tags located in defined spatial locations. In one illustrative embodiment, a system can comprise a processor, a memory, and an RFID reading device including at least one radio frequency (RF) antenna. The system can be configured to read a first plurality of RFID tags attached to items disposed within a first spatial zone and read a second plurality of RFID tags attached to items disposed within a second spatial zone. The system can be further configured to produce a list of identifiers of RFID tags which belong to the second plurality of RFID tags and do not belong to the first plurality of RFID tags. In some embodiments, the system can be further configured, responsive to successfully decoding decodable indicia attached to an item, to match the item to an RFID tag belonging to the list.

Abstract: A storage and serving cart includes a cabinet assembly having an internal storage cavity where a plurality of wheels are coupled to a lower portion thereof. A tabletop with an opening therethrough is coupled to an upper surface of the cabinet assembly. A tabletop insert being a laminate structure having first and second sides each of a different material is reversibly positionable within the opening to have either the first or second side facing upwardly from the tabletop.

Abstract: One maintains a first historical record that correlates each of a plurality of items that each have a unique identifier with one of a plurality of locations with a facility. Upon then determining that a given one of those items is leaving the facility (for example, by detecting that the item is literally exiting a building that comprises the facility and/or that the item is being purchased), that item's unique identifier and that first historical record are used to update a second historical record with respect to which locations within the facility are moving which items. By one approach the aforementioned unique identifier can comprise an electronic product code as comprises a part of a corresponding RFID tag.

Abstract: A mobile showroom and method of using a showroom to transport and display merchandise in an environment that nearly replicates that of the environment in which the merchandise will be used, and also allow the merchandise to be placed in the environment in which the merchandise will be used.

Abstract: A secure repair kiosk system is provided for receiving items/devices for repair. The secure repair kiosk system includes a kiosk that receives items for repair. The kiosk includes multiple holding slots that each contains a transfer box used as a secure and traceable means for transferring devices to and from a remote repair site. A customer interacts with a user interface of the Kiosk to generate repair drop-off request and gain access to an empty transfer box. An empty particular transfer box is presented to a user during drop-off of the device that will typically accompany the device during transfer to the repair site, during repair of the device, during transfer back to the Kiosk, and delivery to the user. The customer interacts with the user interface of the Kiosk to generate repair pick-off request and gain access to a transfer box that contains that customers repaired device.

Abstract: A shelving layout concept which allows selective configuration and reconfiguration of the orientation of certain shelving systems within the central portion of a store to create a PrimeZone area including an assembly of End Caps, Center Caps, Power Sets, Corner Boards, Hot Spots and Banner Boards, the combination of which provides a solution for enabling retailers to re-invigorate their Center Store, increase their vendor promotional revenue, and increase their in-store sales due to more favorable consumer response to greater promotional activity and the continuing change of product venues in key areas of the store layout. The concept also includes novel hardware which enables the reconfiguration of the shelving layout to accommodate vendors' desire to change display schemes.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the identification of portable consumer articles at a point of purchase display, the method including the steps of: providing a plurality of portable consumer articles each with tactilely sensible information thereon that identifies at least one of: a) a general nature of the article and/or its contents; and b) a provider of the article; and displaying the plurality of articles at the point of purchase display in a manner that allows potential consumers to lift and handle each of the plurality of articles so as to thereby readily determine through tactile sensing of the information at least one of: a) the general nature of the handled article and/or its contents; and b) the provider of the handled article.

Abstract: Carrier car door assemblies respectively comprising a carrier car comprising a body, a door, a drive mechanism, a driven mechanism, and a magnetic release mechanism are disclosed herein. The carrier car travels along a track system between teller and customer stations to transport materials there-between. The door is connected to the body and movable between a door-closed position and a door-open position. The drive mechanism is connected to the body and to the driven mechanism so that the drive and driven mechanisms synchronously move between respective door-closed positions and door-open positions. The magnetic release mechanism is connected to the driven mechanism and moves from a magnetically coupled state to a magnetically de-coupled state when a user manually moves the door from the door-open position to the door-closed position. The magnetic release mechanism in the magnetically coupled state synchronously moves with the driven mechanism between door-closed and door-open positions.

Abstract: A shelving layout concept which allows selective configuration and reconfiguration of the orientation of certain shelving systems within the central portion of a store to create a PrimeZone area including an assembly of End Caps, Center Caps, Power Sets, Corner Boards, Hot Spots and Banner Boards, the combination of which provides a solution for enabling retailers to re-invigorate their Center Store, increase their vendor promotional revenue, and increase their in-store sales due to more favorable consumer response to greater promotional activity and the continuing change of product venues in key areas of the store layout. The concept also includes novel hardware which enables the reconfiguration of the shelving layout to accommodate vendors' desire to change display schemes.

Abstract: A restaurant comprising a virtual reality environment simulating travel by a mode of transportation, such as a train or a boat, to allow individuals seating in the restaurant to have the impression of travelling while enjoying their meals. The restaurant comprises a dining room having side walls, each side wall having a series of windows. Screens are placed on opposed facing sides of the dining room at a distance behind the side walls. A set of projectors is provided for projecting a seamless flow of continuous passing by images of a landscape on the screens. A display control unit synchronizes the projection of the passing by images on the screens in order to create an illusion of travel through the landscape when viewed through the windows in the side walls.

Abstract: An array of tissue products, and a method for providing a consumer with a desired tissue product, the array having a first group comprising: a first tissue product; a first package comprising an indicium representing the intensive property for strength or absorbency; a second group comprising: a second tissue product; a second package comprising an indicium representing an intensive property for softness; a third group comprising: a third tissue product; a third package comprising an indicium representing an intensive property; wherein each package has the same source identifier; and wherein the Softness PSU of the second tissue product is greater than the Softness PSU of the first tissue product and of the third tissue product.

Abstract: A kiosk which is configurable to accept a plurality of different types of connections corresponding to a plurality of different types of customer media. In one example, the kiosk includes a mount; a computer in a first position on the mount including a touchscreen, a card reader, and a processor; a storage medium coupled to the processor containing content; and a content transfer device coupled to the processor. The content transfer device is configurable to include at least one connection of a plurality of different types of connections corresponding to a plurality of different types of customer media. The kiosk further includes a panel in a second position on the mount adjacent to the computer including at least one connection mounting location, and the at least one connection is removably mounted to the panel at the connection mounting location.

Abstract: Cart securing structures are provided for securing shopping carts. In one embodiment, the structures include a body having a pair of spaced stops with an intermediate trough. In use, the wheels of the cart are rolled along an upwardly extending face of one of the stops, over the stop and into the trough between the stops. In one embodiment, advertising is located on the surfaces of one or more of the stops. In one embodiment, an electronic display is located on one of the faces of the structure and a control system is provided for presenting advertising and other information using the display.

Abstract: A kiosk which is configurable to accept a plurality of different types of connections corresponding to a plurality of different types of customer media. In one example, the kiosk includes a mount; a computer in a first position on the mount including a touchscreen, a card reader, and a processor; a storage medium coupled to the processor containing content; and a content transfer device coupled to the processor. The content transfer device is configurable to include at least one connection of a plurality of different types of connections corresponding to a plurality of different types of customer media. The kiosk further includes a panel in a second position on the mount adjacent to the computer including at least one connection mounting location, and the at least one connection is removably mounted to the panel at the connection mounting location.

Abstract: A building construction includes an exterior structure, a secondary floor, and an access structure. The exterior structure includes at least four exterior walls, a primary floor and a roof defining a primary storage space wherein merchandise is stored and displayed. The secondary floor defines a secondary storage and display space within the primary storage space. The secondary floor is spaced above the primary floor a distance sufficient for the display of merchandise between the secondary and primary floors. The secondary floor is also exposed within the primary interior storage space. The access structure provides access between the primary floor and the secondary storage and display space. An excess number of merchandise items stored on the primary floor are stored in the secondary storage space and accessible via the access structure.

Abstract: Dumping stations for receiving articles and discharging the articles into a collection area are disclosed. Each dumping station includes a bin having pick and dump modes. In the pick mode, articles placed in the bin are retained, while in the dump mode, articles are deposited onto a central conveyor. The bin is biased, via gravity, toward the dump mode. A releasable latch is provided for retaining the bin in the pick mode. A processor is operably coupled to the latch and provides a release signal, whereby the latch releases the bin, thereby allowing the bin to switch to the dump mode. The bin may further include a status indicator for assisting a stock worker in identifying the bin in which to place articles.

Abstract: Cart securing structures are provided for securing shopping carts. In one embodiment, the structures include a body having a pair of spaced stops with an intermediate trough. In use, the wheels of the cart are rolled along an upwardly extending face of one of the stops, over the stop and into the trough between the stops. In one embodiment, advertising is located on the surfaces of one or more of the stops. In one embodiment, an electronic display is located on one of the faces of the structure and a control system is provided for presenting advertising and other information using the display.

Abstract: A method and a central-belt machine are provided for filling an order container. The central-belt machine includes two central belt provided with articles along a virtual window of an order, and the articles being discharged to the order container at a filling point at the front longitudinal end (V) of the central belt. The two central belts (1, 2) of the central-belt machine, are arranged vertically one above the other, to fill the order container (3), for an order, by at least one interposed vertical conveyor (4) at a single filling point (P) of the lower central belt (2).

Abstract: A building construction includes an exterior structure, a secondary floor, and an access structure. The exterior structure includes at least four exterior walls, a primary floor and a roof defining a primary storage space wherein merchandise is stored and displayed. The secondary floor defines a secondary storage and display space within the primary storage space. The secondary floor is spaced above the primary floor a distance sufficient for the display of merchandise between the secondary and primary floors. The secondary floor is also exposed within the primary interior storage space. The access structure provides access between the primary floor and the secondary storage and display space. An excess number of merchandise items stored on the primary floor are stored in the secondary storage space and accessible via the access structure.

Abstract: A checkout system for handling sales or payment transactions with a computer module for electronically processing payment-related data, with at least one peripheral module which is connected electrically and mechanically to the computer module, wherein a housing wall of at least one peripheral device adjoins a housing wall of the computer module such that the mutually facing housing walls of said computer module and said peripheral module are arranged parallel, characterized in that the peripheral module (3) is in electrical contact with the computer module (2) and/or with a further peripheral module (4) by means of an electrical plug device (23, 28), wherein the electrical plug device (23, 28) has at least corresponding plug/connection elements (24, 29) which are respectively arranged on the mutually facing housing walls (14, 15) of the adjacent modules (2, 3, 4), and wherein the peripheral module (3) can be mechanically locked to the computer module (2) and/or to at least the further peripheral module (4) b

Abstract: A product display includes at least one shelf and a plurality of product displays. The at least one shelf is configured to receive a stack of product packages thereon. The product displays are pivotally mounted, at spaced intervals, along the at least one shelf. In a first position, each product display supports a product generally in front of the stack of product packages on the at least one shelf, and in a second position, each product display is pivotally moved away from a front of the stack of product packages to enable direct access to the stack of product packages.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the identification of portable consumer articles at a point of purchase display, the method including the steps of: providing a plurality of portable consumer articles each with tactilely sensible information thereon that identifies at least one of: a) a general nature of the article and/or its contents; and b) a provider of the article; and displaying the plurality of articles at the point of purchase display in a manner that allows potential consumers to lift and handle each of the plurality of articles so as to thereby readily determine through tactile sensing of the information at least one of: a) the general nature of the handled article and/or its contents; and b) the provider of the handled article.

Abstract: To identify and make productive use of remnant floor space created by primary merchandise, one or more floor space remnants are identified in a floor plan of a retailer that comprises merchandise of a given product category (primary merchandise). A floor space remnant is an unused portion of floor space within a merchandising footprint of the primary merchandise. Once a floor space remnant has been identified, complementary merchandise that is associated with the primary merchandise is identified. A merchandising solution is designed to display the identified complementary merchandise in the identified floor space remnant. The merchandising solution is placed in the previously unused floor space remnant to display the complementary merchandise and make productive use of the floor space remnant.

Abstract: A method for staging product inventory includes the steps of placing an inventory staging structure adjacent a retail store, marketing advertising space on the structure and staging inventory in the structure.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus system and method for dispensing predetermined objects is disclosed. More particularly, the invention is an automatic bottled water dispensing apparatus system and method having a housing which houses various sizes of bottled water and a conveyor system for transporting the bottled water to a dispensing member for a customer. The dispensing apparatus system also includes a return machine for returning empty bottles, a plurality of selection members, a payment member and an inventory monitoring member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the sale of greeting cards and related merchandise. More specifically to a novel retail store concept designed to create a personal, experience-based shopping experience for consumers. This concept is effectuated by physical aspects such as a moveable wall system, unique storefront, and specially designed fixtures and furniture. The concept is also effectuated by having several themed zones and intermingling cards and gift merchandise throughout the store. Every aspect of the store, from the store layout and design to the merchandise assortment is carefully chosen to create an experience-based shopping environment.

Abstract: A display has a shape similar to at least a base of an upright vacuum cleaner. The display comprises a base configured to rest on a support surface, a curved section extending upward from the base, and a mounting area on or extending above the curved section. The mounting area is configured to have a product mounted thereon. Alternatively, a generally vertical column extends, upward from the base and a mounting/information area is mounted on or integral with the generally vertical column. The mounting/information area is configured to have a product mounted thereon.

Abstract: A plurality of lighting fixtures with interchangeable sensors and transmitters are displayed for sale to the consuming public such that a customer of such a display may easily choose a specific lighting fixture and combine it with a specific sensor and/or transmitter enabling the customer to buy a lighting fixture meeting a customer's aesthetic and functional requirements.

Abstract: A system and method for merchandising a product or service. The system comprises a first perceived-as-three-dimensional image. The image comprises a directional preference and an indicia associated with the product or service. The system also comprises a display element associated with the product or service disposed at a first position upon a displaying element. The directional preference of the first perceived-as-three dimensional image relates to the location of the display element upon the displaying element.

Abstract: A self-checkout system 1 includes a console 2 for interacting with a user, in the form of consumer 3. This consumer 3 is located within a spatially defined control zone 4 during such interaction. An interface 5 is responsive to console 2 for receiving a first signal 6 indicative of an audible representation 7. A processor 8 is responsive to the signal 6 for selectively defining a second signal, in the form of ultrasonic transmission 9. An output, in the form of an ultrasonic transducer 10, is responsive to processor 8 for propagating transmission 9 to provide only in the control zone 4 audible representation 7. Representation 7 is substantially inaudible outside of zone 4.