Abstract: A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that can be operated in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The dispenser includes a drum having a retractable knife that extends out of the drum when the drum rotates past a selected position and severs a towel segment from a towel sheet. The dispenser also includes a motor, a manual advance assembly, and a one-way rotational coupling that couples the motor to the drum such that the motor rotates the drum in the automatic dispensing mode and a user can rotate the drum in the manual dispensing mode separately from the motor, using the manual advance assembly.

Abstract: A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that is operable in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The paper towel dispenser comprises: a rotatable drum that advances a paper towel sheet applied on the drum when the drum rotates; a one-way rotational coupling; a motor coupled to the drum by the one-way rotational coupling and automatically operable to rotate the drum; and a manual advance assembly coupled to the drum and manually operable by a user to rotate the drum. The one-way rotational coupling couples the motor to the drum such that the motor drives the drum in a first direction and does not drive the drum when the manual advance assembly is operated to rotate the drum in the first direction.

Abstract: A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that can be operated in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The dispenser includes a drum having a retractable knife that extends out of the drum when the drum rotates past a selected position and severs a towel segment from a towel sheet. The dispenser also includes a motor, a manual advance assembly, and a one-way rotational coupling that couples the motor to the drum such that the motor rotates the drum in the automatic dispensing mode and a user can rotate the drum in the manual dispensing mode separately from the motor, using the manual advance assembly.

Abstract: A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that can be operated in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The dispenser includes a drum having a retractable knife that extends out of the drum when the drum rotates past a selected position and severs a towel segment from a towel sheet. The dispenser also includes a motor, a manual advance assembly, and a one-way rotational coupling that couples the motor to the drum such that the motor rotates the drum in the automatic dispensing mode and a user can rotate the drum in the manual dispensing mode separately from the motor, using the manual advance assembly.

Abstract: A center pull towel mechanism having an adjustable iris system where a locking system is configured to enclose the surfaces defining the towel iris. In one form the adjustable iris system automatically adjusts the cross-sectional opening with an adjustable member positioned in the transverse rearward portion with respect to the towlette members interposed therein.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dispenser which in one form is a motorized electric dispenser, designed to be a low-cost device having a reduced footprint. The dispenser electromechanically dispenses a pre-determined length sheet of material to the user, without the requirement of a touchless sensor, or the user needing to directly touch any part of the dispenser while the hygienic portion is functioning properly. In the event that the hygienic portion is not functioning properly, a manual advance assembly may also be utilized. One objective of the device in one form is to provide a variably determined sheet of material to the user in accordance with industry standards, without the use of the standard “touchless” sensors. In another form, the entire roll of material remains sanitary and enclosed within the dispenser until it is dispensed. In one form, there is no “tail” projecting from the dispenser that may be a source of cross-contamination.

Abstract: A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that is operable in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The paper towel dispenser comprises: a rotatable drum that advances a paper towel sheet applied on the drum when the drum rotates; a one-way rotational coupling; a motor coupled to the drum by the one-way rotational coupling and automatically operable to rotate the drum; and a manual advance assembly coupled to the drum and manually operable by a user to rotate the drum. The one-way rotational coupling couples the motor to the drum such that the motor drives the drum in a first direction and does not drive the drum when the manual advance assembly is operated to rotate the drum in the first direction.

Abstract: A center pull towel mechanism having an adjustable iris system where a locking system is configured to enclose the surfaces defining the towel iris. In one form the adjustable iris system automatically adjusts the cross-sectional opening with an adjustable member positioned in the transverse rearward portion with respect to the towlette members interposed therein.

Abstract: A hand-free paper dispensing device is provided that is particularly suitable for the away-from-home market. The dispensing device comprises a rotatable drum having a transversely-extending rolling surface for receiving a paper sheet thereon and a retractable knife configured to extend out of the drum at a first rotational position. The dispensing device also comprises a paper guide for guiding the paper sheet onto the rolling surface; the paper guide has a plurality of transversely-spaced ribs having a radial spacing from the rolling surface at the first rotational position that is less than the radial distance of the knife when extended at the first rotational position. Such an arrangement ensures that a paper towel segment is cut at each revolution of the drum, thereby reducing the incidence of paper double-sheeting.

Abstract: A spacer assembly is used in forming a mortarless wall of glass blocks and comprises a spacer and a spacer connector. A wall of glass blocks can be formed solely from the spacer and the spacer connector. The spacer has a body that can comprises channels that are filled with a mortarless adhesive, such as silicone, that operate to bond the spacer to a glass block. The spacer body can also have wings that provide structural stability for the glass blocks. Recesses in the spacer body serve to engage serrated or non-serrated tabs from the spacer connectors. The spacers can used in both the horizontal and vertical courses of a glass wall.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser is provided that is operable in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The dispenser comprises a housing for containing a toilet paper roll; a drive roller engagable with the roll; a motor; and a one-way coupling that couples the motor to the drive roller in a first direction to automatically dispense paper from the dispenser and decouples same in an opposite second direction, thereby enabling toilet paper to be manually dispensed in the first direction.

Abstract: A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that is operable in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The dispenser comprises a rotatable drum having a retractable knife that extends out of the drum when the drum rotates past a selected position and severs a towel segment from a towel sheet that engages the cutting drum; a motor; a one-way bearing coupling the motor to the drum such that the motor rotates the drum in the automatic dispensing mode and a user can rotate the drum in the manual dispensing mode separately from the motor. The dispenser can additionally have a manual advance assembly with a lever rotationally coupled to the cutting drum and operable by the user to rotate the drum in the manual dispensing mode.

Abstract: A hand-free paper dispensing device is provided that is particularly suitable for the away-from-home market. The dispensing device comprises a rotatable drum having a transversely-extending rolling surface for receiving a paper sheet thereon and a retractable knife configured to extend out of the drum at a first rotational position. The dispensing device also comprises a paper guide for guiding the paper sheet onto the rolling surface; the paper guide has a plurality of transversely-spaced ribs having a radial spacing from the rolling surface at the first rotational position that is less than the radial distance of the knife when extended at the first rotational position. Such an arrangement ensures that a paper towel segment is cut at each revolution of the drum, thereby reducing the incidence of paper double-sheeting.

Abstract: A core replacement system for a dispenser of rolled sheet material, having a core for supporting said rolled sheet material and a part insertable in the core, wherein the core is complementary to and engagable with the part such that it rotates with the core. The core is preferably made of extruded plastic, although injection molded plastic, metal or would also work. The core replacement system enables manufacturers to control which types or brands of paper are used with specified dispensers.