Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll.

Abstract: A paper towel dispenser which provides for hands free, automatic feeding of the first sheet of a primary web roll, such as a paper towel roll, into a feed mechanism when its cover is closed. The dispenser also automatically transfers its web feed supply from a primary roll to a reserve roll upon the exhaustion of the primary roll. The present invention eliminates the need for an attendant to thread the leading edge of a primary or reserve roll into the feed mechanism of the dispenser. The dispenser also eliminates wasted paper because it does not begin to feed the reserve roll until the primary roll has expired. The dispenser can include either a manual feed mechanism or a powered feed mechanism. The dispenser relies on a sensor for determining when a portion of the web is absent from a side of the feed mechanism proximate a web discharge opening.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll.

Abstract: A “soleus pump” (foot pump) applies an oscillatory movement to the sole of the foot so as to exercise the calf muscle and thereby prevent development of deep venous thrombosis. In one embodiment, the apparatus is placed under the lower leg of the patient, holding the leg in an optimal position without the necessity of strapping the apparatus to the patient or to the bed or table. The foot motion is applied through a foot pedal incorporating a safety feature which keeps the apparatus from jamming the patient's foot. In another operating mode, the motor drive may be withdrawn, so that the patient may drive the plate by voluntarily flexing the leg muscles, as a form of exercise. In another embodiment, two monopedal embodiments may be joined together to create a bipedal version of the invention, permitting both legs to be exercised at the same time. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted for use by a patient sitting upright, for example, in a chair or airline seat.

Abstract: A foot mobility device includes a body, two pedals rotatable about an axis in opposition to each other and relative to the body, and a motor drive assembly. The feet of a user are placed on the pedals, and the motor drive assembly is powered to move the pedals even while the user is completely passive; i.e., without any active participation by the user. Moreover, the sensation received by the use, rather than being one of typical “exercise”, is massage-like and therapeutic, all while providing the same benefit of increased blood circulation due to contraction and relaxation of the calf muscle. The device may also be used in an active mode, pedaled by the user. Moreover, the foot mobility device may be moved between an open configuration adapted for use of the device and a collapsed configuration having a low profile and adapted for storage and portability.

Abstract: A battery operated miniature toy locomotive for use in a toy railway system is claimed. The toy railway system comprises a toy railway track configuration made up of a plurality of wooden toy railway track segments. Each wooden track segment has a pair of uniformly spaced depressions extending from a first connecting end to a second connecting end of each wooden track segment. The toy locomotive has a first pair of wheels positioned at a proximal end of the toy locomotive and a second pair of wheels positioned at a distal end of the toy locomotive. The first and second pairs of wheels are adapted for placement within the depressions formed on each wooden track segment. The toy locomotive further comprises a locomotive housing which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a motor for providing energy to the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels.

Abstract: A toy vehicle set accessory is claimed. The toy vehicle set accessory comprises a dumper station for removing a toy log from a toy vehicle. A saw mill is positioned substantially adjacent the dumper station. The saw mill receives a toy log from the dumper station and separates the toy log into two distinct pieces.