Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a sheet product dispenser with automated product level tracking functionality are provided herein. Various product level sensors are disclosed herein including a product level sensor configured to emit a signal toward an outer circumference of a sheet product roll on a spindle extending along a longitudinal axis and to receive a reflected signal. The product level sensor is positioned a radial distance away from the spindle and aimed to emit the signal in a direction that is not parallel and not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The product level sensor detects a parameter of the reflected signal corresponding to the distance between the product level sensor and the sheet product roll. Other example embodiments include mechanical product level sensors. Various communication protocols may be employed to limit transmission of data to conserve battery life while still maintaining desired communication functionality.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a roll of material is disclosed. The dispenser includes a rear housing and an openable cover. The rear-housing includes a roll transfer apparatus for transferring the roll of material from a first dispensing position to a second dispensing position. The roll transfer apparatus includes a transfer arm engaged with a transfer disk and a transfer latch capable of engaging and disengaging the transfer disk to facilitate movement of the roll of material from a first dispensing position to a second dispensing position. Also disclosed are methods for replacing a roll of material in a dispenser.

Abstract: A pinch roller assembly for a sheet product dispenser includes a roller body and a plurality of clips. The roller body includes a plurality of grooves. The roller body is rotatably associated with the plurality of clips, each clip being disposed in one of the plurality of grooves.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a sheet conveyance section configured to convey a long sheet along a sheet feeding path; and an image forming section configured to form an image on the long sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance section, the sheet conveyance section including a conveyance unit that includes a first conveyance roller and a second conveyance roller for conveying the long sheet in a sandwiching manner, and is movable along a sheet conveyance direction in a state where the long sheet is conveyed through the sheet feeding path.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser is provided which utilizes an active sensing system, preferably an infra-red system, for detecting when a dispense of toweling should occur. The control for the dispenser is designed for low power use, thereby allowing the dispenser to be battery powered. The dispenser can also be powered by a solar panel, either in addition to or in place of, the batteries. Thus, the dispenser can be used in all lighting conditions. In addition, the dispenser is microprocessor controlled, thereby reducing costs and adding flexibility and functionality.

Abstract: A supporting mechanism applied to a printer is disclosed in the present invention. The supporting mechanism includes a base, a holder slidably disposed on the base for holding a web, a door pivotably disposed on the casing, and a linkage set for moving the holder relative to the base. The linkage set includes a first rod connected between the holder and the door for moving the holder relative to the base when the door rotates, an arm rod pivoted to the casing, and a second rod pivoted to the door and the arm rod for driving the arm rod to press the holder, so as to move the holder relative to the base when the door rotates.

Abstract: A towel dispenser for dispensing towel material in a loop from a stack or roll, which towel dispenser has a back part and a cover part movably connected with the back part, the cover part being provided with receiving means for receiving at least one roll or one stack of folded towel material, wherein the back part is provided with collecting means for taking up towel material dispensed from said at least one stack or one roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip of towel material for use in a towel dispenser, which strip has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and has been wound onto a roller, or has been folded along folding lines extending in the transverse direction and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, such that a stack has been obtained, wherein the strip is provided with at least one electronically readable marking.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing tissue paper. The dispenser includes a housing defining a volume for receiving both a center-feed tissue paper roll and a tissue paper stack, a first dispensing opening situated in the housing for dispensing tissue paper from a center-feed tissue paper roll, and a second dispensing opening situated in the housing for dispensing tissue paper sheets from a tissue paper stack.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing arrangement is provided to maintain moistened wipes wet. The moistened wipes are rolled around a core tube and placed inside a first housing. The first housing is then placed inside a second housing having a closing door to isolate the first housing from external environment. The unit is then hanged into a stand, a rack or a wall.

Abstract: A hands-free dispenser has a body and a cover connected to the body. A sensor element is attached to the body. The cover has an opening that enables the sensor to protrude through the cover and extend beyond a plane of the cover when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A paper roll holder and dispenser having the ability to lock the roll in a non-rotating condition to allow the tear-off of individual sheets is described. The dispenser utilizes a tear bar coupled to a locking mechanism within the roll support to frictionally prevent rotation of the roll from the interior. An alternative dispenser utilizes a container with an inclined surface for retaining a paper roll at a feed opening during use. A pivotable tear bar positioned proximate the feed opening alternately allows dispensing of the paper from the feed opening and blocks dispensing from the feed opening when a tearing motion is applied to the tear bar.

Abstract: A paper dispenser includes a casing for housing a roll of paper, the casing having a front face, with a dispensing nozzle through which the paper is dispensed, wherein the front face has a hatch for access to the inside of the casing, through which a free end of the roll can be extracted.

Abstract: A hands-free dispenser has a body and a cover connected to the body. A sensor element is attached to the body. The cover has an opening that enables the sensor to protrude through the cover and extend beyond a plane of the cover when the cover is closed.

Abstract: Toweling dispenser apparatus including a toweling support roller carrying a movable cutter blade. A switch is actuated after a user pulls on toweling to rotate the toweling support roller and transport the toweling. After some rotation of the roller has occurred, an electric switch is closed and energizes an electric motor to drive the roller and reduce the force required by the user to rotate the roller and actuate the cutter blade to sever a towel from the toweling.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for a rolled material has a sensor that detects the presence of a user in front of the dispenser. When that occurs, a motor is driven by energy stored in a battery or a capacitor and a short length of the material is dispensed from the roll. The user then grasps that short length and pulls more of the material off the roll, thereby causing the roll to rotate. Rotation of the roll drives the motor as a generator producing electrical energy that recharges the battery or capacitor.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a cover; a housing back member; a hinge coupling the housing back member and the cover such that the cover is pivotable between an open position and a closed position, the cover and the housing back member collectively forming a housing of the dispenser; a first and second mounting bracket coupled to the housing back member; and a rotatable carousel removably mounted to the first and second mounting brackets, wherein the brackets and carousel are configured such that the carousel is movable between an inner, locked position for dispensing and an outer, rotatable position for reloading.

Abstract: A holding device which holds components of an electronic device, which is able to perform multiple functions on a vending machine is described. The device safely holds the components to ensure their proper performance even under hostile conditions. In one embodiment the holder includes a support for the printer paper, a lower back cover, an upper back cover, a main body and an anti-vandal front panel. The anti-vandal front panel protects the inner components from attack from the outside. The device also provides a display and permits the issuance of printed tickets.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser is provided which utilizes an active sensing system, preferably an infra-red system, for detecting when a dispense of toweling should occur. The control for the dispenser is designed for low power use, thereby allowing the dispenser to be battery powered. The dispenser can also be powered by a solar panel, either in addition to or in place of, the batteries. Thus, the dispenser can be used in all lighting conditions. In addition, the dispenser is microprocessor controlled, thereby reducing costs and adding flexibility and functionality.

Abstract: A hands-free paper product dispenser has two separate IR emitter and sensor circuits, one to feed paper product through the dispenser and the other to cut it, each interlocked to prevent one from running while the other is in operation. The length of paper dispensed is under complete control of the user. Paper is clamped above and below the cut to assure a clean cut, clamped gently to avoid tearing by wet hands, and released completely after product is taken from the machine to avoid sticking of product to machine surfaces. Dynamic electric braking is used in the circuitry to reduce noise and impact wear on dispenser parts.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical roll towel dispenser includes a housing with a roll carrier disposed therein to rotationally support a roll of towel material. An electro-mechanical feed mechanism is disposed in the housing to dispense measured sheets of the towel material. The feed mechanism operates in a first mechanical operational mode wherein the towel sheets are dispensed by a user grasping and pulling on a tail of the towel material extending from the housing, and a second electrical operational mode wherein a measured length of a next sheet is automatically and electrically fed out of the housing to define the tail for the next user.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical roll towel dispenser includes a housing with a roll carrier disposed therein to rotationally support a roll of towel material. An electro-mechanical feed mechanism is disposed in the housing to dispense measured sheets of the towel material. The feed mechanism operates in a first mechanical operational mode wherein the towel sheets are dispensed by a user grasping and pulling on a tail of the towel material extending from the housing, and a second electrical operational mode wherein a measured length of a next sheet is automatically and electrically fed out of the housing to define the tail for the next user.

Abstract: A paper towel dispensing apparatus and an assembly for converting a cloth towel dispensing apparatus into a paper towel dispensing apparatus wherein the assembly is of the type employing a wall-mounted cabinet, a roll of toweling carried in a towel bin from which the toweling is withdrawn and directed upwardly between a first drive roller and a pinch roller, about the pinch roller and downwardly, forming a depending loop from which the toweling is directed upwardly between a second drive roller and a take-up roller and is rolled about the take-up roller. As the user dries his hands on the loop of toweling and pulls downwardly on the toweling, a limited amount of clean paper toweling is pulled from the roll and an equal amount is wrapped about the take-up roller.

Abstract: A continuous loop roll towel dispenser actuated by pulling on the loop of toweling with the hands is shown in which the next user can dispense a fresh segment of towel without contacting the used towel portion.

Abstract: A message delivery system for paper dispensers having a housing for dispensing paper, audible message delivery annunciator, switch mechanism, timer and speaker, wherein the annunciator stores and delivers at least one message when the switch is closed, the speaker provides an audible output of the message, the switch triggers when paper is dispensed and the timer controls the length of the message and supply of power.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying items to be used in garages includes a fixing device including two supporting elements and at least two associated suspending elements. The supporting elements include front supporting surfaces, and they are designed and arranged to approximately extend in a vertical direction and to define a vertical plane. The suspending elements have a hook-like design, they are connected to the supporting elements, and they are designed and arranged to freely protrude in a direction approximately perpendicular with respect to the vertical plane. The suspending elements are arranged to be spaced apart and to be aligned in a horizontal direction with respect to one another. At least one box is designed to transport and dispense the items. The items are located in the box in a protected and detachable way as a roll of a plurality of interconnected identical items. The box includes a rear supporting wall and two openings. The rear supporting wall is approximately flat.

Abstract: This loading device is distinctive in that it comprises a flap (5) to protect drum (2) that is mounted so that its angular swivelling on end shields (1c) of the housing is limited so that it is moved away from the drum when cover (8) of the machine is opened in order to make it easier to place the material in front of pressure roller (4) and drum (2) and is automatically moved towards the drum when the cover is closed, said flap being internally designed with a protuberance (5c) capable of inserting and securing the material between the pressure roller and the drum; the machine is put into service, i.e. with a strip of material emerging from underneath the machine, by rotating the drum by using an operating knob (9) linked to the drum or an indexed wheel (10) connected to the drum by a transmission system (11).

Abstract: A pizza delivery system and method is provided for insuring a pizza box has not been opened prior to delivery to the consumer. The pizza delivery system includes a tape dispenser for dispensing numbered pieces of tape used to seal a box in which fresh pizza has been placed for delivery to a consumer. The pizza delivery method generally provides for sealing the pizza box with a piece of numbered tape, reporting the number on the piece of tape to the consumer at the time the order is placed, and permitting the consumer to refuse the pizza if the piece of tape has been broken or removed prior to delivery of the pizza thus insuring the pizza has not been tampered with during delivery of the pizza.

Abstract: This loading device is distinctive in that it comprises a flap (5) to protect drum (2) that is mounted so that its angular swivelling on end shields (1c) of the housing is limited so that it is moved away from the drum when cover (8) of the machine is opened in order to make it easier to place the material in front of pressure roller (4) and drum (2) and is automatically moved towards the drum when the cover is closed, said flap being internally designed with a protuberance (5c) capable of inserting and securing the material between the pressure roller and the drum; the machine is put into service, i.e. with a strip of material emerging from underneath the machine, by rotating the drum by using an operating knob (9) linked to the drum or an indexed wheel (10) connected to the drum by a transmission system (11).

Abstract: A tissue roll dispenser apparatus is provided for attachment to a tissue roll holder which includes a first spindle end receiver and a second spindle end receiver. The tissue roll dispenser apparatus includes a plurality of tissue rolls to be used in succession. The tissue roll dispenser apparatus includes a first support plug assembly for engagement with the first spindle end receiver and for receiving a first spindle end of a roll spindle. A second support plug assembly engages with the second spindle end receiver and receives a second spindle end of the roll spindle. A first housing extension is connected to the first support plug assembly, and a second housing extension is connected to the second support plug assembly. A tissue roll retention housing, which includes a first housing wall, is connected to the first housing extension. A second housing wall is connected to the second housing extension, and a housing floor extends between the first housing wall and the second housing wall.

Abstract: A towel dispenser comprising an electronic power system, which includes an array of one or more photovoltaic cells for energizing a control circuitry which, in turn, controls operation of the dispenser. The control circuitry is responsive to a sensing device, comprised of a motion detector, which senses rapid changes in light, which in turn, activates the dispensing of a length of paper towels when an object, such as a user's hand, is moved in front of the sensing device.

Abstract: A towel dispenser is provided with a pivoting unit into which a winding roller driven by way of a friction drive is mounted in an easily suspensible manner. An additional loop, which is tightened by a compensator roller in a direction +p, is formed in the dispenser in front of the winding roller, and when clean towel is pulled down a portion of used towel (T′) is used to form the rear part of a loop of cloth (T; T′) used in the front part. Changing used cloth (T′) and loading with clean towel (T) is performed by rotating the pivoting unit, can be carried out in a very simple manner and is completed by opening or closing the cover of the dispenser. A path- and time-dependent control of the towel delivery is integrated in the dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing cored or coreless rolled paper is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having a dispensing side from which rolled paper products may be dispensed. A doorway enclosed by one or more doors allows the insertion of a rolled paper product through the doorway to the interior of the housing in a simple and efficient manner. One or more roller guides may be mounted on a door to contact the outer circumferential surface of the rolled paper to support the rolled paper within the housing, and to assist in dispensing the rolled paper from the housing. Cored or coreless rolled paper may be dispensed from the dispenser.