Abstract: The invention is directed to improved automatic dispenser apparatus for dispensing sheet material and the like without contact between a user and the dispenser. Proximity detection apparatus is provided to detect the presence of a user in a detection zone generated outside the dispenser. Control apparatus controls actuation of the dispenser in response to the detected user. Preferred forms of the proximity detector include a sensor and a signal detection circuit operatively connected to the sensor. The sensor includes conductors configured to have a capacitance and positioned such that the capacitance is changed by the presence of a user within the detection zone. The signal detection circuit detects the change in capacitance and is provided with an oscillator having a frequency which is affected by the sensor capacitance and a differential frequency discriminator which detects changes in the oscillator frequency.

Abstract: A napkin holder comprising an upper wall, a lower wall and first and second sidewalls defining a housing having first and second opposed openings as provided. The holder also includes first and second plates disposed and moveable within the housing. The first and second plates respectively have first and second outer peripheries. The holder further includes a biasing structure disposed between the first and second plates biasing the first plate toward the first opening and the second plate toward the second opening. The biasing structure is disposed substantially within both the first and second outer peripheries. The holder also has first and second apertured doors respectively closing the first and second openings.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a web from a roll of paper includes a housing and a cover connected thereto to provide access to the housing interior. The dispenser has mechanism for supporting a paper roll and a drive roller and tension roller operatively associated therewith which urges paper from the paper roll into contact with the drive roller for dispensing a length of paper from the paper roll. Actuator mechanism operates the drive roller and extends across substantially the entire housing at the bottom thereof. A roller frame assembly is mounted within the housing and carries the tension roller and a transfer roller. The transfer roller releasably holds the free end of a first paper roll while paper from the second roll is dispensed upon actuation of the actuator to rotate the drive roller.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a web from a roll of paper includes a housing and a cover connected thereto to provide access to the housing interior. The dispenser has mechanism for supporting a paper roll and a drive roller and tension roller operatively associated therewith which urges paper from the paper roll into contact with the drive roller for dispensing a length of paper from the paper roll. Actuator mechanism operates the drive roller and extends across substantially the entire housing at the bottom thereof. A roller frame assembly is mounted within the housing and carries the tension roller and a transfer roller. The transfer roller releasably holds the free end of a first paper roll while paper from the second roll is dispensed upon actuation of the actuator to rotate the drive roller.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a web from a roll of paper includes a housing and a cover connected thereto to provide access to the housing interior. The dispenser has mechanism for supporting a paper roll and a drive roller and tension roller operatively associated therewith which urges paper from the paper roll into contact with the drive roller for dispensing a length of paper from the paper roll. Actuator mechanism operates the drive roller and extends across substantially the entire housing at the bottom thereof. A roller frame assembly is mounted within the housing and carries the tension roller and a transfer roller. The transfer roller releasably holds the free end of a first paper roll while paper from the second roll is dispensed upon actuation of the actuator to rotate the drive roller.

Abstract: A two roll paper dispenser has roll-supporting mandrels mounted on slide blocks in a cantilevered position. The mandrels are automatically movable from a position wherein the first mandrel is located at a juncture of a first path and a second path and the second mandrel is located above the first mandrel in the first path and wherein the first mandrel can be moved from the juncture along carried thereon to open the juncture when sufficient paper is consumed from its roll. A spring engages the first mandrel slide block biasing the mandrel for movement away from the juncture, and the second mandrel slide block is biased for movement along the second path toward the juncture. The mandrels each have a proximal end attached to one of the mandrel slide blocks and a distal free end for insertion thereon of a roll of paper.