Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a sheet product feed mechanism coupled to a DC stepper motor, the mechanism moving a sheet product out of the dispenser during a dispense cycle; and a control unit controlling the DC stepper motor to move the sheet product with a gradually increasing acceleration during a portion of the dispense cycle.

Abstract: An interchangeable access device for a dispenser is provided. The interchangeable access devices include a push-button device and a keyed-device. Each of the access devices includes a retaining feature that allows the access device to be removably coupled to a dispenser cover. The access devices cooperate with a latch member to disengage the latch member from a catch coupled to a back-housing. The access devices may be removed and interchanged by a dispenser operator to reflect changes in the application environment.

Abstract: A large capacity napkin dispenser for in counter mounting includes: (a) an elongate housing having a generally rectangular cross-section for receiving a stack of napkins; (b) a faceplate with a dispensing aperture, the faceplate being hinged to the housing so as to be movable between an open position for re-loading and a closed position for dispensing; (c) a movable support member mounted in the housing; (d) biasing means for urging the movable support toward the faceplate so that the stack of napkins is advanced to the aperture as it is depleted; and (e) sequestered means for locking the faceplate in the closed position. The locking means includes release means located adjacent the inner surface of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is in the closed position the release means is concealed in the interior of the dispenser, thereby eliminating the need for a key.

Abstract: A spindle sleeve for a sheet product dispenser is disclosed having a body with a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a central longitudinal axis. The body includes a first portion disposed proximate the first end, a second portion disposed proximate the second end, and a third portion disposed between the first and second portions. The third portion has a U-shaped cutout defining a cantilevered flexible finger oriented to align with the central longitudinal axis, and the first and second portions have unbroken surfaces of the body around the perimeter of the body at the first and second ends, respectively. The finger has a dorsal-type fin extending perpendicular to the outer surface of the finger.

Abstract: Dispensers and method for controlled dispensing of products, preferably paper products, are discussed in this patent disclosure. Various embodiments of the present invention can comprise a housing, a separating assembly, a feed mechanism, and an advancing mechanism. The housing can support inner components of the dispenser. The housing can hold a stack of paper product to be dispensed. The separating assembly can comprise a separating member. The separating member can separate one or more napkins from the stack. The separating member can be controlled by a controller for controlled dispensing operations. The feed mechanism can move the separated napkin or napkins toward a dispensing slot for dispensing. The advancing mechanism can advance the stack of napkins such that, as the stack is depleted from one end of the stack, a remainder of the stack is advanced toward the separating member for dispensing. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

Abstract: An interchangeable access device for a dispenser is provided. The interchangeable access devices include a push-button device and a keyed-device. Each of the access devices includes a retaining feature that allows the access device to be removably coupled to a dispenser cover. The access devices cooperate with a latch member to disengage the latch member from a catch coupled to a back-housing. The access devices may be removed and interchanged by a dispenser operator to reflect changes in the application environment.

Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of evaporated scented material emitted from an air freshener device include generating a first control signal to induce the motor to rotate fan blades at a first rotational speed during a first time interval which urges air flow toward the aperture of the container to induce evaporation of the scented material in the container. The method further includes generating additional control signals to induce the motor to increase a rotational speed of the fan blades during a second time interval to increase air flow toward the aperture of the container, the second time interval being after the first time interval, such that first and second mass rates of evaporated scented material from the container during the first and second time intervals, respectively, are maintained within a predetermined mass rate range.

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 large capacity napkin dispenser for in counter mounting includes: (a) an elongate housing having a generally rectangular cross-section for receiving a stack of napkins; (b) a faceplate with a dispensing aperture, the faceplate being hinged to the housing so as to be movable between an open position for re-loading and a closed position for dispensing; (c) a movable support member mounted in the housing; (d) biasing means for urging the movable support toward the faceplate so that the stack of napkins is advanced to the aperture as it is depleted; and (e) sequestered means for locking the faceplate in the closed position. The locking means includes release means located adjacent the inner surface of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is in the closed position the release means is concealed in the interior of the dispenser, thereby eliminating the need for a key.

Abstract: A spindle sleeve for a sheet product dispenser is disclosed having a body with a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a central longitudinal axis. The body includes a first portion disposed proximate the first end, a second portion disposed proximate the second end, and a third portion disposed between the first and second portions. The third portion has a U-shaped cutout defining a cantilevered flexible finger oriented to align with the central longitudinal axis, and the first and second portions have unbroken surfaces of the body around the perimeter of the body at the first and second ends, respectively. The finger has a dorsal-type fin extending perpendicular to the outer surface of the finger.

Abstract: A large capacity napkin dispenser for in counter mounting includes: (a) an elongate housing having a generally rectangular cross-section for receiving a stack of napkins; (b) a faceplate with a dispensing aperture, the faceplate being hinged to the housing so as to be movable between an open position for re-loading and a closed position for dispensing; (c) a movable support member mounted in the housing; (d) biasing means for urging the movable support toward the faceplate so that the stack of napkins is advanced to the aperture as it is depleted; and (e) sequestered means for locking the faceplate in the closed position. The locking means includes release means located adjacent the inner surface of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is in the closed position the release means is concealed in the interior of the dispenser, thereby eliminating the need for a key.

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 method for controlling an amount of evaporated scented material emitted from an air freshener device include generating a first control signal to induce the motor to rotate fan blades at a first rotational speed during a first time interval which urges air flow toward the aperture of the container to induce evaporation of the scented material in the container. The method further includes generating additional control signals to induce the motor to increase a rotational speed of the fan blades during a second time interval to increase air flow toward the aperture of the container, the second time interval being after the first time interval, such that first and second mass rates of evaporated scented material from the container during the first and second time intervals, respectively, are maintained within a predetermined mass rate range.

Abstract: A method of dispensing product includes determining by a processor if product loaded into a dispenser is authorized for use in the dispenser by identifying a reference indication associated with the product; in response to determination that the product is authorized, dispense a first amount of product; and in response to determination that the sheet product is unauthorized, dispense a second amount of sheet product, wherein the second amount of sheet product is different than the first amount.

Abstract: Dispensers and dispensing systems and methods having communication abilities are provided. Various embodiments include the ability to communicate reminders and other messages to users and maintenance personnel. An embodiment of the present invention has two sensors, one for detecting when to dispense a product and the other for detecting when to communicate pre-recorded messages. Another embodiment also includes the ability to record multiple messages into the dispenser for later playback upon triggering events. Still yet other embodiments provide messages upon dispensing of product.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The device includes a container holding the flowable material therein and a pumping assembly attached to the container. The pumping assembly includes a pump and a placard portion configured for displaying viewable information thereon associated with the flowable material.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a sheet product feed mechanism coupled to a DC stepper motor, the mechanism moving a sheet product out of the dispenser during a dispense cycle; and a control unit controlling the DC stepper motor to move the sheet product with a gradually increasing acceleration during a portion of the dispense cycle.

Abstract: An automated dispenser includes a rotatable carousel including a mounting station for a primary roll of sheet product and a mounting station for a reserve roll of sheet product; mounting brackets configured for mounting the carousel such that it is movable between a locked, rearward position for dispensing and a forward position where the carousel is rotatable for reloading; a drive system including a motor coupled to a drive roller and control circuitry; a transfer mechanism adapted so as to be operable to urge a tail of the reserve roll toward a dispensing nip of the drive system upon depletion of the primary roll; a housing; and an auxiliary access aperture fitted with an access door, the auxiliary aperture and access door being configured and adapted to be manually operable to expose the reserve roll for manual dispensing.