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

Abstract: A roller for a sheet product dispenser includes a roller shaft, a roller frame molded onto the roller shaft, and a plurality of flexible rubber portions overmolded onto the roller frame and spaced along a length of the roller frame. The rubber portions are configured to contact a sheet product for dispensing from the sheet product dispenser. A dispensing mechanism for a sheet product dispenser includes a chassis and a roller positioned within and coupled to the chassis. The roller includes a roller shaft, a roller frame molded onto the roller shaft, and a plurality of flexible rubber portions overmolded onto the roller frame and spaced along a length of the roller frame. The rubber portions are configured to contact a sheet product for dispensing from the sheet product dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for a sheet product dispenser includes a chassis, a roller positioned within and coupled to the chassis, and a spring configured to bias the roller into contact with a sheet product. Another dispensing mechanism for a sheet product dispenser includes a chassis, a roller positioned within the chassis, a pair of plugs, and a pair of springs. The roller is coupled to the chassis via the plugs, and the springs are configured to bias the roller into contact with a sheet product. Still another dispensing mechanism for a sheet product dispenser includes a chassis, a first roller positioned within and coupled to the chassis, a second roller positioned within and coupled to the chassis, and a spring configured to bias the first roller toward the second roller and into contact with a sheet product.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for a sheet product dispenser includes a chassis, a roller positioned within and coupled to the chassis, and a spring configured to bias the roller into contact with a sheet product. Another dispensing mechanism for a sheet product dispenser includes a chassis, a roller positioned within the chassis, a pair of plugs, and a pair of springs. The roller is coupled to the chassis via the plugs, and the springs are configured to bias the roller into contact with a sheet product. Still another dispensing mechanism for a sheet product dispenser includes a chassis, a first roller positioned within and coupled to the chassis, a second roller positioned within and coupled to the chassis, and a spring configured to bias the first roller toward the second roller and into contact with a sheet product.

Abstract: A roller for a sheet product dispenser includes a roller shaft, a roller frame molded onto the roller shaft, and a plurality of flexible rubber portions overmolded onto the roller frame and spaced along a length of the roller frame. The rubber portions are configured to contact a sheet product for dispensing from the sheet product dispenser. A dispensing mechanism for a sheet product dispenser includes a chassis and a roller positioned within and coupled to the chassis. The roller includes a roller shaft, a roller frame molded onto the roller shaft, and a plurality of flexible rubber portions overmolded onto the roller frame and spaced along a length of the roller frame. The rubber portions are configured to contact a sheet product for dispensing from the sheet product dispenser.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a cover, a pair of arms supporting a roll of sheet product within the cover, and a baffle. The roll of sheet product rotates upon activation of the dispenser during a dispense cycle. The baffle is adapted to deflect upon contact with the roll of sheet product and remain engaged against the roll of sheet product during at least a significant portion of a roll life.

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: 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: A napkin dispenser includes a housing defining a vertically extending dispensing magazine for receiving a stack of horizontally disposed sheet products as well as a dispensing opening vertically extending along the dispensing magazine such that edges of napkins horizontally disposed in the magazine are exposed for dispensing through the dispensing opening. An internal guide channel extends upwardly from the dispensing magazine and receives a guide member of a sheet product retention member slidingly mounted in the housing.

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: A portable dispenser or holder is provided. The portable dispenser includes a housing having a sheet product holder area. A bottle holding area adjacent to the sheet product holder area is also provided. The housing includes an opening that provides for dispensing the sheet product to the user. The bottle holding area includes a receptacle to receive a bottle and receptacles for holding used sheet product. A handle is mounted to the top surface of the housing to provide a convenient means for the user to carry the portable dispenser.

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: A sheet product dispenser includes a sheet product feed mechanism coupled to an electric motor, the sheet product feed mechanism moving a sheet product out of the dispenser during a dispense cycle; and a control unit controlling the sheet product feed mechanism or electric motor or both to move the sheet product with an increasing speed or acceleration or both during a portion of the dispense cycle.

Abstract: A napkin dispenser includes a housing 12 configured to receive a stack 35 of napkins disposed such that panels of the napkins are facing in a vertical direction and edges of the napkins are horizontally oriented along a front wall. The housing has a vertical slot 28 in the front wall thereof, the horizontal span 30 of the slot being sufficient to allow access to the napkins A dispensing control frame 32 is mounted in the slot for upward and downward motion along the front wall of the housing. The dispensing control frame has at least one and preferably a pair of support members 34, 36 configured to engage the napkin stack and limit downward motion of the control frame. The control frame also has a faceplate 38 disposed between the support members and extending across the vertical slot of the front wall defining an access height relative to the top of the stack in order to promote dispensing of a limited number of napkins.

Abstract: A rainwater collection device for collecting rainwater from a gutter for later usage. The rainwater collection device includes a housing having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall has a top edge defining an opening extending into the housing. A top wall defines a cover which is positionable on the housing for selectively opening and closing the opening in the housing. A supply pipe extends through and is attached to the top wall. The supply pipe is removably coupled to the gutter such that water in the gutter may enter the housing through the supply pipe. A drainage pipe is in fluid communication with the housing. The drainage pipe extends into the peripheral wall and is positioned generally adjacent to the bottom wall. A valve is positioned in the drainage pipe for selectively opening and closing the drainage pipe.