Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for dispensing sheet material such as paper towels. The dispensing apparatus when activated dispenses sheet material for a predetermined time which results in a predetermined length of sheet material being dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is actuated in response to the proximity of a portion of a hand of a user to the dispensing apparatus without the hand of a user contacting the apparatus. The dispensing apparatus dispenses sheet material from a roll of material by means of an electrical motor operating for a predetermined time to advance a predetermined length of the sheet material. The motor for advancing a predetermined length of the sheet material can be battery powered. The housing of the dispensing apparatus has a modular frame having a first compartment for the means for advancing the sheet material and a second compartment for the means for activating the advancing means.

Abstract: Electrical batteries are integrated with a disposable container of flowable material for powering a dispensing apparatus. The disposable container includes a deformable chamber for containing a predetermined quantity of material to be dispensed, and an electrically energized actuating member deforms the chamber for dispensing the flowable material. The dispensing apparatus is actuated by a photocell system which electrically energizes the actuating member in response to the proximity of a user to the dispensing apparatus without the user contacting the apparatus. The photocell system normally is inactive, and is rendered active by a sensor for detecting the proximity of a user to the apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for dispensing sheet material such as paper towels. The dispensing apparatus when activated dispenses sheet material for a predetermined time which results in a predetermined length of sheet material being dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is actuated in response to the proximity of a portion of a hand of a user to the dispensing apparatus without the hand of a user contacting the apparatus. The dispensing apparatus dispenses sheet material from a roll of material by means of an electrical motor operating for a predetermined time to advance a predetermined length of the sheet material. The motor for advancing a predetermined length of the sheet material can be battery powered. The housing of the dispensing apparatus has a modular frame having a first compartment for the means for advancing the sheet material and a second compartment for the means for activating the advancing means.