Abstract: A sheet product dispenser is provided for sheet product from a roller. The sheet product dispenser includes a first roll of sheet product, called a stub roll, a main roll of sheet product, and a dispensing arrangement. A sensor is provided for detecting when sheet product on a stub roll is depleted. The sensor generates a signal in response to the depletion of the stub roll and a controller activates an electromechanical actuator. The actuator acts to operate a transfer bar that moves an end portion of the main roll sheet product adjacent a roller assembly that engages the main roller sheet product.

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. To determine if the sheet product is authorized, a pigment is excited to emit a light with an intensity signature. A portion of the intensity signature is measured and compared to a desired value. If the portion is substantially equal to the desired value, the sheet product is authenticated.

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 sheet product dispenser is provided for sheet product from a roller. The sheet product dispenser includes a first roll of sheet product, called a stub roll, a main roll of sheet product, and a dispensing arrangement. A sensor is provided for detecting when sheet product on a stub roll is depleted. The sensor generates a signal in response to the depletion of the stub roll and a controller activates an electromechanical actuator. The actuator acts to operate a transfer bar that moves an end portion of the main roll sheet product adjacent a roller assembly that engages the main roller sheet product.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a roll of sheet product, a dispensing arrangement, and a method of sensing the separation of a dispensed sheet product. A sensor is provided for detecting the movement of a movable member, such as a tear bar or paper guide. The sensor generates a signal in response to the movement of the movable member. A controller de-energizes a roller in said dispensing arrangement in response to said signal.

Abstract: A container comprising at least one receptacle wall defining an opening. A brim is formed about the opening. The brim includes a brim curl in a first configuration. The brim curl is adapted to deform into a second configuration. The container may further comprise a lid removably and sealingly engaged to the receptacle. The lid is adapted to deform the brim curl upon removal of the lid from the receptacle. The lid cannot sealingly engage the deformed brim curl.

Abstract: A low reserve indicator mechanism for a supply of paper towels is disclosed. The mechanism includes a base, a pushplate, and an indicator. The pushplate is connected to the base with a translational degree of freedom therebetween, is biased in a first direction relative to the base, and is responsive to a first attribute of the supply of paper towels to translate opposite the first direction. The indicator is pivotally connected to the pushplate, and is movable between a retracted position and an indicating position in response to a second attribute of the supply of paper towels.

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 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 gravity-feed tissue roll dispenser for a plurality of tissue rolls includes: (a) a housing; (b) a supply turret with a plurality of spindles for mounting a plurality of tissue rolls for dispensing; (c) means for rotatably mounting the supply turret in the housing about a center of rotation such that a vertical line through the center of rotation of the turret defines a biasing sector of the dispenser and the spindles rotate between upper and lower positions, the dispenser also having a dispensing sector adjacent the biasing sector; (d) stop means adapted for securing a loaded spindle in an elevated dispensing position in the dispensing sector of the tissue dispenser, the dispensing position being elevated with respect to a lower limit of travel of the spindle upon rotation of the turret; wherein the stop means are responsive to depletion of the loaded spindle so as to allow rotation of the turret upon depletion of a roll of tissue mounted thereabout; and wherein further the turret and stop means are configu

Abstract: A gravity-feed tissue roll dispenser for a plurality of tissue rolls includes: (a) a housing; (b) a supply turret with a plurality of spindles for mounting a plurality of tissue rolls for dispensing; (c) means for rotatably mounting the supply turret in the housing about a center of rotation such that a vertical line through the center of rotation of the turret defines a biasing sector of the dispenser and the spindles rotate between upper and lower positions, the dispenser also having a dispensing sector adjacent the biasing sector; (d) stop means adapted for securing a loaded spindle in an elevated dispensing position in the dispensing sector of the tissue dispenser, the dispensing position being elevated with respect to a lower limit of travel of the spindle upon rotation of the turret; wherein the stop means are responsive to depletion of the loaded spindle so as to allow rotation of the turret upon depletion of a roll of tissue mounted thereabout; and wherein further the turret and stop means are configu

Abstract: In a dispenser for dispensing rolls of paper towel including means for rotatably mounting the roll, a feed nip including a segmented drive roll with a plurality of drive surfaces and a nip roll adapted to cooperate therewith to advance the towel to a dispensing chute, an improved drive roll having an elongate axis and a plurality of drive segments defining drive surfaces disposed along its length of generally equal radius with respect to the elongate axis of the roll, as well as a plurality of guide disks interposed between adjacent drive segments configured to alleviate wrinkling as the towel is dispensed. Further improvements include a textured delivery chute and a method for dispensing a partially depleted roll of towel together with a fresh roll.

Abstract: A disposable drinking device comprising a cup is disclosed. The cup defines a cup cavity and comprises a cup opening communicated with the cup cavity and a cup brim annularly associated with the cup opening. The cup brim comprises a brim curl having a lip configuration and a flare configuration. When the brim curl is in the lip configuration, the brim curl arcuately and concavely extends away from the cup opening to form a brim lip. When the brim curl is in the flare configuration, the brim curl arcuately and convexly extends away from the cup opening to form a brim flare. The described configuration results in the cup brim being destroyed when the lid is removed from the cup, making subsequent re-capping impossible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a utensil dispenser for dispensing a utensil. The dispenser includes a base, which defines at least one dispensing opening. At least one utensil is positioned on or adjacent to a top surface of the base. The dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism capable of moving the at least one utensil. The utensil is dispensed by the dispensing mechanism moving the utensil to fall through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A packaging system suitable for distributing and dispensing disposable cups and lids includes a protective sleeve as well as a polymer envelope. The protective sleeve is configured to receive a nested stack of lids at its upper portion as well as a nested stack of cups at its lower portion. In one preferred embodiment a separator disk separates the two nested stacks and the cups are paperboard cups adapted for hot beverages by having foamed insulation on their outer surface. In another preferred embodiment, a pressure-sensitive adhesive mount is provided which can be removed from a mounting surface without leaving substantial pressure-sensitive adhesive residue on the surface.