Abstract: A spreader for broadcasting granular or particulate material over a surface includes a dual rotor configuration, a material deflection system, and a portable electronic device holder. The material deflection system includes components for deflecting material broadcasted by each of the rotors. The spreader includes a walking speed indicator to inform the user whether the current speed is too fast, too slow, or within an acceptable reference range.

Abstract: A spreader for broadcasting granular or particulate material over a surface includes a dual rotor configuration, a material deflection system, and a portable electronic device holder. The material deflection system includes components for deflecting material broadcasted by each of the rotors. The spreader includes a walking speed indicator to inform the user whether the current speed is too fast, too slow, or within an acceptable reference range.

Abstract: A paper dispenser having a proximity detector for dispensation of paper therefrom. The dispenser includes a housing having an inner chamber adapted to support a roll of paper. The housing also has a dispensing aperture. A motor is adapted to dispense paper from the roll through the dispensing aperture. The dispenser also includes a proximity detection circuit, which comprises an antenna, an oscillator circuit to charge the antenna, an operational amplifier operated as a unity gain follower which receives an antenna signal from the antenna, a detector circuit which detects changes in the antenna signal, and a comparator which actuates the motor in response to changes in the antenna signal.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing sheet material including a plurality of spaced perforations may include a housing defining an interior for accommodating a source of the sheet material, and an outlet through which the sheet material may be dispensed. The device may also include a perforation sensor configured to sense perforations in the sheet material, disposed in the interior of the housing. The perforation sensor may include at least one light receptor, and at least a portion of the perforation sensor may be positioned in the housing to contact sheet material traveling from the source to the outlet, thereby spreading perforations in the sheet material.

Abstract: A dispenser for rolled absorbent web material is disclosed. A carriage is rotatable between at least two orientations. The carriage includes a first roll holder, which holds a first roll of absorbent web material in a primary position when the carriage is in a first orientation and in a secondary position when the carriage is in a second orientation, and a second roll holder, which holds a second roll of absorbent web material in the secondary position when the carriage is in the first orientation and in the primary position when the carriage is in the second orientation. A roll sensor senses the amount of absorbent web material remaining on the roll in the primary position. A feed mechanism dispenses absorbent web material from at least one of the rolls. A transfer mechanism feeds absorbent web material from the roll in the secondary position into the feed mechanism when the absorbent web material on the roll in the primary position is nearly depleted.

Abstract: A stand mixer having a mixer housing with an upper surface and a lower surface is provided with a control panel. The stand mixer also has a motor within the mixer housing operably connected with a drive shaft extending through the lower surface. The stand mixer further has a speed indicator located on the upper surface of the mixer housing. The motor is started by the user actuating a power button and the speed of the motor is adjustable by the user rotating a dial. A method of using a stand mixer includes the step of adjusting a rotary dial to select a motor speed. The method further includes the step of actuating the power button for starting a motor on the stand mixer.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls which feeds continuously, roll to roll, and does not require extra procedure to bring stub roll into position. The apparatus has means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; means for dispensing paper from the first roll; means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and means for dispensing from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper. The apparatus also has a proximity sensor, which senses when a hand is placed near the dispenser, and thereupon dispenses a set amount of towel. The proximity sensor incorporates “static” and noise immunity circuitry.