Abstract: A hand-free paper dispensing device is provided that is particularly suitable for the away-from-home market. The dispensing device comprises a rotatable drum having a transversely-extending rolling surface for receiving a paper sheet thereon and a retractable knife configured to extend out of the drum at a first rotational position. The dispensing device also comprises a paper guide for guiding the paper sheet onto the rolling surface; the paper guide has a plurality of transversely-spaced ribs having a radial spacing from the rolling surface at the first rotational position that is less than the radial distance of the knife when extended at the first rotational position. Such an arrangement ensures that a paper towel segment is cut at each revolution of the drum, thereby reducing the incidence of paper double-sheeting.

Abstract: A spacer assembly is used in forming a mortarless wall of glass blocks and comprises a spacer and a spacer connector. A wall of glass blocks can be formed solely from the spacer and the spacer connector. The spacer has a body that can comprises channels that are filled with a mortarless adhesive, such as silicone, that operate to bond the spacer to a glass block. The spacer body can also have wings that provide structural stability for the glass blocks. Recesses in the spacer body serve to engage serrated or non-serrated tabs from the spacer connectors. The spacers can used in both the horizontal and vertical courses of a glass wall.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser is provided that is operable in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The dispenser comprises a housing for containing a toilet paper roll; a drive roller engagable with the roll; a motor; and a one-way coupling that couples the motor to the drive roller in a first direction to automatically dispense paper from the dispenser and decouples same in an opposite second direction, thereby enabling toilet paper to be manually dispensed in the first direction.

Abstract: A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that is operable in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The dispenser comprises a rotatable drum having a retractable knife that extends out of the drum when the drum rotates past a selected position and severs a towel segment from a towel sheet that engages the cutting drum; a motor; a one-way bearing coupling the motor to the drum such that the motor rotates the drum in the automatic dispensing mode and a user can rotate the drum in the manual dispensing mode separately from the motor. The dispenser can additionally have a manual advance assembly with a lever rotationally coupled to the cutting drum and operable by the user to rotate the drum in the manual dispensing mode.

Abstract: A hand-free paper dispensing device is provided that is particularly suitable for the away-from-home market. The dispensing device comprises a rotatable drum having a transversely-extending rolling surface for receiving a paper sheet thereon and a retractable knife configured to extend out of the drum at a first rotational position. The dispensing device also comprises a paper guide for guiding the paper sheet onto the rolling surface; the paper guide has a plurality of transversely-spaced ribs having a radial spacing from the rolling surface at the first rotational position that is less than the radial distance of the knife when extended at the first rotational position. Such an arrangement ensures that a paper towel segment is cut at each revolution of the drum, thereby reducing the incidence of paper double-sheeting.

Abstract: A reinforcing segment and anchor system for glass blocks which includes a plastic panel anchor having a perimeter wall engaging portion end for attachment to a perimeter wall and an elongated portion with retaining clips at right angles to said perimeter wall engaging portion, a plastic reinforcing segment having rails on each side for slidable insertion between the elongated portion and the retaining clips, the reinforcing segment being dimensioned to fit between rows of the glass blocks in conjunction with spacers that space the glass blocks apart with a predetermined gap.

Abstract: A core replacement system for a dispenser of rolled sheet material, having a core for supporting said rolled sheet material and a part insertable in the core, wherein the core is complementary to and engagable with the part such that it rotates with the core. The core is preferably made of extruded plastic, although injection molded plastic, metal or would also work. The core replacement system enables manufacturers to control which types or brands of paper are used with specified dispensers.