Abstract: A system for controlling a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing outlet includes a first illumination source having a first field of illumination, a second illumination source having a second field of illumination, at least one optical sensor, and a control circuit. The control circuit is responsive to the at least one optical sensor to initiate dispensing of a material through the dispensing outlet when the at least one optical sensor senses a portion of a receiving member positioned within the first field of illumination and the second field of illumination. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single illumination source, a plurality of optical sensors, and a control circuit. Here, dispensing can be initiated when a portion of the receiving member is within the fields of view of the plurality of optical sensors.