Abstract: A power management system for a dispenser that includes a passive infrared radiation sensor arranged along the dispenser and configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by one or more users within a prescribed detection range, area, or zone of the dispenser. When the passive infrared radiation sensor does not capture infrared radiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone, the dispenser is placed in a low power state with the passive infrared sensor remaining connected to a power source and a controller, a dispensing mechanism, and/or the proximity sensor being disconnected from the power source. Other aspects also are described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the innovation relate to a wipe dispensing system that includes a wipe supply, a drive assembly disposed in operational communication with the wipe supply, a fluid dispensing assembly, and a wipe dispensing controller disposed in electrical communication with the drive assembly and the fluid dispensing assembly. The wipe dispensing controller is configured to receive a wipe criterion which defines a characteristic of a wipe to be provided by the wipe dispensing system, dispose a portion of the wipe supply between a first position and a second position relative to the fluid dispensing assembly via the drive assembly and based upon the wipe criterion, and apply a fluid to the portion of the wipe supply via the fluid dispensing assembly based upon the wipe criterion to generate the wipe.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a production system and a control method for the production system that can suppress erroneous mounting when a tape feeder is shared and used even when latest tape feeder information is not shared among multiple production lines in a production system having multiple production lines. Information that matches the tape feeder database stored by the line management device is stored in the tape feeder. When the tape feeder is mounted on the mounting machine, the information stored in the tape feeder is read, and when it is determined that the information does not match the tape feeder database, mounting of the electronic component supplied from the tape feeder is stopped.

Abstract: A reel holder is disclosed. In some embodiments, the reel holder comprises an opening configured to receive and hold a reel having packaging material and a transceiver configured to communicate with a tag in the reel to receive information stored in the tag. A filling machine system is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the filling machine system comprises a reel holder and a reel provided with a tag.

Abstract: A spindle assembly capable of accommodating paper rolls of varying sizes is provided. The spindle assembly comprises a spindle arm adapted to be connected to a printer mechanism. The spindle arm comprises a first flange surrounding an opening. A spindle is provided for accepting a first paper roll. A first end of the spindle is fixed in the opening of the spindle arm. The spindle comprises a second flange arranged at a second end of the spindle. A sleeve is provided which is adapted to slide over the spindle and attach to the spindle arm for accepting a second paper roll. The second paper roll has a different size than the first paper roll. A printer having such a spindle assembly is provided, as is a method for accommodating different sized paper rolls in a printer.

Abstract: A printer comprises a printer casing accommodating a rolled paper and including an opening through which the roll paper is loaded; a roll-paper holder, arranged on one of the ends side of the printer casing and including a holding member formed in an arc shape; a cover including a lid opened or closed by a hinge mechanism pivotally supported on the one of the ends side of the opening to open or close the opening, and a roll-cover, integrally formed with the lid, which has an arc shape in cross section to move along an outer surface of the roll-paper holder; a paper conveyance mechanism, arranged in the printer casing, configured to pull out and convey a leading end paper from the rolled paper; and a printing mechanism, arranged in the printer casing, configured to perform printing on the paper conveyed by the paper conveyance mechanism.

Abstract: A printer includes a feeding roller, a sheet conveyer, and a handle. The feeding roller is configured to feed a single slip and a continuous sheet conveyed through first and second conveyance paths, respectively, to a printing head. The sheet conveyer is at the second conveyance path. The handle is mechanically engaged with a shaft of the feeding roller and configured to rotate the shaft. The handle is manually movable along an axis direction of the shaft between first and second positions. At the first position, the handle is mechanically disengaged with a driving mechanism of the sheet conveyer. At the second position, the handle is mechanically engaged with the driving mechanism and capable of moving the sheet conveyer. An urging mechanism is urging the handle toward the first position. A stopper is configured to prevent the handle at the second position from moving toward the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for providing and dispensing various hand care alternatives from a common point of dispension, such as a faucet, for standardizing the hand care, washing, sanitizing, and drying process is disclosed. Included is a liquid flow path having an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid source and an outlet in fluid communication with a user reception point. A secondary flow path has an inlet in communication with one or more hand care alternatives and an outlet in communication with the user reception point. A user-perceivable output provides notification of the hand care operation being provided at the user reception point.

Abstract: An automatic paper towel dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a paper towel, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, and a controller in communication with the LIDAR sensor. The LIDAR sensor is configured to emit light toward an object within a detection region at a first time, detect the light reflected by the object at a second time, and calculate a time of flight of the light. The time of flight is an amount of time that elapses between the first time and the second time. The controller is configured to calculate a distance between the LIDAR sensor and the object based on the time of flight and actuate the dispensing mechanism based on the calculated distance.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a transfer bar, a roller assembly, a motor, a sensor, and a controller. The transfer bar is movable between first and second positions. The roller assembly, disposed proximate the transfer bar second position, has a drive roller and a pinch roller that define a nip. The motor is in operable communication with the transfer bar to move the transfer bar between the first and second positions. The sensor is in operable communication with the dispenser cover. The controller is in operable communication with the sensor and the motor, and is responsive to executable instructions to facilitate actuation of the motor in response to a signal from the sensor to cause the transfer bar to move between the first position and second positions. The transfer bar includes at least one finger that drives an end of a roll of sheet product towards the nip upon actuation of the transfer bar from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A microcontroller-based system for identifying a paper type of a sample of paper from a measurement of its electrical impedance. An interdigital dielectric sensor (55) is deployed in the paper path of a printer (PTR), and the electrical impedance at the sensor, as affected by a sheet of paper (P) near the sensor, is measured over a plurality of frequencies of a stimulus signal. The stimulus signal may be sinusoidal or a square wave. The impedance characteristic, in magnitude or phase, or both, is compared against a plurality of reference impedance characteristics, each associated with a paper type, to identify the closest match and thus the type of paper of the sample sheet.

Abstract: A printer includes a printer body and a lid. The printer body includes a recording paper holder configured to accommodate a roll of recording paper and a projection provided on a bottom surface of the recording paper holder that contacts the recording paper. The lid is attached to the printer body to be opened and closed relative to the printer body.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring hygiene compliance.

Abstract: A printer includes a body, a lid pivotably attached to the body, a platen roller attached to the lid, and a lock lever. The body includes a print head and a holder to accommodate a roll of recording sheet. The lock lever supports a bearing of the platen roller when the lid is closed. The printer further includes a first plate and a second plate arranged on the lid in the widthwise direction of the printer, and a movable button provided on the lid. When the button is moved to slide the first and second plates toward each other, the outer end of each of the first and second plates in the widthwise direction moves inward to be positioned inside the outer frame of the holder to allow the closure of the lid.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a printer including a memory storing computer-executable instructions. In an index value detecting process, pulse count index values are detected. In a remaining amount determining process, first process, second process, third process, and fourth process are executed. In the first process, an Nth determination object value is calculated from an Nth and an N+1th pulse count index values. In the second process, an average value is calculated from a plurality of successive pulse count index values in a range including a latest value that is an Nth pulse count index value when N is an even number or is an (N?1)th pulse count index value when N is an odd number of three or more. In the third process, a remaining amount rank corresponding to the Nth determination object value is determined. In the fourth process, a rank display corresponding to the remaining amount rank is performed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dispenser which in one embodiment is a motorized electric dispenser that reliably detects a request for a portion of product and electromechanically dispenses a pre-determined length of product to the user, without the user needing to directly touch any part of the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a product path passing between an engagement opening and a capacitive sensor. A controller is operatively configured to identify a dispense request based upon a detection signal received from the capacitive sensor and activate a drive motor upon the identification of the dispense request. The dispense request is defined as an introduction of a user target within an introduction threshold distance from the capacitive sensor followed by a removal of the user target beyond a removal threshold distance away from the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A paper sheet material dispenser apparatus for dispensing paper sheet material from a roll of paper sheet material having a tail portion includes a sensor structure having a light emitter and a light sensor for sensing the absence of a replacement tail portion projecting from a housing exit opening and for activating an electric motor to rotate a roll support drum and cause the replacement tail portion to project from the exit opening.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring hygiene compliance.

Abstract: Certain hybrid dispenser systems and methods of dispensing sheet product are provided. In one example, the method includes dispensing, by the dispenser, an exposed tail of sheet product upon activation of a proximity sensor associated with the dispenser. The method includes dispensing a second length of sheet product in response to a user manually exerting a pull force on the exposed tail. The method includes generating electrical energy using an electrical generator of the dispenser. An amount of electrical energy generated by the electrical generator is based in part on the second length of sheet product pulled by the user. The method includes charging an energy storage device electrically coupled to the electrical generator by transferring energy from the electrical generator to the energy storage device, and modifying the pull force the user exerts to dispense the second length by adjusting an energy transfer rate from the electrical generator to the energy storage device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a paper storage and a printer. The paper storage comprises: a warehouse body (20) for accommodating a medium, a medium outlet (A), and a roller (5) arranged on the storage body (20), wherein the medium outlet (A) is configured to discharge the medium accommodated in the storage body (20) after the medium passes by the roller (5), and an opening (224) opposite to the roller (5) is also arranged on a wall of the storage body (20), to allow an external medium processing device to match with the roller (5) through the opening (224) to process the medium. To replace the paper storage in a printer adopting such paper storage, the need for respective detachment of various parts of the paper storage, and the need for opening of the upper cover of the printer to load the paper roll are eliminated, thereby avoiding the problems of complex operations of replacing the paper roll and inconvenience in use.

Abstract: To improve precision in identifying the amount that remains of a recording medium, an apparatus includes a paper holder that supports an outer circumferential surface of a recording medium that is biased downward in a vertical direction by the weight of the recording medium, such that a position of a center of the recording medium moves on a straight-line trace, associated with consumption of the recording medium; and a light-reflecting sensor that is provided at a predetermined position at a side face of the paper holder and senses displacement per unit time at a position facing the predetermined position of the recording medium that is rotated by being pulled out of the paper holder, associated with the consumption of the recording medium, where based on the displacement sensed by the light-reflecting sensor, a radius of the recording medium at the time the light reflecting sensor senses the displacement is calculated.

Abstract: Solar Photovoltaic utility meter adapter is disclosed. The adapter redirects power from a photovoltaic connection directly back to the power grid while still being monitored by the existing utility meter and abiding NEC code rules. This operates to resolve the limitations of busbar amperage rating and heat. The adapter connects to existing electrical connections of an electrical service on a building on one side, and connects to the utility meter on the other side. Busbars inside the adapter receive power from the photovoltaic device, through an overcurrent protecting device. The device is connected in a first configuration with the connection part oriented in a first direction, said busbars connect to load connections of said electrical service, and in a second configuration with said connection part oriented in a second direction opposite to said first direction, said busbars connect to source connections of said electrical service.

Abstract: The invention provides a component supply device which is small and can supply electronic components efficiently. The component supply device 1 mounts a component supply tape T and exposes the electronic components out of the component supply tape T to provide to a component installation device 7 which mounts the electronic components on a circuit board. The component supply device 1 has a replenishment device 2 which replenishes a new component supply tape (Tb) when a preceding component supply tape Ta runs out, and a sensor S which detects the run-out of the preceding component supply tape Ta. The replenishment device 2 has a reel holding section 21 on which reels 20 wound with the component supply tape T are inserted, and a standby section 5 of the component supply tape T. When the sensor S detects that the preceding component supply tape Ta runs out and issues a detection signal, the component supply tape T is moved from the standby section to be replenished.

Abstract: A feeding device in manufacturing which is configured to feed a carrier tape includes a transmission mechanism and a buffering mechanism. The transmission mechanism is configured to receive the carrier tape and transfer the carrier tape to the buffering mechanism. The buffering mechanism includes a slide assembly, a feeder assembly, and an inductor. The slidable feeder assembly is mounted to the slide assembly, and is configured to receive the carrier tape transferred from the transmission mechanism. The slide assembly moves the feeder assembly. The inductor is mounted to one side of the slide assembly, and senses distances from the feeder assembly, to control a feeding speed of the transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for dispensing absorbent sheet material from a roll. The apparatus includes a roll holder for rotatably supporting said roll, and a roll fill level indicator arrangement. The roll fill level indicator arrangement includes a pivoting arm and a moveable first indicator device. The pivoting arm includes roll engagement device for engagement with an outer peripheral surface of said roll. A position of said first indicator device is continuously responsive to an angular position of said pivoting arm, such that said roll fill level indicator arrangement is able to provide a gradual roll fill level indication.

Abstract: Sheet product dispensers and methods are provided. A sheet product dispenser includes a loading station for sheet material, a sheet feeding mechanism configured to feed the sheet material, a presentation station for presenting one or more discrete sheet products to an end user, a sensor downstream of the feeding mechanism and upstream of the presentation station configured to detect a presence of the discrete sheet products, and a controller configured to facilitate dispensing of the one or more discrete sheet products in response to a signal, and to determine and store data associated with the dispensing of the sheet products.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of tape feeders arranged in a component feed section includes a feeder storage part which stores information used in a control process by the tape feeder, a display part which displays setting information which is previously set and inputted and stored in the feeder storage part and an operation input part having a function as a display switching part which switches the setting information displayed in the display part. The setting information can be displayed in a flexible form and with a good working property.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a paper roll device including a casing, a cover connected to the casing, a moving component, a first resilient component connected to the moving component, a lever pivoted to the moving component, a second resilient component, a detecting module and a control module. The first resilient component is for driving the moving component to move in a first direction. The lever pivots relative to the moving component as the moving component moves. The second resilient component is connected to a sensing portion of the lever and for supporting the lever in the first direction. The detecting module is for detecting a position state of the sensing portion of the lever, so as to generate a corresponding detecting signal. The control module is for determining an open/closed state of the cover relative to the casing according to the detecting signal.

Abstract: A paper roll device includes a casing, two rollers, a lever, a resilient component, a detecting module and a control module. The two rollers are installed inside the casing and for supporting a paper roll cooperatively. An end of the lever is disposed between the two rollers, and the lever pivots around a shaft. The paper roll sinks to contact the end of the lever, so as to push the end of the lever in a first direction. The resilient component is connected to the lever and for supporting the lever in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The detecting module is for detecting a position state of the other end of the lever, so as to generate a corresponding detecting signal. The control module is electrically connected to the detecting module and for determining a using state of the paper roll according to the detecting signal.

Abstract: A paper roll holder, a printer having the same and a paper end detecting mechanism are disclosed. The paper roll holder comprises a turning plate, which upper surface forms a first arc groove close to a rotation center and a second arc groove far away from the rotation center; an elastic element, providing a rotating torque to the turning plate so that the turning plate turns from an initial position to an upturning position during the printing and consuming of a paper roll; and a sensor, arranged in the second arc groove of the turning plate for detecting the paper. Wherein, the turning plate has the initial position suitable for supporting a large paper roll in the second arc groove and the upturning position suitable for supporting a small paper roll in the first arc groove. When the printing paper roll is near end, along with rotation of the turning plate, the small paper roll is limited in the first arc groove so as to prevent the small paper roll from moving in the paper house during printing.

Abstract: The quantity of material remaining in a 3D printing system may be effectively measured through the use of a strain gauge. The strain gauge may be mounted on a support member such as a cantilevered support that holds the weight of a material dispenser. As the material is consumed, the strain gauge may measure the reduction in deformation of the cantilevered support, thereby indicating to a control system and/or a user the quantity of material used. Full and/or empty material dispenser measurements may be taken to provide reference points that indicate how close the material dispenser is to being full and/or empty. The material dispenser may be mounted in a variety of locations relative to the 3D printer, including on a side and on top. A top-mounted material dispenser may be received within a bearing that permits the material dispenser to rotate, allowing the material to unwind during consumption.

Abstract: A printer 1 has a media orientation detection means 65 that detects displacement of the media after conveyance by the conveyance mechanism 63 stops; and a media processing device control unit 100 that controls cutting the media by an automatic paper cutter 60 when the media orientation detection means 65 detects displacement of the media, and controls processing the media by a processing unit when a communication unit receives control data while in a standby mode waiting for detection of media displacement by the media orientation detection means 65.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing paper or non-woven sheet product for wiping, wherein the level of sheet product contained in the dispenser decreases as the sheet product is dispensed, the dispenser comprising an ultrasonic level sensor for determining the level of the sheet product contained in the dispenser, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is arranged to direct the ultrasonic beam toward a surface associated with the sheet product, wherein a distance that the beam travels to the surface changes progressively as the level of the sheet product in the dispenser changes from a full condition to an empty condition.

Abstract: Methods are provided for operating a web medium supply for a printer and or operating a printer having a web medium supply to which any of a plurality of different cores can be mounted, each core having a web. In one aspect, a core data condition is detected indicating that an automatic core data acquisition process is to be executed and conditions are sensed from which a difference in the rotational positions of a first engaged surface at a first end of the core and a second engaged surface at a second end of the core can be determined. Data regarding the web on the core is determined based upon the sensed conditions.

Abstract: Aspects of the innovation described herein generally pertain to methods for providing wire using two or more welding wire drive motors. The wire drive motors may be driven according to optimized power to control conveyance of the wire. A method may include modifying the power at which two or more motors operate to avoid conveying a wire under asymmetrical or excessive forces. Further, a controller may be provided to optimize the power at which at least one push motor and at least one pull motor operate to deliver wire to a welding operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dispenser which in one embodiment is a motorized electric dispenser that reliably detects a request for a portion of product and electromechanically dispenses a pre-determined length of product to the user, without the user needing to directly touch any part of the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a product path passing between an engagement opening and a capacitive sensor. A controller is operatively configured to identify a dispense request based upon a detection signal received from the capacitive sensor and activate a drive motor upon the identification of the dispense request. The dispense request is defined as an introduction of a user target within an introduction threshold distance from the capacitive sensor followed by a removal of the user target beyond a removal threshold distance away from the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a transfer bar, a roller assembly, a motor, a sensor, and a controller. The transfer bar is movable between first and second positions. The roller assembly, disposed proximate the transfer bar second position, has a drive roller and a pinch roller that define a nip. The motor is in operable communication with the transfer bar to move the transfer bar between the first and second positions. The sensor is in operable communication with the dispenser cover. The controller is in operable communication with the sensor and the motor, and is responsive to executable instructions to facilitate actuation of the motor in response to a signal from the sensor to cause the transfer bar to move between the first position and second positions. The transfer bar includes at least one finger that drives an end of a roll of sheet product towards the nip upon actuation of the transfer bar from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing feed rate variations when unwinding a web material to transport the web material away from the parent roll at a web takeoff point where the feed rate variations are induced by parent roll geometry variations. The method utilizes calculated and measured data and selected adjustment percentages to make suitable improvements in the driving speed for an out-of-round parent roll to get closer to a relatively constant feed rate. By dividing the parent roll into 1, 2, . . . n sectors, the data can be refined to a relatively high degree taking into account high speed data processing capabilities as well as operating system response times to make appropriate driving speed adjustments.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing feed rate variations when unwinding a web material to transport the web material away from the parent roll at a web takeoff point where the feed rate variations are induced by parent roll geometry variations. The method utilizes calculated and/or measured data to make suitable adjustments in the driving speed for an out-of-round parent roll to get closer to a relatively constant feed rate. By dividing the parent roll into 1, 2, . . . n sectors, the data can be refined to a relatively high degree taking into account high speed data processing capabilities as well as operating system response times to make appropriate driving speed adjustments.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing sheet material pertains to a housing (82) arranged for receiving a supply of sheet material (1), a feed mechanism (2) for advancing said sheet material through a discharge opening (100) of said housing (82), a motor (3) for driving said feed mechanism (2) and a controller (4) for powering the motor (3) to drive the feed mechanism.

Abstract: The paper discharge mechanism comprises: a first side passage plate and a second side passage plate between which an S-shaped paper conveying passage is formed, wherein the second side passage plate comprises a paper jam detection plate and a paper pullout detection plate both pivotally connected on a frame; a first elastic element biasing the paper jam detection plate and a second elastic element biasing the paper pullout detection plate; and a first sensor and a second sensor. A surface of the paper jam detection plate facing paper is concave and is held against the paper and rotates in the direction away from the first side passage plate during paper jam; a surface of the paper pullout detection plate facing the paper is convex and is held against the paper and rotates in the direction away from the first side passage plate during paper pullout.

Abstract: A sheet driver for use in a drug dispenser where the sheet driver includes a shaft with a shaft cavity co-axial with a rotational axis of the shaft and a hub that defines a hub aperture, where within the shaft cavity there is an indicator pin having a side member and an indicator pin head that may project through the hub aperture, where within the shaft cavity there is a spring for biasing said indicator pin out of the shaft cavity, and where an engagement member may selectively engage said side member of the indicator pin to prevent movement of the engagement member upon the occurrence of an fault condition of the sheet driver.

Abstract: A paper towel roll support in the form of a roll support plug wholly or partially comprised of electrically conductive material and located at an end of a roll of paper toweling is employed to support the roll. Sensed capacitance between the plug and an electrically conductive member on a roll support arm controls operation of the dispenser apparatus.

Abstract: A method of grounding a dispenser. A low impedance path is connected to elements internal to the dispenser. The low impedance path is also connected to a surface contact spring which is adapted to contact an external mounting surface when the dispenser is affixed thereto. Static electrical charge accumulated on the elements is discharged through the low impedance path and the surface contact spring to the external mounting surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing soft goods are provided. A described method includes receiving a soft good supply at a loading zone of a soft good dispensing device, receiving an indication of a desired quantity of the soft good at a processing circuit of the soft good dispensing device, using a dispensing mechanism of the soft good dispensing device to automatically dispense the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply based on a control signal received from the processing circuit, and providing a dispensed quantity of the soft good to a dispensing zone of the soft good dispensing device for user access.

Abstract: A product dispenser includes a product housing including a drive system and a dispensing apparatus. The drive system includes a motive power device and a controller and is configured to receive energy from an energy supply. The dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense the product. During a condition when the product is being dispensed, the dispensing apparatus is subject to a dispensing resistance and the drive system provides an output to the dispensing apparatus to overcome the dispensing resistance, the output being characterized by a dispensing parameter. The controller receives the dispensing parameter and responsively operates the motive power device, such that the controller operates the motive power device in a first output drive condition in response to the dispensing parameter being below a threshold value, and operates the motive power device in a second output drive condition in response to the dispensing parameter being above a threshold value.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that the present invention is concerning to, rolled paper is conveyed in a forward conveyance direction for a predetermined period of time, when it is detected that an amount of the rolled paper rolled around a core pipe equals a predetermined amount or less. On the basis of the detection result, a CPU determines the rolled state of the rolled paper with respect to the core pipe and conveys the rolled paper in the forward conveyance direction or a reverse conveyance direction according to the rolled state.

Abstract: A directionally-controlled roll-out elastically deployable solar array structure is disclosed. The structure includes one or more longitudinal elastic roll out booms that may be closed section or open section to allow for efficient rolled packaging onto a lateral mandrel. A flexible photovoltaic blanket is attached to a tip structure and to a lateral base support structure, but remains uncoupled from the longitudinal booms. The solar array system may be stowed simultaneously into a rolled package comprised of the roll out booms and the flexible planar blanket together, or onto independent rolls. Alternatively, the system may be stowed by rolling the booms, and accordion Z-folding the hinged flexible photovoltaic blanket into a flat stack. Structural deployment is motivated by the elastic strain energy of the roll out booms, and several methods of deployment direction control are provided to ensure a known, controlled, and unidirectional deployment path of the elastically unrolling booms.

Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling operation of a paper towel dispenser includes control switches and a handle having two relatively movable handle portions rotating when a paper toweling support drum rotates. One of the handle portions has projections which engage the switches when the handle rotates.

Abstract: A device for sensing the change of feed bobbin for a yarn fed to a textile machine and originating from a first bobbin or a second bobbin connected together in head-tail manner includes at least one first sensor and one second sensor at a passage section of a support body, a control unit associated with the first sensor and second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor generates first and second presence signals when the yarn unwound from the first bobbin or from the second bobbin passes in front of the first sensor or second sensor. The control unit receiving as input the first and/or second presence signal to generate at least one output signal representative of the first bobbin or of the second bobbin on the basis of the first or second presence signal.