Abstract: A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling. The housing includes a main body; a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position; and a guide system that includes a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door. The towel dispenser may include a motor for driving dispensing of the toweling from the housing and an associated sensor. The towel dispenser can be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. In an aspect, the second roller includes an axis of rotation that is fixed relative to the loading door, and the first roller includes an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel with the axis of rotation of the second roller regardless of whether the loading door is in the closed position or the open position, or transitioning therebetween.

Abstract: A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling. The housing includes a main body; a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position; and a guide system that includes a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door. The towel dispenser may include a motor for driving dispensing of the toweling from the housing and an associated sensor. The towel dispenser can be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. In an aspect, the loading door includes a curved body and a lip that generally extends away from the curved body. A portion of the main body that extends over the lip when the loading door is in the closed position includes the motor therein.

Abstract: A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling. The housing includes a main body; a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position; and a guide system that includes a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door. The towel dispenser may include a motor for driving dispensing of the toweling from the housing and an associated sensor. The towel dispenser can be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. In an aspect, the loading door includes a curved body and a lip that generally extends in parallel to a top surface of the housing away from the curved body.

Abstract: A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling. The housing includes a main body; a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position; and a guide system that includes a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door. The towel dispenser can be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. In an aspect, the towel dispenser includes a motor and a transmission for feeding the toweling outside of the housing during dispensing of a towel, and an associated sensor. The motor is mechanically connected to the first roller by a transmission, and the second roller is connectable to the motor via the transmission.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable counter is disclosed which is of the character comprising a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning snake which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into an out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable counter is configured to count an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum and includes first and second sensor portions mounted on the rotatable drum and a cable follower member, respectively to sense relative rotational movement therebetween. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement therebetween and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed. The printer includes a main body which contains a paper roll container where a paper roll is loaded, a lid for closing an opening section of the main body through which opening section the paper roll is loaded in the paper roll container, a letter printing mechanism which is formed when the lid is closed, and a detecting arm disposed on a rear surface of the lid for detecting a near-end state of the paper roll. When the paper roll is loaded in the paper roll container and the lid is closed, an arm main body of the detecting arm contacts an outer circumferential surface of the paper roll. When the paper roll reaches the near-end state, the detecting arm does not contact the outer circumferential surface of the paper roll and is moved, and a switch disposed at the main body becomes OFF.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a sheet product feed mechanism coupled to a DC stepper motor, the mechanism moving a sheet product out of the dispenser during a dispense cycle; and a control unit controlling the DC stepper motor to move the sheet product with a gradually increasing acceleration during a portion of the dispense cycle.

Abstract: The method of preventing over tension to an umbilical wrapped on the spool of an offshore reel when the umbilical is being normally deployed or retrieved or when the umbilical is unexpectedly pulled from the spool on the reel, comprising providing a main disk, mounting the main disk on the spool of the reel with a slip connection which will be automatically controlled, connecting motor power for the reel to the main disk, connecting brakes to the main disk, such that when the diameter of deployment varies the slip connection torque will be automatically adjusted and prevent the umbilical from being subjected to tension higher than the desired amount.

Abstract: Automatic dispensers, proximity detectors and user-detection methods. A proximity detector can be used to trigger operation of the dispenser to dispense products such as towel, tissue, wipes, sheet-form materials, soap, shaving cream, fragrances and personal care products.

Abstract: A paper dispenser dispenses paper from a dispenser roll lying in a dispensing position. The paper dispenser contains two transport rollers for the web of paper, the rollers defining a gap, and a mobile sensor element for identifying the end of the web of paper. The sensor element being arranged between the two transport rollers downstream of the gap in the direction of transport of the paper.

Abstract: A two-roll dispenser is disclosed for a plurality of rolls of products, in one embodiment a plurality of toilet paper rolls. The operation of resetting the device to accept replacement rolls of product is achieved by opening the casing. The seer mechanism is also disclosed in one form maintaining a secondary roll of product in a reserve position until a primary roll of product is substantially consumed. The seer mechanism is also disclosed in another form maintaining a casing door in a reserve position until a primary roll of product is substantially consumed. In one form, rolls of product having a partial or split core are utilized to achieve the objects of this disclosure.

Abstract: A cable brake system for deployments of cable comprising: a frame configured to be mounted on a ship; a repeater supporting track mounted longitudinally to the frame, the supporting track being configured for slidingly supporting a plurality of repeaters; a spool positioned exterior to the frame, the spool having the cable wrapped therearound and being capable of supplying the cable to an interior of the frame; at least one planar surface on an interior of the frame, the planar surface being positioned approximately parallel to the repeater supporting track; and a plurality of brake sub-assemblies being supported by the planar surface in a manner so as to establish a serpentine path for the cable and to impart variable frictional resistance to the cable.

Abstract: There is provided a towel dispenser that includes a housing for containing toweling. The toweling includes a first towel and a second towel that are connected together and separable at a perforation formed between the first and second towel. The housing is configured to define a path P for the toweling. A motor and a perforation sensor are provided for dispensing the toweling and are electrically connected together. The perforation sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of the presence of the perforation and the motor is configured to deactivate in response to the signal.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a rolled web of material having a plurality of laterally-extending, longitudinally-spaced lines of perforation. The device has a frame for supporting the rolled web such that lengths of the web are removed from the roll in a direction of advancement as the roll rotates. An infeed roller pair is rotatably mounted on the frame. The infeed roller pair provides a nip therebetween for receiving the web from the roll and for moving it forward in the direction of advancement. A pair of delivery rollers is rotatably mounted on the frame in spaced relation with the first pair of rollers. The second pair of rollers receives the web from the first roller pair and provides a nip therebetween for moving the web in the direction of advancement. Motor means drives the infeed roller pair and the delivery roller pair.

Abstract: A two-roll dispenser is disclosed for a plurality rolls of products, in one embodiment a plurality of toilet paper rolls. The operation of resetting the device to accept replacement rolls of product is achieved by opening and re-closing the casing. The seer mechanism is also disclosed, maintaining a casing door in a reserve position until a primary roll of product is substantially consumed. In one form, rolls of product having a partial or split core are utilized to achieve the objects of this disclosure.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll.

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 dispensing sheet product includes a housing, a proximity sensor operative to detect a presence of a user's hand at a predetermined location near the dispenser, and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing, the dispensing mechanism including an electronic controller operably coupled to a drive motor that is operably coupled to a feed roller to dispense the sheet product. The dispensing mechanism is operative in a first mode to be responsive to a signal from the proximity sensor to dispense the sheet product, and is operative in a second mode to dispense a next sheet product in response to an existing sheet product being torn from the dispenser. The controller is responsive to a switch adapted and configured to set an adjustable time delay between sheet feeds when the dispensing mechanism is operating in at least one of the first mode and the second mode.

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; 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 sensor controlling the motor has a sensing path through the user engagement surface of the manual advance assembly. 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 sheet material dispenser includes a controller for automatically controlling the lengths of sheet materials dispensed from a continuous roll by identifying the type of sheet materials on the roll and dispensing suitable lengths of the identified sheet material. The dispenser desirably has a support for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet material carrying identification relating to the type of sheet material on the roll, and an identifier positioned in or adjacent the dispenser for identifying the type of sheet material on the roll. A processor receives data from the identifier, processes the data and generates an output command, and a controller controls the lengths of sheet material dispensed from the roll in response to the output command. In this way, more absorbent products may be dispensed in shorter lengths and less absorbent products may be dispensed in longer lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that relates to paper waste reduction with a point of sale printer. The method comprising, establishing a length of paper available (PA) estimate during loading of paper into a point of sale printer and tracking a length of paper used (PU). The method further comprising, continuously updating the PA by subtracting the PU from the PA, and alerting an operator to replenish paper in the printer in response to the PA being less than a desired length of paper wasted (DPW). Additionally, the method updates the new roll paper available (NRPA) to ensure that the difference between actual paper wasted (APW) and the desired length of paper wasted (DPW) is minimal.

Abstract: An electronic dispenser for dispensing measured perforated sheets from a roll of perforated web material includes a housing, and a roll carrier disposed in the housing to rotationally support the roll of perforated web material. An electrically driven feed mechanism is disposed in the housing to dispense the sheets of web material therefrom. The feed mechanism includes rollers defining a drafting zone through which the web material is conveyed. The web material is drawn in the drafting zone to an extent necessary to at least partially separate the web material along a perforation line prior to the perforation line passing through the drafting zone.

Abstract: A sheet material dispenser includes a controller for automatically controlling the lengths of sheet materials dispensed from a continuous roll by identifying the type of sheet materials on the roll and dispensing suitable lengths of the identified sheet material. The dispenser desirably has a support for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet material carrying identification relating to the type of sheet material on the roll, and an identifier positioned in or adjacent the dispenser for identifying the type of sheet material on the roll. A processor receives data from the identifier, processes the data and generates an output command, and a controller controls the lengths of sheet material dispensed from the roll in response to the output command. In this way, more absorbent products may be dispensed in shorter lengths and less absorbent products may be dispensed in longer lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for indicating paper supply in receipt printers, the system including a paper roll including a core and length of paper that forms a paper portion, the core including a core diameter and the paper portion including a decreasing paper diameter, wherein the core contrasts in color to the paper portion to create a contrast, a scanner configured to sense data pertaining to areas occupied by the core and the paper portion via the contrast, wherein the computing resource is configured to convert the data into measurements of the core diameter and paper diameter, the computing resource being programmable to create alerts when remaining lengths of paper are left on the paper roll, the remaining lengths corresponding to low paper conditions of the paper roll, and being calculated by measurements pertaining to the core diameter, decreasing paper diameter, and a thickness of the paper.

Abstract: Towel dispensing methods and automatic towel dispensers permitting conservation of the overall amount of towel dispensed. The towel dispensing methods and towel dispensers limit the amount of towel dispensed in dispense cycles which occur shortly after an initial dispense cycle. The user is provided with sufficient towel to meet the user's needs while reducing overall towel usage and limiting towel waste.

Abstract: A roll paper printer comprising a roll paper storage unit having a bottom surface on which a roll paper is held and rolls, an operable cover unit for opening and closing a roll paper loading opening to the roll paper storage unit, a roll paper size detection mechanism comprising a detection lever that can move in a direction protruding into the roll paper storage unit and a direction retracting from the roll paper storage unit, and an urging member for urging the detection lever in the protruding direction, wherein the detection lever separates from the roll paper and is pushed in the protruding direction when an outside diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit decreases to a predetermined size or less, and a detection lever retraction mechanism for moving the detection lever protruding into the roll paper storage unit in the retracting direction against the urging force of the urging member in conjunction with the operable cover unit opening.

Abstract: The device (18) for detecting end of paper comprises a support (43) mounted on a wall (26) of a printer (10) of receipts, obtained from a tape (12) of paper wound on a roll (14), contained in a housing (15) of the printer (10). The printer (10) is preferentially employed at a Point Of Sale (POS) and may be arranged on a horizontal work plane (21) set on its base (22), or inclined by about 90°, on a front wall (24). As a result, the roll (14) is set into the housing (15) alternatively in two positions, corresponding to the inclination assumed by the printer. A detecting lever (54) in hinge-mounted on the support (43) and is provided with two arms (55, 56) spread apart, forming an angle of approximately 120°.

Abstract: In a system and method for controlling the length of a discrete segment of an elastic web, a wound off tension of the web is determined during unwinding from a wound roll. The unwound web is delivered to a processing station while being maintained in tension. A discrete segment of the web is transported away from the processing station for at least a time t wherein the discrete segment decreases in length to a recovered length. The recovered length is predicted based at least in part on the wound off tension and in response to the predicted recovered length, at least one of the following is controlled: 1) the speed at which the web is delivered to the processing station, 2) the tension in the continuous web as it is delivered to the processing station, and 3) the length of the discrete segment at the processing station.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser is provided which utilizes an active sensing system, preferably an infra-red system, for detecting when a dispense of toweling should occur. The control for the dispenser is designed for low power use, thereby allowing the dispenser to be battery powered. The dispenser can also be powered by a solar panel, either in addition to or in place of, the batteries. Thus, the dispenser can be used in all lighting conditions. In addition, the dispenser is microprocessor controlled, thereby reducing costs and adding flexibility and functionality.

Abstract: A method of unwinding material in a process system for producing a product includes the steps of loading a roll of material in an unwind system, programming a controller with an unwind equation, the controller in communication with the unwind system, computing a material feed rate based on a predetermined product circumference and an average stretch-to-stop roll profile, and putting a diameter of the roll of material and the material feed rate in the unwind equation of the controller, and unwinding a varying amount of material from the roll of material at a varying unwind speed, the controller being responsive to the unwind equation to vary the unwind speed for forming a plurality of products, each product defining a respective circumference substantially equal to the predetermined product circumference.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for automatically dispensing a paper product mounted on a gravity-assisted holder through a dispenser. The apparatus can be pedestal or wall-mounted and includes an electric motor, a main product roller for automatically rolling a predetermined amount of the paper product from the holder, exit guide rollers for guiding the paper product through a front cover of the dispenser, and a series of interconnected gears that are driven by the electric motor to activate the main product roller and exit guide roller and operate both the main roller and exit roller at the same speed. The dispenser is activated when a proximity sensor detects the presence of an individual's hand. Operating the rollers at the same speed prevents paper or tissue jamming inside the dispenser. An even weight distribution of the paper roll against a primary roller is accomplished by offsetting the weight of the paper roll through guide tracks.

Abstract: Automatic dispensers for dispensing products such as towel, tissue, wipes, sheet-form materials, soap, shaving cream, fragrances and personal care products. A dispenser includes a housing, an electrical power source, a user input device, a dispensing mechanism, and motor control apparatus. The user input device generates a signal responsive to a user request for product. Motor control apparatus de-powers the dispensing mechanism based on a determination of dispenser conditions representing discharge of the product.

Abstract: A wrapping material indicator arrangement for a wrapping machine, in particular a rotobaler. The indicator is supported on the circumference of a wrapping material roll, from which wrapping material is withdrawn during a wrapping operation. A rotating counter roll, pressed against the wrapping material roll, drives a rotating wheel mounted on an arm that allows the wheel to translate through an arc. The translation of the wheel and arm indicates the amount of wrapping material left on the wrapping material roll and its rotation allows an operator to monitor the operation of the rotobaler for malfunctions during the wrapping operation.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll.

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 system, apparatus and method collects data on rolled product usage at a dispensing location by monitoring the amount of product pulled or removed from a roll. A spindle assembly may be configured to support a product roll. The spindle assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a sensor. The sensor is capable of detecting one or more parameters of product usage from the roll. Furthermore, the sensor may be configured to measure at least the degree of movement of the rotating member during removal of product from the roll. A recording device also may be provided for receiving data from the sensor, the recording device being adapted for receiving and recording data. Data that may be generated, and may be recorded, includes roll product usage data. An electronically controlled system of monitoring product inventory, and/or ordering more product when inventory falls below a predetermined threshold amount is also included.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser comprising a housing with a roll of towels inside an interior, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object and generating a signal, a motor driving a dispensing means for dispensing a desired length of towel, a control circuit for receiving the signal from the sensing means and controlling supply of power to the motor driving the dispensing mechanism, and a battery. The control circuit is adapted to sample back EMF generated by the motor while the dispensing means is dispensing the towel and to determine based on the sampled back EMF a calculated run time for the operation of the motor to dispense the desired length of towel. A method of dispensing a desired length of towel wherein a sensor generates a signal when the presence of an object is sensed. A control circuit receives the signal from the sensor and supplies power from a battery to a motor to drive a dispensing means to dispense a desired length of towel from the roll.

Abstract: A strapping machine automatically adjusting the strap tension includes a sensor to interact with two sense members fixed on a subordinate wheel of an advance and retreat device, which consists of a main wheel and the subordinate wheel. The sensor and the sense members sense the advanced and the retreated rounds of the subordinate wheel when a strap is moved through a gap between the main wheel and the subordinate wheel. Then sensor sends a signal of the length practically needed to bind the strap around an object to a signal processor, which calculates and records and sends the difference cardinality to a controller. Then the controller controls operation and stopping of the motor of a strap tension device according to the signal so that the strap machine can automatically adjust the strap tension for binding the strap.

Abstract: A wire spool for remaining wire recognition for wire (1) with a leading wire end (4) and a trailing wire end (2), which is wound on the spool body (30, 40) in N windings, whereby the spool body (30, 40) has side walls (40) on both sides and a spool drum (30), with a magnet (10) that is fastened in the spool body (30, 40), whereby the installation position of the magnet (10) in the spool body (30, 40) is such that the magnetic field lines (11, 12) are arranged along the magnet (10) essentially parallel to the winding direction of the wire (1) on the spool drum (30).

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method is shown for collecting data on rolled product usage at a dispensing location by monitoring the amount of product pulled or removed from a roll. In the invention, a spindle assembly may be configured to support a product roll. The spindle assembly includes a rotating member in operable connection to the spindle. A sensor is connected to the spindle assembly. The sensor is capable of detecting one or more parameters of product usage from the roll. Furthermore, the sensor may be configured to measure at least the degree of movement of the rotating member during removal of product from the roll. A recording device also may be provided for receiving data from the sensor, the recording device being adapted for receiving and recording data. Data that may be generated, and may be recorded, includes roll product usage data.

Abstract: A fully-integrated computer-aided method for sizing and building paper reels from which a plurality of smaller rolls of paper are created. Data pertaining to the measurements of paper reels and the rolls to be built therefrom is entered into a computer programmed with electronic spreadsheet software, which stores, validates and computes measurement values so that the diameter of the paper reel from which the smaller paper reels are being built is of the correct size to minimize waste.

Abstract: A hands-free paper towel dispenser including a housing with a front cover pivotally attached thereto. A sensor is disposed entirely within the housing, and mounted so that it is not attached to the front cover and oriented toward the front cover of the housing to detect an object adjacent the front cover of the housing without the object contacting the front cover. A dispensing mechanism is disposed within the housing for dispensing a length of towel, with the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a motor in driving engagement with the drive roller. Control circuitry controls operation of the sensor and the motor, with the control circuitry including a circuit to control the length of towel that is dispensed, and a circuit to provide a delay between dispensing cycles. The dispenser also includes an electric power source for powering operation of the dispenser.

Abstract: Disclosed are a filament cassette and a filament loading assembly for supplying filament in a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine. The filament cassette contains a rotatable spool of filament, and has an exit orifice through which a filament strand may exit the cassette. The filament loading assembly is mounted on the modeling machine and receives the filament cassette. The filament loading assembly has conduit for receiving a strand of filament from the cassette and a drive means for advancing the filament strand through the conduit. The filament cassette and loading assembly of the present invention provide a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament from the modeling machine. The filament cassette and the conduit may be made airtight so that the filament is protected from moisture in the environment.

Abstract: A precision method is defined for identifying defective sections of a spoolable material for removal. Defective sections are noted during manufacture and the spool containing the material is subsequently unwound to allow removal of the defective sections. The invention uses rotation data corresponding to the location on the spool where the fiber contains defects. A process controller records rotational positioning data from the take-up spool during manufacturing and uses the information to locate the defect when unwinding the spool. In addition, the pitch of winding the fiber onto the spool may be altered during manufacturing to indicate the beginning and end of a defective section. In this instance, the defective portion of the fiber can be determined during unwinding by monitoring the pitch width of the material. Finally, an algorithm for defining cut out bands adjacent to the defective sections aid in ensuring that no remaining defective fiber remains.

Abstract: A talking toilet paper roll holder comprises an elongated housing member and an elongated spring loaded shaft member having a longitudinal axis disposed of along a longitudinal axis of the elongated housing member. Each end of the elongated spring loaded shaft member is adapted for engagement with a wall mounted housing member for such holder. There is further a battery operated talking device disposed on the inside of the housing member at a predetermined location and a switch disposed on the talking device in a position to be engaged by a spring loaded switch activation means that is carried on the shaft member. The activation means engages an outer edge of a full roll of toilet paper that is carried by the holder and is moved inwardly to an on position when toilet paper has been emptied. At least one sound transfer hole is disposed through at least one end of the elongated housing member.

Abstract: A means for binding wire around an object. The means comprises a feeding unit (2) with a feeding wheel (11) for feeding and stretching the wire (3). The measuring of fed wire length normally takes place in that the feeding wheel (11) rotates through a predetermined number of revolutions. Sliding between the wire (3) and feeding wheel (11), however, implies that the position of the wire cannot be determined accurately. As a solution of this problem a separate measuring means (5) is provided for continuously measuring the fed wire length (3), where the measuring is carried out without the measuring means (5) feeding the wire (3).

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 precision method is defined for identifying defective sections of a spoolable material for removal. Defective sections are noted during manufacture and the spool containing the material is subsequently unwound to allow removal of the defective sections. The invention uses rotation data corresponding to the location on the spool where the fiber contains defects. A process controller records rotational positioning data from the take-up spool during manufacturing and uses the information to locate the defect when unwinding the spool. In addition, the pitch of winding the fiber onto the spool may be altered during manufacturing to indicate the beginning and end of a defective section. In this instance, the defective portion of the fiber can be determined during unwinding by monitoring the pitch width of the material. Finally, an algorithm for defining cut out bands adjacent to the defective sections aid in ensuring that no remaining defective fiber remains.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser is provided which utilizes an active sensing system, preferably an infra-red system, for detecting when a dispense of toweling should occur. The control for the dispenser is designed for low power use, thereby allowing the dispenser to be battery powered. The dispenser can also be powered by a solar panel, either in addition to or in place of, the batteries. Thus, the dispenser can be used in all lighting conditions. In addition, the dispenser is microprocessor controlled, thereby reducing costs and adding flexibility and functionality.

Abstract: A label applicator of the type for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator, which applicator includes a supply roll and a rewind roll configured to move the strip through the applicator, a tamp pad for applying the labels to the object, and an unwind sensor. The unwind sensor includes a supply disk positioned coaxially on the supply roll. The supply disk has a plurality of equally spaced openings therein. A sensor is configured for sensing the passing of the supply disk openings. A counter counts the openings passing the sensor. The applicator includes means for determining a level of labels remaining on the supply roll.