Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for dispensing sheet material from a roll which include a low-material sensing system. The low-material sensing system provides an indication when the sheet material approaches depletion or is depleted so that the depleted sheet material roll can be replaced with a full roll. The low-material sensing system determines that the sheet material is depleted or near depletion by comparing the rotational speed of a sheet material roll from which the sheet material is unwound with the speed of the motor which produces movement of the sheet material roll when power is supplied to the motor. The sheet material roll speed increases as material is unwound while the motor speed remains relatively constant. A low-material indication is provided when the comparison reaches a threshold representative of the low-material state.

Abstract: A container comprising a housing that is configured to rotatably mount a filament supply spool, and a filament guide mechanism mountable within a channel of the housing, where the filament guide mechanism comprises a filament pathway configured to guide the filament from the filament supply spool rotatably mounted in the interior chamber, and a sensor configured to detect the presence of the filament through at least a portion of the filament pathway.

Abstract: The present invention is a dispenser that, in one embodiment, includes a support for a roll of web material, a drive roller cooperating with an idler roller to feed web material supported by the roll support, and a mouth through which the web material is dispensed which has a floor but not a roof such that the web material does not jam when dispensed through the mouth. In another embodiment, the mouth is slot shaped. In various embodiments of the invention with either a slot shaped mouth or a wide mouth without a roof, a sensor is provided for selectively activating a drive motor in response to an incursion into a sensing field, wherein the sensor comprises an infrared emitter and receiver.

Abstract: An electronic dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of web material includes a passive, self-discharging static charge dissipating material configured with at least one component of the dispenser that stores static charge generated by operation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A method for feeding a yarn (F) under constant tension to a yarn processing point of a textile machine (T) distant from spool (2) or equivalent support from which the yarn (F) unwinds, the tension of said yarn (F) being controlled in proximity to the spool (2) such that this parameter is monitored and controlled immediately after the yarn (F) has been unwound from the spool (2), the yarn (F) fed to the textile machine (T) cooperating, before reaching said processing point on the machine (T), with a series of thread guide elements (8) which modify the tension of the regulated tension. A second tension control is effected in proximity to the textile machine (T), said control being used for further adjustment of the tension of the yarn (F) in proximity to the spool (2) to hence regulate the tension of the yarn (F) entering the machine (T) to a predetermined constant value.

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 reinforcement binding machine (1), comprising a wire reel storage part (3) having a rotation detection lever (8) and a photo sensor (7). When a wire reel is rotated in starting binding, the rotation detection lever is turned on and off by a projected part formed on the side face of the wire reel to detect the rotation, and the photo sensor detects a reflection mark on the wire reel to discriminate the type of the wire by a mark number so as to control torsional torque, etc. Since wire information is detected in binding operation when the wire reel is rotated at a high speed not in initialization operation (in setting the wire) when the wire reel is rotated at a low speed, the swing amount of the rotation detection lever is large and, accordingly, the wire information can be securely detected.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar binder capable of certainly identifying the type of a wire reel and automatically adjusting the amount of feeding of the wire wound around the wire reel or the twisting torque on the wire is provided. The reinforcing bar binder feeds a wire while rotating a wire reel mounted in a storing chamber and binds a reinforcing bar. The storing chamber is provided with a first detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of the wire reel and a second detecting means for detecting the number of second to-be detecting portions on the wire reel during the amount of rotation detected by the first detecting means. The binder main body is provided with controlling means for controlling the amount of feeding of the wire or the twisting torque on the wire based on the number of the second to-be-detected portions detected by the second detecting means.

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 hands-free dispenser has a body and a cover connected to the body. A sensor element is attached to the body. The cover has an opening that enables the sensor to protrude through the cover and extend beyond a plane of the cover when the cover is closed.

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: In order to enable a plurality of paper rolls having different diameters in an unused (new) state to be mounted freely according to a choice of a user, and to increase convenience for a user. A paper feeding device 3 that feeds a sheet of a paper roll 2a (2b) to a printing device 4, includes two side plates 8b vertically arranged along both sides of the paper roll 2a (2b), in which the side plates 8b are provided with a plurality of notches 11, 13 which are capable of bearing-supporting the paper rolls 2a (2b) having the different diameters in the unused state, and in which, when the notches 11, 13 are mounted with the corresponding paper rolls 2a (2b) in the unused state, end portions 14, 15 of outer peripheral surfaces of the paper rolls 2a (2b) on the printing device 4 side are arranged to be positioned in substantially the same vertical plane.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar binder capable of certainly identifying the type of a wire reel and automatically adjusting the amount of feeding of the wire wound around the wire reel or the twisting torque on the wire is provided. The reinforcing bar binder feeds a wire while rotating a wire reel mounted in a storing chamber and binds a reinforcing bar. The storing chamber is provided with a first detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of the wire reel and a second detecting means for detecting the number of second to-be detecting portions on the wire reel during the amount of rotation detected by the first detecting means. The binder main body is provided with controlling means for controlling the amount of feeding of the wire or the twisting torque on the wire based on the basis of the number of the second to-be-detected portions detected by the second detecting means.

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 device is provided for use in covering a danger area on a roll changer that can carry at least one roll of material to be directed to a rotary, web-fed printing press. A cover is provided with a drive that can move the cover. A control unit is provided to control the drive for the cover. The cover is closed in a first operational state and is open in a second operational state. The roll of material, that is supported by the roll changer, has a first rotational speed or web speed when the cover is in the first, closed operational state. In the second, cover opened, operational state, the roll of material also has a second rotational or web speed which is greater than zero. A method for controlling a device on a roll changer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for computer-aided regulation of rotational speed of a reel spool, when paying out (and reeling in) an on-wound line. According to a main aspect of the invention, the line surface is surveyed by digital imaging and/or electronic distance measuring means; and incidents of line rising from the spool are captured and reported to an on-board computer which, proportionally to such input, orders variable engaging/releasing of braking force to the brake(s) of the reel to avert backlash. Certain other (side-)functions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the state of the art automatic erosion control, fire suppression and water recovery storage system. Precipitation sensors automatically activate synchronized motor controls, activating the upper reel and lower tension reel constructing a repellent barrier, diverting and collecting water run-off thereby controlling and prohibiting over-saturation of the soil base, a direct cause of mudslides. Run-off is collected and stored in environmentally safe cisterns. Stored water supplies the incorporated fire suppression system for preventing and controlling fires caused by natural or man-made acts. The fire suppression system is controlled by automatic temperature sensors signals to activate the suppression system. When a threat of fire is over a signal is sent to terminate operations. This system is extremely effective in protecting and enabling the eco-systems by controlling over-saturation allowing a stronger root base.

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: A container comprising a housing that is configured to rotatably mount a filament supply spool, and a filament guide mechanism mountable within a channel of the housing, where the filament guide mechanism comprises a filament pathway configured to guide the filament from the filament supply spool rotatably mounted in the interior chamber, and a sensor configured to detect the presence of the filament through at least a portion of the filament pathway.

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: Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile polyethylene turf, are provided. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as roller adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the front roller. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet driver for use in a drug dispenser including a drug carrier (100) having a plurality of pockets (102, 103, 104) for containing drug wherein said pockets are spaced along the length of and defined between first (106) and second (105) sheets secured to each other and separable by drivable pulling action, the sheet driver comprising a base (220); ascending from the base, a shaft (230) defining a rotational axis; on the base, a drive surface (225) for receipt of drive to rotate the base about the rotational axis; about the shaft, a torsion spring (240) defining first (242) and second (244) spring legs; mounting about the shaft and the torsion spring for rotation about the rotational axis, a hub (250) defining a hub surface for receipt of a sheet of the drug carrier.

Abstract: Sheet product dispensers and methods for controlling the dispensers are provided. A sheet product dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing assembly disposed in the housing. The dispensing assembly is configured to hold a roll of sheet product thereon and to dispense a portion of the roll of sheet product. The sheet product dispenser further includes an ultraviolet light source disposed on the housing. The ultraviolet light source is configured to emit ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A low reserve indicator mechanism for a supply of paper towels is disclosed. The mechanism includes a base, a pushplate, and an indicator. The pushplate is connected to the base with a translational degree of freedom therebetween, is biased in a first direction relative to the base, and is responsive to a first attribute of the supply of paper towels to translate opposite the first direction. The indicator is pivotally connected to the pushplate, and is movable between a retracted position and an indicating position in response to a second attribute of the supply of paper towels.

Abstract: A coiling device (1) for coiling or uncoiling a strip (2), has at least one coiler (5), an optional drive roll (7) associated with the coiler (5), and a control device (10) for the coiler (5) and the optional drive roll (7). The control device (10) operates the coiling device (1) in such a way that a current strip temperature and/or a current microstructure property of the strip is/are determined by taking measurements or calculating a model, the control device (10) determines a current desired torque value (MH,MR) from the actual value or a variable derived therefrom, and the control device (10) operates the coiler (5) and the optional drive roll (7) by the current desired torque value (MH,MR). The coiling device (1) has the advantage of improving the coiling quality as well as the strip quality in terms of the strip thickness and width.

Abstract: A method for sensing low paper in a printer includes supporting a paper supply roll via at least one of two paper supports. Each paper support includes a fixed roller rotatable about a fixed roller axis and a movable roller pivotable about the fixed roller axis from a start position to an end position. The movable roller is moved from the start position toward the end position as a diameter of the paper supply roll decreases to less than or equal to a predetermined distance. The paper supply roll falls between the fixed roller and the movable roller when the diameter of the paper supply roll decreases to less than the predetermined distance and exerts a force on a paddle of a detection device thereby restoring a line of sight of the detection device.

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: The invention relates to a system of dispensing a product rolled around an element such as a tube (50), such product defining a structure such as a cylinder, and such system comprising in particular: a frame, a means of support and connection of the roll in the frame. It is claimed for the invention that the tube (50) includes an electrically conductive element (50c) designed to operate in conjunction with an element of the frame so as together to form an electric circuit element.

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: 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: A paper towel dispenser includes a housing with an inner chamber configured to support a paper supply and a dispensing aperture for dispensing paper from the paper supply. The paper supply includes a side that is formed by superimposed edge portions of paper from the paper supply. An indicator mechanism is affixed to the housing within the inner chamber and is disposed adjacent the paper supply. The indicator mechanism includes an indicator operably connected to a release mechanism. The indicator is movable between a retracted position and an indicating position. The release mechanism is pivotally biased away from the housing and is releasable in response to the paper supply being reduced below a predetermined amount. Upon release of the release mechanism, the release mechanism causes the indicator to move to the indicating position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of dispensing a product rolled around an element such as a tube (50), such product defining a structure such as a cylinder, and such system comprising in particular: a frame, a means of support and connection of the roll in the frame. It is claimed for the invention that the tube (50) includes an electrically conductive element (50c) designed to operate in conjunction with an element of the frame so as together to form an electric circuit element.

Abstract: The automatic tissue dispenser apparatus provides for user-determined tissue length dispensed. The motion sensor activates and deactivates dispensing to provide user control. A cutting edge is provided for tearing tissue as chosen. A hand crank is optionally provided to negate dysfunction in the event of power or component failure. A stanchion with base is optionally provided for a free-standing dispenser.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of towel material includes a housing having an internal volume so as to retain at least one roll of towel material therein. An electronically powered dispensing mechanism is contained within the housing for dispensing a measured sheet from the roll of towel material upon actuation of the dispensing mechanism. A passive trigger sensor is disposed so as to detect the presence of a user in a first detection zone, and an active dispense sensor is disposed so as to detect the presence of a user in a second detection zone that is different from the first detection zone. For each dispense cycle, the passive trigger sensor senses the presence of a user in the first detection zone prior to the active dispense sensor being enabled to initiate a dispense sequence upon detection of the user in the second detection zone.

Abstract: Dispensers and dispensing systems and methods having communication abilities are provided. Various embodiments include the ability to communicate reminders and other messages to users and maintenance personnel. An embodiment of the present invention has two sensors, one for detecting when to dispense a product and the other for detecting when to communicate pre-recorded messages. Another embodiment also includes the ability to record multiple messages into the dispenser for later playback upon triggering events. Still yet other embodiments provide messages upon dispensing of product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip of towel material for use in a towel dispenser, which strip has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and has been wound onto a roller, or has been folded along folding lines extending in the transverse direction and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, such that a stack has been obtained, wherein the strip is provided with at least one electronically readable marking.

Abstract: A paper towel dispenser includes a housing with an inner chamber configured to support a paper supply and a dispensing aperture for dispensing paper from the paper supply. The paper supply includes a side that is formed by superimposed edge portions of paper from the paper supply. An indicator mechanism is affixed to the housing within the inner chamber and is disposed adjacent the paper supply. The indicator mechanism includes an indicator operably connected to a release mechanism. The indicator is movable between a retracted position and an indicating position. The release mechanism is pivotally biased away from the housing and is releasable in response to the paper supply being reduced below a predetermined amount. Upon release of the release mechanism, the release mechanism causes the indicator to move to the indicating position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a vertically oriented roll of web material is disclosed. The roll comprises a lower surface, an upper surface and a circumferential surface. The apparatus comprises: at least one drive element adapted to rotate the vertically oriented roll, a sensor adapted to measure a tension of the web, and a controller adapted to adjust a speed of the web according to the tension of the web. The method comprises steps of rotating the roll, determining a desired web tension, and adjusting the speed of the roll according to the desired web tension.

Abstract: A reinforcement binding machine capable of detecting, by the rotation of a reel, that wire on the reel is consumed and the reel, the reinforcement binding machine wherein an interrupter is installed in the cassette case of a binding machine body, a cover is rotatably held on a reel mounting shaft, an opening part is formed in the cover, a projection is formed on the reel and fitted into the opening part, and a color with a lightness different from that of the cover is applied to the projection to detect the rotation of the reel by the interrupter.

Abstract: A paper towel dispenser includes a housing with an inner chamber configured to support a paper supply and a dispensing aperture for dispensing paper from the paper supply. The paper supply includes a side that is formed by superimposed edge portions of paper from the paper supply. An indicator mechanism is affixed to the housing within the inner chamber and is disposed adjacent the paper supply. The indicator mechanism includes an indicator operably connected to a release mechanism. The indicator is movable between a retracted position and an indicating position. The release mechanism is pivotally biased away from the housing and is releasable in response to the paper supply being reduced below a predetermined amount. Upon release of the release mechanism, the release mechanism causes the indicator to move to the indicating position.

Abstract: The present invention is a dispenser that, in one embodiment, includes a support for a roll of web material, a drive roller cooperating with an idler roller to feed web material supported by the roll support, and a mouth through which the web material is dispensed which has a floor but not a roof such that the web material does not jam when dispensed through the mouth. In another embodiment, the mouth is slot shaped. In various embodiments of the invention with either a slot shaped mouth or a wide mouth without a roof, a sensor is provided for selectively activating a drive motor in response to an incursion into a sensing field, wherein the sensor comprises an infrared emitter and receiver.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of towel material includes a housing having an internal volume so as to retain at least one roll of towel material therein. An electronically powered dispensing mechanism is contained within the housing for dispensing a measured sheet from the roll of towel material upon actuation of the dispensing mechanism. A sensor is contained within the housing to detect an object placed within a detection zone of the sensor. Control circuitry is configured with the sensor and dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispense cycle upon detection of an object by the sensor. The sensor is disposed relative to the housing such that the detection zone is defined substantially below a bottom surface of the housing requiring that an object must be placed at a location below the housing to be detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a vertically oriented roll of web material is disclosed. The roll comprises a lower surface, an upper surface and a circumferential surface. The apparatus comprises: at least one drive element adapted to rotate the vertically oriented roll, a sensor adapted to measure a tension of the web, and a controller adapted to adjust a speed of the web according to the tension of the web. The method comprises steps of rotating the roll, determining a desired web tension, and adjusting the speed of the roll according to the desired web tension.

Abstract: The present invention provides an uncoiler apparatus capable of minimizing a waste amount of the total amount of coil, by reducing the damage to the surface of the coil caused by line contact between the coil and a drum when the drum expands to clamp the coil.

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: A hands-free paper towel dispenser including a housing with a front cover that is pivotable between open and closed positions. A sensing mechanism is disposed entirely within the interior space of the cabinet at a location adjacent to the front cover and is oriented toward the front cover of the cabinet to permit detecting of an object adjacent the front cover without the object contacting the front cover. At least a portion of the sensing mechanism is accessible when the front cover is at the open position. 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. The dispenser also includes an electric power source for powering operation of the dispenser.

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: In one aspect, a method of correcting a loosely wound supply roll to be used with a label applying machine is described. The method includes providing a supply roll having a material web wound thereon, the supply roll mounted on a supply roll spindle such that the material web is aligned with an intake of a labeling mechanism on the label applying machine. The method further includes mounting a moveable web guide to apply pressure to the material web being supplied to the labeling mechanism, wherein the web guide includes an encoder. The method further includes determining the tension of the material web wound around the supply roll using the movable web guide and the encoder. Further still, the method includes adjusting the tension of the material web wound around the supply roll if the material web is determined to be too loosely wound about the supply roll to provide adequate tension to the web as the web leaves the supply roll.

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 hands-free paper towel dispenser including a housing with a front cover that is pivotable between open and closed positions. A sensing mechanism is disposed entirely within the interior space of the cabinet at a location adjacent to the front cover and is oriented toward the front cover of the cabinet to permit detecting of an object adjacent the front cover without the object contacting the front cover. At least a portion of the sensing mechanism is accessible when the front cover is at the open position. 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. The dispenser also includes an electric power source for powering operation of the dispenser.