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: A loading lid is provided with a roll holding mechanism. The roll holding mechanism is constituted of a holder plate, a first position regulate section and a second position regulate section. The holder plate and the loading lid are attached to a same shaft. The holder plate is biased by a spring toward the loading lid. After the printing paper roll is put on the loading lid, it is closed. On closing the loading lid, as it relatively moves to the holder plate, an open angle between the loading lid and the holder plate becomes smaller gradually. When first and second positioning plates and the holder plate contact to a periphery of the paper roll, the loading lid stops relatively moving to the holder plate. Thereafter, the loading lid and the holder plate move together while they keep the open angle in accordance with the largeness of the radius of the paper roll. When the loading lid is perfectly closed, a center of a roll core is set at a predetermined position, regardless of the largeness of the paper roll.

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 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: An apparatus and method for handling web material paid off from a coil to a downstream end-use machine. The method generally includes automatically adjusting the height of the coil of web material to maintain a consistent payoff line, and includes dekinking the trailing end of the web material to prevent damage to downstream machines. The apparatus generally includes a reel-type uncoiler having a vertically adjustable mandrel and having a payoff roll biased into engagement with the outside diameter of the coil to define a payoff line of the web material. A dekinker is positioned just downstream of the uncoiler to dekink the trailing end of the web material and to thread the leading end of the web material into a downstream feeder. The dekinker includes a threader roll and a breaker roll pivotably mounted about a common pivot axis, wherein a kinked portion of web material is straightened therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in continuous unwinding of a paper web, in which a paper reel (3) wound on a reeling core (2) or the like is unwound by rotating the same to guide the paper web (1) to a further processing stage. The method is characterized in that the shape of the outer surface of the unwound paper reel (3) is measured with the aim of detecting the defects possibly occurring in the paper reel (3) the invention also relates to an apparatus for applying the method.

Abstract: A paper dispenser including a carriage that is rotatable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation. The carriage holds at least two rolls of paper. In the first orientation, the first roll is in a primary position and the second roll is in a secondary position. In the second orientation, the first roll is in the secondary position and the second roll is in the primary position. A roll sensor senses the amount of paper remaining on the roll held in the primary position. Paper from at least one of the two rolls is fed into a feed mechanism for dispensation. A transfer mechanism feeds paper from the roll held in the secondary position into the feed, mechanism when the roll sensor senses that the paper on the roll held in the primary position is depleted to less than a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a tape feeding device with splicing capabilities for reliably conveying parts to a pickup location for attachment to a substrate using a pick and place machine, including an extensible carrier tape reel support, a system for sensing the fill state of a carrier tape take-up reel, and a split hub take-up reel design to facilitate the removal of carrier tape therefrom.

Abstract: Spool for windable materials, in particular for the winding on of cigarette or filter paper, at which a data carrier, preferably in the form of a chip, is arranged, the data carrier (2), which is developed for the contactless transfer of data (6, 7) specifying the spool (1) and/or the wound-on material (3) being arranged at least partly in the wall (11) of the preferably hollow-cylindrical spool (1).

Abstract: An apparatus of a printer for detecting a termination or near-termination of a printing medium includes a frame for housing and supporting a roll of the printing medium and capable of being set in a first position and a second position; a first printing medium detecting portion and a second printing medium detecting portion for non-contact detection of the termination or near-termination of the printing medium according to a varying diameter of the roll of the printing medium when the frame is in the first position and the second position; and a position adjusting portion for adjusting an initial set position of the first and the second printing medium detecting means according to an initial diameter of the roll of the printing medium.

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 rotary beam has mounted thereon a pair of carrier arms for rotatably supporting a roll of web from which the web is fed into the press, and another such arm pair for supporting another such web roll to which the web is to be spliced upon consumption of the first web roll. One of each pair of carrier arms has rotatably mounted thereto a hollow spindle to be partly inserted in the tubular core of the web roll. The hollow spindle has detents arranged at circumferential spacings thereon for fluid pressure actuation into frictional engagement with the inside surface of the web roll core. The other of each carrier arm pair has a second spindle rotatably mounted thereto which is to be held endwise against the web roll core via a spring-loaded end cap. How hard the web roll core is urged against the first spindle by the second spindle, resisting the unwinding of the web therefrom, depends upon whether the second spindle is held fast against the end cap or spaced therefrom by the spring.

Abstract: An unwinding apparatus (10) for a strapping machine (12) for the purpose of unwinding a band (14) from a band-supply reel (16) comprises at least two bearing rollers (20, 22) which are located one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the band-supply reel (16) and on which the band-supply reel (16) rests by way of its respective outer band circumference, it being possible for at least the downstream bearing roller (22) to be driven for the purpose of driving the band-supply reel (16).

Abstract: In the method in unwinding, paper web (W) is discharged from a reel (R1) that is becoming empty and the paper web of a new full reel (R2) is spliced at the discharge speed to the paper web discharged from the reel that is becoming empty. The terminal end point (L) of the web of the reel (R1) that is becoming empty is stored as information indicating its position in the longitudinal direction of the web in a readable memory (M) corresponding to the reel. During the discharge the distance travelled by the web is determined and compared to the memory, and when there is a predetermined length of web to the terminal end point (L) remaining on the reel (R1) that is becoming empty, a splicing command is given, whereafter the leading end of the paper web of a new full reel (R2) is spliced to the paper web (W) being discharged.

Abstract: A device for distributing paper segments, comprising a containment structure; at least a continuous roll of paper presenting a plurality of perforations distributed along the direction of unwinding of the roll, the roll developing inside the containment structure until reaching an exterior release area presented by the containment structure itself; means for unwinding the roll towards the release area; at least a detector, positioned downstream of the roll within the containment structure, to identify at least a perforation in the paper roll during the unwinding thereof; and locking means connected to said detector to lock the unwinding of the roll when the perforation is identified.

Abstract: In some process contexts it is desirable to maintain a constant strain on the web instead of constant tension. The novel system measures the caliper of the web material and adjusts the tension to achieve the desired constant strain. The caliper may be measured by monitoring the radius of the expiring web reel in connection with the angular position of the reel. The web caliper is input into a control scheme that includes an algorithm determining the appropriate tension to applied to the web in accordance with its caliper. The control scheme outputs a variable force command to a dynamic dancer which adjusts the web tension and thus sets the constant web strain. The variable force may be injected via an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a spring with a dynamic ground, or an electromagnetically driven actuator.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting apparatus prevents an error at the setup time prior to startup of the apparatus and enables mounting of proper electronic devices without a mistake. A cartridge and a lane of a cartridge mounting rack have a cartridge side connector (upper electrode portion, connection plug, lower electrode portion) and a lane side connector (fixed plug) which are electrically connected when the cartridge is installed on the lane. An error detecting circuit is formed by employing these connectors as part thereof. The error detecting circuit determines whether or not the installation position of the cartridge is appropriate depending on the conductive state or non-conductive state from a power supply to a warning buzzer when the connectors are connected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a web material that defines a plurality of integral lanes with separators disposed between the lanes. At least one lane of the web material can be torn along a separator without using a cutting or slitting device while maintaining one or more other lanes on the roll.

Abstract: A winding device for flat printed sheets has a rotatably supported winding drum for receiving and dispensing printed sheets. At least one winding mandrel having a winding belt wound thereon and configured to unwind the winding belt and feed undershot the winding belt to the winding drum is provided. The winding belt receives the printed sheets and, by being wound onto the winding drum together with the printed sheets, forms winding layers of the printed sheets on the winding drum. A touch probe detects an empty state of the winding drum, without printed sheets wound thereon, or a loaded state of the winding drum, having printed sheets wound thereon, by interacting with the winding belt or the printed sheets.

Abstract: A paper towel dispenser contains an upright roll of paper towels having an inner periphery from which the towels are dispensed. A low-reserve indicator mechanism is affixed to the housing within the chamber for indicating when a remaining quantity of towels in the roll is low. The indicator mechanism includes a sign mounted for movement between a retracted position and an indicating position for displaying indicia through a transparent portion of the housing when the roll is low. The indicator mechanism also includes a release mechanism supported upon an upper end of the roll and movable downwardly in response to becoming unsupported by a diminishing radial thickness of the roll to cause the indicator to move to its indicating position. The indicator mechanism automatically conforms to rolls of varying height and outer diameter.

Abstract: A device for detecting remaining quantity of rolled papers has housing having a bottom for supporting a rolled paper. Optical detectors are provided for detecting a peripheral position of the rolled paper supported on the bottom when the peripheral position approaches an inner end of the paper and for generating an output signal. A positioning lever is provided for positioning the detectors at a position dependent on a radius of a core of the rolled paper. A control circuit responds to the output signal for informing that the rolled paper reaches the inner end.

Abstract: Film rolls at the delivery position and the standby position are supported by supporting units. The roll is passed from the standby position to the delivery position by means of the conveying member provided in the roll conveying unit. As a result, it is not necessary to support the rolls at the individual positions by use of the roll conveying unit, thus permitting simplification of the configuration of the unit. The conveying member has a configuration in which the same is attached to a conveying chain put around the sprockets to make it possible to achieve circumferential travel of the conveying member by a single driving motor. When delivering by connecting to the film from the delivery position, the leading end easily comes off the holding unit by inserting the folded leading end of the film from the standby position and holding the same there.

Abstract: A rotary beam has mounted thereon a pair of carrier arms for rotatably supporting a roll of web from which the web is fed into the press, and another such arm pair for supporting another such web roll to which the web is to be spliced upon consumption of the first web roll. One of each pair of carrier arms has rotatably mounted thereto a hollow spindle to be partly inserted in the tubular core of the web roll. The hollow spindle has detents arranged at circumferential spacings thereon for fluid pressure actuation into frictional engagement with the inside surface of the web roll core. The other of each carrier arm pair has a second spindle rotatably mounted thereto which is to be held endwise against the web roll core via a spring-loaded end cap. How hard the web roll core is urged against the first spindle by the second spindle, resisting the unwinding of the web therefrom, depends upon whether the second spindle is held fast against the end cap or spaced therefrom by the spring.

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 roll sheet conveying device includes a spool arranged to be rotatable while holding a roll-shaped sheet, a sheet conveying roller for driving and conveying the sheet, and a spool brake mechanism for generating a rotation load to act on the spool, wherein, when the sheet is sent out from the spool by driving the sheet conveying roller, the rotation load of the spool brake mechanism is caused to act on the spool, and when the sheet is rewound onto the spool by driving the spool, the rotation load of the spool brake mechanism is prevented from acting on the spool.

Abstract: In a printer, two detectors 33A and 33B are provided with respect to the guide grooves for horizontal placement and vertical placement 15A and 15B in a paper holder 10. The detectors 33A and 33B are connected by a plate 34 that turns on or off a switch 32, and disposed within a range P in the shape of a fan which is delineated by the loci A and B of the center of the roll of paper S as reduced in diameter with respect to the guide grooves 15A and 15B and an inner surface of a bottom plate 13 of the paper holder 10 between the guide grooves 15A and 15B.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls which feeds continuously, roll to roll, and does not require extra procedure to bring stub roll into position. The apparatus has means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; means for dispensing paper from the first roll; means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and means for dispensing from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper. The apparatus also has a proximity sensor, which senses when a hand is placed near the dispenser, and thereupon dispenses a set amount of towel. The proximity sensor incorporates “static” and noise immunity circuitry.

Abstract: When any of facilities of a film producing and packaging system suffers a failure, a film processing controller shuts off the film producing and packaging system. The operator repairs a failing facility and manually discharges a length of an elongate film which may possibly be defective. After the failing facility is repaired, the film processing controller is restarted to operate the film producing and packaging system, which then automatically discharges a length of the elongate film corresponding to a preset number of sized films. It is possible to easily and quickly discard a portion of the elongate film which has been made defective by the facility failure.

Abstract: A recording paper roll includes a tubular spool shaft having first and second end faces. Thermosensitive recording paper is wound about the tubular spool shaft in a roll form. A code is formed in the first end face. For use with the recording paper roll, a supply magazine includes two roll holders secured to the spool shaft. First and second support plates are arranged in an axial direction of the roll holder, and support the roll holder in a rotatable manner. Guide cutouts are formed in the first and second support plates, receive first and second ends of the roll holder, and move the roll holder in a predetermined direction according to a decrease in a diameter of the recording material roll in use of the recording material. A code sensor reads the code from the first end face. A sensor shifter constituted by a depression portion moves the code sensor in the predetermined direction with the two roll holders.

Abstract: A roll paper pulling load-buffering device enables smooth roll paper transportation and minimizes the space required for its installation in the printer. The load-buffering device has an arm 22a that moves a specified angle around the shaft 24 on which the roll paper turns. A roller 23 extends widthwise to the roll paper from the arm 22a at a point offset from the outside diameter of the roll. Paper pulled off the roll is draped around this roller 23. When a transportation roller is driven to advance paper from the roll by pulling from the end of the roll, tension applied to the paper causes the arm 22a to turn in one direction by way of the intervening roller 23. An urging means 25 such as a spring then urges the roller 23 and arm 22a in the opposite direction, maintaining even tension on both sides of the roller 23 and thereby enabling smooth roll paper transportation.

Abstract: An apparatus of a printer for detecting a termination or near-termination of a printing medium includes a frame for housing and supporting a roll of the printing medium and capable of being set in a first position and a second position; a first printing medium detecting portion and a second printing medium detecting portion for non-contact detection of the termination or near-termination of the printing medium according to a varying diameter of the roll of the printing medium when the frame is in the first position and the second position; and a position adjusting portion for adjusting an initial set position of the first and the second printing medium detecting means according to an initial diameter of the roll of the printing medium.

Abstract: An active code carrier is located inside a spare paper roll that includes a tube or core. The code carrier interacts with either a reading head, or a writing head. This enables roll-specific data to be read or updated at any time. This is particularly useful for automated roll transport and roll handling systems.

Abstract: A winding device is disclosed comprising a winding mechanism for winding a thin medium, such as paper, film and cloth and the like, output by a printer on a winding core. A looseness-detecting sensor is provided for detecting looseness of the medium and for actuating the winding mechanism upon detection. When a sheet tray is attached to the printer, the looseness-detecting sensor is capable of receding from the moving area of the medium.

Abstract: At least two pairs of carrier arms are mounted to a rotary shaft for independent travel axially thereof while being constrained to joint rotation therewith. Each pair of carrier arms are disposed opposite each other axially of the shaft for rotatably holding one web roll therebetween via expansion chucks. An internally screw-threaded sleeve is rotatably mounted to each carrier arm and locked against axial displacement relative to the carrier arm. Rotatably supported on the shaft and extending parallel to its axis, a screw-threaded rod extends through, and is threadedly engaged with, the sleeves on each pair of carrier arms. A reversible electric motor is drivingly coupled to each threaded nut, and an additional similar motor to each threaded rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing individually predetermined lengths of a web material, such as textile, from a bolt of same. An inclined transport surface conveys a bolt introduced by a customer towards a flip-over mechanism including rods on chains, the textile thereby being unwound from the bolt, the length of the unwound textile being measured by a rotative measuring device, the predetermined length of textile being severed by a severing device. The separated length is delivered to the customer for removal from the apparatus in folded condition together with the bolt in a receptacle displaceable along rails.

Abstract: A winding device for flat printed sheets has a rotatably supported winding drum for receiving and dispensing printed sheets. At least one winding mandrel having a winding belt wound thereon and configured to unwind the winding belt and feed undershot the winding belt to the winding drum is provided. The winding belt receives the printed sheets and, by being wound onto the winding drum together with the printed sheets, forms winding layers of the printed sheets on the winding drum. A touch probe detects an empty state of the winding drum, without printed sheets wound thereon, or a loaded state of the winding drum, having printed sheets wound thereon, by interacting with the winding belt or the printed sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a web material that defines a plurality of integral lanes with separators disposed between the lanes. At least one lane of the web material can be torn along a separator without using a cutting or slitting device while maintaining one or more other lanes on the roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring paper color. Paper color is measured from the surface of a paper roll on a winder.

Abstract: A towel dispenser comprising an electronic power system, which includes an array of one or more photovoltaic cells for energizing a control circuitry which, in turn, controls operation of the dispenser. The control circuitry is responsive to a sensing device, comprised of a motion detector, which senses rapid changes in light, which in turn, activates the dispensing of a length of paper towels when an object, such as a user's hand, is moved in front of the sensing device.

Abstract: To prevent disalignment of the edges of a folded sheet by smoothly feeding the sheet to a packaging unit while keeping tension fluctuations to a minimum when the sheet is unwound from a paper roll set in a paper feed unit even though the paper roll diameter decreases gradually as the sheet is unwound. A sheet length measuring sensor or rotary encoder is provided in the paper feed path through which the packaging sheet is fed toward the packaging unit. An angle sensor is provided which includes Hall element sensors provided on a support shaft and magnets provided on a core pipe of the paper roll. Any change in the signals from one of these sensors relative to the signal from the other sensor is used to calculate the paper roll winding length, and the sheet tension is adjusted to an optimum, constant level by controlling the sheet braking force stepwise according to the roll diameter measured by the sensors.

Abstract: In an unroll device provision is made for at least one unroll stand which comprises two lugs lodged in bearing supports. The bearing levers are horizontally movable individually. Furthermore, a supporting shaft is run on the bearing supports of an unroll stand in such a way that it can be shifted parallel allel to itself, but also out of its base position in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: An assemblage for aligning a roll to a chucking device has at least two flexibly movable, spaced roll support members arranged planarily for supporting the roll for alignment with a fixed positioned chucking device. Each roll support member has a compression head biased for movement by a plurality of cooperating spring members. Precise alignment of the core with the chucking device results from the force imparted to the flexibly movable support member bearing the roll by the chucking device engaging the core.

Abstract: A non-automatic dispenser of towelettes that is appropriate for use in such contexts as food service, health care, long-term care, child care, educational settings, industry, military and public restrooms. A photo sensor, triggered by badge provides data for performance feedback and reinforcement/accountability strategies, documented by research as essential for sustained changes in hand cleansing behavior. Mounting shoes provide for versatility of secure placement on counter/desks; under cabinet; on either front, left or right facing wall, in bathroom stall.

Abstract: A paper roll braking device for rotary presses, in which a web is paid off from a paper roll supported between frames, caused to travel, and printed in a printing unit, comprising rotors provided on supporting members for supporting the paper roll, braking sections provided at a plurality of locations along the rotors and having friction discs that can engage with, or disengage from, the rotors at their respective locations, engage/disengage changeover sections for controlling the engage/disengage operation of the friction discs with respect to the rotors, and a tension sensing mechanism for sensing changes in the running tension of the web; a contact pressure adjusting section for adjusting the contact pressure of the friction discs to the rotors via the engage/disengage changeover section in accordance with the changes in running tension detected by the tension sensing mechanism, an outside diameter detecting section for detecting the outside diameter of the paper roll, and an operation control section for

Abstract: A portable dispenser apparatus that dispenses pre-moistened towelettes from a web. The dispenser includes a housing presenting a towelette dispensing opening and a storage compartment adapted to support the web of towelettes in a roll. A dispensing assembly is provided for drawing the end-most towelette from the web and dispensing it through the dispensing opening when a dispensing actuator is operated. The actuator activates the dispensing assembly to dispense a single towelette from the web, and returns the remaining web to the roll subsequent to removal of the end-most towelette by the user so that the next towelette of the web remains moist until subsequently dispensed. A manually operated web-fed dispenser and a travel dispenser are also provided, as is a moistening composition for use on the towelettes.

Abstract: A paper decurling unit in a printer or copier provides a convex or concave path in the paper transport direction. The decurling device is adjustable.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying photosensitive material includes a core for holding a roll of photosensitive material in a paper magazine, drive rollers disposed in a conveyance path of the photosensitive material, two sets of nip rollers disposed to oppose the drive rollers at upstream and downstream locations relative to the forward direction of photosensitive material conveyance, rewind nip rollers disposed to oppose the upstream set of nip rollers, and a controller for controlling the drive rollers. When the photosensitive material is wound back into the paper magazine after use, the control means causes the drive rollers to rotate in reverse until the leading end portion of the photosensitive material is located between the upstream nip rollers and the rewind nip rollers. This enables the leading end portion of the photosensitive material to be held straight (without bowing), thereby protecting it from curling.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for feeding a processing machine with flat products, such as printed sheets, cards, patterns or the like. Over a conveyor path arranged between a storage unit and the processing machine and forming a product storage unit, the flat products are carried from the storage unit in a stream formed by products arranged in an overlapping configuration. The product stream conveyed on the conveyor path toward the processing machine is followed by a product stream having a higher speed. The apparatus includes a device with a drivable storage unit for removing the flat products, wherein the storage unit is connected through a conveyor unit to a processing machine for processing the products.

Abstract: An assemblage for aligning a roll to a chucking device has at least two flexibly movable, spaced roll support members arranged planarily for supporting the roll for alignment with a fixed positioned chucking device. Each roll support member has a compression head biased for movement by a plurality of cooperating spring members. Precise alignment of the core with the chucking device results from the force imparted to the flexibly movable support member bearing the roll by the chucking device engaging the core.

Abstract: A device has a pivoted lever for detecting a near end state of a roll of paper, and the lever is held at a first position by the weight of a roll of paper, but is resiliently biased toward a second position by a spring. When the roll of paper does not have a core, and when the weight thereof falls to a predetermined value, the lever is moved from the first position to the second position due to a resilient force of the spring. When the roll of paper has a core, and when a diameter thereof is reduced to a predetermined value, the lever receives the roll of paper in a recess formed therein, and is moved from the first position to the second position due to a resilient force of the spring. When the lever is moved to the second position, this is detected by a suitable detecting element. Thus, the detector can detect the near end state of the roll of paper without regard to whether the roll of paper has a core or not.