Including External Manual Operating Means Patents (Class 312/34.19)
  • Patent number: 11759061
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for dynamically adjusting product use reporting schedules for dispensers to increase or decrease the frequency of such reports based on expected product use such as a date the dispenser is expected to be depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Williams, Jr., Stephen Becker
  • Patent number: 9010602
    Abstract: An improved towel dispenser includes a rotatable driveshaft mounted in a one-way clutch bearing fitted with a pinion which engages a vertically oriented press bar assembly including at its lower portion a rack which engages the pinion to advance paper towel through a dispensing nip upon pivotable motion of the press bar assembly. A dispensing chute located below the dispensing nip includes a lower shelf configured to direct web forwardly toward the front portion of a dispenser. The gear rack is preferably an internal gear rack integrally formed with a unitary press bar assembly member. The dispensing chute is configured such that an angle between a cutting-blade and the outer lip of the shelf makes an angle with a vertical of at least about 25°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Gregory D. Budz, Michael R. Kilgore, Jonathan R. Aumann, John R. Moody
  • Patent number: 7114676
    Abstract: Improvements to a paper web material dispenser, for example a roll tissue dispenser or a roll paper towel dispenser, that has a user actuation mechanism for rotating a dispensing mechanism of the dispenser. The dispenser is designed to prevent excessive force that is applied to the user actuation mechanism from causing damage to components of the dispenser connected to the user actuation mechanism. A torque limiting mechanism is used to limit the torque that is applied to the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser when a user applies an excessive force to the user actuation mechanism. The torque applied to the dispensing mechanism is kept below a level that would be sufficient to cause damage to the dispensing mechanism or portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Bay West Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Adam T. Elliott, Daniel J. Knight, Samir Dey
  • Patent number: 7014140
    Abstract: Improvements to a paper web material dispenser, for example a roll tissue dispenser or a roll paper towel dispenser, that has a user actuation mechanism for rotating a dispensing mechanism of the dispenser. The dispenser is designed to prevent excessive force that is applied to the user actuation mechanism from causing damage to components of the dispenser connected to the user actuation mechanism. A torque limiting mechanism is used to limit the torque that is applied to the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser when a user applies an excessive force to the user actuation mechanism. The torque applied to the dispensing mechanism is kept below a level that would be sufficient to cause damage to the dispensing mechanism or portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bay West Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Adam T. Elliott, Daniel J. Knight, Samir Dey
  • Patent number: 6578728
    Abstract: A message delivery system for paper dispensers having a housing for dispensing paper, audible message delivery annunciator, switch mechanism, timer and speaker, wherein the annunciator stores and delivers at least one message when the switch is closed, the speaker provides an audible output of the message, the switch triggers when paper is dispensed and the timer controls the length of the message and supply of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Norman Weigen
  • Patent number: 6237871
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing sheet material from a roll of sheet material includes a rotatable sheet material engagement member having an outer surface for engaging the sheet material. A pivoted shaft is mounted adjacent to the sheet material engagement member having a feed roller mounted thereon. The shaft and feed roller are pivotally moved toward the sheet material engagement member and the feed roller is rotated to transport the sheet material over the outer surface of the sheet material engagement member. Spaced tucker members are connected to the sheet material engagement member and simultaneously rotate and pivot upon depletion of a primary roll of sheet material to position the lead end of a reserve roll between the sheet material engagement member and the feed roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Perrin Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michel Morand, Patrick C. Perrin, Arthur Van De Brake