Minimizing paper waste carousel-style dispenser apparatus, sensor, method and system with proximity sensor
US6592067B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S242/906
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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 a device for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; a device for dispensing paper from the first roll; a device for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, a device for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and a device 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 capacity-change based proximity sensor comprising a circuit according to a balanced bridge principle where detection is based on detecting a phase difference, which depends upon the amount of detected capacitance difference or change. The proximity detector senses when a hand is placed near the dispenser, and thereupon dispenses a set amount of towel. It does not keep dispensing the towel. The hand must be withdrawn and placed in proxim…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.