Apparatus and methods usable in connection with dispensing flexible sheet material from a roll
US7845593B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T225/30
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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. The web sensors detection of a leading edge of the sheet material initiates a predetermined interval of sheet material advancement providing a proper placement of successive tear lines. Various approaches may…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.