Dispenser with low-material sensing system
US8807475B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47K2010/3668
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.