Electronic Dispenser for Flexible Rolled Sheet Material

Abstract

The present disclosure is in one aspect directed to a dispenser for flexible rolled sheet material. The dispenser can include a dispenser housing containing a support mechanism configured to hold at least one supply roll of sheet material, and a control circuit to control dispensing of sheet material from the dispenser housing. The dispenser housing also can include a dispensing mechanism to drive the sheet material along a discharge path from the dispenser housing through the discharge upon receiving a signal from the control circuit, and a tear bar mounted within the dispenser housing for severance of the sheet material by a user. In addition, the dispenser can include a static charge dissipation system with an antenna to dissipate static charge generated upon operation of the dispenser. Other aspects also are described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 13 / 155,528 filed on Jun. 8, 2011.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0002]The disclosure and figures of U.S. patent Ser. No. 13 / 155,528, which was filed on Jun. 8, 2011, are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD[0003]Embodiments of the invention relate generally to paper product dispensers and, more particularly, to electronic dispensers for flexible sheet material.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The dispensing of paper products has resulted in many different types of dispensing devices for controlling quantities dispensed as well as for determining how efficiently the paper products are dispensed. Primarily, these dispensers use mechanical paper feeding mechanisms, actuated by the user physically touching the dispenser equipment to deliver a fixed length of paper. This bodily contact can raise concerns over hygiene when such dispenser...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an electronic dispenser for flexible sheet material that can operate in multiple modes. The dispenser includes a housing with a support mechanism for holding a roll of sheet material, a base for mounting to a surface, a cover pivotally mounted to the base, and a discharge chute for dispensing the sheet material. A control circuit controls the dispensing of the sheet material from the housing. The dispenser includes an adjustable proximity sensor, a tear bar for severance of sheet material, a pivotally mounted pawl member, and a signal means to notify the control circuit of the removal of the sheet material. The dispensing mechanism is operative in a first mode to dispense a sheet of material in response to a signal from the proximity sensor and in a second mode to dispense a next sheet in response to a signal from the paper detection sensor. The patent provides technical effects for improving the efficiency and accuracy of dispensing flexible sheet material.

Problems solved by technology

This bodily contact can raise concerns over hygiene when such dispensers are located in public restroom facilities.

If the static charge is not dissipated, the user may receive a static shock if he touches the dispenser during use.

In addition, the static charge can adversely affect the electronic control and sensor circuitry in the dispenser.

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