Minimizing paper waste carousel-style dispenser apparatus, sensor, method and system with proximity sensor

• US 20020109036A1
• Filed: 02/09/2001
• Published: 08/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
• Inventors: Denen, Dennis Joseph, Broehl, Joshua Michael, Moody, John R., Yardley, Craig D., Hayes, Robert James, Knittle, John Joseph, Linstedt, Brian Kenneth, Merz, Gregory James
• Granted Patent: US 6,592,067 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 242/560
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 10/34 dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 10/3643 by pulling the paper
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 10/3687 with one or more reserve rolls
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 10/38 the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge A47K10/36 and A47K10/46 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 2010/3233 Details of the housing, e.g. hinges, connection to the wall
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 2010/3253 with one or more reserve rolls
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 2010/326 dispensing simultaneously from several rolls or stacks
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 2010/3668 Detection of the presence of a user
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 19/126 with both-ends supporting arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 20/005 Electrical drive motor control devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/955 using a capacitive detector
• CPC Class Codes: H05F 3/02 by means of earthing connections
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 242/906 Static charger or discharger

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 means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; means for dispensing paper from the first roll; means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and means 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 proximity to the sensor again.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls comprising:

means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other;

means for dispensing paper from the first roll;

means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper;

means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and

means for dispensing from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper.

2. A dispenser for a paper web roll comprising:

a first support adapted to hold a first roll of a paper;

a second support adapted to hold a second roll of a paper;

a third support rigidly connected to first and second support wherein said third support is rotatable about an axis;

a transfer bar wherein paper from said second roll can be fed with paper from the first roll to dispense together.

3. The dispenser of claim 2 further comprising:

a housing having a cover rotatable to an open position;

wherein said first, second and third supports are accessible when said housing cover is open.

4. The dispenser of claim 2 further comprising:

a locking bar wherein said third support is adapted to be disposed in a locked position by said locking bar, said locking bar adapted to unlock the third support to allow said carousel assembly to rotate about the axis.

5. The dispenser in claim 4 wherein

the third support is biased to rotate when unlocked.

6. The dispenser in claim 2 wherein said transfer bar further comprises:

two legs adapted to contact opposite ends of a stub roll, to contact opposite ends of a stub roll core tube when said stub roll is used up and only the core tube remains and wherein said two legs are joined by an elongated bar.

7. The dispenser in claim 6 further comprising:

a feed roller for driving paper from the rolls;

wherein said transfer bar is rotatably disposed with its elongated bar adjacent to the feed roller and said legs of said transfer bar adjacent to said rotatable roll hubs when the stub roll is in position.

8. The dispenser in claim 7 further comprising:

a nib roller disposed to operate with said feed roller to drive paper from the rolls between the feed and nib rollers.

9. A dispenser for a paper web roll comprising:

a first support for a first roll of a paper;

a second support for a second roll of a paper;

a third support for said first and for said second support;

wherein said third support is rotatable about an axis;

a feed roller;

nib roller disposed to operate in concert with said feed roller;

a drive mechanism to drive the feed roller to dispense paper towel disposed between the feed and nib rollers.

10. The dispenser in claim 9 further comprising:

a transfer bar adapted to simultaneously feed paper from the first and second rolls.

11. The dispenser in claim 10 wherein said transfer bar further comprises:

two legs adapted to contact opposite ends of a stub roll, to contact opposite ends of a stub roll core tube when said stub roll is used up and only the core tube remains, and wherein said two legs are joined by an elongated bar.

12. The dispenser in claim 11 further comprising:

a feed roller for driving paper from the rolls;

wherein said transfer bar is rotatably disposed with its elongated bar adjacent to the feed roller and said legs of said transfer bar adjacent to said rotatable roll hubs when the stub roll is in position.

13. The dispenser in claim 12 further comprising:

the third support is biased to rotate when unlocked.

14. The dispenser in claim 13 further comprising:

a locking bar wherein said third support is adapted to be disposed in a locked position by said locking bar, said locking bar adapted to unlock the third support to allow said carousel assembly to rotate about the axis.

15. The dispenser of claim 14 further comprising:

a housing having a cover rotatable to an open position;

wherein said first, second and third supports are accessible when said housing cover is open.

17. The method as in claim 16 further comprising the steps of:

locking the rolls so that they are unable to rotate between the first and second position; and

unlocking the rolls so that they are free to rotate about the horizontal axis.

18. The method as in claim 17 further comprising the steps of:

biasing the first roll to rotate when unlocked.

19. The method as in claim 18 further comprising the step of:

positioning two legs of a transfer bar to contact opposite ends of a stub roll, to contact opposite ends of a stub roll core tube when said stub roll is used up and only the core tube remains; and

joining said two legs joined by an elongated bar.

20. The method as in claim 19 further comprising the steps of:

utilizing a feed roller for driving paper from the rolls;

wherein said transfer bar is rotatably disposed with its elongated bar adjacent to the feed roller and said legs of said transfer bar adjacent to said rotatable roll hubs when the stub roll is in position.

21. The method as in claim 20 further comprising the steps of:

utilizing a nib roller disposed to operate with said feed roller to drive paper from the rolls between the feed and nib rollers.

16. A method for dispensing paper from a roll comprising the steps of:

supporting a first roll of a paper in a first position;

supporting a second roll of a paper web in a second position;

rotating secured first and second rolls between the first and second positions about a horizontal; and

simultaneously dispensing paper from said first and second rolls.

22. A method for dispensing paper from a roll comprising the steps of:

supporting a first roll of paper on a first;

supporting a second roll of paper roll on second support;

supporting said first and second supports with a third support;

wherein said third support is rotatable about a horizontal axis;

dispensing paper towel between a feed roller and a nib roller.

23. The method as in claim 22 further comprising the step of:

utilizing a transfer bar wherein said second roll can be fed with the first roll to dispense together.

24. The method as in claim 23 further comprising the step of:

positioning two legs of a transfer bar to contact opposite ends of a stub roll, to contact opposite ends of a stub roll core tube when said stub roll is used up and only the core tube remains; and

joining said two legs joined by an elongated bar.

25. The method in claim 24 further comprising the steps of:

utilizing a feed roller for driving paper from the rolls;

wherein said transfer bar is rotatably disposed with its elongated bar adjacent to the feed roller and said legs of said transfer bar adjacent to said rotatable roll hubs when the stub roll is in position.

26. The method as in claim 25 further comprising the steps of:

biasing the first roll to rotate when unlocked.

27. The method as in claim 26 further comprising the steps of:

locking the rolls so that they are unable to rotate between the first and second position; and

unlocking the rolls so that they are free to rotate about the horizontal axis.

29. The circuit as in claim 28 further comprising:

a motor activation switch connected to receive an output of the flip-flop.

28. A proximity detection circuit comprising:

an oscillator circuit having a period set by a hysteresis resistor, a variable trim resistor and a reference capacitor;

a balanced bridge comprising a sensor having a capacitance on one arm of said bridge and a reference capacitor on the other arm of the bridge, wherein the variable trim resistor is adapted to adjust voltage amplitudes on each arm of said bridge;

a comparator adapted to compare the voltages across each arm of said bridge, and provide an output voltage; and

an edge triggered d flip-flop which latches and holds on the leading edge of the comparator output voltage.

30. A proximity detection circuit comprising:

an oscillator circuit comprising a first comparator adapted to provide a clock signal as an output;

a sensor having a capacitance;

a reference capacitor adapted to approximately balance the sensor'"'"'s capacitance, one side of the reference capacitor being connected to ground;

a variable trim resistance in series between the sensor'"'"'s capacitance and the reference capacitor;

a hysteresis resistor adapted, in conjunction with the variable trim resistor and the reference capacitor, to set the oscillation frequency of the oscillator;

a second comparator adapted to compare voltages at its two input pins as measured across the variable trim resistor; and

an edge triggered d flip-flop adapted to latch and hold the output of the second comparator, said flip-flop being clocked by output signal of first comparator.

31. A method for detecting small capacitance changes comprising the steps of:

producing voltage oscillations in a first comparator comprising an oscillator with a period set by a hysteresis resistor, a variable trim resistor and a reference capacitor;

forming a balance bridge of two arms, the first arm comprising a sensor with capacitance and the second arm comprising the reference capacitor;

comparing voltages from each arm of a balanced bridge whereby the variable trim resistance adjusts voltage amplitudes in each arm of said bridge;

detecting a first voltage amplitude at a location between the sensor and the variable trim resistor, the first voltage being applied to the positive input pin of the second comparator;

detecting a second voltage at a location between the reference capacitor and the capacitor, the second voltage being applied to the negative input pin of the second comparator;

providing an output voltage at the output pin of the second comparator, the output voltage of the second comparator being adapted to become low when the amplitude of the first voltage is lower than the amplitude of the second voltage;

latching and holding on the leading edge of the second comparator output voltage utilizing an edge triggered d flip-flop; and

reversing an output state of said flip flop when an object having an increased dielectric constant over the dielectric constant of air is sensed, said object increasing the capacitance in the sensor arm of the balanced bridge and changing the amplitude of said first voltage.

32. The method as in claim 31 further comprising the step of:

activating a motor switch when detecting a change in the output state of the flip-flop.

33. A method for detecting small capacitance changes, utilizing a proximity detection circuit, comprising the steps of:

producing voltage oscillations in a first comparator adapted as an oscillator, with a period set by a hysteresis resistor, a variable trim resistor and a reference capacitor;

forming a balance bridge of two arms, with a first arm comprising a sensor with capacitance and a second arm comprising the reference capacitor;

balancing, approximately, a sensor'"'"'s capacitance with the reference capacitor, said reference capacitor having one side connected to ground;

setting a variable trim resistance, wherein said trim resistance is in series between the sensor'"'"'s capacitance and the reference capacitor;

setting the oscillation frequency of the oscillator utilizing a hysteresis resistor, the reference capacitor and a setting of the variable trim resistor;

detecting a first voltage at a location between the sensor and the variable trim resistor;

applying a first voltage to the positive input pin of the second comparator;

detecting a second voltage at a location between the reference capacitor and the capacitor;

applying a second voltage to the negative input pin of the second comparator;

producing a low output state of the second comparator when the first voltage amplitude is lower than the second voltage amplitude;

producing a high output state of the second comparator when the first voltage amplitude is higher than the second voltage amplitude;

applying the output voltage at the output pin of the second comparator to a an edge triggered d flip-flop;

latching and holding the output of the second comparator utilizing an edge triggered flip-flop;

clocking said flip-flop by the oscillator output signal of first comparator; and

sensing an increased dielectric constant when an object enters in the sensor'"'"'s detection field, the object entering the field causing an effective capacitance of the sensor to increase, and the amplitude of said first voltage to change to thereby cause the output of the second comparator to change state.

34. The method as in claim 33 further comprising the step of:

activating a motor switch when detecting a change in the output state of the flip-flop.

36. The apparatus as in claim 35, the proximity detector further comprising:

an oscillator circuit with a period set by a hysteresis resistor, a trim resistor and a reference capacitor;

a balanced bridge with a one arm of said bridge having a sensor having a capacitance and the other arm of the bridge having a reference capacitor, the variable trim resistance being adapted to adjust voltages on each arm of said bridge;

a second comparator adapted to compare the voltages across each arm of said bridge; and

an edge triggered d flip-flop which latches and holds on the leading edge of the second comparator output voltage.

38. The dispenser as in claim 37 further comprising means for providing a selectable dispensed paper length, said means comprising:

motor means for dispensing paper from at least one roll;

a first motor control sub-circuit;

a first switch adapted to control the first sub-circuit,

the first sub-circuit being adapted to set the length of paper dispensed by said motor means according to the setting of the first switch.

39. The dispenser as in claim 37 further comprising means for providing a selectable time delay before dispenser can be reactivated to dispense another length of paper, said means comprising:

motor means for dispensing paper from at least one roll;

a second motor control sub-circuit;

a second switch adapted to control the second sub-circuit,

the second sub-circuit being adapted to set a time delay for paper dispensed by said motor means according to the setting of the second switch.

40. The dispenser as in claim 37 further comprising means for providing a selectable sensitivity of said proximity sensor, said means comprising:

a variable capacitor in a leg of said balanced capacitance bridge-based proximity detector;

a third switch adapted to control said variable capacitor, said variable capacitor being adapted to set sensitivity of said balanced capacitance bridge-based proximity.

41. The dispenser as in claim 37 further comprising means for providing an eye-hand-brain guidance, said guidance is adapted to guide a hand toward the dispenser'"'"'s proximity sensor, said means comprising:

a pseudo-button disposed within a sunrise-like setback on the cover,

said pseudo-button being positioned near said proximity sensor, said sunrise-like setback and said pseudo-button being adapted to focus a user'"'"'s visual field so that a user tends to guide their hand toward the pseudo-button.

43. The method as in claim 38 further comprising the step of:

activating a motor switch when detecting a change in the output state of the flip-flop.

35. An apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls, comprising:

means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other;

means for dispensing paper from the first roll;

means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper;

means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll;

means for dispensing from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, and

a proximity detector adapted to trigger the dispensing means when a user'"'"'s hand is positioned within the field of the sensor.

37. A dispenser for a paper web roll, comprising:

a first support adapted to hold a first roll of a paper;

a second support adapted to hold a second roll of a paper;

a third support rigidly connected to first and second support wherein said third support is rotatable about an axis;

a transfer bar wherein paper from said second roll can be fed with paper from the first roll to dispense together;

a proximity detector adapted to trigger the dispensing of paper when a user'"'"'s hand is positioned within the field of the sensor, the detector comprising;

an oscillator circuit comprising a first comparator adapted to provide a clock signal as an output;

a sensor having a capacitance;

a reference capacitor adapted to approximately balance the sensor'"'"'s capacitance, one side of the reference capacitor being connected to ground;

a variable trim resistance connected in series between the sensor'"'"'s capacitance and the reference capacitor;

a hysteresis resistor adapted to set the oscillation frequency of the oscillator together with the variable trim resistor and the reference capacitor; and

a second comparator adapted to compare voltages at the two input pins of the second comparator as measured across the variable trim resistor; and

an edge triggered d flip-flop adapted to latch and hold the output of the second comparator, said flip-flop being clocked by output signal of first comparator.

42. A method for dispensing paper from a roll upon detecting small capacitance changes by a proximity sensor from a hand or like object placed near the dispenser, comprising the steps of:

supporting a first roll of a paper in a first position;

supporting a second roll of a paper web in a second position;

rotating secured first and second rolls between the first and second positions about a horizontal axis simultaneously dispensing paper from said first and second rolls;

operating as an oscillator circuit a first comparator adapted to run as an oscillator, said oscillator circuit adapted to have its period set by a hysteresis resistor, a variable trim resistor and a reference capacitor;

balancing two components as a balanced bridge, the first component being a sensor having a capacitance on a first arm of said bridge and the second component being the reference capacitor on a second arm of the bridge;

adjusting the voltage amplitudes on each arm of said bridge by a variable trim resistance;

comparing voltages across each arm of said bridge utilizing a second comparator;

latching and holding on the leading edge of the second comparator output voltage utilizing an edge triggered d flip-flop.