AUTOMATIC TOWEL DISPENSER

• US 20170042393A1
• Filed: 10/31/2016
• Published: 02/16/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Innovia Intellectual Properties, LLC
• Inventors: Troutman, William Bryant, Troutman, II, William Bryant, Kovacevich, Ian D., Philpott, Thomas James, Hoy, Christopher, Ober, Lawrence
• Granted Patent: US 10,213,069 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 10/36 with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 10/3625 with electronic control means
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 2010/3668 Detection of the presence of a user
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 2010/3681 characterised by the way a new paper roll is loaded in the dispenser
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 225/10 Methods
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 225/206 Including means to select or adjust feed-out length

Abstract

Dispensing towels includes, using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, (a) the step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user; and (b) subsequent thereto, the steps of (1) retracting the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly; (2) sensing a leading edge of the toweling, using a sensor, while retracting the toweling; and (3) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling using the sensor. The toweling is advanced by the motor assembly such that a line of perforations in the toweling, along which the user tears the toweling, is located downstream of the sensor.

Claims

1. A method of dispensing towels from toweling with a dispenser, comprising:

(a) using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, the step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user; and

subsequent thereto, the steps of,

(b) retracting the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly;

(c) sensing a leading edge of the toweling, using a sensor, while retracting the toweling; and

(d) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling using the sensor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises,

(a) a main body, and

(b) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(i) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(ii) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(c) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity within which toweling comprising a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith, the roll of paper towels rolling and sliding on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user, and toweling gathering within the housing during retracting of the toweling into the housing and not being wound back onto the roll of paper towels.

3. The method of claim 1,

(a) wherein the housing comprises,

(i) a main body,

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein, and

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface,

(iv) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing;

and

(b) wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the loading door into the closed position after loading toweling within the dispenser, with the first roller being urged into engagement with the second roller when the loading door enters the closed position and the second roller acting on the first roller so as to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door enters the closed position.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extend above a top side of the housing, and wherein the method further comprises a preliminary step of mounting the dispenser to the underside of a fixture, including removing a portion of each extension wall along a score line so as to adjust the distance from the underside of the fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted.

5. The method of claim 1,

(a) wherein the toweling comprises a roll of paper towels and the dispenser is configured to unwind roll of paper towels during extension of toweling from the housing but not rewind the roll of paper towels during subsequent retraction of toweling into the housing, and

(b) wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening that is configured such that excess toweling gathering within the housing may fall there through as a result of retraction of toweling back into the housing.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the toweling comprises towels connected together and separable at perforations formed there between, the toweling being a roll of perforated paper towels.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by the user includes extending a sufficient length of the toweling such that at least one line of perforations is located outside of the housing whereby tearing along the line of perforations leaves a residual extent of the toweling extending outside of the housing after tearing.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by the user comprises extending the toweling a predetermined unit length beyond the point at which the sensor detects the leading edge of the toweling.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by the user comprises further extending the toweling an extent that is less than the predetermined unit length such that at least one line of perforations is located outside of the housing, whereby tearing along the line of perforations leaves a residual extent of the toweling extending outside of the housing after tearing.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by the user comprises further extending the toweling another predetermined unit length beyond the point at which the sensor detects the leading edge of the toweling.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by the user comprises extending the toweling a predetermined unit length beyond the point at which the sensor detects the leading edge of the toweling in response to the sensing of a hand proximate the dispenser.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by the user comprises further extending the toweling an additional extent such that at least one line of perforations is located outside of the housing, whereby tearing along the line of perforations leaves a residual extent of the toweling extending outside of the housing after tearing.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the additional extent is less than the predetermined unit length.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by the user comprises extending the toweling another predetermined unit length in response to the continued sensing of the hand proximate the dispenser.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising setting the predetermined unit length, by which the toweling is extended, in a length learn sequence comprising the steps of,

(a) retracting the toweling until a leading edge of the toweling is sensed by the sensor;

(b) advancing the toweling a preset extended length, the preset extended length being greater than at least a distance between immediately adjacent lines of perforations in the toweling;

(c) retracting the toweling until a leading edge of the toweling is sensed by the sensor while measuring a length by which the toweling is retracted; and

(d) determining the difference between the preset extended length and the measured retracted length, the difference being the predetermined unit length.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the preset extended length is greater than twice the distance between immediately adjacent lines of perforations in the toweling, whereby the predetermined unit length may be set for dispensing up to two towels at a time.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the preset extended length is greater than three times the distance between immediately adjacent lines of perforations in the toweling, whereby the predetermined unit length may be set for dispensing up to three towels at a time.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the preset extended length is greater than four times the distance between immediately adjacent lines of perforations in the toweling, whereby the predetermined unit length may be set for dispensing up to four towels at a time.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of initiating the length learn sequence of the dispenser by installing a roll of paper towels in the dispenser.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of initiating the length learn sequence of the dispenser by moving a loading door of the dispenser, through which a roll of paper towels is received, to a closed position.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of initiating the length learn sequence of the dispenser by moving a loading door of the dispenser, through which a roll of paper towels is received, to a closed position with a length of the toweling draped over and extending from the loading door.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the motor assembly comprises a motor and a controller configured to control operation of the motor and the subsequent extension of the toweling from and retraction of the toweling into the housing.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of measuring extension or retraction of the toweling.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of measuring extension or retraction of the toweling using an encoder pinwheel that rotates during extension and retraction of the toweling.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of measuring, using an LED component, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) component, and digital signal processor (DSP) component, extension or retraction of the toweling by the motor;

the step of measuring, using a laser component, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) component, and digital signal processor (DSP) component, extension or retraction of the toweling by the motor;

or both steps.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the sensor for detecting the leading edge of the toweling comprises a LED component, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) component, and digital signal processor (DSP), and wherein the sensor furthermore performs a step of measuring extension or retraction of the toweling.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein the sensor for detecting the leading edge of the toweling comprises a laser component, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) component, and digital signal processor (DSP) component, and wherein the sensor furthermore performs a step of measuring extension or retraction of the toweling.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein a loading door of the dispenser comprises a guiding surface along which toweling rides when retracted into the housing, the guiding surface forming a backdrop that is dark and contrasts well with the toweling so as to better define the leading edge of the toweling for sensing by the sensor.

29. A towel dispenser that performs the method for dispensing a towel as disclosed in any of claims 1-28.

30. A towel dispenser, comprising:

(a) a housing for receiving toweling comprising a roll of paper towels;

(b) a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended; and

(c) a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly;

(d) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing.

31. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein the housing comprises,

(a) a main body,

(b) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(i) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(ii) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(c) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding.

32. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein the housing comprises

(a) a main body,

(b) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(i) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(ii) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(c) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface,

(d) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing,

(e) wherein the first roller is spring biased toward engagement with the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position, and

(f) wherein the toothed surfaces of the first roller and the second roller mesh together when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position and do not preclude the loading door from moving into the closed position from the open position.

33. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein the housing further comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extends above a top side of the housing, each extension wall comprising a weakened line extending parallel to a weakened line of the other extension walls, whereby the extent above the top side at which each extension walls extends may be changed, the extent representing a distance from the underside of a fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted when the towel dispenser is installed under the fixture.

34. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening configured to permit excess toweling to fall during retraction of the toweling back into the housing.

35. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein the motor assembly comprises a motor and a controller configured to control operation of the motor and the subsequent extension of the toweling from and retraction of the toweling into the housing.

36. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein the motor assembly is configured to cause a line of perforations of the toweling to be extended from the housing such that whereby tearing along the line of perforations leaves a residual extent of the toweling extending outside of the housing after tearing.

37. The towel dispenser of claim 36, wherein the motor assembly is further configured to cause the residual extent of the toweling to be retracted into the housing after tearing.

38. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein the motor assembly is configured to cause the toweling to be extended a predetermined unit length beyond the point at which the sensor detects the leading edge of the toweling.

39. The towel dispenser of claim 38, wherein the motor assembly is configured to cause the toweling to be further extended an extent that is less than the predetermined unit length such that at least one line of perforations is located outside of the housing, whereby tearing along the line of perforations leaves a residual extent of the toweling extending outside of the housing after tearing.

40. The towel dispenser of claim 39, wherein the motor assembly is configured to cause the toweling to be further extended another predetermined unit length beyond the point at which the sensor detects the leading edge of the toweling.

41. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein the motor assembly is configured to cause, in response to the sensing of a hand proximate the dispenser, the toweling to be extended a predetermined unit length beyond the point at which the sensor detects the leading edge of the toweling.

42. The towel dispenser of claim 41, wherein the motor assembly is configured to cause the toweling to be further extended an extent that is less than the predetermined unit length such that at least one line of perforations is located outside of the housing, whereby tearing along the line of perforations leaves a residual extent of the toweling extending outside of the housing after tearing.

43. The towel dispenser of claim 42, wherein the additional extent is less than the predetermined unit length.

44. The towel dispenser of claim 43, wherein the motor assembly is configured to cause the toweling to be further extended another predetermined unit length in response to the continued sensing of the hand proximate the dispenser.

45. The towel dispenser of claim 43, wherein the motor assembly is configured such that the predetermined unit length, by which the toweling is extended, is set in a length learn sequence that comprises the steps of,

(a) retracting the toweling until a leading edge of the toweling is sensed by the sensor;

(b) advancing the toweling a preset extended length, the preset extended length being greater than at least a distance between immediately adjacent lines of perforations in the toweling;

(c) retracting the toweling until a leading edge of the toweling is sensed by the sensor while measuring a length by which the toweling is retracted; and

(d) determining the difference between the preset extended length and the measured retracted length, the difference being the predetermined unit length.

46. The towel dispenser of claim 45, wherein the preset extended length is greater than twice the distance between immediately adjacent lines of perforations in the toweling, whereby the predetermined unit length may be set for dispensing up to two towels at a time.

47. The towel dispenser of claim 45, wherein the preset extended length is greater than three times the distance between immediately adjacent lines of perforations in the toweling, whereby the predetermined unit length may be set for dispensing up to three towels at a time.

48. The towel dispenser of claim 45, wherein the preset extended length is greater than four times the distance between immediately adjacent lines of perforations in the toweling, whereby the predetermined unit length may be set for dispensing up to four towels at a time.

49. The towel dispenser of claim 45, wherein the motor assembly is configured to enter the length learn sequence when a roll of paper towels is installed in the dispenser.

50. The towel dispenser of claim 45, wherein the motor assembly is configured to enter the length learn sequence when a loading door of the dispenser, through which a roll of paper towels is received, is moved to a closed position for dispensing of towels.

51. The towel dispenser of claim 45, wherein the motor assembly is configured to enter the length learn sequence when a loading door of the dispenser, through which a roll of paper towels is received, is moved to a closed position for dispensing of towels, with a length of the toweling draped over and extending from the loading door.

52. The towel dispenser of claim 45, wherein the motor assembly comprises a motor and a controller configured to control operation of the motor and the subsequent extension of the toweling from, and retraction of the toweling into, the housing.

53. The towel dispenser of claim 52, further comprising an encoder configured to measure extension and retraction of the toweling.

54. The towel dispenser of claim 53, wherein the encoder comprises an encoder pinwheel.

55. The towel dispenser of claim 52, further comprising an optical sensor assembly configured to measure extension and retraction of the toweling by the motor, the optical sensor assembly comprising an LED component, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) component, and digital signal processor (DSP) component.

56. The towel dispenser of claim 55, wherein the sensor for detecting the leading edge of the toweling comprises the optical sensor assembly.

57. The towel dispenser of claim 52, further comprising an optical sensor assembly configured to measure extension and retraction of the toweling by the motor, the optical sensor assembly comprising a laser component, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) component, and digital signal processor (DSP) component.

58. The towel dispenser of claim 57, wherein the sensor for detecting the leading edge of the toweling comprises the laser component, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) component, and digital signal processor (DSP) component.

59. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein a loading door of the dispenser comprises a guiding surface along which toweling rides when retracted into the housing, the guiding surface forming a backdrop that is dark and contrasts well with the toweling so as to better define the leading edge of the toweling for sensing by the sensor.

60. The towel dispenser of claim 30, wherein the loading door further comprises a guiding surface along which toweling rides when being extended from or retracted into the housing.

61. The towel dispenser of claim 60, wherein the guiding surface forms a backdrop to the toweling that is dark and contrasts well so as to better define the leading edge of the toweling for sensing by the sensor.

62. The towel dispenser of claim 30, further comprising a sensor for detecting movement of the loading door out of the closed position.

63. A method for dispensing towels by the towel dispenser as disclosed in any of claims 30-62.

64. A method of dispensing towels from toweling with a dispenser, comprising:

(a) the step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user; and

subsequent thereto,

(b) the step of retracting the toweling into the housing;

(c) wherein the housing comprises,

(i) a main body, and

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(iii) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity within which toweling comprising a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith; and

(d) wherein the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the toweling gathers within the housing during said step of retracting the toweling into the housing, the toweling not being wound back onto the roll of paper towels.

66. The method of claim 64,

(a) wherein the housing further comprises a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface;

(b) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing; and

(c) wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the loading door into the closed position after loading toweling within the dispenser, with the first roller being urged into engagement with the second roller when the loading door enters the closed position and the second roller acting on the first roller so as to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door enters the closed position.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the dispenser further comprises a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, both of the steps of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user and the step of retracting the toweling into the housing being accomplished using the motor assembly;

and the method further comprising the steps of sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling into the housing, and ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling.

68. The method of claim 64, wherein the housing comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extend above a top side of the housing, and wherein the method further comprises a preliminary step of mounting the dispenser to the underside of a fixture, including removing a portion of each extension wall along a score line so as to adjust the distance from the underside of the fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein the dispenser further comprises a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, both of the steps of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user and the step of retracting the toweling into the housing being accomplished using the motor assembly;

and the method further comprising the steps of sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling into the housing, and ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling.

70. The method of claim 64,

(a) wherein the toweling comprises a roll of paper towels and the dispenser is configured to unwind roll of paper towels during extension of toweling from the housing but not rewind the roll of paper towels during subsequent retraction of toweling into the housing, and

(b) wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening that is configured such that excess toweling gathering within the housing may fall as a result of retraction of toweling back into the housing.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein the dispenser further comprises a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, both of the steps of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user and the step of retracting the toweling into the housing being accomplished using the motor assembly;

and the method further comprising the steps of sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling into the housing, and ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling.

79. The towel dispenser of claim 64, wherein the guide system comprises a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door.

80. The towel dispenser of claim 79, wherein the second roller is the only roller of the guide system affixed to the loading door.

81. The towel dispenser of claim 79, wherein the second roller comprises a lower drive roller of the guide system, and the first roller comprises an upper drive roller of the guide system, the lower drive roller engaging the upper drive roller with toweling extending there between when the loading door is moved into the closed position with toweling draped over the loading door.

82. The towel dispenser of claim 79, wherein the loading door has a second curved surface that defines a second cavity within which the second roller is retained.

83. The towel dispenser of claim 82, wherein the loading door comprises,

(i) a first component, a surface of which comprises the curved surface defining the cavity within which the roll of paper towels is received and retained, and

(ii) a second component, a surface of which comprises the second curved surface defining the second cavity within which the second roller is retained,

(iii) wherein the second component is affixed to the first component.

84. The towel dispenser of claim 83, wherein the second component further defines a guiding surface along which toweling rides when extended from the housing.

85. The towel dispenser of claim 64, further comprising a sensor mounted to the main body and configured to sense a leading edge of the toweling between a gap formed by the main body and the loading door when the loading door is in the closed position.

86. The towel dispenser of claim 85, wherein the loading door comprises a guiding surface that provides a backdrop to toweling, the sensor sensing the leading edge of the toweling against the backdrop of the guiding surface of the loading door.

87. The towel dispenser of claim 85, wherein the sensor comprises a sensor array.

88. The towel dispenser of claim 85, wherein the guide system comprises a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door.

89. The towel dispenser of claim 88, wherein the second roller is the only roller of the guide system on the loading door.

90. The towel dispenser of claim 88, wherein the loading door having a second curved surface defining a second cavity within which the second roller is received and retained.

91. The towel dispenser of claim 88, wherein the loading door comprises,

(i) a first component, a surface of which comprises the curved surface defining the cavity within which the roll of paper towels is received and retained, and

(ii) a second component, a surface of which comprises the second curved surface defining the second cavity within which the second roller is received and retained,

(iii) wherein the second component is affixed to the first component.

92. The towel dispenser of claim 91, wherein the second component further defines a guiding surface against which toweling rides when extended from the housing.

72. A towel dispenser, comprising:

(a) a housing for receiving toweling, comprising

(i) a main body,

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to dispense towels there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein, and

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing while towels are dispensed from the housing;

(b) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding.

73. The towel dispenser of claim 72, wherein the housing further comprises,

(a) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface,

(b) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing,

(c) wherein the first roller is spring biased toward engagement with the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position, and

(d) wherein the toothed surfaces of the first roller and the second roller mesh together when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position and do not preclude the loading door from moving into the closed position from the open position.

74. The towel dispenser of claim 73, wherein the housing further comprises:

(a) a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended; and

(b) a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly;

(c) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing.

75. The towel dispenser of claim 72, wherein the housing further comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extends above a top side of the housing, each extension wall comprising a weakened line extending parallel to a weakened line of the other extension walls, whereby the extent above the top side at which each extension walls extends may be changed, the extent representing a distance from the underside of a fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted when the towel dispenser is installed under the fixture.

76. The towel dispenser of claim 75, wherein the housing further comprises:

(a) a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended; and

(b) a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly;

(c) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing.

77. The towel dispenser of claim 72, wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening configured to permit excess toweling to fall during retraction of the toweling back into the housing.

78. The towel dispenser of claim 77, wherein the housing further comprises:

(a) a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended; and

(b) a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly;

(c) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing.

93. A method of dispensing towels from toweling with a dispenser, comprising:

(a) extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user; and

subsequent thereto,

(b) retracting the toweling into the housing;

(c) wherein the housing comprises,

(i) a main body,

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein, and

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface,

(iv) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing; and

(d) wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the loading door into the closed position after loading toweling within the dispenser, with the first roller being urged into engagement with the second roller when the loading door enters the closed position and the second roller acting on the first roller so as to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door enters the closed position.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the housing comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extend above a top side of the housing, and wherein the method further comprises a preliminary step of mounting the dispenser to the underside of a fixture, including removing a portion of each extension wall along a score line so as to adjust the distance from the underside of the fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein the dispenser further comprises a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, both of the steps of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user and the step of retracting the toweling into the housing being accomplished using the motor assembly;

and the method further comprising the steps of sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling into the housing, and ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling.

96. The method of claim 94, wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity within which toweling comprising a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith, the roll of paper towels rolling and sliding on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user, and toweling gathering within the housing during retracting of the toweling into the housing and not being wound back onto the roll of paper towels

97. The method of claim 93,

(a) wherein the toweling comprises a roll of paper towels and the dispenser is configured to unwind roll of paper towels during extension of toweling from the housing but not rewind the roll of paper towels during subsequent retraction of toweling into the housing, and

(b) wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening that is configured such that excess toweling gathering within the housing may fall as a result of retraction of toweling back into the housing.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein the dispenser further comprises a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, both of the steps of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user and the step of retracting the toweling into the housing being accomplished using the motor assembly;

and the method further comprising the steps of sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling into the housing, and ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling.

99. The method of claim 97, wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity within which toweling comprising a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith, the roll of paper towels rolling and sliding on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user, and toweling gathering within the housing during retracting of the toweling into the housing and not being wound back onto the roll of paper towels.

100. A towel dispenser, comprising:

(a) a housing for receiving toweling, comprising

(i) a main body,

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to dispense towels there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein, and

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing while towels are dispensed from the housing;

(b) wherein the guide system comprises a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface; and

(c) wherein the toothed surfaces of the first roller and the second roller mesh together when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position and do not preclude the loading door from moving into the closed position from the open position.

101. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein the housing further comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extends above a top side of the housing, each extension wall comprising a weakened line extending parallel to a weakened line of the other extension walls, whereby the extent above the top side at which each extension walls extends may be changed, the extent representing a distance from the underside of a fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted when the towel dispenser is installed under the fixture.

102. The towel dispenser of claim 101, wherein the housing further comprises a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended;

and a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly;

wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing.

103. The towel dispenser of claim 101, wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding.

104. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening configured to permit excess toweling to fall during retraction of the toweling back into the housing.

105. The towel dispenser of claim 104, wherein the housing further comprises a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended;

and a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly;

wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing.

106. The towel dispenser of claim 104, wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding.

107. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein each toothed surfaces has a fairly large and forgiving tooth geometry.

108. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein the first roller engages the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position.

109. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein an axis of rotation of the first roller is located above and forward of an axis of rotation of the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position.

110. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein the first roller extends generally alongside a compartment of the housing in which a battery is received, the compartment being accessible through a removable front cover of the housing for changing the battery.

111. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein each toothed surface comprises an axially mounted end gear.

112. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein the first toothed surfaces is located proximate a first end of the first roller, and wherein the second toothed surface is located proximate a first end of the second roller, the respective first ends of the first and second rollers being located proximate one another when the loading door is in the closed position.

113. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein a transmission connects a motor to a second end of the first roller, the second end of the first roller being opposite to the first end of the first roller.

114. The towel dispenser of claim 107, wherein the first end of the first roller is configured to move vertically a small extent, but the second end of the first roller is not configured to move vertically a small extent.

115. The towel dispenser of claim 107, wherein the toothed surface of the first roller is spring biased into meshing engagement with the toothed surface of the second roller when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position.

116. The towel dispenser of claim 107, wherein the second end of the first roller comprises a pivot point of the first roller.

117. The towel dispenser of claim 107, wherein the first end of the first roller floats relative to the main body, but the second end of the first roller is fixed relative to the main body.

118. The towel dispenser of claim 117, wherein the toothed surface of the first roller is spring biased into meshing engagement with the toothed surface of the second roller when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position.

119. The towel dispenser of claim 117, wherein the second end of the first roller comprises a pivot point of the first roller.

120. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein a belt engages the second end of the first roller for driving of the first roller by the motor.

121. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein the toothed surface of the first roller is spring biased into meshing engagement with the toothed surface of the second roller when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position.

122. The towel dispenser of claim 100, wherein the only rollers of the guide system are the first and second rollers.

123. A towel dispenser, comprising:

(a) a housing for receiving toweling, comprising

(i) a main body,

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to dispense towels there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein, and

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing while towels are dispensed from the housing;

(b) wherein the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a toothed surface proximate a first end thereof, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a toothed surface proximate a first end thereof that is configured to mesh with the toothed surface of the first roller; and

(c) wherein a transmission connects a motor to a second end of the first roller, the second end of the first roller being opposite the first end of the first roller.

124. The towel dispenser of claim 123, wherein the motor is located within the main body between the first roller and a front panel of the housing.

125. The towel dispenser of claim 123, wherein the housing further comprises a battery compartment and wherein the motor is battery powered, the battery compartment and motor being located within the main body between the first roller and a front panel of the housing.

126. The towel dispenser of claim 123, wherein the first end of the first roller is configured to move vertically by a small extent, but the second end of the first roller is not configured to move vertically by a small extent.

127. The towel dispenser of claim 126, wherein the toothed surface of the first roller is spring biased into meshing engagement with the toothed surface of the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position.

128. The towel dispenser of claim 126, wherein the second end of the first roller comprises a pivot point of the first roller.

129. The towel dispenser of claim 123, wherein the first end of the first roller floats relative to the main body, but the second end of the first roller is fixed relative to the main body.

130. The towel dispenser of claim 123, wherein the toothed surface of the first roller is spring biased into meshing engagement with the toothed surface of the second roller when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position.

131. The towel dispenser of claim 129, wherein the second end of the first roller comprises a pivot point of the first roller.

132. The towel dispenser of claim 123, wherein a belt engages the first roller proximate a second end thereof for driving of the first roller by the motor.

133. The towel dispenser of claim 123, wherein the toothed surface of the first roller is spring biased into meshing engagement with the toothed surface of the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position.

134. The towel dispenser of claim 123, wherein the only rollers of the guide system are the first and second rollers.

135. A towel dispenser, comprising:

(a) a housing for receiving toweling, comprising

(i) a main body,

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to dispense towels there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein, and

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing while towels are dispensed from the housing;

(b) wherein the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface; and

(c) wherein the first roller is spring biased toward engagement with the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position.

136. The towel dispenser of claim 135, wherein a transmission connects a motor to a second end of the first roller, the second end of the first roller being opposite to the first end of the first roller.

137. The towel dispenser of claim 136, wherein the first end of the first roller is configured to move vertically a small extent, but the second end of the first roller is not configured to move vertically a small extent.

138. The towel dispenser of claim 137, wherein the second end of the first roller comprises a pivot point of the first roller.

139. The towel dispenser of claim 136, wherein the first end of the first roller floats relative to the main body, but the second end of the first roller is fixed relative to the main body.

140. The towel dispenser of claim 139, wherein the second end of the first roller comprises a pivot point of the first roller.

141. The towel dispenser of claim 135, wherein a belt engages the second end of the first roller for driving of the first roller by the motor.

142. The towel dispenser of claim 135, wherein the only rollers of the guide system are the first and second rollers.

143. The towel dispenser of claim 135, wherein the second roller acts against the spring biasing of the first roller to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door is moved into the closed position.

144. A method of dispensing towels from toweling with a dispenser, comprising:

(a) extending the toweling exterior of a housing of the dispenser for grasping by a user; and

subsequent thereto,

(b) retracting the toweling into the housing;

(c) wherein the housing comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extend above a top side of the housing, and

(d) wherein the method further comprises a preliminary step of mounting the dispenser to the underside of a fixture, including removing a portion of each extension wall along a score line so as to adjust the distance from the underside of the fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted.

145. The method of claim 144,

(a) wherein the toweling comprises a roll of paper towels and the dispenser is configured to unwind roll of paper towels during extension of toweling from the housing but not rewind the roll of paper towels during subsequent retraction of toweling into the housing, and

(b) wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening that is configured such that excess toweling gathering within the housing may fall as a result of retraction of toweling back into the housing.

146. The method of claim 145, comprising:

(a) using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing in said steps of the method;

(b) sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling; and

(c) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling by the sensor.

147. The method of claim 145, wherein the housing comprises,

(a) a main body, and

(b) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(i) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(ii) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(c) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity within which toweling comprising a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith, the roll of paper towels rolling and sliding on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user, and toweling gathering within the housing during retracting of the toweling into the housing and not being wound back onto the roll of paper towels.

148. The method of claim 145,

(a) wherein the housing comprises,

(i) a main body,

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein, and

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface,

(iv) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing;

and

(b) wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the loading door into the closed position after loading toweling within the dispenser, with the first roller being urged into engagement with the second roller when the loading door enters the closed position and the second roller acting on the first roller so as to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door enters the closed position.

149. The method of claim 144, wherein each extension wall is integral with the main body of the housing.

150. The method of claim 144, wherein each extension wall is integrally formed with the main body of the housing.

151. The method of claim 144, wherein each extension wall extends opposite side walls of the housing beyond the top side of the housing.

152. The method of claim 144, wherein each extension wall is configured to be broken off by hand upon bending along a weakened line of the extension wall.

153. The method of claim 144, wherein each extension wall includes a plurality of weakened lines.

154. The method of claim 144, wherein each weakened line of an extension wall extends in parallel to, and at the same height from the top side of the housing, as a corresponding weakened line of the other extension wall.

155. A towel dispenser, comprising a housing for receiving toweling comprising a roll of paper towels, the housing comprising extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extends above a top side of the housing, each extension wall comprising a weakened line extending parallel to a weakened line of the other extension walls, whereby the extent above the top side at which each extension walls extends may be changed, the extent representing a distance from the underside of a fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted when the towel dispenser is installed under the fixture.

156. The towel dispenser of claim 155, wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening configured to permit excess toweling to fall there through during retraction of the toweling into the housing.

157. The towel dispenser of claim 156, wherein the housing further comprises:

(a) a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended; and

(b) a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly;

(c) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing.

158. The towel dispenser of claim 156, wherein the housing comprises,

(a) a main body,

(b) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(i) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(ii) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(c) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding.

159. The towel dispenser of claim 156, wherein the housing comprises

(a) a main body,

(b) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(i) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(ii) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(c) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface,

(d) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing,

(e) wherein the first roller is spring biased toward engagement with the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position, and

(f) wherein the toothed surfaces of the first roller and the second roller mesh together when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position and do not preclude the loading door from moving into the closed position from the open position.

160. A method of dispensing towels from toweling with a dispenser, comprising:

(a) extending the toweling exterior of a housing of the dispenser for grasping by a user; and

subsequent thereto,

(b) retracting the toweling into the housing;

(c) wherein the toweling comprises a roll of paper towels and the dispenser is configured to unwind roll of paper towels during extension of toweling from the housing but not rewind the roll of paper towels during subsequent retraction of toweling into the housing, and

(d) wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening that is configured such that excess toweling gathering within the housing may fall as a result of retraction of toweling back into the housing.

161. The method of claim 160, comprising:

(a) using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, performing said steps of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user and subsequent thereto, retracting the toweling into the housing;

(b) using a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling, sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling;

(c) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling by the sensor;

(d) wherein the housing comprises,

(i) a main body, and

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface, at least one end of the first roller being configured to move such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing;

(e) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity within which toweling comprising a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith, the roll of paper towels rolling and sliding on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user, and toweling gathering within the housing during retracting of the toweling into the housing and not being wound back onto the roll of paper towels; and

(f) wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the loading door into the closed position after loading toweling within the dispenser, with the first roller being urged into engagement with the second roller when the loading door enters the closed position and the second roller acting on the first roller so as to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door enters the closed position.

162. The method of claim 160, comprising:

(a) using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, performing said steps of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user and subsequent thereto, retracting the toweling into the housing;

(b) using a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling, sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling;

(c) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling by the sensor;

(d) wherein the housing comprises,

(a) a main body, and

(b) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(i) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(ii) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein;

(e) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity within which toweling comprising a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith, the roll of paper towels rolling and sliding on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user, and toweling gathering within the housing during retracting of the toweling into the housing and not being wound back onto the roll of paper towels; and

(f) wherein the housing comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extend above a top side of the housing, and wherein the method further comprises a preliminary step of mounting the dispenser to the underside of a fixture, including removing a portion of each extension wall along a score line so as to adjust the distance from the underside of the fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted.

163. The method of claim 160, wherein the housing comprises,

(a) a main body, and

(b) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between, (i) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(ii) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface, at least one end of the first roller being configured to move such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing;

(c) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity within which toweling comprising a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith, the roll of paper towels rolling and sliding on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user, and toweling gathering within the housing during retracting of the toweling into the housing and not being wound back onto the roll of paper towels;

(d) wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the loading door into the closed position after loading toweling within the dispenser, with the first roller being urged into engagement with the second roller when the loading door enters the closed position and the second roller acting on the first roller so as to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door enters the closed position; and

(e) wherein the housing comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extend above a top side of the housing, and wherein the method further comprises a preliminary step of mounting the dispenser to the underside of a fixture, including removing a portion of each extension wall along a score line so as to adjust the distance from the underside of the fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted.

164. The method of claim 160, comprising:

(a) using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, performing said steps of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user and subsequent thereto, retracting the toweling into the housing;

(b) using a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling, sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling;

(c) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling by the sensor;

(d) wherein the housing comprises,

(i) a main body, and

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(C) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein, and

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface, at least one end of the first roller being configured to move such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing;

(e) wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the loading door into the closed position after loading toweling within the dispenser, with the first roller being urged into engagement with the second roller when the loading door enters the closed position and the second roller acting on the first roller so as to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door enters the closed position; and

(f) wherein the housing comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extend above a top side of the housing, and wherein the method further comprises a preliminary step of mounting the dispenser to the underside of a fixture, including removing a portion of each extension wall along a score line so as to adjust the distance from the underside of the fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted.

165. The method of claim 160, further comprising:

(a) using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, performing said steps of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user and subsequent thereto, retracting the toweling into the housing;

(b) using a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling, sensing a leading edge of the toweling while retracting the toweling;

(c) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling by the sensor;

(d) wherein the housing comprises,

(i) a main body, and

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing during extension from and retraction into the housing of the toweling, the guide system comprising a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface, at least one end of the first roller being configured to move such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing;

(e) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity within which toweling comprising a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith, the roll of paper towels rolling and sliding on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user, and toweling gathering within the housing during retracting of the toweling into the housing and not being wound back onto the roll of paper towels;

(f) wherein the method further comprises the step of moving the loading door into the closed position after loading toweling within the dispenser, with the first roller being urged into engagement with the second roller when the loading door enters the closed position and the second roller acting on the first roller so as to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door enters the closed position and

(g) wherein the housing comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extend above a top side of the housing, and wherein the method further comprises a preliminary step of mounting the dispenser to the underside of a fixture, including removing a portion of each extension wall along a score line so as to adjust the distance from the underside of the fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted.

166. A towel dispenser, comprising:

(a) a housing for receiving toweling, comprising

(i) a main body,

(ii) a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between,

(A) a closed position, in which the housing is configured to dispense towels there from, and

(B) an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein,

(iii) a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing while towels are dispensed from the housing, and

(iv) a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended;

(b) wherein a back side of the housing includes an opening configured to permit excess toweling to fall there through during retraction of the toweling back into the housing by the motor assembly.

167. The towel dispenser of claim 166, further comprising a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly, and

(a) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing;

(b) wherein the guide system comprises a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface;

(c) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding;

(d) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing;

(e) wherein the first roller is spring biased toward engagement with the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position; and

(f) wherein the toothed surfaces of the first roller and the second roller mesh together when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position and do not preclude the loading door from moving into the closed position from the open position.

168. The towel dispenser of claim 166, further comprising a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly, and

(a) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing;

(b) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding; and

(c) wherein the housing further comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extends above a top side of the housing, each extension wall comprising a weakened line extending parallel to a weakened line of the other extension walls, whereby the extent above the top side at which each extension walls extends may be changed, the extent representing a distance from the underside of a fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted when the towel dispenser is installed under the fixture.

169. The towel dispenser of claim 166,

(a) wherein the guide system comprises a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface;

(b) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding;

(c) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing;

(d) wherein the first roller is spring biased toward engagement with the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position;

(e) wherein the toothed surfaces of the first roller and the second roller mesh together when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position and do not preclude the loading door from moving into the closed position from the open position; and

(f) wherein the housing further comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extends above a top side of the housing, each extension wall comprising a weakened line extending parallel to a weakened line of the other extension walls, whereby the extent above the top side at which each extension walls extends may be changed, the extent representing a distance from the underside of a fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted when the towel dispenser is installed under the fixture.

170. The towel dispenser of claim 166, further comprising a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly, and

(a) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing;

(a) wherein the guide system comprises a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface;

(b) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing;

(c) wherein the first roller is spring biased toward engagement with the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position;

(d) wherein the toothed surfaces of the first roller and the second roller mesh together when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position and do not preclude the loading door from moving into the closed position from the open position; and

(e) wherein the housing further comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extends above a top side of the housing, each extension wall comprising a weakened line extending parallel to a weakened line of the other extension walls, whereby the extent above the top side at which each extension walls extends may be changed, the extent representing a distance from the underside of a fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted when the towel dispenser is installed under the fixture.

171. The towel dispenser of claim 166, further comprising a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling by the motor assembly, and

(a) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling into the housing;

(b) wherein the guide system comprises a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface;

(c) wherein the loading door comprises a towel carrier having a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding;

(d) wherein at least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing,

(e) wherein the first roller is spring biased toward engagement with the second roller when the loading door is in the closed position;

(f) wherein the toothed surfaces of the first roller and the second roller mesh together when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position and do not preclude the loading door from moving into the closed position from the open position; and

(g) wherein the housing further comprises extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extends above a top side of the housing, each extension wall comprising a weakened line extending parallel to a weakened line of the other extension walls, whereby the extent above the top side at which each extension walls extends may be changed, the extent representing a distance from the underside of a fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted when the towel dispenser is installed under the fixture.

172. A towel dispenser, comprising:

(a) a housing for receiving toweling, wherein the toweling includes towels that are connected together and separable at perforation formed between the towels;

(b) a motor configured to selectively cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing; and

(c) a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling;

(d) wherein the sensor is configured to cause the motor to cease retracting toweling into the housing in response to the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling.

173. A towel dispenser as disclosed herein.

174. A method of dispensing towels from a dispenser, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a towel dispenser including a housing for containing toweling, wherein the toweling includes towels connected together and separable at perforations formed there between;

a motor configured to selectively cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing; and

a sensor for sensing a leading edge of the toweling;

(b) using the motor, extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user;

(c) using the motor, retracting the toweling into the housing;

(d) while retracting the toweling, sensing a leading edge of the toweling using the sensor; and

(e) ceasing to retract the toweling into the housing using the motor upon sensing the leading edge of the toweling by the sensor.

175. A method for dispensing a towel as disclosed herein.

176. A method, comprising:

(a) advancing toweling using a motor of a paper towel dispenser apparatus;

(b) determining, via a sensor, when a certain extent of toweling has been advanced;

(c) based on said determining when a certain extent of toweling has been advanced, ceasing the advance of the advancing toweling, wherein, upon ceasing the advance of the advancing toweling, a first length of toweling is extended outside of a housing of the paper towel dispenser apparatus;

(d) determining, via the sensor, that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing has increased, wherein a second length of toweling is extended outside of the housing of the paper towel dispenser apparatus, the second length being greater than the first length; and

(e) in response to said determining that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing has increased, applying force to the toweling, via the motor, in a manner adapted to retract the toweling such that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing decreases.

177. The method of claim 176, wherein said step of applying force to the toweling, via the motor, in a manner adapted to retract the toweling such that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing decreases comprises applying force to the toweling, via the motor, in a manner adapted to retract the toweling such that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing is once again the first length.

178. The method of claim 176, wherein

(a) said step of advancing toweling comprises providing current of a first polarity to the motor;

(b) said step of ceasing the advance of the advancing toweling comprises drawing current out of the motor; and

(c) said step of applying force to the toweling, via the motor, comprises providing current of a second polarity to the motor, the second polarity being reverse of the first polarity.

179. The method of claim 176, wherein the sensor comprises a slot sensor.

180. A method, comprising, when a length of toweling is extended outside of a housing of a paper towel dispenser:

(a) determining, via a sensor, that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing of the paper towel dispenser has increased; and

(b) in response to said determining that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing has increased, applying force to the toweling, via the motor, in a manner adapted to retract the toweling such that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing decreases.

181. The method of claim 180, wherein said step of applying force to the toweling, via the motor, in a manner adapted to retract the toweling such that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing decreases comprises applying force to the toweling, via the motor, in a manner adapted to retract the toweling such that the length of toweling extended outside of the housing is once again the first length.

182. The method of claim 180, wherein the sensor comprises a slot sensor.

183. A method, comprising:

(a) advancing toweling using a motor of a paper towel dispenser apparatus;

(b) monitoring, via a sensor, rotation that occurs as toweling is advanced or retracted;

(c) determining, via the sensor, that a certain amount of rotation has occurred;

(d) based on said determining that a certain amount of rotation has occurred, ceasing the advance of the advancing toweling;

(e) after said ceasing of the advance of the advancing toweling, determining, via the sensor, that additional rotation has occurred; and

(f) in response to said determining that a certain amount of rotation has occurred, applying force, via the motor, in a manner adapted to counteract the additional rotation.

184. The method of claim 183, wherein said step of applying force, via the motor, in a manner adapted to counteract the additional rotation comprises effecting rotation in a direction opposite the direction of the additional rotation.

185. The method of claim 183, wherein

(a) said step of advancing toweling comprises providing current of a first polarity to the motor;

(b) said step of ceasing the advance of the advancing toweling comprises drawing current out of the motor; and

(c) said step of applying force to the toweling, via the motor, comprises providing current of a second polarity to the motor, the second polarity being reverse of the first polarity.

186. The method of claim 183, wherein the sensor comprises a slot sensor.