Microprocessor controlled hands-free paper towel dispenser
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A hands-free paper towel dispenser comprising:
- (a) a housing for containing at least one roll of paper towels;
(b) a sensor for detecting an object adjacent the housing and for generating an object detection signal and a dispense signal when an object is detected;
(c) a dispensing mechanism arranged and configured within the housing for dispensing paper toweling upon receipt of the dispense signal, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a motor in driving engagement with the drive roller;
(d) control circuitry including a sensor length circuit having at least two different resistor settings for generating different pre-set sensor length signals, and a microprocessor arranged and configured to receive the object detection signal and the sensor length signals and to control the power provided to the sensor based on the sensor length signals, and each pre-set sensor length signal defines a pre-set level of power that is provided to the sensor based on the respective sensor length signal; and
(e) at least one battery providing power to the sensor, to the motor and to the control circuitry.
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Abstract
A hands-free towel dispenser is provided which utilizes an active sensing system, preferably an infra-red system, for detecting when a dispense of toweling should occur. The control for the dispenser is designed for low power use, thereby allowing the dispenser to be battery powered. The dispenser can also be powered by a solar panel, either in addition to or in place of, the batteries. Thus, the dispenser can be used in all lighting conditions. In addition, the dispenser is microprocessor controlled, thereby reducing costs and adding flexibility and functionality.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A hands-free paper towel dispenser comprising:
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(a) a housing for containing at least one roll of paper towels; (b) a sensor for detecting an object adjacent the housing and for generating an object detection signal and a dispense signal when an object is detected; (c) a dispensing mechanism arranged and configured within the housing for dispensing paper toweling upon receipt of the dispense signal, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a motor in driving engagement with the drive roller; (d) control circuitry including a sensor length circuit having at least two different resistor settings for generating different pre-set sensor length signals, and a microprocessor arranged and configured to receive the object detection signal and the sensor length signals and to control the power provided to the sensor based on the sensor length signals, and each pre-set sensor length signal defines a pre-set level of power that is provided to the sensor based on the respective sensor length signal; and (e) at least one battery providing power to the sensor, to the motor and to the control circuitry. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A hands-free paper towel dispenser comprising:
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(a) a housing for containing at least one roll of paper towels; (b) a sensor for detecting an object adjacent the housing and for generating an object detection signal and a dispense signal when an object is detected; (c) a dispensing mechanism arranged and configured within the housing for dispensing paper toweling upon receipt of the dispense signal, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a motor in driving engagement with the drive roller; (d) control circuitry including a sensor length circuit having at least first and second resistors and a switch configured to selectively direct current flow through the resistors to generate different pre-set sensor length signals, and a microprocessor arranged and configured to receive the object detection signal and the sensor length signals and to control the power provided to the sensor based on the sensor length signals, and each pre-set sensor length signal defines a pre-set level of power that is provided to the sensor based on the respective sensor length signal; and (e) at least one battery providing power to the sensor, to the motor and to the control circuitry.
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7. A hands-free paper towel dispenser comprising:
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(a) a housing for containing at least one roll of paper towels; (b) a sensor for detecting an object adjacent the housing and for generating an object detection signal and a dispense signal when an object is detected; (c) a dispensing mechanism arranged and configured within the housing for dispensing paper toweling upon receipt of the dispense signal, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a motor in driving engagement with the drive roller; (d) control circuitry including a sensor length circuit having at least two paths, each path have a different resistance value for generating a plurality of pre-set sensor length signals, and a microprocessor arranged and configured to receive the object detection signal and the sensor length signals and to control the power provided to the sensor based on the sensor length signals, and each pre-set sensor length signal defines a pre-set level of power that is provided to the sensor based on the respective sensor length signal; and (e) at least one battery providing power to the sensor, to the motor and to the control circuitry. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A hands-free paper towel dispenser comprising:
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(a) a housing for containing at least one roll of paper towels; (b) a sensor for detecting an object adjacent the housing and for generating an object detection signal and a dispense signal when an object is detected; (c) a dispensing mechanism arranged and configured within the housing for dispensing paper toweling upon receipt of the dispense signal, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a motor in driving engagement with the drive roller; and (d) control circuitry including a sensor length circuit having at least two different resistor settings for generating different pro-set sensor length signals, and a microprocessor arranged and configured to receive the object detection signal and the sensor length signals and to control the power provided to the sensor based on the sensor length signals, and each pre-set sensor length signal defines a pre-set level of power that is provided to the sensor based on the respective sensor length signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification