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

  • US 7,570,067 B2
  • Filed: 10/24/2006
  • Issued: 08/04/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A paper dispenser comprising:

  • a housing having an inner chamber adapted to support a roll of paper and having a dispensing aperture;

    a motor module adapted to dispense paper from the roll of paper through the dispensing aperture;

    a proximity detection module comprising;

    an antenna;

    an oscillator circuit adapted to provide an oscillating charge to the antenna;

    a buffer for receiving an antenna signal from the antenna and for outputting a buffered antenna signal in response thereto;

    a detector for outputting a detection signal in response to changes in the buffered antenna signal; and

    a comparator for outputting a motor actuation signal to the motor module in response to the detection signal; and

    a battery module for supplying power to the motor module and the proximity detection module;

    whereinthe housing has a front portion adapted to be accessible to a user and a rear portion adapted to be attached to a vertical support surface;

    the proximity detection module is located at the front of the inner chamber and has a top surface defining a floor portion of the inner chamber; and

    the antenna extends lengthwise across at least two thirds of the front portion of the housing.

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