Hands-free paper towel dispenser

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A hands-free paper towel dispenser, comprising:
(a) a cabinet having an interior space sufficient to house a main paper towel roll, the cabinet including a housing, a front cover that is pivotally attached to the housing, and a slot through which a predetermined length of towel is dispensed, wherein the cabinet has a back wall, side walls, a top wall, and a base, and the front cover has a forward most surface located on the cover farthest away from the back wall in a forward direction; (b) a main paper towel roll located in the cabinet interior space and comprising towel sheeting extending toward the cabinet slot; (c) a sensing mechanism mounted on the housing and located forward of the towel sheeting extending toward the cabinet slot, the sensing mechanism being directed so as to detect an object positioned outside the front cover and in front of the forward most surface of the front cover and within 10 inches of the forward most surface of the front cover without the object contacting the cabinet, the sensing mechanism being accessible when the cover is opened and constructed to detect the object in ambient light conditions; (d) a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing for dispensing a predetermined length of towel, the dispensing mechanism including a drive roller and a motor in driving engagement with the drive roller; (e) control circuitry that controls operation of the dispenser, including:
(i) turning the motor of the dispensing mechanism on when the sensing mechanism detects an object;(ii) controlling the length of towel dispensed;(iii) providing a delay between cycles of towel dispense;(iv) turning the motor of the dispensing mechanism off when a towel jam is detected;(v) preventing operation of the dispensing mechanism when the cover of the cabinet is opened; and(vi) providing dispensing of towel; and (f) an electric power source for powering operation of the dispenser.