Patent ID: 8382026
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: A47K

Abstract:
1. A multi-function paper towel dispenser selectively operable to cut and dispense sheets of paper toweling from a roll of paper toweling employing a plurality of alternative operational modes including a paper hidden operational mode and a paper exposed operational mode, said paper towel dispenser comprising, in combination: a housing having a dispensing outlet; a roll support within said housing for supporting a roll of paper toweling having a toweling tail; a rotatable toweling support roller within said housing for receiving paper toweling from the roll of paper toweling and for delivering the paper toweling to said dispensing outlet; an electric motor operatively associated with said toweling support roller for selectively rotating said toweling support roller to transport the paper toweling through the dispensing outlet alternatively in said paper hidden operational mode and in said paper exposed operational mode; sensor structure operational externally of said housing operatively associated with said electric motor to energize said electric motor and cause rotation of said toweling support roller to transport the paper toweling for dispensing from said multi-function paper toweling dispenser in either said paper hidden operational mode wherein the toweling tail of the paper toweling does not project from said dispensing outlet or cover said sensor structure and said electric motor is energized responsive to said sensor structure sensing positioning of a user's hand or other object at a predetermined location external of said housing or in said paper exposed operational mode wherein the toweling tail has previously been positioned at a location external of said housing so that it projects from said dispensing outlet and covers said sensor structure and said electric motor is energized responsive to said sensor structure sensing the removal of a toweling tail from said location external of said housing to uncover said sensor structure; a mode selection switch operatively associated with said sensor structure enabling a user to select either said paper hidden operational mode or said paper exposed operational mode; and electronic control circuitry operatively associated with said electric motor and said sensor structure for selectively alternatively initiating operation of said multi-function paper towel dispenser in either said paper hidden operational mode or said paper exposed operational mode, said electronic control circuitry including a paper hidden and paper exposed mechanical electrical switch operatively associated with said electric motor responsive to rotation of said toweling support roller during either said paper hidden or paper exposed operational modes to de-energize said electric motor and stop rotation of said toweling support roller.