Paper product dispenser

A paper product dispenser that includes a motor adapted to dispense a paper product and a controller. A network interlace card is in communication with the controller and is adapted to connect the paper product dispenser to a network. DIP switches are connected to the motor to adjust the length of the paper product and the interval between the activation of the motor. A power roller is connected to the motor and an idle roller is face-to-face with the power roller. The paper product passes between the power roller and the idle roller. A paper sensor is positioned below the power roller to detect the presence or absence of the paper product. A thermopile sensor is also provided to detect the presence of a human being adjacent to the dispenser.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to paper product dispensers, particularly automatic touchless paper product dispensers.

BACKGROUND

Existing toilet paper dispensers manually dispense the toilet paper. Users of these dispensers have to hold the toilet paper roll to tear the toilet paper. Harmful microorganisms, such as germs, bacteria, or virus, from the users' hands are transferred to the roll of toilet paper. Moisture from the user's hands is also absorbed into the roll. The next person who uses the roll of toilet paper may receive the harmful microorganisms. Reducing the chances of the harmful microorganisms being transferred between users of the same toilet paper roll is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,021 issued to Nelson on May 17, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,200 issued to Stone on Jan. 31, 1978, U.S. Pat. No. 3,450,363 issued to J. L. Williams on Jun. 17, 1969, U.S. Pat. No. 3,317,150 issued to E. J. Summersby on May 2, 1967, U.S. Pat. No. 3,297,269 issued to E. F. McGrew on Jan. 10, 1967 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,167,267 issued to M. Rozlog et al on Jan. 26, 1965 all disclose a single roll toilet paper dispensers where a user presses a button to dispense toilet paper. One disadvantage of the dispensers disclosed in the above disclosures is that users have to press a button, which can carry and transmit harmful microorganisms to those who subsequently touch it.

Another problem with existing paper product dispensers is that they are not automatically monitored for maintenance. When they run out of paper or if they breakdown, the patrons have to wait for maintenance personnel to refill the paper or fix the dispensers, which may involve a lengthy downtime. The restroom stall becomes unusable during the downtime period. Another problem is that they do not have a mechanism that limits the amount of toilet paper being dispensed. Some patrons can vandalize them or engage in horseplay by getting unlimited amount of toilet paper and scattering contaminated toilet paper all over the restroom. The lack of mechanism to limit toilet paper being dispensed, can also lead to excess use of toilet paper, clogged toilets, or the toilet paper running out quickly thereby requiring additional resources. Another problem is that they only store one roll of toilet paper. When the roll of toilet paper runs out, the person using the toilet has no reserve toilet paper to use.

The above problems and other problems are addressed by this disclosure as summarized below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a paper product dispenser that includes a first motor adapted to dispense a first paper product and a second motor adapted to dispense a second paper product. A first dual in-line package (DIP) switch is connected with the first and the second motor. The first DIP switch is adapted to adjust length of paper dispensed by the first motor and the second motor. A second DIP switch is also connected with the first and the second motor. The second DIP switch is adapted to adjust interval between activation of the first motor or the second motor. The paper product dispenser also includes a sensor configured to determine an amount of paper dispensed and transmit a stop signal when the amount of paper dispensed reaches a predetermined threshold. A controller in communication with the sensor is provided and is adapted to receive the stop signal. When the controller receives a stop signal relating to an amount of first paper product dispensed, the controller activates the second motor. When the controller receives a stop signal relating to an amount of second paper product dispensed, the controller activates the first motor.

The paper product dispenser may include a communication device adapted to connect the paper product dispenser to a network. In other embodiments, a paper empty sensor is provided in communication with the controller and is adapted to detect presence and absence of paper. When the paper empty sensor detects absence of paper, the paper empty sensor sends a signal to the controller. The controller sends a service signal through the network that can be received by a device that is connected to the network. A thermopile sensor may also be provided in communication with the controller. The thermopile sensor is adapted to defect a human being adjacent to the paper product dispenser. When the thermopile sensor detects a human being, the thermopile sensor sends a signal to the controller. The controller processes the signal and compiles the signal to generate occupancy data that is sent to the network.

The paper product dispenser farther includes a front cover and a main chassis that encase the dispenser. A front cover sensor is provided and is adapted to detect an open position of the front cover. The front cover sensor is also in communication with the controller. When the front cover is in the open position, the front cover sensor sends a signal to the controller. The controller sends a service signal through the network that can be received by any device that is connected to the network. In certain embodiments, the paper product dispenser includes an LED connected to the controller and adapted to provide an indication of a status of the dispenser. The LED may be activated by the controller when the paper empty sensor detects absence of paper, when the front cover is in the open position, or when the battery meter senses a predetermined threshold of battery power.

The present disclosure also relates to a toilet paper dispenser that includes a toilet paper spindle adapted to hold and dispense a toilet paper roll. The toilet paper dispenser has at least one motor connected to the first and second paper spindle and a controller connected to the motor. An infrared sensor is connected to the controller and is adapted to detect motion. Upon detection of motion, the infrared sensor sends signal to the controller. The controller is adapted to activate the motor to dispense toilet paper from the toilet paper roll. A thermopile sensor communicates with the controller and detects a human being adjacent to the toilet paper dispenser. When the thermopile sensor detects a human being, the thermopile sensor sends a signal to the controller. The toilet paper dispenser further has a front cover and a main chassis. The front cover and the main chassis form a sealed enclosure encasing the first and second spindles, the motor, the controller, and the infrared sensor. The main chassis includes a paper cutter and a base portion that defines a paper passage. The toilet paper dispenser further includes a waterproof seal in between the front cover and the main chassis adapted to protect the toilet paper roll from contaminants. The front cover includes an anti-microbial agent, such as copper or known antimicrobial compounds. The toilet paper dispenser may include a dual in-line package switch adapted to adjust length of toilet paper dispensed by the motor and a dual in-line package switch adapted to adjust interval between activation of the motor.

The present disclosure further relates to a paper product dispenser that includes a motor adapted to dispense a paper product and a controller. A power roller is connected to the motor. An idle roller is face-to-face with the power roller, and the paper product is adapted to pass in between the power roller and the idle roller. A paper sensor positioned below the power roller and in communication with the controller, wherein when the paper product passes through the paper sensor, the paper sensor detects presence of the paper product. When the paper product does not pass through the paper sensor, the paper sensor detects absence of the paper product and sends a signal to the controller. A communication device is in communication with the controller and is adapted to connect the paper product dispenser to a network. In certain embodiments, a revolution sensor is connected to the motor and is configured to determine an amount of paper dispensed and transmit a paper out signal to the controller when the amount of paper dispensed reaches a predetermined threshold. When the controller receives the paper out signal from the revolution sensor, the controller sends a service signal through the network that can be received by a device that is connected to the network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to paper product dispensers. In one embodiment, the paper product dispenser is automatic, touchless, and can store and dispense multiple rolls of toilet paper.FIG. 1is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of paper product dispenser18. The paper product dispenser18has a front cover20, a power module40, and a main chassis60that are connected to each other. The front cover20is a decorative cover that, may be made of non-porous plastic or metal and that can be made to match a particular décor as desired. The front cover20is preferably fabricated from a non-porous plastic material or metal material that is resistive to contamination. The front cover20is coated with an anti-microbial surface, such as copper, which may be combined with nickel and a final finish, such as stainless steel, to reduce contamination. The front cover20further includes seals to protect the internal mechanisms and the paper products, such as toilet paper rolls71,72, that are stored within the cover. The seals provide protection from contamination, toilet splash, or water that may get to the toilet paper rolls, such as when a restroom is washed down or when a restroom in a hospital or health care facility is being decontaminated. The from cover defines an opening21for a hand motion sensor43and a notification light in the form of a multi-colored light emitting diode (“LED”)44. In certain embodiments, the opening21is covered by a cover, such as the braille cover22shown inFIG. 2A, to protect the internal mechanism and the paper product from contamination. In other embodiments, the hand motion sensor43and the LED44are encased in a housing23that serves as a cover for the opening21.

The middle component is the power module40. The power module40is attached to the front cover20by applying fasteners at mounting points26. The notification LED44and the hand motion sensor43are attached to the power module40at a location where it will align with the opening21of the front cover20. The notification LED44provides a light display that provides various signals, including an indication of the status of the dispenser, such as the status of the batteries, whether the front cover20is closed properly, and whether there is toilet paper that is dispensable through the dispenser. The hand motion sensor43detects motion of a hand being waved in front of it to request for toilet paper to be dispensed. When the hand motion sensor43detects band motion, it activates a motor that causes the toilet paper to be dispensed. The hand motion sensor43is preferably an infrared sensor. One of the drive gear box54is visible on the side of the power module40. A locking latch41attaches the top portion of the power module40to the main chassis60. The bottom portion of the power module40includes is a pair pivot pin retainers77adapted to engage with their respective pivot pins78that are on the bottom of the main chassis60. The pivot pin retainer77allows the power module40and the front cover20to pivot relative to the main chassis60to open and close the front cover20. The power module40further includes a circuit board42where a controller100and an occupant sensor39are installed. The occupant sensor39is aimed at the opening21and detects the presence of a human being near the dispenser by detecting changes in the local temperature caused by the body of the human being. When the occupant sensor39detects a local temperature change that exceeds a predefined threshold, the occupant sensor39sends a signal to a controller100. The controller100may count the number of signals it has received so that the number of occupants detected in a predefined amount of time can be determined. The occupant sensor39is preferably a thermopile sensor. The sensitivity of the thermopile sensor is adjustable. For instance, the size of the bathroom stall can be taken into account so that only the occupant in the stall would generate the appropriate signal to the controller.

The rear component is the main chassis60. InFIG. 1, two toilet paper rolls71and72are shown installed in the main chassis60. Each roll of toilet paper71and72has a tree end73,74respectively that is driven over their respective idle rollers69,75and out of the dispenser. A battery compartment80houses batteries, which serve as the power source that operates the dispenser. Various mounting holes61a-bare provided to allow the dispenser to be mounted onto a wall or onto a side of a bathroom stall. The overall depth of the dispenser is just slightly larger than the roll of toilet paper71,72.

FIG. 2Ais a perspective view of the exterior of the front cover20. Opening21may be covered by a braille cover22, which has several characters represented by a pattern of raised dots for the visually handicapped to feel when using the dispenser. The braille cover22also serves as an LED notification window23where the notification LED44displays various signals to indicate the status of the dispenser, such as whether there are any operating errors, toilet paper jams, the status of the batteries, whether the front cover20is closed properly, and whether any of the toilet paper rolls are empty. In alternative embodiments, braille cover22is replaced by a transparent cover material, such as plastic, or glass, to cover the opening. A sign with, braille characters may be provided and attached to the front cover20at a location that is different from the opening21. The bottom of the front cover20shows the paper cutting edges24and25for each roll of toilet paper.

Referring toFIG. 2B, the front cover20defines a pair of mounting slots14and16on each side of its base. The power module40is installed inside the front cover20by attaching a fastener at mounting point26. Referring toFIG. 3, the power module40has a pair of mounting pins27and28that insert through their respective mounting slots14and16located on the front cover20to further secure the power module40to the front cover20. Referring toFIG. 4, a locking latch41secures the power module40to the main chassis60when the front cover20is in a closed position. The power module40further includes a circuit board42where a controller100is installed. The circuit board42includes a communication device to allow the dispenser to communicate with a network, such as a network interface card or a Wi-Fi antenna. In one embodiment, the communication device is a network interface card35(FIG. 5) that can communicate with a communications network, such as the internet, to provide the status of the dispenser. For instance, the network interface card35can report any operating errors, such as toilet paper jams, the status of the batteries, whether the front cover20is closed properly, and whether any of the toilet paper rolls are empty. In certain embodiments, each dispenser18has a unique identifier, such as a serial number, that has a corresponding predefined location saved in the controller. The identifier allows a facilities manager to know exactly the location and status of each dispenser. The network interface card35can communicate with a server based cloud application so a user of a mobile computer or smartphone device can be notified by text or email to service one or more dispensers. The network interface card35can also communicate the presence of someone in the stall and number of times each stall has been used, as detected by the occupant sensor39. This feature provides security benefits to the facilities where the dispensers are installed. For instance, when closing a facility, the dispensers can be used to ensure that no one is in a bathroom stall, such as those who are hiding or those who are unconscious. Next, the circuit board42also includes a tilt sensor33, such as a dual axis sensor, for detecting the position of the front cover20. Since the front cover20and lire power module40are attached to each other, the power module40assumes the same position as the front cover20. When the tilt sensor33senses that it is lying on a horizontal axis, the tilt sensor33sends an open door signal to the controller indicating that the front cover20is open and is separated from the main chassis60. When the tilt sensor33senses that it is lying on vertical axis, the tilt sensor33sends a close door signal to the controller indicating that the front cover20is closed and is secured to the main chassis60. The controller transmits the closed and open door signal to the network interface card35and the notification LED44.

The notification LED44serves as a local indicator of the status of the dispenser. For instance, the LED44can display a flashing green light to indicate that a hand is detected and toilet paper is being dispensed, a yellow light flashing twice when there is no more toilet paper on one of the rolls, and a red light when both rolls are empty. The LED44also provides information on the status of the batteries. For instance, the LED44can display a green light to indicate that the batteries are charged, a yellow light flashing once when the batteries are low (e.g. 80% left), and a red light when the batteries need replacement (e.g. 90% left). The LED44can also display a red light when the front cover20is in the open position. A red LED light can also indicate system fault. The LED44may flash a green light so a user can know where to wave a hand to request for toilet paper. The flashing green light may also indicate a good dispenser condition wherein the rolls have toilet paper, the front cover is closed, the batteries are charged, there are no jams, and toilet paper is being fed through the cutting edges24and25.

Referring toFIG. 5, dual in-line package (DIP) switches45and46are found inside the power module40. The DIP switch45for the delay time setting and the DIP switch46for the paper length setting work with the hand motion sensor43and the controller100. DIP switch46adjusts the desired length of toilet paper to be dispensed each time the hand motion sensor43senses a hand motion. DIP switch45adjusts the desired delay between sensing intervals. In one embodiment, there are 4 delay settings, which set the amount of time between the time the hand motion sensor43senses a hand motion and the time the toilet paper is dispensed. The 4 delay settings are no delay, short delay (e.g. 2 seconds), moderate delay (e.g. 4 seconds), and long delay (e.g. 6 seconds). The DIP switch46for the paper length setting sets a predefined maximum length of toilet paper to dispense. For instance, it can be set to 8 inches, 16 inches, 24 inches or continuous dispensing (no length limit) before the dispensed sheets are removed from the dispenser. As an example, if the dispenser is set to 24 inches, upon a hand wave, 24 inches are expended from the dispenser. To prevent paper from touching the floor and getting contaminated, further hand waves will not dispense any additional toilet paper until the toilet paper is removed, or until the delay time set on the DIP switch45for the delay time setting has lapsed. The DIP switch45for the delay time setting sets the amount of time the dispenser will wad between hand waves to dispense the toilet paper. The DIP switches45and46are connected to the controller100. The settings of the DIP switches45and46are adjustable in the firmware.

Each side of the dispenser has a separate drive motor50and51that drives their respective gear boxes54to turn their respective power rollers52and55. When the front cover20is closed, the power rollers52and55are face-to-face with their respective idle rollers69and75(FIG. 14). The toilet paper ends73and74pass in between their respective power rollers52and55and their respective idle rollers69and75. The toilet paper ends73and74are pinched between the power roller and the idle roller to prevent toilet paper being pulled off of the roll after the length of toilet paper that was set using the DIP switch has already been dispensed. Paper empty sensors59are provided for each toilet paper roll and are positioned below their respective power rollers52and55. The paper empty sensors59are preferably in the form of optical sensors. The paper empty sensor59detects the presence of toilet paper in front of it. If a paper empty sensor59does not detect toilet paper in front of it, it sends a signal to a controller100, which can mean that the toilet paper is out for the toilet paper roll that is directly above it or that the toilet paper is jammed above the paper empty sensor59such that it is not passing through the paper empty sensor59.

Below the power rollers52and55are paper cutoff bars83that are pivotably attached to the power module40. The toilet paper ends73and74abut to their respective paper cutoff bars83, which are pulled by a user and torn by the respective cutting edges24and25. As the toilet paper ends73and75are pulled, the paper cutoff bars83pivot towards and press their respective micro switches89(FIG. 14). The micro switches89send a reset signal to the controller100to start a new paper dispense cycle wherein a fresh toilet paper with the length specified using the DIP switch setting46will be dispensed when the hand motion sensor43senses a hand motion.

Referring toFIG. 6, motors50and51drive its respective spindle that holds the toilet paper roll. Each motor50and51is connected to its respective gear box51and54that houses a transmission53. InFIG. 7, each transmission53includes several gears57,58, and64that rotate amongst each other to drive their respective motors50and51. The transmission53includes a motor gear attached to the motor, one or more reduction gears to reduce the speed of the power rollers, and an output gear attached to the power roller to increase torque.

FIG. 8is a perspective view showing the front of the main chassis60that is positioned upside down to show a concealed release lever79located on the underside of the main chassis60. The release lever79releases the front cover20from the main chassis60. Pivot pins78of the main chassis60engage with pivot pin retainers77of the power module40to allow the front cover20and the power module40to pivot around the main chassis60. The location of the pivot pins78allows the front cover20to rotate open in a controlled manner without slamming. A full roll of toilet paper71is provided and shown on one side, and an empty spindle76is shown on the other side. The dispenser can feed cored, compact, and coreless rolls of toilet paper. The spindles76can be provided with multiple sizes. For instance, there can be a spindle that can accommodate a cored roll of toilet paper, a coreless roll of toilet paper, or a compact roll of toilet paper. When replacing the roll of toilet paper, spindle76is removed from the spindle slot47. The spindle76is inserted into a roll of cored or coreless toilet paper roll and then re-inserted into the spindle slot47.FIG. 8also shows a pair of discharge holes81defined by the base of the main chassis60. The discharge holes81are optional and are designed to allow dust and unwanted paper pieces coming from the toilet paper rolls to come out of the dispenser and not accumulate within the dispenser.

FIG. 9is a perspective view showing the rear of the main chassis60. Main chassis60includes a rear wall49that defines mounting holes61a-dfor mounting the dispenser to a wall or other structure. The dispenser is configured to be mounted on a vertical wall or surface by fastening through the mounting holes61a-don the rear wall49. Alternative mounting holes62are provided and are intended to be compatible with wall mounted manual toilet paper dispensers that are commonly used. When replacing the manual toilet paper dispensers with the dispenser of the present disclosure, fasteners may be inserted through the alternative mounting holes62to mount the dispenser of the present disclosure. A gasket95surrounds the rear wall49of the main chassis60to seal the interior of the dispenser from a restroom wash-down or other restroom cleaning. A battery compartment80is also shown and preferably houses four size D batteries. These batteries provide sufficient life for about one-year of operation.

FIGS. 10-13are the top plan view, front view, bottom plan view, and side views of the main chassis60and the power module40attached together, respectively. Two rolls of toilet paper71aand71bare provided within the main chassis60. Locking latch41detachably attaches the power module40to the main chassis60. The hand motion sensor43and the LED44are positioned below the circuit board42. When the main chassis60and the power module40are attached, toilet paper passages87are formed on each side of the dispenser that is separated by the release lever79. The toilet paper passages87are formed in between the paper cutoff bars83of the power module40(FIG. 6) and a main chassis wall85(FIG. 8) that is adjacent to the idle rollers75. Toilet paper ends73and74go through a small slit in between the idle rollers75and paper cutoff bar83and then through their respective toilet paper passages87. When the front cover20is closed, the front cover20and the main chassis60encase the internal components, such as the spindles, the motor, the controller, and the hand motion sensor, and the toilet paper and protect them from airborne contaminants that may land or fall on them. The front cover20and the main chassis60form a sealed enclosure that seals off the dispenser from all sides except for the underside that defines the toilet paper passages87and the discharge holes81.

FIG. 14shows a cross-sectional view taken from line14that is drawn onFIG. 11. The free end73of the toilet paper from the roll71is fed between the power roller52and the idle roller75. The tree end73gets pinched between the power roller52and the idle roller75to prevent the toilet paper being pulled off of the roll after the length of toilet paper that was set using the DIP switch has already been dispensed. The idle roller75is spring-loaded. The free end73passes through the paper empty sensor59, which detects the presence of toilet paper in front of it. If the paper empty sensor59does not detect toilet paper in front of it, it sends a signal to a controller100. The signal can mean that the toilet paper is out for the toilet paper roll71or that the toilet paper is jammed above the paper empty sensor59such that it is not passing through the paper empty sensor59. The notification LED44and the hand motion sensor43are also shown. The notification LED44flashes a yellow light when one of the paper empty sensors59does not detect a toilet paper in front of it, or it flashes a red light when two out of the two paper empty sensors59do not detect toilet paper in front of them. The free end73abuts to the paper cutoff bar83. When the free end73is pulled at an angle, the cutting edges at the end of the paper cutoff bar will cut the toilet paper and the paper cutoff bar83pivots towards and presses the microswitch89. The microswitch89sends a reset signal to the controller100to start a new paper dispense cycle wherein a fresh toilet paper with the length specified using the DIP switch setting46will be dispensed when the hand motion sensor43senses a hand motion.

FIG. 15shows a perspective view of the toilet paper dispenser with the front cover20in an open position. Toilet paper71is placed on a spindle, winch inserted into the spindle slot. The free end73of the toilet paper is fed over the idle roller69. Power rollers52drive the toilet paper71to be dispensed. A revolution sensor56is positioned in between the power rollers52and55. The revolution sensor56detects the number of rotations of each power roller52or55. The number of rotations detected is used to calculate how much toilet paper has been dispensed and how much toilet paper is left on the toilet paper roll71. For instance, if it is determined that it takes x number of power roller rotations to dispense an entire toilet paper roll, the number of current power roller rotations y can be compared with x. If x is greater than y, that means there is still toilet paper on the roll. If y is equal to or greater than x, there is no more toilet paper on the roll. Release latch48allows the power module40to be partially detached from the main chassis60for replacement of batteries, adjustment of the length and delay settings using the DIP switches, and installing new rolls of toilet paper71. The number of rotations of each power roller that is detected by the revolution sensor56may also be used by the controller to dispense the length of toilet paper that is set on the DIP switch setting.

FIG. 16shows an electrical block diagram of an embodiment of the dispenser. Batteries93provide power to the components of the dispenser and are connected to a battery management circuit90that is in communication with the controller100. The battery management circuit90detects how much power is left with the batteries and communicates the status of the batteries to the controller. In certain embodiments, the battery management circuit90is set to send a signal to the controller when the batteries have 10 percent life left. The hand motion sensor43, occupant sensor39, tilt sensor33, paper cutoff bar microswitch89, and the revolution sensor56are all connected to the controller100and transmit signals to the controller100. From the perspective of the input of signals, the hand motion sensor43detects a hand motion and sends a signal to the controller100. The occupant sensor39detects the presence of an occupant near the dispenser and sends a signal to the controller upon detection of an occupant. The tilt sensor33detects the orientation of the front cover20and sends a front cover open or front cover closed signal to the controller depending on its orientation. The paper cutoff bar microswitch89detects pressure indicating that the paper has been pulled and cut using the cutting edges and sends the pressure signal to the controller. The revolution sensor56detects the number of rotations of power roller52and55and sends this information to the controller100. The paper empty sensors59detect paper passing in front of it and sends this information to the controller100.

On the output side, the controller100is connected to the motors50and51and activates one motor at a time after it has processed the signals. For instance, when the controller receives a signal from the hand motion sensor43, it checks the signal from the paper empty sensors59to activate only the motor50or51that corresponds to the toilet paper roll that is not empty or that is not jammed. The controller100also checks the signals from the revolution sensor56to further ensure that the toilet paper roll corresponding to the motor it activates is not empty. The controller100also cheeks the signals from the paper cutoff bar microswitch89to ensure that previously dispensed paper has been removed.

The controller100is also connected, to the notification LED44, the network interface card35, and a remote status display92, which is shown inFIG. 17. The controller100checks the battery status using the signal from the battery management circuit90. For instance, depending on the signal from the battery management circuit90, the controller100can cause the LED44to display a green light to indicate that the batteries are charged, a yellow light flashing once when the batteries are low, and a red light when the batteries need replacement. The controller100also cheeks the status of the front cover using the tilt sensor33. The controller can cause the LED44to display a red light when the front cover20is in the open position. The controller100may also check on the paper empty sensors59and cause the LED44to display a yellow light flashing twice when there is no more toilet paper on one of the rolls, and a red light when both rolls are empty.

A network interface card35is connected with the controller100so data pertaining to the dispenser can be accessed by computers and mobile devices94that are connected to a network, such as the internet. The computers and mobile devices may include a software or mobile application that provides a user interface. The user interface may be able to show the different dispensers being monitored, whether there are any current occupants at or near each dispenser, how many occupants have been detected at or near each dispenser, and the status of each component of each dispenser. The status may include how much charge is in the battery of each dispenser, the position of the front cover of each dispenser, and whether paper is passing through the paper empty sensors. The software may be programmed to summon for service or send service alert when batteries or toilet paper roils need to be replenished, when the front cover needs to be closed, when paper is not passing through a paper empty sensor, or when the toilet paper jam needs to be fixed. The software may further include a feature where the service alerts are sent through social media, such as Twitter. The service alerts may further be sent through various electronic outlets, such as e-mail or text message.

FIG. 17shows a remote status display92that can be mounted to a visible location within a restroom, such as a board over the sinks at an entry into a restroom. The remote status display92identifies the stalls96in which each dispenser is installed. Each stall96has an available light98and an out of service light99. The available light98indicates whether there is an occupant in the stall. It flashes a green light if it is vacant. It flashes a red light if it is occupied. The out of service light99indicates that at least one of the following situations exists: front cover is open, at least one of the toilet paper rolls is empty, the batteries are not adequately charged, or the paper is not passing through the paper empty sensor. The remote status display92may be wired with the controller100. Alternatively, it may connect wirelessly to the controller100through the network interface card35. The remote status display92provides a practical tool to patrons and maintenance personnel to ensure that the paper product dispenser in the stall is working properly. It also identifies available stalls for the patrons.