Patent Publication Number: US-8528851-B2

Title: Paper roll dispenser with sensor attached to manual actuator

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application incorporates by reference U.S. application Ser. No. 11/245,585 filed on Oct. 7, 2005, application Ser. No. 11/423,100 filed on Jun. 8, 2006, and Canadian application 2,541,645 entitled “Hybrid Towel Dispenser” and filed on Apr. 3, 2006 for all teachings, disclosures and purposes. 
     This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 61/144,994, filed Jan. 15, 2009. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     a) Field of the Disclosure 
     This disclosure relates generally to sheet product dispensers and particularly to away-from-home type paper towel dispensers with an automatic advance assembly and an interoperating manual advance assembly. 
     b) Background Art 
     Different types of single-use paper towel dispensers are available for the away-from-home market. For example, folded paper towel dispensers contain a stack of folded individual paper towel segments that are dispensed through a slot. Other dispensers dispense paper towel segments from a tightly wound paper roll. Such dispensers can dispense paper towel segments from perforated or continuous paper rolls. Perforated roll dispensers contain a continuous paper roll with longitudinally spaced, transversely extending perforations that define individual paper towel segments. In continuous roll dispensers, a continuous paper roll may be cut into individual segments by a cutting device located in the dispenser. 
     There are continuous roll dispensers which require a user to manually sever a paper segment from the continuous roll by pulling the paper against a serrated cutting blade. Such dispensers cannot control the length of the paper segment dispensed, and are thus susceptible to paper wastage. Another type of continuous roll dispenser is known as a portion control dispenser, which automatically cuts the paper roll into paper towel segments as the paper is being dispensed from the dispenser. In one type of portion control dispenser, the paper roll is rotatably mounted inside the dispenser and a leading edge of the paper is fed through a cutting roller and out of the dispenser through a slot. The paper is advanced manually by a user operating a paper advance mechanism or pulling on the leading edge of the paper roll. When the paper advances through the dispenser, the cutting roller rotates and a knife in the cutting roller extends radially outwards and punctures the paper, thereby severing a paper towel segment from the roll. The dispenser is designed to cut the paper into segments of defined length and only one at a time, thereby reducing paper wastage. 
     The continuous roll dispenser can be a “hands-free” (touchiess) type, i.e., designed to dispense paper towel segments without requiring the user to touch any part of the dispenser other than the leading edge of the paper roll. Such a design may be particularly desirable as the user is not exposed to germs or contaminants on other parts of the dispenser. 
     Motorized hands-free dispensers typically have a proximity or motion sensor within the body of the cabinet that detects a user&#39;s hand or hand movement. When the sensor detects a user, a motor inside the dispenser is activated. The motor is coupled to the paper roll and advances a paper segment out of the dispenser. Examples of such motorized hands-free dispensers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,772,291, 6,412,679, 6,695,246, 6,892,620, and 6,903,654. 
     All of the dispensers disclosed in these patents require the user to wave an object or a portion of their body proximal to the sensor which is disposed within the upper cabinet. This may be counter-intuitive and may cause dysfunction if the user is not aware of the location of the sensor and rather pulls on the loose end of the paper towel or leading edge which is distended from the body of the dispenser. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     It is a general objective of the disclosure to provide an automated hands-free towel dispenser that solves at least some of the problems found in present towel dispensers. The disclosed paper product dispenser provides an improved hands-free towel dispenser with the sensor positioned in a very intuitive location on the dispenser. A further objective of the disclosure is to provide a paper towel dispenser that can operate in both an automated dispensing mode and in a manual dispensing mode. 
     According to one embodiment, there is disclosed a towel dispenser comprising a drive roller, a motor coupled to the drum and operable to rotate the drum, and a paper guide that guides a towel sheet onto the drum such that rotation of the drum past the selected position advances a portion of the towel sheet out of the dispenser. This dispenser is thus particularly useful for automatically dispensing a towel sheet portion to the user. The towel dispenser can further comprise a sensor positioned behind the engagement surface of a manual advance assembly for detecting a user, a controller communicative with the sensor and motor and programmed to activate the motor when the sensor detects a user and automatically dispense the towel sheet portion. 
     The dispenser can further comprise a one-way coupling which couples the motor to the drum in a first direction (drive direction) and decouples the motor in an opposite second direction, thereby enabling the motor to rotate the drum in an automatic dispensing mode and a user to rotate the drum in a manual dispensing mode. Examples of such couplings include one-way bearings, one-way clutches, and floating ratchets. Such a hybrid dispenser is particularly useful when power is unavailable to the motor, as the user can still operate the dispenser in the manual dispensing mode. The user can rotate the drum in a hands-on manual dispensing mode by engaging a manual advance assembly that is rotationally coupled to the cutting drive roller. The manual advance assembly can further comprise a push bar or other mechanism coupled to the drive roller; the user engages the manual advance assembly to manually rotate the cutting drum and dispense a portion of product. Therefore, in one form, if the manual advance assembly is used (push bar or other) or the user manually pulls the sheet from the dispenser, the cutting drum will rotate and the knife will extend to produce a cut sheet portion. 
     In one form, a DC power supply can be provided, electrically coupled to the motor and control systems. This power supply can include at least one battery, held by a standard battery tray for convenience. The power supply can also comprise an AC connector for connecting to an external AC power outlet, and an inverter or equivalent device, electrically coupled to the AC connector and to the motor. These two systems, the DC supply or the AC supply can be used in conjunction or independently. It may be desired when they are both utilized to have the AC supply connected in such a way to disconnect the DC power supply. This is used to reduce strain on the batteries and to reduce the electronics necessary to isolate each power system. These sorts of systems are well known in the art and often comprise a mechanical disconnect as a part of the plug between the AC inlet and the AC power cord. This mechanical disconnect is operatively configured to disconnect the electric connection between the battery tray and the motor and sensor when the AC power connection is utilized. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a sheet product dispenser comprising a rotatable roller drum, a motor coupled to the roller drum and operable to rotate the drum, a paper guide that guides a towel sheet onto the roller drum such that rotation of the roller drum advances a portion of the towel sheet out of the dispenser, and a one-way rotational coupling which couples the motor to the drum in a first direction and decouples the motor from the drum in an opposite second direction, thereby enabling the motor to rotate the drum in an automatic dispensing mode and a user to rotate the drum in a manual dispensing mode. 
     The product dispenser may consist of a single drive roller, or alternately may comprise two or more drive rollers wherein one drive roller is coupled to the automatic advance assembly, and the second drive roller is coupled to the manual advance assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the disclosure generally from the top left portion. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the disclosure generally from the bottom left side. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the disclosure with the front cover removed. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view of a portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the disclosure with the parts exploded. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the disclosure generally from the top left side. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of the disclosure from the front left side. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a power board in one form. 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the power board of one embodiment of the disclosure inverted from the arrangement shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is one embodiment of the sensor board, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of one embodiment of a power supply control circuit. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of one embodiment of a drum sensor circuit. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of one embodiment of a sensor control circuit. 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the disclosure with the parts exploded. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the power board of one embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is one embodiment of the sensor board as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     This application incorporates by reference U.S. application Ser. No. 11/245,585 filed on Oct. 7, 2005, application Ser. No. 11/423,100 filed on Jun. 8, 2006, and Canadian application 2,541,645 entitled “Hybrid Towel Dispenser” and filed on Apr. 3, 2006 for all teachings, disclosures and purposes. 
     Before beginning, to aid in understanding, an axis system  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  comprising a vertical axis  12 , a transverse axis  14 , and a lateral axis  16 . These directional terms as used in this description may aid in describing the embodiments of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the embodiments to any particular orientation during operation, or in connection to another apparatus. 
     According to one embodiment of the disclosure, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a hands-free/manual hybrid dispenser  20  is disclosed comprising a front cover  22  and a back cover  24 . The front cover  22  in one embodiment is coupled to the back cover  24  at a lower vertical position by way of a hinge  26 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a front cover  28  and a backside  30  are coupled by way of a hinge  32  along one lateral side. Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the upper vertical portion of the front cover  22  is secured to the back cover  24  by way of a latch  34 . Similarly, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  is coupled by way of a latch  36  on one lateral side. 
     In one embodiment, to allow visual observation of the condition of the roll of product within the casing, a view window  38  may be provided in one lateral side. Also, a product outlet  40  is shown in the lowermost portion adjacent a manual actuator  42 . When one of the dispensing systems disclosed herein is activated, a portion of the sheet product will exit through this product outlet  40  such that a user can grasp it and remove it. 
     While similar towel dispensers are well known in the art having a front cover, a back cover, and a product outlet, the novel feature of this design is the hybrid actuating mechanism comprising both an automatic dispensing system and a manual dispensing system. The dispenser is configured such that a user reaching toward the manual actuator  42  will activate an object sensor  43  having a field of view  44  projecting through the user engagement surface  46  of the manual actuator  42 . In this way, before the user contacts the user engagement surface  46 , the sensor should detect the proximity of the user and automatically dispense a portion of product, given that the automatic dispensing system is functioning properly. If the automatic dispensing system is not actuating properly, the user will continue to reach toward the manual actuator  42 , contacting the user engagement surface  46  and thus putting pressure upon the manual actuator  40  to manually dispense a portion of product. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the manual actuator  42  comprises a cover plate  48  which is attached to the user engagement surface  46 , such that when the manual actuator  42  is engaged and pressed toward the back cover  24 , the cover plate  48  repositions to an interior portion of the cabinet. The cover plate  48  repositions above a bottom plate  50  which is rigidly affixed, to or formed as a unitary structure with, the back cover  24 . In one embodiment, the object sensor  43  is disposed transversely behind the user engagement surface  46  such that the field of view  44  of the object sensor  43  projects through the user engagement surface  46 . In one form, an indicator light  134  positioned behind the orifice  52  illuminates when the sensor  43  detects a user. For example, the indicator light may comprise a colored light, for example green, which will blink when a user is detected. The indicator light may be used to indicate other conditions, such as a steady green light when the dispenser is ready to dispense more product or a red light which may blink to indicate a low battery condition. The object sensor  43  will tend to reposition relative to the casing along with the manual actuator  42  when the manual actuator  42  is engaged. As the sensor  43  will be in communication with an automatic drive mechanism, a plurality of wires may be disposed vertically above the cover plate  48  within the dispenser  20  to protect them from wear and tear, and also to protect them from a negligent user. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is also shown in  FIG. 3  with the front cover  22  removed to more clearly show the internal workings thereof. Additionally, a sheet product holder, commonly known in the art, will be disposed in the upper portion  54  of the back cover  24 . This sheet product holder is not shown to allow an easier understanding of the other workings of this dispenser. In one form, the sheet product holder is coupled via a plurality of extrusions  56  and  58  within the back cover  24 . Also shown is a plurality of attachment openings  60  provided in the backside  62  of back cover  24 , such that the towel dispenser  20  can be attached to a wall, door, or other surface. 
     Moving now to  FIG. 5 , an exploded view of the integral parts of one embodiment is shown. Beginning with the front cover  22  and ending with the back cover  24 , several of the parts will be explained and discussed. To operate in an automatic dispensing mode, a power supply is utilized to provide power to the sensor  43 , the motor  108 , and any control or indicator circuitry. Where it is desired that the towel dispenser  20  be self-contained, a battery tray  64  containing a plurality of batteries  66  may be included. To protect these batteries  66 , a battery tray cover  68  is configured to be positioned adjacent the batteries  66  to complete the enclosure formed by the battery tray  64 . The battery tray  64 , batteries  66 , and battery tray cover  68  interoperate as a DC power supply  70 . This DC power supply  70  in one form is physically coupled to the product guide assembly  72 . The product guide assembly  72  substantially functions to direct the product from the product roll, past a drive roller  74  and to exit through the product outlet  40 , where it can be utilized. 
     The product guide assembly  72  in one form removably couples to the back cover  24  and also serves as a mounting location for a power board  76 . This power board  76  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 9  and will be discussed in more detail herein. On one or both sides of the product guide assembly  72  is a drive mechanism  78 . The drive mechanism  78  substantially comprises a plurality of gears, including a driver gear  80 , an idler gear  82 , and a driven gear  84 . These gears  80 ,  82  and  84  generally comprise a gear assembly  86  which is mounted to a drive mechanism plate  88 . In one form, the driver gear  80  further comprises a one-way bearing, such that manual activation of the dispenser will not harm the motor and associated mechanism and/or automatic activation will not engage the manual assembly. The drive mechanism plate  88  couples to the product guide assembly  72  and also forms an attachment for a roller assembly  90 , including a pinch roller  136 . 
     In one form, the roller assembly  90  comprises a drive roller  74  having a right drive roller cap  92  and a left drive roller cap  94  removably affixed to either lateral end of the drive roller  74 . The drive roller  74  is coupled to the drive mechanism  78  through a plurality of drive axles  96  and  98 . These drive axles  96  and  98  are coupled to the driven gear  84  such that when the driven gear  84  rotates, force is translated to the drive roller  74  which is in frictional engagement with a portion of the sheet product, and as the drive roller  74  rotates in a given direction, a portion of the sheet product is dispensed through the product outlet  40 . 
     In one form, a sensor plate  100  fits within a recess  102  within a front portion of the manual actuator  42 . This sensor plate in  100  comprises the sensor  43  previously discussed. To further protect the sensor board  100 , a sensor cover  104  is disposed upon the upper surface  106  of the manual actuator  42  encloses the recess  102 . While the sensor board  100  may be in communication with the power board  76  through several different methods, a plurality of wires, which are not shown, will route power to the sensor board  100  and will also function to provide a signal by which the motor  108  is engaged. When the motor  108  is engaged and operational, the shaft  110  drives the driven gear  84  to rotate the gear assembly  86  to rotate the drive roller  74  and thus dispense a portion of product. In one form, the manual actuator  42  is coupled to a left side plate  112  and a right side plate  114 . Each of these side plates includes a pivot  116  configured to interoperate with a pivot pin  118  coupled to the drive mechanism plate  88 . A left ratchet  120  and right ratchet  122  are also fitted and coupled to the left side plate  112  and right side plate  114  respectively. These ratchets have a plurality of teeth  124  which are configured to interoperate with the gear assembly  86  only when the manual actuator  42  is utilized to dispense a portion of product. When the manual actuator  42  is not utilized, a spring or other member will position it and the attached ratchets  120  and  122  such that the teeth of the ratchet(s) do not engage the teeth of the gear assembly  86 . Thus the automatic dispensing assembly will be allowed to function unhindered by the manual advance assembly. When the manual actuator  42  is manually engaged, the ratchet(s) and associated teeth will engage the teeth of the gear assembly  86 , manually advancing a portion of product. 
     One form of the values of the components shown in the embodiment of circuit diagrams of  FIGS. 11-13  is listed below. Other embodiments may also be utilized, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Capacitors
         C 1 —0.1 uF   C 2 —0.1 uF   C 3 —0.1 uF   C 4 —1.0 uF 10%   C 5 — 0 . 1  uF   C 6 —0.01 uF   C 7 —0.1 uF   C 8 —2u2F 1206 20% 10V   C 9 —2u2F 1206 20% 10V       

     Diodes
         D 1 —GS0T15-GS08       

     Transistors
         Q 1 —NTR4503N (for reverse battery protection)   Q 2 —NTR4503N       

     Resistors
         R 1 —   R 2 —10k   R 3 —11K3 1%   R 4 —10K   R 5 —10K   R 6 —10K 1%   R 7 —100R   R 8 —100R   R 9 —10K   R 10 —   R 11 —10K       

     Other
         J 1 —CUI POWER JACK PJ 015A (Plugging in the adapter will open connection from negative battery terminal to ground)   J 2 —JSTHDR S2B PH SM4 (Battery tray)   J 3 —JST HDR S2B PH SM4 (2-wire motor connector)   J 4 —SM SIP 7×1.00MM (Board to board cable harness)   J 5 —SM SIP 7×1.OOMM (Board to board cable harness)   J 6 —5PIN SIP 050MIL Programming &amp; Development Header   J 7 —6PIN SIP 100MIL UART Debug Connector   J 8 —SM SIP 7×1.00MM   J 9 —SM SIP 7×1.00MM   M 1 —Drum Magnet   M 2 —Door magnet   TP 1 —TP PTH 035MIL (Blade static strap grounding point)   TP 5 —TP PTH 030 MIL   S 1 —TYCO SP3T STS131PC04 (Paper length selector)       

     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Slider 
                 Short 
                 Long 
                 Paper 
               
               
                 (S1) Position 
                 Sense 
                 Sense 
                 Length 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 1-2 
                 high 
                 low 
                 Short 
               
               
                 2-3 
                 low 
                 low 
                 Medium 
               
               
                 3-4 
                 low 
                 high 
                 Long 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
         
         
           
             U 1 —SOT-23-5 LP2980IM5-3.3 
             U 3 —ALLEGRO A3211 SOT-23W (Drum Rotation Sensor) 
             U 4 —PIC16F726 SOIC-28, SSOP-28 
             U 5 —ALLEGRO A3211 (Chassis open/paddle activation sensor) 
           
         
       
    
     Notes
         1. All resistors are thick film, 0603, 1/10W, 5% tolerance unless specified.   2. All capacitors are X7R, 0603, 50V, 20% tolerance unless specified.   3. All test points (TPnn) are 40 mil diameter pads (no drill hole) unless otherwise specified.   4. D1.2 (NC) is connected to VBAT for ease/convenience of routing VBAT on PCB       

     When the automatic advance assembly  126  is operating, a user will reach toward the user engagement surface  46  of the manual actuator  42 , entering the field of view  44  of the sensor  43 , which thus sends a signal to the motor  108  which will function to automatically dispense a portion of product. When the automatic advance assembly is not operational, such as when no power supply is available, the manual advance assembly  128  will be utilized as previously discussed. Once a portion of product is dispensed, the cutter  138  is utilized to separate the dispensed portion from the remaining portion of product. 
     While the term “field of view” is used in this description of the embodiments, this should not be understood to be limited to a visual sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor plate  100  is formed as a capacitive sensor which can detect objects within a limited range. Even though there is no visual aspect to these sensors, the term “field of view” is still often used to determine the area in which an object can be sensed. Such capacitive sensors are a relatively recent innovation, and are often found in personal computer touch pads and portable media players including mobile phones. An article in  Electronic Product Design  ( EPD )  Magazine  of Dec. 1, 2006 does a relatively good job of explaining the operation of the users. This article is incorporated herein by reference. A capacitive sensor in one form is a copper sensor plate  100  connected to a controller circuit  130  as shown in  FIG. 13 . This sensor plate  100  may be formed on the same substrate as the controller circuit  130 . This controller circuit  130  detects input as a change in capacitance of the sensor  100 . In one form, the controller circuit  130  simultaneously may sense an open casing door by way of a sensor sensing the magnetic flux field from a door magnet M 2  of  FIG. 13  or equivalent sensor. The controller circuit  130  may also include a drum rotation sensor sensing the magnetic flux field from a drum magnet M 1 . In some experimental dispensers, rotation of the drive roller  74  was mistaken as a user in proximity to the sensor plate  100 . This faulty sensing is a problem in that the apparatus may continue to dispense product continuously. Thus it will be desired to dispense a portion of product and discontinue sensing while the motor  108  and/or drive roller  74  are in operation. Additionally, a maintenance person checking on the status of the volume of product remaining in the dispenser  20  or replacing the same will tend to set off dispensing of the product. This is not desired when the front cover is opened, allowing access to the interior for replacing of the product, the replacing of the batteries, or other actions. Thus, when the door magnet M 2  detects that the front cover  22  is in the open position, the controller circuit  130  will not allow dispensing of product. In one form, the indicator light  134  will indicate that the dispenser is not ready to dispense product, such as by a red blinking light 
     Depending on many factors such as location, common use, clientele, financial concerns etc., it may be desired to control the amount of product dispensed in each cycle. Therefore, a paper length adjustment switch  132  may be provided as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 . One possible placement of the paper length adjustment switch  132  is upon the power board  76  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In one form, the paper length adjustment switch  132  comprises a single pull triple throw selector switch which will allow for short, medium, or long paper lengths being dispensed during each cycle. Obviously other selector switches could be utilized for a wide range of paper lengths. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , the dispensing and cutting apparatus, as disclosed in applicants&#39; prior application U.S. Ser. No. 11/245,585, is combined with the sensor device located in the manual actuator shown above. 
     The connector J 2  in one form may be a connection to an external power source or a battery supply. To protect against polarity problems in the event that a battery is placed in backwards, a reverse battery protector Q 1  may be provided. A power supply portion S 1  in one form provides a select switch which allows a user to select between short, medium and long paper lengths. The switch Q 2  provides a switch for the motor to use a very low-cost switch for a hot lead. Connector J 6  in one form is a program connector coupled to the microcontroller or main processor U 4 . This connector J 6  is utilized as the product is assembled. There is a small portion of the power supply electrically isolated in one form, so it can be programmed without the product being taken apart. A cable connection may be utilized between J 4  and J 5  to electronically communicate between the two circuit boards shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The circuit U 4  is a main processor which in one form includes a capacitive flux sensor  100   b  which is a copper surface forming part of a capacitor. Forming the sensor as a printed circuit in combination with the main processor U 4  provides an inexpensive, compact, and convenient sensor/The entire microcontroller may be disposed within the push bar  42 B of  FIG. 14 . Thus the microcontroller operates as a capacitor and comprises a large copper surface on the circuit board itself. Edge circuit boards are provided with copper where the construction allows for layers of copper to be placed on the board to create the capacitance pad. 
     Sensor U 5  is a sensor which senses a magnetic flux field from a magnet M 2  which in one form is positioned with the casing door  22 B. The magnet effectively communicates when the casing door  22 B is open and further when the casing door  22 B is open, the ability of the dispenser to automatically provide product is disabled. Therefore the magnet switch U 5  in one form doubles as a manual advance push bar sensor and a detector of when the chassis is open. When the manual advance push bar  42 B is pushed, the automatic advance assembly  126 B is disabled from providing product. Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the sensor U 5  has two functions of detecting whether the chassis is open and further detect when the manual advance push bar  42 B has been engaged, whereby any sort of activation from the copper pad proximity sensor  100 B would be effectively temporarily disabled. 
     One form of the values of the components shown in the embodiment of circuit diagrams of  FIGS. 14-16  is listed below. Other embodiments may also be utilized, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Capacitors
         C 1 —2u2 uF   C 2 —0.1 uF   C 3 —0.1 uF   C 4 —1.0 uF       

     C 5 —0.1 uF
         C 6 —0.01 uF   C 7 —0.1 uF   C 8 —2u2F   C 9 —2u2F       

     Diodes
         D 1 —15MA20CTAT3       

     Transistors
         Q 1 —NTR4503N (for reverse battery protection)   Q 2 —NTR4503N       

     Resistors
         R 1 —100R   R 2 —100R   R 3 —30K1   R 4 —10K   R 5 —10K   R 6 —10K   R 7 —100R   R 9 —10K   R 10 —10K   R 11 —10K       

     Other
           140 —Short Sense     142 —Long Sense     144 —Motor Fn     146 —On/Off     148 —Drum Sense     150 —Dual LED     152 —Red     154 —Green   J 1 —CUI POWER JACK PJ 015A (Plugging in the adapter will open connection from negative battery terminal to ground)   J 2 —S2B PH SM4 (Battery tray)   J 3 —JST HDR S2B PH SM4-TB (2-wire motor connector)   J 4 —SM SIP 9×1.00MM (Board to board cable harness)   J 5 —SM SIP 9×1.OOMM (Board to board cable harness)   J 6 —5PIN SIP 050MIL Programming &amp; Development Header   J 7 —6PIN SIP 100MIL UART Debug Connector   M 1 —Drum Magnet   M 2 —Door magnet   TP 1 —TP PTH 035MIL (Blade static strap grounding point)   TP 5 —TP PTH 030 MIL   S 1 —TYCO SP3T STS131PC04 (Paper length selector)       

     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Slider 
                 Short 
                 Long 
                 Paper 
               
               
                 (S1) Position 
                 Sense 
                 Sense 
                 Length 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 1-2 
                 high 
                 low 
                 Short 
               
               
                 2-3 
                 low 
                 low 
                 Medium 
               
               
                 3-4 
                 low 
                 high 
                 Long 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
         
         
           
             U 1 —SOT-23-5 LP2980IM5-3.3 
             U 3 —ALLEGRO A322EUA-T (Drum Rotation Sensor) 
             U 4 —PIC16F726 SOIC-28, SSOP-28 
           
         
       
    
     Notes
         1. All resistors are thick film, 0603, 1/10W, 5% tolerance unless specified.   2. All capacitors are X7R, 0603, 50V, 20% tolerance unless specified.   3. All test points (TPnn) are 40 mil diameter pads (no drill hole) unless otherwise specified.   4. D1.2 (NC) is connected to VBAT for ease/convenience of routing VBAT on PCB       

     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , the length of dispensed product is determined by time of operation of the motor. Therefore, the charge of the battery influences the length of the motor operation, and thus the length of the dispensed product. In the version shown in  FIG. 14 , which relates to a drum cutting embodiment, the rotational sensor U 3  of  FIG. 12  detects a certain rotation of the drum  74 B and the over centered spring takes over, providing rotation thereof for a fixed increment amount of towel length based upon the diameter of the drum  74 B. With the version shown in  FIG. 5 , which in one embodiment is a manual tear system, the circuitry allows for a general reading of the battery power which has an influence upon the velocity of the actuator motor advancing the product the proper distance so as to increment a prescribed amount of product per activation of the sensor. The available energy in a battery is related to its voltage. Therefore, in a battery, the terminal voltage drop is fairly linear over time; they typically have 1.5 volts brand-new and are “dead” when there is 0.85 volts of differential between the terminals. As the batteries are no longer functional at this point, the external power supply (if operational) or the manual advance assembly  128  can be used to dispense product. 
     While the present disclosure is illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The disclosure in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants&#39; general concept.