Patent Publication Number: US-2010114366-A1

Title: Dispensers providing controlled dispensing and controlled dispensing methods

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION &amp; PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/104,660, filed 10 Oct. 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to dispensers, and more specifically, to dispensers providing controlled dispensing of product and controlled dispensing methods to provide product according to controllable methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Dispensers, such as napkin dispensers, are generally configured to enable end users to retrieve product, such as napkins, for use. Conventional dispensers, while serving their respective purposes, enable end users to freely obtain many napkins at once with no control mechanism and also tend to allow napkins to be soiled due to contact with surrounding environments. Excessive distribution of napkins and soiled napkins can lead to waste and, therefore, unnecessary operating expenses. 
     Various conventional dispensers are known. For examples, known dispensers are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,610 to Skarda, U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,898 to Boone, U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,653 to Boone, U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,888 to Boone, U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,505 to Formon, U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,028 to Merila, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,435 to Williams. The dispensers discussed in these patents, however, do not enable adequate control of product dispensing to avoid excessive waste, reduce costs, and enable dispensing of clean napkins. 
     What is needed, therefore, are improved dispensers to provide controlled dispensing of product and improved dispensing methods to provide product according to controllable methods. It is to such dispensers and dispensing methods that the various embodiments of the present invention are directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are directed toward dispensers that reduce excessive distribution of the product to be dispensed and provide unsoiled napkins. Dispensers according to embodiments of the present invention can dispense interfolded or non-interfolded napkins. Embodiments of the present invention are not be limited to dispensing napkins (as discussed in more detail below). For example, dispensers according to the present invention can be implemented to dispense other products, such as paper towels, tissues, rolled material, web material, or many other items desired for dispensing. Several exemplary embodiments are summarized below. 
     Briefly described some embodiments include dispensers configured to dispense product in a controlled fashion. For example, a dispenser can comprise a pair of spaced apart spindles. The spindles can be disposed proximate a housing. The spindles can be configured to contact product at varying locations. As an example, a first spindle of the pair can be configured to separate one or more sheets of product from the product. The first spindle can be configured to rotate in tandem with a second spindle of the pair to dispense one or more sheets of product from the housing. In some embodiments, the second spindle may be a stationary axial member. In combination with the first spindle, the second spindle can retain unseparated product within the housing to enable controlled dispensing of product. 
     In other embodiments, the present invention provides dispensers for sequentially dispensing sheet product. For example, a dispenser can generally comprise one or more of a housing, a separating spindle, a separating assembly, and a retaining spindle. The housing can be configured to receive a stack of sheet product. The separating spindle can have one or more surface projections. The separating spindle can be configured to frictionally engage the stack. The separating assembly can be configured to rotate the separating spindle. The separating spindle and a retaining spindle can be mounted at one end of the housing. The spindles can be spaced apart from each other. The spindles can also generally define a dispensing plane from which one or more napkins are dispensed along a dispensing direction. 
     Embodiments of the present invention also include controlled dispensing methods. According to some method embodiments, the present invention can include methods of dispensing sheet product from a dispenser. Such methods can generally include arranging a plurality of axial members for use with a housing that holds product to be dispensed and configuring a first axial member of the plurality of axial members to engage and rotatably separate one or more sheets of product. Method embodiments can also include arranging the first axial member and a second axial member to allow a predetermined number of separated sheets to be dispensed from the housing and retain un-separated sheets in the housing. 
     Still yet, other embodiments of the present invention can include dispensers that generally include a housing module, a product feed module, and a controller. The housing module can be configured to receive a stack of napkins having panels arranged generally perpendicular to the magazine axis. The product feed module can be configured to be detachably affixed to the housing module. The product feed module can comprise a separating spindle and a retaining spindle. The separating spindle can have one or more surface projections for frictionally engaging the stack of napkins. The separating spindle and a retaining spindle can be mounted at one end of the housing. The spindles can be generally parallel to each other and arranged generally in a dispensing plane. Napkins can be dispensed along the dispensing plane. Dispensers can also include a controller configured to dispense napkins from an aperture defined by the product feed module according to a predetermined dispensing algorithm. 
     Still yet, other dispenser embodiments can generally comprise an outer body, a separating assembly, a feed mechanism, and an advancing mechanism. The outer body can comprise a housing for supporting one or more inner components of a dispenser. For example, a housing can hold a stack of napkins or other product for dispensing. A separating assembly can comprise a separating member, such as separating spindle. A separating spindle can be configured to separate one or more napkins from a napkin supply (e.g., a napkin stack). A feed mechanism can be configured to move a separated napkin or napkins toward a dispensing slot for dispensing. An advancing mechanism can advance a napkin supply (e.g., a napkin stack), as depleted, during dispensing operations. Napkin stack advancement can be toward a dispensing aperture (e.g. a slot), from which napkins can be provided to users. In addition, napkin stacks can be advanced toward a separating spindle so individual napkins can be provided to a user in one or more controlled or metered methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention as discussed herein. 
     In some embodiments, the present invention provides napkin dispensers for sequentially dispensing individual napkins. Napkin dispensers can generally comprise a housing, a separating spindle, a separating assembly, a retaining assembly, and a follower. The housing can enclose a dispensing magazine. The dispensing magazine can have an axis arranged along a dispensing direction. The dispensing magazine can be configured to receive a stack of napkins with their panels arranged generally perpendicular to a magazine axis. The separating spindle can include one or more surface projections for frictionally engaging a stack of napkins. The separating assembly can be configured to rotate or provide rotational energy to the separating spindle. 
     The retaining spindle, separating spindle, and a follower can be arranged to aid in dispensing operations. For example, the retaining spindle and the separating spindle can be mounted at one end of a dispensing magazine. The retaining spindle and the separating spindle can also be arranged generally parallel to each other and in a dispensing plane. The follower can be arranged generally parallel to the dispensing plane. The follower can be slidably mounted and biased to advance the napkin stack along a dispensing direction. Upon depletion of the stack, the follower can advance the stack so that it contacts the separating spindle and retaining spindle. The separating spindle and the retaining spindle can be spaced apart to engage the napkin stack at opposing end portions of napkin panels. The separating spindle and the retaining spindle can retain the stack of napkins in the magazine while at rest. The separating spindle and the retaining spindle can dispense a single napkin upon rotation (e.g., inward or outward) of the separating spindle over a predetermined distance. 
     As used herein, product includes many types of product for dispensing including, but not limited to, sheet product, stacked napkins, stacked wipes, and folded towels. Thus, while embodiments may be discussed herein as stacked napkin dispensers, it should be understood that such embodiments are equally applicable to stacked wipes, folded towels, and many other products that users desired to be dispensed in a controlled or metered fashion. In addition, product may be discussed herein as being included in a bundle. Bundles can include product adjoined or stacked together, such as a bundle of stacked napkin, stacked wipes, or folded towels. In some embodiments, a product bundle may include product placed next to each other or product intertwined with adjoining product pieces. In addition, in certain embodiments, bundles may be held together in a bound fashion or bundled together without a fastener. 
     Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features of the present invention may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the present invention can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. In addition, while discussion contained herein may, at times, focus on napkin dispensers, embodiments of the present invention can also be used for many other dispenser types. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as being device, system, or method embodiments, it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments can also be configured as devices, systems, and methods even though not expressly discussed as such. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a housing of a dispenser according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side perspective view of a dispenser comprising various internal components according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of a separating spindle according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of a separating spindle according to other embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of a separating spindle according to yet other embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5M  illustrate various views of modular housing dispenser embodiments in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a controlled dispenser according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-7N  illustrate various embodiments of dispenser elements (also referred to as spindles or rollers) according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a logical flow diagram of a controlled dispensing method in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED &amp; ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     To facilitate an understanding of aspects, principles, and features of the various embodiments of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention are explained herein with reference to its implementation in illustrative embodiments. For example, aspects of the invention are described in the context of dispensers for paper napkins. The dispensers, however, are not limited for use as napkin dispensers. Rather, the dispensers can be implemented whenever dispensers would be beneficial for dispensing materials or products. For example, dispensers can be implemented for various sheet products—bundled, connected to each other, or interfolded. 
     As used herein, the terms “sheet product” or “sheet products” are inclusive of many items and materials. For example, sheet product includes natural and/or synthetic cloth or paper sheets. Sheet products may also include both woven and non-woven articles. There are a wide variety of nonwoven processes and they can be either wetlaid or drylaid. Some examples include hydroentagled (sometimes called spunlace), DRC (double re-creped), airlaid, spunbond, carded, paper towel, and meltblown sheet products. Further, sheet products may contain fibrous cellulosic materials that may be derived from natural sources, such as wood pulp fibers, as well as other fibrous material characterized by having hydroxyl groups attached to the polymer backbone. Examples of other sheet products include, but are not limited to, wipers, napkins, tissues, rolls, towels or other fibrous, film, polymer, or filamentary products. 
     The materials and components described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the dispenser are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials and components that would perform the same or similar functions as the materials and components described herein are included within the scope of dispenser embodiments discussed herein. 
     Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the views, the present invention will be described in detail. Generally, dispensers according to embodiments of the present invention can comprise a housing, a separating assembly, a feed mechanism, and an advancing mechanism (although not all are required). In some embodiments, one or more of these features can be incorporated into modular components that can be configured to be securedly affixable/detachable to each other to yield a dispenser (as discussed below). 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a housing  110 , or casing, of a dispenser  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The housing  110  can be composed of many materials sturdy enough to support inner components of the dispenser  100 . For example, and not limitation, the housing  100  can comprise metal, such as aluminum or steel, a polymer, such as a plastic, or combinations thereof. The housing  100  can house various components of a dispenser as well as napkins (or other products) to be dispensed. 
     The housing  100  can be arranged and or shaped in various manners and may also include various modules (or sub-components). For example, the housing  100  can be configured to dispense product in vertical position, horizontal position, or combinations thereof. In addition, the housing  100  can be configured as a free-standing dispenser or configured to be mounted to another item (e.g., a wall mount configuration). Exemplary modular embodiments of the present invention are discussed below in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 5-6 . 
     The housing  110  generally comprises a first end  120  and a second end  130 . At the first end  120 , the housing  110  can define an aperture  140 , such as an opening or dispensing slot. The dispensing slot  140  can be the means by which napkins exit the dispenser and/or are provided to a user. Indeed, a napkin or a portion of a napkin can be dispensed through the slot  140  so that a user can access a napkin. 
     The housing  110  can further comprise a sensor  150 . The sensor  150  can detect when an object is in proximity to the sensor or to the housing. Exemplary sensors include, but are not limited to, infrared sensors and capacitive sensors. Detection can allow the dispenser  100  to dispense napkins automatically, as further discussed below. The sensor  150  can be a component of a sensing system provided for use with the housing  110  in some embodiments. A sensing system can include multiple sensor disposed at various locations relative to the housing  110 . The sensor  150  can be disposed within the housing for use in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a side perspective view of a dispenser  200  comprising various internal components according to some embodiments of the present invention. The dispenser  200  can comprise a separating assembly  210  and a feed mechanism  220 . The separating assembly  210  can comprise a separating driver assembly (not shown) and a separating member  215 , such as a separating spindle. The separating driver assembly can drive the separating spindle  215 . The separating driver assembly can include a motor, a hand crank, or a combination thereof. The separating driver assembly can be located within the housing  110  and be configured to provide rotational energy to the separating spindle  215 . 
     The separating spindle  215  can separate a controlled amount of material or product to be dispensed. For example the separating spindle  215  can separate a single napkin from a stack  250  of napkins. Alternatively, the separating spindle  215  can separate multiple napkins (e.g., two or three) at a time from the stack  250 . In some embodiments, the separating spindle  215  can separate a small stack of napkins (e.g., about 5 to about 10 napkins) from the main stack  250 . 
     Embodiments of the present invention can dispense material or product being arranged in various stack arrangements or configuration. As an example, the stack  250  can comprise a first end  252  and a second end  254 . The stack  250  can be orientated in the housing  110  so that first end  252  corresponds to the housing first end  120 , and the second end  254  corresponds to the housing second end  130 . The stack  250  can comprise interfolded napkins, non-interfolded napkins, non-folded sheet products, or other product to be dispensed. 
     By placing the separating spindle  215  proximate a napkin supply (e.g., the stack  250 ), one or more napkins can be removed from the stack for provision to a user. Indeed, the separating spindle  215  can be configured to separate napkins at the first end  252  of the stack  250 . In some embodiments, the first end  252  of the stack  250  can be in proximity to the dispensing slot  140  so that separated napkins can be guided to the slot for provision to a user. 
     To aid in providing napkins to users for various embodiments and dispensing applications, a variety of spindle designs can be utilized. As an example, the separating spindle  215  (sometimes referred to as a flipper), can have one or more projections  217 , such as teeth, pins, paddles, or otherwise. For example and not limitation, the separating spindle  215  can comprise a series of paddle-like projections  217 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , each projection  217  can extend along a length of the separating spindle  215  generally parallel to the separating spindle  215 . Alternatively, the separating spindle  215  can comprise one or more helically configured projections extending longitudinally along a length of the separating spindle  215 . A helically configured projection can wrap around the separating spindle&#39;s exterior surface approximately between approximately ½ time and approximately 2 times. The projections  217  can act as napkin engaging portions, which can engage and separate napkins. In some embodiments, the projection  217  can be a single, unitary projection disposed between ends of the spindle  215 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate lateral cross-sectional views of various separating spindle embodiments in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the paddles  217  of the separating spindle can have various shapes. Various shapes can be used to enable separation of a small number of napkins or items from the rest of the stack  250 .  FIGS. 7A-7N  illustrate various embodiments of dispenser elements (also referred to as spindles) according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  7 , spindles used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can have varying features to aid in controlled dispensing. For example, separating spindles can be angled toward a follower at an offset angle of between about 2 degrees to about 15 degrees. Also, a helically configured napkin separator can engage a portion of a feed spindle at about 20% to about 80% of the length of the feed spindle. In addition, a helically configured napkin separator can engage a portion of the feed spindle that extends along the feed spindle over an axial distance of between about 35% to about 65% of the length of the feed spindle. And in some embodiments, a helically configured napkin separator can engage a portion of the feed spindle that is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the feed spindle such that it defines from about 0.5 to about 2 turns around the feed spindle over the length of the feed spindle. And in other embodiments, a helically configured napkin separator can engage a portion of the feed spindle that is arranged about the longitudinal axis of the feed spindle such that it defines from about 0.75 to about 1.5 turns around the feed spindle over the length of the feed spindle. 
     The configuration of the projections  217  can vary according to various dispenser embodiments. In some embodiments the shape or geometrical configuration of the projections  217  can correspond to, and may be partially dependent upon, physical characteristics of the product to be dispensed. For example, the arrangement of the projections  217  can be altered depending on the thickness, width, substrate, density, humidity, viscosity, and/or height of product to be dispensed. As a result some dispenser embodiments may be equipped to change arrangement and/or configuration due to the product for dispensing. In some embodiments, projections  217  can be configured to be detachably affixed to the spindle  215  to adjust dispensing characteristics. The one or more projections  217  can comprise elastomeric, flexible, rigid materials, or many other materials as desired. 
     The separating spindle  215  can rotate, thereby causing the projections  217  to be inserted between a first napkin and the remainder of the stack  250 . In some embodiments, the separating spindle  215  and/or the projections  217  may be positioned to engage a surface of the first napkin facing toward opening  140  ( FIG. 2 ). The first napkin, along with any napkins between the first napkin and the stack&#39;s first end  252 , can then be separated from the stack  250 . Altering configuration of the projections  217  from helical to paddle extensions can aid in enabling metered dispensing relative to rotation of the separating spindle  215 . In addition, gearing the separating spindle&#39;s  215  coupling to a motor or hand crank can aid in controlled dispensing. For example, the spindle  215  can be geared to rotate a single revolution to separate a single sheet product in the stack  250 . Other separation ratios can also be implemented and based on the gearing between the spindle  215  and the component imparting rotational energy on the spindle  215  (for example a drive motor or hand crank). 
     A separating driver assembly, or controller, can control the separating spindle  215  electronically or mechanically. For example and not limitation, the separating assembly  210  can comprise an external actuator (not shown), such as a crank. The crank can be coupled to the separating spindle  215 . When the crank is turned, the separating spindle  215  can rotate accordingly, thereby separating one or more napkins from the stack  250 . Alternatively, if the dispenser  100  comprises a sensor  150 , as shown, the sensor  150  can detect when an object is in proximity to the sensor. Upon detection, the sensor  150  can provide a signal to a controller (e.g., a processor or a microcontroller (e.g., PIC16F887)) that in turn causes dispensing operations to occur. Also in some embodiments, the separating assembly  210  can comprise a motor for rotating the separating spindle  215 . The sensor  150  can be in communication with the separating assembly  210 . When a nearby object, such as a hand, is detected by the sensor  150 , the motor of the separating assembly  210  can cause the separating spindle  215  to rotate, thereby separating one or more napkins from the stack  250 . 
     As mentioned above, sensors may be used to aid in dispensing operations. In one embodiment, a sensor (not shown) can be a mechanical switch, such as a micro-switch, disposed so as to cause a change of state of the switch in response removal of a napkin from the dispensing slot  140 . A micro-switch can be disposed proximate retaining roller  225  such that its actuation lever is actuated by the presence (and subsequent removal thereof) of a napkin. Other embodiments include an optical sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of napkin in the dispenser. 
     The feed mechanism  220  can comprise a retaining roller  225 , or retaining spindle  225 . The retaining roller  225  can contact the napkin stack  250 . The retaining roller  225  can keep the stack  250  secure and in a desirable position and orientation. As the separating spindle  215  rotates, or after an instance of the separating spindle&#39;s rotation, the retaining roller  225  can rotate, thereby feeding a separated napkin or napkins upward and over the retaining roller  225 . In some embodiments, the feed mechanism  200  can be configured to separate one or more napkins as desired relative to rotations or revolutions of the separating spindle  215 . By gearing the spindle  215  with an appropriate separation ratio, the feed mechanism can aid in controlled dispensing of napkins. For example, it may be desire to separate two napkins per rotation of the spindle  215 . The component or components (e.g., drive motor or hand crank) imparting rotational energy to the spindle  215  can be similarly geared to interact with the spindle  215  at an appropriate separation ratio. When separated, napkins can land on a dispensing tray  230  for provision to a user via aperture  140 . 
     The dispensing tray  230  can be configured in many orientations according to the various embodiments of the present invention. For example and not limitation, the tray  230  can be generally parallel to the bottom of the housing. And in some embodiments, the tray  230  can slant downward from the dispensing slot  140  toward the retaining roller  225 . This slanting configuration can help guide napkins from the roller  225  to the dispensing slot  140 . The retaining roller  225  can force the napkin or napkins on to the tray  230  such that a portion of the napkin or napkins is pushed through the dispensing slot  140  and, therefore, accessible to a user of the dispenser  100 . The retaining roller  225  can be driven by a mechanism similar to that driving the separating spindle  215 . In some embodiments, the retaining roller  225  can be driven by the same mechanism similar that drives the separating spindle  215 . 
     The retaining roller  225  can rotate in an opposite direction from the separating spindle  215 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the separating spindle  215  can rotate counter-clockwise to separate napkins from the stack  250 , while the retaining roller  225  can rotate clockwise to guide or force the separated napkins upward and toward the slot  140 . 
     The separating spindle  215  and the retaining roller  225  can be oriented generally parallel or planar with respect to each other. The separating spindle  215  and the retaining roller  225  can define a dispensing plane  310  (see  FIG. 3 ). This plane can define where napkins are separated and dispensing begins. The separating spindle  215  and the retaining roller  225  can be spaced apart such that they engage generally opposite portions of the stack  250 , or one or more napkins at an end of the stack  250 . For example and not limitation, as shown, the separating spindle  215  can engage an upper portion of napkins, while the retaining roller  225  engages a lower portion of napkins. 
     In some embodiments, the separating spindle  215  contacts the napkin stack  250  at between approximately ⅛ inch to approximately ½ inch from a top or bottom edge of the napkin stack  250 . Additionally, the retaining roller  225  can contact the napkin stack  250  at approximately between ⅛ inch and ½ inch from an opposing edge of the napkin stack  250 . In other embodiments of the present invention, positions of the separating spindle  215  and the retaining roller  225  can vary. For example, depending on the height and/or stiffness of the product to be dispensed, the positions of the roller can be altered to ensure dispensing properties as desired. As a result, the separating spindle  215  and the retaining roller  225  can be placed at varying positions relative to ends of a product bundle. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dispenser  300  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In addition to the features of the above discussed embodiments, the dispenser  300  may also comprise an advancing mechanism  320 , or follower, and a dispensing magazine  330 . These features can also be used to aid in controlled dispensing of product. All of these features can be used in a dispenser configured for horizontal disposition and may not be desired for a dispenser configured for vertically dispensing product. 
     The advancing mechanism  320  can advance a stack  250  of napkins as the stack is depleted. For example, during dispensing or after one or more napkins are dispensed, the advancing mechanism  320  can advance the stack  250  forward toward the dispensing plane  310  so that more napkins can be dispensed. A base  321  of the advancing mechanism  320  can be slidably mounted in the housing  110  so that the base  321  advances with the napkin stack  250 . Slidable mounting, however, is not required. Rather, slidable mounting can be a feature of some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The advancing mechanism  320  can also comprise a bottom support  322  and a retaining wall  324 . The bottom support  322  and the retaining wall  324  can support the napkin stack  250 . The bottom support  322  can act as a movable surface supporting an underside of the stack  250 . The retaining wall  324  can be in contact with or in proximity to the second end  254  of the stack  250 , supporting the stack  250  from the back as the stack  250  is advanced. As the bottom support  322  and the retaining wall  324  move toward the dispensing plane  310 , the stack  250  can move toward the dispensing plane as well. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the advancing mechanism  320  can comprise a spring (not shown). The spring can be in communication with or generally disposed between both the napkin stack  250  and an inner portion of the second end  120  of the housing  110 . The spring can be in a compressed state and configured for expansion. As the stack  250  is depleted, the spring can expand, thereby pushing the napkin stack  250  toward the dispensing plane. 
     The dispensing magazine  330  can comprise an assembly for holding the napkin stack  250 . Because the advancing mechanism  320  can advance the stack  250  and the dispensing magazine  330  can hold the stack  250 , the advancing mechanism  320  and the dispensing magazine  330  can share components. For example and not limitation, the bottom support  322  and the retaining wall  324 , components of the advancing mechanism  320 , can act as components of the dispensing magazine  330 . Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing magazine  330  can comprise, for example, a track mounted on the bottom of the housing. The track can carry the napkin stack  250  while the advancing mechanism  320  advances the stack  250  along the track. 
     A longitudinal axis of the dispensing magazine  330  can define a dispensing direction  340 . The dispensing direction  340  can be a direction in which the stack  250  moves toward the dispensing plane  310 . The dispensing direction  340  can be generally perpendicular to the dispensing plane  310 , but this is not required. 
       FIGS. 5A-5M  illustrate various views of modular housing dispenser  500  embodiments and spindles in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that modular components can possess and enable the above discussed features. For example, a feed module can include a separating spindle and a retaining spindle. And a housing module can include a magazine and follower assembly. For brevity, these details will not be further discussed below so it should be understood the various discussed module components can include the functionality of the features discussed above and shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     As shown, the dispenser  500  can generally comprise a feed module  505 , a housing module  510 , and stand module  515 . The housing module  510  can be configured to hold product for dispensing. The feed module  505  can be configured to dispense product from the housing module  510 . The feed module  505  and the housing module  515  can comprise corresponding features enabling the feed module  505  and the housing module  515  to be detachably affixed to one another. Detachable affixment enables the feed module  505  and the housing module  515  to engage for locking together for use and disengage for servicing and/or filling. The stand module  515  can be configured for fixedly attachment to one or both of the feed module  505  and the housing module  515  to orient the two modules in a standing arrangement. In some embodiments, the stand module  515  may not be desired. 
     The dispenser  500  can also comprise other illustrated features. For example, the dispenser  500  can include a sensor module  520 , a drive module  525 , and a spindle module  530 . The sensor module  520  can be used to detect presence of a user and to provide a user present signal to the drive module  525 . In some embodiments, the sensor module  520  may not be desired. For example, if the drive module  525  is a mechanical drive mechanism (e.g., hand crank). In some embodiments, the drive module  525  can be electronically driven and at least partially controlled via the sensor module  520 . The sensor module  520  can be located within the drive module  525  and/or the housing module  510 . In some embodiments, the sensor module  520  can be configured as a capacitive sensor device. 
     The drive module  525  can be used to drive the spindle module  530 . The spindle module  530  is preferably housed within one of the feed module  505  or the housing module  510 . In some embodiments, the spindle module  530  can receive mechanical energy for provision to a napkin bundle. Such provision can yield a napkin from a bunch to a user. 
     The dispenser  500  can also include a power source module  535 . The power source module  535  can be used to power one or more components of the dispenser  500 . For example, the power source module  535  can be used to provide electronic power to the drive module  525  and/or the sensor module  520 . The power source module  535  can be integrated with one or more of the housing module  515  or the feed module  505 . In one currently preferred embodiment, the power source module can house mobile power sources, such as batteries, battery packs, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the power source module  535  can receive power from an AC source, a DC power network, or include solar cells. The power source module  535  can also include communication components enabling the module to communicate with a network to pass along dispenser status information and receive dispensing instructions. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a controlled dispenser  600  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The controlled dispenser  600  can generally comprise a feed module  605  and a housing module  610 . The controlled dispenser  600  can include one or more components discussed herein for desired dispensing operations. The housing module  610  can be configured to hold product for dispensing and the feed module  605  can be configured to dispense product from the housing module  610 . The dispenser  600  can also comprise a sensor module  615 , a drive module  620 , a spindle module  625 , and a power source module  630 . The sensor module  615  can be configured to detect presence of a user and to provide a user present signal to the drive module  625  and/or an operating controller  635 . The power source module  630 , which in some embodiments may be solar cells, can be used to power various components of the dispenser  600  for automatic operation. The controlled dispenser  600  can include the controller  635  configured to control various dispensing operations of the dispenser  600 . 
       FIGS. 7A-7N  illustrate various embodiments of dispenser elements (also referred to as spindles or rollers) according to some embodiments of the present invention. Some of these elements can be used as a separating spindle or a feed spindle. Each of these varying dispenser elements will be discussed in turn below.  FIGS. 7A-B  illustrates a dispenser element having four unitary projections that are spaced apart at about 90 degrees from each other around the circumference of the dispenser element.  FIGS. 7C-D  illustrate a similar design but with projections having a lower degree of outward extension.  FIGS. 7E-H  show dispenser elements having a plurality singular projections extending from the core of the dispenser element. As shown in the cross-section drawings,  FIGS. 7F and 7H , the projections can be spaced at equal locations around the core of the dispenser element.  FIG. 7I  shows a dispenser element with a friction surface disposed on the element core. The friction surface can be engraved or molded onto the surface of the element core.  FIGS. 7J-K  show an element core carrying several circular features that are spaced apart from each other. The circular features can be sized and shaped to snugly fit on the element core.  FIG. 7M  shows a dispenser element with a single, unitary projecting element disposed on the element core. And  FIG. 7N  shows a dispenser element having a single helical projection, and in some embodiments another helical projection can be added to provide a dispenser element with a double helical arrangement. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a controlled dispensing method  800  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that method  800  can be performed in various orders (including differently than illustrated in  FIG. 8 ), additional actions can be implemented as part of a method embodiment, and that some actions pictured in  FIG. 8  or discussed below are not necessary. In addition, it should be understood that while certain actions illustrated in  FIG. 8  may be discussed herein as including certain other actions, these certain other actions may be carried out in various orders and/or as parts of the other actions depicted in  FIG. 8 . Method embodiments of the present invention, such as the one depicted in  FIG. 8 , may be implemented with the devices and systems discussed herein. Method embodiments may also be coded in a programming language, stored in a memory, and carried out with a processor or microcontroller. Method embodiments can also include the use of component devices and a processor can be used to manage operation of component devices as desired. 
     The method  800  can initiate at  805  with a power initialization of a dispenser. At this stage, a dispenser can be turned on and perform an initialization check. Such a check can include determining if product housed in a dispenser is appropriate or capable of being used with a dispenser. An initialization check can also include checking if appropriate power levels are present for proper operation and checking existing product levels for dispensing operations. And finally an initialization check can include communications with a dispenser network. 
     After power up at  805 , the method  800  can include entering a sleep mode at  810 . Sleep mode  810  can include times when dispensing operations are not active. Sleep mode, however, can also include active monitoring to determine whether dispensing operations are being requested. For example, the method  800  can include the continued running of a timer (e.g., a 250 ms timer) and at the end of timing period a check can be made to see if recent stimulus has been provided. As illustrated, stimulus can come in the form of a request to perform automatic dispensing (at  815 ) or detection of manual dispenser operation occurring (at  820 ). 
     If manual dispenser operation is occurring, the method  800  can include dispensing product at  825 . Manual dispensing operations can include monitoring whether a manual dispenser feature (e.g., a hand crank) is in use. And after product is dispensed, the manual dispense mode can be exited at  830 . Continued monitoring of the manual dispensing feature can be used to determine when product has been dispensed in the manual dispense mode. At the end of a manual dispense mode, the method can include a return to the sleep mode  810 . 
     Should automatic dispense mode be requested at sleep mode  810 , the method can include entering an automatic dispensing mode. Automatic dispense mode determinations can be made when a sensor detects a user&#39;s hand near the dispenser. For example, the sensor can be an IR sensor. Upon a sensor detecting a user&#39;s hand, the method  800  can include determining whether product (e.g., a napkin) has been provided to a user via a an exit slot (or aperture). If so, the method  800  can return to sleep mode at  810 . If not, the method  800  can dispense product according to predetermined settings at  845 . 
     Method  800  can also include additional features for use in dispensing product from a dispenser. For example, a dispenser, during initialization at  805 , can be configured to obtain information about product disposed within a dispenser. The product can be encoded with certain product identification information. And the dispenser can be configured to obtain product identification information by one or more sensing/detection methods. For example, in some embodiments a light source and a photodetector may be used to obtain product identification information. The light source and the photodetector can be placed within the dispenser in such a location as to obtain product identification information placed at one or more predetermined locations on the product. In such a configuration, the light source can direct light at a predetermined wavelength toward the product. The product can be configured to include a dye mark that will reflect back light provided by the light source. The photodetector can be configured to receive light reflected back by the dye mark. 
     The method  800  can also include configuring a dispenser to use at least a portion of the obtained product identification information to control dispensing operations. For example, a dispenser can be provided with a control system that can receive product identification information and in response use that received information to control product dispensing operations. A control system can include a micro-controller with one or more predefined dispensing control settings. For example, a controller upon receiving a signal from a photodetector can determine if the signal from the photodetector corresponds to one or more light wavelength signals. In some embodiments, if the received signal fails to satisfy a predetermined condition (e.g., greater than or less than a predetermined wavelength), the controller may place the dispenser in a lock out mode. For example, if product disposed within a dispenser, once illuminated, does not reflect back light at a certain wavelength, the dispenser can determine that the product is not appropriate, configured, or proper for use with the dispenser. In other embodiments, the controller may determine to vary dispensing rates of the dispenser based on obtaining product identification information from product to be dispensed. 
     The method  800  can also include continuous testing of product during dispensing operations. Such testing can be performed at predetermined intervals by a processor. In addition, such testing may be performed in response to end user activity receiving product from the dispenser. This enables a process to continuously monitor product for dispensing and end user interaction with a dispenser. Testing (and dispensing control in general) can be implemented as an IF-THEN-ELSE type of computer program or a state diagram algorithm. 
     In implementing the method  800 , the inventors have devised various technical specifications for dispensing product. For example, in some embodiments, product to be dispensed can include an ink pattern printed on the product. The ink pattern can be selected to reflect light at predetermined wavelength when illuminated by a light source. An LED can be used as a light source and a photodiode detector can be used to receive light reflected back by an ink pattern disposed within the product. Upon receiving reflected light information from the photodiode detector, a controller can use this information to select a predefined dispensing program. For example, if napkin product A has a printed ink pattern wavelength of X nano meters and napkin product B has a printed ink pattern wavelength of X nano meters, a dispensing program (e.g., one stored within a memory or a controller&#39;s memory) can comprise dispensing multiple napkins if X nano meters are detected and dispensing only a single napkin if Y nano meters are detected. This feature advantageously enables a customer to select which product for use based on how the dispenser will operate when used with such product. In addition, a dispensing program can determine if product has or does not have an ink pattern and use this information to control dispensing operations (e.g., place dispenser in lock out mode when no ink pattern is detected). 
     Product used in accordance with method  800  (and other embodiments of the present invention) can have various advantageous features. For example, the product may be encoded with information in the form of an ultraviolet ink pattern. Such an ink pattern can not be seen by end users yet is not harmful to humans. The ink pattern can be formed in many ways. For example, the ink pattern may be a predetermined series of geometric shapes (e.g., series of dots, lines, rectangles); predetermined pattern series (e.g., weave pattern and cross hatching pattern); and have various different ink marks having differing reflected wavelengths. In other embodiments, product can be encoded in other fashions. Such other fashions can include count marks, weight/mass patterns, conductive fibers, embossing patterns, printed logos, magnetic inks/patterns, bar coding, RFID chips and other nano-sized microchips. 
     Method  800  (and the other embodiments of the present invention discussed above) can utilize a control system for dispensing product. A control system can generally include a controller and a sensing mechanism. The controller can be a low-power microcontroller capable of being powered by low voltage DC. The controller can be, for example, a PIC 16F887/TQFP. The sensing mechanism can include many types of detectors for receiving information encoded on a product. For example, the detector may be implemented with a bar-code reader, a photo diode detector, RFID receiver, capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, and the like. The sensing mechanism may also include a light source for illuminating product. For example, the light source may be implemented with ultraviolet LEDs and blue LEDs. Preferably, the light source is a low power consumption component. 
     The control system also preferably includes a power source (such as the power module discussed above) and dispensing mechanisms for dispenser operations (such as the feed and housing modules discussed above). The power source may include a battery pack, compartment for batteries, or input from a standard AC power source. In some embodiments, the power source may include integral solar panels for use in powering dispenser operations. While the power source can be provided to power dispenser control systems, such power source can also be used to power a dispensing mechanism. Indeed, some embodiments of the present invention can be automated, motorized dispensers configured to automatically dispense product to end users. It should be understood, however, that other embodiments the present invention require end users to initiate dispensing operations (e.g., crank or lever operation) to receive product from a dispenser. 
     The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the particular formulations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such formulations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. Moreover, the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments only and the terminology is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
     For example, some embodiments of the present invention can include electronic napkin dispensers and methods of dispensing napkins from dispensers. A product dispenser for dispensing product (such as napkins), includes a housing and a controller. The housing can have an exterior surface and define an interior space to hold product for dispensing. The controller can be operatively configured to at least one obtain information about product disposed at least partially within the interior space or located proximate the exterior surface at least partially proximate the exterior surface. The controller can also be operatively configured to control and/or modify dispensing operations of the dispenser in response to sensed/detected information associated with the product. In other embodiments, dispensers of the present invention can dispense paper towels, rolled product, folded product, unfolded product, liquids, and/or gels. 
     Still yet, embodiments of the present invention can include lock out control dispensing systems and methods. According to some embodiments, a product dispenser is provided with a device to detect product disposed within the dispenser and in response dispense the product. In some embodiments, the product disposed within the dispenser to be dispensed may be stacked product such as napkins, tissue paper, folded material, unfolded material, and many other items capable of being dispensed from a dispenser. The device used for detection may include a mechanical or electric control mechanism. The device can also include a control circuit or controller responsive to a detection device to control dispensing of a product. In some embodiments, control may include dispensing various products at different rates and also include not dispensing a predetermined set of products (i.e., lock out and suspend dispensing operations). In this manner, a dispenser can be preset to dispense products designed for use with the dispenser and also used to dispense products at different rates for various end-use applications. 
     Therefore, while embodiments of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to the above discussed embodiments, and should only be defined by the following claims and all equivalents.