Patent Description:
The disclosure and figures of <CIT>, are specifically cited.

The disclosure and figures of <CIT>, which also claims the benefit of <CIT>, also are cited.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to dispenser assemblies for rolled sheet materials, and more particularly, is directed to dispenser assemblies for selectively dispensing from a plurality of supplies of rolled sheet material. Other aspects are also described.

Dispensers for sheet materials, such as for dispensing tissue paper, paper towels, or other paper products, are commonly used in hospitals, restrooms, and other facilities. Some dispensers have more than one supply of sheet material, e.g., multiple rolls of sheet material, for dispensing/feeding. Document <CIT> discloses such dispenser assembly. When a supply of sheet material in such dispensers is running low or has been fully dispensed, a transfer of the feeding of sheet material to a new supply generally must be performed, which often must be done manually. Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for a dispenser assembly that can selectively switch/transfer the feeding/dispensing of sheet material between a plurality of supplies of sheet material between a plurality of supplies of sheet material, e.g., when a supply of sheet material is running low or has been fully dispensed. The present disclosure addresses these and other related and unrelated problems/issues in the relevant art.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser assembly according to claim <NUM> for dispensing sheet materials such as rolls of tissue, paper towels, and/or other rolled sheet material products. The dispenser assembly generally includes a dispenser housing having a plurality of supplies of rolled sheet material supported therein.

Each supply of rolled sheet material is supported by a corresponding support assembly within the dispenser housing. In one construction, the plurality of supplies of sheet material can include a first supply of sheet material supported by a corresponding first support assembly, and a second supply of sheet material supported by a corresponding second support assembly. The first and second support assemblies can be spaced apart from each other along the dispenser housing.

The dispenser assembly further can include a dispensing system for controlling the dispensing of selected, predetermined amounts of sheet material from at least one of the plurality of supplies of sheet material. The dispensing system includes a plurality of driven roller assemblies for engaging and driving the sheet material from the supplies of rolled sheet material. Each driven roller assembly will be associated with at least one supply of the plurality of supplies of sheet material for dispensing sheet material therefrom. For example, the first supply of rolled sheet material can be dispensed by a first driven roller assembly and the second supply of rolled sheet material can be dispensed by a second driven roller assembly.

Each driven roller assembly has at least one driven roller driven by a drive mechanism (e.g., a motor or other suitable drive mechanism) in communication therewith. The drive mechanism is operatively connected to the driven roller(s) by a belt or series of belts (e.g., one or more belts engaging belt gears connected to each of the driven rollers).

The dispensing assembly further includes rollers that engage the sheet material and are rotatable with the rotation of the driven rollers to help facilitate feeding and dispensing of the sheet material.

The dispenser assembly further can include additional guide or pressing rollers positioned adjacent each of the driven rollers to help guide the sheet material during dispensing thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Each of the driven rollers is configured to rotate in a desired or selected direction, and typically can be rotated by the drive mechanism for a selected number of rotations as needed to dispense the selected amounts of sheet material from their corresponding supply of rolled sheet material, but generally will remain stationary when the drive mechanism is reversed or driven in the opposite direction. For example, each driven roller can include or can be coupled to a clutch mechanism (e.g., a hybrid or one-way clutch mechanism) or other disengagable drive connection that engages the driven roller and causes it to rotate when driven/rotated in one direction and disengages the driven roller and allows it to stay substantially stationary when driven in the opposite direction.

For example, the first driven roller can be rotated when the drive mechanism is driven in a first direction to dispense sheet material from the first supply of rolled sheet material, while the second driven roller can remain generally stationary such that sheet material is not dispensed from the second supply of rolled sheet material. When the drive mechanism is driven in a second direction, the second driven roller can be rotated to dispense selected predetermined amounts of sheet material from the second supply of rolled sheet material, while the first driven roller can be disengaged and remain generally stationary such that sheet material is not dispensed therefrom.

Accordingly, the dispenser assembly of the present disclosure provides for selective dispensing of sheet material from the plurality of supplies of sheet material as needed. For example, upon a change or reversing of the driving direction of the drive mechanism, the dispenser can switch the dispensing of sheet material from the one supply of sheet material to the other. This change or switch/transfer of feeding from one supply to another can be substantially automatic, i.e., in response to a signal from a sensor or monitoring system, by a command from a control system for the dispenser, manually by a switch upon receipt of one or more signals from a device external to the dispenser assembly, etc..

The drive assembly additionally can include a tensioning assembly including one or more biasing members for providing a substantially constant tension along the drive belt. In one variation, the one or more biasing members (e.g., including one or more tension springs) can be operatively connected to the motor (e.g., one end of the one or more springs can be connected to the motor or a support therefor, and another end of the one or more springs can be connected to the dispenser housing or a component attached thereto).

The tensioning assembly can include a bracket movably supporting the drive mechanism along the dispenser housing, and the one or more biasing members can be coupled to the bracket to bias the tensioning assembly sufficient to apply tension along the drive belt and/or for providing dampening of vibrations from an operation of the dispenser assembly.

The dispenser assembly can include at least one cutting mechanism (e.g., including a tear bar(s), serrated cutting blade(s), knife(s), or other sharpened portion(s)) positioned along the discharge of the dispenser housing for severance of dispensed sheet material from the supplies of sheet material.

The dispenser assembly can include pawl member assembly including a pivotally mounted pawl member located proximate or otherwise along the cutting mechanism such that movement of the sheet material into the cutting mechanism for severance thereof moves the pawl member from a first position to a second position. The pawl member assembly further can generate one or more signals that can be sent to a control circuit of the dispenser to notify the control circuit that a portion of the dispensed sheet material has been removed.

The dispensing assembly also can include a sheet material detection sensor including an emitter and a detector focused across at least a portion of the discharge path(s) extending through the discharge. The sheet material detection sensor can be activated by a control system of the dispenser assembly to verify that the sheet material has been removed from the discharge.

The dispensing assembly further can include a monitoring system configured to determine a supply level of the supplies of sheet material, and upon a determination that the supply level of the supplies of sheet material is below a threshold level, the direction of the drive mechanism can be changed.

Various objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the following detail description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the drawings herein, in which:.

The following description in combination with the Figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The description is focused on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings, and is provided to assist in describing the teachings. This focus should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings.

<FIG> shows a dispenser assembly <NUM> for dispensing a rolled sheet material <NUM>, such as tissue rolls, paper towel rolls, or other suitable rolled sheet material products. As shown in <FIG>, the dispenser assembly <NUM> can include a dispenser housing <NUM> having a cover 12A that is movable/removable to allow access to the components of the dispenser assembly <NUM>, and a backing portion 12B that is configured to mount or otherwise connect (e.g., via fasteners, adhesive, etc.) to the dispenser assembly <NUM> to a wall, partition, or other suitable support within a facility, such as a restroom, hospital room, etc. The dispenser housing <NUM> can be formed from plastic materials, metallic materials, other suitable synthetic or composite materials, or combinations thereof. The dispenser housing <NUM> further includes one or more chambers or compartments <NUM> defined therein and sized, dimensioned, and/or configured to receive and house a plurality of supplies <NUM> of sheet material <NUM> therein. The dispenser housing <NUM> also including a discharge <NUM>, e.g., including one or more apertures or openings, that facilitates dispensing of the sheet material <NUM> of the supplies of sheet material <NUM> from the dispenser assembly <NUM>.

As generally shown in <FIG>, each supply <NUM> of sheet material typically includes a roll or spindle 14A with sheet material <NUM> wrapped or spun thereabout. The dispenser assembly <NUM> further includes a plurality of support assemblies <NUM> rotatable supporting plurality of supplies <NUM> within the dispenser housing <NUM>. That is, each supply of sheet material <NUM> is configured to be supported by a corresponding support assembly <NUM> positioned with the chamber(s) <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>. The plurality of supplies <NUM> of sheet material can include a first supply <NUM> of sheet material that is supported by a corresponding first support assembly <NUM>, and a second supply <NUM> of sheet material that is supported by a second support assembly <NUM>. The first and second support assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> can be spaced apart from each other along the dispenser housing <NUM> as generally indicated in <FIG>. A partition or other suitable portion <NUM> further can be positioned between the first and second support assemblies <NUM>/<NUM>.

In one construction, the support assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> can include slots or grooves <NUM>/<NUM> defined in or along the dispenser housing <NUM> (e.g., in the cover 12A and/or backing portion 12B or other walls, portions, supports, etc. within the dispenser housing <NUM>). The slots <NUM>/<NUM> can be configured to at least partially receive first and second ends <NUM>/<NUM> of the support roll or spindle <NUM>/<NUM> for the first and second supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material, and at least a portion of each of the supplies of sheet material being supported by and/or resting on or engaging a corresponding guide roller <NUM>/<NUM>. The slots or grooves of the roll support assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> can include one or more angled or sloped portions <NUM>/<NUM> having a variable slope or angle to increase and/or decrease an amount of force the supply <NUM>/<NUM> of rolled sheet material exerts on the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM>. The slope of portions <NUM>/<NUM> can be selected such that as the sheet material is fed from the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material and is depleted (e.g., the amount and thus the weight of sheet material remaining on a roll <NUM>/<NUM> decreases), the position of the supply rolls <NUM>/<NUM> will change so as to generally maintain a substantially constant downward force exerted by the sheet material supplies <NUM>/<NUM> on the respective guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM>.

As generally shown in <FIG>, the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> of the dispenser assembly <NUM> will be positioned along or substantially proximate, adjacent, etc. and engaging the supplies <NUM> of sheet material, with the first guide roller <NUM> engaging the first supply <NUM> of sheet material and the second guide roller <NUM> engaging the second supply <NUM> of sheet material. Each of the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> can include an elongated body <NUM>/<NUM> defining a substantially cylindrical sidewall 43A/45A configured to engage the sheet material from the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material, e.g., to at least partially support the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material within the slots <NUM>/<NUM> (<FIG>) and to facilitate dispensing of the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material from the dispenser assembly <NUM>. The body <NUM>/<NUM> of the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> can be formed from a plastic material, though other materials, such as wood, elastomeric materials, such as rubber, or other composite or synthetic materials or combinations thereof, can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> also can include bands 43B/45B of a gripping material, e.g., including a rubber or other elastomers or synthetic materials, to assist in gripping or engaging the sheet material <NUM> without causing damage thereto. The guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> are rotatably mounted within the dispenser housing <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> can include bearing assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> attached to the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> that support the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> within the dispenser housing <NUM>, such that the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> are rotatable thereabout (e.g., the bearing assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> can be fixedly connected to the backing portion 14B and/or the cover 14A or other walls, portions, supports, etc. of the dispenser assembly <NUM>). The bearing assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> can include roller bearings, ball bearings, etc., or other suitable mechanisms that facilitate rotation of the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> further show that the dispenser assembly <NUM> includes a dispensing system or mechanism <NUM> for selectively dispensing predetermined amounts (i.e., particular, selected lengths) of sheet material <NUM> from the plurality of supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material. The dispensing system <NUM> can include a plurality of driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> for engaging and driving the sheet material from the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material. For example, the first supply <NUM> of sheet material can be dispensed by a corresponding first driven roller <NUM> and the second supply <NUM> of rolled sheet material can be dispensed by a corresponding second driven roller <NUM>. The first driven roller <NUM> will engage and draw or urge sheet material from the first supply <NUM> of sheet material along a first discharge path 65A toward and out of the discharge <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>, while the second driven roller <NUM> will engage and draw or urge sheet material from the second supply <NUM> of sheet material along a second discharge path 65B toward and out of the discharge of the dispenser housing <NUM>.

As additionally indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispenser assembly <NUM> includes a drive mechanism <NUM> operatively connected or coupled to the plurality of driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> to drive rotation thereof. In one variation, the drive mechanism <NUM> can include a motor 60A (e.g., a brushless servo or stepper motor, or other, similar type of variable speed, reversible electric motor), though or other suitable drive mechanisms, drive systems, actuators, etc. can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> positioned substantially adjacent and along the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> rotate under the power of the drive mechanism <NUM> to pull the sheet material <NUM> from the respective supplies <NUM>/<NUM> and along the discharge paths 65A/B at least partially defined between the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and associated guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and through the discharge <NUM> defined in the dispenser housing <NUM>. Each driven roller <NUM>/<NUM> further is selectively driven/rotated by a drive mechanism <NUM> linked to or otherwise in communication with the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM>. The drive mechanism <NUM> communicates with a control circuitry <NUM> (e.g., including controller <NUM> as shown in <FIG>) of the dispenser assembly <NUM> to receive instructions and power for selectively activating and driving the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> of each roller assembly through a dispensing cycle (e.g., a determined time, number of revolutions, etc.), to feed the selected or desired amount/length of the sheet material through the discharge <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>. In addition, the drive mechanism <NUM> can be driven in a first direction, e.g., D1 in <FIG>, to drive the first driven roller <NUM> and move the sheet material from the corresponding first supply <NUM> of sheet material along the first discharge path 65A toward and out from the discharge <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>. The drive mechanism <NUM> also can be reversed and driven in a second direction, e.g., D2 in <FIG>, to drive the second driven roller <NUM> and move the sheet material from the corresponding second supply <NUM> of sheet material along the second discharge path 65B toward and out from the discharge <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>.

<FIG> shows that the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> can include an elongated body <NUM>/<NUM> with a generally cylindrical sidewall 57A/59A that is configured to engage and pull the sheet material <NUM> from the respective supplies of sheet material <NUM>/<NUM>. The driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> are rotatably mounted within the dispenser housing <NUM> by one or more bearing assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., including roller bearings, ball bearings, etc. or other suitable bearing mechanisms that facilitate rotation of the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM>) connected to the backing portion 12B and/or the cover 12A or other suitable wall, portion, support, etc. within the dispenser housing <NUM>. The driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> further can include bands of a gripping material 57B/59B, such as a rubber or synthetic material, to assist in pulling the sheet material between the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, without causing damage to the sheet material as it passes between the driven <NUM>/<NUM> and guide <NUM>/<NUM> rollers.

In some constructions, the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and/or the guide roller <NUM>/<NUM> can be biased into engagement with each other (e.g., by one or more biasing mechanism, such as springs, e.g., compression springs, tension springs, torsion springs, etc.; elastic cylinders; and/or other suitable biasing mechanisms) to press or otherwise engage the sheet material between the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and guide <NUM>/<NUM> rollers. The roller assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> further can include additional guide or pressing rollers positioned adjacent the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and/or guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and to guide or engage the sheet material without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The drive system <NUM> includes a belt driven transmission assembly <NUM> including a driven belt 62A operatively connecting or engaging the driven mechanism <NUM> and driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> to transfer power therebetween for selectively driving rotation of the first driven roller <NUM> and/or the second driven roller <NUM>. For example, as indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the drive mechanism <NUM> can be operatively connected to each of the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> by a drive belt 62A that engages corresponding belt gears <NUM>/<NUM> connected to each of the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and a belt gear <NUM> connected to the driven mechanism <NUM>. The belt gears <NUM>. <NUM>, and <NUM> includes a first driven roller belt gear <NUM> operatively connected to the first driven roller <NUM>; a second driven roller belt gear <NUM> operatively connected to the second driven roller <NUM>; and a drive mechanism belt gear <NUM> operatively connected to the drive mechanism <NUM>.

In the illustrated construction, a single belt <NUM> is shown operatively connected to the drive mechanism <NUM> (e.g., engaging the belt gear <NUM> that is coupled to a driveshaft 60B of the motor 60A) and to each of the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., engaging the belt gears <NUM>/<NUM> attached thereto or otherwise in operative communication therewith); however, a series of belts can be used to connect the drive mechanism <NUM> and driven roller <NUM>/<NUM>, such as one drive belt connecting the drive mechanism <NUM> and driven roller <NUM> and another drive belt connecting the drive mechanism <NUM> and driven roller <NUM>, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In <FIG>, the belt gears <NUM>/<NUM> are operatively connected to the rollers <NUM>/<NUM> (rather than rollers <NUM>/<NUM>) such that the rollers <NUM>/<NUM> are driven rollers. That is, as <FIG> indicates, the belt 62A can engage the belt gears <NUM>/<NUM> attached to the ends of the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> such that the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> can be selectively driven and rotated by the drive mechanism <NUM>. In this construction, the rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, which are not directly engaged by the belt 62A, are allowed to float and further can be biased into engagement with the driven rolls <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., by one or more biasing assemblies including at least one biasing member, such as a spring, biased cylinder, etc.). The rollers <NUM>/<NUM> accordingly can be configured as guide or pressing rollers to help to direct the sheet material along the respective discharge paths 65A and 65B. A plurality of pressing or guide rollers are positioned along and biased into engagement with the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM>. Still further, the pressing or guide roller(s) <NUM>/<NUM> can be coupled to the rollers <NUM>/<NUM> by a belt driven transmission mechanism, that transfers power between the rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> and also can be configured to bias the rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> towards engagement with one another.

As shown in <FIG>, the belt 62A also can include a plurality of cogs or teeth 62B disposed thereabout and configured to engage corresponding notches, teeth, etc. in the belt gears, i.e., <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>. The belt 62A and/or the cogs 62B thereof can be formed from a rubber material, such as a chloroprene rubber, or other suitable rubber, though any suitable material can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The belt 62A also can include one or more layers or plies, including a tensile layer that comprises a reinforcement, for example, fiberglass, though the belt can comprise any suitable material, e.g., other rubbers, plastics, synthetics and/or composites, without departing from the present disclosure. Additionally, the belt 62A can include a wrapping, such as a cloth or sheet material comprising high elastic nylon, though the wrap cloth can comprise any other suitable material without departing from the present disclosure.

The driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> (or driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> as shown in <FIG>) generally are configured to be selectively rotatable to dispense amounts of sheet material <NUM> from their corresponding supply of sheet material <NUM> or <NUM> when driven in one direction by the drive mechanism <NUM>, but generally will remain substantially stationary, such that sheet material <NUM> is not dispensed from its corresponding supply of sheet material <NUM> or <NUM>, when the drive mechanism <NUM> is driven in the opposite direction. For example, when the first driven roller <NUM> is rotated by the drive mechanism <NUM> in a first direction D1 shown in <FIG>, the first driven roller <NUM> can engage and feed/dispense sheet material from the first supply <NUM> of sheet material, while the second driven roller <NUM> remains generally stationary such that sheet material from the second supply <NUM> is not dispensed therefrom. When the drive mechanism <NUM> is driven in a second, opposite direction D2 shown in <FIG>, the second drive roller <NUM> will be rotated to dispense the select/predetermined amounts of sheet material from the second supply <NUM> of sheet material while the first driven roller <NUM> remains generally stationary, such that the sheet material is not dispensed from the first supply <NUM> of rolled sheet material. Accordingly, the dispenser assembly <NUM> can provide for selective dispensing of the plurality of supplies <NUM> or <NUM> of sheet material by controlling the driving direction of the drive mechanism <NUM>. Thus, sheet material <NUM> can be dispensed from one supply of sheet material <NUM> or <NUM>, until such supply is substantially dispensed or exhausted, after which the direction of the drive mechanism <NUM> can be switched/changed (e.g., reversed or otherwise altered) to transfer to and begin dispensing the sheet material <NUM> from the other supply of sheet material <NUM> or <NUM>.

The driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> (or driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> as shown in <FIG>) also can include or incorporate a clutch assembly or mechanism <NUM>, such as a hybrid or one-way clutch mechanism, that allows for selective transfer of power between the drive mechanism <NUM> and the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> (or driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> as shown in <FIG>), such as generally shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, as <FIG> indicate, the clutch assembly <NUM> can be incorporated or integrated with the belt gears <NUM>/<NUM> connected to the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> (or rollers <NUM>/<NUM> as shown in <FIG>). Accordingly, when the drive mechanism <NUM> is driven in a first direction D1, the clutch assembly <NUM> of the first driven roller <NUM> will lock/engage for transfer of power/torque to the first driven roller <NUM> so that the first driven roller <NUM> is driven by the drive mechanism <NUM> and rotated to dispense its corresponding supply <NUM> of sheet material (while the clutch assembly <NUM> of the second driven roller <NUM> remains generally disengaged such that the second driven roller <NUM> is substantially stationary as no power/torque is transferred from the drive mechanism <NUM> and the second driven roller <NUM>). In addition, when the drive mechanism <NUM> is driven in the opposite direction D2, the clutch assembly <NUM> for the first driven roller <NUM> will unlock or disengage such that there is no transfer of power/torque between the drive mechanism <NUM> and the first driven roller <NUM> such that the first driven roller <NUM> remains generally stationary (while the clutch assembly <NUM> for the second driven roller <NUM> engages or locks for transfer of power/torque to the second driven roller <NUM> so that the second driven roller <NUM> is rotated to dispense its corresponding supply <NUM> of sheet material).

In one example construction, as generally indicated in <FIG>, each clutch assembly <NUM> can include one or more tracks/races, such as inner and outer races <NUM>/<NUM>, that rotate together (when engaged) or independently of one another (when disengaged). The clutch assembly <NUM> further can include a plurality of biased rollers or bearings <NUM> can be received between the inner and outer races, and can be biased such as by a series of springs <NUM> or other biasing mechanisms, toward/against corresponding surfaces or other engagement portions <NUM> of the outer race <NUM> to stop or prevent rotation of the bearings <NUM>, and provide engagement or coupling between the inner <NUM> and outer <NUM> races. For example, as indicated in <FIG>, when the inner race <NUM> is rotated in the direction D1 shown in <FIG> upon rotation of the driven mechanism <NUM>, the bearings <NUM> are engaged and urged into the surfaces <NUM>, which blocks or prevents rotation of the rollers <NUM>, allowing the inner race <NUM> to engage, drive, and rotate the outer race <NUM> and thus rotate the driven roller <NUM> to facilitate feeding of sheet material from its corresponding supply <NUM>. And, when the inner race <NUM> is rotated in the opposite direction D2 shown in <FIG>, the rollers <NUM> move away from and do not engage the outer race <NUM> (e.g., do not engage the engagement portions <NUM>) under the control of the springs <NUM>, such that the rollers <NUM> can rotate or spin freely allowing the inner race <NUM> to turn independently of the outer race <NUM>, such that the driven roller <NUM> does not rotate and remains generally stationary.

The dispenser assembly <NUM> further can include a tensioning assembly <NUM> including one or more biasing members <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the one or more biasing members <NUM> can be operatively connected to the drive mechanism <NUM> for biasing the drive mechanism <NUM>, such as to provide tension along the drive belt 62A (e.g., to substantially prevent, reduce, or inhibit wear, slippage, etc. thereof) and/or to provide dampening for the drive mechanism <NUM> (e.g., dampening or absorbing motor vibrations or other components of the drive system). In one example, the biasing member(s) <NUM> can include a tension spring(s) 82A with one end <NUM> thereof operatively connected to the drive mechanism <NUM> (or part/component connected to the drive mechanism <NUM> or a bracket, support, frame, etc. supporting the drive mechanism within the dispenser housing <NUM>) and another end thereof <NUM> operatively connected to a portion of the dispenser housing <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of a tensioning assembly <NUM> according to one example construction of the present disclosure. As indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tensioning assembly <NUM> can include a support assembly <NUM> including a bracket <NUM> that is connected to and supports the drive mechanism <NUM> (i.e., the motor 60A and the belt gear <NUM> attached thereto) and that is movably connected to the dispenser housing <NUM> (e.g., movably connected to a wall, support, etc. <NUM> of, or otherwise connected to, the dispenser housing <NUM> (<FIG>). The bracket <NUM> further includes one or more connection mechanisms <NUM> that are configured to connect to the biasing member(s) <NUM>. That is, one hooked, or looped end <NUM> of the biasing member(s) <NUM> can be connected to the connection mechanism <NUM> (e.g., including a rod 93A or other suitable connection mechanism, such as a hooked or looped connection mechanism), and the opposite, hooked or looped end <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM> can be operatively connected to a wall, support or other suitable portion <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM> (e.g., via a hooked or looped connection mechanism 94A or other suitable connection mechanism, such as a rod, projecting portion, etc.). Accordingly, the tensioning assembly <NUM> provide tension, e.g., a tensile force or stresses, along the drive belt 62A (e.g., to substantially prevent, reduce, or inhibit slippage, premature wear, etc. thereof) and also to provide dampening for the dispenser assembly <NUM> during operation thereof (e.g., to dampen or absorb vibrations of the motor 60A, or other components of the drive assembly, such as to reduce noise generated thereby).

The bracket <NUM> can include a first portion or section <NUM> that is connected to the motor 60A, and a second portion or section <NUM> that is movably connected to the wall <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> can be connected to the motor 60A by one or more fasteners <NUM>, such as screws, bolts, etc. For example, the fasteners <NUM> can be received through holes <NUM> (e.g., threaded or unthreaded holes) defined through the first portion <NUM> and can also be tightened into or otherwise received in corresponding threaded holes <NUM> of the motor 60A to secure the motor 60A to the first portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> further can include a flange or projecting portion 96A that defined a passage or opening 96B that is sized, dimensioned, and/or configured for receipt of the motor 60A, e.g., to facilitate a frictional or snap fitting between the motor 60A and the first portion <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> further can be connected to the second portion <NUM> by support rods or posts <NUM>, one or more of which can be integrally formed with the first <NUM> and/or second <NUM> portions, as generally shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The support rods <NUM> further include a passage or opening defined therethrough, which can include threads or be unthreaded and allow for the receipt of a fastener, such as a bolt, screw, etc., that can be received through corresponding holes in the first <NUM> and/or second <NUM> portions to facilitate attachment of the first <NUM> and/or second <NUM> portions. The support rods <NUM> can be otherwise attached to the first <NUM> and/or second <NUM> portions, such as using an adhesive, frictional or fitted connection, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As additionally indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tensioning assembly <NUM> can include a movable connection mechanism <NUM> that movably connects the second portion <NUM> to a wall <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>, i.e., such that the bracket <NUM> can move under the guidance or control of the biasing member(s) <NUM>. In one construction, the moveable connection mechanism <NUM> can include a bearing assembly <NUM> that is rotatably or pivotally connected to the wall <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>. The bearing assembly <NUM> can include one or more roller bearings or other suitable bearings, bushings, or mechanisms that allow for pivoting or rotation of the bracket about the bearing assembly <NUM>. In an alternative construction, the connection mechanism <NUM> can include a plurality of fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., and the second portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> can be connected to the wall <NUM> by the plurality of fasteners, which can be received within slots or other elongated apertures defined in the wall <NUM> to allow for sliding movement of the bracket <NUM> under the guidance or control of the biasing member(s) <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> further show that the second portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> can at least partially support the belt gear <NUM> connected to the driveshaft 60B of the motor 60A, as well as the driveshaft 60B, itself. For example, the tensioning assembly <NUM> can include a belt gear bearing assembly <NUM> (e.g., including ball bearings, roller bearings, etc.) that is at least partially received within and engages an opening or passage <NUM> defined within a flange or projecting portion <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> (i.e., such that the bearing assembly <NUM> is supported thereby), and that also engages the belt gear <NUM>. For example, the bearing assembly <NUM> engages a flange or other projecting portion <NUM> formed with the belt gear <NUM> (e.g., the flange <NUM> is at least partially fitted into or otherwise received within a passage <NUM> of the bearing assembly <NUM>). Accordingly, the bracket <NUM> at least partially supports the belt gear <NUM> and/or driveshaft 60B of the motor 60A, e.g., such that the motor 60A and belt gear <NUM> move as a substantially unitary structure to help to reduce, inhibit, or prevent bending, twisting, or other unwanted movement of the driveshaft 60A and/or belt gear <NUM> due to the urging of the biasing member <NUM> and/or operation of the dispenser assembly <NUM>. This further can help to reduce or inhibit premature and/or uneven wear or other damage to the motor 60A, belt gear <NUM>, and/or other components of the drive assembly or dispenser assembly.

The dispenser assembly <NUM> also can include a cutting mechanism/assembly <NUM> for cutting or severance of dispensed sheet material. In one construction, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the dispenser housing may include one or more tear bars or other suitable cutting members <NUM> disposed adjacent or along the discharge <NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM> so that a user can separate a sheet or measured amount of the material by grasping and pulling the sheet across the tear bar <NUM>. In addition, or in alternative constructions, the dispenser assembly <NUM> can include one or more cutting mechanisms that are incorporated with the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and/or the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and are configured to move with rotation thereof to cut, sever, and/or perforated the sheet material <NUM> as or after it is dispensed from the supplies <NUM> or <NUM> of sheet material.

As additionally shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the dispenser assembly <NUM> can include a pawl member assembly <NUM> including a pivotally mounted pawl member <NUM> that is located proximate to the tear bar <NUM> such that movement of sheet material into the tear bar <NUM> for severance pivots the pawl member <NUM> between multiple positions 152A/152B. The pawl member assembly <NUM> also includes a signal device <NUM>, such as a proximity sensor switch or the like, cooperative with the pawl member <NUM>, that is arranged such that movement of the pawl member <NUM> between various positions causes the signal device <NUM> to send a signal to notify the control circuit or controller <NUM> that the sheet material has been removed. That is, movement of the sheet material into the cutting mechanism <NUM> generally will move the pawl member <NUM> from a first position 152A to a second position 152B, which activates the signal device to transmit one or more signals to the control circuitry <NUM> to notify the control circuit <NUM> that a portion of the dispensed sheet material has been removed. By way of example, such signal device <NUM> responsive or cooperative with the pawl member <NUM> can include an infrared emitter and detector that detects movement of the pawl member <NUM> between first 152A and second 152B positions, though any suitable sensor or detection mechanism can be employed such as a proximity sensor or other detector, a magnetic switch, or a mechanical switch.

After receiving a signal that sheet material may have been removed, the control circuitry <NUM> further can activate a sheet material detection sensor <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) to verify that the sheet material has been removed from the discharge <NUM>. The sheet material detection sensor <NUM> can include an emitter 158A/B and a detector 158A/B on opposing sides of and focused across at least a portion of one or more of the discharge paths 65A/B. One or more signals transmitted from the sheet material detection sensor <NUM> can indicate that sheet material is present or absent from the discharge path 65A/B or discharge <NUM> (e.g., indicating that sheet material has been removed by a user). The sheet material detection sensor <NUM> further can be activated by the control circuitry <NUM> of the dispenser assembly <NUM> to verify that sheet material has been removed from the discharge <NUM>.

The control circuitry <NUM> can change the driving direction of the driving mechanism <NUM> based on signals received from the pawl member assembly <NUM> and/or the sheet material detection sensor <NUM>, e.g., to reverse the motor 60A and alternate dispensing between the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material. For example, if the control circuitry <NUM> receives one or more signals from the signal detection device <NUM> and/or the sheet material detection sensor <NUM> that indicate that sheet material cannot be dispensed from one of the supplies <NUM> or <NUM> of sheet material (e.g., indicating an error condition, sheet material jam, etc. or that the sheet material has been exhausted from the supply <NUM> or <NUM>), the control circuitry <NUM> can generate and transmit one or more signals to the drive mechanism <NUM> to change the driving direction thereof to dispense from the other supply <NUM> or <NUM> of sheet material. In addition, signals received from the signal device <NUM> and/or the sheet material detection sensor <NUM> can be used by the control circuitry <NUM> to calculate, estimate, or otherwise determine a supply level or amount of sheet material remain in the supplies <NUM> or <NUM> of sheet material. In one example, the control circuitry <NUM> can determine the supply level based on the number of times signals are received from the signal device <NUM> and/or the sheet material detection sensor <NUM> (e.g., the original amount of sheet material, the lengths of sheet material being dispensed, and the number of activation times for the pawl member <NUM> and/or sheet material detection sensor <NUM> can be used to determine the remaining amount of sheet material in the supply). And, when the supply level is at or below a threshold level, e.g., <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, etc., the control circuitry <NUM> can generate one or more signals to change the direction of the motor 60A and dispense the sheet material from the other supply. The control circuitry <NUM> further can generate and transmit one or more alerts, alarms, notifications, if/when the control circuitry <NUM> determines that one or both of the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> are below a threshold level, e.g., <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, etc., and/or one or more signals received from the signal device <NUM> and/or the sheet material detection sensor <NUM> indicate an error condition, sheet material jam, etc..

The dispenser assembly <NUM> further can include a monitoring system <NUM> in communication with the control circuitry <NUM> (e.g., with the controller <NUM> thereof as shown in <FIG>) and configured to determine a supply level or remaining amount of sheet material of the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material. In response to such information/determination, the control circuitry <NUM> can initiate or change the direction of the motor, e.g., when an amount of remaining sheet material is less than a threshold volume. In one construction, as generally indicated in <FIG>, the monitoring system <NUM> can include magnets <NUM> connected to the support rolls <NUM>/<NUM> of the first and second supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material supply, with the magnets <NUM> being rotatable therewith during dispensing thereof. In one construction, as indicated in <FIG>, the monitoring system <NUM> can include a single magnet <NUM> connected to the support rolls <NUM>/<NUM>; however, a plurality of magnets, e.g., a ring of magnets with alternating polarities, can be arranged along the support rolls <NUM>/<NUM>, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, or in alternative constructions, the monitoring system <NUM> can include a magnet <NUM> or magnets connected to the guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> (<FIG>).

In addition, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the monitoring system <NUM> can include a sensor <NUM> arranged substantially proximal or adjacent each magnet <NUM> or plurality of magnets. The sensor <NUM> can include a reed switch, a hall element, proximity sensor, or other suitable sensor operable to measure or otherwise capture variations, fluctuations or other changes in a magnetic field generated as each corresponding magnet <NUM>, or plurality of magnets, is rotated with the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material, guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, and/or driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> during dispensing and passes by the corresponding sensor <NUM>. The detected variations, fluctuations or changes of the magnetic field can be correlated to number of rotations of the supplies of sheet material <NUM>/<NUM>, guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, and/or driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, and/or a rotation angle of the supplies of sheet material <NUM>/<NUM>, guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, and/or driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> for dispensing a desired length of the sheet material during each dispensing operation. By substantially continuously monitoring the number of rotations of the supplies of sheet material <NUM>/<NUM>, guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, and/or the number of rotations the driving mechanism <NUM> during dispensing operations, a diameter of the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> of sheet material can be substantially dynamically or continuously determined during or following each dispensing operation (e.g., the diameters can be determined during or after each dispensing operation) and, based on this determined/monitored diameter, an amount of sheet material remaining likewise can be dynamically determined, e.g., by the controller <NUM> of the control circuitry <NUM> based on signals received from the monitoring system <NUM>. Additionally, other sensing devices or mechanisms, such as encoders or other detectors that can monitor and provide a measurement of the number of rotations of the supplies of sheet material <NUM>/<NUM>, guide rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, and/or drive mechanism <NUM> can be used, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, when the processor <NUM> of the control circuitry <NUM> determines that the supply level of one of the supplies <NUM> or <NUM> is at or below a threshold level, e.g., <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, etc., based on one or more signals received from the monitoring system <NUM>, the control circuitry <NUM> can generate one or more signals to change the direction of the motor 60A and dispense the sheet material from the other supply <NUM> or <NUM>. In particular, upon a determination that the supply level of the first supply <NUM> of sheet material is below a threshold level, the direction of the drive mechanism can be changed from the first direction D1 in <FIG> to the second direction D2 in <FIG> to dispense the sheet material <NUM> from the second supply <NUM> of sheet material. Likewise, upon a determination that the supply level of the second supply <NUM> of sheet material is below a threshold level, the direction of the drive mechanism <NUM> can be changed from the second direction D2 in <FIG> to the first direction D1 in <FIG> to dispense the sheet material <NUM> from the first supply <NUM> of sheet material. The control circuit <NUM> further can generate and transmit one or more alerts, alarms, notifications, if/when the control circuit <NUM> determines that the supply level of one or both of the supplies <NUM>/<NUM> is below a threshold level, e.g., <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, etc..

In addition, or in the alternative, a switch <NUM> disposed along the dispenser housing <NUM> can be manually activated by a system operator to change the direction of the dispensing mechanism <NUM>, e.g., between directions D1 and D2 shown in <FIG>; though the direction can be changed using any suitable means, e.g., an electronic device, e.g., computer, smart phone, tablet, etc., manage by a system operator can be used to change the direction of the drive mechanism <NUM>. For example, the control circuitry <NUM> can include one or more receivers/transmitters configured to communication with the electronic device, and the control circuitry <NUM> can change the direction of the drive mechanism based on one or more signals received from the electronic device.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of the electronic control system or control circuitry <NUM> for operating the dispenser assembly <NUM> in an exemplary embodiment. The control circuitry generally includes a controller <NUM> that can include one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors) and one or more memories (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.). One or more of the memories can store instructions, workflows, control software, etc. that are accessed and executed by the processor for carrying out operations or functions of the dispenser assembly <NUM>. The dispenser or operative components of the dispenser may be powered by a power supply <NUM> such as one or more batteries <NUM> contained in a battery compartment of the dispenser housing <NUM>, though any suitable battery storage device may be used for this purpose. Alternatively, or in addition to battery power, the dispenser may also be powered by a building's alternating current (AC) distribution system as indicated at <NUM>. For this purpose, a plug-in modular transformer/adapter could be provided with the dispenser assembly <NUM>, which connects to a terminal or power jack port located, for example, in the bottom edge of the circuit housing for delivering power to the control circuitry and associated components. The control circuitry <NUM> also may include a mechanical or electrical switch that can isolate the battery circuit upon connecting the AC adapter in order to protect and preserve the batteries.

In one example, a sensor, such as a proximity detector or other sensor <NUM>, may be configured to detect an object placed in a detection zone external to the dispenser assembly <NUM> to initiate operation thereof. This sensor <NUM> may be a passive sensor that detects changes in ambient conditions, such as ambient light, capacitance changes caused by an object in a detection zone, and so forth. In an alternate embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be an active device and include an active transmitter and associated receiver, such as one or more infrared (IR) transmitters and an IR receiver. The transmitter transmits an active signal in a transmission cone corresponding to the detection zone, and the receiver detects a threshold amount of the active signal reflected from an object placed into the detection zone. The control circuitry <NUM> generally will be configured to be responsive to the sensor for initiating a dispense cycle upon a valid detection signal from the receiver. For example, the proximity sensor <NUM> or other detector can be used to detect the presence of a user's hand. In some variations, the sheet material detector sensor <NUM> also can be aligned to detect a user's hand below the dispenser assembly <NUM> and can include a second infrared emitter/detector pair aligned to detect a sheet hanging in or below the discharge <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> of the control circuitry can control activation of the dispensing mechanism upon valid detection of a user's hand for dispensing a measured length of the sheet material. In one variation, the control circuitry <NUM> can track the running time of the motor 60A, and/or receive feedback information directly therefrom indicative of a number of revolutions of the driven roller and correspondingly, an amount of the sheet material feed thereby. In addition, or as a further alternative, as discussed, monitoring systems, sensors, etc., and associated circuitry may be provided for this purpose. Various types of sensors can include IR, radio frequency (RF), capacitive or other suitable sensors, and any one or a combination of such sensing systems can be used. The control circuitry <NUM> also can control the length of sheet material dispensed. Any number of optical or mechanical devices may be used in this regard, such as, for example, an optical encoder may be used to count the revolutions of the guide or driven rollers, with this count being used by the control circuitry <NUM> to meter the desired length of the sheet material to be dispensed.

The processing logic for operation of the dispenser assembly <NUM> in, for example, hand sensor and butler modes, can be part of the control software stored in the memory of the controller <NUM> of the control system <NUM>. One or more binary flags are also stored in memory and represent an operational state of the dispenser (e.g., "sheet material cut" set or cleared). An operational mode switch in dispenser sets the mode of operation. In the hand sensor mode, the proximity (or hand) sensor <NUM> detects the presence of a user's hand below the dispenser housing <NUM> and in response, the drive mechanism <NUM> is operated to dispense a measured amount of sheet material from one of the supplies <NUM> or <NUM>. The control circuitry <NUM> then can monitor when the sheet of material is removed. For example, actuation of the pawl member <NUM> or triggering/activation of a sheet material detection sensor <NUM> can determine the removal of sheet material and reset the proximity sensor <NUM>. The proximity sensor <NUM> also can be controlled to not allow additional sheet material to be dispensed until the proximity sensor is reset. If the proximity sensor <NUM> detects the presence of a user's hand but does not dispense sheet material, the control circuit can check for sheet material using the sheet material detection sensor <NUM>. If sheet material has not been dispensed (i.e., no sheet material is hanging from the dispenser), the drive mechanism <NUM> will be activated to dispense a next sheet.

A multi-position switch <NUM> also can be provided to switch the dispenser operation between a first or standard operation mode and a second mode, such as a butler mode. In such butler mode, the proximity sensor <NUM> for detecting the presence of a user's hand/object can be deactivated, and the controller <NUM> can automatically dispense sheet material when the cover is closed and the dispenser assembly <NUM> is put into operation. The sheet material detection sensor <NUM> further can determine if a sheet is hanging from the dispenser. If sheet material is hanging, the controller <NUM> will then monitor when the sheet of material is removed. For example, a cutting mechanism movement detector, which may arranged and configured to detect actuation or movement of the cutting mechanism; the pawl member <NUM>; and/or the sheet material detection sensor <NUM> can determine the removal of sheet material and reset the dispenser assembly <NUM>. The next sheet will be dispensed automatically. If the sheet material detection sensor <NUM> determines the absence of hanging sheet material, the drive mechanism <NUM> will be activated to dispense the next sheet. The controller <NUM> will then determine if the sheet has been removed before dispensing another sheet.

In one variation, the dispenser assembly <NUM> is operative in a first mode to be responsive to a signal from the proximity sensor <NUM> to dispense a sheet of material. The dispenser assembly <NUM> is operative in a second mode to dispense a next sheet in response to the signal means being activated by movement of the pawl member <NUM> in response to dispensed sheet material being removed from the dispenser assembly <NUM>. In another variation, the dispenser assembly <NUM> can be operative in a second mode to dispense a next sheet in response to the signal means <NUM> being activated by movement of the pawl member <NUM>, and a signal from a sheet material detection sensor <NUM> that the sheet material has been removed from the dispenser assembly <NUM>.

The dispenser assembly <NUM> generally can dispense a measured length of the sheet material, which may be accomplished by various means, such as a timing circuit that actuates and stops the operation of the motor 60A driving the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> after a predetermined time. In one variation, the motor 60A can provide direct feedback as to the number of revolutions of the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM>, indicative of an amount of the sheet material fed thereby. Alternatively, a motor revolution counter can be provided that measures the degree of rotation of the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM> and is interfaced with control circuitry <NUM> (e.g., the controller <NUM> thereof) to stop the motor 60A after a defined number of revolutions of the motor 60A and/or the driven rollers <NUM>/<NUM>. This counter may be an optical encoder type of device, or a mechanical device. The control circuitry <NUM> may include a device to allow maintenance personnel to adjust the sheet length by increasing or decreasing the revolution counter set point. The multi-position switch <NUM> can also be in operable communication with the control circuitry <NUM> to select one of a plurality of time periods as a delay between delivery of an initial sheet and delivery of a next sheet to the user.

Claim 1:
A dispenser assembly (<NUM>) facilitating selective dispensing of sheet material (<NUM>) from a plurality of supplies (<NUM>) of sheet material (<NUM>), comprising:
a dispenser housing (<NUM>) having a plurality of support assemblies (<NUM>, <NUM>) each rotatably supporting a corresponding supply of sheet material (<NUM>) of the plurality of supplies (<NUM>) of sheet material (<NUM>) within the dispenser housing (<NUM>), and a discharge for dispensing of the sheet material (<NUM>) from the plurality of supplies (<NUM>) of sheet material (<NUM>) from the dispenser housing (<NUM>);
a plurality of guide rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>) positioned along and engaging the plurality of supplies (<NUM>) of sheet material (<NUM>); and
a drive system (<NUM>) that facilitates dispensing of the sheet material (<NUM>) from the plurality of supplies (<NUM>) of sheet material (<NUM>) along respective discharge paths (65A, 65B) and from the discharge (<NUM>) of the dispenser housing (<NUM>), the drive system (<NUM>) including:
a plurality of driven rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>) each configured to engage and move sheet material (<NUM>) from a respective supply of sheet material (<NUM>) along a discharge path and from the discharge (<NUM>) of the dispenser housing (<NUM>);
a plurality of driven roller belt gears (<NUM>, <NUM>) each operatively connected to a respective driven roller (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the plurality of driven rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a drive mechanism (<NUM>) connected to the plurality of driven rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>) by a belt driven transmission, wherein when the drive mechanism (<NUM>) is driven in one direction, one of the plurality of driven rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>) is rotated to dispense sheet material (<NUM>) from its respective supply of sheet material (<NUM>), and when the drive mechanism (<NUM>) is driven in the opposite direction, another one of the plurality of driven rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>) is rotated to dispense sheet material (<NUM>) from its respective supply of sheet material (<NUM>);
a drive mechanism belt gear (<NUM>) operatively connected to the drive mechanism (<NUM>), wherein a drive belt (62A) engages each of the driven roller belt gears (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the drive mechanism belt gear (<NUM>) to transfer power between the drive mechanism (<NUM>) and selected driven rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the plurality of driven rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>).