Patent Description:
A number of different types of dispensing devices for controlling quantities of paper products dispensed, such as for restroom and other environments, have been developed in recent years. Some such dispensers have included mechanical paper feeding mechanisms, actuated by the user physically touching the dispenser equipment to deliver a fixed length of paper. Such bodily contact can, however, raise concerns over hygiene when such dispensers are located in public areas, such as in public restroom facilities. More recently, the use of electronic dispensers has become more prevalent, especially in public restroom facilities.

Similar to manually operated dispensers, electronic dispensers dispense a measured length of sheet material, but their operation generally is initiated by a sensor detecting the presence of a user. Thus, in such "hands free" operations, the user does not have to manually activate or otherwise contact the dispenser in order to initiate a dispense cycle. An example of such a dispenser is shown in <CIT>. While electronic dispensers generally are more hygienic and can enable enhanced control of the amount of paper fed, such dispensers can be subject to other problems. For example, conventional electronic dispensers typically include motors, gears, and/or other drive components or systems that can be expensive and require closer tolerances to manufacture and install/operate within the dispenser.

In addition, such dispensers can accumulate static electricity, such as due to the movement of the sheet material over rollers, interactions between rollers, etc., and, if not dissipated, can cause the user to receive a static shock, as well as possibly affecting the electronic control and sensor circuitry of the dispenser. Still further, the operation of these dispensers often is loud, generating substantial noise during operation.

Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for a dispenser that provides for a consistent controlled dispensing or feeding of desired amounts of a sheet material, and which addresses the foregoing and other related and unrelated problems in the art.

The present invention is directed to a dispenser with the features of claim <NUM>. Briefly described, in one aspect, the present disclosure includes a dispenser for dispensing a flexible, rolled sheet material. The dispenser typically includes a dispenser housing with a supply of the sheet material supported therewithin, and a drive or feed mechanism. During a dispensing operation, a length or portion of the sheet material will be along a dispensing or feed path/path of travel defined through the housing and to a discharge.

The feed mechanism of the dispenser can include a manual drive or, alternatively, can include a motor driven drive or feed roll assembly. In one aspect, the feed roll assembly can include a feed roller rotatably mounted within the housing and arranged along the path of travel of the sheet material. The feed roller comprises a body having a chamber defined therein, and an exterior surface that at least partially engages the sheet material for feeding or dispensing thereof.

One or more pressing rollers further are positioned adjacent the feed roller. The pressing rollers also can be biased toward the body of the feed roller sufficient to engage the sheet material between the one or more pressing rollers and the feed roller so that the sheet material is pulled therebetween and from the supply for feeding along the dispensing path upon rotation of the feed roller during a dispensing operation.

The dispenser includes a cutting mechanism or assembly at least partially disposed within the chamber defined by the body of the feed roller. The cutting assembly includes a cutting blade coupled to at least one movable support. The at least one moveable support further is operatively connected to the body of the feed roller so as to be actuated with rotation thereof to cause the cutting blade to be moved into and out of one or more openings defined along the body of the feed roller and at least partially cut, score, or perforate the sheet materials after or during a dispensing operation with the feeding of a selected portion of the sheet material.

The cutting assembly further can include a cam follower that is connected to the at least one moveable support, and which engages and rides along a cam surface or track positioned within the chamber of the body of the feed roller as the feed roller is rotated to cause movement of the cutting blade into and out from the one or more openings in the body of the feed roller.

The at least one moveable support also may be biased, e.g., by one or more biasing members, to urge the cam follower into engagement with the portion or track.

In other aspects, the cutting assembly can include a substantially fixed cam member mounted within the chamber of the feed roller body such that the feed roller and the cutting mechanism are rotatable thereabout. The cam member can have at least one protrusion configured to be engaged by the cam follower to cause rotation or pivoting of the at least one support sufficient to move the cutting blade out of the feed roller body for at least partially cutting, scoring, or perforating the sheet material.

The protrusion of the cam member can have various configurations, including having one or more curved or arcuate surfaces configured to engage the cam follower, in response to which, the cutting blade is moved out of the feed roller body for at least partially cutting, scoring, or perforating the sheet material without scrapping, tearing, and/or ripping thereof.

One or more biasing members are connected to the body of the feed roller to assist rotation thereof and movement of the cutting blade into and out from the one or more openings for at least partially cutting or perforating the selected portion of the sheet material.

In one aspect, the dispenser can be provided with a feed roll assembly including a motorized or driven feed roll for dispensing the flexible sheet material, such as from a supply roll mounted in a holder, in response to a signal from an electronic sensor. One or more pressing rollers engage at least partially the sheet material against the feed roller to cause the sheet material to be pulled or drawn therebetween and dispensed along a dispensing path extending between the pressing and feed rollers and through the discharge of the dispenser. The motorized feed roller further can have a drive mechanism or system including a motor that can be at least partially received within the internal chamber or recess of the feed roller body so as to be at least partially or substantially integrated therein. The drive mechanism can be operable in response to a signal(s) from the electronic sensor and/or a dispenser control system to rotate the feed roll as needed to feed a measured or desired amount of sheet material from the roll.

In another aspect, the motor may be coupled to the feed roller by a gear assembly that is configured to selectively transfer torque from a driveshaft of the motor to the feed roller for driving the dispensing of the sheet material. In addition, or alternatively, the feed roll assembly can include a gear reducer assembly, which can comprise one or more planetary gear arrangements or other suitable gearing or other driving arrangements linking the motor to the body of the feed roller. The gear assembly further may comprise or be configured to act as a hybrid or one-way clutch, allowing the motor to engage and drive the feed roller, while also allowing the feed roller to be rotated independently, for example, for manually dispensing a selected amount of sheet material.

The one or more pressing rollers are biased toward the feed roller so as to be maintained substantially in frictional engagement, driving contact therewith. Each pressing roller or multiple pressing rollers, when more than one pressing roller is used, can be biased individually or together toward engagement with the feed roller, and further can be driven by operation of the feed roller. Still further, in some embodiments, the one or more pressing rollers can be additionally or separately driven such.

The dispenser can be operative in different modes. For example, in a first mode the dispensing operation can be responsive to a signal from the proximity sensor to dispense a sheet of material. In addition, or in the alternative, the dispenser can be operable in a second mode to dispense a next sheet in response to the signal means being activated by movement of the pawl member to the second position.

In some additional embodiments, an actuatable or movable cutting blade or other cutting mechanism also may be provided and arranged along the body of feed roller. The cutting blade may extendable between retracted and extended positions for cutting, scoring, or perforating select portions of the sheet material.

In still a further aspect, the dispenser can include an proximity or other sensor for initiating operation of a dispensing mechanism, which sensor can have an adjustable range of coverage or focus; and a tear bar mounted within the housing for severance of the sheet material by the user. A pivotally mounted pawl member further can be located proximate to the tear bar such that movement of sheet material into the tear bar for severance pivots the pawl member from a first position to a second position. A detector, sensor, switch or similar signal means or actuator that senses or is otherwise responsive to movement of the pawl member can send a signal to notify the control circuit that the sheet material may have been removed from the discharge chute upon movement of the pawl member to the second position. A paper detection sensor also can be activated by the control circuit to verify that the sheet material has been removed from the discharge chute. The dispenser further can be operative in one mode to be responsive to a signal from the proximity sensor to dispense a sheet of material, and/or can also be operative in a mode wherein a next sheet is dispensed in response to a signal from the paper detection sensor that the sheet material has been removed from the dispenser.

The electronic dispenser also can be configured to be operable in a number of additional modes, including a proximity detection mode in which a proximity sensor detects the presence of a user's hand when placed into proximity with the dispenser, and a butler mode in which the dispenser can automatically dispenses another measured amount of sheet material. Additionally, the electronic dispenser can include a dispenser housing having a support for rotatably holding at least one roll of sheet material, a base for mounting to a surface, a removable cover mounted to the base, and a discharge for discharging the sheet material from the dispenser. The dispenser further can include a control system or circuit that controls the operation of the motorized spindle or feed roller for dispensing the sheet material, and can include an adjustable proximity or other sensor.

These and other advantages and aspects of the embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments discussed herein. No attempt is made to show structural details of this disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein and the various ways in which they may be practiced.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes can be made to the embodiments described, while still obtaining the beneficial results. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the embodiments described can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the embodiments without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the embodiments described are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the embodiments of the invention and not in limitation thereof, since the scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

As generally illustrated in <FIG>, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser <NUM> for feeding or dispensing a flexible sheet material <NUM> (<FIG>). The dispenser <NUM> includes a feed roller drive assembly <NUM> mounted/disposed within a dispenser housing <NUM>, and which can be manually operated or can include a motorized/driven feed roller. Upon activating or use of the dispenser <NUM>, the feed roller drive assembly <NUM> for dispensing sheet material will be engaged, causing rotation of a motorized feed roller or drive spindle <NUM>, thereby resulting in conveyance of a measured or selected amount or length L of sheet material <NUM> along a conveying or feed path P (<FIG>) from a roll or supply <NUM> of the sheet material <NUM> through the feed roller drive assembly <NUM> and out of a dispensing throat or discharge chute <NUM> or other suitable aperture or opening provided/defined in the housing <NUM>, as generally indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>. It further should be appreciated that the electronic dispenser <NUM> described herein should not be considered to be limited to any particular style, configuration, or intended type of sheet material. For example, the dispenser <NUM> may be operable to dispense paper towels, toilet tissue, or other similar paper or sheet materials, including dispensing or feeding non-perforated and/or perforated sheet materials.

<FIG> show examples of dispensers including the motorized or driven feed roller assembly <NUM> for actively feeding or driving the sheet material <NUM> from a supply <NUM> and through a discharge chute or opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, for example, upon receiving a signal from a control system <NUM>, which includes a controller or processor <NUM>, as generally indicated in <FIG>. The controller <NUM> for the dispenser <NUM> can receive a plurality of signals from a sensor or an array or series of sensors, such as generally indicated at <NUM>, to control dispensing of the sheet material <NUM>. These one or more sensors <NUM> can include various type sensors or detectors, for example, including an adjustable proximity sensor that can be configured/adjusted to detect the presence of a user's hand at a desired range/location and dispense measured/selected amounts of sheet material <NUM>, as well as a photoelectric, infrared (IR) or similar sensing systems/detectors, used to detect the presence of a user's hands placed below the bottom portion of the dispenser housing, and/or the feeding of a selected amount of sheet material <NUM>.

As indicated in <FIG>, the dispenser housing <NUM> also will generally include a roll support mechanism <NUM>, for holding at least one roll <NUM> of the supply <NUM> of sheet material <NUM>. For example, as generally indicated in <FIG>, the roll support mechanism <NUM> can include slots or grooves 21A defined in the housing <NUM> configured to receive the first and/or second ends 23A/23B of the roll <NUM> of the sheet material <NUM> such that at least a portion of the supply <NUM> of sheet material <NUM> is supported by, and/or rests on or engages the feed roller <NUM>. The slots or grooves 21A of the roll support mechanism further can include one or more angled or sloped portions 21B having a variable slope to increase/decrease the amount of force the supply <NUM> of sheet material exerts on the roller <NUM>. For example, a slope can be selected such that as the supply <NUM> of sheet material is fed (e.g., the amount of sheet material <NUM> left on the roll decreases), the slope or position of the supply roll can change so as to keep a downward force exerted on the feed roller <NUM> by the supply roll substantially constant as the supply of sheet material, and likewise the weight thereof, is diminished as selected portions of the sheet material <NUM> are dispensed (<FIG>). Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the roll <NUM> can be supported by a pair of arms <NUM> coupled to the dispenser housing <NUM>. These arms <NUM> may be fixedly arranged to hold the supply <NUM> of sheet material in a spaced relationship with the feed roller <NUM> or, in the alternative, the arms <NUM> may be biased or urged, such as by a spring, other pre-stressed member or suitable biasing mechanisms, toward the feed roller <NUM> to urge or direct the supply <NUM> of sheet material downwardly toward or against the roller <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example motorized drive or feed roller <NUM> of the embodiment of the feed roller drive assembly <NUM> of the electronic dispenser <NUM>, which incorporates or comprises an integrated feed roller drive mechanism or system <NUM> therein. As indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the drive or feed roller <NUM> generally will include an elongated body <NUM>, which can be made of a molded plastic, synthetic or other composite material, though other types of low or reduced static materials, such as wood and/or metal materials, which can include an insulating material thereabout, also can be employed.

In addition, as further shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the feed roller body <NUM> may include first and second ends 28A/28B and a generally cylindrical outer side wall <NUM> and an inner side wall <NUM> defining an open ended passage, recess, or at least partially hollow cavity <NUM> defined within/along the feed roller body <NUM>, and the feed roller body <NUM> may also include one or more driving bands <NUM> disposed on, or adhered to, an outer surface 30A of the side wall <NUM>, such as a series of driving bands or sections <NUM> disposed on the outer surface 30A in a spaced arrangement or configuration (<FIG> and <FIG>). The driving bands <NUM> may at least partially include or be comprised of rubber, plastic, resin or other similar materials suitable to increase grip of the feed roller <NUM> and/or friction between the feed roller <NUM> and the sheet material <NUM> to thereby assist in the feeding or driving of the sheet material <NUM>. In addition, the outer surface 30A of the feed roller body <NUM> also may include a series of recessed or gap sections <NUM> defined therein. It further will be understood that although the exemplary embodiments illustrated in <FIG> shows four substantially equally sized driving bands <NUM> disposed in a spaced relationship about the outer surface 30A of the feed roller body <NUM>, any number, size, arrangement and/or configuration of driving bands may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Alternatively, as generally shown in <FIG>, the feed roller body <NUM> can be made up of various sections or portions including a first section/portion <NUM> having, for example, a cylindrical sidewall 29A defining an open ended passage or at least a partially hollow cavity <NUM> therealong, and a second, or other additional, section or portion <NUM> connected to and/or adjacent the first section <NUM> and which can be formed with a series of cutouts, pockets, or cavities <NUM> therein. Such a configuration may provide increased stiffness of the feed roller body <NUM>, while also reducing the amount of material required for production, and thus potentially can help decrease manufacturing costs. The second portion/section <NUM> also may have a series of contact portions or flanges <NUM> disposed/arranged therealong, each with a contact surface 41A for engaging/driving the sheet material <NUM> as the feed roller body <NUM> is driven/rotated to feed the sheet material <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the feed roller body <NUM> is rotatably mounted to one or more walls or other portions of the dispenser housing <NUM>, such as side walls <NUM>/<NUM>. The first 28A and/or second 28B ends of the feed roller body <NUM> can be connected, mounted or otherwise coupled to the side walls <NUM>/<NUM> by one or more bearing assemblies <NUM>, and/or including other suitable support mechanisms that support and allow for rotation of the feed roller body <NUM> in relation to the dispenser housing <NUM>. The bearings <NUM> may include roller or ball bearings that can be contained, housed or otherwise disposed between bands or rings defining a bearing assembly or body <NUM>. Embodiments of this disclosure are not, however, limited to roller/ball bearings, however, and may include plain, fluid, or magnetic bearings or any other suitable mechanisms for rotatably fixing the feed roller body <NUM> to or within the dispenser housing <NUM>.

The first 28A and/or second 28B ends of the feed roller body <NUM> also may be rotatably mounted to the sides of the housing <NUM> by the bearing assemblies <NUM>. For example, the first and/or second ends <NUM> A/B of the feed roller body <NUM> can be received through and engage the bearing assemblies <NUM> so as to be movable therein to enable the feed roller body <NUM> to rotate with respect to the dispenser housing <NUM>. Though <FIG> shows the feed roller body <NUM> attached to the dispenser housing <NUM> at both the first and second ends <NUM> A/B, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this arrangement and the feed roller body <NUM> can be attached to the dispenser housing <NUM> in any suitable manner. For example, an axle or shaft <NUM> may be engaged or otherwise affixed to or integrated with one, or both, of the ends 28A/B (e.g. the second end 28B) of the feed roller body <NUM>, and further can be rotatably mounted to one of the sidewalls <NUM>/<NUM> of the housing <NUM>, such as by a hub and/or bearing assembly or other suitable connection (<FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the bearing assemblies <NUM> also can be at least partially received or housed within apertures or openings <NUM> defined in the side walls <NUM> A/B of the dispenser housing <NUM>, and each can include a flange or support portions <NUM> for connecting the bearing assemblies to an outer surface 38A/39A of the sidewalls <NUM>/<NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>. In one example, the flange portions <NUM> may have a series of openings or apertures <NUM> defined or formed therein, which openings <NUM> are disposed/arranged to be substantially aligned with corresponding openings or apertures <NUM> and <NUM> defined or formed in the flanges <NUM> of the motor bracket or housing <NUM> and in side walls <NUM>/<NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>. These openings can be further configured to receive fasteners, such as screws or bolts <NUM>, to fixedly connect the flange portion <NUM> of the bearings <NUM> to the side walls <NUM>/<NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM>, and further mount the motor housing <NUM> thereover and to the housing as shown in <FIG>. Other fasteners, including rivets, snaps, etc., also can be used. The flanges <NUM> of the bearings further may alternatively be fixed/secured to the sidewall <NUM>/<NUM> of the dispenser housing <NUM> using an adhesive or, alternatively, may be integrally formed with the dispenser housing <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispenser <NUM> includes one or more pressing rollers <NUM> that is biased toward engagement with the feed roller <NUM>, so as to engage and force or press the sheet material <NUM> against the feed roller <NUM>. The pressing roller(s) <NUM> can be movably mounted within the dispenser housing <NUM>, such as with the ends thereof held within holders or brackets 36A/36B that can be biased toward engagement with the driven feed roller <NUM> such as by springs, biased cylinders or other suitable biasing mechanisms. The pressing rollers or a single roller where used, also can be biased independently forward the feed roller. The pressing roller(s) <NUM> further can include bands of a gripping material, such as a rubber or synthetic material, to assist in pulling the sheet material therebetween without causing damage to the sheet material as it passes between the feed roller and pressing roller(s). Additional pressing or guide rollers also can be arranged along the feed roller <NUM> to assist in guiding the sheet material, which additional rollers 36C (<FIG>) may be fixed or biased against the feed roller body <NUM>, such as by springs, biased cylinders or other suitable biasing mechanisms (<FIG>).

For example, a series of pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM> can be biased toward engagement with the feed roller <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>, to engage the sheet material against the feed roller <NUM>. The pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM> can be movably mounted within a housing <NUM>, such as with the ends thereof (236A-B, 238A-B) held within holders or brackets <NUM>, <NUM> that can be biased toward engagement with the feed roller <NUM> by springs, cylinders or other suitable biasing mechanisms. The engagement of the pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and feed roller <NUM> will define nip points 239A/B, as indicated in <FIG>, at upstream and downstream points along the feed path P of the sheet material <NUM> as the sheet material <NUM> is engaged and fed between the feed roller <NUM> and the pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM> of the motorized or driven feed roll assembly <NUM>. The pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM> further can include bands of a gripping material, such as a rubber or synthetic material, to assist in pulling the sheet material therebetween without causing damage to the sheet material as it passes between the feed roller and pressing rollers.

In addition, the pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM> may be driven by the motor <NUM> of the feed roller <NUM> so as to facilitate feeding of the sheet material <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to a drive belt assembly <NUM> that is operatively connected to the motor <NUM> to transfer torque/power between the motor <NUM> and the pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. The drive belt mechanism <NUM> can include a drive belt <NUM> that engages a belt gear, sleeve or pulley <NUM> fixed or otherwise connected or coupled to the feed roller <NUM> (so as to be driven thereby) and a series of belt gears, sleeves, or pulleys <NUM> fixed or otherwise connected to the pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g., at one or more ends 236A-B or 238A-B of the pressing rollers (<FIG>). In addition, the drive belt mechanism <NUM> further can include tensioning or idler pulleys, sheaves, gears, etc. <NUM>/<NUM> arranged/positioned adjacent the belt gear <NUM> fixed to the feed roller <NUM> and engaging the drive belt <NUM> (<FIG>). The pulleys <NUM>/<NUM> may be biased or urged in a predetermined direction (e.g., away from the pressing rollers as indicated by arrows <NUM>) by a biasing member, such as one or more springs, to provide a substantially constant biasing force against, or to otherwise substantially maintain tension along, the drive belt <NUM>. The magnitude of this biasing force or degree to which the drive belt <NUM> is tensioned may be selected such that the pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are urged toward and substantially maintained against and in contact with the feed roller <NUM>, and/or so that the drive belt <NUM> is sufficiently tensioned to help prevent slippage between the drive belt <NUM> and the belt gear or belt pulleys of the pressing rollers <NUM>, <NUM>.

Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can also utilize concepts disclosed in commonly-owned <CIT> entitled "Intelligent Dispensing System" and <CIT> entitled "Intelligent Electronic Paper Dispenser".

The embodiments also utilize concepts disclosed in published patent applications <CIT> entitled "System and Method for Dissipating Static Electricity in an Electronic Sheet Material Dispenser," "Electronic Dispenser for Flexible Rolled Sheet Material," and <CIT>, entitled "Electronic Residential Tissue Dispenser".

The driven feed roller assembly <NUM> will include a feed roller drive assembly/system <NUM>, which can be at least partially received or housed within the open ended cavity or recess <NUM> of the feed roller body <NUM> so as to be substantially integrated with the feed roller <NUM> as generally illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The drive assembly <NUM> will include a driving mechanism, such as motor <NUM>, and can include a gear arrangement/assembly <NUM> for transferring power generated by the motor <NUM> to the rotatable feed roller <NUM>. The motor <NUM> can include a brushless servo or stepper motor or other, similar type of adjustable, variable speed electric motor, and can have connectors, such as a plug-in type connector including a pair of spaced prongs <NUM> (<FIG>) or other, similar connection through which the motor <NUM> can communicate with the control system of the dispenser and through which the motor <NUM> can receive instructions and power for driving the feed roller <NUM> so as to feed a selected or desired amount or length of sheet material through the discharge opening of the dispenser. The motor <NUM> can additionally provide feedback to the controller <NUM> (<FIG>) of the dispenser control system <NUM>, for example, to indicate a jam or misfeed and/or to further enable the controller <NUM> to monitor movement of the feed roller and thus control feeding of the sheet material. The motor also can include additional connecting leads or members to operatively connect the motor <NUM> to a power source, including, for example, one or more batteries <NUM> (<FIG>) or an electrical outlet.

As shown in <FIG>, the motor <NUM> can have a drive shaft <NUM> that connects directly to an interior partition or other portion 32A of the feed roller <NUM> so as to directly drive the rotation of the feed roller. The motor further can be mounted within the cavity <NUM> of the feed roller on bearing mounts <NUM> which enable the motor <NUM> to remain substantially stationary as the feed roller <NUM> is driven and rotates thereabout. In addition, the drive assembly <NUM> also can include a gear arrangement/assembly <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) coupled to, or otherwise in communication with, the motor <NUM> to transfer power/torque from the motor <NUM> to the feed roller <NUM>. This could include a gear reducer or other driving assembly to vary torque/driving force output from the motor and communicated to the feed roller.

In one example, the gear arrangement/assembly <NUM> may include an involute spline gear arrangement or configuration <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). For example, as shown in <FIG>, the motor <NUM> generally may include a driveshaft <NUM> with a drive gear <NUM> of the gear arrangement/assembly <NUM> connected thereto, which drive gear <NUM> can include a drive gear body <NUM> with front <NUM>, rear <NUM> and circumferential <NUM> sides or surfaces, and a series of gear teeth <NUM> disposed about/defined in the circumferential side/surface <NUM>. The drive gear <NUM> can be receivable within a roller or spline gear <NUM>, with the gear teeth <NUM> of the drive gear <NUM> generally configured to be matable with and engage a series of gear teeth <NUM> of a roller gear <NUM> coupled to, or otherwise communication with, the feed roller <NUM>. The roller gear <NUM> generally will have a gear body <NUM> with front <NUM>, rear <NUM> and outer/inner circumferential 88A/B surfaces or sides, and with an internal recess, cavity or opening <NUM> defined in the front surface <NUM> of the gear body <NUM>, which recess <NUM> may be sized, dimensioned and/or configured to at least partially receive/house the drive gear <NUM> coupled to the driveshaft <NUM>. The recess <NUM> generally may be defined by a substantially flat inner surface/side <NUM> and the substantially circular inner circumferential surface/side 88B, with the gear teeth <NUM> of the roller gear <NUM> defined/formed therealong.

Accordingly, as indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the drive gear <NUM> can be at least partially received within the recess <NUM> of the roller or spline gear <NUM> (<FIG>) so that the rear surface <NUM> of the drive gear body <NUM> is substantially adjacent and opposes the inner surface <NUM> of the roller gear <NUM> such that the teeth <NUM> of the drive gear <NUM> generally are mated or engaged with the teeth <NUM> of the roller gear <NUM>, so that as the motor <NUM> drives/turns the drive gear <NUM>, the teeth <NUM> of the drive gear <NUM> engage the teeth <NUM> of the roller gear <NUM> to transfer torque/power from the motor <NUM> to the roller gear <NUM> to drive the roller <NUM>. The gear ratio between the arrangement/configuration of the teeth <NUM> of the drive gear <NUM> and the teeth <NUM> of the roller gear <NUM> may be set as needed to provide a desired driving force. For example, in some embodiments, the gear ratio can be approximately one-to-one (<NUM>:<NUM>) so as not to change the transmission of power or torque from the motor <NUM>. However, other gear ratios can be utilized without departing from the present disclosure, such as gear ratios greater than, or less than, one to one (<NUM>:<NUM>) as needed to increase and/or decrease the power or torque transmitted from the motor <NUM> so as to allow for the use of, for example, smaller less powerful motors. Such an involute spline gear arrangement further can assist in the manufacturing of the dispenser <NUM> as relatively higher deviations may be permitted in the tolerances between the drive and roller gears <NUM>/<NUM>, and such that the manufacturing thereof does not require substantially close, tight/restrictive tolerances that often come with other driving arrangements. It also will be understood that other gear drive arrangements, such as, by way of example, a planetary gear drive arrangement (<FIG>), can be provided as needed to adjust, reduce or increase the driving force provided by the motor for driving the feed roller.

The gear arrangement/assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) further can be constructed or configured to act as a hybrid or one-way clutch assembly to allow for selective transfer of torque/power between the motor <NUM> and the roller <NUM> and/or allow for the roller <NUM> to freely rotate absent resistance of the motor <NUM>. For example, when the motor <NUM> is powered on, the clutch assembly may lock/engage so to initiate communication between or operatively connect the drive gear <NUM> and roller gear <NUM> and provide transfer of power/torque between the drive gear <NUM> and the roller gear <NUM> thereby allowing rotation or driving of the roller <NUM> under the power of the motor <NUM>. When the motor <NUM> is powered off, such as by being manually turned off or due to experiencing a loss of power or a low power condition, the clutch assembly may unlock or disengage such that there is no communication or operative connection between the drive gear <NUM> and the roller gear <NUM> to thereby allow for rotation of the roller <NUM> without resistance caused by rotation of the motor <NUM> so as to allow for manual dispensing of the sheet material, when a user applies a relatively small force thereto. The clutch assembly also may selectively disconnect/disengage the motor <NUM> if the sheet material is pulled as the motor <NUM> is driving the roller <NUM> so as to prevent damage to the motor, prevent jamming of the dispenser, and/or allow faster dispensing of sheet material.

In addition, the drive gear <NUM> or, alternatively, the roller gear <NUM> may include one or more tracks/races, such as inner and outer races 83A/B, that may rotate together or independently of one another (<FIG>). The outer race 83B may include a series of biased rollers or bearings <NUM>, such as by a series of springs <NUM>, that engage/disengage with the corresponding notches or other engagement portions <NUM> of the outer race 83B to stop or prevent rotation of the rollers <NUM>. As such, when the inner race 83A is rotated in the drive direction D, such as by rotation of the motor <NUM>, the rollers <NUM> are engaged thereby and urged into the notches <NUM> so as to prevent rotation of the rollers <NUM> and allow the inner race 83A to drive, and rotate the outer race 83B to drive the feed roller <NUM>. When the outer race 83B is rotated separately, such as by manual dispensing of the sheet material, the rollers <NUM> can be held in place by the springs <NUM> so as to rotate or spin freely, allowing the outer race 83B to turn independently of the inner race 83A, and thus enable the feed roller <NUM> to rotate absent resistance caused by forced rotation of the motor <NUM>.

In additional embodiments, other gear or drive arrangements can be used. For example, as indicated in <FIG>, a planetary gear arrangement or a gear reducer assembly <NUM> can be provided, wherein the drive motor <NUM>, which can include a brushless servo motor, a stepper motor or other, similar type of adjustable, variable speed motor sized, configured to fit within the open end of the feed roller body, with driveshaft <NUM>, further can be coupled to or include a drive gear <NUM> mounted thereon. This drive gear in turn can engage a corresponding planetary or other drive gear arrangement <NUM> of a gear reduction assembly <NUM>. For example, the drive gear <NUM> of the driveshaft of the motor can engage a first planetary gear assembly <NUM>, with the drive gear of the motor driveshaft being received between and engaged by a series of three-four planetary gears 67A-C which in turn can drive a forwardly extending gear 67D adapted to engage a second planetary gear assembly <NUM>, the rotation of which in turn drives a fixed or stub shaft <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The gear reducer arrangement also can be received within a gear reduction assembly housing <NUM> as a unit, with the stub shaft or planetary gear driveshaft <NUM> of the gear reduction assembly <NUM> being attached or mounted at its distal end 71A to a partition or otherwise engaging the inner side wall of the feed roller body. It also will be understood that fewer or more, or still other gear drive arrangements also can be provided as needed to adjust or reduce the driving force provided by the motor for driving the feed rollers.

The drive assembly <NUM> typically can be mounted substantially adjacent to the first or second end 28A/28B of the feed roller body <NUM>, for example, in a substantially fixed position at one end, such as the first end 28A, of the feed roller body <NUM>, with the drive assembly <NUM> being at least partially positioned, disposed or arranged within the interior cavity <NUM> so as to be integrated with the feed roller body <NUM>. As schematically indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the drive assembly <NUM> may include a motor housing <NUM> mated to the dispenser housing <NUM> for supporting or holding the motor <NUM> within the interior cavity <NUM>/<NUM> of the feed roller body <NUM>/<NUM>. The motor housing <NUM> will generally include a body <NUM> with a base or flange portion <NUM> and a substantially cylindrical portion <NUM> extending or protruding from the base <NUM>, which cylindrical portion <NUM> defines a cavity or chamber <NUM> extending therealong sized, configured and dimensioned for receiving or housing the motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may be secured or fixed within the motor housing <NUM>, such as by press fitting the motor <NUM> within the chamber <NUM>, and there may further be one or more seals or other suitable elastic portion formed from a cushioning or dampening material and arranged or positioned between the housing <NUM> and the motor <NUM> sufficient to dampen or reduce vibrations caused by operation of the motor <NUM>.

The flange portion <NUM> of the motor housing <NUM> also can have a series of holes or apertures <NUM> formed/defined therein so as to align with the holes <NUM> defined in the housing sidewall <NUM>/<NUM> and the apertures <NUM> of one of the bearings <NUM> so that the motor housing <NUM> can be fixed in place within the dispenser housing <NUM> by the fasteners <NUM>, and further can extend into and be supported within the recess or cavity <NUM> of the roller body <NUM> provided an integrated driven roller assembly (<FIG>). The body <NUM> of the motor housing further may include a stepped portion <NUM> with a surface 99A, which stepped portion <NUM> may be configured, sized and dimensioned to be fitted and received within one or more protruding portions or ridges <NUM> of the bearings <NUM> such that an inner surface 57A of each of the ridges <NUM> can contact or engage a surface 99A of the motor housing, so as to facilitate construction of the dispenser by, for example, ensuring proper alignment of the motor housing with respect to the sidewalls <NUM>/<NUM> and the feed roller body <NUM> thereby increasing the tolerances or the allowable deviation of the dimensions of the motor housing and reducing potential errors during manufacturing.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the motor <NUM> also can be rotatably mounted and supported within the body of the feed roller, such as by one or more spaced motor/roller bearing assemblies <NUM>. As indicated in <FIG>, the motor bearing assemblies <NUM> can include a series of ball or roller bearings <NUM> contained between bands or sections housing <NUM>, which bearings <NUM> can be fixed to or integrally formed with an outer surface 60A of the motor <NUM>. As a result, as the feed roller <NUM> is rotated, the motor can remain stationary with the feed roller body <NUM> being driven by operation of the motor <NUM> and rotating thereabout. Also, though two bearing assemblies are shown in the present embodiment, one bearing assembly or multiple bearing assemblies can be used without departing from the present disclosure.

With the motor <NUM> at least partially disposed within the roller body <NUM>, the noise generated/heard from operation of the motor <NUM> can be substantially reduced. A relatively large diameter roller also may be employed/selected to provide a housing or cavity for containing a desired size motor <NUM> within the roller body <NUM>, as needed. For example, the roller body <NUM> may have a diameter in the range of approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, such as about <NUM> or about <NUM>, and increasing the diameter of the roller body <NUM> can generally allow for the use of a bigger motor, which may increase efficiency and/or the power supplied to the feed roller <NUM> so as to allow for dispensing of heavier sheet materials. It further should be understood that additional drive system or assemblies also can be provided, e.g., on both sides or ends of the feed roller, as needed, such as for feeding heavier sheet materials.

<FIG> and <FIG> further show a guard or cover <NUM> that can be placed over the drive assembly <NUM> and bearings <NUM> to substantially seal off the components of the drive assembly <NUM> received within the roller body <NUM> and the bearings <NUM> attached to the dispenser housing <NUM> so as to prevent particulates or other particles from impacting performance of the motor <NUM>, operation of the other components of the drive assembly <NUM>, and/or rotation of the bearings <NUM> or feed roller <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can include a body <NUM> with a cavity or chamber <NUM> defined therein and having an inner rear wall <NUM> and inner sidewalls <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> can be sized, dimensioned and configured to cover the flange <NUM> of the motor housing body <NUM> and/or the flange <NUM> of the bearings <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be releasably or detachably connected or coupled to the flanges <NUM>/<NUM> to allow for replacement and/or maintenance of the various components of the dispenser <NUM>. However, the cover <NUM> may be more permanently connected to the dispenser housing <NUM> and/or flanges <NUM>/<NUM>, such as by an adhesive or other suitable means, so to, by way of example, prevent tampering with the components housed therein.

As indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispenser <NUM> includes one or more cutting mechanisms <NUM> to allow for at least partially cutting, perforating, scoring, or otherwise creating a line of separation, along a selected portion of sheet material <NUM>, e.g., after a desired or prescribed length or amount of material has been dispensed or fed along the dispensing path. As generally shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, one example cutting mechanism <NUM> can include an actuating or movable cutting blade <NUM> having a series of teeth <NUM> may be at least partially received within the feed roller body <NUM> and can be selectively movable to cut or make a series of perforations in the sheet material <NUM> to enable/facilitate tearing or removal thereof. The cutting blade <NUM> may be at least partially supported by a support portion or body <NUM> that can be substantially fixedly connected within the feed roller body <NUM> so that the cutting blade <NUM> is rotatable therewith.

As shown in <FIG>, the cutting blade <NUM> may further be actuated between a series of positions, including a first position retracted within the feed roller and second or further additional positions moving/extending out of the roller body <NUM>, under the control of one or more piston-like actuation mechanisms <NUM> at a selected point during rotation of the feed roller, and/or at a selected location along the feed path of the sheet material, to cut or perforate the sheet material after feeding/dispensing of a desired or prescribed amount or length of material has been fed. In some embodiments, each actuation mechanism <NUM> generally can include a movable body <NUM> supporting the cutting blade <NUM>, an elastic body, such as a spring <NUM>, that biases the cutting blade <NUM> toward its retracted position and is compressible between the movable body <NUM> and one or more flanges <NUM> of the support body <NUM> for controlling the movement of the movable body <NUM> and cutting blade <NUM> coupled thereto. The movable body <NUM> may further be operatively connected to a roller or cam follower (or followers) <NUM> that move about a guide surface <NUM> of the motor housing <NUM> and can engage with a cam surface <NUM> (<FIG>) arranged therealong so as to move the movable body <NUM> and the cutting blade to its extended cutting position.

For example, as further schematically shown in <FIG>, as the feed roller <NUM> is driven by the motor, or is manually rotated, the rollers <NUM> roll along the guide surface <NUM> of the motor housing <NUM>. As the roller <NUM> contacts or engages the cam surface <NUM>, the springs <NUM> are compressed, thereby causing the cutting blade <NUM> to move to an extended positon with the cutting edge or teeth <NUM> of the cutting blade projecting out of opening <NUM> defined in the feed roller body <NUM> to an extent to at least partially cut or perforate the sheet material <NUM> sufficient to enable or facilitate its removal. The cam surface <NUM> may be positioned on or arranged along the body <NUM> of motor housing <NUM> (<FIG>) so that the cutting blade <NUM> is in the extended position and thereby cuts, scores, or perforates the sheet material, for example at, adjacent, or substantially near a pinch point between the feed roller <NUM> and a pressing roller, though the sheet material <NUM> can be alternatively cut or perforated at any suitable position. As the rollers <NUM> move away from engagement with the cam surface <NUM> and again engage the guide surface <NUM>, the cutting blade <NUM> may be returned to a retracted position. Further, there may be corresponding guide and cam surfaces <NUM>/<NUM> along a side of the feed roller <NUM> opposite the motor housing so as to enable/facilitate substantially consistent extension of the cutting blade <NUM> along the feed roller <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show a dispenser cutting assembly or system <NUM> according to the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the cutting assembly <NUM> includes a cutting blade <NUM> and a base or support <NUM> connected to and at least partially supporting the cutting blade <NUM>. The base <NUM> can be pivotably or otherwise movably mounted within a cavity or chamber <NUM> defined within the feed roller body <NUM>, such that teeth or sharpened portions <NUM> of the cutting blade <NUM> are extensible between extended and retracted positions out of and back through an opening or slot <NUM> defined along the feed roller body <NUM> by movement of the base.

The base <NUM> can have a body <NUM> with front <NUM>, back <NUM>, top <NUM>, bottom <NUM>, and side <NUM>/<NUM> portions or sections (<FIG>). In one embodiment, the body <NUM> of the base <NUM> further can be formed from a plastic material or other polymeric material, though other suitable materials, such as rubber, wood, composites, etc., also can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The base <NUM> further generally will be coupled or connected to the cutting blade <NUM> along the top portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>, for example, by a series of fasteners <NUM>, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc., that can be received and/or threaded through a series of holes <NUM> defined in/through the cutting blade <NUM> as well as corresponding holes <NUM> defined in the top portion of the base <NUM>. However, the cutting blade <NUM> can be otherwise fixed to or integrally formed with the support/base <NUM>, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As generally shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> further will be rotatably or pivotally coupled to at least a portion of the feed roller body <NUM>. For example, the cutting assembly <NUM> can include pins <NUM>, or other suitable connection means or connecting members, e.g., rods, bearings, etc., allowing for pivoting or rotation thereabout, to couple to ends 324A/B of the base <NUM> to side walls <NUM> of the feed roller body <NUM> such that the base/support <NUM> is rotatable/pivotable about the pins <NUM> and further moves/rotates with the feed roller body <NUM> during dispensing of the sheet material. The cutting assembly <NUM> includes one or more biasing members <NUM>, such as torsion springs, or other suitable biasing members, that are coupled to pins <NUM> and provide a biasing force against the support/base <NUM>, e.g., sufficient to urge or bias the support/base <NUM>, and thus the cutting blade <NUM>, toward a retracted position.

<FIG> and <FIG> further show that the base <NUM> also will have a cam follower assembly <NUM> arranged along the top portion <NUM> thereof. The cam follower assembly <NUM> generally has one or more cam followers <NUM>, which can include bearings, rollers, or other rotating members or portions. In one embodiment, the cam followers <NUM> can be at least partially received within notches or grooves <NUM> defined in the top portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>, and can be rotatably coupled thereto by rods or pins <NUM>, or other suitable connection mechanisms, as generally shown in <FIG>. The rods or pins <NUM> each further will be received/engaged within a hole or passage <NUM> defined through a body <NUM> of each cam followers <NUM> and corresponding holes/passages <NUM> defined along the top portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>, to rotatably couple the cam followers <NUM> to the base <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The cam followers <NUM> engage and move along one or more corresponding cam surfaces or tracks <NUM> located within the cavity <NUM> of the feed roller body <NUM>, as the feed roller body <NUM> is rotated, and correspondingly pivot/rotate the base <NUM> and move the cutting blade <NUM> out from and back into the opening/slot <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the cutting assembly <NUM> can include cam members <NUM> that can be mounted in a substantially fixed or stationary position within the cavity <NUM> of the feed roller body <NUM>, such that the feed roller body <NUM> and the base <NUM> are rotated about such cam members <NUM>, such as indicated in <FIG>.

The biasing member <NUM> further generally can bias or urge the cam followers <NUM> against and into engagement with at least a portion of the cam members <NUM>. The cam members <NUM> further can have one or more protrusions, protuberances, or extending portions <NUM> provided therealong, such that when the protrusion(s) <NUM> are engaged by the cam followers <NUM> the biasing force of the biasing member <NUM> is overcome to cause the base/support <NUM> to pivot, rotate, or otherwise move and thereby extend the cutting blade <NUM> out from the opening/slot <NUM> in the feed roller body <NUM> for at least partial perforation or cutting of the sheet material. Accordingly, as shown in <FIG>, as the feed roller body <NUM> is rotated to dispense sheet material <NUM> (and the base <NUM> is rotated therewith) the cam followers <NUM> will be pressed against/into engagement with and moved along the cam members <NUM> such that the support/base <NUM> pivots or moves the cutting blade <NUM> between a plurality of extended and retracted positions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the cutting blade <NUM> initially can be in a rest or initial position <NUM>, with the cam followers <NUM> engaging a surface or portion <NUM> of the cam members <NUM> such that the cutting blade <NUM> is retracted from the opening <NUM> in the feed roller body <NUM>. In this rest/initial position <NUM>, a tail or portion <NUM> of the sheet material <NUM> may hang or otherwise extend from the discharge chute <NUM> of the dispenser. It will, however, be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this arrangement, and the sheet material <NUM> may be concealed within the dispenser or in any other suitable arrangement, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As further shown in <FIG>, when the feed roller body <NUM> is rotated to dispense a selected amount of sheet material, for example, upon activation of the motor or by a manual activation of the dispenser, e.g., when a user turns a knob or lever <NUM> operatively connected to the feed roller body <NUM> by a post or support <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) or pulls on the tail <NUM> extending from the discharge, the cam follower <NUM> will move along surface <NUM> until the cam follower <NUM> engages a cam surface or portion <NUM> of a protrusion <NUM> of the cam member <NUM> and is moved to an extent sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member <NUM>. In response, the support/base <NUM> will be pivoted so as to move the cutting blade <NUM> to exit the opening <NUM> defined in the feed roller body <NUM> to cut, score, or perforate the sheet material <NUM>.

<FIG> additionally shows that when the feed roller body <NUM> is rotated an initial amount, e.g., rotated approximately <NUM>° to approximately <NUM>°, such as approximately <NUM>°, from the rest position <NUM> in a counterclockwise direction D1, the cam follower <NUM> generally will begin to engage the surface or portion <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM> and the cutting blade <NUM> will begin to exit the opening <NUM>. Thereafter, as shown in <FIG>, as the feed roller body <NUM> is rotated a further amount, e.g., rotated approximately <NUM>° to approximately <NUM>°, such as approximately <NUM>°, from the rest position <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction D1, to the cam follower <NUM> is moved further along the surface/portion <NUM>, causing the cutting blade <NUM> to extend further toward a cutting position <NUM> with the cutting blade <NUM> contacting or otherwise engaging the sheet material for cutting or perforation thereof. In one embodiment, the cam surface or blade <NUM> to extend further toward a cutting position <NUM> with the cutting blade <NUM> contacting or otherwise engaging the sheet material for cutting or perforation thereof. In one embodiment, the cam surface or portion <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM> further generally can be sloped, curved, or otherwise shaped or configured to help control the engagement of the cutting blade with the sheet material so as to substantially prevent ripping or tearing during cutting, scoring, or perforation thereof.

Subsequently, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the feed roller body <NUM> rotates an even further amount, e.g., approximately <NUM>° to approximately <NUM>° or more, such as approximately <NUM>°, from the rest position <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction D1, the cam follower <NUM> is moved further along the cam surface or portion <NUM> such that the cutting blade <NUM> is moved to its fully extended position <NUM>, with the cutting blade <NUM> substantially projecting or extending out of the opening <NUM> in the feed roller body <NUM>.

Thereafter, as the feed roller body <NUM> continues to rotate, as shown in <FIG>, as the cam follower <NUM> engages and moves along cam surface or portion <NUM> of the of the protrusion <NUM>, the cutting blade <NUM> will be retracted back through the opening <NUM> in the feed roller body. Additionally, when the feed roller body <NUM> has made a full rotation, e.g., rotated approximately <NUM>° from its initial or rest position <NUM>, the cam follower will again engage the cam surface or portion <NUM> of the cam members <NUM> such that the cutting blade <NUM> is in its retracted or initial position (<FIG>).

<FIG> and <FIG> further show that the feed roller body <NUM> including biasing members <NUM> disposed within the body and operable or configured to assist rotation of the feed roller body <NUM> and movement of the cutting assembly <NUM>, for example, upon manual activation of the feed roller body <NUM>. The biasing members <NUM> can include tension springs <NUM>, e.g., one or two tension springs, though any suitable number of springs, such as <NUM> or more, also can be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The springs <NUM> generally will be fixably connected to the feed roller body <NUM> and rotatably coupled to at least a portion of one of the cam members <NUM>, or other suitable fixed portion positioned within the cavity <NUM> of the feed roller body <NUM>. For example, one end 392A of the springs <NUM> can be fixably connected, such as by fasteners <NUM>, e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, etc., to the feed roller body <NUM>, and an opposite/opposing end 392B of the springs <NUM> can be rotatably connected, such as by a bearing assembly <NUM>, or other moveable/pivotably assembly, to one of the cam members <NUM>. The springs <NUM> also can be arranged such that they are transverse or oblique to one another, for example, the springs <NUM> can be disposed to have an angle of approximately <NUM>°-<NUM>° therebetween, though lessor angles and/or angles up to <NUM>° or more can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, with the cutting blade <NUM> at its initial or rest position <NUM>, the springs <NUM> can have an initial or equilibrium length. Then, as the feed roller body <NUM> is rotated, the springs <NUM> will be elongated and can provide biased assistance for rotation of the feed roller body <NUM>, with the spring tension further assisting movement of the cutting blade <NUM> for cutting, scoring, or perforating the sheet material. The springs <NUM> further can cause the feed roller body <NUM> to fully rotate, e.g., rotate approximately <NUM>°, while also helping to return the cutting blade <NUM> to its initial or rest position <NUM>, retracted into the body of the feed roller.

<FIG> and <FIG> further show the cam members <NUM> attached to at least a portion, e.g., side walls <NUM>/<NUM>, of the dispenser housing <NUM>, for example, by support caps <NUM>. The support caps <NUM> can be connected to the side walls <NUM>/<NUM> of the dispenser housing by a series of fasteners <NUM>, e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, etc., and further can be connected to the cam members <NUM> using fasteners <NUM>, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc., to mount and support the cam members <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> of the feed roller body <NUM>. As a result, the feed roller body <NUM> and the base <NUM>, with the cutting blade <NUM> attached thereto, are supported in a manner so as to be generally rotatable about the cam member <NUM>. Other connectors also can be used to connect the support caps <NUM> to the dispenser housing <NUM> and the cam members <NUM>, however, such as, for example, snap-fit or press-fit connections, adhesives, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As further shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the feed roller body <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to the cam member(s) <NUM> by bearings <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the cam members <NUM> will be received within a passage <NUM> defined through the bearings <NUM>, and can engage an inner race 406A of the bearings <NUM>. The bearings <NUM> further will be connected to the feed roller body <NUM> by one or more support portions <NUM>, each of which can include a body <NUM> having a ring-like or circular shape and connected to or integrally formed with the sidewalls <NUM> of the feed roller body <NUM>, as generally indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The bearings <NUM> further generally can be received within, e.g., fitted into, a passage <NUM> defined through the body <NUM> of each of the supports <NUM> to operatively connect the feed roller body <NUM> to an outer race 406B of the bearings <NUM>.

Additionally, or alternatively, the dispenser housing <NUM> may include one or more tear bars or other suitable cutting members <NUM> disposed adjacent or along the discharge throat or chute of the dispenser housing 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> (<FIG> and <FIG>). In addition, a pivotally mounted pawl member <NUM> can be located proximate to the stationary tear bar <NUM> such that movement of sheet material <NUM> into the tear bar <NUM> for severance pivots the pawl member <NUM> between multiple positions, e.g. a first <NUM> A and second <NUM> B positions. A signal device such as a proximity sensor switch or the like, cooperative with the pawl member <NUM>, can also be arranged such that movement of the pawl member <NUM> between various positions causes the signal means to send a signal to notify the control circuit that the sheet material has been removed. By way of example, as shown in <FIG>, such signal means responsive or cooperative with the pawl member <NUM> can include an infrared emitter <NUM> and detector <NUM> that detects movement of the pawl member <NUM> between the first and second positions 152A/B, though any suitable sensor 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 <NUM> may have been removed, the control circuit can activate a paper detection sensor to verify that the sheet material has been removed from the discharge chute.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an electronic control system or circuit <NUM> for operating the dispenser <NUM> in an exemplary embodiment. 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, 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, 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 circuit 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 embodiment of an electronic dispenser, the sensor <NUM>, such as a proximity detector or other sensor, may be configured to detect an object placed in a detection zone external to the dispenser to initiate operation of the dispenser. This sensor 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 system circuitry 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 both the presence of a user's hand below. The dispenser can additionally include a paper detector sensor <NUM>, such as one or more infrared emitters and infrared detectors with one infrared emitter/detector pair aligned to detect a user's hand below the dispenser <NUM> and the second infrared emitter/detector pair aligned to detect a sheet hanging below the outermost front edge of the discharge chute <NUM>.

The dispenser control system or circuitry <NUM> can control activation of the dispensing mechanism upon valid detection of a user's hand for dispensing a measured length of the sheet material <NUM>. In one embodiment, the control system <NUM> can track the running time of the drive motor <NUM> of the motorized feed roller, and/or receive feedback information directly therefrom indicative of a number of revolutions of the feed roller and correspondingly, an amount of the sheet material feed thereby. In addition, or as a further alternative, sensors 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 system <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 drive or feed roller, with this count being used by the control circuitry to meter the desired length of the sheet material to be dispensed.

As shown in <FIG>, the processing logic for operation of the electronic dispenser in, for example, the hand sensor and butler modes, can be part of the control software stored in the memory of the microprocessor in the control system <NUM>. One or more binary flags are also stored in memory and represent an operational state of the dispenser (e.g., "paper cut" set or cleared). An operational mode switch in dispenser sets the mode of operation. In the hand sensor mode, the proximity (hand) sensor detects the presence of a user's hand below the dispenser and in response, the motor <NUM> is operated to dispense a measured amount of sheet material <NUM>. The control system <NUM> can then monitor when the sheet of material is removed. For example, actuation of the pawl member <NUM> or triggering/activation of a paper detection sensor <NUM> can determine the removal of paper and reset the hand sensor. The hand sensor <NUM> also can be controlled to not allow additional sheet material to be dispensed until the hand sensor is reset. If the hand sensor <NUM> detects the presence of a user's hand but does not dispense sheet material, the control system <NUM> can check for sheet material using the paper detection sensor <NUM>. If sheet material <NUM> has not been dispensed (i.e., no sheet material is hanging from the dispenser), the motor <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 hand sensor <NUM> for detecting the presence of a user's hand can be deactivated, and the control system <NUM> can automatically dispense sheet material when the cover is closed and the dispenser is put into operation. The paper detection sensor <NUM> further can determine if a sheet is hanging from the dispenser. If sheet material is hanging, the control circuit will then monitor when the sheet of material is removed. For example, a cutting mechanism movement detector <NUM>, which may arranged and configured to detect actuation or movement of the cutting mechanism <NUM>; the pawl member <NUM>; and/or the paper detection sensor <NUM> can determine the removal of paper and reset the dispenser. The next sheet will be dispensed automatically. If the paper detection sensor <NUM> determines the absence of hanging sheet material, the motor <NUM> will be activated to dispense the next sheet. The control circuit will then determine if the sheet has been removed before dispensing another sheet.

In one embodiment, the dispenser <NUM> can be operative in a first mode to be responsive to a signal from the proximity sensor to dispense a sheet of material. The dispensing mechanism is operative in a second mode to dispense a next sheet in response to the signal means being activated by movement of the cutting mechanism or tear bar to its extended position in response to dispensed sheet material <NUM> being removed from the dispenser. In another embodiment, the dispenser <NUM> can be operative in a second mode to dispense a next sheet in response to a signal means being activated by movement of the cutting mechanism <NUM>, and a signal from a paper detection sensor <NUM> that the sheet material <NUM> has been removed from the dispenser. Such a sensor can be affixed to an external surface of the discharge chute <NUM> rather than inside the discharge chute <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A dispenser (<NUM>) for dispensing a sheet material (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a supply (<NUM>) of the sheet material (<NUM>) received within the housing (<NUM>) for feeding the sheet material (<NUM>) along a discharge path (P) defined at least partially through the housing (<NUM>);
a feed roller (<NUM>) rotatably mounted within the housing (<NUM>) and arranged along the discharge path (P), the feed roller (<NUM>) comprising a body (<NUM>) having a chamber (<NUM>) defined therein and an exterior surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) against which the sheet material is engaged;
one or more pressing rollers (<NUM>) positioned adjacent the feed roller (<NUM>) and biased toward the body (<NUM>) of the feed roller (<NUM>) so as to engage the sheet material (<NUM>) between the one or more pressing rollers (<NUM>) and the exterior surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the feed roller (<NUM>); and
a cutting mechanism (<NUM>) at least partially disposed within the chamber (<NUM>) defined within the body (<NUM>) of the feed roller (<NUM>) and comprising:
a cutting blade (<NUM>) configured to at least partially cut, score, or perforate the sheet material (<NUM>) as the sheet material (<NUM>) is dispensed; and
at least one movable support (<NUM>) connected to the cutting blade (<NUM>) and operatively connected to the body (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the feed roller (<NUM>), wherein the at least one moveable support (<NUM>) is caused to actuate with rotation of the feed roller (<NUM>) so as to move the cutting blade (<NUM>) out from and into one or more openings (<NUM>) defined along the body (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the feed roller (<NUM>) as the feed roller (<NUM>) rotates, and with the cutting blade (<NUM>) moved out from the body (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the feed roller (<NUM>) to an extent sufficient to at least partially cut, score, or perforate the sheet material (<NUM>) as the sheet material (<NUM>) is dispensed; and
one or more biasing members (<NUM>) connected to the body (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the feed roller (<NUM>) to assist rotation thereof and for assisting movement of the cutting blade (<NUM>) into and out from the one or more openings (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the feed roller (<NUM>).