CA2370790C - Electronically controlled roll towel dispenser with data communication system - Google Patents
Electronically controlled roll towel dispenser with data communication system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2370790C CA2370790C CA002370790A CA2370790A CA2370790C CA 2370790 C CA2370790 C CA 2370790C CA 002370790 A CA002370790 A CA 002370790A CA 2370790 A CA2370790 A CA 2370790A CA 2370790 C CA2370790 C CA 2370790C
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- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- paper
- assembly
- data
- trigger
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
- A47K10/3606—The cutting devices being motor driven
- A47K10/3612—The cutting devices being motor driven with drive and pinch rollers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/36—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means with mechanical dispensing, roll switching or cutting devices
- A47K10/3606—The cutting devices being motor driven
- A47K10/3625—The cutting devices being motor driven with electronic control means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/38—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge
- A47K2010/3881—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge with tearing edges having movable parts
Abstract
An electronically controlled roll tower dispenser (10) with a data communication system. The dispenser automatically dispenses a predetermined length of paper toweling from the supply roll (70) after a length of towelin g has been detached by a user pulling and tearing the protruding toweling against a stationary cutting blade. The dispenser is battery powered by an electric motor, an electromechanical dispensing mechanism, and an embedded microcontroller for controlling and monitoring operation of the dispenser. I n addition to primary control functions, the microcontroller monitors paramete rs such as battery condition, towel usage, system status, system errors, and unsafe operating conditions. Pushbutton switches (132, 134, 136, 138) are al so provided for programming towel length and the dispense delay. The dispenser further includes an optical transmitter for transmitting visual and infrared data to a receiving device. Useful information about the status of the dispenser can be visibly discerned by an operator through the use of primiti ve low-speed flash patterns, while high-speed infrared digital data can be simultaneously embedded in or multiplexed with the visible data.
Description
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED ROLL TOWEL DISPENSER WITH
DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Background of the Invention The present invention relates generally to paper towel dispensers, and more particularly to an automatic electronically controlled roll towel dispenser with a data communication system for collecting data from the dispenser and transmitting the data to a receiving device for analysis.
Dispensers for dispensing paper towels are well known in the art. A paper towel dispenser typically requires a user actuate a mechanism for the dispenser to dispense paper toweling. Folded paper towels are pre-cut and folded into various configurations to be individually dispensed. Roll paper towels are continuous rolls of paper which are wound around a central core and dispensed by advancing a length of paper toweling from the dispenser and tearing off the length of toweling along a stationary cutting bar in the dispenser.
Folded towels are paper towels which are pre-cut and folded into various configurations. The use of folded paper towel dispensers allows a user to dispense towels by pulling on the exposed end of each new individual towel. These dispensers are also very easy to refill with folded towels. However, a number of the folded towels will often fall out when an exposed towel is pulled. This can result in a significant waste of paper towels. Accordingly, folded towel dispensers are not as economical as other types of alternative dispensers.
Roll towels are less expensive to manufacture and produce less waste than folded towels. A roll towel dispenser typically includes a housing, a supply of paper in the housing, and a mechanism for unrolling a length of paper for use. Roll towel dispensers may include a lever, crank, or other mechanism for dispensing a length of towel from the dispenser chassis and a serrated blade for cutting the length of towel from the remaining roll.
However, manual contact with a dispensing lever or the like raises health concerns for the user. To alleviate these health concerns, dispensers have been developed, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
4,712,461 to Rasmussen, that eliminate contact with any part of the dispenser, and instead rely upon the user directly pulling the paper towel from the dispenser. In these type dispensers, the paper toweling must have sufficient strength to effect rotation of the feed roller and actuation with the cutting blade without premature tearing. Paper possessing the requisite strength to operate these dispensers is limited in the amount of softness and absorbency it can provide.
Another disadvantage of manual roll towel dispensers is that the user generally controls the length of paper dispensed prior to tearing it off the dispenser. A user can therefore wastefully dispense an excessive length of toweling. This adds to the waste and abuse associated with known paper towel dispensers.
Electrically powered roll towel dispensers are also known in the prior art.
Such an example is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,452,832 to Niada. In the Niada patent, a light sensitive device is used to detect the presence of a user's hand in front of the dispenser. After detecting the user's hand, the dispenser advances paper toweling for a predetermined length of time. The dispensed length of paper towel is then separated from the supply roll by pulling the paper toweling against a serrated cutting bar on the dispenser.
U.S. Patent No. 4,738,176 to Cassia discloses an electrically powered dispenser which includes a reciprocating cutter to produce an individual towel from the continuous web of paper.
While this arrangement enables the use of softer and more absorbent paper, the dispenser
DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Background of the Invention The present invention relates generally to paper towel dispensers, and more particularly to an automatic electronically controlled roll towel dispenser with a data communication system for collecting data from the dispenser and transmitting the data to a receiving device for analysis.
Dispensers for dispensing paper towels are well known in the art. A paper towel dispenser typically requires a user actuate a mechanism for the dispenser to dispense paper toweling. Folded paper towels are pre-cut and folded into various configurations to be individually dispensed. Roll paper towels are continuous rolls of paper which are wound around a central core and dispensed by advancing a length of paper toweling from the dispenser and tearing off the length of toweling along a stationary cutting bar in the dispenser.
Folded towels are paper towels which are pre-cut and folded into various configurations. The use of folded paper towel dispensers allows a user to dispense towels by pulling on the exposed end of each new individual towel. These dispensers are also very easy to refill with folded towels. However, a number of the folded towels will often fall out when an exposed towel is pulled. This can result in a significant waste of paper towels. Accordingly, folded towel dispensers are not as economical as other types of alternative dispensers.
Roll towels are less expensive to manufacture and produce less waste than folded towels. A roll towel dispenser typically includes a housing, a supply of paper in the housing, and a mechanism for unrolling a length of paper for use. Roll towel dispensers may include a lever, crank, or other mechanism for dispensing a length of towel from the dispenser chassis and a serrated blade for cutting the length of towel from the remaining roll.
However, manual contact with a dispensing lever or the like raises health concerns for the user. To alleviate these health concerns, dispensers have been developed, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
4,712,461 to Rasmussen, that eliminate contact with any part of the dispenser, and instead rely upon the user directly pulling the paper towel from the dispenser. In these type dispensers, the paper toweling must have sufficient strength to effect rotation of the feed roller and actuation with the cutting blade without premature tearing. Paper possessing the requisite strength to operate these dispensers is limited in the amount of softness and absorbency it can provide.
Another disadvantage of manual roll towel dispensers is that the user generally controls the length of paper dispensed prior to tearing it off the dispenser. A user can therefore wastefully dispense an excessive length of toweling. This adds to the waste and abuse associated with known paper towel dispensers.
Electrically powered roll towel dispensers are also known in the prior art.
Such an example is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,452,832 to Niada. In the Niada patent, a light sensitive device is used to detect the presence of a user's hand in front of the dispenser. After detecting the user's hand, the dispenser advances paper toweling for a predetermined length of time. The dispensed length of paper towel is then separated from the supply roll by pulling the paper toweling against a serrated cutting bar on the dispenser.
U.S. Patent No. 4,738,176 to Cassia discloses an electrically powered dispenser which includes a reciprocating cutter to produce an individual towel from the continuous web of paper.
While this arrangement enables the use of softer and more absorbent paper, the dispenser
2 requires a substantial amount of energy to drive both the feed mechanism and the reciprocating cutter. Accordingly, the batteries for this dispenser must be replaced frequently. Moreover, the dispenser design is much more complex and costly than other systems.
Also, in some electrically powered dispensers, such as the dispenser disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 4,796,825 to Hawkins, the paper will continuously dispense while a user's hand or other object is placed in front of the sensor. Thus, the dispenser is subject to easy abuse and waste of paper. In an effort to avoid abuses, some dispensers, such as U.S.
Patent No. 4,666,099 to Hoffman, have incorporated a waiting period where the dispenser will not operate for a brief time after each use. However, the need to wait can be frustrating to some users.
None of the known prior art dispensers incorporate a microcontroller or an electromechanical triggering mechanism for controlling operation of the roll towel dispenser.
In addition, none of the prior art shows or discloses the use of an optical data link for transmitting status and usage data to a receiving device for analysis.
Optical data links are also well known in the art for use in transmitting data between electrical devices. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,691,699 to Vane et al.
discloses a security detector having an optical data transmitter. Communication with visible light is typically limited to use with fiber-optic data links, while open-air optical data links typically operate in the infrared (IR) range. Well known are the familiar IR-remote control devices used to control home video and audio electronics. Other familiar methods of optical data communication include the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard used with personal computers, lap tops, computer peripherals, and personal organizers to provide wireless data transfer between devices.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved electronically controlled roll towel dispenser having an embedded microcontroller for controlling and monitoring the dispenser, and having a
Also, in some electrically powered dispensers, such as the dispenser disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 4,796,825 to Hawkins, the paper will continuously dispense while a user's hand or other object is placed in front of the sensor. Thus, the dispenser is subject to easy abuse and waste of paper. In an effort to avoid abuses, some dispensers, such as U.S.
Patent No. 4,666,099 to Hoffman, have incorporated a waiting period where the dispenser will not operate for a brief time after each use. However, the need to wait can be frustrating to some users.
None of the known prior art dispensers incorporate a microcontroller or an electromechanical triggering mechanism for controlling operation of the roll towel dispenser.
In addition, none of the prior art shows or discloses the use of an optical data link for transmitting status and usage data to a receiving device for analysis.
Optical data links are also well known in the art for use in transmitting data between electrical devices. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,691,699 to Vane et al.
discloses a security detector having an optical data transmitter. Communication with visible light is typically limited to use with fiber-optic data links, while open-air optical data links typically operate in the infrared (IR) range. Well known are the familiar IR-remote control devices used to control home video and audio electronics. Other familiar methods of optical data communication include the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard used with personal computers, lap tops, computer peripherals, and personal organizers to provide wireless data transfer between devices.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved electronically controlled roll towel dispenser having an embedded microcontroller for controlling and monitoring the dispenser, and having a
3 transmitter for transmitting data to a receiving device that is of a simpler design and is less expensive than prior art systems.
Summary of the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a paper towel dispenser for automatically dispensing a predetermined length of paper towel in response to the tearing off of a previously dispensed length of towel.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a dispensing apparatus for paper towels that is touchless and automatic.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which automatically supplies a predetermined length of paper toweling from the roll.
A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic roll towel dispenser which does not require physical contact by the user.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a dispenser wherein the lengths of paper toweling dispensed is programmable.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a dispenser that monitors and collects data on usage and other information, etc.
The present invention is directed to an electronically controlled roll towel dispenser with a data communication system. The dispenser includes an optical transmitter in the form of a visible LED. The data transmitted by the dispenser can be received visibly through blinking LED data and through IR data packets. The addition of intelligent electronics into the roll towel dispenser creates a dispenser that automatically dispenses a predetermined length of paper toweling from the supply roll, monitors the status of the dispenser, and collects data to be transmitted to a receiver for analysis.
Summary of the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a paper towel dispenser for automatically dispensing a predetermined length of paper towel in response to the tearing off of a previously dispensed length of towel.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a dispensing apparatus for paper towels that is touchless and automatic.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which automatically supplies a predetermined length of paper toweling from the roll.
A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic roll towel dispenser which does not require physical contact by the user.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a dispenser wherein the lengths of paper toweling dispensed is programmable.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a dispenser that monitors and collects data on usage and other information, etc.
The present invention is directed to an electronically controlled roll towel dispenser with a data communication system. The dispenser includes an optical transmitter in the form of a visible LED. The data transmitted by the dispenser can be received visibly through blinking LED data and through IR data packets. The addition of intelligent electronics into the roll towel dispenser creates a dispenser that automatically dispenses a predetermined length of paper toweling from the supply roll, monitors the status of the dispenser, and collects data to be transmitted to a receiver for analysis.
4 The data receiver is preferably a 3-Com Palm IIIx organizer with an integral infrared (IR) transceiver. The data transmitter is preferably an IR-emitting bi-color LED.
The physical communication complies with the HP-SIR protocol. Data is transmitted only when the dispenser cover is open.
Exposed toweling is removed from the electronically controlled dispenser by the familiar pulling and tearing action. To accomplish this end, the dispenser implements an electromechanical trigger to translate the physical motion of towel tearing into an electrical signal. This signal directs a motorized drive mechanism to automatically dispense a fresh portion of towel. The electronic control of the electromechanical dispensing process is provided by an embedded microcontroller.
In addition to controlling the electromechanical dispense processes, the embedded microcontroller provides other useful benefits. It can effect a programmable dispense delay to reduce towel consumption and waste. The length of the towel portion distributed and the operating mode are also programmable operating parameters. Access to modify any of these parameters is automatically enabled whenever the dispenser cabinet cover is opened for periodic service. The microcontroller also has the capability to monitor and record important quantities and events. For example, the microcontroller can be programmed to automatically record the date and time of paper outage and refill, automatically monitor the usage of toweling to determine times of peek usage or total paper distributed from the dispenser, automatically provide a usage history to allow end users to plan maintenance and ordering of supplies, or automatically page or otherwise notify maintenance personnel of machine status. The dispenser can also be programmed to distribute only a predetermined amount of paper and to stop functioning once the dispenser has output that amount, or can be programmed to change the
The physical communication complies with the HP-SIR protocol. Data is transmitted only when the dispenser cover is open.
Exposed toweling is removed from the electronically controlled dispenser by the familiar pulling and tearing action. To accomplish this end, the dispenser implements an electromechanical trigger to translate the physical motion of towel tearing into an electrical signal. This signal directs a motorized drive mechanism to automatically dispense a fresh portion of towel. The electronic control of the electromechanical dispensing process is provided by an embedded microcontroller.
In addition to controlling the electromechanical dispense processes, the embedded microcontroller provides other useful benefits. It can effect a programmable dispense delay to reduce towel consumption and waste. The length of the towel portion distributed and the operating mode are also programmable operating parameters. Access to modify any of these parameters is automatically enabled whenever the dispenser cabinet cover is opened for periodic service. The microcontroller also has the capability to monitor and record important quantities and events. For example, the microcontroller can be programmed to automatically record the date and time of paper outage and refill, automatically monitor the usage of toweling to determine times of peek usage or total paper distributed from the dispenser, automatically provide a usage history to allow end users to plan maintenance and ordering of supplies, or automatically page or otherwise notify maintenance personnel of machine status. The dispenser can also be programmed to distribute only a predetermined amount of paper and to stop functioning once the dispenser has output that amount, or can be programmed to change the
5 amount of paper dispensed to each individual depending upon the time of day.
Moreover, the dispenser can be used as a tool to acquire and store usage information to be used in research relating to usage of the dispenser.
The touchless dispenser can dispense any grade of roll towel paper including low basis weight paper. The battery driven internal feeding mechanism is designed to dispense any paper easily and smoothly. All the user does is tear off the paper and another length is automatically dispensed. The dispenser is powered with four D-size alkaline batteries. The unit is designed so that the batteries last from six to twelve months. There is even a low battery alert indicator.
The dispenser is fully programmable to dispense any length of paper, at any speed, and with any delay. The dispenser utilizes preset pushbuttons to select and adjust the parameters.
The dispenser's embedded micro-controller collects and stores usage data that can be retrieved easily. The LED transmitter sends control signals to a data collection device to tell if the dispenser is low on paper or if the batteries are low. The data can also be used to determine paper ordering patterns for the best roll towel inventory management. The dispenser can forecast when the paper or the batteries need changing so maintenance can be planned.
A primary advantage of the invention is providing means for digital data communication.
This particular advantage becomes increasingly significant as the incorporation of embedded controllers into simpler and lower cost products continues to expand into the marketplace.
Inevitably, as this trend continues, the cost of an IRDA-compatible communication port might approach 50% of the total manufacturing cost of a product's electronic control system.
The present embodiment is that of an improvement to the electronic control system of a battery-powered roll towel dispenser. This dispenser features a bi-colored LED
used to indicate a variety of system conditions to the user or maintenance person. For example, failure modes are
Moreover, the dispenser can be used as a tool to acquire and store usage information to be used in research relating to usage of the dispenser.
The touchless dispenser can dispense any grade of roll towel paper including low basis weight paper. The battery driven internal feeding mechanism is designed to dispense any paper easily and smoothly. All the user does is tear off the paper and another length is automatically dispensed. The dispenser is powered with four D-size alkaline batteries. The unit is designed so that the batteries last from six to twelve months. There is even a low battery alert indicator.
The dispenser is fully programmable to dispense any length of paper, at any speed, and with any delay. The dispenser utilizes preset pushbuttons to select and adjust the parameters.
The dispenser's embedded micro-controller collects and stores usage data that can be retrieved easily. The LED transmitter sends control signals to a data collection device to tell if the dispenser is low on paper or if the batteries are low. The data can also be used to determine paper ordering patterns for the best roll towel inventory management. The dispenser can forecast when the paper or the batteries need changing so maintenance can be planned.
A primary advantage of the invention is providing means for digital data communication.
This particular advantage becomes increasingly significant as the incorporation of embedded controllers into simpler and lower cost products continues to expand into the marketplace.
Inevitably, as this trend continues, the cost of an IRDA-compatible communication port might approach 50% of the total manufacturing cost of a product's electronic control system.
The present embodiment is that of an improvement to the electronic control system of a battery-powered roll towel dispenser. This dispenser features a bi-colored LED
used to indicate a variety of system conditions to the user or maintenance person. For example, failure modes are
6 typically indicated by red flashing patterns, while the relative battery condition is indicated by green, yellow or red flashes which represent good, marginal or low battery voltage, respectively.
The color and pattern of each particular indicator signal is determined by the firmware programmed into the dispenser's embedded microcontroller IC. The dispenser is equipped with a transmitter, a visible red LED controlled by a microcontroller.
Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent to those schooled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electronically controlled roll towel dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing a cover interlock assembly;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a dispenser assembly that is installed in the roll towel dispenser of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the dispenser assembly shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 7 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of the dispenser assembly shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a drive control assembly taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the drive gears of the drive control assembly taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 9;
The color and pattern of each particular indicator signal is determined by the firmware programmed into the dispenser's embedded microcontroller IC. The dispenser is equipped with a transmitter, a visible red LED controlled by a microcontroller.
Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent to those schooled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electronically controlled roll towel dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing a cover interlock assembly;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a dispenser assembly that is installed in the roll towel dispenser of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the dispenser assembly shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 7 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of the dispenser assembly shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a drive control assembly taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the drive gears of the drive control assembly taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 9;
7 Fig. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the drive control assembly of Fig. 8 showing a trigger lever contacting a switch on a printed circuit board mounted in the drive control assembly;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 10 showing the trigger lever depressing the switch on the printed circuit board;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a data communication system used in connection with the dispenser of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is a front plan view of a control panel that is mounted in the drive control assembly of Fig. 8;
Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuitry on the printed circuit board mounted in the drive control assembly; and Figs. 15-24 are flow diagrams illustrating operation of the dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring first to Fig. 1, an electronically controlled paper towel dispenser 10 is shown constructed in accordance with the present invention. The paper towel dispenser 10 includes an outer housing 12 having a back panel 14 adapted to be fastened to a wall, right and left side panels 16 and 18, and a front cover 20. The front cover 20 is pivotally mounted to a lower portion of the housing 12 with hinge pins 22 extending outwardly on each side of the bottom of the cover 20 and into openings 24 on the bottom front of right and left side panels 16, 18. The front cover 20 is movable between a secured closed position and an open position as illustrated by arrow 26. The cover 20 is securable to an upper portion of the housing 12 by a latch 28 or other fastening device to maintain the front cover 20 in a closed position.
The front cover 20 is
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 10 showing the trigger lever depressing the switch on the printed circuit board;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a data communication system used in connection with the dispenser of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is a front plan view of a control panel that is mounted in the drive control assembly of Fig. 8;
Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuitry on the printed circuit board mounted in the drive control assembly; and Figs. 15-24 are flow diagrams illustrating operation of the dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring first to Fig. 1, an electronically controlled paper towel dispenser 10 is shown constructed in accordance with the present invention. The paper towel dispenser 10 includes an outer housing 12 having a back panel 14 adapted to be fastened to a wall, right and left side panels 16 and 18, and a front cover 20. The front cover 20 is pivotally mounted to a lower portion of the housing 12 with hinge pins 22 extending outwardly on each side of the bottom of the cover 20 and into openings 24 on the bottom front of right and left side panels 16, 18. The front cover 20 is movable between a secured closed position and an open position as illustrated by arrow 26. The cover 20 is securable to an upper portion of the housing 12 by a latch 28 or other fastening device to maintain the front cover 20 in a closed position.
The front cover 20 is
8 typically opened for servicing, collecting data, and loading roll paper into the dispenser 10. The roll consists of a continuous web of paper wound upon a hollow cylindrical core (not shown) that is installed in the dispenser. A discharge opening 30 for feeding a length of roll paper out of the dispenser 10 is located at the bottom of the housing 12 below the front cover 20. The housing 12 and front cover 20 are preferably made of plastic or any other type of lightweight material.
Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate a cover interlock assembly. The cover interlock is essentially a safety interlock which monitors the position of the front cover 20. The components of the cover interlock assembly are installed in a drive control assembly 32 mounted on the right side of the housing 12. The components include a cover lever 36 pivotally mounted to the drive control assembly 32 at a pivot point 44, the cover lever 36 having a tab 38 extending outwardly therefrom which contacts a bottom edge 25 of the cover 20 when in a closed position. The tab 38 extends through and is movable in a slotted opening 34 extending through the drive control assembly 32. The cover lever 36 further having a first end 40 for contacting a cover switch 52 on a printed circuit board 50 installed in the drive control assembly 32, and a second end 42 opposite the first end 40 connected to a first end of a helical spring 46. The helical spring 46 having a second end 49 connected to a rigid post 48 on the drive control assembly 32. The spring 46 biases the cover lever 36 such that the first end depresses the cover switch 52 when the cover is in a closed position. When the cover 20 moves from an open position to a 20 closed position, the bottom edge 25 of the cover 20 comes in contact with the tab 38 to close the switch 52.
Contacting the normally open switch 52 with the closed cover 20 provides an electrical signal to a microcontroller U2 on the printed circuit board 50 representing that the dispenser 10
Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate a cover interlock assembly. The cover interlock is essentially a safety interlock which monitors the position of the front cover 20. The components of the cover interlock assembly are installed in a drive control assembly 32 mounted on the right side of the housing 12. The components include a cover lever 36 pivotally mounted to the drive control assembly 32 at a pivot point 44, the cover lever 36 having a tab 38 extending outwardly therefrom which contacts a bottom edge 25 of the cover 20 when in a closed position. The tab 38 extends through and is movable in a slotted opening 34 extending through the drive control assembly 32. The cover lever 36 further having a first end 40 for contacting a cover switch 52 on a printed circuit board 50 installed in the drive control assembly 32, and a second end 42 opposite the first end 40 connected to a first end of a helical spring 46. The helical spring 46 having a second end 49 connected to a rigid post 48 on the drive control assembly 32. The spring 46 biases the cover lever 36 such that the first end depresses the cover switch 52 when the cover is in a closed position. When the cover 20 moves from an open position to a 20 closed position, the bottom edge 25 of the cover 20 comes in contact with the tab 38 to close the switch 52.
Contacting the normally open switch 52 with the closed cover 20 provides an electrical signal to a microcontroller U2 on the printed circuit board 50 representing that the dispenser 10
9 is in a normal operating mode. When the cover 20 is open and the first end 40 of the cover lever 36 is not contacting the switch 52, the dispenser 10 is in a non-operating service mode as described in more detail below.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a dispenser assembly 56 that is installed in dispenser 10. The main components of the dispenser assembly 56 include the drive control assembly 32, a trigger assembly 58 (See Fig. 5) and a feed drive assembly 60 (See Fig. 9). A battery holder 62 for holding four D-size alkaline batteries is attached to the frame 57 oft the dispenser assembly 56. The battery holder 62 is electrically connected to the drive control assembly 32 by wires 64 for powering a drive motor 66 (See Figs. 8 and 9) and electrical components on the printed circuit board 50 (See Figs. 8, 10 and 11), installed in drive control assembly 32. The four alkaline batteries provide a nominal six volt (6VDC) through wires to connector JP 1 on the printed circuit board 50. A pair of arms 68 are pivotally mounted to and extend from the frame 57 of the dispenser assembly 56 for rotatably supporting a supply of roll paper 70, Fig.
6, in the dispenser housing.
Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser assembly 56 illustrating connection of the drive control assembly 32 to the right side of the dispenser assembly 56, and the various components of the trigger assembly 58. The drive control assembly 32 provides the electromechanical power to the dispenser through the drive motor 66 (See Figs. 8 and 9) and the electronics on the printed circuit board 50 (See Figs. 8, 10 and 11). The trigger assembly 58 provides an electrical signal to the microcontroller U2 (See Fig. 14A) representing event of a length of towel being torn from the dispenser, the microcontroller then starts the drive motor after a pre-programmed delay to feed another length of roll paper out the discharge opening 30 of the dispenser.
The trigger assembly 58 includes a rotatable trigger arm 72 pivotally mounted to the frame 57 of the trigger assembly by right and left bearing blocks 78, 80 and right and left trip brackets 74, 76. The trigger arm 72 is located behind a serrated cutting bar 88 (See Fig. 6) for cutting a length of paper towel from the supply ro1170. The cutting bar 88 extends from the end of a bracket 90 (See Fig. 6) fastened to the frame 57 of the dispenser assembly 56. The right side of the trigger arm 72 is connected to a spring biased trigger lever 84 through the right trip bracket 74. A return spring 82 is attached to the left trip bracket 76 to provide a balanced pivoting motion on both sides of the trigger arm.
Figs. 10 and 11 show the change in motion of trigger lever 84 when the trigger arm 72 is activated by a length of towel being tom from the dispenser, Fig.
11, and the trigger arm 72 in its normal position, Fig. 10. When the trigger arm 72 is activated, Fig. 11, trigger lever 84 moves upwardly causing a flat spring 96 attached to a first side 94 of the lever 84 to depress a trigger switch 98 mounted on the printed circuit board 50. Once the length of towel is tom from the cutting bar 88, the trigger arm 72 returns to its original position as shown in Fig. 10, releasing pressure from the switch 98. Actuation of the switch 98 causes the microcontroller U2 (See Fig. 14A) to initiate the drive motor 66 to feed another length of towel through discharge opening 30. Fig.
11 shows the trigger lever 84 depressing the switch 98 on the printed circuit board 50.
Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate the components of the feed drive assembly 60. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the dispenser assembly 56 before tearing a length of paper toweling from the supply roll. Fig. 7 depicts the feed drive assembly 60 after a length of paper toweling has been tom off the supply rol170. As shown in Fig.
6, the mll paper 71 is fed around a control bracket, in between the nip of a feeder roller 102 and an idler roller 104, and behind trigger arm 72 and serrated cutting bar 88.
Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate the drive motor and gear assembly within the drive control assembly 32. A plurality of drive reduction gears are driven by the shaft output of the dive motor. The gears transfer power from the drive motor 66 to a drive shaft connected to the drive gear. The drive motor is preferably a model RF-370-CA-261000 manufactured by Mabuchi Motor Company.
Fig. 12 illustrates the components of a digital data communication system of the present invention. The system includes an LED transmitter 120 mounted on the printed circuit board 50 of the drive control assembly32. The LED 120, preferably a bi-colored LED, is coupled to the microcontroller 50. The LED transmits visible and infrared (IR) data to a hand held receiver 122. The receiver 122 preferably includes an IR detector 124 and a display screen 126 for displaying data from the dispenser. As mentioned earlier, the data is transmitted by both visible light in the form of blinking green, yellow, or red colors from the LED and through IR signal transmission 128. The data is transmitted in packets, preferably in the form of HP-SIR protocol which is commonly used for IR data transfer between electronic devices. The receiver 122 is preferably a Palm IIIx organizer manufactured by 3Com Corporation, or another type of hand held device having an IR receiver.
Referring next to Fig. 13, a control panel 130 for the drive control assembly is shown.
The control panel includes openings for the LED and the four pushbutton membrane switches.
Three system parameters including towel length, dispense delay, and operating mode individually selectable by pressing the proper switch. Pressing one of the pushbutton switches will increment the value of the selected parameter. The factory default setting for each parameter are constant values programmed in memory. The last pushbutton is for resetting the system.
Except for the batteries and drive motor 66, all electrical components reside on the printed circuit board 50. Referring now to the schematic of electrical components shown in Fig 14, the connector JP 1 provides electrical connection to a power supply through two wires 64.
The power supply preferably comprises four D-size alkaline batteries which supply power to the drive motor 66 and the printed circuit board 50. The nominal voltage of each alkaline battery ranges from one and one-half volts (1.5V) for a fresh battery, to an end of service voltage of approximately nine-tenths of a volt (0.9V). This provides a power supply voltage ranging from 3.6V to 6.OV. The drive motor 66 interconnects to the printed circuit board at connectors Wl and W2. Wl connects to the supply voltage and W2 connects to a digital output circuit from microcontroller U2 labeled MOTOR, which provides gating voltage for transistor Q3. A high MOTOR output turns Q3 on, allowing current to flow from the power supply through the drive motor 66 to GND. A low MOTOR output turns Q3 off, blocking motor drive current. The JP2 connector allows for serial programming of the microcontroller U2.
Moving now to the components mounted on the printed circuit board 50, the primary power supply bus VP branches to a voltage regulator circuitry comprising Ul for supplying the proper voltage to the control circuitry as VCC. This reduced and regulated voltage improves the efficiency and extends the life of the alkaline batteries. The supply voltage VP is sampled by circuitry comprising transistor Ql and a voltage divider formed by resistors R3, R4 and capacitor C4. With Ql conducting, a scaled representation of the supply voltage VP is presented at the junction of resistors R3 and R4.
The main component on the printed circuit board 50 is the microcontroller U2 which includes RAM for storage of variable data, and is connected to a EEPROM U3 for storage of instructions and constant data. Peripheral circuitry supporting U2 include a crystal oscillator CRl and reset circuitry comprising R2, C3 and D2. The microcontroller U2 is preferably a PIC 16C62x manufactured by Microchip, Inc. Following is a summary of the microcontroller control circuits.
The analog comparator input ANO is sourced by the voltage divider circuit of Q1, R3 and R4. When activated by control output Pmgr the voltage divider provides a scaled representation of the supply voltage VP at Vsamp.
Digital output RAl controls a power management circuit labeled Pmgr comprising R6, R7, R8 and Q2. This circuit is used to activate the higher power circuits on an as needed basis.
The digital output circuit RA2, labeled RED, provides drive current to the red diode in an integrated bi-color LED. The digital output circuit RA3, labeled GREEN, provides drive current to the green diode in the bi-color LED. Circuit RA4 is a digital input labeled TACH. The TACH circuit provides a voltage proportional to the light transmitted between the LED and phototransistor of OP1. The apertures in the rotating encoder - of drive motor 66 alternately pass or block the beam of IR light between the LED and the phototransistor in OP1, switching the voltage at RA4 from binary high to binary low.
Circuits RB 1, RB2, RB3, RB6 and RB7 are digital inputs from a matrix of pushbutton switches labeled Kl LENGTH, K2 DELAY, K3 MODE and K4 PRESET.
Circuit RB5 is a digital input labeled TRIGGER from trigger switch SWl. SWl is a normally open switch that closes when the trigger is activated. Circuit RB4 is a digital input labeled COVER from the cover switch SW2. SWl is a normally open switch that closes when the trigger is activated. SW2 is a normally open switch that closes when the cover interlock is activated.
Figs. 15-24 are flow diagrams illustrating operation of the dispenser in accordance with the present invention. Process control begins with the main loop flow chart of Fig. 15.
Following power-up and a system reset 150, the initial state 152 of the dispenser is established.
Control then enters a polling loop. Here, the primary modes of system operation are represented as power manager 154, error monitor 156, service mode 158, and dispense process 160. This sequence loops indefinitely, or until a process request is detected. The loop represents the normal idling state of the system as it awaits some kind of outside interaction or interrupt.
The power manager 154 extends battery life by putting the system into a sleep mode after a certain amount of time. The system wakes up from the sleep mode when it receives an interrupt. The next process in Fig. 15 is the error monitor 156 of Fig. 16.
In the error monitor process, the system is monitored for a system error 162.
If no error is detected, then the system returns to the main loop. However, if an error is detected and the cover is closed 164, the error status is indicated as shown in Fig. 17 by the LED transmitting the error status data 168 and initiating a two second delay 170. The transmitted data may be received by a receiving device.
The next process in the main loop is the service mode. The dispenser cover must be open for the dispenser to be in service mode. The first process in service mode is the status indicator process of Fig. 19. In the status indicator process, the battery voltage is checked. If the battery voltage is less than 10% of full voltage 188, then the Red LED blinks on and off and transmits data that the batteries should be replaced 192. If the battery voltage is less than 20% of full voltage 190, then the Yellow LED blinks on and off and transmits data that the batteries are low and should be replaced soon 194. If the battery voltage is greater than 20% of full voltage 190, then the Green LED blinks on and off and transmits data that the batteries are good and do not need to be replaced 196.
Returning to the service mode of Fig. 18, the next step in the process is to scan and decode the pushbutton keys 174 on the control panel to determine if any have been depressed 176. If any of the keys have been depressed, then the process shifts to the command processor 178 in Fig. 20. If the first key has been pressed 204, then the next towel length preset is selected 212 and the control variables are updated in memory 220. If the key is not released 222, review the color-coded selection indicator 224. If the second key has been pressed 206, then the next dispense delay preset is selected 214 and the control variables are updated in memory 220. If the key is not released 222, review the color-coded selection indicator 224. If the third key has been pressed 208, then the next operating mode preset is selected 216 and the control variables are updated in memory 220. If the key is not released 222, review the color-coded selection indicator 224. If the fourth key has been pressed 210, then the next preset menu is selected 218 and the control variables are updated in memory 220. If the key is not released 222, review the color-coded selection indicator 224.
Returning again to the service mode of Fig. 18, the system checks to see if the cover is closed 180 by checking at the cover interlock. If the cover is closed, the error status is updated 182 as shown in Fig. 18.
In the update error status process of Fig. 21, the trigger is checked to determine if it is inactive 226. If the trigger is inactive, then a trigger jam error is cleared 228. If the trigger is not inactive, then a trigger jam error is flagged 238. The next step involves checking the battery voltage 230. If the voltage is good, then a low battery error is cleared 232. If the voltage is not good, then a low battery error is flagged 238.
The system may also clear a stall error 234 or an overload error.
Returning again to the service mode process of Fig. 18, the system makes a final check to determine if an error was flagged 184. If not, a dispense is requested 186.
The next process is the dispense process of Fig. 22.
In the dispense process, the system checks for a flagged error 242 and a dispense request 244. If a dispense has been requested by an activated trigger, the system checks to determine if the trigger has been released 246. If not, the system checks for a trigger timeout 25. If there has been a trigger timeout, then a trigger jam error is flagged 254. If the trigger was released, then the system initiates a dispense delay 248 and a feed cycle 250.
The feed cycle shown in Fig 23 is started by initializing the feed system 256.
Next, test parameters are activated 258. The test parameters process is shown in Fig. 24.
The system checks to see if the cover is closed 270. If the cover is open, the process is aborted 287 and returns to the main loop, Fig. 15. If the cover is closed, then the system checks for an inactive trigger 272. If the trigger is not inactive, a dispense request is flagged 280. If the trigger is inactive, then the system checks battery voltage 274. If the battery voltage is low, then a low battery error is flagged 282. If the voltage is good, the system checks for tach pulses 276 from the drive motor. If there are no tach pulses, then a stall error is flagged 284. If the tach pulses are present, then the system checks for the correct RPM of the drive motor 278. If the RPM is not in range, then an overload error is flagged 286. The process jumps back to the feed cycle of Fig. 23. If there was an abort flagged 260, then the feed system is shutdown 268 and the process goes back to the main loop. If an abort was not flagged, then the RPM 262 and angular displacement 264 of the drive motor are monitored by the feed system to determine feeding speed and towel length, respectively. The data is recorded in memory 266. The feed system is shutdown and the process jumps to the main loop.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations, and admissions may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only and should not limit the scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a dispenser assembly 56 that is installed in dispenser 10. The main components of the dispenser assembly 56 include the drive control assembly 32, a trigger assembly 58 (See Fig. 5) and a feed drive assembly 60 (See Fig. 9). A battery holder 62 for holding four D-size alkaline batteries is attached to the frame 57 oft the dispenser assembly 56. The battery holder 62 is electrically connected to the drive control assembly 32 by wires 64 for powering a drive motor 66 (See Figs. 8 and 9) and electrical components on the printed circuit board 50 (See Figs. 8, 10 and 11), installed in drive control assembly 32. The four alkaline batteries provide a nominal six volt (6VDC) through wires to connector JP 1 on the printed circuit board 50. A pair of arms 68 are pivotally mounted to and extend from the frame 57 of the dispenser assembly 56 for rotatably supporting a supply of roll paper 70, Fig.
6, in the dispenser housing.
Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser assembly 56 illustrating connection of the drive control assembly 32 to the right side of the dispenser assembly 56, and the various components of the trigger assembly 58. The drive control assembly 32 provides the electromechanical power to the dispenser through the drive motor 66 (See Figs. 8 and 9) and the electronics on the printed circuit board 50 (See Figs. 8, 10 and 11). The trigger assembly 58 provides an electrical signal to the microcontroller U2 (See Fig. 14A) representing event of a length of towel being torn from the dispenser, the microcontroller then starts the drive motor after a pre-programmed delay to feed another length of roll paper out the discharge opening 30 of the dispenser.
The trigger assembly 58 includes a rotatable trigger arm 72 pivotally mounted to the frame 57 of the trigger assembly by right and left bearing blocks 78, 80 and right and left trip brackets 74, 76. The trigger arm 72 is located behind a serrated cutting bar 88 (See Fig. 6) for cutting a length of paper towel from the supply ro1170. The cutting bar 88 extends from the end of a bracket 90 (See Fig. 6) fastened to the frame 57 of the dispenser assembly 56. The right side of the trigger arm 72 is connected to a spring biased trigger lever 84 through the right trip bracket 74. A return spring 82 is attached to the left trip bracket 76 to provide a balanced pivoting motion on both sides of the trigger arm.
Figs. 10 and 11 show the change in motion of trigger lever 84 when the trigger arm 72 is activated by a length of towel being tom from the dispenser, Fig.
11, and the trigger arm 72 in its normal position, Fig. 10. When the trigger arm 72 is activated, Fig. 11, trigger lever 84 moves upwardly causing a flat spring 96 attached to a first side 94 of the lever 84 to depress a trigger switch 98 mounted on the printed circuit board 50. Once the length of towel is tom from the cutting bar 88, the trigger arm 72 returns to its original position as shown in Fig. 10, releasing pressure from the switch 98. Actuation of the switch 98 causes the microcontroller U2 (See Fig. 14A) to initiate the drive motor 66 to feed another length of towel through discharge opening 30. Fig.
11 shows the trigger lever 84 depressing the switch 98 on the printed circuit board 50.
Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate the components of the feed drive assembly 60. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the dispenser assembly 56 before tearing a length of paper toweling from the supply roll. Fig. 7 depicts the feed drive assembly 60 after a length of paper toweling has been tom off the supply rol170. As shown in Fig.
6, the mll paper 71 is fed around a control bracket, in between the nip of a feeder roller 102 and an idler roller 104, and behind trigger arm 72 and serrated cutting bar 88.
Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate the drive motor and gear assembly within the drive control assembly 32. A plurality of drive reduction gears are driven by the shaft output of the dive motor. The gears transfer power from the drive motor 66 to a drive shaft connected to the drive gear. The drive motor is preferably a model RF-370-CA-261000 manufactured by Mabuchi Motor Company.
Fig. 12 illustrates the components of a digital data communication system of the present invention. The system includes an LED transmitter 120 mounted on the printed circuit board 50 of the drive control assembly32. The LED 120, preferably a bi-colored LED, is coupled to the microcontroller 50. The LED transmits visible and infrared (IR) data to a hand held receiver 122. The receiver 122 preferably includes an IR detector 124 and a display screen 126 for displaying data from the dispenser. As mentioned earlier, the data is transmitted by both visible light in the form of blinking green, yellow, or red colors from the LED and through IR signal transmission 128. The data is transmitted in packets, preferably in the form of HP-SIR protocol which is commonly used for IR data transfer between electronic devices. The receiver 122 is preferably a Palm IIIx organizer manufactured by 3Com Corporation, or another type of hand held device having an IR receiver.
Referring next to Fig. 13, a control panel 130 for the drive control assembly is shown.
The control panel includes openings for the LED and the four pushbutton membrane switches.
Three system parameters including towel length, dispense delay, and operating mode individually selectable by pressing the proper switch. Pressing one of the pushbutton switches will increment the value of the selected parameter. The factory default setting for each parameter are constant values programmed in memory. The last pushbutton is for resetting the system.
Except for the batteries and drive motor 66, all electrical components reside on the printed circuit board 50. Referring now to the schematic of electrical components shown in Fig 14, the connector JP 1 provides electrical connection to a power supply through two wires 64.
The power supply preferably comprises four D-size alkaline batteries which supply power to the drive motor 66 and the printed circuit board 50. The nominal voltage of each alkaline battery ranges from one and one-half volts (1.5V) for a fresh battery, to an end of service voltage of approximately nine-tenths of a volt (0.9V). This provides a power supply voltage ranging from 3.6V to 6.OV. The drive motor 66 interconnects to the printed circuit board at connectors Wl and W2. Wl connects to the supply voltage and W2 connects to a digital output circuit from microcontroller U2 labeled MOTOR, which provides gating voltage for transistor Q3. A high MOTOR output turns Q3 on, allowing current to flow from the power supply through the drive motor 66 to GND. A low MOTOR output turns Q3 off, blocking motor drive current. The JP2 connector allows for serial programming of the microcontroller U2.
Moving now to the components mounted on the printed circuit board 50, the primary power supply bus VP branches to a voltage regulator circuitry comprising Ul for supplying the proper voltage to the control circuitry as VCC. This reduced and regulated voltage improves the efficiency and extends the life of the alkaline batteries. The supply voltage VP is sampled by circuitry comprising transistor Ql and a voltage divider formed by resistors R3, R4 and capacitor C4. With Ql conducting, a scaled representation of the supply voltage VP is presented at the junction of resistors R3 and R4.
The main component on the printed circuit board 50 is the microcontroller U2 which includes RAM for storage of variable data, and is connected to a EEPROM U3 for storage of instructions and constant data. Peripheral circuitry supporting U2 include a crystal oscillator CRl and reset circuitry comprising R2, C3 and D2. The microcontroller U2 is preferably a PIC 16C62x manufactured by Microchip, Inc. Following is a summary of the microcontroller control circuits.
The analog comparator input ANO is sourced by the voltage divider circuit of Q1, R3 and R4. When activated by control output Pmgr the voltage divider provides a scaled representation of the supply voltage VP at Vsamp.
Digital output RAl controls a power management circuit labeled Pmgr comprising R6, R7, R8 and Q2. This circuit is used to activate the higher power circuits on an as needed basis.
The digital output circuit RA2, labeled RED, provides drive current to the red diode in an integrated bi-color LED. The digital output circuit RA3, labeled GREEN, provides drive current to the green diode in the bi-color LED. Circuit RA4 is a digital input labeled TACH. The TACH circuit provides a voltage proportional to the light transmitted between the LED and phototransistor of OP1. The apertures in the rotating encoder - of drive motor 66 alternately pass or block the beam of IR light between the LED and the phototransistor in OP1, switching the voltage at RA4 from binary high to binary low.
Circuits RB 1, RB2, RB3, RB6 and RB7 are digital inputs from a matrix of pushbutton switches labeled Kl LENGTH, K2 DELAY, K3 MODE and K4 PRESET.
Circuit RB5 is a digital input labeled TRIGGER from trigger switch SWl. SWl is a normally open switch that closes when the trigger is activated. Circuit RB4 is a digital input labeled COVER from the cover switch SW2. SWl is a normally open switch that closes when the trigger is activated. SW2 is a normally open switch that closes when the cover interlock is activated.
Figs. 15-24 are flow diagrams illustrating operation of the dispenser in accordance with the present invention. Process control begins with the main loop flow chart of Fig. 15.
Following power-up and a system reset 150, the initial state 152 of the dispenser is established.
Control then enters a polling loop. Here, the primary modes of system operation are represented as power manager 154, error monitor 156, service mode 158, and dispense process 160. This sequence loops indefinitely, or until a process request is detected. The loop represents the normal idling state of the system as it awaits some kind of outside interaction or interrupt.
The power manager 154 extends battery life by putting the system into a sleep mode after a certain amount of time. The system wakes up from the sleep mode when it receives an interrupt. The next process in Fig. 15 is the error monitor 156 of Fig. 16.
In the error monitor process, the system is monitored for a system error 162.
If no error is detected, then the system returns to the main loop. However, if an error is detected and the cover is closed 164, the error status is indicated as shown in Fig. 17 by the LED transmitting the error status data 168 and initiating a two second delay 170. The transmitted data may be received by a receiving device.
The next process in the main loop is the service mode. The dispenser cover must be open for the dispenser to be in service mode. The first process in service mode is the status indicator process of Fig. 19. In the status indicator process, the battery voltage is checked. If the battery voltage is less than 10% of full voltage 188, then the Red LED blinks on and off and transmits data that the batteries should be replaced 192. If the battery voltage is less than 20% of full voltage 190, then the Yellow LED blinks on and off and transmits data that the batteries are low and should be replaced soon 194. If the battery voltage is greater than 20% of full voltage 190, then the Green LED blinks on and off and transmits data that the batteries are good and do not need to be replaced 196.
Returning to the service mode of Fig. 18, the next step in the process is to scan and decode the pushbutton keys 174 on the control panel to determine if any have been depressed 176. If any of the keys have been depressed, then the process shifts to the command processor 178 in Fig. 20. If the first key has been pressed 204, then the next towel length preset is selected 212 and the control variables are updated in memory 220. If the key is not released 222, review the color-coded selection indicator 224. If the second key has been pressed 206, then the next dispense delay preset is selected 214 and the control variables are updated in memory 220. If the key is not released 222, review the color-coded selection indicator 224. If the third key has been pressed 208, then the next operating mode preset is selected 216 and the control variables are updated in memory 220. If the key is not released 222, review the color-coded selection indicator 224. If the fourth key has been pressed 210, then the next preset menu is selected 218 and the control variables are updated in memory 220. If the key is not released 222, review the color-coded selection indicator 224.
Returning again to the service mode of Fig. 18, the system checks to see if the cover is closed 180 by checking at the cover interlock. If the cover is closed, the error status is updated 182 as shown in Fig. 18.
In the update error status process of Fig. 21, the trigger is checked to determine if it is inactive 226. If the trigger is inactive, then a trigger jam error is cleared 228. If the trigger is not inactive, then a trigger jam error is flagged 238. The next step involves checking the battery voltage 230. If the voltage is good, then a low battery error is cleared 232. If the voltage is not good, then a low battery error is flagged 238.
The system may also clear a stall error 234 or an overload error.
Returning again to the service mode process of Fig. 18, the system makes a final check to determine if an error was flagged 184. If not, a dispense is requested 186.
The next process is the dispense process of Fig. 22.
In the dispense process, the system checks for a flagged error 242 and a dispense request 244. If a dispense has been requested by an activated trigger, the system checks to determine if the trigger has been released 246. If not, the system checks for a trigger timeout 25. If there has been a trigger timeout, then a trigger jam error is flagged 254. If the trigger was released, then the system initiates a dispense delay 248 and a feed cycle 250.
The feed cycle shown in Fig 23 is started by initializing the feed system 256.
Next, test parameters are activated 258. The test parameters process is shown in Fig. 24.
The system checks to see if the cover is closed 270. If the cover is open, the process is aborted 287 and returns to the main loop, Fig. 15. If the cover is closed, then the system checks for an inactive trigger 272. If the trigger is not inactive, a dispense request is flagged 280. If the trigger is inactive, then the system checks battery voltage 274. If the battery voltage is low, then a low battery error is flagged 282. If the voltage is good, the system checks for tach pulses 276 from the drive motor. If there are no tach pulses, then a stall error is flagged 284. If the tach pulses are present, then the system checks for the correct RPM of the drive motor 278. If the RPM is not in range, then an overload error is flagged 286. The process jumps back to the feed cycle of Fig. 23. If there was an abort flagged 260, then the feed system is shutdown 268 and the process goes back to the main loop. If an abort was not flagged, then the RPM 262 and angular displacement 264 of the drive motor are monitored by the feed system to determine feeding speed and towel length, respectively. The data is recorded in memory 266. The feed system is shutdown and the process jumps to the main loop.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations, and admissions may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only and should not limit the scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.
Claims (32)
1. An electronically controlled dispenser, comprising:
a housing having a back panel for fastening to a wall, first and second side panels, a front cover pivotally connected to the housing, and a discharge opening for feeding a length of paper out of the dispenser;
a dispenser assembly having a frame for rotatably supporting a supply roll of paper within said housing;
a feed drive assembly, having a drive motor and a plurality of rollers for advancing paper from the supply roll of paper though said discharge opening;
a movable trigger assembly for automatically activating said feed drive assembly in response to one of a user pulling and a user tensioning a previously dispensed length of roll paper to dispense another length of paper from the supply roll of paper though said discharge opening; and a fixed cutting bar, independent from said trigger assembly, for tearing paper dispensed from said dispenser.
a housing having a back panel for fastening to a wall, first and second side panels, a front cover pivotally connected to the housing, and a discharge opening for feeding a length of paper out of the dispenser;
a dispenser assembly having a frame for rotatably supporting a supply roll of paper within said housing;
a feed drive assembly, having a drive motor and a plurality of rollers for advancing paper from the supply roll of paper though said discharge opening;
a movable trigger assembly for automatically activating said feed drive assembly in response to one of a user pulling and a user tensioning a previously dispensed length of roll paper to dispense another length of paper from the supply roll of paper though said discharge opening; and a fixed cutting bar, independent from said trigger assembly, for tearing paper dispensed from said dispenser.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a drive control assembly interacting with said dispenser assembly and having a microcontroller for controlling operation of said feed drive assembly through an embedded program to automatically dispense a predetermined length of paper after said trigger assembly has been activated.
3. The dispenser of claim 2, further comprising a data transmitter coupled to said drive control assembly for transmitting visual and digital data from the dispenser.
4. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 3, said front cover of the housing being movable between an open position and a closed position.
5. The dispenser of any one of claims 2 and 3, further comprising a cover interlock assembly monitoring said front cover of the housing.
6. The dispenser of claim 5, said cover interlock assembly including a switch, said switch, when the front cover is in one of an open position and a closed position, sending a signal to the microcontroller to change operation of the dispenser from a normal operating mode to a service mode.
7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the dispenser is in the normal operating mode when the front cover is in the closed position.
8. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the dispenser is in the service mode when the front cover is in the open position.
9. The dispenser of claim 1, said drive motor including an encoder for dispensing a predetermined length of roll paper after a predetermined dispense delay.
10. The dispenser of claim 1, said trigger assembly including a rotatable trigger arm pivotally mounted to the dispenser assembly and located behind said fixed cutting bar.
11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein roll paper fed through the feed drive assembly contacts and rotates said trigger arm when the user pulls on an exposed length of roll paper extending from the dispenser.
12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the trigger arm activates a trigger switch, said trigger switch sending a signal to a microcontroller to initiate the feed drive assembly to dispense a length of roll paper for the user.
13. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 12, the length of paper dispensed being programmable.
14. The dispenser of claim 9, the predetermined dispense delay being programmable.
15. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the dispenser is battery powered.
16. T he dispenser of claim 3, further comprising a control panel mounted to the drive control assembly including a plurality of openings for the data transmitter and a plurality of switches for programming a length of roll paper dispensed, a dispense delay, an operating mode and system presets.
17. The dispenser of claim 3, said data transmitter transmitting visual data when the front cover is in one of an open position and a closed position.
18. The dispenser of claim 3, the data transmitter transmitting digital data when the front cover is in an open position and the dispenser is operating in a service mode.
19. The dispenser of claim 3, the data transmitter being a bi-colored LED
for transmitting visual and IR data.
for transmitting visual and IR data.
20. The dispenser of claim 19, the IR data being transmitted in data packets using a HP-SIR communication protocol.
21. The dispenser of claim 3, further comprising a data communication system incorporated within the drive control assembly including a data receiver located remotely from the dispenser for receiving data from the data transmitter.
22. The dispenser of claim 21, said data receiver being one of a personal organizer and PDA with an integral IR receiver.
23. An electronically controlled dispenser, comprising:
a housing having a back panel adapted to be fastened to a wall, first and second side panels, a front cover pivotally connected to the housing, and a discharge opening for feeding a length of roll paper out of the dispenser;
a dispenser assembly having a frame for rotatably supporting a supply roll of roll paper within said housing;
a feed drive assembly having a drive motor and a plurality of rollers for advancing paper from the supply roll though the discharge opening;
a movable trigger assembly for automatically activating said feed drive assembly in response to an operator one of pulling and tensioning a previously dispensed length of roll paper to dispense another length of roll paper from the supply roll though the discharge opening;
a fixed cutting bar, independent from said trigger assembly, for tearing paper dispensed from said the dispenser; and a drive control assembly having a microcontroller for controlling operation of the feed drive assembly through an embedded program to automatically dispense a predetermined length of paper after the trigger assembly has been activated.
a housing having a back panel adapted to be fastened to a wall, first and second side panels, a front cover pivotally connected to the housing, and a discharge opening for feeding a length of roll paper out of the dispenser;
a dispenser assembly having a frame for rotatably supporting a supply roll of roll paper within said housing;
a feed drive assembly having a drive motor and a plurality of rollers for advancing paper from the supply roll though the discharge opening;
a movable trigger assembly for automatically activating said feed drive assembly in response to an operator one of pulling and tensioning a previously dispensed length of roll paper to dispense another length of roll paper from the supply roll though the discharge opening;
a fixed cutting bar, independent from said trigger assembly, for tearing paper dispensed from said the dispenser; and a drive control assembly having a microcontroller for controlling operation of the feed drive assembly through an embedded program to automatically dispense a predetermined length of paper after the trigger assembly has been activated.
24. The dispenser of claim 23, further comprising a data transmitter coupled to the drive control assembly for transmitting data collected by the microcontroller to a data receiver located remotely from the dispenser.
25. The dispenser of any one of claims 23 and 24, the predetermined length of paper being programmable.
26. The dispenser of any one of claims 23 to 25, a dispense delay after the trigger assembly has been activated being programmable.
27. The dispenser of any one of claims 23 to 26, the dispenser being battery powered.
28. An electronically controlled roll towel dispenser with a data communication system, comprising:
a housing having a back panel adapted to be fastened to a wall, first and second side panels, a front cover pivotally connected to the housing, and a discharge opening for feeding a length of paper toweling out of the dispenser;
a dispenser assembly having a frame for rotatably supporting a supply roll of paper toweling within the housing;
a feed drive assembly having a drive motor and a plurality of rollers for advancing paper toweling from the supply roll though the discharge opening;
a movable trigger assembly for activating the feed drive assembly to dispense a predetermined length paper toweling from the supply roll though the discharge opening;
a fixed cutting bar, independent from said trigger assembly, for tearing paper dispensed from said the dispenser;
a drive control assembly having a microcontroller for controlling operation of the feed drive assembly through an embedded program to automatically dispense a predetermined length of paper toweling after the trigger assembly has been activated;
a data transmitter coupled to the drive control assembly for transmitting visual and digital data from the dispenser; and, a data receiver located remotely from the dispenser for receiving data from the data transmitter.
a housing having a back panel adapted to be fastened to a wall, first and second side panels, a front cover pivotally connected to the housing, and a discharge opening for feeding a length of paper toweling out of the dispenser;
a dispenser assembly having a frame for rotatably supporting a supply roll of paper toweling within the housing;
a feed drive assembly having a drive motor and a plurality of rollers for advancing paper toweling from the supply roll though the discharge opening;
a movable trigger assembly for activating the feed drive assembly to dispense a predetermined length paper toweling from the supply roll though the discharge opening;
a fixed cutting bar, independent from said trigger assembly, for tearing paper dispensed from said the dispenser;
a drive control assembly having a microcontroller for controlling operation of the feed drive assembly through an embedded program to automatically dispense a predetermined length of paper toweling after the trigger assembly has been activated;
a data transmitter coupled to the drive control assembly for transmitting visual and digital data from the dispenser; and, a data receiver located remotely from the dispenser for receiving data from the data transmitter.
29. The dispenser of claim 28, the paper fed through the feed drive assembly contacting the trigger arm and the cutting bar.
30. The dispenser of claim 28, the trigger arm being activated by a user tensioning an exposed length of paper toweling across the trigger arm of the dispenser.
31. The dispenser of claim 30, the activated trigger arm sending a signal to the microcontroller to activate the drive motor to automatically dispense another length of paper toweling to the user.
32. A rolled material dispenser, comprising:
a housing with a discharge opening through which rolled material is dispensed;
a support assembly for rotatably supporting a supply of rolled material to be dispensed;
a drive assembly having a drive motor for advancing the rolled material from the supply roll through the discharge opening;
a trigger assembly, having a trigger arm rotatably actuated by a user tensioning a previously dispensed length of rolled material, actuation of said trigger arm activating the drive motor to dispense a predetermined length of rolled material through the discharge opening; and a fixed cutting bar, independent and distinct from said trigger assembly for selectively tearing rolled material dispensed through the discharge opening.
a housing with a discharge opening through which rolled material is dispensed;
a support assembly for rotatably supporting a supply of rolled material to be dispensed;
a drive assembly having a drive motor for advancing the rolled material from the supply roll through the discharge opening;
a trigger assembly, having a trigger arm rotatably actuated by a user tensioning a previously dispensed length of rolled material, actuation of said trigger arm activating the drive motor to dispense a predetermined length of rolled material through the discharge opening; and a fixed cutting bar, independent and distinct from said trigger assembly for selectively tearing rolled material dispensed through the discharge opening.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13013799P | 1999-04-20 | 1999-04-20 | |
| US60/130,137 | 1999-04-20 | ||
| US15900699P | 1999-10-11 | 1999-10-11 | |
| US60/159,006 | 1999-10-11 | ||
| PCT/US2000/010761 WO2000063100A1 (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2000-04-20 | Electronically controlled roll towel dispenser with data communication system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2370790A1 CA2370790A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
| CA2370790C true CA2370790C (en) | 2007-11-13 |
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ID=26828204
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002370790A Expired - Lifetime CA2370790C (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2000-04-20 | Electronically controlled roll towel dispenser with data communication system |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1202924B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE326418T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU762377B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR0009890A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2370790C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE60028043T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2265343T3 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA01010615A (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ514885A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000063100A1 (en) |
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| US6607160B2 (en) | 2001-07-30 | 2003-08-19 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide | Easy loading dispenser |
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| US6820785B2 (en) | 2001-12-20 | 2004-11-23 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Electrical roll product dispenser |
| CA2390411A1 (en) | 2002-06-03 | 2003-12-03 | Alwin Manufacturing Company, Incorporated | Automatic dispenser apparatus |
| US6977588B2 (en) | 2002-06-03 | 2005-12-20 | Alwin Manufacturing Co. | Automatic dispenser apparatus |
| US7213782B2 (en) * | 2004-01-30 | 2007-05-08 | Charles Agnew Osborne | Intelligent dispensing system |
| BRPI0519763B1 (en) | 2004-12-30 | 2018-10-23 | Colman Group Inc | improved distributor for laminated material |
| AU2005338973B2 (en) | 2005-12-07 | 2011-09-29 | Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag | Supply package for use in an apparatus for dispensing sheet material and an apparatus for dispensing sheet material |
| US7735770B2 (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2010-06-15 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Electric dispenser for dispensing sheets from a roll of perforated web material |
| US20100269653A1 (en) | 2007-12-21 | 2010-10-28 | Sca Hygiene Products Ab | Hands-free paper towel dispenser |
| AT506710B1 (en) * | 2008-05-05 | 2011-05-15 | Hagleitner Hans Georg | DONOR |
| GB2460721A (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2009-12-16 | Red Dot Technologies Ltd | Electrical apparatus having operation status indicator which cn transmit parameter values |
| US8555761B2 (en) | 2008-10-28 | 2013-10-15 | Dispensing Dynamics International | Paper sheet material dispenser apparatus |
| US9248988B2 (en) | 2009-05-27 | 2016-02-02 | Dispensing Dynamics International | Multi-function dispenser for dispensing paper sheet material |
| US8382026B2 (en) | 2009-05-27 | 2013-02-26 | Dispensing Dynamics International | Multi-function paper toweling dispenser |
| US9345367B2 (en) | 2009-05-27 | 2016-05-24 | Dispensing Dynamics International | Multi-function paper toweling dispenser |
| US8511599B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2013-08-20 | Richard LaLau | Paper towel dispensing systems |
| WO2013044385A1 (en) | 2011-09-26 | 2013-04-04 | Cascades Canada Ulc | Rolled product dispenser with multiple cutting blades and cutter assembly for a rolled product dispenser |
| HUE033850T2 (en) * | 2011-10-21 | 2018-01-29 | Sca Hygiene Prod Ab | Product level sensor for a product dispenser |
| MX370885B (en) | 2012-05-08 | 2020-01-09 | Dispensing Dynamics Int Llc | Paper sheet material dispenser apparatus. |
| GB201219563D0 (en) * | 2012-10-31 | 2012-12-12 | Heber Ltd | Device and system for diagnostic communications by light |
| US9730559B2 (en) * | 2014-04-10 | 2017-08-15 | Dispensing Dynamics International, Llc | Electro-mechanical paper sheet material dispenser with tail sensor |
| ES2881250T3 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2021-11-29 | Essity Hygiene & Health Ab | An interface for an automatic toilet roll dispenser |
| US9408507B2 (en) | 2014-05-21 | 2016-08-09 | Dispensing Dynamics International | Paper sheet material dispenser apparatus with dynamic braking |
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-
2000
- 2000-04-20 MX MXPA01010615A patent/MXPA01010615A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-04-20 DE DE60028043T patent/DE60028043T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-04-20 BR BR0009890-6A patent/BR0009890A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-04-20 CA CA002370790A patent/CA2370790C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-04-20 ES ES00926230T patent/ES2265343T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-04-20 AT AT00926230T patent/ATE326418T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-04-20 NZ NZ514885A patent/NZ514885A/en unknown
- 2000-04-20 AU AU44794/00A patent/AU762377B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2000-04-20 EP EP00926230A patent/EP1202924B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-04-20 WO PCT/US2000/010761 patent/WO2000063100A1/en active IP Right Grant
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|---|---|
| AU4479400A (en) | 2000-11-02 |
| BR0009890A (en) | 2002-01-22 |
| DE60028043D1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
| MXPA01010615A (en) | 2002-11-04 |
| EP1202924B1 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
| DE60028043T2 (en) | 2006-12-21 |
| WO2000063100A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
| NZ514885A (en) | 2004-02-27 |
| CA2370790A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
| ES2265343T3 (en) | 2007-02-16 |
| EP1202924A4 (en) | 2003-05-07 |
| EP1202924A1 (en) | 2002-05-08 |
| AU762377B2 (en) | 2003-06-26 |
| ATE326418T1 (en) | 2006-06-15 |
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Effective date: 20200420 |