ES2396710T3 - Dispenser with material recognition apparatus and material recognition procedure - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing laminated material (1001) from a roll (1003) of the type that includes a housing (11), a roll holder (109) supporting the roll (1003) for rotation inside the housing (11 ), a discharge apparatus (43) and an actuator (45) that activates the discharge apparatus (43) to dispense the laminated material from the dispenser (10), characterized by: a sensor (138) mounted in the housing ( 11), said sensor (138) being located to read a code (1019) associated with the roll (1003) and to generate a code signal corresponding to the code (1019); a control circuit (49) operatively connected to the sensor (138), said control circuit (49) being adapted to (a) receive the code signal, (b) validate the code (1019) represented by said code signal, and (c) allow the dispensing of the laminated material if the code (1019) is valid or does not allow the dispensing of the laminated material if the code (1019) is not valid; and a power supply apparatus (47) adapted to supply electrical energy to the sensor (138) and the control circuit (49).

Description

Dispenser with material recognition apparatus and material recognition procedure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to a dispensing apparatus and, more particularly, to a flexible laminated material dispensing apparatus that includes an apparatus for recognizing the laminated material to be dispensed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE

[0002] Dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flexible laminate, such as paper towels and the like, are widely known in the art.

[0003] An example is WO 99/58457 (Georgia Pacific Corp.) which shows a dispensing apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] Such dispensers normally discharge a laminated material provided in the form of a roll of laminated material. The roll of laminated material comprises a fabric of rolled material wrapped around a core. The core is usually in the form of a hollow cylindrical core made of cardboard, plastic or a similar material. The core normally has an internal surface and open ends provided to mount the roll of laminated material within the dispenser. The roll of laminated material can be mounted inside the dispenser, for example, by means of a fork with roll holders or mandrels adapted for insertion into the open ends of the core.

[0005] The laminated material is dispensed in several ways, for example by operating the dispenser with a proximity detector, by manually pressing a button that activates the dispenser, manipulating a lever or gripping and manually pulling the end of the laminated material protruding from the dispenser .

[0006] Within the dispenser, the laminated material fabric is normally removed from its storage location and through a contact area formed between a drive roller and a tension roller. Then, the laminated material leaves the dispenser. The drive roller can be driven by various means, including an electric motor in a power transmission relationship with the drive roller, or by a manually operated apparatus such as a lever or a push bar in a power transmission relationship with the roller. impeller or, in addition, by friction coupling between the impeller roller and the laminated material that is generated when the laminated material is grasped and pulled by the user.

[0007] A major problem affecting these types of dispensers is the need to ensure that the dispenser operates reliably and without the need for constant maintenance by a manager. The dispenser must not only function reliably, but must do so under severe and difficult conditions. For example, the dispenser must withstand several thousand operating cycles and must withstand the harsh treatment frequently given by users. In addition, the dispenser must withstand the rigors of operation in adverse environmental conditions such as high humidity environments typical of changing rooms

or public toilets.

[0008] The laminate material selected for use with the dispenser should facilitate reliable operation of the dispenser under these extreme conditions. As an initial consideration, the laminate itself must be selected to be compatible with the mechanical apparatus of the dispenser. Such mechanical apparatus will vary depending on the structure and operation of the dispenser. The laminated material used with the dispenser must be of sufficient weight so that the material does not break prematurely when tension forces are applied to the material during the dispensing process. The laminated material must also be uniform and must not present irregularities that may result in premature rupture or deformation of the laminated material. The laminated material must be able to be dispensed independently of moisture and other environmental conditions to which the dispenser is exposed.

[0009] Therefore, it is clear that the operation of the dispenser can be improved by allowing the dispenser to operate with a laminated material designed for use with such a dispenser and selected for use in the environmental conditions in which the dispenser is expected to operate. However, the selection of the optimum laminated material can be complicated excessively since there are many commercial sources of laminated material and because apparently identical types of laminated material may not have the properties required for the optimal operation of a dispenser. Currently available dispensers lack the ability to identify sources of laminate material designed for use with such dispensers, possibly allowing the dispenser to operate with a laminate not suitable for use with the dispenser and contributing to the dispenser not functioning reliably.

[0010] A significant improvement in the technique would be to provide a dispensing apparatus for dispensing laminated material that includes an apparatus that allows recognizing the laminated material suitable for use with that dispenser and that allows the operation of the dispenser with such suitable laminated material to optimize that mode the effective operation and use of the dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention relates to an improved dispensing apparatus for dispensing flexible laminated material in the form of a fabric. The dispenser of the invention includes an apparatus for the recognition of the laminated material to be dispensed and the invention includes a material recognition process. The dispenser and the material recognition apparatus can be adapted for use with a laminated material of any suitable form including paper towels, toilet paper, kraft paper, cotton cloths, plastic sheets, thin layers and the like. Advantageously, such material recognition apparatus is not limited for use with any particular dispensing apparatus and can be adapted to operate with the structure of the particular dispenser of interest. The recognition apparatus allows the dispenser to operate with a laminated material suitable for the dispenser, thereby providing the owner of the dispenser with a degree of control over the laminate used with the dispenser. Advantageously, this allows the dispenser to be used with custom laminated material for optimal operation of the dispenser, while minimizing the risk of failure of the dispenser caused by premature or unwanted breakage, deformation or bending of the laminated material .

[0012] The dispensing apparatus that is used to carry out the invention can be of any type suitable for dispensing the laminated material. Preferred forms of the dispensing apparatus include a dispenser housing containing the mechanical components of the dispenser. These components preferably include a roll holder of laminated material to rotatably support a roll of laminated material within the housing, a drive roller and a tension roller mounted rotatably with respect to the housing and a drive apparatus in a transmission ratio of power with the drive roller. The drive apparatus is provided to rotatably activate the drive roller so that the laminated material travels through the contact area formed between the drive roller and the tension roller, and exits the dispenser into the user's hand.

[0013] In general, the material recognition apparatus used with the dispenser comprises a sensor mounted in the housing and a control circuit operatively connected to the sensor.

[0014] Preferably, embodiments of manually operated dispenser may include an interlocking device operatively connected to the control circuit through which the dispenser is enabled or disabled. A power supply apparatus supplies electrical energy to the sensor, the control circuit and the interlocking device.

[0015] The sensor is provided to read a code associated with the roll and to generate a code signal corresponding to the code. Preferably, the code read by the sensor is a bar code and the code signal is an analog signal corresponding to the elements comprising the bar code. More preferably, the bar code is located on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical core on which the laminated material is wound. It is also preferred that the roll holder comprises a pair of opposing roll holders and that the sensor is mounted on at least one such roll holder in a position to read the barcode.

[0016] Preferred forms of the sensor include an optical source adapted to direct optical energy towards the code associated with the roll and an optical detector adapted to receive the optical energy from the code associated with the roll and generate the code signal corresponding to the code associated with the roll . The most preferred optical source is an infrared emitting diode and the most preferred optical detector is a phototransistor adjacent to the diode.

[0017] The most preferred control circuit includes a microcontroller and related components. The most preferred microcontroller is adapted to receive the code signal from the sensor and to compare the code represented by the code signal with at least one code of a code database stored in the memory of the microcontroller. A correspondence between the codes represents the recognition of the laminated material as a laminated material from an authorized source suitable for use with the dispenser. Preferably, the microcontroller generates a signal or signals that result in the dispenser going to a dispenser state enabled if the codes match and a dispenser state disabled if the codes do not match or if there is no code to read.

[0018] The states of enabled dispenser and disabled dispenser can be set in several ways consistent with the invention. For dispensers with a motor-activated drive apparatus, it is more preferred that the microcontroller enable or disable the motor. As a result, the motor will respond, or not, to the actuation of a user input device, such as an on / off switch or a proximity detector.

[0019] For dispensers with a manually activated drive device, it is more preferred that the microcontroller controls the drive device. In preferred embodiments, the enabled or disabled state of the drive device can be set through an interlock device comprising an electromechanical component controlled by the microcontroller in combination with a mechanical device that interacts with the drive device. In highly preferred embodiments of the invention, an interlocking device, such as a solenoid, a reversible DC motor or the like, can move a freewheel floating gear between a gear coupling position that enables the dispenser and an uncoupling position. gear that disables the dispenser. The "gear coupling" position refers to a position in which the freewheel gear can move to a position in which the drive apparatus can be activated through the freewheel gear. The "gear uncoupling" position refers to a position in which the freewheel gear is in a position where the drive apparatus cannot be activated through the freewheel gear, such position corresponding to the dispenser state disabled

[0020] In other preferred embodiments, this interlocking device may move, in a controlled manner by the microcontroller, a rod, a locking pin, or the like, between a position in which the rod, pin or other device interferes with the operation of the mechanical components of the drive apparatus and an additional position in which the free operation of the drive apparatus is allowed. In certain embodiments, the rod, plug or similar device may stop the movement of a user contact element, such as a push bar or a lever, the movement of which is necessary to operate the dispenser. In other embodiments, the rod, pin or similar device can interact directly with the drive roller stopping the rotation of the drive roller. If the actuator is enabled, the dispenser is in a state ready to dispense laminated material to the user through operation of the actuator and, on the contrary, the dispenser will not dispense laminated material if the dispenser is in the dispenser state disabled. .

[0021] The power supply apparatus may be any suitable source of DC power. Batteries are a preferred power supply, but the power supply can also comprise, for example, a reducing transformer connected to the building's electrical system.

[0022] The material recognition process of the invention allows the dispenser to operate with a laminated material recognized as being from an authorized source. In general, the material recognition process comprises an initial step of loading a roll of laminated material into the dispenser. A code is associated with the roll and indicates that the roll is from the authorized source. More preferably, the code is a barcode. The code associated with the roll is detected, generating an associated code signal. Preferred forms of the detection stage include the steps of directing optical energy towards the barcode while the roll is rotated. Such a preferred detection stage is completed by receiving the optical energy from the barcode. The code signal is received by a control circuit operatively connected to the sensor and the code represented by the code signal is compared with at least one code from a code database to determine if the roll is from the authorized source . A code map indicates that the roll is from the authorized source. The dispenser status enabled is set correspondingly to the correspondence between the codes. The dispenser status disabled is set when no such correspondence occurs or when there is no code to read.

[0023] It is preferred that the procedure include a "core check" routine. The preferred "core check" routine is a probing process carried out repeatedly to identify the existence of conditions that indicate that a roll of partially or totally worn laminate (known in the industry as "residual roll") has been removed. of the dispenser and that a roll of replacement laminate has been loaded instead of the residual roll. The recognition of such roll replacement event is used to initiate the material recognition stages set forth above. In certain highly preferred forms of the process, the core check routine can be carried out optically; that is, the procedure uses light detection to determine if the residual roll of laminate has been removed and if a roll of laminate has been loaded in its place. In other highly preferred forms of the process, the core check may be based on closing a cover interlock switch provided to indicate that the cover of the dispenser has been closed, for example, after loading the new roll of laminate into the dispenser.

[0024] The most preferred method includes additional steps that result in the discharge of laminated material from the dispenser after recognition of the material. In a form of the method based on an embodiment of a motor-driven dispenser, the step of setting the state of the enabled dispenser allows an electric motor to operate so that a length of laminated material is dispensed when a user activates the operation of the electric motor.

[0025] In a further form of the procedure based on a manually operated dispenser embodiment, the most preferred procedure includes the steps of generating an interlock signal based on a correspondence between the codes, receiving the interlock signal with an interlock device. , fix, through the interlock device, the dispenser status enabled and dispense a length of laminated material with the dispenser enabled. In the most highly preferred forms of the process, the step of setting the state of the dispenser enabled includes the step of operating an electromechanical interlocking device and moving, through the electromechanical interlocking device, a freewheel gear towards the coupling position of gear. As a highly preferred alternative, the step of setting the state of the dispenser enabled includes the steps of operating an electromechanical interlocking device and moving, through the electromechanical interlocking device, a plug into a pin release position to enable the device dispenser drive and set the dispenser status enabled. A length of laminated material is dispensed in response to the operation of the enabled dispenser.

[0026] Additional details related to the invention are set forth in the drawings and in the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments that include the features described above and particularities of the invention. The invention will be readily understood from the descriptions and drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, but their purpose is to illustrate the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a roll of laminated material, including laminated material, a core and a machine-readable code suitable for use according to this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view of the roll of laminated material, the core and the code taken along section line 2-2 of Figure 1.

FIGURE 2A is an enlarged part of the roll of laminated material, the core and the code taken along part 2A-2A of Figure 2.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a motor driven dispenser according to this invention. The housing cover is closed.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 3 with the housing cover removed.

FIGURE 5 is another perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 3 also with the housing cover removed. The sensor apparatus is shown mounted on a roll holder.

FIGURE 6 is an additional perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 3 but with the roll of laminated material loaded.

FIGURE 7 is an additional perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 3 which includes the roll loaded with laminated material.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a manually operated dispenser according to this invention. The housing cover is shown in the open position and a roll of laminated material is loaded in the dispenser.

FIGURE 9 is another perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 8 with the housing cover in the open position but with the roll of laminated material removed.

FIGURE 10 is an additional perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 8 but with the housing cover and roll of laminated material removed.

FIGURE 11 is an additional perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 8 but with the housing cover and roll of laminated material removed. The sensor apparatus is shown mounted on a roll holder.

FIGURE 12 is an exploded view of a roll holder and a sensor apparatus that are used according to the invention.

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view of a roll holder and sensor apparatus taken along section 13-13 of Figures 5 and 11.

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view of a roll holder and sensor apparatus taken along section 14-14 of Figures 6 and 8.

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of the front side of the dispenser frame of the motor-driven dispenser of Figure 3.

FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of the rear side of the dispenser frame of Figure 15.

FIGURE 17 is an exploded perspective view of the frame of Figure 15 and of certain preferred mechanical components mounted with respect to the frame.

FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of the front side of the dispenser frame of the manually operated dispenser of Figure 8.

FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of the rear side of the dispenser frame of Figure 18. A solenoid-based interlocking device with a locking rod is shown.

FIGURE 20 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a solenoid-based interlocking device with the rod extended through a corresponding opening in the push bar arm, thereby stopping the movement of the push bar and causing the dispenser enters the dispenser state disabled.

FIGURE 21 is an enlarged view of the solenoid-based interlocking device of Figure 20 with the rod extended, thereby stopping the movement of the push bar.

FIGURE 22 is an enlarged view of the solenoid-based interlocking device of Figure 20 with the rod retracted, thereby releasing the push bar so that it can move and causing the dispenser to enter the dispenser state enabled.

FIGURE 23 is a partial assembly view of the actuator of an alternative embodiment of a manually operated dispenser according to the invention. A solenoid-based interlock device with a freewheel gear is shown. Certain parts are omitted. Dashed lines are used to indicate the location of hidden parts or the location of totally or partially omitted parts.

FIGURE 24 is a partial rear assembly view of the drive apparatus of Figure 23.

FIGURE 25 is an exploded partial view of the drive apparatus of Figure 23.

FIGURE 26 is a partial sectional view of certain components of the drive apparatus taken along section 26-26 of Figure 23.

FIGURE 27 is a partial, enlarged and perspective view of the interlocking device of Figure 23 with the freewheel gear coupled to the input and drive gears, thereby causing the dispenser to enter the dispenser state enabled. Certain parts are omitted. Dashed lines are used to indicate the location of hidden parts or the location of totally or partially omitted parts.

FIGURE 28 is a partial, enlarged and perspective view of the interlocking device of Figure 23 with the freewheel gear uncoupled from the drive gear, thereby causing the dispenser to enter the dispenser state disabled. Certain parts are omitted. Dashed lines are used to indicate the location of hidden parts or the location of totally or partially omitted parts.

FIGURE 29 is a sectional view of the exemplary motor-driven dispenser of Figure 3 taken along section 29-29 of Figure 3 provided to illustrate an optional transfer mechanism and a material transfer event. Certain hidden parts are shown in dashed lines. The laminated material is dispensed from the residual roll of partially depleted laminate while a complete roll is loaded into the mechanism waiting for the transfer event.

FIGURE 30 is an additional sectional view of the exemplary motor-driven dispenser taken along section 29-29 of Figure 3 provided to illustrate the state of the dispenser after the optional transfer event of laminated material. The residual roll of laminated material is depleted and the laminated material is dispensed from the entire roll of laminated material after the operation of the transfer mechanism.

FIGURE 31 is a schematic diagram showing preferred electrical components of a material recognition apparatus suitable for use with the motor driven dispenser of Figure 3.

FIGURE 32 is a schematic diagram showing preferred electrical components of a material recognition apparatus that includes a latching solenoid interlock device suitable for use with the manually operated dispenser of Figure 8.

FIGURE 33 is a schematic diagram showing preferred electrical components of a material recognition apparatus that includes a micromotor operated interlock device suitable for use with the manually operated dispenser of Figure 8.

FIGURES 34A to 34F are flow charts showing the steps of a preferred method of operation of the dispenser, including recognition of the laminated material, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Next, an example material recognition apparatus 10 will be described together with an example laminated material source 1001 and a motor driven dispenser 1 and a manually operated dispenser 3 suitable for use in dispensing such laminated material 1001 to a user. As will be apparent, the material recognition apparatus 10 and the dispensers 1, 3 share many identical components and parts that work identically. For greater brevity and simplicity, identical reference numbers will be used to describe and identify such identical components and parts.

Example laminated material

[0029] Referring first to Figures 1 to 2A and 14, these figures show a source of exemplary laminated material suitable for dispensing using dispensers 1 and 3. The laminate 1001 shown is provided in the form of a roll of laminated material 1003. Roll 1003 consists of a fabric of laminated material 1001 wrapped around a core 1005. As is evident, roll 1003 is manufactured such that laminated material 1001 is unwound from roll 1003 as it is made rotate the roll during dispensing or during recognition of the material, as described herein.

[0030] The laminated material 1001 can be of any type of suitable material and have a quality, weight

or length sufficient to be reliably dispensed with the selected dispenser, such as dispensers 1, 3. For example, and depending on the specific application, the laminate 1001 may consist of paper towels, toilet paper, kraft paper, cloths cotton. plastic sheets, thin layers and the like. The laminate 1001 is preferably of a custom type to be optimally used with the mechanical components of the specific dispenser to ensure that the laminate 1001 is dispensed reliably and without premature breakage or deformation during the many operating cycles of the dispenser. In addition, the laminated material 1001 can be customized for the operating conditions under which it is anticipated that the dispenser will be used, for example, in high humidity environments such as changing rooms or in external applications such as at the pumps of a gas station. By allowing the dispenser to recognize the source of laminated material 1001 and to operate only with such laminated material, the material recognition apparatus 10 of the invention advantageously allows a greater degree of control over the operation of the dispenser, so that the The dispenser and the laminated material 1001 will be able to function optimally for the desired application.

[0031] The core 1005 has an axial length 1007, a diameter 1009 and a pair of core ends 1011, 1013. Preferably, the core 1005 is hollow and includes an inner core surface 1015 and an outer core surface 1017. Core 1005 can be manufactured in any suitable way and made of any suitable material. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 2A and 14, core 1005 is a cardboard core common in the industry. The core 1005 consists of a laminated sheet of helically wound paper that forms the cardboard core. The core 1005 may be made of other materials, including plastic and the like.

[0032] A machine-readable code, preferably in the form of a bar code 1019, is located on the inner surface 1015 of the core. The barcode 1019 can be of any suitable type adapted for use with the material recognition apparatus 10, as described below. Referring again to Figures 1 to 2A and 14, a bar code 1019 may consist of a series of bars 1021 and spaces 1023 of variable width that are collectively referred to as bar code elements 1019. Each bar 1021 and space 1023 has an edge 1025. The barcode 1019 is detected by a sensor apparatus 138 described in detail herein. The barcode 1019 can be of any suitable format, such as an interlaced barcode 2 of 5 or a Manchester coding barcode. The barcode 1019 shown in Figures 1 to 2A and 14 is preferably printed on the paper used to form the core 1005 during the fabrication of the core 1005. The barcode 1019 has a helical appearance consistent with the helically wound paper. which forms the core 1005. This helical arrangement of the barcode 1019 is advantageous because it allows efficient manufacturing of the core 1005 with the barcode 1019 arranged uniformly along the entire axial length 1007 of the core 1005 using production processes en masse commonly used in the core laminate industry.

[0033] The placement and orientation of the bar code 1019 with respect to the roll 1003 are only limited to the extent that the code 1019 must be in a position capable of being read and recognized by the material recognition apparatus 10. By therefore, and by way of example only, the exemplary bar code 1019 may be arranged: (1) in a helically arranged pattern as shown in Figures 1 to 2A and 14; (2) concentrically around the center of the inner core surface 1015 along the end 1011 or 1013; (3) about the core end edge surface 1027; or (4) along an edge surface 1029 of the roll of laminate 1003. It is not necessary that the bar code 1019 be printed on the core 1005 and, for example, can be provided in the form of a label with adhesive on its rear part fixed to the core 1005. In the dispenser embodiments 1, 3, the bar code 1019 is detected by the material recognition apparatus 10 as the roll of laminated material 1003 rotates, as described in detail herein. document.

[0034] To place the laminated material 1001 and the material recognition apparatus 10 in the context of the dispensers 1 and 3, the components of the dispensers 1 and 3 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 3 to 27. Each of the dispensers 1 and 3 are of the type useful for dispensing laminated material of the type shown in Figures 1 to 2A and 14, for example a roll 1003 of paper towel.

General mechanical components of the dispenser

[0035] Next, general, illustrative and preferred mechanical components of the motor-driven laminate dispenser 1 and the manually operated laminate dispenser 3 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 30. The same reference numbers are used to identify components shared by the dispensers 1, 3.

[0036] The dispensers 1, 3 preferably include a housing 11 and a frame 13 mounted on an internal part 15 of the housing 11. The housing 11 and the frame 13 are identical for the embodiments of dispenser 1, 3. As will be apparent to the skilled in the art, the frame 13 can be adapted for use in any of the dispenser embodiments 1, 3. The material recognition apparatus 10 is preferably mounted inside the housing 11. The housing 11 includes a front cover 17, a rear wall 19, side walls 21, 23 and an upper wall 25. The cover 17 may be connected to the housing 11 in any suitable manner. The housing 11 and the cover 17 may be made of any suitable material. Formed laminated metal and molded plastic are particularly suitable materials for use in the manufacture of housing 11 and cover 17 due to its durability and ease of manufacture.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 to 11, the cover 17 is coupled for a pivot movement with respect to the housing 11 by means of axially aligned pins (not shown) on the cover 17 configured and arranged to engage respective openings axially aligned 27, 29 provided in the side walls 21, 23 of the housing. Flanged side surfaces 31, 33, 35 extend towards the cover 17 when the cover 17 is in the closed position shown in Figure 3 to ensure a complete closure of the dispenser 1, 3. A locking mechanism 37 may be provided on the cover 17 to prevent unauthorized removal of the cover 17. The cover 17 opens, for example, to load a roll of laminated material 1003 into the dispenser or to perform maintenance tasks on the dispenser 1, 3.

[0038] The embodiment of motor-driven dispenser 1 and hand-operated dispenser 3 can optionally be configured to first dispense from a roll of laminated material 39 and, after a predetermined depletion of roll 39, from a complete roll of material laminate 41. This process is referred to as a "transfer event" of material and is described in detail in this document, in particular in relation to Figures 29 and 30. Rolls of laminated material 39, 41 are identical to each other and to the roll of laminated material 1003 in all aspects, including the shape of a bar code 1019 arranged along the inner core surface 1015, as shown and described in relation to Figures 1 to 2A and 14. The roll of partially depleted laminated material (for example, roll 39) is referred to herein as a "residual" roll, while roll of laminated material 41 is referred to herein as a ro llo "complete" since such a roll has not been used and is ready to be dispensed. It should be noted that the material recognition apparatus 10 can be used with laminated material dispensers that dispense from any number of sources of laminated material 1001, including dispensers that dispense only from a single source of laminated material.

[0039] The frame 13 and the main mechanical components of the dispensers 1, 3 by way of example are shown in Figures 4 to 7 and 10 to 14, in which the cover 17 has been removed from the dispenser 1, 3, and in Figures 15 to 19, in which the frame 13 is separated from the housing 11. The frame 13 is preferably located in an inner part 15 of the housing, as shown in Figures 4 to 11. The frame 13 is provided to support most of the mechanical and electrical components of the dispensers 1, 3, including the discharge apparatus 43, the actuator 45, a power supply apparatus 47, a control circuit 49 and the interlock device 50. The Frame 13 is made of a sufficiently robust material to withstand the forces applied by the movable parts mounted therein. Molded plastic is a highly preferred material for use in the fabrication of the frame 13.

[0040] The frame 13 includes a rear support member 51 (the preferred frame 13 does not include a complete rear wall), a first side wall 53 having an internal surface 55 and an external surface 57 side wall, a second side wall 59 having an inner surface 61 and an outer surface 63 of the side wall and a bottom wall 65. The tissue discharge opening 67 (Figures 29 and 30) is provided between a fabric guide surface 69 and a cutter bar 71 The side walls 53 and 59 define a front frame opening 73. The rear housing wall 19 and the frame walls 53, 59, 65 and 69 define a space 75 in which the residual roll of laminate 39 can be placed for Your dispensation

[0041] The frame 13 is preferably fixed along the rear housing wall 19 in any suitable manner, such as with support elements 77, 79 provided on the rear housing wall

19. The support elements 77, 79 are coupled to corresponding grooves 81, 83 provided in the rear frame support element 51. The frame 13 can also be fixed in the housing 11 by mounting support elements 85, 87 (provided along of the outer surfaces of the side wall of the frame 57, 63) which will be coupled with corresponding support elements (not shown) provided in the housing 11. The frame 13 can also be fixed to the housing 11 by means of fixing elements 89, 91 located through of the side walls 21, 23, of the housing, sleeves 93, 95 and posts 97, 99. It is not necessary that the frame 13 be a separate component and, for example, can be provided as an integral part of the housing 11.

[0042] The exemplary dispensers 1, 3 can be mounted on a vertical wall surface (not shown) where users can easily access the dispensers 1, 3. As shown in particular in Figures 4 , 5 and 9 to 11, the dispensers 1, 3 can be fixed to such vertical wall surface by suitable fasteners (not shown) inserted through grooved openings in the rear housing wall 19 whose grooves 101, 103, 105 are representative. Obviously, the dispensers 1, 3 can be configured in other ways, depending on the intended use of the dispensers 1, 3.

[0043] Figures 4 to 11, 15 to 19, 29 and 30 illustrate one or both roll support apparatus 107, 109 for the residual roll of laminate 39 and the complete roll of laminate 41. The support apparatus 107 it includes a cradle 119 with arcuate support surfaces 121, 123 on which the residual roll 39 is supported. The surfaces 121, 123 are preferably made of a low friction material that allows the almost completely exhausted residual roll 39 to freely rotate as that laminated material 1001 is removed from the roll 39. The cradle 119 and the frame 13 are preferably sized so that only a partially exhausted residual roll 39 fits in the cradle 119. In such an embodiment, the entire roll 41 must be mounted to be dispensed in the support apparatus 109, thereby facilitating the recognition of roll 41, as described in detail herein. Optionally, the laminated material 1001 can be dispensed only from a roll of laminated material (for example, the roll 1003) mounted on the support apparatus 109.

[0044] Referring again to Figures 4 to 14, 29 and 30, a preferred support apparatus 109 is shown on which the entire roll of laminate 41 is preferably mounted. The support apparatus 109 includes a fork 125 coupled suitably to the rear wall 19 of the housing, for example by means of support elements 127, 129 formed around the fork 125. The fork 125 comprises arms 131, 133 and roll supports 135, 137 mounted on respective arms 131, 133 The sensor apparatus 138 is mounted on the roll holder 137 as described in detail below. The fork 125 and the arms 131, 133 are preferably made of a flexible material, for example a wire rope with a diameter of 0.165, so that they can be easily formed and separated and so that the roll supports 135, 137 can accommodate respective core ends 1011, 1013 of roll 41, allowing roll 41 to rotate freely.

[0045] Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 11, 15 to 19, 29 and 30, a preferred unloading apparatus 43 for dispensing laminated material 1001 from respective rollers 39, 41 and removing it from the dispensers 1 will be described , 3. As will be apparent, most of the components of the dispensers 1, 3 have an identical structure and operation, whereby the same reference numbers will be used to describe such components. The specific components of the discharge apparatus 43 will, of course, vary depending on the particular dispenser selected for use with the material recognition apparatus.

10.

[0046] Referring therefore to Figures 4 to 11, 15 to 19, 29 and 30, the unloading apparatus 43 of each of the dispensers 1, 3 facilitates the discharge of the laminated material 1001 through a contact area 157 (Figures 29 and 30) as the drive roller 139 rotates. Each discharge apparatus 43 comprises a drive roller 139, a tension roller 141 forming the contact area 157 therebetween, and related components as will be described and will be shown later in this document.

[0047] As clearly seen in Figure 17, in each of the dispensers 1, 3, the drive roller 139 is rotatably mounted on the frame 13 and includes a plurality of separate drive roller segments 143, 145, 147 longitudinally in a shaft 149. The drive roller 139 includes ends 151, 153 and a drive gear 155 rigidly connected to the end 153. The drive gear 155 is a component of the drive apparatus 45 which rotates the drive roller 139, as is describe in greater detail later. The segments 143 to 147 rotate with the shaft 149 and are preferably made of a high friction material such as rubber, sandpaper or the like, provided for the purpose of adhering and supplying the laminated material 1001 through a contact area 157 between the drive roller 139 and the tension roller 141 and remove it from the dispenser 1, 3 through a discharge opening 67.

[0048] Referring again to Figure 17, for both dispensers 1, 3, the shaft end 153 is inserted into a bearing (for example, a nylon bearing) 159 which is seated in the opening 161 in the side wall of frame 59. A short shaft 152 at one end of shaft 151 is rotatably seated on a support surface 163 on a first side wall 53 of the frame and is held in place by an arm 167 mounted on a pole 97.

[0049] As clearly shown in Figure 17, the dispensers 1, 3 include a plurality of teeth 169 extending from the guide surface 69 into the corresponding annular notches 171 around the circumference of the arcuate surface 257 of the drive roller The action of the teeth 169 in the notches 171 serves to separate any adhered laminated material 1001 from the drive roller 139 and to direct said material through the discharge opening 67.

[0050] The tensioner roller 141 is mounted to rotate freely in a roller frame 173 which is identical for the embodiments of dispenser 1, 3, and is clearly shown in Figure 17. The roller frame 173 includes separate sidewall elements. 175, 177 interconnected by a bottom plate 179. The roller frame 173 is provided with arm extensions 181, 183 having inwardly facing and axially oriented poles 185, 187 extending through coaxial pivot mounting openings in the side walls 53, 59 of the frame, one of which 189 is shown in Figure 17 (the other identical opening is hidden behind the guiding surface 69) pivotally mounting the roller frame 173 in the frame 13. Elements of reinforcement, such as element 191, extends from the bottom plate 173 to an upright wall 193. Support surfaces 186, 188 are located at the top of the pairs lateral units 175, 177 to accommodate respective short shafts 168, 170 of tension roller 141, as described in detail below.

[0051] The cutter bar 71 is mounted on, or is integral with, the lower part of the roller frame 173. The cutter bar 71 can be provided with tabs 203 and fasteners 205 for coupling to the bottom of the roller frame 173 if the cutting bar 71 is not molded as part of the roller frame 173. An edge with saw teeth 207 is disposed at the bottom of the cutting bar 71 to cut and separate the laminated material 1001 into discrete blades.

[0052] The roller frame 173 further includes spring supports 209, 211 on both sides of the roller frame 173. Leaf springs 213, 215 are fixed on the supports 209, 211 facing forward. Lower support ends 217, 219 of the leaf springs are mounted in a fixed position relationship with respective supports 209, 211, and the upper spring ends 221, 223 are mounted for forward and backward movement. The cover 17, when in the closed position of Figure 3, pushes the springs 213, 215 and the roller assembly 173 backwards, thereby pushing the tension roller 141 firmly against the drive roller 139 forming the contact area 157 .

[0053] The dispenser embodiments 1, 3 may optionally include a transfer mechanism 227 mounted on the bearing surfaces 229, 231 of the roller frame 173. The transfer mechanism 227 has an identical structure and operation for the dispensers 1, 3 and is clearly shown, in particular, in Figure 17. The transfer mechanism 227 is provided to automatically introduce the laminated material 1001 of the entire roll 41 into the contact area 157 after the laminated material 1001 of the residual roller 39 is exhausted, allowing in such a way that the laminated material 1001 of the roll 41 is dispensed. The transfer mechanism 227 is provided with a short shaft 233 at one end of the bearing surface 229 and a short shaft 235 at the other end on the bearing surface. 231. Each support surface 229, 231 is located at the base of an elongated slotted opening 237, 239 that extends vertically. Each short shaft 233, 235 is loosely supported in grooves 237, 239. This arrangement allows the transfer mechanism 227 to pivotally move back and forth in the directions of the double pointed arrow 241 and move up and down along the grooves 237, 239, both types of movement being provided to facilitate the transfer of the laminated material 1001 from the entire roll 41 to the contact area 157 after the laminated material 1001 of the roll 39 has run out, as described below . The pivoting movement in a direction away from the drive roller 139 is limited by hooks 243, 245 at opposite ends of the transfer mechanism 227. The hooks 243, 245 are shaped to be mounted around the tension roller 141 and to correspond with the arcuate surface. 247 of the tensioner roller 141.

[0054] The transfer mechanism 227 includes a drive roller contact surface 250 and an arcuate portion 251 with outwardly extending teeth 253 that move against the arcuate surface 257 of the drive roller during a transfer event, as described later. A retainer 256 is provided to pierce and retain the laminated material 1001 of the entire roll 41 before the transfer of the laminated material 1001 to the contact area 157. Opposite coaxial pins oriented inward 259, 261 are mounted at respective ends of the mechanism 227 for also retain the laminated material 1001 of the entire roll 41 before it is transferred to the contact area 157. The operation of the transfer mechanism 227 will be described later in greater detail.

[0055] Drive roller 139, tension roller 141, roller frame 173, transfer mechanism 227 and related components may be made of any suitable material. Molded plastic is a particularly useful material due to its durability and ease of manufacturing.

Drive device

[0056] Next, the preferred actuator 45 for the motor-driven dispenser 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7 and 15 to 17. The actuator 45 for the motor-driven dispenser 1 includes a motor 267 which activates the drive roller 139 through a gear train comprising an input gear 275, an intermediate gear 276 and a drive gear 155.

[0057] A DC motor with gears 267 is fixed to the internal surface 61 of the side wall 59 of the frame by means of a coupling with a motor support 263. The motor support 263 is mounted on the side wall 59 of the frame by means of elements fixing, of which a screw 265 is an example. A suitable DC motor with gears is the 25150-50 motor model marketed by Komocon Co. Ltd. of Seoul, Korea. The motor 267 is contained in a motor housing 269 mounted on the motor 267 in the support 263. The motor 267 is preferably activated by a power supply apparatus 47 consisting of four 1.5V D cell batteries connected in series, two of which 271, 273 are shown in Figures 29 and 30. Optionally, the motor 267 can be activated by a power supply apparatus 47 consisting of direct current from a low voltage transformer (not shown). The engine 267 activates an energy transmission assembly consisting of an input gear 275, an intermediate gear 276 and a drive gear 155. The input gear 275 is mounted on a motor shaft 279. A plurality of teeth 281 of the input gear is engaged with a plurality of teeth 283 of the intermediate gear 276 which is rotatably fixed to the housing 285 by a shaft 287 extending from the housing 285. The teeth 283 of the intermediate gear are in turn engaged with a plurality of teeth 289 of the drive gear to rotate the drive gear 155 and the drive roller 139.

[0058] The housing 285 covers the gears 155, 275 and 276 and is mounted against the outer side wall surface 63 by means of an arm 291 having an opening 293 fixed on the post 99. A sleeve 95 fixed between the walls 23 and 59 by means of a fixing element 91, it pushes the arm 291 against the outer surface of the side wall 63 keeping the housing 285 in place. A pin 295 inserted through the coupling opening 297 in the side wall 59 provides additional support for the housing 285.

[0059] The motor 267 of the drive apparatus 45 is controlled by a control circuit 49, which includes a microcontroller 403 that acts through a solid-state field effect transistor, as described in greater detail below. Accordingly, the control circuit 49 causes the dispenser to enter the dispenser state enabled or the dispenser state disabled.

[0060] Next, the preferred actuator 45 for the manually operated dispenser 3 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11, 18 and 19. The actuator 45 for the manually operated dispenser includes a contact element in the form of a thrust bar 409 or the like that activates the drive roller 139 through a gear train comprising an input gear 411, shown as a square gear or frame, and a geared drive gear 155. More specifically, the gear bar Push 409 of the actuator 45 extends through the lower part of the housing 11 and includes a concave surface 413 against which the user pushes. The push bar 409 is connected to arms 415, 417 at opposite ends of the push bar 409. The arm 415 is pivotally connected to the side wall 53 of the frame and the arm 417 is pivotally connected to the side wall 59 of the frame. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the arms 415, 417 are mounted on bearings 419, 420 that mount the thrust bar 409 in the frame 13. (Figure 17 shows bearings 419, 420 in the frame 13 adapted for use with the motor driven dispenser 1). As a result of this mounting structure, the push bar 409 is pivotally mounted for forward and backward movement in the directions shown by the double pointed arrow 422.

[0061] Referring to Figures 18 to 20, the arm 417 includes an arcuate segment 421 that supports the input gear 411 with a plurality of gear teeth 412 separated along the segment 412 and adapted to engage with the teeth 289 of the drive gear 155 to activate the drive roller 139 when the push rod 409 is pushed back by a user during a dispensing cycle. A second open part 425 in the segment 421 has a stop wall 427 that contacts the sleeve 99 to limit the backward pivot movement of the push bar 409 as the push bar 409 is pushed back (towards the position shown in Figure 19) by a user. A torsion spring not shown acts in conjunction with the arm 415 in a manner widely known to provide resistance to the action of the push bar 409 and to move the push bar 409 to its front position of total rest illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 17.

[0062] The enabled state or the disabled state of the manually operated dispenser 3 is controlled by an interlock device 50 which preferably takes the form of an electromechanical actuator. The structure and operation of the embodiments of the preferred interlock device 50 are described in relation to Figures 20 to 25, while the electronic circuit for each embodiment of the interlock device 50 is described in detail later together with the control circuits 49 of Figures 32 and 33.

[0063] Referring therefore to Figures 20 to 22, these figures show an interlocking device comprising a coupling solenoid 437 and a rod 431 adapted to act in conjunction with an arcuate segment of push bar arm 421 to enable or disabling the dispenser drive apparatus 45. More specifically, an opening 429 is provided in the arcuate segment 421 to accommodate the extensible / retractable pin, shown as the rod 431 of the coupling solenoid 437. A suitable coupling solenoid 437 is the model SH2LCO524 permanent magnet solenoid marketed by Densitron Corporation of Sante Fe Springs, California (www.densitron.com). Stem 431 of solenoid 437 is capable of bidirectional movement. As shown, the rod 431 moves in one direction by applying current to a first coil (not shown) and moves in the opposite direction by applying current to a second coil (not shown).

[0064] The rod 431 is housed in the opening 429 when the cover 17 of the dispenser opens and the dispenser enters the disabled state, as described below. Opening the cover 17 of the dispenser, for example to load a complete roll of laminated material 41 into the dispenser, causes the push bar 409 to move back to the position shown in Figures 8, 9 and 20. A core check routine detects the removal of the core 1005 from the residual roll 39 mounted on roll holders 135, 137 and causes the dispenser to enter the dispenser state disabled by applying an interlock signal in the form of current to one of the solenoid coils 437, resulting in the rod 431 extends into the opening 429. When the rod 431 is in its fully extended position (Figures 20 and 21) and is housed in the opening 429, the rod 431 blocks the push bar 409 in the position shown in the Figures 8, 9 and 20, thereby disabling the actuator 45 and the dispenser 3, as described in detail below. The rod 41 retracts to the position shown in Figure 22 in response to an interlock signal generated by the microcontroller 403 after recognition of the roll of laminate 1003. The interlock signal represents the current applied to the second solenoid coil 437 The retraction of the rod 431 releases the push bar 409 so that it can move and for subsequent dispensing cycles of laminated material.

[0065] In a further embodiment (Figure 33), a reversible DC micromotor 503 serves as an interlock motor that could replace solenoid 437 and be used in the same way to displace a plug (not shown), such as stem 431 , through a suitable joint (not shown) causing it to engage and disengage from the opening 429 of the arcuate segment 421 of the push bar, as shown in Figures 20 to 23. As shown, the motor 503 rotates a shaft (not shown) in a first direction when current is applied to motor 503, and reversing the polarity of current causes motor 503 to rotate the shaft in a second direction. The bi-directional rotation of the shaft can be used to move the plug through the joint between the positions shown in Figures 21 and 22.

[0066] Figures 23 to 28 illustrate a further embodiment of a manually activated actuator 45 'suitable for use in a manually operated dispenser, such as dispenser 3. The actuator 45' is shown as part of an assembly of dispenser removed from a manually operated dispenser. The profile of a housing 11 is provided around the drive apparatus 45 'to show the general position of such drive apparatus in the context of a laminated material dispenser, such as the dispenser 3. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art. technique, the subassembly can be designed to be mounted on any suitable manual dispenser. For convenience, an element shown in relation to the embodiment of Figures 23 to 28 can be identified with the same reference number of a similar element described in relation to the other dispenser embodiments.

[0067] Referring therefore to Figures 23 to 28, the drive apparatus 45 'comprises a lever-shaped contact element 439 that activates the drive roller 139 by a gear train consisting of an input gear 447, a 463 freewheel gear and a drive roller gear

155. The rotation of the drive roller 139 causes the laminated material 1001 to advance from the roll of laminated material 1003 through the contact area 157 formed between the drive roller 139 and the tension roller 141.

[0068] More specifically, the actuator 45 'is supported by an outer side wall 433 and an inner side wall 435 (Figures 23, 27 and 28 show parts of the outer wall 433 as context). The inner wall 435 is preferably integral with the frame 13 provided to support the drive roller 139 and the tension roller 141. The outer wall 433 can be part of a unit cover element 438 fixed to the inner wall 435 by suitable means, such as screws (not shown) . The cover element 438 may comprise, for example, a unit molded plastic part.

[0069] The lever arm 439 is bonded to the shaft 441 between the walls 433, 435. As best seen in Figure 23, the lever arm 439 can extend outwardly through a slotted opening (not shown) of the cover element 438 outwardly from the front cover 17 of the housing when the sub-assembly of Figures 23 to 28 is fixed in the manually operated dispenser 3. A user can then grab the handle 443 and push it down in the direction of the arrow 445. The input gear 447 is connected by a shaft to the shaft 449. The torsion spring 451 is supported by a gear hub 453 and a retainer 452 pushes the raised surface 455 of the input gear against the flanged surface of the lever arm 457 to move the input gear 447 and the lever arm 439 upwards (i.e. the opposite direction of arrow 445) to the rest position shown in Figure 23. L The raised surface 455 of the input gear includes a radius that slides against the flanged surface 457 when the lever arm 439 moves in a direction towards and in a direction away from the arrow 445. The input gear 447 is provided of a plurality of outwardly oriented teeth 459 positioned to engage with the plurality of teeth 461 of the freewheel gear 463. The drive gear 155 fixed to the drive roller 139 is located through an opening (not shown) in the inner wall 435

[0070] A freewheel floating gear 463 is provided as part of the interlocking device 50 to enable or disable the drive apparatus 45 '. The freewheel gear 463 can move between a gear coupling position (Figure 27) in which the lever arm 439 and the input gear 447 are in a power transmission relationship with the drive gear 155 and the roller impeller 139, and a gear decoupling position (Figure 28) in which the lever arm 439 and the input gear 447 are disconnected from the drive gear 155 and the drive roller 139.

[0071] With further reference to Figures 23 to 28, the freewheel gear 463 includes a shaft 467 having a first 469 and a second shaft 471. The first shaft end 469 moves in an elongated groove 473 provided along the inner wall 435 of the frame. The second shaft end 471 moves in an elongated groove 475 defined by an elongated neck 477 of a connecting element 479. The neck of connecting element 477 is inserted through an elongated groove of external wall 481 defined by a neck 483 in the external wall 433. As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the external wall slot 481 has an area that is slightly oversized with respect to the cross-sectional area of the neck of connecting element 477. The joining element 479 slides along the outer wall 433 with limited movement by the contact between the connecting element neck 477 and the outer wall groove 481.

[0072] The connecting element 479 is pushed against the external wall 433 by the contact surface 485 of the cover 487. The cover 487 is removably mounted on the external wall 433 by means of a joint 489 and pins 491, 493 which are inserted in corresponding grooves (not shown) in the outer wall 433. The contact surface 485 makes contact with the surface of the connecting element 495 when the cover 487 is in the closed position shown in Figure 24. The contact surface 485 exerts sufficient force against the connecting element 479 to hold the connecting element 479 against the external wall 433, however, allowing the sliding of the connecting element 479 against the external wall 433. The connecting element 479 is preferably made of a material Low friction, such as nylon or acetal, facilitating limited sliding of the connecting element against the outer wall 433 and the contact surface 485.

[0073] The connecting element neck 477, the groove 475 and the external wall groove 481 each preferably have an elongated transverse area (ie, in the form of a race track), as shown in Figures 27 and 28 , and the internal wall groove 473 preferably has a configuration that allows the movement of the freewheel gear 463 between the gear coupling position and the gear decoupling position. As shown in Figures 23 to 28, the neck of joint element 477 defining the groove of joint element 475 and the external and internal wall grooves 473, 481 are sized and positioned so that the shaft 467 is confined in slots 475, 473 with the freewheel gear teeth 461 continuously set with the input gear teeth 459.

[0074] The connecting element end 497 is pivotally connected through a coupling 499 to the rod 431 of the coupling solenoid 437 provided as a component of the interlocking device 50. The Densitron SH2LCO524 solenoid model is a solenoid of 437 suitable hitch. Solenoid 437 is fixed to external wall 433 in any suitable manner. The movement of the rod 431 between the extended position (Figures 23, 27) and the retracted position (Figure 28) (i.e. the directions of the double pointed arrow 501) changes the position and orientation of the freewheel gear 463 and of the connecting element 479, so that the freewheel gear 449 moves between the gear coupling position and the gear decoupling position as will be described below.

[0075] During operation with a complete roll of recognized laminate 41, the dispenser is in the dispenser state enabled. In the dispenser state enabled, the stem 431 of the solenoid 437 is extended towards the position shown in Figure 27. The extension of the rod 431 causes the connecting element 479 to slide against the external wall 433 and the external wall slot 481 , so that the connecting element groove 475 is essentially tangential to the input gear 447. In the dispenser state enabled, the downward movement of the lever arm 439 by the user in the direction of the arrow 445 causes the input gear 447 push the freewheel gear 463 all the way back into the grooves 473, 475 causing it to engage the drive gear 155 allowing the lever arm 439 to activate the drive roller 139. During the upward stroke of the lever arm 439, the input gear 447 pushes the freewheel gear 463 so that it slides forward into the grooves 473, 475 causing it to disengage from the engr drive housing 155 allowing the lever arm 439 to return to the rest position without activating the drive roller 139. Indeed, the freewheel gear 463 serves as a clutch mechanism. The freewheel gear 463 is aligned with the drive gear 155 in the next downward stroke of the lever arm 439.

[0076] After many dispensing cycles, the laminated material 1001 of the dispenser 3 is depleted, so that a manager must load a new complete roll of laminated material 41 into the dispenser 3. The extraction of the core 1005 from the dispenser 3 is detected by the material recognition apparatus 10 during the core checking routine and the dispenser microcontroller 403 causes the dispenser 3 to enter the dispenser state disabled. An interlock signal in the form of a current supplied to a solenoid coil 437 causes the rod 431 to retract causing the connecting element 479 to slide along the outer wall 433 to the position shown in Figure 28. In such position, the groove of connecting element 475 is inclined with respect to the input gear 447. In this orientation of the connecting element 479 and the freewheel gear 463, the downward movement of the lever arm 439 exerted by the user (ie , the direction of the arrow 445) causes the input gear 447 to push the freewheel gear 463 partially back in the grooves 473, 475. The freewheel gear 463 remains grooved with the input gear 447 but rotates freely and without making contact with the drive gear 155. The lever arm 439 is disconnected from the drive gear 155 in this gear decoupling position. The freewheel gear 463 cannot move completely backward and cannot be set with the drive gear 155 because the freewheel gear 463 is wedged between the groove 475 and the input gear 447 as a result of the shortest distance between the connecting element groove 475 and the inlet gear 447 towards the end of the connecting element groove 475 closest to the driving gear 155. The connecting element 479 and the gear 463 return to the position shown in Figure 27 after recognition of the complete roll of freshly loaded laminate 41, enabling the operation of the dispenser.

[0077] A reversible DC interlock motor 503 can be used in place of solenoid 437, as schematically shown in Figure 32. Interlock motor 503 is connected to junction element 479 of freewheel gear 463 through of a suitable union (not shown).

[0078] The actuator 45 may be of any suitable type and is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above. For example, a direct drive stepper motor (not shown) can be used instead of the motor 267 and the gears 275, 276 and 155. By way of a further example, the drive device 45 may consist of a drive device activated by the user by manually pulling the end of the laminated material 1001 extending from the dispenser housing 11. Such dragging action activates the drive roller 139 as the laminated material 1001 advances from the roll of laminated material 1003 in the supports of roll 135, 137 and through the surface 257 of the drive roller 139 and through the contact zone 157. An actuator 45 of this type is disclosed in US Patent No. 6,446,901 (Haen et al.), whose content is incorporated herein by reference. The ‘901 patent is in the name of the owner of the present application. The interlocking device 50 for such an embodiment may consist of a solenoid arrangement 437 and rod 431 that stops the rotary movement of the drive roller 139 in a manner similar to that shown in Figures 20 to 22.

Power supply apparatus

[0079] Figures 16, 17 and 29 to 33 show a preferred power supply apparatus 47 for supplying electrical power to the sensor apparatus 138, to the control circuit 49 of the dispensers 1 and 3, to the motor 267 of the dispenser 1 and to the interlock device 50 of the dispenser 3. The preferred power supply apparatus 47 comprises a 6V battery pack consisting of four cell batteries D, two of which 271, 273 are shown in Figures 29 and 30. A regulator Low-current voltage 401 supplies 3.3 V to microcontroller 403 (Figures 31 to 33, “U1”) on pin 2 and related components. A suitable voltage regulator is the Texas Instruments ® TPS76933 voltage regulator distributed by Texas Instruments, Inc. of Dallas, Texas (www.ti.com).

[0080] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that other types of power supply apparatus 47 can be used in conjunction with the invention. Such power supply apparatus 47 may include low voltage DC power of a reducing transformer and of an AC to DC converter, photovoltaic power or power supplied by other means. In addition, the DC voltage of an external DC source can be combined with a battery power source, where the battery power source serves as a backup power source.

[0081] Referring therefore to Figures 16, 17, 19, 29 and 30, a base 299 is mounted on the frame 13 by a mechanical coupling of base end edge surfaces 301, 303 with corresponding flanges 305, 307 provided along internal surfaces 55, 61 of respective walls 53, 59 and by engaging tongues 306, 308 with grooves 314, 316 also provided on walls 53, 59. The tongues (one shown as 312) protruding from the bottom wall 65 of the frame helps to place the base 299 by means of a coupling with the bottom edge 309 of the base. The components of the base 299 and the frame 13 are sized to allow the base 299 to be fixed without fixing elements.

[0082] A battery box 311 is housed in a corresponding opening 313 of the base 299 and can be held in place therein by any suitable means such as an adhesive (not shown) or fixing means (not shown). The battery box 311 is divided into two adjacent compartments 315, 317, each to accommodate two batteries, such as batteries 271, 273, end to end in a serial connection for a total of four batteries. Positive and negative terminals and conductors (not shown) supply power from the batteries to the dispensers 1, 3.

[0083] The cradle 119 is removably coupled to the base 299 by pins 321, 323 (a third pin not shown) inserted through corresponding openings 325, 327, 329 in the base 299. The cradle 119 includes a part hollow interior 331 corresponding to the profile of the battery box 311. The cradle 119 houses the battery box 311 therein when the cradle 119 is coupled to the base 299. The pins 321, 323 are made of a flexible material that allows are pressed to stop making contact with the base 299 so that the cradle 119 can be removed to access the battery box 311, for example to put new batteries (i.e. 271, 273) in the battery box 311.

Sensor device

[0084] Next, with particular reference to Figures 5, 9, 11 and 12 to 14, the mechanical structure of an exemplary sensor apparatus 138 which is used with the dispenser embodiments 1, 3. will be described. Sensor 138 is also shown in the schematic diagrams represented by Figures 31 to 33. The sensor apparatus 138 is provided to read, or detect, the bar code 1019 as the code passes within the detection range of the sensor apparatus 138.

[0085] Referring specifically to Figures 12 to 14, the preferred sensor apparatus 138 is part of the roll holder 137 and consists of a cover 505, a sensor element 507, a roll flange 509, a base 511, a washer 513 and a fixing element 515. The sensor apparatus 138 is configured to be mounted on the fork 125, specifically on the arm 133. The arm 133 includes a hole 517 formed therein to accommodate the fixing element 515 inserted through the washer. 513. The fixing element 515 fixes the base 511 in a fixed position relationship to the arm 133. Pins 519, 521, 523 fix the sensor element 507 to the base 511 by means of friction adjustment and are housed in corresponding female openings (no shown) on cover 505 to fix cover 505 to base 511 also by friction adjustment. The sensor element 507 is in a fixed position relationship with respect to the base 511. The roll flange 509 includes a neck 525 sized to accommodate at the end 1013 of the core 1005 and to support the core 1005 when mounted on the fork 125 and on roll holders 135, 137. The assembly of core 1005 on roll holders 135, 137 is such that the sensor element 507 (specifically, a phototransistor 531) is isolated from ambient light for purposes related to the optical routine core test described in detail later. The roll flange 509 is rotatably supported by the base 511 to rotate together with the core 1005 as the roll 1003 rotates inside the dispenser 1, 3. The sensor element 507 is operatively connected to the control circuit 49 by a conductor 527 and is activated by the power supply 47.

[0086] The sensor element 507 is preferably a phototransistor reflective object sensor. A suitable sensor is the QRB 1113 or 1114 sensor distributed by Fairchild Semiconductor® of South Portland, Maine (www.fairchildsemi.com). The QRB 1113/1114 consists of an infrared emitting diode 529 ("IR LED") and an NPN silicon phototransistor 531 mounted adjacently on a converging optical axis in a plastic housing 533. The sensor element 507 is oriented of so that the IR LED 529 and the phototransistor 531 are fixed in place separate from the inner surface 1015 of a core 1005 and are directed towards an opening 535 in the cover 505. This arrangement guides the sensor element 507 to read the code represented by the bar code 1019 when the bar code 1019 is rotated around the fixed sensor element 507 during the rotation of a core 1005 mounted on the roll holders 135, 137.

[0087] It should be noted that it is not necessary that the movement of the bar code 1019 is a rotational movement as described herein. However, the shape of the bar code movement past the sensor element 507 depends on the orientation of the bar code 1019 with respect to the roll of laminated material 1003. For example, a translation movement of the bar code 1019 can be used past the sensor element 507 (for example when the core end 1003 is inserted into the neck 525 during charging).

[0088] The output of the sensor element 507 corresponding to an authorized bar code 1019 is an analog code signal (step 607, Figure 34A) corresponding to the elements comprising the bar code 1019 fixed to the core 1005. The code signal The analog is transmitted to the microcontroller 403 through the conductor 527. As is well known, the analog signal corresponding to the bar code 1019 will have a characteristic time distribution depending on the bar code elements. If the barcode 1019 is not present in the core 1005 of the roll or is a barcode that includes an incorrect or unauthorized code, then the output of the sensor element 507 will be recognized by the microcontroller 403 as an invalid signal, giving as a result the disabling of the dispenser 1, 3, as described in this document.

[0089] Although the invention is illustrated with a sensor apparatus 138 comprising a barcode reader system with an optical emitter and detector, it is conceived that other types of sensor apparatus 138 can be used to detect types of machine-readable indications, other than a barcode 1019, associated with the roll of laminated material 1003. Another suitable sensing apparatus may include, for example, an optical reflectance sensor (for example, a linear optical arrangement) adapted to detect the presence of an object or code reflective on the roll of laminated material 1003 (such a system could allow a static reading of the object or code, such as a linear bar code or other symbol), a magnetic sensor adapted to detect the presence of magnetic ink or other object magnetic on roll 1003, a low power RFID (radio frequency identification tag) sensor adapted to detect an RFID tag ub located on roll 1003, a capacitive field proximity / disturbance detector, or even an electrical contact detector adapted to detect the presence of one or more conductive elements coupled to roll 1003.

Control circuit

[0090] Next, the control circuit 49 for the realization of the motor driven dispenser 1 and the manually operated dispenser 3 will be described. Particular reference is made to Figures 17 and 29 to 33. Reference is also made to Figures 34A a 34F comprising logical flow diagrams illustrating the operation of the control circuit 49 together with the dispensers 1, 3.

[0091] As shown in Figures 17 and 29 to 33, the control circuit 49 of the dispensers 1, 3 comprises a microcontroller 403 and related control circuit components operatively connected to the sensor apparatus 138 and the power supply 47. The control circuit 49 for the motor-driven dispenser 3 further requires a separate input device 537 in the form of an on / off switch that is operated by the user to generate a signal used to indicate that a user is requesting a length of laminated material 1001 and to make the dispenser 1 start a dispensing cycle.

The control circuit 49 for the manually operated dispenser 3 includes components suitable for controlling the interlocking device 50. An optional LED indicator 539 and a cover interlocking switch 541 can be provided as described below.

[0092] As represented by the logic flow diagram of Figure 34A, the microcontroller 403 of the control circuit 49 captures the analog code signal generated by the sensor element 507 (steps 601 to 607, Figure 34A), converts the edge signals (i.e. time distribution signals) to a digital code (step 609) and then process the code by comparing the code with at least one code from a code database (step 611) of the microcontroller 403 If there is a correspondence between the codes, then the control circuit 49 sets a PREPARED state in which the operation of the dispenser is allowed (step 613).

[0093] In the motor-driven embodiment 1, the control circuit 49 controls the electric motor 267 so that, in the dispenser state enabled, the motor operation is activated in response to a signal from the input device 537 and , in the dispenser state disabled, the electric motor 267 is disabled. In the manually operated dispenser 3, the control circuit 49 generates an "interlock signal" depending on the code comparison and presents such an interlock signal to the interlock device 50. The interlock signal is any signal that can enable or disable. to the interlock device 50 of the dispenser. The interlock device 50 receives the interlock signal and sets an enabled dispenser state in which the operation of the dispenser 3 is allowed if there is a match in the above code comparison. Alternatively, the interlocking device 50 sets a dispenser state disabled in which the dispenser is disabled if no correspondence is found.

[0094] Microcontroller 403 and related components 333 of controller circuit 49 for dispenser embodiments 1, 3 may be mounted on a printed circuit board 335 ("IC board"). The microcontroller 403 and the components 333 of the control circuit 49 shown in Figures 17, 29 and 30 are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual appearance of the components used in the invention. A detailed description of the components of the real circuit 49 and of the operation of the circuit will be provided later, in particular with respect to Figures 31 to 33.

[0095] The IC 335 board on which the microcontroller 403 is mounted is a rigid resin-based plate with electrical conductors (not shown) disposed therein between the appropriate components of the control circuit 49 as usual in those used in The electronics industry The IC 335 plate can be mounted on the dispenser 1, 3 in any suitable manner. In the embodiments shown, the IC board 335 is mounted on the frame 13 by a coupling the housing 345. The housing 345 has a hollow interior space 347 in which the microcontroller 403 is housed. The rear edge of the IC board 349 is inserted into a slot 357 and the front edges of the IC plate 353, 355 are inserted into coplanar housing slots, one of which (reference number 357), is shown in Figure 29 and the other is a mirror image of slot 357. As best seen in Figures 17, 29 and 30, housing 345 is held in place along a bottom frame wall 65 with a rear housing wall 361 making contact with the front base wall 363 with tongues 365, 367 coupled in corresponding openings (not shown) in the rear housing wall 361. A front leg 369 and a rear leg 371 of the housing rest on the lower frame wall 65.

[0096] Referring now to Figure 31, a control circuit 49 for the realization of a motor-driven dispenser 1 is shown. An optimal microcontroller 403 for the control circuit 49 of this embodiment may be the mixed signal microcontroller MSP430F1121 from Texas Instruments. A voltage regulator 401 supplies 3.3 V to microcontroller 403 on pin 2 and sensor element 507. As schematically illustrated in Figure 31, microcontroller 403 of motor-driven dispenser 1 is connected to pin. 11 to a field effect transistor ("FET") 543. FET 543 may be the FDN337 field effect transistor of Fairchild Semiconductor.

[0097] A "high" signal on pin 11 of microcontroller 403 is a consequence of an appropriate signal from input device 537 and that the dispenser 1 is in the dispenser state enabled. Motor 267 is turned off in the dispenser state enabled when pin 11 of microcontroller 403 has a "low" value as a result of the motor timer decreasing its value to 0 (Figure 34C, step 643). (In this context, "high" and "low" indicate voltage levels that represent high and low logic signals, as commonly used in digital circuit descriptions.) FET 543 provides adequate current to drive motor 267 in response to such a "high" signal from pin 11 of microcontroller 403. In effect, FET 543 acts as a solid state "switch" controlled by microcontroller 403.

[0098] The motor-driven dispenser 1 further requires a suitable user input device 537 (ie, an on / off mechanism) that causes the enabled dispenser 1 to initiate a dispensing cycle in response to the request for a length. of laminated material by a user. Such input device 537 is schematically represented in Figure 31 as a switch (switch "S1"). The input device 537 can be of any type sufficient to cause the dispenser enabled 1 to start a dispensing cycle. For example, the input device 537 may represent a momentary push button switch (Figure 31, "S1") that closes momentarily when the user presses a push button 545 on the front cover of the housing (Figure 3).

[0099] The dispensing can only occur when the dispenser 1 is in the dispenser state enabled or PREPARED. The contact closure of the switch comprising the input device 537 acts as a request to dispense the laminated material 1001. The closure of the switch S1 of the input device 537 causes the microcontroller 403 to activate the motor 267 for a predetermined time interval, resulting in a discharge of a length of laminated material 1001.

[0100] Alternatively, the input device 537 may consist of a handheld proximity sensing apparatus that closes a solid state switch not shown (replacing the switch S1 of the input device 537) based on the presence of a user adjacent to the dispenser 1. As in the embodiment of Figure 31, closing the solid state switch will cause the microcontroller 403 to activate motor 267 for a predetermined time interval, resulting in a discharge of a length of laminated material. 1001

[0101] An example of a suitable proximity sensing apparatus that can be used in the dispenser 1 is shown and described in US Patent Application Serial Number 10 / 160,863, the complete content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application ‘863 is in the name of the holder of the present application. The proximity sensor of the request ‘863 generates a signal based on the changes detected in the capacitance of a sensor element. The change in capacitance occurs when a user approaches his hand to the sensor. A signal is generated in response to such a change in capacitance and the signal is used to close a solid state switch used instead of the switch S1 of the input device 537, thereby causing an electric motor to activate a drive roller to dispense. a predetermined length of laminated material.

[0102] As shown in Figure 31, the control circuit 49 of the motor-operated dispenser 1 may include a cover interlock switch 541 (switch "S2"). The cover interlock switch 541 is provided to indicate that a roll replacement event has occurred. The optional cover switch 541 is preferably a micro switch connected to the microcontroller 403 on the pin 14. The contacts of the switch 541 open when the cover 17 of the dispenser is opened (for example, it is lowered to the position shown in Figures 8 and 9 in relation to the manually operated dispenser 3) and the contacts close when the cover 17 is in the closed position shown in Figure 3. The closure of the switch indicates to the microcontroller 403 that a complete roll 41 of laminated material has been loaded into the supports roll 135, 137. In response, the microcontroller 403 activates the motor 267 for a fixed period of time (a typical value may be 1.5 seconds) so that the bar code 1019 can be detected, as described below. An open contact or a broken cable state indicates that the cover 17 is open and that the bar code 1019 can be read and verified before allowing dispensing.

[0103] The transfer mechanism 227 illustrated for use with the motor-driven dispenser 1 is not used if the embodiment includes the optional cover interlock switch 541. In such an embodiment, the laminated material 1001 is dispensed only from a roll of material. laminate 41 mounted on roll holders 135, 137.

[0104] The control circuit 49 of the motor-driven dispenser 1 and of the manually operated dispenser 3 may optionally include a LED status indicator of dispenser 539 (Figures 29 to 33). LED 539 is preferably a red LED visible from outside the housing 11 of the dispenser. LED 539 provides a visual indication that the dispenser is in a disabled or enabled state. If provided, LED 539 can be connected to the microcontroller on pin 16. Microcontroller 403 is preferably programmed to cause LED 539 to flash at a rapid first rate (preferably two blinks per second) when the dispenser is disabled, for example when it is in the NUCLEUS_NO_VALID or READING_CODE states described below along with the logical flowcharts of Figures 34A through 34F. LED 539 preferably blinks at a slower second speed (preferably one flash every five seconds) when the dispenser is in the dispenser state enabled or PREPARED. The fast flashing speed in the disabled state provides a clear indication to the manager that the dispenser 1, 3 requires maintenance services.

[0105] Referring to Figures 32 and 33, the control circuit 49 of the manually operated dispenser 3 can be customized with respect to the specific interlocking device 50 selected for use with the dispenser 3. For example, Figures 32 and 33 show by Separate control circuits 49 for an interlock device 50 comprising a hitch solenoid 437 (Figure 32) or a reversible DC motor 503 (Figure 33), each of which can be used to displace the freewheel gear 463, the stem 431, a locking pin similar to the stem 431 or a similar device as described in detail in relation to Figures 20 to 28.

[0106] Referring first to the control circuit 49 for the solenoid-based interlock device 50 of Figure 32, two FET switches 547, 549 controlled by pins 12 and 3, respectively, of the microcontroller 403 control the solenoid of hitch 437. An interlock signal in the form of a "high" pulse on pin 3 of the microcontroller causes the rod 431 of solenoid 437 to move in one direction, while an additional interlock signal in the form of a "high" pulse in pin 12 of microcontroller 403 causes rod 431 of solenoid 437 to move in an opposite direction. As described in relation to Figures 20 to 22, the movement of the rod 431 can be used to disable and enable the operation of the push bar 409. In the additional embodiment described in relation to Figures 23 to 28, the movement of the rod 431 can be used to move the freewheel gear 463 between the gear coupling and gear decoupling positions that enable or disable, respectively, the dispenser 3.

[0107] In the example of Figure 33, the interlocking device 50 comprises a reversible interlocking motor 503 in combination with the freewheel gear 463 or the interlocking pin similar to the stem 431. In this embodiment, four transistor switches field effect 551, 553, 555, 557 controlled by pins 3, 12, 8 and 10, respectively, of microcontroller 403 control reversible motor 503. Interlock signals in the form of "high" signals on pins 3 and 10 of the microcontroller cause the motor 503 to drive a shaft (not shown) in one direction, while the "high" interlock signals on pins 12 and 8 of the microcontroller make the engine 503 drive the shaft in an opposite direction. The movement of the shaft can be used, through a suitable joint, to move a locking pin or a freewheel gear 463 to enable or disable the dispenser drive apparatus 45 as shown and described in relation to Figures 20 a 28.

[0108] Referring again to the schematic circuit diagrams of Figures 32 and 33, the control circuits 49 of the manually operated dispenser 3 with a coupling solenoid 437 or a reversible motor 503 are shown with an optional voltage divider provided to disable the dispensers 3 if the battery voltage falls below a predetermined threshold, in these embodiments below 4.5 V. More specifically, resistors 559, 561 ("R17", "R18") form a splitter voltage that supplies an analog signal to pin 11 of microcontroller 403. Microcontroller 403 is configured so that pin 11 is an input to an analog comparator with a comparison threshold of 1.65V. Normally, the voltage on pin 11 of microcontroller 403 is approximately 2.2V.

Material Recognition

[0109] Next, the operation of the material recognition apparatus 10 together with the motor-driven dispenser 1 and the manually operated dispenser 3 will be described. First, a summary of the material recognition procedure with respect to Figure 34A will be provided. followed by a description of the specific operational stages of the dispenser embodiments 1, 3.

[0110] An optional material transfer event will be described in relation to Figures 29 and 30, which represent a motor-driven dispenser 1 with an optical core check routine described later in relation to steps 651 to 672. Such description It can be applied to the embodiment of manually operated dispenser 3 since the structure and operation of the transfer mechanism 227 of the dispenser 3 are identical to those of the motor-driven dispenser 1 with the optical core check. Figures 22 to 30 represent the state of the dispenser 1, in which a residual roll of laminated material 39 recognized above is mounted on the support 107, while a complete roll of laminated material 41, after recognition of material, is mounted on support 109.

[0111] Referring first to Figure 34A, this figure represents the material recognition steps common to the material recognition apparatus 10 of all dispenser embodiments 1, 3. The material recognition steps of the present invention they are described in relation to the recognition of a roll of laminated material 1003, such as the complete roll of laminated material 41 shown in Figures 29 and 30. The complete roll of laminated material 41 loaded on roll holders 135, 137 includes a code of bars 1019 associated therewith which indicates that roll 41 is from an authorized source.

[0112] The logic represented by the flow chart of Figure 34A has an entry point at which a series of phototransistor interrupt signals 601 is received when a barcode 1019 passes through the sensor element 507. At this point 601, phototransistor interruption has been previously enabled (Figure 34E, step 671, Figure 34F, step 677) and IR LED 529 is on, allowing microcontroller 403 to perform the material recognition stages shown in Figure 34A . These interruption signals 601 correspond to the edges 1025 of the bar code 1019. After the detection of a first bar code edge 1025 at the decision point 603, the code of the microcontroller 403 stores the time at which rear edges are detected in step 605 until in step 607 it is determined that all the barcode edges 1025 have been detected. The microcontroller 403 goes through the BACK 617 point until all the edges have been detected. Once all the edges of the code have been detected (step 607), the data of the stored edges is converted into a digital code (step 609) and compared with at least one code of a code database in the stage 611. If the code signal is a valid code signal, then the dispenser 1, 3 enters the dispenser state enabled or PREPARED in step 613. In the embodiment of a motor driven dispenser 1, the dispenser enters the PREPARED state waiting a signal from the input device 537 indicating that a user is requesting that the dispenser 1 dispense a length of laminated material 1001. In embodiments of manually operated dispenser 3, an interlock signal can be generated in step 613 causing the device to Interlock 50 enable dispenser 3 to function as described above. In addition, in step 613, the phototransistor interrupt is disabled and IR LED 539 is turned off. As an alternative, in step 615, the dispenser 1, 3 goes to the disabled dispenser state, or VALID_NUBLE, corresponding to the non-correspondence between the codes.

[0113] Referring now to Figures 6 to 8, 29 and 30, the steps that give rise to material recognition by means of the material recognition apparatus 10 with respect to the operation of the dispenser embodiments 1 will be described in detail below. , 3 by way of example. As mentioned, the first stage of the process involves loading the dispenser 1, 3 with a roll of laminated material, such as a roll of laminated material 41 or 1003. (The process will be described with respect to roll 41). The dispenser 1,3 may or may not be activated at the moment when the roll of laminate 41 is loaded.

[0114] For dispensers of laminated material 1, 3, such a load is achieved as follows. The cover 17 of the dispenser initially opens causing the roller frame 173 to pivot outward. The movement of the roller frame 173 moves the tension roller 141 and the transfer mechanism 227 away from the drive roller 139 providing clear access to the interior 15 and the space 75 of the housing. At this time, the cradle 119 can be removed to put new batteries in the battery box 311.

[0115] If there is a residual roll 39, as in Figures 29 and 30, the laminated material 1001 of that roll 39 continues to rest against the arcuate surface 257 of the drive roller 139 and extends through the discharge opening 67. The Full roll of laminated material 41 is placed on the fork 125 by spreading arms 131, 133 separated to place the roll supports 135, 137 inside the ends 1011, 1013 of the roll core 1005. The dispenser 1, 3 is now loaded and ready for the recognition of material and a subsequent dispensation if it is recognized that the laminated material 1001 of roll 41 belongs to an authorized source.

[0116] Next steps use the electrical / mechanical components of the material recognition apparatus 10 including the sensor apparatus 138, the control circuit 49 and the interlocking device 50, and are described with particular reference to the logical flow diagrams of the Figures 34A to 34F. It is expected that the instructions for executing the steps set forth in Figures 34A to 34F will be provided in the form of software code combined with firmware provided, for example, in the memory of microcontroller 403.

[0117] The specific material recognition procedure will be based on whether the dispenser is a motor driven dispenser 1 or a manually operated dispenser 3. The operating procedure will also vary to some extent depending on whether the dispenser 1, 3 is equipped for an optical core check (steps 651 to 672) or for a core check based on cover switch (steps 673 to 677) as described in detail in this document.

[0118] Referring now to Figure 34B, the material recognition apparatus 10 of charged dispensers 1, 3 enters the ON state when power is supplied, as represented by the entry point 619. The microcontroller 403 is initialized in step 621. In the ON state, resistor 563 ("R9") and capacitor 565 ("C5") generate a reset signal to ensure an orderly initialization of microcontroller 403. Resistor 567 ("R8") is required to keep microcontroller 403 in its normal operating mode (non-test mode). After completion of the initialization, a variable STATUS_STATUS (step 623) is set to the NULL_VALID_NAD state disabling the dispenser 1, 3. The NULL_NOT_VALID status is equivalent to the disabled dispenser state described above. The microcontroller 403 establishes a state that disables the motor 267 of the dispenser 1 or an interlock signal controls the interlock device 50 to disable the dispenser 3. In step 625, the material recognition apparatus of the dispensers 1, 3 passes to A SLEEP mode (to save electrical energy) expected an interruption event corresponding to point 627 in the logic flowchart.

[0119] There are two types of interruptions. An interruption is a timed interruption. The second interruption is a phototransistor interruption (point 601).

[0120] Timed interruption events occur at predetermined intervals, preferably once every 10 milliseconds. As illustrated in Figure 34C for the motor-driven dispenser 1, the timed interruption activates a series of checks, including checking a user's request to dispense paper and checking the flashing speed of LED 539. In the manual dispenser 3 with the hitch solenoid 437 or the interlock device 50 based on reversible motor 503, the timed interruption event may optionally include a check to determine if the battery voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold (Figure 34D, step 691). This voltage check may optionally be included in any of the dispenser embodiments 1, 3 described herein.

[0121] The phototransistor interruption event represents the detection of a barcode 1019 fixed to a new complete roll of laminated material 41 loaded in the dispenser 1, 3. After each interruption cycle, the dispenser 1, 3 returns to enter the SLEEP mode (step 625).

Realization of motor driven dispenser

[0122] Figure 34C illustrates the logic for the timed interruption events in the motor-driven dispenser 1, while Figure 34D illustrates the logic for the timed interrupt events for the manually operated dispenser embodiments with interlock devices 50 which include 437 hitch solenoid or 503 reversible motor.

[0123] Referring first to Figure 34C and the motor-driven dispenser 1, step 629 represents the reception of a timed interrupt signal that is preferably produced every 10 milliseconds. Upon receipt of a timed interrupt signal, microcontroller 403 performs the timed interrupt event that includes determining whether a user has requested a length of laminated material as represented by REQUESTED DISPENSATION? in step 631. Such a dispensing request is generated, for example, by pressing the momentary dispensing switch S1 of the input device 537 or activating a proximity detector, resulting in the activation of a solid state switch used instead of the switch. S1 of the input device 537. If a dispensing request has been generated, then the microcontroller 403 determines whether the dispenser 1 is in the PREPARED state represented by the decision block DISPENSER STATUS = PREPARED? (step 633). The dispenser 1 is in the PREPARED state if, for example, the entire roll of laminated material 41 loaded on the roll holders 135, 137 was previously recognized by the material recognition apparatus 10 as belonging to an authorized source. If the dispenser 1 is in the PREPARED state (as determined in step 633), then the microcontroller 403 determines if the motor 267 is activated (step 635). If in step 635 it is determined that engine 267 is not activated, then engine 267 is started (step 637) and the engine timer is initialized to a count of 70 (also in step 637).

[0124] The above logical decisions represented by sequential steps 633, 635 and 637 result in the engine 267 being started. All other combinations of logical decisions result in having microcontroller 403 pass to the same logical decision point without starting engine 267 (step 639). Step 639 again determines if engine 267 is running.

[0125] If engine 267 is on, the engine timer decreases its value (step 641). Then, step 643 determines whether the motor timer has completely decreased its value from 70 or 150 to 0. If the result of determination step 643 is YES, the engine is off (step 645). If the result of the determination step 643 is NO, the engine 267 continues to run. In effect, microcontroller 403 continues to run engine 267 for seventy 10 millisecond interruption cycles. The motor-activated rotation of the drive roller 139 removes the laminated material 1001 from the residual roll 39, thereby dispensing the laminated material 1001 to the user.

[0126] Next, the microcontroller 403 adjusts the flashing speed of the LED 539 depending on whether the status of the dispenser 1 is PREPARED or not PREPARED (step 647). If the state of the dispenser 1 is not PREPARED, the LED indicator 539 is preferably programmed to flash at a relatively faster flashing speed, indicating that the dispenser 1 is in the dispenser state disabled. If the dispenser is in the PREPARED state, the LED 539 is preferably programmed to flash at a relatively lower flicker speed, indicating that the dispenser 1 is in the dispenser state enabled.

Optical core check

[0127] Referring again to Figure 34C, the timed interruption event includes a periodic core check routine (step 649), preferably performed once every 500 milliseconds (ie, every fifty interrupt event cycles 10 milliseconds). The core checking stage 649 is actually a repetitive probing process comprising a series of stages whose purpose is to determine if the roll of laminate (for example, roll 41) loaded in roll holders 135 has been replaced, 137 and to enable phototransistor interruption to read the barcode 1019 of the roll of laminate (for example, roll 41) after loading a new full roll of laminate

41. Reference number 649a represents the start point of the core check and number 649b represents the end point of the core check.

[0128] The specific core checking routine will vary depending on the type of dispenser or mechanical structure. For example, the core check for the motor-driven dispenser 1 can be performed using an optical core check routine (Figure 34E) or, alternatively, a core check routine based on cover switch (Figure 34F) .

[0129] First, the core check step 649 will be described with respect to the core optical check represented by the logical flow chart of Figure 34E. In this embodiment, the barcode 1019 of the roll of laminate 41 will be read by manual rotation of the roll of laminate 41 in the roll holders 135, 137 as described in detail herein.

[0130] Most of the time the material recognition apparatus 10 is not in a state in which it is reading a bar code 1019 of a roll of laminated material 41. Accordingly, the response to the decision block ¿DISPENSER STATUS = READING_CODE? (step 651) is normally NO, and the core check counter decreases its value from 50 to 0 (step 653). (As part of the initialization of step 621, the core check counter is set to 50). If the core check counter is different from 0, as determined in step 655, the core check advances to the BACK 617 state, which is the end point of the timed interrupt cycle. If the dispenser is reading a 1019 barcode when it enters the core check routine, the logic immediately goes back to the BACK 617 state.When NUMBER_CHECK = 0 as determined in step 655, 500 milliseconds have passed since the previous check of core (step 649). The core check timer is then reset to 50 (step 657).

[0131] Once the timer decreases its value to 0 (step 655) and the core check counter has been reset to 50 (step 657), microcontroller 403 starts a series of stages designed to recognize whether the roll of laminated material 41 has been replaced since the previous core check. In step 659 it is determined whether phototransistor 531 has detected ambient light conditions. The detection of ambient light only occurs if the core 1005 of the roll 41 has been removed from the roll holders 135, 137, since the core 1005 isolates the sensor apparatus 138 from the ambient light when mounted on the roll holders 135 , 137. This detection of ambient light will occur when a core 1005 is removed from a roll of laminate 41 or 1003 after its laminate 1001 has been used up.

[0132] If the phototransistor 531 has detected ambient light (step 659) and the dispenser 1 is in ¿DISPENSER STATUS = PREPARED ?, as determined in step 661, then this condition indicates the first detection of core extraction 1005 of roll holders 135, 137. In response, the dispenser status is set to NON-VALID_CASE (step 663), disabling the dispenser as described above.

[0133] If the answer to step 659 is NO, then IR LED 529 is lit (step 665) to carry out a second test to determine if phototransistor 531 is detecting light (step 667). As shown in Figure 31 (and in Figures 32 and 33 for the other embodiments), under the control of microcontroller 403, current is supplied to IR LED 529 through resistor 569 ("R10"). To conserve battery power, the current is supplied to IR LED 529 only when microcontroller 403 is checking the presence of core 1005 or reading the barcode. During the core check routine (step 649), pin 9 of microcontroller 403 is programmed as an input, which electronically removes resistor 571 ("R2") from the circuit. The high resistance of resistor 573 ("R1") converts the low level current of phototransistor 531 to an appropriate voltage level.

[0134] The phototransistor 531 is sensitive to the optical energy reflected from the core 1005 indicating that the roll 41 is placed in the roll holders 135, 137. If the phototransistor 531 does not detect light in step 667, then that event indicates that the roll of laminated material 41 mounted on the roll holders 135, 137 is not placed in the roll holders 135, 137 (ie, roll 41, 1003 has been removed from the roll holders). If the dispenser 1 was previously in the ¿DISPENSER STATUS = PREPARED? State, as determined in step 661, then the non-detection of light will cause the microcontroller 403 to put the dispenser 1 in the state DISPENSER STATUS = NUMBER_NO_VALID (step 663 ), disabling the dispenser 1. Next, the core check proceeds to RETURN (Figure 34C, step 617) ending the timed interrupt cycle.

[0135] If the response to the second stage 667 PHOTOTRANSISTOR DETECTING LIGHT? it is YES, then the material recognition apparatus 10 knows that it is now trying to identify a roll of laminated material 41, 1003. The microcontroller 403 determines whether the dispenser status is set to DISPENSER STATUS = NUMBER_NOT_VALID (step 669). If the dispenser status is not VALID_NUCLEUS_NUCLEUS, microcontroller 403 exits the core check routine and advances to BACK (step 617). If the dispenser status is NON-VALID_CASE, then the dispenser status is set in step 671 to read and verify the barcode 1019 as illustrated in Figure 34A by steps 601 to 615 described above. Step 671 includes setting the status of the dispenser to DISPENSER STATUS = READING_CODE and enabling the phototransistor interrupt (point 601).

[0136] Manual rotation of the roll of laminate 41 by the operator generates a series of phototransistor interruption signals that are received at point 601 of Figure 34A. If the roll of laminated material 41 is recognized by the material recognition apparatus 10, then the dispenser is ready for dispensing and is prepared for the optional material transfer event described below.

Core check based on cover switch

[0137] Reference will now be made to Figure 34F in order to describe the core check routine (steps 673 to 677) for the motor-driven embodiment 1 that includes the optional cover interlock switch 493. There are two differences. between the core check realization based on cover switch and the core optical check realization described above. First, a cover interlock switch 541 (Figure 29) is used to detect the closure of the cover 17. The closure of the switch 541 represents the possibility that a complete roll of laminate 41 has been loaded into the supports of roll 135, 137. Therefore, the cover switch replaces the light detection (steps 659 and 667) described in relation to the optical core check. Step 649 of the core check represents a probing process that is repeatedly carried out to determine if the cover switch has been closed.

541.

[0138] Second, the motor 267 is used to rotate the roll of laminate 41 to read the bar code 1019. A consequence is that the transfer mechanism 227 is not used since the roll of laminate 41 must be mounted on roll holders 135, 137 by pulling laminated material 1001 through contact area 157 in order to read barcode 1019.

[0139] For convenience and because the relevant mechanical components have identical structure and operation, reference will be made to the motor-driven dispenser 1 of Figures 29 and 30 to explain the operation of the core check routine based on cover switch . It should be understood that the residual roll 39 is not present in the cradle 119 in such an embodiment of dispenser 1.

[0140] The core check routine based on cover switch has the following logic. The front cover 37 opens to replace an exhausted roll of laminated material (ie roll 41) mounted on roll holder 109. After loading a full roll of laminate 41 in roll holders 135, 137, the Laminated material 1001 is then placed on the drive roller 139 in contact with the drive roller segments 143 to 147. Then, the cover 17 closes as shown in Figure 3. The movement of the cover 17 towards the closed position of the Figure 3 causes the leaf springs 213, 215 mounted on the roller frame 173 to make contact with the inside of the cover 17 in an elastic manner to push the tensioner roller 141 to make contact with the laminated material 1001 of the roll of laminated material 41, thereby ensuring frictional contact between the laminated material 1001 and the drive roller 139 and, more particularly, the drive roller segments 143 to 147. The dispenser 1 is loaded to time and prepared to recognize the complete roll of laminate 41.

[0141] In the core check step 673, the microcontroller 403 first determines whether the cover switch 541 is open or closed, as represented by the decision block COVER SWITCH = OPEN? An open switch 541 indicates that the cover 17 of the dispenser is open to load a roll of replacing laminate 41 or for other maintenance services. The consequence of determining that the switch 541 is open is to set the state of the dispenser to CODE_NO_VALID in step 675. The setting of the dispenser to the state CODE_NO_VALID corresponding to the opening of the switch 541 causes dispenser 1 to enter the disabled state, not being able to dispense laminated material 1001

[0142] The consequences of determining that cover switch 541 is closed are the events shown below as step 667. The status of the dispenser is set to READING_CODE; phototransistor interrupt is enabled; engine 267 starts; and the engine timer (i.e. the counter) is set to

150. As a consequence of the adjustments of step 677, the dispenser 1 is now prepared for the material recognition stages of Figure 34A (steps 603 to 615). The engine timer set to a count of 150 represents the operation of the engine 267 and the drive roller 139 for 1.5 seconds by extracting laminated material 1001 through the contact area 157 to rotate the roll of laminated material 41 allowing reading of the code 1019 as core 1005 rotates within the field of sensor 138. Engine 267 shuts down in step 645.

[0143] In Figure 34F, steps 679 to 689 illustrate a bounce elimination logic common to many microcontroller systems in which mechanical switches are coupled and are well known to those skilled in the art. The consequence of the rebound elimination logic is a reliable determination of the state of the cover switch 541.

[0144] If the roll of laminate 41 is recognized by the material recognition apparatus 10, in steps 601 to 617, then the dispenser 1 goes into the state of the dispenser enabled ready for dispensing. The dispenser will dispense until the laminated material 1001 of the roll 41 is exhausted. The dispenser will enter the dispense dispensed state ending an additional dispensing when the cover switch 541 is open, indicating that the cover 17 is open in order to replace the roll 41.

Embodiments of manually operated dispenser

[0145] Figure 34D shows the stages of recognition and dispensing of material using the material recognition apparatus 10, but with the manually operated embodiment 3 which includes an interlocking device 50 incorporating a coupling solenoid 437 or a motor Interlock 503.

[0146] Referring therefore to Figure 34D, the material identification process begins with an interruption step 629 of 10 milliseconds. This step 629 occurs every 10 milliseconds during the sleep mode described in relation to step 625 of Figure 34B.

[0147] As an optional initial stage 691 of the timed interruption cycle, microcontroller 403 first determines whether battery power exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage represented by the decision block DC DE + 6V OK? If the voltage is 4.5 V or less, then the microcontroller 403 activates the coupling solenoid 437 or the reversible interlock motor 503 in the disabled position in step 693.

[0148] The previous dispenser status is set to the current dispenser status in block 695. The microcontroller 403 adjusts the flashing speed of the LED (step 647) to the fastest flashing speed to indicate that the dispenser 3 is disabled. The optical core check routine (step 649) is then carried out in the manner described in relation to Figure 34E for the motor-driven dispenser 1. Next, the microcontroller 403 advances to RETURN (step 617) and returns to the mode asleep (step 625), as described in Figure 34B, ending the timed interruption events.

[0149] Referring again to Figure 34D, if the voltage exceeds the threshold voltage of 4.5 V, then the microcontroller 403 determines in step 697 if the dispenser 3 is ready for dispensing

or if you are not ready for dispensing, as represented by the decision block DISPENSER STATUS = PREPARED? The hitch solenoid 437 or the reversible interlock motor 503 is activated in the enable position (step 699) when the dispenser 3 is in the PREPARED state but was previously in a different state than PREPARED, as determined in step 703. As described herein, the movement of the hitch solenoid 437 or the reversible interlocking motor 503 towards the enabling position may represent the movement of a freewheel gear 463 towards a position that allows the coupling with the transmission gear. drive 155 (Figures 23 to 28) or the movement of a locking rod 431 towards a position that unlocks the push bar 409 (Figures 21 and 22). The coupling solenoid 437 or the reversible interlocking motor 503 is activated in the disabling position (step 701) when the dispenser 3 is in a different state than the PREPARED state but was previously in the PREPARED state, as determined by step 705.

[0150] Both logical branches lead to steps 695, 647 and 649 described above. Then, the microcontroller 403 goes to the BACK 617 state.

[0151] If the roll of laminated material 41 is recognized by the material recognition apparatus 10, after manual rotation of the roll 41, then the dispenser 3 is ready for dispensing and is prepared for the optional material transfer event as described below.

Dispensing cycles and optional material transfer event

[0152] After recognition of material with the motor-driven dispenser 1 and the manually operated dispenser 3 that include the optical core check routine, the following steps make the dispenser 1, 3 ready for operation. After recognition of the roll of laminate 41, the LED 539 is set to flash at the slowest blink speed indicating that the dispenser 1 is in the enabled state and is ready to operate. The residual roll 39 rests on the cradle 119 with laminated material 1001 resting on the drive roller 139 in contact with the drive roller segments 143 to 147. The laminated material 1001 of the roller 41 is brought to the retainer 256 which perforates the material laminate 1001. The laminated material 1001 is further carried under pins 259, 261 to hold the laminated material 1001 in place in the mechanism 227 as shown in Figure 26. The surface 250 of the mechanism rests against the material laminate 1001. The surface 250 will travel along the laminated material 1001 without breaking or damaging the material 1001 as it is dispensed.

[0153] Then the cover 17 is closed (ie, the cover position shown in Figure 3). The movement of the cover 17 to the closed position causes the leaf springs 213, 215 mounted on the roller frame 173 to make contact with the inside of the cover 17 to elasticly push the tension roller 141 to make contact with the laminated material 1001 of the roller 39, thereby ensuring frictional contact between the laminated material 1001 and the driving roller 139 and, more particularly, the driving roller segments 143 to 147.

[0154] After one or more dispensing cycles, the laminate 1001 of the residual roll 39 will be depleted. After the final part of the laminated material 1001 of the residual roller 39 passes through the contact area 157, the transfer surface 250 will make direct contact with the arcuate surface 257 of the drive roller 139. The friction coupling of the roller segment impeller 145 and the surface 250 causes the mechanism 227 to pivot back and slide upward along the slots 237, 239. The movement of the mechanism 227 described displaces the teeth 253 along the arcuate surface 251 so that it couple with the drive roller segment 145. The coupling of the teeth 253 with the friction surface of the segment 145 strongly pushes the rolled material 1001 of the roller 41 held by the retainer 256 to make contact with the arcuate surface 257 of the drive roller , which causes the laminated material 1001 to move towards the contact area 157 resulting in a transfer to roll 41, as shown in F Figure 27. After the transfer event, the mechanism 227 returns to the position shown in Figure 27. Then, the laminated material 1001 of the recognized roll 41 is dispensed until it is finished or until the rolls of laminated material are replaced as described above

[0155] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the material recognition apparatus 10 can be used in conjunction with laminated material dispensers other than dispensers 1 and 3. In addition, the specific form of the mechanical or electromechanical apparatus comprising the material recognition apparatus 10 may vary. The material recognition apparatus 10 of the invention may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials as indicated above. The selection of the materials will depend on many factors including, for example, specific requirements of the buyer, the price, the aesthetics, the intended use of the dispenser and the environment in which the dispenser will be used.

[0156] Although the principles of this invention have been described in relation to specific embodiments, it should be clearly understood that these descriptions are offered by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims (26)

1. A dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing laminated material (1001) from a roll (1003) of the type that includes a housing (11), a roll holder (109) supporting the roll (1003) for rotation within the housing (11), a discharge apparatus (43) and a drive apparatus (45) that activates the discharge apparatus (43) to dispense the laminated material from the dispenser (10),  characterized by: a sensor (138) mounted in the housing (11), said sensor (138) being located to read a code (1019) associated with the roll (1003) and to generate a code signal corresponding to the code (1019); a control circuit (49) operatively connected to the sensor (138), said control circuit being adapted (49) to (a) receive the code signal, (b) validate the code (1019) represented by said code signal, and (c) allow the dispensing of the laminated material if the code (1019) is valid or does not allow the dispensing of the laminated material if the code (1019) is not valid; Y a power supply apparatus (47) adapted to supply electrical energy to the sensor (138) and the control circuit (49).

2.

The dispenser (10) according to claim 1, wherein the code (1019) comprises a bar code.

3.

The dispenser (10) according to claim 2, wherein the roll (1003) is wound in a core, said core including an axial length, an inner and an outer surface and a pair of ends, and the bar code is located on the inner surface of the core.

Four.

The dispenser (10) according to claim 3, wherein:

the roll support (109) comprises a pair of opposite roll supports each adapted to support a respective core end; and the sensor (138) is mounted on at least one of the roll holders.

5.

The dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor (138) comprises: an optical source adapted to direct optical energy towards the code (1019); Y an optical detector adapted to receive optical energy from the code (1019) and to generate the code signal.

6.

The dispenser (10) according to claim 5, wherein: The optical source includes an infrared emitting diode; Y The optical detector includes a phototransistor adjacent to the diode.

7.

The dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the discharge apparatus (43) includes a drive roller and a tension roller that form a contact zone between them through which the delivery is received. laminated material, the drive apparatus (45) includes a motor that activates the drive roller and the dispenser (10) further comprises:

an input device that activates engine operation in response to a user; Y the control circuit (49) controls the motor so that, if the code (1019) is valid, the operation of the motor is activated in response to a signal from the input device and, if the code (1019) is not valid , the engine is disabled. 8. The dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control circuit (49) includes a microcontroller adapted to: compare the code (1019) with at least one code associated with the control circuit (49); and determine if there is a correspondence between the codes; thus, a correspondence between the codes indicates that the code (1019) is valid and no correspondence between the codes indicates that the code (1019) is not valid. 9. The dispenser (10) according to claim 8, wherein the microcontroller is further adapted to: allow engine operation based on correspondence between codes; and disable the engine when there is no such correspondence.

10.

The dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the discharge apparatus (43) includes a drive roller and a tension roller that form a contact zone between them through which the delivery is received. laminated material, the drive apparatus (45) includes a manually activated drive apparatus (45) that activates the drive roller and the dispenser (10) further comprises an interlock device operatively connected to the control circuit (49), enabling said interlocking device the operation of the manually activated drive device (45) if the code (1019) is valid and disabling the operation of the manually activated drive device (45) if the code (1019) is not valid.

eleven.

The dispenser (10) according to claim 10, wherein the manually activated drive device

(45) also includes: a manually operated lever that includes a user contact part and an input gear; at least one gear in a power transmission relationship with the input gear and the drive roller, said at least one gear including a freewheel gear mounted to move between a gear coupling position in which the input gear and the drive roller is in the power transmission ratio and a gear decoupling position in which the input gear and the drive roller are not in the power transmission ratio; Y The interlocking device includes an actuator coupled to the freewheel gear, said actuator being adapted to move the freewheel gear between the gear coupling and gear decoupling positions. 12. The dispenser (10) according to claim 11, wherein: the actuator includes a rod that can move between a first position and a second position; the rod is coupled to the freewheel gear through a joint; Y When the rod is in the first position, the freewheel gear is in the gear coupling position, and, when the rod is in the second position, the freewheel gear is in the gear decoupling position. 13. The dispenser (10) according to claim 10, wherein the interlocking device comprises: a locking pin that can move between a pin coupling position in which the locking pin disables the manually activated drive device (45) and a pin decoupling position in which the manually activated drive device (45) Is operative; Y an actuator that moves the locking pin between the pin coupling and pin decoupling positions.

14.

The dispenser (10) according to claim 13, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a linear actuator and an interlock motor.

fifteen.

A method for controlling the operation of a laminated material dispenser (10), comprising:

load a roll (1003) of laminated material into the dispenser (10), and the control procedure being characterized by the following steps: detecting a code (1019) associated with the roll of laminated material (1003); validate the code (1019); and control the operation of the dispenser (10) allowing the dispensing of the laminated material if the code (1019) is valid or not allowing the dispensing of the laminated material if the code (1019) is not valid.

16.

The method according to claim 15, wherein the code (1019) comprises a barcode and the detection stage comprises the stages of: direct optical energy towards the barcode;

spin the roll (1003); Y receive, with a sensor (138), optical energy reflected from the bar code.

17.

The method according to claim 15, wherein the code (1019) comprises one or more of the group consisting of a linear optical arrangement, a static bar code, a static symbol, an RFID code (1019) and an electrically conductive code (1019), and the detection stage comprises receiving, with a sensor (138), a signal corresponding to the code detection (1019).

18.

The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the validation step understands: compare the code (1019) with at least one code (1019) associated with a control circuit (49); Y

determine if there is a correspondence between the codes; thus, a correspondence between the codes indicates that the code (1019) is valid and none Correspondence between the codes indicates that the code (1019) is not valid.

19.

The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the dispenser (10) includes a discharge apparatus (43) that includes a drive roller and a tension roller that form a contact zone therebetween through the which the laminated material is received, and a drive apparatus (45) that includes a motor that activates the drive roller, and the control stage further comprises the steps of:

allow engine operation if code (1019) is valid; or Disable the engine if the code (1019) is not valid. 20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the dispenser (10) includes a discharge apparatus (43) that includes a drive roller and a tension roller that form a contact zone between them through from which the laminated material is received, and a manually activated drive apparatus (45) for activating the drive roller, and the method further comprises the steps of: generate an interlock signal if the code (1019) is valid; receive the interlock signal with an interlock device; Y set, through the interlocking device, an enabled dispenser state in which the manually activated drive device (45) is operative to activate the drive roller. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the interlocking device comprises an electromechanical interlocking device and the step of setting the dispenser state enabled comprises the additional steps of: activate the electromechanical interlock device; Y move, through the electromechanical interlocking device, a freewheel gear to a gear coupling position, so that the manually activated drive apparatus (45) is in a power transmission relationship with the drive roller. 22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the interlocking device comprises an electromechanical interlocking device having a pin that can move between coupling and disengaging positions with the manually activated actuator (45), and the step of setting the dispenser status enabled includes the additional steps of: activate the electromechanical interlock device; Y move, through the electromechanical interlocking device, the plug to a pin decoupling position, so that the manually activated drive device (45) is operative to activate the drive roller.

2. 3.

The method according to any of claims 19 to 22, further comprising the step of, if the code (1019) is valid, activating the drive roller to dispense a length of laminated material from the dispenser (10).

24.

The method according to claim 15, further including the step of carrying out a core checking routine to determine if the roll (1003) is loaded in the dispenser (10).

25.

The method according to claim 24, wherein the core checking routine comprises the steps of:

determine if the dispenser (10) is detecting the code; if the dispenser (10) is not detecting the code, detect ambient light with a sensor (138), so that the detection of ambient light represents the removal of the roll (1003); if ambient light is detected, cause the dispenser (10) to go into a disabled dispenser state; if no ambient light is detected, activate an optical source adapted to direct optical energy towards the roll (1003); detecting optical energy reflected from the roll (1003) with the sensor (138) so that (a) the detection of optical energy reflected when the dispenser (10) was previously in a disabled dispenser state represents that the roll (1003) is has been loaded after a previous core check routine, while (b) the detection of reflected optical energy when the dispenser (10) was previously in an enabled dispenser state represents that the roll (1003) was loaded before the routine anterior core check; Y If the optical energy is detected and the dispenser (10) is in the dispenser state disabled, have the dispenser (10) carry out the detection stage. 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the dispenser (10) is a motor-driven dispenser (10) that includes a housing (11), a cover switch and a dispenser cover that can move between a first position wherein the dispenser (10) is open to load the roll (1003) and a second position in which the dispenser (10) is closed, and the step of carrying out the core checking routine comprises the steps of: open the cover switch in response to the movement of the cover to the first position; close the cover switch in response to the movement of the cover towards the second position; activate the motor for a predetermined time interval in response to the switch closing; rotate the roll (1003) by means of the motor during the predetermined time interval; Y detect the code (1019) during the rotation of the roll (1003).