SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCT LEVEL TRACKING OF SHEET PRODUCT ROLLS

    公开(公告)号:US20210106187A1

    公开(公告)日:2021-04-15

    申请号:US17065807

    申请日:2020-10-08

    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a sheet product dispenser with automated product level tracking functionality are provided herein. Various product level sensors are disclosed herein including a product level sensor configured to emit a signal toward an outer circumference of a sheet product roll on a spindle extending along a longitudinal axis and to receive a reflected signal. The product level sensor is positioned a radial distance away from the spindle and aimed to emit the signal in a direction that is not parallel and not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The product level sensor detects a parameter of the reflected signal corresponding to the distance between the product level sensor and the sheet product roll. Other example embodiments include mechanical product level sensors. Various communication protocols may be employed to limit transmission of data to conserve battery life while still maintaining desired communication functionality.

    Sheet product dispenser with product level indicator calibration

    公开(公告)号:US10506901B2

    公开(公告)日:2019-12-17

    申请号:US16015535

    申请日:2018-06-22

    Abstract: A sheet product dispenser is provided including a housing including a roll holder configured to receive a product roll, a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a portion of the sheet product from the product roll, a sensor configured to emit a signal toward the product roll and receive a reflection of the signal from a surface of the product roll, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an indication of replacement of the product roll, determine a time-of-flight of the signal, and determine an expected time-of-flight (or corresponding distance of travel) of a theoretical signal to a theoretical full product roll. The controller is further configured to compare the time-of-flight (or a corresponding distance of travel) of the signal to the product roll to the expected time-of-flight or distance, and adjust a product depletion curve based on the comparison.

    Systems and methods for product level tracking of sheet product rolls

    公开(公告)号:US12102270B2

    公开(公告)日:2024-10-01

    申请号:US18125759

    申请日:2023-03-24

    CPC classification number: A47K10/38 G01B11/14 A47K2010/389

    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a sheet product dispenser with automated product level tracking functionality are provided herein. Various product level sensors are disclosed herein including a product level sensor configured to emit a signal toward an outer circumference of a sheet product roll on a spindle extending along a longitudinal axis and to receive a reflected signal. The product level sensor is positioned a radial distance away from the spindle and aimed to emit the signal in a direction that is not parallel and not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The product level sensor detects a parameter of the reflected signal corresponding to the distance between the product level sensor and the sheet product roll. Other example embodiments include mechanical product level sensors. Various communication protocols may be employed to limit transmission of data to conserve battery life while still maintaining desired communication functionality.

    Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring a dispensing state of a dispensing system

    公开(公告)号:US09943195B2

    公开(公告)日:2018-04-17

    申请号:US14750333

    申请日:2015-06-25

    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are described that provide an improved way to monitor the state of a dispensing system and apparatus. The method begins when an activation sensor generates a signal indicating a desired dispense cycle operation in response to detecting user input, such as user hand motion in front of the sensor. The dispenser motor is energized in response to the generated signal, and a battery sensor monitors a status of the battery during a startup phase of the dispenser motor. The monitored status of the battery during the startup phase is indicative of a state (e.g., power state or operational state) of the dispensing system, and a dispenser controller determines if the system can complete the desired dispense cycle operation based upon the monitored status and reacts to control the system accordingly, e.g., aborting a dispense cycle or allowing the dispense cycle to initiate.

    UNIVERSAL DISPENSER INTERFACE
    8.
    发明申请

    公开(公告)号:US20180114395A1

    公开(公告)日:2018-04-26

    申请号:US15850469

    申请日:2017-12-21

    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser interface, associated methods and systems, and dispensers employing the dispenser interface and associated systems and methods. An example embodiment provides a product dispenser assembly for dispensing a product. The dispenser comprises a dispenser controller having a first communication interface; and a communication controller having a second communication interface. The second communication interface is operatively connected to the first communication interface. The communication controller is configured to be in communication with one or more devices. The communication controller is configured to receive a command from one of the one or more devices; and provide the command to the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller and communication controller are configured to cause (a) product to be dispensed, (b) dispenser data to be stored, or (c) dispenser data to be communicated in accordance with the command.

    Universal dispenser interface
    9.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US09830764B1

    公开(公告)日:2017-11-28

    申请号:US14681700

    申请日:2015-04-08

    CPC classification number: G07F11/002 G07F9/006 G07F9/023 G07F17/18

    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser interface, associated methods and systems, and dispensers employing the dispenser interface and associated systems and methods. An example embodiment provides a method of configuring a communication interface of a dispenser controller configured to control a dispenser for dispensing hygiene products or other products. The method comprises operatively connecting a communication controller to the communication interface of the dispenser controller; and transmitting, via the communication interface and from the communication controller and to the dispenser controller, configuration information, the configuration information comprising at least one of: a communication protocol, instructions indicating dispenser information to be communicated in association with the occurrence of at least one type of dispenser event, instructions associated with how to communicate dispenser information associated with at least one type of dispenser event to the communication controller, and a priority indicator associated with at least one type of dispenser event.

    SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCT LEVEL TRACKING OF SHEET PRODUCT ROLLS

    公开(公告)号:US20230225570A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-07-20

    申请号:US18125759

    申请日:2023-03-24

    CPC classification number: A47K10/38 G01B11/14 A47K2010/389

    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a sheet product dispenser with automated product level tracking functionality are provided herein. Various product level sensors are disclosed herein including a product level sensor configured to emit a signal toward an outer circumference of a sheet product roll on a spindle extending along a longitudinal axis and to receive a reflected signal. The product level sensor is positioned a radial distance away from the spindle and aimed to emit the signal in a direction that is not parallel and not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The product level sensor detects a parameter of the reflected signal corresponding to the distance between the product level sensor and the sheet product roll. Other example embodiments include mechanical product level sensors. Various communication protocols may be employed to limit transmission of data to conserve battery life while still maintaining desired communication functionality.

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