Dryer and towel dispenser combinations and methods of operating the same

A dryer and towel dispenser combination comprising:

• a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel;
• a first area from which a towel may be obtained from said towel dispenser;
• a sensor having a sensing area for sensing an object that penetrates said sensing area, wherein at least a portion of said sensing area and at least a portion of said first area are confined within a vertical distance no greater than 4 inches;
• and
• a dryer activated in response to a sensing of said object for drying said object.

A method of operating a dryer and towel dispenser combination having a sensor for sensing an object within a sensing area, the method comprising:

• selecting between a first and a second mode of operation;
• wherein when selecting the first mode, the method comprises,
• turning the dryer on when a user tries to obtain a towel for the dispenser, and
• maintaining the dryer on for a time predetermined time period thereafter;
• and
• wherein when selecting the second mode of operation, the method comprises,
• sensing the user trying to obtain a towel from said dispenser;
• and
• after a second predetermined period of time has passed since said sensing the user trying to obtain a towel, turning the dryer on if an object is intercepting said sensing area.

A hand dryer comprising:

• a sensor having a sensing area for sensing at least a user's hand that penetrates said sensing area;
• at least a blower;
• a first outlet;
• and
• a second outlet opposite the first outlet, wherein air blown by said at least a blower is discharged through said first and second outlets, wherein when a user faces the dryer, the first outlet discharges said air from a right side toward a left side and the second outlet discharges said air from a left side toward a right side as viewed by the user facing said dryer.