# US 8,740,129 B2 · Handle operated switch for paper towel dispenser

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- Number: US 8,740,129 B2
- Document ID: US8740129B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/317,492
- Filed: 2011-10-19
- Published: 2013-01-31
- Granted: 2014-06-03
- Earliest claimed: 2010-10-21
- Assignees: Dispensing Dynamics International
- Applicants: Joel P. Keily; Charles Parkin Davis; Lockland Corley; Richard Lalau
- Inventors: Joel P. Keily; Charles Parkin Davis; Lockland Corley; Richard Lalau
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8740129B2

## CPC

- H01H 19/63: Contacts actuated by axial cams {(H01H19/6355 takes precedence)}
- A47K 10/3625: {with electronic control means}
- H01H 15/107: {actuating conventional selfcontained microswitches (H01H15/105 takes precedence)}
- H01H 19/6355: {using axial cam devices for transforming the angular movement into linear movement along the axis of rotation}
- H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00)
- A47K: SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES

## Abstract

Control apparatus for controlling operation of a paper towel dispenser includes control switches and a handle having two relatively movable handle portions rotating when a paper toweling support drum rotates. One of the handle portions has projections which engage the switches when the handle rotates.

## Claims

### Claim 1

Control apparatus for controlling operation of a paper toweling dispenser including a rotatable double-ended paper toweling support drum, a shaft projecting from at least one of the ends of said paper toweling support drum and an electric motor for simultaneously rotating said paper toweling support drum and said shaft, said control apparatus including, in combination:
at least one control switch;
a handle connected to said shaft and rotatable responsive to rotation of said paper toweling support drum and said shaft, said handle during rotation thereof alternatively opening and closing said at least one control switch to control a function of said paper towel dispenser, said handle including an outer handle portion and an inner handle portion, said outer handle portion fixedly attached to said shaft and rotatable with said shaft, and said inner handle portion slidably attached to said shaft and defining an opening receiving said shaft, said inner handle portion axially movable relative to said shaft and relative to said outer handle portion; and
handle portion connector structure connecting said outer handle portion and said inner handle portion and preventing relative rotation therebetween whereby said inner handle portion will rotate with said outer handle portion, said shaft and said paper toweling support drum, said inner handle portion having at least one projection projecting therefrom and engageable with said at least one control switch responsive to rotation of said outer handle portion, said shaft and said paper toweling support drum.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said handle portion connector structure comprises a key and keyway interconnection between said inner and outer handle portions.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The control apparatus according to claim 1 including a plurality of control switches for controlling a plurality of functions of said paper towel dispenser, a plurality of projections projecting from the inner handle portion engageable with said control switches.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The control apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said projections are spaced from one another.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The control apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said projections are of arcuate configuration.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The control apparatus according to claim 1 additionally including a handle retainer fixed in position relative to said at least one control switch and defining a handle retainer interior accommodating said handle and allowing rotation of said handle.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The control apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said handle retainer includes retainer structure engageable with said inner handle portion to retain said inner handle portion in said handle retainer interior and limit axial movement of said inner handle portion relative to said outer handle portion and said shaft.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The control apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said at least one control switch is mounted on an electronic control board of said paper toweling dispenser and wherein said handle retainer is located adjacent to said control board.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The control apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said electronic control board defines an opening through which said shaft projects.