Automated dispenser sensor arrangement

A paper towel dispenser arranged for both storing a supply of paper and automatically dispensing at least a portion of said supply of paper, said dispenser comprising:

• a housing with an outer surface;
• and
• an active IR sensor system for detecting presence of a possible user, said IR sensor system including at least one IR emitter having an active emitting portion and at least one IR receiver having an active receiving portion,
• wherein said outer surface is positioned on the lower side of said dispenser housing facing generally downwards, and wherein said at least one emitter and said at least one receiver are positioned laterally adjacent to each other in said outer surface and are directly adjacent a lateral discharge opening of said dispenser on the lower side of said dispenser and said sensor system generating a detection zone being inclined downwardly and forwardly of the discharge opening, wherein said sensor system comprises two IR emitters and three IR receivers, wherein each IR emitter is positioned such that its active emitting portion protrudes from said outer surface of said housing and each IR receiver is positioned such that its active receiving portion is partially recessed behind said outer surface of the housing, such that any outward protrusion of the active receiving portion of each receiver from said outer surface of said housing is less than the outward protrusion of said active emitting portion of each emitter from said outer surface of said housing.