Methods, systems and apparatus for dynamically adjusting product use reporting schedules for dispensers to increase or decrease the frequency of such reports based on expected product use such as a date the dispenser is expected to be depleted.

A dispensing device for single-use articles is provided. In certain embodiments, the dispensing device comprises a wall-mounted unit or fixture that is capable of holding at least different articles and providing those articles to a user. Packaging devices for use and cooperation with the dispensing device are further provided, and various systems for storing and dispensing articles are provided.

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods that facilitate identifying, logging, mapping, and/or tracking of the movements and/or activities of individuals throughout a facility using a plurality of dispensers are positioned at selected locations about the facility. The systems and methods further allow for capturing infrared radiation of one or more individuals within a prescribed detection range, area, or zone covered using at least one passive infrared radiation sensor. The control system of a dispenser of the plurality of dispensers can be disconnected from a power source of the dispenser when the at least one passive infrared radiation sensor does not capture infrared radiation of one or more individuals within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone. Other aspects also are described.

A piece of hygiene equipment includes a transmitting section configured to transmit an outbound radio signal carrying transmission payload data; a receiving section configured to receive an inbound radio signal carrying reception payload data; a processing section configured to transmit an outbound radio signal carrying specific transmission payload data and/or to receive an inbound radio signal carrying specific reception payload data for determining a communication partner to which outbound radio signals are to be transmitted and from which inbound radio signals are to be received; and a memory section. The processing section is configured to determine said communication partner and to store information on the determined communication partner in said memory section.

A power management system for a dispenser that includes a passive infrared radiation sensor arranged along the dispenser and configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by one or more users within a prescribed detection range, area, or zone of the dispenser. When the passive infrared radiation sensor does not capture infrared radiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone, the dispenser is placed in a low power state with the passive infrared sensor remaining connected to a power source and a controller, a dispensing mechanism, and/or the proximity sensor being disconnected from the power source. Other aspects also are described.

A piece of hygiene equipment includes a transmitting section configured to transmit an outbound radio signal carrying transmission payload data; a receiving section configured to receive an inbound radio signal carrying reception payload data; a processing section configured to transmit an outbound radio signal carrying specific transmission payload data and/or to receive an inbound radio signal carrying specific reception payload data for determining a communication partner to which outbound radio signals are to be transmitted and from which inbound radio signals are to be received; and a memory section. The processing section is configured to determine said communication partner and to store information on the determined communication partner in said memory section.

A system and method are provided for improving product usage prior to refill of product dispensers in service areas that include a plurality of such dispensers. Via a sensor configured with each of the product dispensers and a control system in communication with the sensors, a product level or amount condition of product in each dispenser is detected. Based on the information from the sensors, a visual or audio message is generated and transmitted to the patron that encourages the patron to use a first product dispenser that has a greater product fill amount as compared to a second product dispenser in the same or a different service area.

A dispensing system for dispensing consumable product comprising a dispenser including a body comprising a front side and aback side, and a product holding area defined by the front side and the back side, wherein the product storage area is configured to store the consumable product within the dispenser; a dispensing mechanism operatively coupled to the consumable product through a consumable product holder in the product storage area, and wherein the dispensing mechanism is configured to facilitate a dispensing cycle to dispense a portion of the consumable product; a first impact sensor configured to sense a first impact to the dispenser; a dispenser event sensor configured to sense an operational status of the dispenser; and a data processing device configured to store impact data describing the first impact and operational status data describing the operational status and associate the first impact data and the operational status data.

Disclosed are various examples of automated dispensers to dispense consumable products, such as paper towels, gels, liquids, gases, aerosols, foams, and other consumables. Automated dispensers can operate in various modes. Examples of the disclosure can utilize a dispense profile to adjust the speed at which consumable products are dispensed.

Methods, systems and apparatus for determining product use by acoustically sensing actuations of product dispensers to determine how much product remains, and, optionally, alert a provider when low product states exist.