The invention relates to a dosing device (100) for dosing a detergent tablet (202) provided by a storage cartridge (200) to which the dosing device (100) is attachable, the dosing device (100) comprising a scoop (120) and a plug (130), wherein the scoop (120) is configured to pick up a detergent tablet (202) from the storage cartridge (200), lift the detergent tablet (202) to an opening (124) in the scoop (120) and transport the detergent tablet (202) to a receiving chamber (132) formed in the plug (130) when the scoop (120) is turned in a first turning direction about a rotational axis (X) that crosses a gravitational vector (G), and the plug (130) is configured to release the detergent tablet (202) from the receiving chamber (132). Also a water-bearing household appliance (1) comprising the dosing device (100) along with methods for dosing a detergent tablet (202) are disclosed.

A dishwasher detergent dispenser having a set of restraints configured to retain a detergent tablet in a cavity of the detergent dispenser, and a water outlet configured to release water to a top section of the detergent dispenser.

A method and apparatus for obtaining a solution from a solid product in contact with a liquid is provided. A solid product is housed within a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into contact with the solid product. The solution formed between the solid product and the liquid is collected, and a makeup liquid can be added thereto to further dilute or control the concentration of the formed solution. The amount of makeup liquid added to the solution can be controlled based on the temperature of the liquid to provide an automatic, continuously variable amount of liquid added to the solution. In addition, a method of providing a pressure independent control of the makeup liquid is also provided.

A device for packaging and dispensing a chemical product is provided. The device may include a first portion connected to a second portion. Counterpoising locking features may secure the first portion and the second portion. A support member is disposed within the lower portion and adapted to support the product. The device may include a flexible enclosure contoured to and enclosing the rigid body and the product. The flexible enclosure may enclose a portion of the housing and the product, after which heat is applied to shrink the flexible enclosure. A handle may provide for ease of installation and/or removal of the device from a solid chemical dispensing system.

A system for dispensing a detergent solution from a solid detergent into a dishwasher includes a dispenser that can collect water sprayed into the dishwasher and use the collected water to produce the detergent solution by dissolving a portion of the solid detergent, controlling the amount of the detergent solution produced, and releasing the produced detergent solution between cleaning cycles. The dispenser can perform these functions automatically without being electrically powered.

A dishwasher includes an image-based detergent sensor that in some instances is configured to sense a type of detergent for use in optimizing a wash cycle based upon the type of detergent, and that in some instances is configured to direct one or more controllable sprayers to facilitate dissolution or mixing of detergent into a wash fluid during a wash cycle.

An additive dispenser of a washing appliance is provided herein. The additive dispenser may include a water inlet and a drawer frame. The water inlet may be positioned upstream from a wash chamber. The drawer frame may define a compartment to receive an additive pod. The compartment may be positioned in downstream fluid communication with the water inlet. The drawer frame may include a sidewall at least partially enclosing the compartment.

A metering device for dispensing shaped cleaning-agent bodies into a washing chamber of a domestic dishwasher, comprising a reservoir, which is designed to hold a filling of the shaped cleaning-agent bodies and has a transfer opening in a region of the bottom of the reservoir, and a transport device for actively transporting the shaped cleaning-agent bodies from the transfer opening of the reservoir into the washing chamber. In addition, the metering device comprises a lifting device for raising the bottom of the reservoir at least in parts, wherein a discharge slant toward the transfer opening is produced at least in parts or the downgrade of an existing discharge slant is increased at least in parts by the raising of the bottom.

Systems, methods, and software program products for detecting an out-of-product condition in a chemical dispensing system. An optical sensor includes a photodetector and a light source configured to generate a beam of light. The light source is positioned such that the beam of light is incident on a supply line at an oblique angle. The supply line displaces the beam of light in dependence on the refractive index of a medium in the supply line. The photodetector is positioned so that it is in the optical path of the displaced beam of light when the refractive index of the of the medium in the supply line is indicative of one of a wet state or a dry state. A detection module receives an electrical signal from the photodetector and determines if the out-of-product conditions exists base thereon.

A detergent dispensing device for a dishwasher that may include a container for accommodating detergent, at least two inlets to the container, which inlets are arranged such that pressurized fluid entering the inlets are applied onto the detergent from different directions, and an outlet via which the detergent dissolved by the pressurized fluid exits the container.