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.

The detergent dispensing device includes a base and an extrusion assembly. The extrusion assembly is joined to the base, and includes a seat member having a first tube and a second tube extending upward and forward, respectively. A volume control member is configured inside the first tube and a resilient engagement member is reciprocally moveable along the second tube. The extrusion assembly also includes a connection member connecting the first tube. A detergent bottle is fit on the connection member and the detergent flows into the first tube through the connection member. When the engagement member is engaged, a first ball of the volume control member allows the detergent to flow out of the first tube. As the engagement member is restored resiliently, the first ball blocks the first tube, thereby providing a fixed amount of detergent.

The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dispenser for dosing a product in a washing machine leading to an optimized dosing result, a dispenser controller programmed with an algorithm to execute the method of the present invention as well as the use of said dispenser for controlling dosing of a product in a washing machine.

An apparatus for dispensing detergent in a dishwasher is suggested with a cover element (2) to seal and/or release at least one reservoir (1) to store detergent, wherein a housing (15) for installation of the apparatus is provided on an installation level (14), wherein the cover element (2) can be adjusted along an adjustment path between a closure position and a release position, wherein at least one guide unit (12, 13, 7-10, 16, 17, 22-25) is provided to guide the cover element (2) at least during a partial section of the adjustment path, wherein the guide unit (12, 13, 7-10, 16, 17, 22-25) to guide the cover element (2) comprises at least a first guide element (18, 19, 23) that can be adjusted in the direction of a first guide surface and a second guide element (18, 19, 22) that can be adjusted in the direction of the second guide surface, wherein at least the first guide element (18, 19, 23) is arranged on a first edge area of the cover element (2), wherein, in the closure position of the cover element (2) in the direction of the adjustment path, a first distance (26) is provided between the first guide element (18, 19, 23) and the second guide element (18, 19, 22), which is more compact and, in particular, which can be implemented with a low level of constructive effort. According to the invention, this is achieved by a second distance (27) being provided between the first guide element (18, 19, 23) and the second guide element (18, 19, 22) in the release position of the cover element (2) in the direction of the adjustment path, wherein the second distance (27) is smaller than the first distance (26).

The present invention is a drinking straw washing machine with a washing region, a sanitizing region, a straw retaining track, and a motor assembly. The washing region comprises a washing cogwheel rotatably positioned therein that receives straws via the straw retaining track. The washing cogwheel and sanitizing cogwheel are oriented parallel to the straw retaining track. The motor assembly is mechanically coupled to the washing cogwheel and thereby rotates the washing cogwheel to guide straws along the straw retaining track and through a cleaning solution included in the wash region. the sanitizing region comprises a sanitizing cogwheel rotatably positioned therein that receive straws from the washing region via the straw retaining track. The motor assembly is mechanically coupled to the sanitizing cogwheel and thereby rotates the sanitizing cogwheel to guide straws along the straw retaining track, through a sanitizing solution in the sanitizing region, and out of the sanitizing region.

A portable handheld submersible ultrasonic cleaning device has a generally elongate body defining proximal and distal ends, a power supply and an ultrasonic transducer powered thereby, wherein the distal end exposes the ultrasonic transducer to agitate surrounding water when the base is submerged in the water use. A propeller device comprising a propeller may force the water across the ultrasonic transducer. When cleaning, the device may be held with the distal end thereof submerged for enhanced cleaning and removing surface contaminants such as dust, dirt, oil, pigments, bacteria and the like. The device may be stood upright upon the base on the floor of a container for hands-free application of ultrasound whilst cleaning.

A soluble detergent unit comprising a floatable and substantially hollow container adapted to accommodate a desired volume of one or more portions of a soluble substance, at least one of which is a soluble detergent, wherein the floatable and substantially hollow container is configured to allow a predetermined contact between the soluble detergent and the surrounding water, thereby enabling the gradual release of soluble detergent to the water at a predetermined rate, and wherein the soluble detergent unit is adapted to initially submerge in water, and to float towards the water level along with the gradual release of soluble detergent to the water.

The present invention relates to dishwasher (100) comprising a dosing unit (4) that can adjust the required amount of detergent as per the selected program type and dose into the washing cabin (1), and a cleaning system (9) that implements a detergent washing cycle enabling the detergent residues left in the detergent receptacle (2) from the previous use to be washed and enables the detergent receptacle (2) and the dosing mechanism (3) to be washed.

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.

The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dispenser for dosing a product in a washing machine leading to an optimized dosing result, a dispenser controller programmed with an algorithm to execute the method of the present invention as well as the use of said dispenser for controlling dosing of a product in a washing machine.