A chemical dispensing system can include a docking stating that receives a reservoir containing chemical to be dispensed. The reservoir may have a slidable closure covering an opening through which the chemical can be dispensed from the reservoir. The reservoir may be engaged with the docking station so that the slidable closure on the reservoir is operably coupled to a movable element on the docking station. A user can engage the movable element on the docking station to cause a slidable closure on the reservoir to open. As a result, chemical in the reservoir can discharge through the opening uncovered by moving the slidable closure. In this way, the contents of the reservoir may be dispensed without the user coming into physical content with the chemical in the reservoir.

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.

The invention relates to a low cost sensor array suitable for use in a ware washing machine, preferably a dish washing machine. The invention also relates to a standalone detergent dispensing device comprising the low cost sensor array. The sensor systems are intended to allow monitoring of wash cycles such that controlled sequential dosing of reagents in wash cycles can be optimized. A device comprising such a sensor system may then be able to sense the conditions of the wash and dose reagents in their optimal sequence in the wash.

A dish rack for use in a dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher includes a tub defining a washing chamber for cleaning kitchenware and the like. The dish rack includes a wall bounding a space. A dispenser unit is mounted to the dish rack and is configured to hold an additive. A hydraulic circuit is disposed within the walls of the dish rack and is placed in fluid communication with the dispenser. Fluid pressure from the hydraulic circuit is operable to eject the additive from the dispenser unit into the washing chamber.

A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation includes a treating chamber for receiving the at least one item for treatment according to the at least one cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser receiving a unit dose container having an electrically conductive element, a physical alteration element located proximate to the treating chemistry dispenser and operable to physically alter at least a portion of the electrically conductive element and a sensor for sensing the physical alteration.

Closed loop dispensing system comprising dispenser cap 300 connectable to a container receiver 100 and valve 200A, 200B, comprising:—a cup-shaped base 210, insertable into receiver 100, having inlet aperture 214 and longitudinal tunnels 218 which house occlusion elements 260, 265,—a spring support 220 coupled to the cup-shaped base 210 and spaced apart from bottom 212 of cup-shaped base 210 and provided with spring support top sleeve 222,—a movable sealing dome 240 slidably coupled to spring support top sleeve 222 so as to define a variable volume sealed chamber housing elastic element 230,—a locking cover 250 resting on the cup-shaped base 210 and having a locking cover top sleeve 253 surrounding a hole 252, wherein an edge 256 of the hole 252 and the movable sealing dome 240 are configured to be in contact with each other by sealed interference fit when the elastic element 230 assumes the elongated configuration. The dispenser cap comprises outlet aperture 327, vent apertures 325, unlocking member 333 having a bottom cylinder 333 and bottom central duct 335 inside the bottom cylinder and in fluid communication with the outlet aperture; the bottom cylinder can be coupled by interference fit to the locking cover top sleeve; bottom central duct 335 can interact with movable sealing dome 240 in a reduced configuration of the chamber; the inlet aperture is in communication with the outlet aperture; the at least partial occlusion elements brings the container in communication with the vent apertures.

A system for dosing substances such as cleaning and/or care agents is disclosed. The system includes a dosing device, at least one energy source, a control unit, a sensor unit, and at least two cartridges for respectively accommodating at least one of the cleaning and/or care agents. The at least two cartridges are capable of being coupled to the dosing device.

A sanitation device for an appliance is provided herein. The sanitation device includes a first housing. A sensor assembly is positioned within the housing. The sensor assembly is configured to detect humidity and temperature in the appliance. A light source is coupled to the sensor assembly where the light source emits ultraviolet light. A controller is coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to send and receive information from the sensor assembly.

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 system (10) includes a support structure (20) associable with a bottom wall (BW) of a washing tub (WT) of a washing machine (WM). The system further includes a container body (22) having a receptacle (14) configured for receiving a quantity of washing agent. The container body (22) has an opening (24) leading into the receptacle (14). The container body (22) is mountable on the support structure (20) in the washing tub (WT). The container body (22) is configured for being reversibly brought by a user into a retracted condition and an extracted condition. In the retracted condition, the container body (22) is inserted in the support structure (20). In the extracted condition, the container body (22) is removed and separate from the support structure (20). The system (10) includes a closure element (16) configured for closing the opening (24).