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 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.

A ware-washer control assembly includes electrical control components, an inlet water plumbing assembly, and a drain mechanism. Each of the electrical control components, inlet water plumbing assembly, and drain mechanism are contained within or attached to a housing for shipment and off-site service and distribution. The housing includes at least a first connector for attaching the housing to a ware-washer cabinet. The ware-washer control assembly further includes a plurality of connectors for connecting the electrical control components and inlet water plumbing assembly to a corresponding supply source and for connecting the drain mechanism to a drain plug assembly. Each of the first connector and the plurality of connectors are connected and disconnected by a user without tools.

A deformable container that is suitable for dispensing dishwasher machine cleaner in an automatic dishwasher. The container defines an interior volume for a fluid, and includes an outlet fluidly connected to the interior volume. A portion of the container is deformable upon reaching a predetermined temperature to reduce the size of the interior volume for forcing the fluid out from the container via the outlet. A seal at the outlet is openable by the fluid forced from the interior volume when the size of the interior volume is reduced to control the escape of fluid from the container.

The invention relates to a dosing device for dosing a detergent tablet provided by a storage cartridge to which the dosing device is attachable, the dosing device comprising a scoop and a plug, wherein the scoop is configured to pick up a detergent tablet from the storage cartridge, lift the detergent tablet to an opening in the scoop and transport the detergent tablet to a receiving chamber formed in the plug when scoop is turned in a first turning direction about a rotational axis that crosses a gravitational vector, and the plug is configured to release the detergent tablet from the receiving chamber.

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.

Method and apparatus for treating dishware, in which the method comprises the steps of providing a treatment composition comprising a photoactive component, contacting in an appliance the treatment composition with the dishware, and irradiating the treatment composition with visible light. The step of irradiating the treatment composition with visible light is performed with a source of light that is tool free insertable into and removable from the appliance.

A lighted dispenser having a light housing comprising a power source and source of light conductively connected to the power source and a treatment composition reservoir operatively connected to the light housing, the reservoir having a dispensing outlet wherein the lighted dispenser is sized and dimensioned to fit within an interior portion of a washing appliance.

The invention concerns a dishwasher machine comprising: a washing chamber delimited by top, bottom and wall surfaces; a door that when closed provides one of the delimiting wall surfaces and when open provides access to the washing chamber; and a detergent dispenser arrangement for dispensing fluid detergent, such as liquid or gel detergent, into the washing chamber during operation of the dishwasher machine, wherein the detergent dispenser arrangement is arranged on one of the wall surfaces and comprises a supply container for the fluid detergent and further comprises a transfer mechanism for transferring fluid detergent from the supply container into the washing chamber and wherein the supply container is adapted to be detachably attachable to the detergent dispenser arrangement. The transfer mechanism comprises a pump unit arranged in fluid communication with the washing chamber and the supply container.

A dispensing apparatus for dispensing substances, such as cleaning, washing, or dishwashing agents, in household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, or the like, having a dispensing unit having control means to control dispensing of the substances, and a tank receptacle, a tank for stocking the substances, the tank being embodied as a replaceable unit connectable to the tank receptacle, at least one connection for data transmission between the dispensing unit and the tank, at least one connection for data transmission between the household appliance and the tank and/or the dispensing unit.