The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 30, 2007
Filed:
Nov. 07, 2002
Arthur Hampton Neergaard, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Yousef Georges Aouad, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Christopher Lawrence Smith, Liberty Township, OH (US);
Lawrence Joseph Kelly, Fairfield, OH (US);
Arthur Hampton Neergaard, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Yousef Georges Aouad, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Christopher Lawrence Smith, Liberty Township, OH (US);
Lawrence Joseph Kelly, Fairfield, OH (US);
The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Abstract
A dispensing apparatus for use with a replaceable unit dose package has at least one cavity sealed by a membrane, wherein the cavity contains additive materials to be dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is configured for use, for example, in a washing machine, wherein the washing machine has a plurality of cycles. The dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing director having a dispensing signal generator and a monitor for distinguishing among a plurality of washing machine operating cycles. The dispensing apparatus further includes an actuator in communication with said dispensing director and configured to selectively electromechanically open the membrane in response to a dispensing signal, thereby releasing additive materials from said at least one cavity. Also disclosed is a disposable unit dose package for use in a washing machine and with a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing director and an electromechanical actuator in communication with said dispensing director. Still further disclosed is a kit, system, and method of dispensing laundry additive materials into a rotating washing machine having a drum.