EP 1 728 912 B1 (19) ) caer 9 (ty EP 1 728 912 B1 (12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION (45) Date of publication and mention (61) inte ‘of the grant of the patent: (DO6F 39102 (2607 AATL 15144 (200800) 02.11.2016 Bulletin 2016/44 (21) Application number: 06076416.0 (22) Date of fing: 26.05.2006 (64) ‘Automatic dispensing device for laundry detergent composition with intermediate chamber Automatische Abgabevorrichtung fur eine Waschmittelzusammensetzung mit einer Zwischenkammer Distributeur automatique pour une composition détergente avec une chambre intermédiaire (84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: ATBEBGCHCYCZDEDKEEESFIFRGBGR | + Hsu, Feng-Lung Gordon HU IE IS IT LILT LU LV MC NL PL PTRO SE SI Trumbull, Connecticut 06611 (US) SKTR + Puvvada, Sudhaker Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside CH63 3JW (GB) (30) Priority: 02.06.2005 Us 149686 + Mole, Vincent Charles Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside CH63 3JW (GB) (43) Date of publication of application: 06.12.2006. Bullotin 2006/49 (66) References cited: EP-A-0033 684 DE-A1- 3.236 486 (73) Proprietors: FRA-2754 184 US-A-4 981 024 * Unilever NV. US-A- 5 435 187 3013 AL Rotterdam (NL) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CZ DE DK EE ES FIFRGRHUISIT LILTLU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SISK TR + Unilever PLE London Ecay oDY (GB) Designated Contracting States: CY GBIE Note: Within nine months ofthe publication of the mention ofthe grant ofthe European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed untl the opposition fee has been paid. (Ar. 99(1) European Patent Convention.1 EP 172891281 2 Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0004] Automatic dispensing device, with a choice of ‘automatic, electronically-contolled dosing or manual dosing, for dispensing laundry care composition into an ‘automatic laundry washing machine, and methods for use thereof, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Detergent compositions are provided in many forms, of which granular and liquid compositions are the ‘most prevalent. More recently, unit dose forms of deter- ‘genthave been proposed in he form of compressed tab- lets of detergent powder or watersoluble packages, which are consumedduringa single cleaning application The unit dose forms are preferred by some consumers, in that the dose is pre-measured and, consequently, the Unit dose form is faster, easier and less messy to use. [0003] | Theunitdose forms, however, involve complex- ities in manufacture, Furthermore, unit dose detergents {donot alow for variations in dosing, depending on water fll level in the machine. 10004] Various devices for delivering ingredients in a Controllable way to washing machines have been de- scribed. See, for instance US 4,981,024, US 3,982,686, US 3,881,328, US 4,103,620, US 4,932,227, EP 611,159, US 5,207,080, US 200910116177, US 4,103,520, EP 1088927, WO 037033804, US 20041088796, WO 03/089043, US 2003/0182732, and 68 2 134 078. [0005] The need continues to exist, however, for an Improved aulomatic laundry care composition dispens- ing device. In addition, itis desirable that a consumer be able to monitor and, if desited, control, the dosing ‘amount. [0006] US 4,981,024 A provides a system for injecting ‘laundry chemical into a washing machine, including first signalinglcative ofthe washing machine cycle having started, and a second signal indicative of a flow of water infothe washing machine. DE3236486 provides a device for supplying metered quantities of an addtional fluid to ‘washing machine, the fluid being metered into a me- tering chamber. 10007] Accordingly the invention provides a device as set outin claim 1, and a device as set out in claim 25. In afirstembodiment, the invention includes a Venturitube. [0008] In its second embodiment, the invention in Cludes the variation wherein the mechanical pump is em- ployed to dispense the detergent, In place of a Venturi tube mechanism. [0009] The inventive device is suitable for residential washing machines, as well as industrial, or commercial washing machines. The inventive device is sutable for use with front-loading or top-loading washing machines, 10010] Thefollowing detailed description andthe draw- 10 Po 0 ings ilustate some ofthe effects of the inventive com- positions. The invention and the ciaims, however, are not limited to the folowing description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. 0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inventive device according to one of the embodiments ofthe inven- tion, prior to installation on a conventional laundry washing machine; Figure 1A is a schematic view ofthe part ofthe in- ventive device containing an intermediate dosing ‘chamber, with an optional fushing connection; Figure 2 isa typical block diagrammatic view of the electronic crcutboard design ofthe inventive device according to a preferred embodiment ofthe inven- tin: Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the in- ventive device in Fig. 1; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the Venturi tube ‘mechanism ofthe device of Figure 1; Figure 4\is an en enlarged view ofthe an aternative dosing mechanism ofthe deve of Figure 1 (a single solenoid valve design in place of two solenoid valves design in Figure 4) Figure 5 is a schematic diagram for a single intr- ‘mediate chamber connected to multiple product care containers, with an optional flushing connection; Figures 6 and 7 are enlarged fragmentary views of the inventive device according toather preferredem- badiments of the Invention; Figure @ Is an enlarged view of the Venturi tube ‘mechanism of the device of Figure 6; Figure 9 fs an enlarged fragmentary view ofthe inventive device according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, empioying 2 pump mechanism, in place ofthe Venturi tube mechanism; Figures 10A, 108, 11A and 118 are logic flow dia- ‘grams for algorithms according to the preferred em- bbodiments of the invention, [0012] _Itwillbe appreciated that for simplicity and clar- ly of ilustration, elements shown in the drawings have rot necessarily been drawn to scale, For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other. Further, where considered appro- priate, reference numerals have been repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding elements DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0013] Exceptin he operating and comparative exam- ples, or where otherwise explicity indicated, all numbers inthis description indicating amounts of materia or con- lions of reaction, physical properties of materials andior se are tobe understood as modified by the word"about"3 EP 172891281 4 10014] It should be noted that in specifying any range ‘of time or physical conditions, any particular upper limit can be associated with any particular lower imi. 10015] For the avoidance of doubt the word "compris- ing” i intended to mean "ineluding” but not necessarily ‘consisting or"composedof."Inother words, thelisted steps or options or components need not be exhaustive, 10016] *Liquid”as usedherein means thatacontinuous phase or predominant part of the composition is liquid and that @ composition is flowable at 20°C. Solids (2... Suspended or other) may be included. Gels and pastes are included within the liquids as used herein [0017] "Venturitube" as used herein means apipe with a constricted inner surface (throat; fluid passing through the tube speeds up as it enters the tube's throat, and ‘generating a vacuum, which causes the dosing ofa laun- cry care composition from a laundry care container to the washing machine. [0018] *Non-intrusive" as used herein means external to the washing machine; can be fited to the washing ‘machine by the user of the machine, without having to Invade the machine housing In any way. 10019] "Laundry care" as used herein means any and all compositions that may be used forthe cleaning and care of laundry, including but not limited to detergents, bleach, softening, ant-wrinkling ete. and any mixtures thereof [0020] “Along water supply feed means that the de- Vie is connected to the washing machine via incoming and outgoing water supply hoses, into and out of the de- Vice, the outgoing water supply hoses then leading tothe washing machine. [0024] "Machine-generic algorithm" as used herein ‘means an algorithm that is capable of determining the ‘actual cycle al any duration of wash for various cycle designs from various washing machines, without the in- putof precise cycle design; and dose the correct products correctly [0022] "Major water addition” is the water fil with the ‘amount tha is sufficient to pre-wash, wash or rinse the articles that to be clean in one time. [0023] "Incoming" and "outgoing" is used herein with reference tothe inventive device, to indicate flow to and ut the device. [0024] Inthe following detailed descrgtion of exempla- ry embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which ilustrate specific ex- femplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in suf- cient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention, butother embodiments may be uiized and logical, mechanical, electrical, electronic and other ‘changes may be mage without departing fram the scope ofthe present invention, The following detailed descrip tions, therefore, not to be taken ina limiting sense, and the scope ofthe present invention is defined only by the ‘appended claims [0025] In the folowing description, numerous specific 10 Po 0 detail are set forth o provide a thorough understanding ofthe invention. However, itis understood tha the inven- tion may be practiced without these specific detail, In other instances, wellknown circuits, structures and tech- riques have not been shown in detail in order not to ob- seure the invention 10026] Turing now to the drawings, Figure 1 isa per- spective view ofa preferred embodiment ofthe inventive device 1 prior tothe instalation. Device 1 connects to the incoming (2, 4) and outgoing (12, 14) water supply hoses. The outgoing hoses 12 and 14 connectthe device to the washing machine 6. Typically, a pair of hoses is ‘employed, wilh one connecting to hot water feed, and theotherto the cold water feed. The number ofthe Venturi tubes within the device is generally the same as the ‘number of water supply hoses. With asingle water supply hose, the inventive device with a single Ventur tube is employed, as shown in Figures 6-8. Typically, when In- stalled, the device rests on top of the contzol panel 7 of the washing machine, or on a shel, or on a wall in prox- Imity to the washing machine, to allow easy access to the display panel ofthe device, and forreplacingtefiling the laundry care containers. [0027] Figure 1A illustrates a schematic of the opera- tion of the intermediate dosing chamber according tothe invention. The intermediate chamber is added along the passage connecting the laundry care dosing container {and the Venturi tube or the pump to provide a better con- ttolforauser. check valve i located between the cham- ber and the Venturi tube or the pump. The other end of the chamber is connected to a product container with a builtin onvoff valve, which is used to contzol the flow of product from the laundry care product container to the Intermediate chamber. An o-ing, as a seal, Is located the intake stem above the on-off valve, The see-through cchamiver has various dosage lines fr different dosage. [0028] The intermediate chamber's pre‘iled by open- ing the on-off valve between the product container and the intermediate chamber. The onlff valve is manually controlled, folowed by the operation described in urther dotall hereinbelow. In the alternative, the manual on-off valve can be also replaced witha solenoid valve, which is controled by the algorithm to open the solenoid valve various time for vat- ‘ous dosageaccording othe combination ofthe selection cf various of load size and the degree of ait In the wash load A water ine connection (on the side of the chamber in Figure 1A) may optionally be added, upstream of the connection tothe Venturi tube or pump, for flushing (i. rinsing) the chamber. This option maybe particularly use- fulwhen the same chamberis connected to multiple prod- Let containers, [0029] For a full automatic device, there is a sensing elemento detect the actual amountof producthas dosed in the intermediate chamber. As shown in Figure 1A, there are multiple electric nodes, 602, at the inner wall ‘and a separate electric nade, 601, a the inner bottom of the inlermediate chamber. The conductance or resist-5 EP 172891281 6 ‘ance between various nodes 602 and node 601, corre- lated tothe actual amount of product has dosed into the intermediate chamber. The measurement of conduct: ‘noe oF resistance may be measured by @ conduct- ‘anoeltesistance measurement cluil, which is well known by the people skiledin hears. The measurement can also be a simple detection of close: or open-circuit between various nodes 602 and node 601. Mutiple ‘nodes 602 may also be replaced with an electric stipe ‘Acconnection trom the conductancelresistance device is Connected to the top ofthe electric stripe, The conduct- ‘ancefresistance between the stripe and node 601 is cor- related to the actual amount of the produc i the inter: mediate chamber. [0030] The actual dosage in an intermediate chamber may also be detected by a flowmeter located between a laundry product reservoir and the intermediate chamber. The flowmeter are selected from ultrasonie-Doppler, tur- bine, paddle wheel, vortex shedding and magneto flow: meters. The most preferable lowmeters are turbine and adele whee! type of flowmeters due to ther low cost [0034] Figure? ilustrates he lypicaldesignofthe elec- tronic ereult board § contained within the housing of the inventive device. The circuit board has a connector to ‘one or more sensors (950° 98); the sensor sends a signal toa contol unitwhich indicates the low ofthe waler (on ‘or off. The control unit contains a processing unit and a clock. In the illustrated embodiment, the clock is con- tained within the control unit. ‘The contol unitis further connected tothe panel isplay ‘and to one or more solenoid valves within the conduits ‘connecting Venturi lubes, auncry care product contain rs, water line and intermediate chamber. The process- Ing unit can accept the input of dosages for overwriting the default value for each product by consumers and au- tomatically doses the selected products to the corre- sponding intermediate chamber atthe correct time ac- cordingly. The processing untis programmed with a ma chine-generi algorithm, which processes the signalfrom the sensor, to control the opening or closing ofthe sole- noid valves, at appropriate time points during the oper- ation ofthe washing machine. The algorithm may be cod- ed into a single electronic chip or a print crcut board, \which i the major pat of the processing unit 10032] The machine-generc algorithm is programmed ‘ocifferentiate between a major water addltion and awa- ter pulse and to diferentiate among various wash cycles, In the case of a major water addition, the algorithm de termines the state of the wash process and passes the signal to open one or more of the solenoid valves corre sponding to the correct products. When the solenoid valves between intermediate chambers and the Venturi tubes are open, the vacuum provided by the flow of water through Venturi tubes allows the flow of one or more of the laundry care compositions to the water stream that 's fing the wash machine. The algorithm can also be programmed to open only the solenoid valve which is Connected to the Venturi tube with the water flowing 10 Po 0 through ia that moment inorder to preven the cross- contamination between hot and cold water ines (wich happens when bath solenoid valves connected to both water ines are open) n ater words, only one water suppty (hot a 2) might be on, an thatthe one that will prompt the appropiate solenoid vale o open [0033] The machine-generic algorithm may also be programmed to fil the intermediate chamber withthe amount of laundry care products according to the pre- set or the consumer input value [0004] Figures 9,4 and ilusrate the mechanism of the dosing of laundry care composton via prefered tembociment ofthe inventive device 1. Ifthe algortim processes te instruction tomeanthata major water ad- dition is occuring via incoming hoses 2 andor &, the signal's sant from the contol unit othe solenoid valves 32, andor 52 andor 62 open the solenoid valves be- ing connected by wires 3% tothe electronic eicuit 5), wen then resus, duet the vacuum in the troats 30, ofthe Venturi tubes 10 and 20, in the flow of a laundry care composition out of the intermeciate dosing cham ber. The container 4s shown elevated; n use i snaps down wih the siot 42, so thatthe spout 38 fis to a conduit 38A, sealed by O-ing 38. The laundry care com poston lows doun the spout 3, the int the iterm- diate chamber, then down the conduits 35, 38, 38 and 32 (Fig, 4), mixing wth the incoming water fow in the Vertu tubes, and exing the dosing device vi the out- going waterhoses 12and 14. Te resuingwatonfauncry care mixis care int the washing machine via noses ‘Zandi 14. The devi in Figure contains the aun- dy care containers 40, acorting tothe most prefered embodimentcftheinventon iting within container sats 42, Depending on the instructions received from the ak apthm (iferentating between the wash eles), aer- tent sts of solenoid valves - 22, 52, or 62 are open to allow various laundry cae compostons to flow. refer- by, the inventive device contain a laundry detergent container, a fabric softener care container, andor a bleach or alauncry booster container. [0035] The devioo may contain an intermediate cham- ber foreach othe laundry care products, othe proéuct may share the same chamber [0036] The lena of the troat potion ofthe Venturi Lube is preferably rom 1 to 20 en, more preferably ess than 10cm, most preferably less than Sem, The multiple connections fom the throat othe containers of laundry broducts may be distributed along the aval direction crland the perimeter ofthe throat [0037] The preterredinventivedevies contain asatety checkassemby within the condit35. The safely assem by may be assembled ina varity of ways. One of the tembociments fs shown in dealin Figure 4. The safety {assembly prevents the flow ofthe laundry care compo- ston down the conduit 35, the solenoid valve open (€4, malfunctioning, stuck, but there fs no water fw through the Venturi tubes. The saetyassembt contains ring 36, upon whch rests aba 37. I theres no water7 EP 172891281 8 {low through throats 30 ofthe Venturi tubes, there is no vacuum to force the flow ofthe launcry care compastion dovin the condult 35, the spring 36 remains a rest with the ball37 blocking te fow ofthe composition. Thesafe- |yassembly also prevents thewaterflow ntothe chamber through the conduit 35 An O-ring 39 is seated on the ouside ofthe conduit 38A, below the top rim, to ensure a better seal between the spout 38 and the condult 384, {0038} Figure 4 ilustrates another preferred embod iment (device 1A). The solenoid valve connecting water line 20 andthe intermediate chamber provides the tush- ing and cleaning ofthe chamber after each dosing of products. Thus, one intermediate chamber may be shared by mulple laundry care product containers. Its preferred because only one solenoid vaive or pump is employed. The other reason i thatthe safety valve is not open for the line which fs without water flow. If the gorithm processes the instruction to mean that a major water addition i occuring via incoming hoses 2 andior 4, the signals sent rom the contol uit to the solenoid valve 32, whch is located in the conduit 35, to open (the solenoid valve being connected by wires 31 tothe elec- tronieceuit), which then resus inthe flow ofa laundry care composition out ofthe intermediate chamber, then down the conduits 35, 34, and 33. The check valve as- sembles (spring 36 and ball 37) are located at the con hits 38, which are drety connected to each of hot and cold water ines. The safety valves are open due tothe vacuum inthe throat 30 generated by the water fow in the Venturitubes 10 andior20, correspondingly. The low of produc then is mixing wth the incoming water ow in the Venturi tubes, and exiting the dosing device via the outgoing water hoses 12 and 14. The resulting wa- terlaundry care mix carried into the washing machine Wa hoses 12 andlor 14 An Ong 39s seated onthe outside of the conduit 38A to ensure a beter seal be- "ween the spout 38 and the conduit 388 [0039] According to the preferred emibociment ofthe invention, the ratio of the diameter of the end ofthe Ven- {ut tube (4) tthe diameter ofthe throat ofthe Venturi tube (d,) Is greater than 1.65, most preferably grater than2.5,inotderto attain the required vacuum for dosing the products I the internal diameter of water hoses is less than the diameter ofthe end ofthe Venturi tube (d), then the preferred rato shouldbe based on the ratio of the internal aiameter of water hose tothe diameter ofthe throat ofthe Venturi tube (2). [0040] Figure 5 schematicaly demonstrates a single intermediate chamber shared by thre laundry car prod- Uct containers. Solenoid vaives 601, 502, and 508 are ‘open according to the selection of laundry products to fil the intermediate chamber either when the device isin {ated by a consumer or sl-senses te na lof water. ‘The solenoid valves shutoff once the required amount is filed, The solenoid valve 505 is then open and the products are suckedinto the Venturi tube and added into the washing machine. Typically, depending on the se- lected dosage, solenoid valve 504 opens 5-80 seconds, 10 Po 0 preferably 20-60 seconds, after the opening ofthe sole- ‘oid valve 505, to flush the intermediate chamber. The ‘opening of the solenoid valve 504 may last for 5 to 10 seconds. The cleaning water (water used for lusting) for the intermediate chamber is sucked into the Venturi tube through the solenoid valve 508, The flushing may be repeated 2 -5 times. When water fil is stopped, the solenoid vaive closes. [0041] Optionally, an additional solenoid valve, 508, is ‘added between the top portion of an intermediate cham- ber and the Ventut tube as Shown in Figure 5. During the fling of a product into an intermediate chamber, so- lenoid valve 505 is closed and solenoid valve 506 is ‘opened to assist the fil rate. Once the fil reached the preset dosage level, then solenoid 506 is closed and re- ‘mains closed until another fl, 10042} Figures 6, 7, and 8 ilustrate yet other embod- ‘ments of the inventive devices 100 and 110 wherein a single water supply and a single Venturi tube are em- ployed. The Venturi tube 11 in Figure 6 or 15in Figure 7 's connected to the incoming water supply hose 3 and the outgoing water supply hose 13 via couplings 16 and 22. The mechanism of dosing action Is the same as de- scribed above for Figures 3, 4, and 5, except that when ‘single Venturi tube 11 or 15 is employed, it connects direct through the conduit 47 tothe intermediate cham- ber (contrasted toa series of conduits 33, 34, and 35 in Figure 4 for double Venturi tube device). [0043] Figure 6 illustrates a single Venturi tubersingle laundry care container embodiment of the inventive de- Vice 100, while Figure 7 ilustrates a single Venturi tubelthree laundry care containers embodiment of the device 110, The Venturi tube 11 in Figure 6 connects to 2 single intermediate chamber via a single condutt 47, The Venturi tube 15 in Figure 7 connects to three inter- ‘mediate chambers directly via conduits 47, 48, and 49, [0044] Figure & illustrates the example of the safety assembly forthe single Venturi tube embodiment ofthe device, operating as described above with reference to Figure 4 10045] Figure 9 ilustrates an alterative embodiment ofthe invention. The inventive device 120 operates sub- stantialy the same as described above in connectionwith Figures 35, except hata pump 210s employedin place cof @ Venturi mechanism. The device with pump Is highly preferred for washing machines which are placed at a low water pressure locations. Otherwise, according to the present invention, the Venturi mechanism is pre- ferred, since it has no moving parts, asin the pump. In ‘addition, the Venlur-based device does not require an ‘external power supply. only abattery torun the electronic Cireult to control the solenoid valves, The pump-based device in Figure 9 employs simple tubes 230 in place of the Venturitubes. Similarly tthe Ventur-basedinventive devices, it may include single or dual water supply, ether ‘one in combination with a variety of dosing containers. [0046] "In the preferred embodiment of the invention, laundry care containers visibly protrude above the top9 EP 172891281 10 surface ofthedevice, and most preferably, the containers are transparent, so that the user may monitor the level ofthe remaining detergent, and refi or replace the con tainers at an appropriate time. [0047] Figures 10A, 108, 11A and 118 are examples ofthe logic low diagrams for the machine-generic ago- rithm for programming the processing unt. The folowing ‘nomenclature is used in the figures: Value = 0, the devicelstatue i of 1, the device/stat- \V4= valve between detergent intermediate chamber ‘and Venturi tube Vg = valve between softener intermediate chamber ‘and Venturi tube \V,= valve between common intermediate chamber ‘and Venturi tube Vow = valve between the flush water to detergent intermediate chamber Vey = valve between the flush water to softener in- termediate chamber Vew= valve between the flush water tothe common intermediate chamber Voc = valve between detergent reservoir tointerme- diale chamber Ve = valve between softener reservolr to interme- diate chamber W= water flow master time a ime of each process P= Premash {= sum of tie upto kt = amountofdetergentinthe intrmeciate chambar S = amount ot softener inthe intermediate chamber Daas = default or previous defined dosage of deter- gent ‘S= defauitor previous defined dosage of softener Dias = consumer defined dosage of detergent ‘Son = Consumer defined dosage of softener 10 Po 0 F wumber of major water addition 10048] Figures 10a and 10b are typical algorithms for ‘wointermediate chambers withthe option of Pre-Washt” selection, Once the device is turned en, the algorithm pre-set the all variables to zero, Le. off status, and re- trieves the stored values of default or previous-set dos- ‘ages of laundry products, e.g. detergent and softener. A ‘consumer may input the desired dosage and overwrite the default value for both products. In addition, the algo- rithm allows @ consumer fo select the "Pre-Wash" cycle (or "Soak" cycle. The algorithm automaticaly compen- sates the "Soak" process. Once starts the process, the valves, Vig and Vec, between product reservoirs and thei corresponding intermediate chambers open. These valves close after each intermediate chamber filed with the corresponding product to the desired dosage, The Clock starts when the algorithm senses the sign of water ‘addition as a major water fil. The valve, V,, between frst laundry product, said detergent, intermediate chamber ‘and the dosing apparatus, such as a Venturi tube or a ‘pump, is Seto open, once the dosing ofthe produ ito the intermediate chamber is complete. Consequently, the first launcry product added into and dispersed inthe water flow and onto the wash machine. At the stop of water flow, the valve, Vg, closed. Ifthe "Pre-Wash" was selected, then the valve, Voc, opened and filed the cor- responding intermediate chamber tothe desired dosage then closed, At the detection ofthe water flow and the flow was last more than 10 seconds, the algorithm then senta signaltoopen the valve, V, for dosing the second laundry products. The valve, Vs closed once the water flow stopped. Forthe caseot no Pre-wash' orthe second ‘wash was over for the "Pre-wash' selection, the valve, Vg, opened to inject the second laundry product, when the water flow and lat for more than 10 seconds, At the fend of water flow, the valve, V,, closed and the device system shut down. [0049] A typical algorithm for one Intermediate Cham- bers with Pre-Wash selection is shown in Figures 118 ‘and 11B. Due toa single intermediate chamber design, the algorithm has modified to fillthe intermediate cham- ber one at the time and has to be flush washed after the dosing of each product. The algorithm for filing the inter- ‘mediate chamber and dosing is the same a8 described In the algorithm fortwo intermediate chambers with pre- wash selection design. After the each il ofthe product, the algorithm waits for 5 - 20 seconds, preferably from 20 to 60 seconds, to ensure the dosing of the product into the water stream then open the valve, Veyy, for 1 minute to clean the chamber. Sensor 10050] The sensor senses the flow of water converting 2 flow signal therefrom into an electronic impulse, and sending the signalthatthe water flow ison othe process- ing unit inside the contol unit, The preferred sensor is" EP 172891281 2 selected from a pressure transducer or a flow or motion sensing devices, or combinations thereof. [0054] The sensor can be placed al a water supply feed, whether the incoming oF outgoing feed from the vice. The sensor combined withthe algorithm may ad- ditionally detect other parameters, e.g. water inflow pat- ter, total water consumed for each cycle, By the use of the sensors, signals canbe obtained (and combined with ‘one another) which monitor the wash cycle and the cycle time and provide a trigger forthe inventive dispensing device, Other suitable sensors include but are notlimited to devices sensing electrical current, sound, tempera- ture, vibration, et. Laundry Care Containers 10052] Generally, any laundry care container may be used as long ails spautfts snugly nto the conduit aad ing to the Venturi tube. n the preferred embodiment of the invention, however, special cartridges, most prefer: ably removable and replaceable, are employed. 10083] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, to prevent user mistakes in inserting wrong containers into the slot, the slots andior containers are clearly labeled ‘and may have an encoded set of information about the containers contents and its use instructions affixed ti, the device further comprising means for retvieving and, ‘optionally, storing said information, and means for exe- outing instructions either received directly from the re- trleved information or from the sloced information. The Instructions may be in the form ofa bar code, amagnatic stip, amicrochip or any other suitable machine-readable attachment. In another embodiment ofthe invention, the shape of the containers and the corresponding interiock- Ing slots are shaped diferent to prevent misplaced in- slallaton of products. Another way of preventing mis- ‘placed installationisviacolarar shape or size differention with common interlocks [0054] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the Container (containing the spout is beveled to enhance the draining of the composition Laundry Care Compositions 10085] Any laundry care compositions are sultable for se withthe inventive device. The particular advantage Of the inventive device is that it pre-mixes the laundry care composition with water, thus dilating the laundry care composition prior tits introduction ito the washing ‘machine, Thus, in a parliculry preferred embodiment ofthe invention the laundry care composition is @ con- Centrate, For a laundry detergent composition, it ener- ally means that the composition comprises atleast 20%, by weightofthe composition, preferably rom 4010 100%, ‘most preferably rom 60 to 100% ofa surfactant. Gener- ally, concentrate compositions contain it if any water, generally from 0 to 60%, preferably less than 20%, most preferably less than 10%. 10 Po 0 [0056] Another particularly preferred composition for use with the inventive device isa bleach composition; by Virtue of pre-cliution associated with he use ofthe inven tive device such composition may be introduced into the washing machine, without causing the pinpoint damage to the fabrics. The most preferred bieach is a peracid, suchas imidoperaci, diperoxydodecanoic acid (PDA), perlaurioacid,perbenzoicandalkylperbenzoicacids. Es- pecially prefered peracid is phthalimido-percaproic acid (PAP). In another embodiment, the inventive device may dose sodium hypochlorite solution, which is generally re- ferred to as chlorine beach. The concentration of hy- pochorite solution isin the range belween 1.5 % to 10%, preferably between 3 to 7%. [0057] In another embodiment, the inventive device ‘may sequentially dose bleach precursors and peroxygen bleach sources. The nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS) and tetraacety! ethylene diamine (TAED) are ‘ypical bleach precursors, Other classes of bleach pre- cursors comprise acylated citrate ester, benzoxazin-lype ‘and.amido derived precusors. Sultable peroxygen bleach bleach sources tobe used herein ae hydrogen peroxide, percarbonates, persicates, perborates, peroxyacids, hydroperoxides, and diacyl peroxide. As used herein a peroxygen bleach source refers toany compound, which produces perhydroxy! ions witen said compound is in contact with water, Claims 4. Adevice (1; 100, 110) suitable tobe fitted externally to an automatic laundry washing machine and for ‘automaticaly dispensing at least one liquid laundry care composition to the automatic laundry washing machine, the device being suitable to be located along water supply feedto the washing machine with ‘an incoming water supply feed (2, 4) to the device and outgoing water supply feed (12, 14) out ofthe dviee, the device comprising a Venturi tube (10, 20) the both ends of the tube protruding externally to the housing of the device for connections tothe incoming and out- going water supply feed, = dosing container (40) for holding the laundry ‘care composition, - an intermediate dosing chamber connected to the dosing container with an on/off valve, the throat of the Venturi tube (30) connected by a Conduit (33 - 3) to the intermediate dosing chamber, a sensor (95, 96) for determining water flow through the incoming water suppiy feed, thesen- sor located al the incoming water supply feed ‘and connected to an electronic circuit (5) containing a clock and 2 processing unit programmed with a machine3 EP 172891281 14 ‘generic algorithm wherein the machine-generic algorithm s programmed to contol the opening and closing of 4 solenoid valve (32, 52, 62) coupled to the same circuit and located within the conduit con- necting the Venturi tube and the intermediate dosing chamber, the vaive opening or closing the flow of the laundry care composition from the intermediate dosing chamber Wherein the machine-generie algorithm is pro- ‘grammes to, in response to a signal received fram the sensor, diferentiate between a major water ad dition and a water pulse, and wherein the machine- ‘generic algorithm is programmed such that it opens the solenoid valve (32, 52, 62) inthe event ofa major \water addition, wherein a major water adition is de- fined as betng the water fil with the amount that is sufficient to pre-wash, wash, or rinse the articles in the automatic laundry washing mactine, ‘The device of claim 1 comprising at least two dosing Containers (40), one for holding a laundry detergent and the other for holding a fabric softener. ‘The device of claim 1 wherein the device is suitable tobe connected to two water supply feeds: hot water ‘and cold water ‘The device of claim 3 comprising two Venturi tubes (10,20) one connected to the hot water supply feed: the other connected tothe cold water supply fee. ‘The device of claim 4, wherein the throats (30) ofthe ‘wo Venturi tubes are connected to each other by a ‘connecting conduit (33, 3), tne connecting conduit being in turn connected to the conduit (3) to the intermediate dosing chamber, and the device con taining two solenoid valves (32) located inthe oon- necting conduit ‘Thedevice of claim 1, whereinthe sensor is selected from a pressute transducer and a flow sensor. ‘The device of claim 1 wherein the processing unit ‘comprises a clock, ‘The device of claim 1 wherein the algorithm resets the clock atthe end of the total laundry cycle. ‘The device of claim 1 wherein the algorithm differ. tetiates between various wash cycles based on the number of major water additions. ‘The device of claim 1 wherein the algorithm com- prises the instructions toopen the solenoid valve (32, '52, 62) which is connected tothe Venturi tube which has water flow through it for longer than 5 seconds. 10 Po 0 114. The device of claim 1 wherein the algorithm com- prises instructions to cose the solenoid valve itwater flow is of. 412, The device of claim 1 wherein the deviee comprises two dosing containers (40) a dosing container for a laundry detergentand. laundry softener and where- Inthe algorithm comprises the instructions to open the solenoid valve to the laundry softener dosing Container atthe point ofthe second major water ad- dition, 43, Thedevice ofclaim t wherein he device further com- prises a safely check assembly (36, 37) located in the conduit connecting the Venturitube and the dos- Ing chamber, 1 prevent water flow into the dosing chamber. 414, The device of claim 1 wherein the intermediate dos- ing chamber is transparent. 48. The device of claim 1 wherein the intermediate dos- Ing chamberis suitable tobe independently connect- ed to the main water ine. 46. The device of claim 15 wherein the algorithm com- prises instructions for flushing the intermediate dos- Ing chamber with water. 47. The device of claim 1 further comprising a control panel comprising a selection for reset or for pre- wash, 18. The device of claim 1 wherein the ratio ofthe internal diameter ofthe end of the Venturtube tothe internal ciameter ofthe throat (30) ofthe Venturitube(10,20) Is gteater than 1.65, 19. The device of claim 1 wherein the ratio ofthe internal diameter of a water supply feed hose (2,4) to the Inlemaliameter of the throat (30) ofthe Venturi tube is gteater than 1.65, 20, The device of claim 1 wherein the dosing container (40) is removable. 21, The device of claim 1 wherein the laundry care com- position is concentrated composition. 22, The device of claim 1 wherein the laundry care com- postion comprises a peracid or chlorine bleach, 23. The device of claim 1 wherein the algorithm in the electronic circuit is upgradable via switching a new ROM chip containing a new algorithm, or flashing a ROM chip with @ new algorithm. 24, The device of claim 1 wherein the algorithm doses25, 18 EP 172891281 16 laundry products, measures and confirms the actual dosed quantiy prior othe dosing ofthe product ram the intermediate chamber into the water line ‘A device (120) suitable to be fitted externally oan automatic laundry washing machine and for auto- matically dispensing at least one liquid laundry care ‘composition to the automatic laundry washing ma- chine, the device being suitable to be located along water supply to the washing machine with anincom- ing water supply feed (2,4, tothe device and oulgo- ing water supply feed (12,14) out ofthe device, the device comprising ‘a water conduit tube (230), the both ends of the tube protruding externally to the device for connections tothe incoming and outgoing water supply feed; ‘a dosing container for holding the laundry care composition, the container connected by a con < 805 > > TAP 1 OUTLET VENTURI 20 > TAP 2 OUTLETEP 172891281 FIG. 10A folst tgetgrti 28EP 172891281 FIG. 10B 1 ¥oe0 init tertgeti] 6EP 172891281 FIG. 114A 0, MR 40" *dos Dans -Deet ) SioseStet | XS ff YES aEP 172891281 28EP 172891281 REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of references cited by the applicant is forthe reader's convenience only. 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