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Method and apparatus for using gravity to precisely dose detergent in a washing machine

  • US 10,240,274 B2
  • Filed: 02/14/2018
  • Issued: 03/26/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of dosing detergent into a cleaning chamber of a washing machine using gravity, comprising:

  • providing an amount of detergent to be used in a washing machine;

    providing a detergent storage tank;

    providing a diverter valve comprising a detergent inlet, a detergent outlet, and an air vent;

    presenting a user interface at a location accessible to a user for a user to input load characteristics;

    relaying information via electrical signals from the user interface to a controller in electrical communication with the user interface;

    determining a dosage requirement;

    dispensing a fluid into the cleaning chamber by;

    opening the detergent inlet of the diverter valve;

    determining how much fluid has been dispensed;

    comparing how much fluid has been dispensed to the dosage requirement; and

    closing the detergent inlet of the diverter valve when the amount of fluid dispensed is substantially equal to the dosage requirement; and

    venting the remaining fluid by opening of the air vent.

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