Patent ID: 8931310
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: D06F

Abstract:
1. A bulk dispensing system for a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a cabinet, a tub mounted within the cabinet, and a conduit for providing a stream of water into the tub, said bulk dispensing system comprising: a fluid compartment mounted within the washing machine, said fluid compartment configured to selectively release fluid into the tub; at least one bulk storage tank mounted within the washing machine; a first flow tube providing fluid communication between said at least one bulk storage tank and said fluid compartment; a second flow tube providing fluid communication between said fluid compartment and the tub mounted within the cabinet of the washing machine; an outlet nozzle coupled to an end of the second flow tube, the outlet nozzle extending away from the fluid compartment and positioned in a path of the stream of water introduced from the conduit into the tub, wherein the outlet nozzle is disposed outside of the conduit providing the stream of water into the tub; a pump operatively coupled to said first flow tube and configured to move fluid from within said at least one bulk storage tank to said fluid compartment through said first flow tube; an inlet tube providing fluid communication between said at least one bulk storage tank and an inlet opening, said inlet opening and said inlet tube configured to supply fluid to said at least one bulk storage tank; a reservoir tube mounted within the washing machine; a pressure sensor operatively coupled to said reservoir tube, said pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure within said reservoir tube; and a controller operatively coupled to said pump and configured to control an amount of fluid moved into the tub.