Abstract:
A modular fluid dispensing system is configured to dispense at least one fluid to a machine having an aperture therein. The modular fluid dispensing system comprises a module configured to be removably engaged with the aperture. The module comprises at least one receiving chamber configured to receive at least one container. The at least one container is configured to receive the at least one fluid. The module comprises at least one engagement key configured to be engaged with a receiver portion of the aperture and a fluid extracting element defines a passage therethrough. The fluid extracting element is configured to engage a portion of the at least one container to withdraw a portion of the at least one fluid from the at least one container into the passage.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/138,539, filed Dec. 18, 2008. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Various machines, such as appliances, for example, can require a user to add a product, such a fluid, a vapor, and/or a gas to the machine at the beginning of each cycle of the machine. This can require the user to manually add the product into a portion of the machine. Some machines can require multiple products to be added to achieve various benefits. This can require the user to dispense the multiple products to the machine to achieve the various benefits and can also require a high level of user attention to ensure that the multiple products are placed in the correct portions of the machine to reduce the possibility of using the wrong products in the wrong portions of the machine. Furthermore, some machines can require the various products to be manually added to the machine during a cycle of the machine and/or at specific points throughout the cycle of the machine. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In one embodiment, a modular fluid dispensing system is configured to dispense at least one fluid to a machine having an aperture therein. The modular fluid dispensing system comprises a module configured to be removably engaged with the aperture. The module comprises at least one receiving chamber configured to receive at least one container. The at least one container is configured to receive the at least one fluid. The module comprises at least one engagement key configured to be engaged with a receiver portion of the aperture and a fluid extracting element defining a passage therethrough. The fluid extracting element is configured to engage a portion of the at least one container to withdraw a portion of the at least one fluid from the at least one container into the passage. 
         [0004]    In another embodiment, a modular fluid dispensing system for a machine comprises a removable module comprising a receiving chamber for receiving at least one container configured to contain at least one fluid. The removable module comprises a container authentication system configured to interact with an authentication portion of the at least one container and a fluid dosing system interface configured to interact with a selectable fluid dosing system located on the at least one container. 
         [0005]    In yet another embodiment, an appliance comprises a modular fluid dispensing system configured to dispense at least one fluid from at least one container to the appliance. The modular fluid dispensing system comprises a module comprising a receiving chamber configured to receive the at least one container and a fluid extracting element configured to withdraw the at least one fluid from the at least one container. The module also comprises a container authentication system configured to interact with an authentication portion of the at least one container and a fluid dosing system interface configured to interact with a selectable fluid dosing system of the at least one container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the dispensing system, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the dispensing system itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the dispensing system taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a modular fluid dispensing system for use with a machine comprising an aperture, the modular fluid dispensing system comprising a module configured to be positioned within and removed from the aperture and at least one container configured to be positioned within the module according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the machine of  FIG. 1  with the module positioned within the aperture; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a partial front view of the machine of  FIG. 2  with a module door in an open position and the at least one container positioned within the module according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a partial front view of the machine of  FIG. 2  with the module door in an open position without the at least one container positioned within the module according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the module of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  with a module door in an open position according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the module of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the module of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the module of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 5  illustrating an electrical connector and a fluid connector according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of at least one container configured to be positioned within the module of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9A  is a front view of another container configured to be positioned within the module of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  comprising a selectable fluid dosing system according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9B  is an exploded view of the selectable fluid dosing system of  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9C  is a front view of another container configured to be positioned within the module of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  comprising another selectable fluid dosing system according to another non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another container configured to be positioned within the module of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the at least one container of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a front view of the at least one container of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the at least one container of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a perspective exploded view of an authentication portion of the at least one container of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an authentication portion positioned on the at least one container of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of the connectivity between the authentication portion of  FIG. 15  and a portion of the machine of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  illustrates a block diagram of the machine and module of  FIG. 1  according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  illustrates a block diagram of the connectivity between a fluid level detection system and a portion the machine of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the mounting of a fluid level detection system of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 1  on the module according to one non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  illustrates a flow chart for use of the authentication system and the fluid level detection system of the modular fluid dispensing system according to one non-limiting embodiment; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 20A  illustrates a continuation of the flow chart of the modular fluid dispensing system of  FIG. 20A  according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    Various embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example embodiments and that the scope of the various embodiments of the dispensing system is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one example embodiment may be combined with the features of other example embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. 
         [0032]    As technology advances, the shape and design of various machines can also change. In some instances, it may be desirable to design machines with modular components to allow specific portions of the machines to remain the same while redesigning and replacing only the portions affected by technology and/or design changes. According to various embodiments, a modular fluid dispensing system configured for use with a machine can comprise a module and at least one container, both configured such that the modular fluid dispensing system can be redesigned and/or replaced without having to change out and/or purchase a completely new machine. In such instances, the modular fluid dispensing system can enable improvements to be made to a modular fluid dispensing system of a machine without having to change the connections between the module and the machine and/or change the space requirements for the module within the machine. In such embodiments, the modular fluid dispensing system can also reduce the need to purchase a new machine merely because a modular fluid dispensing system on the machine is outdated. Instead, now, the modular fluid dispensing system can easily be replaced with an updated modular fluid dispensing system. In at least one embodiment, the various machines discussed herein can include appliances, such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and/or any other suitable appliances or machines that can use at least one fluid, vapor, and/or a gas during an operating cycle. In other various embodiments, the machines can be used in car washes and/or in paint manufacturing, for example. In any event, the appliances or machines can be configured for residential and/or commercial use, for example. 
         [0033]    In many circumstances, users may be required to add various products to the machines so that the machines can use the various products in an operating cycle, such as a cleaning cycle, for example. In at least one embodiment, the various products can be included in at least one cartridge or container, for example. In some instances, users may rather add product(s) to the machine one time and achieve the desired benefit for multiple cycles before having to add the product(s) again. In yet another embodiment dispensing of multiple products simultaneously can achieve additional benefits, for example two products that are at least partially incompatible (meaning that the products can denature or neutralize each other, or can form insoluble complexes which can settle out of solution) and must remain separated until time of use can be dispensed simultaneously into the cycle. Nonlimiting examples of at least partially incompatible products include: anionic detersive surfactants and cationic fabric softeners or fabric care polymers; bleach and fabric treatment additives such as softeners and perfumes. In addition, sequential cycles may require simultaneous dispensing on machines with multiple simultaneous cycles of operation, for example in a laundry context: using a detergent or cleaning composition in a wash cycle, followed by a softening or enhancing composition in a rinse, in a dishwashing context a cleaning composition followed by a finishing composition. In various embodiments, portions of the machines which are configured to receive the various products and/or the containers can be located on the top of the machines such that the containers can be inserted vertically within the portions of the machines. In some circumstances, it is believed that certain vertical insertion systems can suffer from undesirable product leaking while the containers are being inserted and/or removed from the portions of the machines owing to the force of gravity. In many instances, however, the top and sides of the machines may not be easily accessible to the user because of machine stacking and/or positioning along side of another machine and/or a wall, for example. In such instances, it can be desirable to allow the user to add the various products and/or the containers of the various products to the machines via the front face of the machine, for example. It can also be desirable to allow the user to insert the containers in a horizontal orientation to at least inhibit the various products from leaking during the insertion and/or removal of the containers from the machine. 
         [0034]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 1 , a machine  100 , such as an appliance, for example, can comprise an aperture  110  configured to receive a module  200 . In at least one embodiment, the machine  100  can also comprise a display  120  configured to provide various output information about the machine  100 , the module  200 , and/or at least one container  300  to a user. In such embodiments, the machine  100  can also comprise an operation knob  125  configured to allow the user to set a particular operating cycle and an on/off switch  128  configured to turn the machine  100  on or off. In various embodiments, the module  200  can be configured to receive the at least one container  300 . The at least one container can be configured to contain any suitable fluid, vapor and/or gas. a fluid, such as a detergent, a fragrance, a fabric softener, a soap, and/or any other suitable fluid, vapor, and/or gas. Those of skill in the art will understand that depending on application there are many different products that could be used. Nonlimiting examples of suitable fluid compositions include fabric care compositions (such as granular or liquid laundry detergents, liquid or power fabric enhancers, antistatic agents, bleaches, perfumes, color guards, stain prevention, wrinkle release, odor treatments, insect repellents, antifungal agents, and mixtures thereof); hard surface cleaning agents (such as liquid, powder or gel automatic dish washing compositions, dish finishers, and mixtures thereof, and car treatment compositions (such as liquid, gel or powder car wash detergent, waxes, polishes, water repellants, etc); and other surface treatment (such paints, primers, thinners, clear coats, base coats, metallic agents, etc). In at least one embodiment, the at least one container  300  can comprise more than one container (hereafter referred to as “container  300 ” regardless of whether a single or multiple containers are being discussed). In such an embodiment, each of the containers  300  can comprise a different fluid and/or a different product, for example. In other various embodiments, a container  300  can comprise more than one fluid and/or product, for example. In various embodiments, the module  200  and the container  300 , in combination with various connections to the machine  100  positioned within the aperture  110 , can comprise the modular fluid dispensing system. 
         [0035]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , the module  200  can be configured to interface with at least one connector within the aperture  110  of the machine  100 . In one embodiment, the module  200  can be eliminated and the container  300  can be configured to interface directly with the at least one connector within the aperture  110  of the machine  100 , for example. In any event, the aperture  110 , the module  200 , and/or the container  300  can comprise standard fluid and electrical connections to enable to the module  200  and/or the container  300  to be easily changed out and/or replaced due to technological advances or user preferences, for example. In various embodiments, the apertures  110  in a plurality of the machines  100  can be standard such that a single module  200  could be used in each of the machines  100 . In other various embodiments, the module  200  can comprise various features for a particular brand of a machine  100 , for example, such that the modules  200  can be brand specific. In at least one embodiment, the modules  200  can have various mechanical and/or electrical features specific to a particular brand of machines  100 , such that various modules  200  can only be used with the particular brand of machine  100 , for example. 
         [0036]    As technology changes, the machine  100  can be upgraded with a replacement module  200  configured to fit within the same space in the aperture  110  and can use the same electrical connection  220  and/or the same fluid connector  221  of the machine  100 . Furthermore, the module  200  can enable the machine  100  to be upgraded without replacing the machine  100  interface to the module  200 . In various embodiments, an electrical and/or a mechanical lock and key system between the module  200  and the machine  100  can enable each machine manufacturer to have an exclusive module  200  design for their specific brand to at least inhibit the possibility of another brand of module  200  being inserted into the wrong machine  100 . For example the module can include a preprogrammed micro chip or radio frequency identification (RFID) tag as means of identification communication between the module and machine. In at least one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a wall  130  of the aperture  110  can comprise a longitudinally oriented slot  140  and the module  200  can comprise a longitudinally oriented projection  250 . In such an embodiment, the longitudinally oriented projection  250  can be configured to be at least partially engaged with the longitudinally oriented slot  140  when the module  200  is positioned within the aperture  110 . In other various embodiments, any suitable lock and key type interlocking features and/or other suitable interlocking features, such as projections and slots and/or ridges and recesses, for example, can be included on the module  200  and/or on the walls  130  of the aperture  110  to create an interlocking engagement between the module  200  and the aperture  110 , for example. As discussed above, these various lock and key features can be brand specific or can be standard for all, or most, machines, for example. 
         [0037]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the module  200  can comprise a module door  211  movable between an open position (see e.g.,  FIGS. 3-5 ) and a closed position (see e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). In various embodiments, the module door  211  can be opened to insert and/or remove the container  300  from the module  200 . In at least one embodiment, the module door  211  and a module doorway  201  can be engaged with and/or can comprise a safety interlock switch  212 . In such an embodiment, the modular fluid dispensing system may not be activated until the module door  211  is in the fully closed position and the container  300  is properly positioned within the module  200 . In various embodiments, the safety interlock switch  212  can eliminate, or at least reduce, the possibility that the modular fluid dispensing system will be activated if the container  300  is not properly positioned within the module  200  and/or an improper container is positioned within the module  200 , for example. In various embodiments, the safety interlock switch  212  can comprise a mechanical component configured to produce an audible sound, such as a clicking, a snapping, and/or an engaging sound, for example, to indicate to the user that the module door  211  is in the fully closed position and that the container  300  is positioned properly within the module  200 . In other various embodiments, the display  120  on the machine  200  can indicate the status of the module door  211  to the user. 
         [0038]    In various embodiments, referring to FIGS.  1  and  3 - 5 , the module  200  can comprise at least one receiving chamber  210  configured to receive the container  300 . In at least one embodiment, the module  200  can comprise a plurality of receiving chambers  210 , each configured to receive a container  300 . In such an embodiment, at least one of the receiving chambers  210  can comprise a different orientation and/or a different configuration such that only particular containers  300  will be suitable for use with that particular receiving chamber  210 . In various embodiments, the receiving chambers  210  can comprise different geometries, different lengths, and/or different dimensions such that only particular containers  300  will fit within the various receiving chambers  210 . In one embodiment, two of the receiving chambers  210  can comprise a recess and/or an engagement key  218  on a wall thereof. In such an embodiment, at least some of the containers  300  can comprise complimentary features, such as a recess and/or a projection, for example, such that the containers  300  can only be positioned within particular receiving chambers  210 , for example. Such receiving chambers  210  can prevent, or at least inhibit, a user from placing the wrong container  300  into the wrong receiving chamber  210 , for example. The receiving chambers  210 , via the various lock and key features, can also at least inhibit the wrong fluid from being dispensed at a wrong time during a cycle and/or to the wrong portion of the machine  100  by denying the insertion of a wrong container into a particular receiving chamber  210 . The module  200  can comprise any suitable number of receiving chambers  210  configured to receive any suitable number of containers  300 , depending on the user&#39;s needs and product requirements for a particular machine  100 . The containers  300  and/or the walls of the receiving chambers  210  can also comprise various lock and key features and/or other suitable features configured such that the containers  300  can only be inserted in the proper orientation, e.g., upright vs. upside down. In another embodiment, the various receiving chambers  210  and the various containers  300  can comprise corresponding, numbering, lettering, coding, color coding, and/or any other suitable indicia, such that the various containers  300  can be easily matched with the correct receiving chambers  210  by the user. 
         [0039]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , the module  200  can also comprise an electrical connector  220  and a fluid connector  221 , or a series of fluid connectors and electrical connectors for example. In one embodiment, the electrical connector  220  and the fluid connector  221  can be configured to plug into and/or engage a fluid connector receiver on the machine  100  and/or within the aperture  110  and an electrical connector receiver on the machine  100  and/or within the aperture  110 , respectively. The module  200  can easily be replaced with another module  200  without replacing the entire machine  100 , owing to the standard electrical and fluid connectors  220  and  221 . In one embodiment, the fluid connector receiver can be in fluid communication with a fluid-receiving portion of the machine  100  and, likewise, the electrical connector receiver can be in electrical communication with a power source to and/or of the machine  100 . Said at least one fluid can be extracted from the container  300  via the fluid connector  221  and provided to the machine  100 . Similarly, electrical power can be supplied by the machine  100  to the module  200  via the electrical connector  220 . Further to the above, referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , tubing  222  can be positioned within the module  200  to place the fluid connector  221  in fluid communication with the at least one fluid within the container  300  and/or in fluid communication with at least one pump  224  positioned within the module  200 . Similarly, wires  223  within the module  200  can be in electrical communication with the electrical connector  220  and the at least one pump  224  and/or at least one motor  225  within the module  200 . In such embodiments, the at least one motor  225  can power the at least one pump  224  to cause the at least one pump  224  to withdraw the at least one fluid from the container  300 . In at least one embodiment, a plurality of pumps  224  and/or motors  225 , electrical connectors  220 , and fluid connectors  221  can be provided within the module  200  and/or the machine  100 . Various valves can be positioned within the tubing  222  and/or at the ends of the tubing  222  to allow the at least one pump  224  to withdraw the at least one fluid from a first container and/or withdraw the at least one fluid from a second container, for example. In one embodiment, the at least one motor  225  can be included in the at least one pump  224 , for example. In another embodiment, the electrical connector  220  and the fluid connector  221  can comprise one port and/or a plurality of ports on the module  200 , for example. One embodiment of a rear wall  240  of the module  200  comprising the electrical connector  220  and the fluid connector  221  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0040]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 4 , the at least one pump  224  can be in fluid communication with at least one fluid tube configured to puncture and/or pierce at least a portion of the at least one container  300 . In one embodiment, the at least one fluid tube can comprise a fluid vent tube  216  and a fluid extraction tube  217 . The fluid vent tube  216  and the fluid extraction tube  217  can both puncture a self-sealing mechanism located on the container  300 , when the container  300  is positioned within the receiving chamber  210 . In such a configuration, the fluid extraction tube  217  can withdraw the at least one fluid from the at least one container  300  as the fluid vent tube  216  flows a fluid and/or a gas into the container  300 . In such an embodiment, the fluid vent tube  216  can at least inhibit a substantial vacuum from forming within container  300  to aid in the fluid extraction. Container  300  can be pressurized and the fluid vent tube  216  can be eliminated and/or not used, for example. In any event, motor  225  can power the at least one pump  224  to cause the at least one pump  224  to create suction within the fluid extraction tube  217  and thereby withdraw the at least one fluid from the container  300 . In such an embodiment, the pump  224  can be configured to then pump the at least one fluid into the tubing  222 , through the fluid connector  221 , to the fluid connector receiver, and to a fluid-receiving portion of machine  100 . 
         [0041]    There are many manufacturers of counterfeit or “knock-off” fluid containers. Further, there is a chance that a user and/or a counterfeit container manufacturer may refill an authentic container  300  and reuse the container  300  multiple times in the machine  100 . This can result in financial losses to the manufacturer of the authentic container  300 . Also, there is a chance that the performance of the machine  100 , such as the wash quality of clothes, for example, may deteriorate, if a counterfeit container and/or a refilled container is loaded into the receiving chamber  210  of the module  200 . Furthermore, this counterfeiting can also potentially lead to a lowering of the brand image of the manufacturer of the authentic container  300  and/or the machine  100 , for example. 
         [0042]    In view of the above-discussed issues, in various embodiments, the receiving chambers  210  and/or the containers  300  can comprise various interlocking and/or lock and key features configured to prevent, or at least minimize opportunities for, inserting a counterfeit and/or improper container into the receiving chamber  210 . In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 - 6 , and  9 , the containers  300  can comprise a receiving aperture  334  in a face  305  thereof with the receiving chambers  210  comprising at least one projection and/or receiving post  215  extending from a rear wall  202  of the module  200  or vice-versa, for example, such that the aperture  334  of the container  300  can be engaged with the at least one projection or receiving post  215 . In another embodiment, each receiving chamber  210  can comprise a different length and/or a different dimension corresponding to only an authentic container  300  and/or a particular type of container  300 , for example. The authentic container  300  having complimentary features may be able to be inserted into that particular receiving chamber  210  and interlock and/or engage with the various features of the receiving chamber  210 . The modular fluid dispensing system can also comprise the ability to electrically authenticate the container  300 , as discussed below. 
         [0043]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  9 ,  10 , and  12 , the rear wall  202  of the receiving chamber  210  and/or the rear wall  240  of the module  200  can comprise the fluid vent tube  216 , the fluid extraction tube  217 , an electronic communicator  213 , an indicator post  214 , and/or at least one receiving post  215 . In various embodiments, the electronic communicator  213  can be part of the container authentication system, as discussed in further detail below. In one embodiment, the indicator post  214  can extend from the rear wall  202  and can be configured to be engaged with, press-fit into, and/or snap-fit into an aperture  326  in the face  305  of the container  300  or closure  331  to provide the user with an audible and/or tactile indication that the container  300  has been fully engaged with the indicator post  214  extending from the rear wall  202 . The container  300  can comprise an indicator post and the rear wall  202  can comprise an aperture, for example. The rear wall  202  can also comprise the at least one receiving post  215  configured to be engaged with the receiving aperture or apertures  334  on the face  305  of the container  300 . In one embodiment, the rear wall  202  can comprise a receiving post  215  in each of a plurality of receiving chambers  210 . In such an embodiment, referring to  FIG. 4 , various receiving posts  215  can be positioned at a different location on at least some of the rear walls  202  of the receiving chambers  210 , such that only a container  300  having a complimentary receiving aperture  334  in the same or a similar location on the face  305  thereof can be engaged with the receiving post  215 . In this fashion, the receiving posts  215  in the various receiving chambers  210  can at least inhibit the user from positioning the container  300  in the wrong receiving chamber  210 . Furthermore, if the wrong container is positioned within the wrong receiving chamber  210 , the face  305 , instead of the receiving aperture or apertures  334  can engage the receiving post  215 , thereby inhibiting the container  300  from being fully positioned within the receiving chamber  210  and, therefore, preventing the module door  211  from fully closing. As the module door  211  cannot fully close, the safety interlock switch  212  will not be activated, thus not activating the modular fluid dispensing system. 
         [0044]    In various embodiments, referring to FIGS.  9  and  10 - 13 , various container  300  configurations are illustrated. In at least one embodiment, the various containers  300  described herein can be formed of a rigid material, such as a blow molded plastic, for example. In other various embodiments, the containers  300  can be formed of a semi-rigid material and/or a non-rigid material, such as cardboard and/or plastic, for example. In other various embodiments, the containers  300  can comprise a bag-in-bottle configuration, wherein the bag can collapse within the container  300  during fluid evacuation from the bag, which can eliminate the need to include the fluid vent tube  216 , for example. One container  300  can comprise a closure  331  configured to be reusable on various containers  300 . In one embodiment, the closure  331  can be injection molded and can comprise the face  305 , the receiving apertures  334 , and the aperture  326 . In various embodiments, a plurality of receiving apertures  334  can be positioned about the face  305 . In at least one embodiment, receiving aperture plugs  337  can be positioned in at least some of the receiving apertures  334  depending on the location and/or orientation of the receiving post or posts  215  on the rear wall  202  of the receiving chamber  210 , for example. The closure manufacture can remove and re-insert the receiving aperture plugs  337  to configure a particular container  300  for insertion into another receiving chamber  210  thus enabling the same closure to be used for different product containers and still be exclusive to one specific receiving chamber. In various embodiments, the closure  331  can also comprise a cap  332  comprising a self-sealing mechanism  333 , for example. The at least one fluid can be extracted from the container  300  through the self-sealing mechanism  333 , when the self-sealing mechanism  333  is punctured by the fluid extraction tube  217 , and optionally by the fluid vent tube  216 . In various embodiments, the self-sealing mechanism  333  can comprise a silicon material configured to seal after being punctured by the fluid vent tube  216  and the fluid extraction tube  217 , for example. 
         [0045]    In various embodiments, referring to FIGS.  9  and  10 - 13 , the various containers  300  can comprise an engagement key slot  335  and a closure key slot  336 . In at least one configuration, the engagement key slot  335  can be aligned with the closure key slot  336 , for example. In at least one embodiment, to prevent, inhibit, or at least minimize the opportunity of, the containers  300  of a shorter length (see e.g.,  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) from entering a longer receiving chamber  210 , an engagement key  218  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) can be located proximate to the module doorway  201  and within the longer receiving chambers  210 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , a corresponding engagement key slot  335  can be located on a top side of the longer containers  300 , which can optionally travel the length of the top side of the longer containers  300 , for example, to enable full engagement of the containers  300  to the receiving slot  210 . In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the shorter containers  300  may not have an engagement key slot  335  thereby preventing, inhibiting, or at least minimizing the opportunity of, the shorter containers  300  from being inserted into the longer receiving chambers  210 . In at least one embodiment, the closure key slot  336  can be used to aid the user in determining which portion of the container  300  should face upwardly and/or downwardly when inserted into the module  200  and/or the receiving slot  210 . In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  9 ,  10 , and  13 , the container  300  can also comprise an orientation lug  338  configured to again assist the user in determining which portion of the container  300  should face upwardly and/or downwardly, for example, when inserted into the module  200  and/or the receiving slot  210 . In various embodiments, the orientation lug  338  can be engaged with a lug receiving portion  230  of the receiving slot  210 . 
         [0046]    In some instances, users may prefer to have control of an end result of the machine  100  experience. In addition, users may prefer to have the ability to customize the products and/or the fluids being used by their machine  100  to meet their specific desires. Therefore, a container  300  that can be customizable to meet the user&#39;s specific needs and/or improve performance of the machine  100  is desirable and can enhance the user&#39;s experience. The customizable container  300  can also allow the users to set their own standard of performance by interacting with the container  300 , for example. In various embodiments, the container  300  can comprise a selectable fluid dosing system comprising a user activation member configured to allow the user to select the dose most appropriate for a particular cycle of the machine  100 . In other various embodiments, including a multi-fluid container  300 , the user activation member can allow the user to select the products and/or the fluids most appropriate for a particular cycle of the machine  100 . In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the user activation member of the container  300  can comprise peel away tabs  390 , labeled A, B, C, and D, for example. After the user peels away one or more tabs  390  from the container  300 , the user can then insert the container  300  into the receiving chamber  210  of the module  200 . Module  200  can comprise a fluid dosing system reader configured to determine which tab(s)  390  the user has peeled away and, thereby, instruct the fluid dosing system to extract the appropriate product and/or fluid, and/or an appropriate dose amount of the product and/or the fluid, from the container  300 . In one embodiment, the fluid dosing system reader can be in electrical communication with a microcontroller configured to instruct the pump  224  and/or the motor  225  how much fluid and/or product as well different combinations of products to extract from the container(s)  300 . 
         [0047]    In other various embodiments, when the user peels away one or more of the tabs  390 , one or more electrical contacts on the container  300  can be exposed. In such an embodiment, when the user inserts the container  300  into the receiving chamber  210  of the module  200 , the one or more electrical contacts can be placed in electrical communication with at least one module contact on the module  200  to complete a circuit with the pump  224  and/or the motor  225  and allow the fluid dosing system to extract the appropriate fluid and/or product, and/or the appropriate dose amount of the fluid and/or the product, from the container  300 . In yet another embodiment mechanical actuator vs. electrical actuators may be preferred or combination of mechanical and electromechanical actuators used. In still other various embodiments, the user activation member can comprise a slidable cover configured to be positioned over the one or more of the tabs  390  such that the user can expose an appropriate one or more electrical contacts to at least one module contact on a portion of the module  200  to place the one or more electrical contacts in electrical communication with the at least one module contact and allow the fluid dosing system to extract a fluid and/or a product from the container  300  based on the consumers customized and preferred settings. 
         [0048]    In various embodiments, still referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , tab A can relate to the normal fluid dose, while tab B can relate to two times the normal fluid dose, for example. In at least one embodiment, tab C can relate to dispensing another product and/or fluid in conjunction with the standard product and/or fluid being dispensed. As such, when tab C is exposed, the fluid dosing system can dose multiple products simultaneously, for example. This type of dosing can be beneficial for an active product or fluid that should only be mixed with another product and/or fluid at the time of use. In various embodiments, tab D can relate to when the fluid dose is dispensed during the cycle (e.g. middle of cycle), for example. In other various embodiments, the tabs  390  can be configured to cause multiple fluids and/or products to be withdrawn from the container  300  and provided to the machine  100  to create a user preferred scent, for example. In at least one embodiment, the electrical contacts located on the container  300  and/or the closure  331  of the container  300  can comprise printed circuit boards and/or customizable microchips. In such embodiments, the printed circuit boards and/or the customizable microchips can be configured to send different control algorithms to the module  200  and/or a microcontroller of the machine  100 . In various embodiments, the module  200  can use the same type of customizable design to enable the module  200  to be customized to meet specific user needs on different machines using a similarly sized, or the same sized, module  200 , for example. 
         [0049]    In further various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 9C , the user activation member of the selectable fluid dosing system can comprise a rotatable dial  392  having an aperture  394  therein. In such an embodiment, the rotatable dial  392  can be rotated by the user to expose at least one electrical contact situated behind the rotatable dial  392 . In such an embodiment, the exposed electrical contact can indicate to the fluid dosing system the dose amount, and/or which product and/or fluid, should be extracted from the container  300 . In at least one embodiment, the dose settings can comprise a range, where a low setting can instruct the module  200  to extract the least amount of fluid from the container  300  and where a high setting can instruct the module to extract a greater amount of fluid from the container  300 , for example. In other various embodiments, any other suitable fluid dosing system that can allow user customization can be included on the container  300 . 
         [0050]    In other various embodiments, the module  200  can comprise the selectable fluid dosing system and/or the user activation member, for example. In such an embodiment, the selectable fluid dosing system and the user activation member can be similar to that described with respect to the container  300 . In such an embodiment, as the user peels away a tab, slides a cover, and/or rotates a dial, for example, the module  200  can instruct the fluid dosing system to withdraw a particular dose amount of fluid, and/or a particular fluid or product, from the container  300 . 
         [0051]    As discussed above, container counterfeiting can cause the machine  100  to not function at an optimal level and/or can cause the machine  100  to run an operating cycle which does not live up to the user&#39;s expectations, sometimes owing to the non-authentic products and/or fluids within the counterfeit container. To prevent, or at least inhibit, container counterfeiting, even container counterfeiting using containers having a configuration suitable to fit into the receiving portion  210  of the module  200 , the modular fluid dispensing system and/or the module  200  can comprise a container authentication system comprising a reader, such as a bar code, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, or printed circuit label reader, for example. In various embodiments, the container  300  can comprise an authentication portion, such as a readable tag and/or printed circuit label, thereon configured to be read by the reader. In one embodiment, the authentication can be exposed on the surface of the container or can be non-exposed. In such an embodiment, only containers  300  produced by the authentic container manufacturer may cause the modular fluid dispensing system to operate. If the reader determines that the authentication portion and/or readable tag of the container  300  is a counterfeit and/or does not exist, the modular fluid dispensing system may not extract fluid from the container  300 , for example. In one embodiment, the authentication system comprises mechanical elements such as a male member on the container and female receiving area on the module to detect when the container is present, or vice versa. Non-limiting examples of mechanical systems include the cams disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/099,602. 
         [0052]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 14 , the container  300  can have a recess  359  configured to retain an electromechanical single flat no lead (SFN) module  356 . An SFN module is commercially available by Dallas Semiconductor Maxim and may comprise a 1 k-bit protected 1-wire electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). In at least one embodiment, the 1 k-bit EEPROM comprises 1 k-bit of information portion regarding the container  300  with a 64-bit write only secret data portion. The chip can be a Dallas Semiconductor 1-wire DS2432P that reads and writes over a wide voltage range of 2.8 V to 5.25 V, for example. In various embodiments, the microprocessor within the chip can communicate at up to 16.3 k-bits per second. In at least one embodiment, a 1-wire DS2432P may comprise a 1 k-bit protected 1-wire EEPROM. A 1128-bits portion of 5 V EEPROM memory may be partitioned into four pages of 256 bits. In various embodiments, the 64-bit portion can hold up to five general purpose read/write registers. In various embodiments, a unique 64-bit registration number can assure traceability of the container  300 . In at least one embodiment, the SFN module  356  can comprise two terminals  360 , such as copper terminals, for example, that can contact terminals  357  of a terminal housing  358  in the module  200  when the container  300  is inserted into the receiving chamber  210 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the copper terminals  357  can be connected to the microcontroller  363  by a wire  365 , for example. In at least one embodiment, a 1-wire master can typically be used on the machine  100  data processing unit with the microcontroller  363 . In various embodiments, the microcontroller  363  can control the read/write functions of the 1 k-bit EEPROM. In at least one embodiment, the data processing unit of the microcontroller  363  can sense the presence of the container  300  and send a request for the data. Since the EEPROM has 1 k-bit of data memory, the data can be comprised of manufacturing information such as serial numbers, date codes, and/or any other suitable information, for example. The steps involved in accessing the device can be initialization, read only memory (ROM) function command, memory function command, and data transfer. The data on the chip is the authorized machine authentication code (MAC) generated as secret proprietary data and information. The EEPROM does not require an external power supply as it derives power from the 1-wire data pin  367 . The container authentication status of the container  300  is then displayed on the display  120   
         [0053]    In addition to the above, there is a chance that the user will not have any information pertaining to the fluid level of the container  300  in the machine  100  and may run the machine  100  with an empty container  300 , possibly resulting in an ineffective operating cycle. As a means to eliminate this type of misuse, the container  300  and the machine  100  can interact within each other to determine if there is enough fluid remaining in the container  300  to run an effective operating cycle. In various embodiments, this can require that the container  300  and the machine  100  have the capacity to determine that no counterfeit container is being used in the machine  100  and that no refilling of the container  300  has been performed. In at least one embodiment, the modular fluid dispensing system can comprise a fluid level detection system configured to determine a fluid level within the container  300 . In other various embodiments, the fluid level detection system can ensure that once a container  300  has been used on the machine  100 , the same container  300  may not be able to be used on any other machine  100 , for example. Various fluid level detection techniques for containers (i.e. a capacitance fluid level detection system, a load cell, ultrasonic transducers, and/or optic, LED, light sensing systems) have been described in U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/099,602, entitled METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DISPENSING FLUIDS, to Smith et al., filed on Sep. 24, 2008, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , an example circuit diagram of the machine  100  is illustrated. In various embodiments, the fluid level detection system can comprise an ultrasonic fluid level sensor  369  positioned and configured to read the fluid level within the container  300  and then relay the fluid level information to the microcontroller  363  or other suitable controller. In at least one embodiment, a data communication cable  365  in contact with the container  300  may be in electrical communication with the microcontroller  363  to relay information about the container and its contents to the microcontroller  363 . Examples of this information includes: determines the number of uses that have been extracted from the container by recording the each product extraction into the container memory. This will disable the container to function even if all registration codes match due to the memory having exceeded the maximum number of product extractions preprogrammed by the manufactures. In various embodiments, the safety interlock switch  212 , described above, can be in electrical communication with the microcontroller  363  to indicate to the microcontroller  363  when a container  300  is properly positioned within the module  200 . In other various embodiments, the display  120 , the operation knob  125 , and the on/off switch  128  can be in electrical communication with the microcontroller  363  to relay information about the on/off switch  128  and the operation knob  125  to the microcontroller  363  and/or to relay information about the machine  100  to the display  120 , for example. In various embodiments, the on/off switch  128  can be in electrical communication with both a power source such as a power supply  374  and the microcontroller  363 , such that the power supply  374  can provide power to the microcontroller  363  when the on/off switch  128  is in the “on” position. 
         [0055]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 19 , the ultrasonic fluid level sensor  369  can be mounted to the module  200  such that the sensor  369  is proximate to the container  300 , and more specifically, such that it can detect the fluid level of the container  300 . In one embodiment, the ultrasonic fluid level sensor  369  can be range and/or distance sensitive enabling the sensor  369  to detect the fluid level only within a desired range. A built in indicator such as a light source, and in one embodiment a light emitting diode (LED) indicator, for example, can be illuminated when the fluid level inside the container  300  is within a predetermined range. An ultrasonic wave from the sensor  369  is transmitted through the container  300  wall and is reflected back to the sensor  369  by the fluid inside the container  300 . The indicator is illuminated when the reflected ultrasonic wave is within a preset range, which is indicative of the fluid level being within a predetermined range. In at least one embodiment, the preset sensing range can be adjusted by connecting a range adjustment wire to a ground and/or to a potentiometer or a resistor to allow a machine manufacturer to input a specific preset distance that correlates to a specific module  200  and/or a specific machine  100 . In various embodiments, the sensor  369  can sense fluid level precisely regardless of color, density, and/or transparency of the container  300 . In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 18 , an output wire  371  can be used for the data processing and control via the data processing unit of the microcontroller  363 . In at least one embodiment, a wire  372  can provide 30 V DC power to the microcontroller  363 . In such an embodiment, a wire  373  can be configured to provide the synchronization enabling signal. 
         [0056]    When container  300  is loaded into module  200 , SFN module  356  connects to microcontroller  363 . If safety interlock switch  212  is opened by opening of module door  211 , the display  120  can indicate that the module door  211  is open and the machine cycle may not start. Once the module door  211  is closed, the safety interlock switch  212  is closed and the microcontroller  363  reads the identification authentication of SFN module  356 . The ultrasonic sensor  369  continuously reads the fluid level in the container  300  and transfers the data to the microcontroller  363 . If authentication is found to be valid, the machine cycle can start. 
         [0057]    Shown in  FIGS. 20 and 20A  is one embodiment of an authentication and level detection process  400 , which may be used by the microcontroller  363  to authenticate and sense the fluid level in container  300 . The process  400  uses the combination of signals received from SFN module  356  and fluid level sensor  363  to determine if the container  300  inserted in the machine  100  is authentic and interacts with the user through the display  120 . When the container  300  is inserted in the module  200 , the machine  100  microcontroller  363  senses the presence of the container  300 , sends  402  a request for the data and reads the 5 most significant bits from the EEPROM of the SFN module  356  containing the product identification authentication information. The microcontroller  363  determines  404  if the 5 most significant bits are valid. If the bits are not valid, the process  400  continues along the “no” branch and displays  406  on the display  120  that a wrong container  300  has been inserted. If the bits are valid, the process  400  continues along the “yes” branch and the microcontroller  363  checks  408  for the writable  3  least significant bits on the SFN module  356 . The fluid level data is written in the 3 least significant bits. In a new container  300 , the 3 least significant bits are set to 000. The microcontroller  363  determines  410  if the 3 least significant bits on the SFN module  356  read 000, and if true, the process  400  continues along the “yes” branch and displays  412  on the display  120  that a new container  300  is inserted. If not, the process  400  continues along the “no” branch and the microcontroller  363  compares  414  the 3 least significant bits with the sensed fluid level. The microcontroller  363  determines  416  if the 3 least significant bits are greater than or equal to the sensed fluid level. If true, the process  400  continues along the “yes” branch and displays  418  on the display  120  that the container  300  is inserted. If the 3 least significant bits are less than the sensed fluid level, the process continues along the “no” branch and displays  420  on the display  120  shows that an invalid container has been inserted. If the container is found valid, then the machine cycle starts  422  and the ultrasonic fluid level sensor  369  continuously reads  424  the fluid level in the container  300  and provides the signal to the microcontroller  363 . The microcontroller  363  then compares  426  the measured fluid level to the preset low fluid level. If the measured fluid level is greater than the preset low fluid level, the process  400  continues along the “yes” branch and displays  428  on the display  120  that the fluid level is adequate. If not, process  400  continues along the “no” branch and the microcontroller  363  compares  430  the measured fluid level to a zero fluid level. If the measured fluid level is greater than the set zero level, the process  400  continues along the “no” branch and displays  432  on the display  120  that the container  300  fluid level is low. If the fluid level measured is zero, process  400  continues along the “yes” branch and displays  434  on the display  120  that the container  300  is empty. 
         [0058]    In various embodiments, a method of using a modular fluid dispensing system comprising a module configured to receive a first container containing a first fluid and a second container containing a second fluid, can comprise selecting a first fluid dose amount to be provided by the first container to a machine, inserting the first container into the module, selecting a second fluid dose amount to be provided by the second container to the machine, inserting the second container into the module, withdrawing the first fluid dose amount from the first container at a first instance during an operating cycle of the machine, and withdrawing the second fluid dose amount from the second container at a second instance during the operating cycle of the machine. In one embodiment, selecting the first fluid dose can comprise moving a cover on the first container to expose one of a first exposable portion and a second exposable portion to the modular fluid dispensing system. In other various embodiments, selecting the second fluid dose can comprise rotating a cover on the first container to expose one of a first exposable portion and a second exposable portion to the modular fluid dispensing system. 
         [0059]    The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” 
         [0060]    All parts, ratios, and percentages herein, in the Specification, Examples, and Claims, are by weight and all numerical limits are used with the normal degree of accuracy afforded by the art, unless otherwise specified. 
         [0061]    All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present dispensing system. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern. 
         [0062]    While particular embodiments of the present dispensing system have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present dispensing system. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the present dispensing system.