Patent Publication Number: US-10329134-B2

Title: Cartridge for an additive dispensing system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/158,937, filed Jun. 22, 2005 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/852,708, filed May 24, 2004, now abandoned, and which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an additive dispensing system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a unique cartridge for dispensing a consumable additive to water, and even more specifically to a disposable cartridge connectable to water filtration systems for dispensing a consumable additive to filtered water. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Water treatment devices for home and other uses are well known in the art. Such devices are typically incorporated in a water system either in-line or at a terminal end. An example of the former would be an under-the-counter device which filters water prior to reaching a faucet outlet. There are two common types of terminal end devices—countertop and faucet mounted. Water treatment devices can treat water by the use of mechanical filtration or chemical treatment. Most water-filtration systems use a filter-cartridge containing either activated carbon or a combination of activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin. The activated carbon serves to filter out particulates and other impurities, while eliminating most of the chlorine present in the water. The ion-exchange resin removes positive ions such as calcium, thereby softening the water. A negative side-effect of the above-mentioned systems is that various other healthy minerals can be removed by the ion-exchange resin. An alternative method of water purification is reverse osmosis, but products using this technology are not widely utilized by household consumers due to their high costs. 
     In recent years, consumption of water by people has risen due to better health education and other information available to the public. However, public perception of the poor quality and taste of regular tap water has led to the development and sale of a number of products addressing these problems. Various bottled waters are available to consumers. Some of these bottled waters have additional additives which the consumer may find beneficial. Such additives include nutrients, vitamins, minerals and flavorings. These bottled waters are sometimes called fitness waters, vitamin waters or enhanced waters. However, the cost and inconvenience of obtaining enhanced bottled water products on a regular basis may discourage consumers from consuming additional water. Accordingly, a more convenient and cost effective approach for providing enhanced water to the public is needed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a cartridge for dispensing an additive to water and, more particularly disposable cartridge connectable to a water filtration system for dispensing a consumable additive, which enables a user to selectively dispense an amount of an additive to filtered water. 
     One embodiment of the present invention is a cartridge for selectively dispensing an additive to water. The cartridge includes a housing, a ventless bladder disposed within the housing, and a pump connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the bladder. The bladder is configured to contain a consumable additive. The pump is operable to selectively dispense an amount of the additive to water. The cartridge is configured such that it may dispense said amount of additive from any orientation. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is a cartridge for selectively dispensing an additive to water, wherein the cartridge includes a housing, a bladder disposed within the housing, and a pump connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the bladder. The bladder is configured to contain a consumable additive. The pump comprises an outlet check valve that includes sealing surfaces and is operable to selectively dispense an amount of additive to water from the bladder. The cartridge is configured to include substantially no dead space downstream of said sealing surfaces of the outlet check valve. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a cartridge for selectively dispensing an additive to water, wherein the cartridge includes a housing having a curved cross section, a bladder disposed within the housing and configured to contain an additive, and a pump connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the bladder. The pump is configured to dispense an amount of additive from the bladder upon activation of the pump. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary additive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary additive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary water filtration system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary additive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary housing for the cartridge according to  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary cartridge according to  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view of an cartridge according to  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIGS. 16A-16I  are schematic illustrations of exemplary actuation mechanisms for the additive dispensing system according to  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary additive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary additive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary receptacle for the additive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an exemplary additive dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar elements throughout the views. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary water filtration system  15  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The water filtration system  15  comprises a water inlet  20  connectable to an unfiltered water source  18 . The water inlet  20  is in fluid communication with the water filter  22 . The water filter  22  is operable to filter one or more contaminants or particulates from the unfiltered water. An outlet  24  is in communication with the water filter  22  and is operable to dispense filtered water. The water filtration system  15  further comprises an additive dispensing system  16 . The additive dispensing system  16  comprises a reservoir  26  for containing an additive and an additive outlet  28 . The additive dispensing system  16  is operable to selectively dispense an amount of additive to the filtered water. In one exemplary embodiment, filtered water dispensed from the outlet  24  is dispensed into a glass or other container  30  and an additive is dispensed into the filtered water in the container  30  through the additive outlet  28 . 
     The water inlet  20  is connectable to any unfiltered water source. Exemplary unfiltered water sources comprise garden hose, water line, water faucet mounts, water reservoirs, water pitchers and dispensers and the like. 
     The water filter  22  may comprise any water filter technology known to one skilled in the art. Such water filter media may include, activated carbon or the like for removal of organics from the water; halogenated resin fibers and/or halogenated resin beads or other media, for destroying bacteria and viruses within the water; ion exchange resins (such as halogen based action exchange resin for the removal of sodium) for removal of ionic materials from the water; and removing bacteria by microfiltration. One exemplary water filter that may be employed in the present invention is disclosed by Hou et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,749. 
     In one embodiment, the additive in the reservoir  26  is in a liquid form. In another embodiment, the additive in the reservoir  26  is in the form of a dry powder. The additive comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of flavorings, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Additive minerals include minerals selected from the group consisting of ions calcium, silicate, chloride, magnesium, potassium, sodium, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese and mixtures thereof. Vitamin additives comprise vitamins selected from the group consisting of vitamin B12, vitamin C and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, homeopathic remedies and herbal remedies, as well as flavorings, may be included as additive in the reservoir  22 . 
     In one embodiment, the additive comprises hydroalcoholic extracts of natural oils. Other additives may comprise elixirs, spirits or essences and tinctures. An elixir is a clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic liquid intended for oral use. The alcohol content ranges from about 5% to about 50% by volume. Spirits or essences are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions prepared from vegetable or chemical substances. The concentration of the solute varies up to 50%. The hydroalcoholic extracts of natural oils range from about 0.025 to about 0.5% by volume of the filtered water to deliver a hint of flavor to the filtered water. In another embodiment, the additives may comprise one or more coloring agents, such as food coloring, to add a color to the filter water. Exemplary flavors comprise lemon, lime, berry, citrus, orange, strawberry and mixtures of the same. 
     The reservoir  26  may be constructed from any material known to one skilled in the art that would not contaminate or have its material properties effected by the additive. Exemplary materials of construction for the reservoir  26  include polymers, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, nylon, polyester, and the like. Other exemplary materials of construction include aluminum foil. In one embodiment, the reservoir  26  comprises multiple layers of the material. In another embodiment, any flexible material with suitable barrier properties may be utilized. 
     While the schematic illustration in  FIG. 1  depicts the outlet  24  and additive outlet  28  separately dispensing water and additive, respectively, to the container  30 , it is equally within the illustrated systems and invention that the additive outlet  28  may be in fluid communication with the outlet  24 . For example, the water filtration system may further comprise an outlet mixer configured to combine the outlet  24  and the additive outlet  28  into one outlet stream, prior to dispensing the resulting mixture to the container  30 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the water filtration system  15  further comprises a controller  34  in communication with the additive outlet  28 . The controller  34  is configured to regulate the amount of additive dispensed through the additive outlet  28 . The controller  34  may comprise a limiting valve  36  (see  FIG. 5 ). The limiting valve  36  is operable to limit or regulate the amount of additive, if any, that is dispersed through the additive outlet  28 . In another embodiment, the controller  34  may comprise a microprocessor in communication with a limiting valve  36 . In one exemplary embodiment, the controller  34  may comprise a dial or other input device to allow the user to select the amount of additive to be dispensed into the filtered water. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the water filtration system  15  comprises a water inlet  20  in communication with the unfiltered water source  18 , such as a faucet. A water filter  22  is in communication with the water inlet  20  and filtered water from the water filter  22  is dispensed at the outlet  24 . The additive dispensing system  16  comprises a reservoir  26  for containing an additive and an additive outlet  28 . In this embodiment, the additive outlet  28  is in fluid communication with the outlet  24 . In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the additive outlet  28  and the outlet  24  connect together inside a housing  40  of the water filtration system  15  at an outlet mixer  42 , such that the exterior of the water filtration system  15  only has one outlet stream. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the additive outlet  28  and outlet  24  are configured and placed in communication in such a way as to create a venturi suction effect when filtered water in the outlet  24  moves past the additive outlet  28 . This venturi suction effect generates a vacuum that pulls the additive in the additive outlet  28  into the filtered water flowing through the outlet  24 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the additive dispensing system  16  further comprises a pump  32 . The pump  32  is in communication with the reservoir  26  and the additive outlet  28 . The pump  32  is configured to transport additive from the reservoir  26  to the additive outlet  28  to be added to filtered water. In one embodiment, the pump  32  comprises a diaphragm pump. As one skilled in the art will appreciate any pump known to one skilled in the art may be utilized to transfer the additive to the additive outlet  28 . Exemplary pumps include piston pumps, peristaltic pumps, and bellows-type pumps. In another exemplary embodiment, the additive dispensing system further comprises a manual activator, for example a push bar  48 , in communication with the pump  32 . The push bar  48  is configured to activate the pump  32  when pressure is applied to the push bar  48 . The push bar  48 , allows a user to manually selectively dispense an amount of additive to the filtered water. 
     In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the water filtration system  15  comprises a water inlet  20  in communication with an unfiltered water source  18 , such as a water faucet. The water inlet  20  is in communication with the water filter  22 . A mineral content analyzer  38  is in fluid communication with the outlet of the water filter  22 . The mineral content analyzer  38  is operable to measure the concentration of one or more minerals in the filtered water. The water filtration system  15  further comprises a controller  34  in communication with the mineral content analyzer  38 . A reservoir  26  containing one or more additives is in communication with an additive outlet  28  and a limiting valve  36 . The limiting valve  36  is in communication with a controller  34 , such that the controller  34  is operable to dispense one or more additives (such as minerals) to yield a predetermined concentration of additives in the filtered water. For example, the mineral content analyzer  38 , detects a level of calcium in the filtered water and reports the calcium level to the controller  34 . The controller  34  determines that additional calcium is desired in the final treated water product, and as such, sends a signal to the limiting valve  36  to add and/or increase the amount of additive (i.e. calcium) being dispensed through the additive outlet  28  to the filtered water. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, any controller known to one skilled in the art may be utilized to control the amount of additive dispensed into the filtered water. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, the water filtration system  15  comprises a water inlet  20  connectable to an unfiltered water source  18 . The water inlet  20  is in fluid communication with the water filter  22 , such that unfiltered water from the unfiltered water source  18  flows through the water inlet  20  and through the water filter  22  toward the outlet  24 . After the water has been filtered by the water filter  22 , the water passes over a mineral content analyzer  38  and/or a flow meter  40 . The mineral content analyzer  38  is operable to measure the concentration of one or more minerals in the filtered water. The flow meter  40  is operable to measure the flow rate of water exiting the water filter  22 . The flow meter  40  is configured to send a signal to the controller  34 , wherein the signal corresponds to a flow rate of water exiting the water filter  22 . The controller  34  receives the mineral content signal for the mineral content analyzer  38  and a flow rate signal from the flow meter  40 . The controller  34  then sends a signal to the pump  32  and/or the limiting valve  36  which are in communication with the reservoir  26 . The signal from the controller  34  activates the pump  32  and/or limiting valve  36  to allow an amount of additive from the reservoir  26  to be dispensed through the additive outlet  28  to the filtered water. The amount of additive is a function of the signals received from the mineral content analyzer  38  and/or the flow meter  40 . In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , an outlet mixer  42  is configured to place the additive outlet  28  in fluid communication with the outlet  24 . In an alternative embodiment, the additive outlet  28  could be separate from the outlet  24  and not in fluid communication with each other. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, any sensor known to one skilled in the art may be utilized for detecting various components of the filtered water. An exemplary sensors includes a TDS (total dissolved solids) sensor from HM Digital of Los Angeles, Calif. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the water filtration system  15  comprises a water inlet  20  connectable to an unfiltered water source  18 , such as a faucet. The water inlet  20  is in fluid communication with the water filter  22 . The water filter  22  is operable to filter the unfiltered water from the unfiltered water source  18  for one or more contaminants or pollutants. The filtered water from the water filter  22  is dispensed to the outlet  24 . In this embodiment, the additive dispensing system  16  comprises a plurality of reservoirs  26 . Each reservoir  26  comprises one or more additives to be selectively dispensed to the filtered water. A controller  34  is configured to allow a user to select which, if any, of the reservoirs  26  should dispense the additives to the filtered water. In one embodiment, the controller  34  sends a signal to the limiting valve  36  to regulate the flow of the additive through the additive outlet  28  to the filtered water. As discussed above, in one embodiment, the additive outlet  28  and the outlet  24  may be in fluid communication with each other or be joined with an outlet mixer  42 . In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir  26  may comprise a plurality of chambers, wherein each chamber contains an additive to be dispensed to the filtered water. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, the additive dispensing system  16  is configured to be added to a prior existing water filter of the user. This embodiment allows a user who already has purchased a water filtration system to add the novel additive dispensing system of the present invention. In this embodiment, a housing  44  is connected to the reservoir  26  and the additive outlet  28 . The housing  44  is configured to attach to or slide over the user&#39;s existing water filter to allow the additive outlet  28  to be in proximity to the outlet of the existing water filter. In one embodiment, the additive outlet  28  comprises flexible tubing to be placed near the outlet of the existing water filter. In another embodiment, the housing  44  may be configured to replace a portion of the prior existing water filter. For example, the housing  44  may be configured to screw on and replace a component of the existing water filter housing. 
     In one embodiment, the reservoir  26  is releasably connected to the water filtration system  15 . This allows the reservoir  26  to easily be changed when the reservoir  26  is empty or the user desires a different additive contained in a separate reservoir  26  to be added to the filtered drinking water. In one embodiment, the additive dispensing system is operable to selectively dispense from about 0.01 ml of additive to about 1.0 ml of additive per 250 ml of water filtered by the filter. In a further embodiment, the additive dispensing system is operable to selectively dispense from about 0.1 ml of additive to about 0.5 ml of additive per 250 ml of water filtered by the filter. In another embodiment, the additive dispensing system is operable to selectively dispense from about 0.025 to about 0.25% additive by volume of water filtered by the filter. In a further embodiment, the additive dispensing system is operable to selectively dispense from about 0.05 to about 0.1% additive by volume of water filtered by the filter. 
     In yet another embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the additive dispensing system  16  further comprises an additive life indicator  50  operable to indicate the remaining amount of additive in the reservoir  26 . For example, the reservoir  26  may comprise a visible level gauge  50  to allow the user to determine the amount of additive remaining in the reservoir. In another embodiment, the additive dispensing system  16  may further comprise a totalizer  52  which is operable to calculate the amount of additive dispensed from the additive dispensing system  16 , and configurable to indicate the remaining amount of additive remaining in the reservoir  26 . In such an arrangement, a flow meter or totalizer is coupled to the additive life indicator and sends a signal to the additive life indicator to cause it to light up or flash after a predetermined volume of additive has flowed through the additive outlet. In an alternative embodiment, the life indicator may comprise a monitoring mechanism such as a microchip containing a programmable clock. The additive life indicator could be implemented as, for example, light emitting diodes or LCD (liquid crystal display) readouts, wherein a clock is programmed to cause the additive life indicator to, for example, light up or flash after a predetermined period of time has passed since installing a new reservoir, for example, two months. A user could then replace the reservoir with a new reservoir and reset the clock. 
     Other embodiments of the present invention are not limited to use with faucets or the like. For example, elements of the present invention could be adapted for use with portable containers such as pitchers, water bottles or with other drinking water delivery system such as water coolers. For example, one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , comprises an attachment for a container  70  such as a pitcher or water bottle could be designed to include a filter  22  and a replaceable reservoir  26  containing additives. The additive outlet  28  could be placed near the outlet  24  of the container  70  to allow additives to be dispensed to the filtered water. Similarly, elements of the present invention could be installed into a water cooler or refrigerator, and operated by corresponding buttons, switches, and the like to selectively dispense an additive to filtered water. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-16 , yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. An additive dispensing system  100  of the present invention comprises a receptacle  101  and a cartridge  120  configured to contain a consumable additive and to selectively dispense the additive to a liquid (e.g., water). Additive dispensing system  100  may include one or more cartridges  120  and/or receptacles  101  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Receptacle  101  may include a space  102  and guides  103  configured to receive and hold cartridge  120  in space  102  such that cartridge  120  may move within receptacle  101 . For example, cartridge  120  may slide within guides  103  along a longitudinal axis A 1  of cartridge  120 . Receptacle  101  may also include a pump activation device that is configured to operate the pump when cartridge  120  is positioned within receptacle  101 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the pump activation device is an annular protrusion  104  extending from a surface  105  of receptacle  101  and surrounding an aperture  106  that is disposed within surface  105 . Other exemplary pump activation devices may include toggle mechanisms, levers, linear cams, rotary cams, and like mechanisms as shown in  FIG. 16 . Such mechanisms may apply a force to closed end  136  or to pump  150  and may be actuated manually or automatically (e.g., motor actuated, solenoid actuated). 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, additive dispensing system  100  also optionally includes a cover  107  that removably connects to receptacle  101 , enclosing cartridge  120  between receptacle  101  and cover  107 . Cover  107  may provide protection from dirt and other debris from interfering with the movement of cartridge  120  within the receptacle. Cover  107  may also include a button  108  that movably connects to cover  107  and is configured to press against a closed end  136  (described later herein) of cartridge  120  when cartridge  120  is positioned within receptacle  101 . Receptacle  101 , cover  107 , and button  108  may comprise any size, shape, and configuration without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Exemplary materials of construction for receptacle  101 , cover  107 , and button  108  may include metals, plastics, composite materials, and combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, polymers are used to construct the receptacle, cover, and button, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, nylon, polyester, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), silicone, neoprene, and any combinations thereof. 
     Receptacle  101  may be connected to, mounted to, or fabricated directly into a faucet mounted water filter system  110 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , receptacle  101  is fabricated directly into a cap cover  111  of water filter system  110 . Water filter system  110  may be any conventional water filter system as described herein and/or known to or yet-to-be developed by one of ordinary skill in the art. Exemplary embodiments of the water filter systems that may be included in the present invention are the PUR water filter systems commercially available from the Procter &amp; Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. 
     Such a cartridge may be a replaceable and/or disposable cartridge. Being replaceable/disposable allows a user to remove cartridge  120  when the additive has been completely consumed, i.e., cartridge  120  is empty of the additive, and replace the depleted cartridge with a new, unused cartridge (e.g., a cartridge filled with an additive). Alternatively, additive dispensing system  100  allows a user to simply and easily replace a cartridge  120  containing a specific additive (e.g., lemon flavor) and replace it with a different desired additive (e.g., cherry flavor). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, cartridge  120  includes a housing  130  having a reservoir  139 , a bladder  140  disposed within reservoir  139 , and a pump  150  connected to an open end  137  of housing  130  and in fluid communication with bladder  140 . Housing  130  may include sidewalls  132 ,  133 ,  134 , and  135 , a closed end  136  and an open end  137 . In this exemplary embodiment, sidewalls  134  and  135  are substantially curved such that housing  130  has a curved cross section as shown in  FIG. 13 . The curved shape of housing  130  is configured to permit cartridge  120  to function within multiple devices (e.g., water faucet mounted filter systems, pitcher mounted systems, portable additive dispensing systems, refrigerator, etc.). In addition, although the shape of housing  130  may be designed to permit it to function in multiple devices, it also may be configured to provide an ample reservoir volume for containing a reasonable amount of an additive. Thus, the exemplary embodiment of curved-shaped housing  130  provides a balance between the two. In addition, the cartridge has a width that permits two cartridges to fit into a water pitcher receptacle. An exemplary width of cartridge  120  is from about 0.5 inches to about 3.0 inches, another exemplary width of cartridge  120  ranges from about 1.0 inch to about 2.0 inches, particularly about 1.5 inches. Cartridge  120  may comprise a length from about 0.5 inches to about 4.0 inches, more particularly from about 2.0 inches to about 3.0 inches. 
     Housing  130  is curved to substantially wrap around a pressure vessel (e.g., faucet mounted filtration system  110 ). For example, sidewall  134  is curved to substantially conform or match the curvature of the outer housing (e.g., rear surface  109 ) of faucet filtration system  110 . Sidewall  135  may also be curved to fit within curved cover  107  and/or to minimize the aesthetic effects of corners on the faucet mounted filter. Sidewall  135  is curved to substantially conform or match the curvature of cover  107  of water filtration system  110 . In addition, sidewall&#39;s  134  substantially conformance to the curvature of rear surface  109  permits a tighter fit (i.e., a close tolerance fit) between receptacle  101  and cartridge  120 . This allows cartridge  120  to move smoother and more efficiently within receptacle  101 .  FIG. 13  illustrates that the curved-shaped housing  130  includes two convex-shaped sidewalls  134  and  135  that are curved in the same general direction, i.e., the convex curvatures of both sidewalls  134  and  135  face the same direction as shown in  FIG. 13 . In one exemplary embodiment, curved sidewalls  134  and  135  are substantially parallel to one another.  FIG. 13  also shows that the cross section of housing  130  includes an inner radius R i  and an outer radius R o . Inner radius may range from about 2.0 inches to about 10.0 inches and outer radius R o  may range from about 0.5 inches to about 5.0 inches in one exemplary embodiment. In still another exemplary embodiment, inner radius may range from about 4.0 inches to about 6.0 inches and outer radius R o  may range from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. It is understood that housing  130  may comprise a variety of known shapes, configurations, and sizes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Housing  130  may be fabricated from any conventional materials as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such material may be substantially rigid material, semi-rigid material, flexible material, or any combination thereof. In the exemplary embodiment, housing  130  is fabricated from a substantially rigid material. Exemplary materials for housing  130  include, but not be limited to polymeric material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, nylon, polyester, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, housing  130  is fabricated from high density polyethylene (HDPE) manufactured from DOW Plastics, with a grade of 12450N. In another exemplary embodiment, housing  130  may include a substantially rigid frame-work (i.e., without side walls  132 ,  133 ,  134 , and  135 ) to minimize material costs and weight. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 12 , sidewalls  132 ,  133 ,  134 , and  135  and closed end  136  of housing  130  define reservoir  139  within housing  130 . Bladder  140  is inserted into reservoir  139 . Bladder  140  may be any type of conventional bladder or line configured to contain an additive in liquid, gel, or powder form as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In the exemplary embodiment, bladder  140  is a flexible, gusseted bag or pouch that includes a vapor barrier (not shown). Such a flexible bladder permits cartridge  120  to be positioned in any orientation (e.g., horizontal or vertical) and still permit substantially all of a liquid additive contained within bladder  140  to be dispensed from it without requiring a venting or pressure relief device to assist in dispensing the additive completely from bladder  140 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , cartridge  120  is connected to water treatment system  110  and held in a vertical orientation. Bladder  140  may comprise single or multiple-layered materials and/or laminates, including but not limited to foil laminates or metalized film bags, as known to one ordinary skill in the art. Such materials may include a vapor barrier or vapor barrier properties. These laminates or film bags may also include a polyethylene laminate on its sealing surfaces. One exemplary foil laminate is commercially available from Sonoco, Inc. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, pump  150  is configured to be a disposable along with cartridge  120 . There are several benefits of configuring cartridge  120  to include a disposable pump versus designing the pump to be a permanent fixture of additive dispensing system  100  (e.g., connected to receptacle  101 ), and thus not disposable. First, a disposable pump (e.g., pump  150 ) eliminates the issue of bacteria growth within the pump due to additive accumulation (e.g., residue) within the pump after being dispensed by the pump. 
     Second, a disposable pump (e.g., pump  150 ) reduces pump reliability issues. If the pump was a permanent fixture of additive dispensing system  100 , it would wear and breakdown over time due to repeated operations. Or, the pump would need to be fabricated to account for such repeated operation, which would increase its cost and weight. However, since pump  150  is replaced with the depletion of the additive within bladder  140 , it may be configured to handle the number of pump operations required to deplete the amount of additive contained within bladder  140 , making it a much cheaper pump. It also provides for an improved reliability for additive dispensing system  100 . Third, if the pump is not replaced with the cartridge, then the additive accumulation of one type of additive (e.g., lemon flavor residue) within the pump may cross-contaminate a new additive (e.g., cherry flavor), thus providing a consumer a dissatisfying taste and experience. By making pump  150  disposable with cartridge  120 , the cross-contamination of flavors within the pump is substantially eliminated. It is understood that cartridge  120  may be configured to be a reusable and/or refillable cartridge without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, since pump  150  will essentially be disposed of or replaced with every disposal or replacement of the consumable additive, it may be desirable to configure an inexpensive pump (e.g., pump  150 ) to selectively dispense the additive from bladder  140 . 
     The exemplary pump  150  shown in  FIGS. 12, 14, and 15  includes a pump body  151  having a pump opening  152  disposed therethrough, an inlet check valve  153  positioned in pump opening  152  in a normally closed position, a diaphragm  154  disposed within a cavity  155  over inlet check valve  153 , and an outlet check valve  158  disposed along diaphragm  154 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , pump  150  is axially aligned with housing  130 , which also axially aligns pump  150  with bladder  140 . Axially aligned, as used herein, means that pump opening  152  is coaxially positioned along the housing&#39;s longitudinal axis A 1 . This axial alignment of pump  150  with housing  130  provides for improved pumping and dispensing of the additive from bladder  140 . It permits a smaller pump to be used in cartridge  120  because the axial alignment reduces the required pumping forces. In the exemplary embodiment shown, bladder  140 , pump body  151 , inlet check valve  153 , diaphragm  154 , and outlet check valve  158  include a fluid flow path that runs along longitudinal axis A 1  of housing  130 . 
     Pump body  151  may be fabricated from a variety of conventional plastics such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). An exemplary HDPE is commercially available from Dow Plastic, grade 12450N. In this exemplary embodiment, inlet check valve  153  positioned in pump opening  152  functions as both a self-sealing seal (e.g., septum) for bladder  140  and a one-way check valve. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required components and thus the expense to fabricate cartridge  120 . When diaphragm  154  is positioned over inlet check valve  153 , it defines a dose chamber  156 . Diaphragm  154  includes a planar surface  157  and an outlet check valve  158  that is integrated into diaphragm  154  such that it extends outwardly from planar surface  157  and is in fluid communication with chamber  156 . Chamber  156  is also in fluid communication with inlet valve  153 . Having diaphragm  154  and outlet check valve  158  integrated into one component reduces the expense of fabrication and the complexity of pump  150 . Although inlet check valve  153  is described with multiple functionality (e.g., valve and seal) and diaphragm  154  is described as having outlet check valve  158  integrated therein, it is understood that a pump having a discrete seal, inlet check valve, diaphragm, and outlet check valve is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Outlet check valve  158  includes a pair of sealing surfaces  159  that are positioned on a distal end  160  of outlet check valve  158 . Outlet check valve  158  is extended and configured such that once the additive being dispensed from cartridge  120  passes sealing surfaces  159 , the additive has completely left the cartridge and will have no other contact with either cartridge  120  or receptacle  101 . In other words, neither cartridge  120  nor receptacle  101  have dead space in its flow path downstream of sealing surfaces  159 . Since both cartridge  120  and receptacle  101  have been configured to not include dead space downstream of sealing surfaces  159 , neither provide any space for the dispensed additive to accumulate. Such accumulation of additive can cause resistance to the movement of the cartridge within the receptacle, bacteria growth, or cross-flavor contamination. Additive accumulation outside of the check valve, where it is partially exposed to air, can evaporate leaving a residue that can inhibit the operation of the pump. Similar to inlet check valve  153 , outlet check valve  158  is configured to be normally closed position and is in fluid communication with dose chamber  156 . In one exemplary embodiment, inlet check valve  153  is an umbrella valve and outlet check valve  158  is a duckbill valve. Inlet check valve  153 , diaphragm  154 , and outlet check valve  158  are made from a flexible material, particularly flexible material having memory. Exemplary materials of construction for inlet check valve  153 , diaphragm  154 , and outlet check valve  158  include, but are not limited to elastomers such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), buna, neoprene, EPDM. One exemplary TPE used to fabricate inlet check valve  153 , diaphragm  154 , and outlet check valve  158  is commercially available from West Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
     Bladder  140  is sealed to a seal flange  166  of pump body  151  such that bladder  140  is in fluid communication with pump opening  152  and thus inlet check valve  153 . Sealing bladder  140  to seal flange  166  of pump body  151  enables the elimination of a front sidewall (e.g., to cover open end  137 ) on housing  130 , reducing weight and fabricating costs. Bladder  140  and pump body  151  are inserted into open end  137  of housing  130 . Pump body  151  is connected to housing  130  with a heat seal. It is understood, that pump body  151  and housing  130  may be connected by any number of conventional technologies and methods as known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as snap-fit connections, glue, etc. Cartridge  120  also includes a retainer  162  that connects (e.g., snap fit, heat seal, threaded engagement, etc.) into cavity  155  of pump body  150  to hold diaphragm  154  within cavity  155  of the pump body. Retainer  162  may also include a valve cap  164  that is connected to retainer  162  using snap pegs  168  as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such a cap protects outlet check valve  158  from being exposed to dirt, debris, and damage prior to use. Retainer  162  and cap  164  may be fabricated from plastic materials such as polypropylene. One exemplary material used to fabricate retainer  162  and cap  164  may be a homopolymer 4039 commercially available from BP Amoco Chemical Company. Cap  164  may simply be snapped off by twisting cap  164  to snap pegs  168 . 
     It is understood that inlet and outlet valves  153  and  158  may comprise a variety of conventional one-way or check valves, such as ball valves, spring-loaded valves, or the like. In addition, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, any pump known to one skilled in the art such as positive displacement and centrifugal pumps may be utilized to dispense the additive from the bladder  140  to water within a container. Such exemplary embodiments include, but not limited to piston pumps, peristaltic pumps, bellows-type pumps, piezo-electric pumps, diaphragm pumps (e.g., as described above), rotary vane, etc. Alternatively, cartridge  120  may comprise, in place of pump  150 , venture feed, gravity feed, and/or pressurized systems to dispense the additive from bladder  140  into the water. 
     To fill bladder  140  with an additive, as described herein, a hollow needle (not shown) is inserted into and through inlet check valve  153 , which is acting as a seal enclosure over pump opening  152  (i.e., sealing bladder  140 ) to pull a vacuum within bladder  140 . Once the vacuum has been established within bladder  140 , the needle is removed. Due to its shape, configuration, and material, inlet check valve  153  automatically reseals the hole the needle created within the inlet check valve, acting as a self-sealing septum as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. A second needle of a syringe-type device (not shown herein) containing the additive is inserted into and through inlet check valve, enabling the additive to be dispensed into bladder  140 . Again, due to the shape, configuration, and material of inlet check valve  153 , the hole made by the needle reseals itself automatically (e.g., self-sealing septum). The needles and syringe-type device are well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and will not be described herein. 
     In operation, cap  164  is twisted off of cartridge  120 . Cartridge  120  is inserted into space  102  within guides  103  of receptacle  101  such that planar surface  157  of diaphragm  154  rests against annular protrusion  104 , and outlet check valve  158  is inserted through aperture  106  of receptacle  101 . Once inserted, a user may have to prime pump  150  to fill chamber  156  with an amount of the additive from bladder  140 . For example, the user may selectively apply a force to closed end  136  in the direction of open end  137  (or pump  150 ) along longitudinal axis A 1  of cartridge  120 . When the force is applied to housing  130 , it presses annular protrusion  104  against planar surface  157 , which depresses diaphragm  154  causing outlet check valve  158  to open and chamber  156  to reduce in volume. Chamber&#39;s  156  reducing volume forces any substance (e.g., air or an additive) contained within chamber  156  to be dispensed through outlet check valve  158 . Once the applied force is released from closed end  136 , diaphragm  154  returns back to its normal position due to memory of diaphragm  154 , expanding chamber  156  back to its normal volume. Such expansion of chamber  156  causes a vacuum within chamber  156  that bends an annular valve seal  169  of inlet check valve  153  away from pump body  151 , opening inlet check valve  153 . When inlet check valve  153  is opened, the vacuum within chamber  156  will also pull additive through pump opening  152  into chamber  156  from bladder  140 . 
     Once diaphragm  154  and chamber  156  are back to its normal position, the inlet and outlet check valves are closed, preventing air from being sucked back into bladder  140  and chamber  156 . This process may be repeated several times to prime the pump and fill the chamber  156  with the additive. The pump (and/or dose chamber) may be configured to hold a desired dose (i.e., a prequantified or measured amount of the additive) to be dispensed with one operation of the pump. Exemplary dose amounts of the additive to be dispensed with each pump operation includes from about 0.05 ml to about 1.0 ml. In another exemplary embodiment, the dose amount may include about 0.15 ml to about 0.25 ml. Once the chamber is filled with the desired amount of additive (i.e., primed), the cartridge is ready to dispense an amount of additive to water from chamber  156 . When a dose of additive is desired, the user applies a force to close end  137  such that protrusion  104  depresses diaphragm  154 , causing outlet check valve  158  to open and the amount of additive within chamber  156  to dispense from the outlet check valve  158 . As the additive is dispensed from outlet check valve  158 , an equal amount of the additive will be pulled from bladder  140  through inlet check valve  153  to replenish chamber  156 . 
     Cartridge  120  and/or receptacle  101  may include a measuring device (not shown) to track and/or estimate the amount of additive that has been dispensed from the cartridge and the remaining amount of additive remaining in bladder  140 . The measuring device may include but not be limited to a weight sensor to measure the amount of additive left within bladder  140 , a dose counter, an electrical or electrode sensor to measure the change in resistivity of the fluid in the bladder, a RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification), opacity sensor, or similar such devices as used in other industries where a remaining amount of a consumable in a reservoir is tracked such as, for example, in the inkjet industry. The measuring device need not be described herein as such technology is known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Cartridge  120  and/or receptacle  101  may also include the additive life indicator (not shown) as described above herein, which may be connected to the measuring device to indicate the remaining amount of additive in cartridge  120  measured by the measuring device. For example, cartridge  120  may comprise a visible level gauge (not shown) to allow the user to determine the amount of additive remaining in the reservoir. In addition, it is understood that cartridge  120  and/or receptacle  101  may include a communication link such as a TAB circuit or radio frequency connection to communicate data and signals between the cartridge, water filter system, and/or a computer or controller. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , receptacle  101  may comprise an interface  170 , which may interconnect with cartridge  120 . Interface  170  may be a discrete or integrated part of receptacle  101  to prevent dirt, debris, and other substances from entering into water filtration system  110  when cartridge  120  is not in receptacle  101 . Interface  170  includes a body  172  having an interface opening  174 , a door  176  configured to open or close opening  174 , a spring  178  configured to bias cartridge  120  away from interface body  172  when cartridge  120  is positioned within interface  170 , and a slot  179  disposed through body  172 . Door  176  is in a normally closed position over opening  174 . When cartridge  120  is positioned in receptacle  101 , door  176  still remains closed over opening  174 . However, when a user applies force to closed end  136 , moving the cartridge toward the interface body  172 , a door opening device  180  (e.g., a cam) positioned on pump body  151  slides through slot  179  to engage door  176 . Door opening device  180  moves door  176  away from opening  174 , and thus allowing outlet check valve  158  to move through opening  174  and dispense the additive from bladder  140 . Once the applied force is removed, spring  178  moves cartridge  120  back away from interface body  172 , thus disengaging door opening device  180  from door  176  and closing opening  174 . It is also understood that interface  170  may be configured such that door  176  is in a normally closed position until cartridge  120  is inserted into interface  170  and door opening device  180  moves door  176  away from opening  174 . In this configuration, interface  170  does not include a spring to bias cartridge  120  away from interface body  172 . However, a spring may be used to bias door  176  to its normally closed position. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 18 . In this embodiment, additive dispensing system  200  may include a receptacle  201  configured to receive cartridge  120  in a moving engagement. Receptacle  201  may include a door  210  connected to receptacle  201  near an aperture  206  disposed within a surface  205  of receptacle  201 . Door  210  is configured to open and close aperture  206 , thus preventing or permitting outlet check valve  158  of cartridge  120  to enter into aperture  206  and through surface  205 . A distal end  211  of door  210  is fixedly attached to receptacle  201  such that door  210  is cantilevered from receptacle  201  over aperture  206 . In addition, door  210  is spring-biased in a closed position over aperture  206 . In this embodiment, door  210  is fabricated from a material having memory or a spring constant that provides this spring-biased. Alternatively, receptacle  201  may include a separate spring (not shown) that engages door  210  to bias it in the closed position over aperture  206 . Either cartridge  120  or door  210  may have a cam (not shown) that engages door  210 , or vice versa. When a force is applied to cartridge  120  to operate pump  150 , the cam moves door  210  away from aperture  206 , allowing outlet check valve  158  to dispense the additive through aperture  206  and into a container. 
     Additive dispensing system  100 , including cartridge  120  and receptacle  101 , is not limited to use with faucets or the like. For example, elements of the present invention could be adapted for use with portable containers such as pitchers, water bottles or with other drinking water delivery system such as water coolers. For example, receptacle  101  may be connected to or be integrated into a pitcher (not shown) or similar device, which include a water filtration system (not shown), wherein cartridge  120  may be configured to selectively dispense an additive into the filtered water either held in the pitcher or in a container the filtered water has been poured into from the pitcher. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , another exemplary embodiment of a receptacle  300  is shown. Receptacle  300  includes a space  302  configured to receive cartridge  120  as described herein. Receptacle  300  may include guides (not shown) internal to space  302  that are configured to slidingly engage cartridge  120  such that cartridge  120  may slide into space  302  within receptacle  300 . Receptacle  300  may include a pump activating device (not shown) (e.g., an annular protrusion  104 ) and an opening (not shown) disposed within sidewall  306 , which allows outlet check valve  158  to protrude through when cartridge  120  is inserted within receptacle  300 . In this exemplary embodiment, receptacle  300  may be a hand held device, permitting receptacle  300  and cartridge  120  to be portable. Alternatively, receptacle  300  may be configured to be mounted to a stationary fixture (e.g., a wall). In the exemplary embodiment shown, receptacle  300  includes finger grip points  304  disposed along opposite sides of receptacle  300  to provide improved handling of receptacle  300  and thus improved dispensing of the additive from cartridge  120 . When cartridge  120  is positioned within receptacle  300 , a user may hold receptacle  300  between two fingers (and/or a thumb) and use a third finger to apply a force to close end  136  of cartridge  120  to operate pump  150  to selectively dispense the additive from cartridge  120 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another embodiment of an additive dispensing cartridge  400 . In this embodiment, additive dispensing cartridge  400  comprises a housing  430 , a reservoir (not shown) disposed within housing  430 , and a pump  450 . Housing  430  has a curved cross section defined by curved sidewalls  431 ,  432 ,  433 , and  434 . Also, housing  430  has an increased reservoir capacity (e.g., 2 times the capacity of cartridge  120 ) compared to cartridge  120  shown and described herein to provide an increased dose cartridge. 
     All documents cited in the detailed description of the invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; a citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. While particular embodiments of the present invention 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 invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.