Patent Publication Number: US-6991131-B2

Title: Distributable container and system and method using distributable container

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention relates to a system for dispensing an active ingredient using a dispensable tablet, the dispensable tablet and a container for holding such dispensable tablets. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Automated machines are often used for cleaning dishes, utensils, kitchen items, pots and pans, etc. These automated machines, commonly called warewashing machines, are often used by commercial establishments such as restaurants. A typical warewashing machine may use an active ingredient found in a detergent, rinse aid or sanitizer. 
   For a sanitizer, an active ingredient, such as chlorine, may be supplied in powdered or solid block form. A warewashing machine presents an adverse environment for such powdered or solid active ingredients. Since the active ingredient must react and dissolve quickly in water used in the warewashing machine, the solid or powdered active ingredients should be formulated to easily dissolve. However, this desired ability to dissolve quickly when used is a liability while the solid or powdered active ingredient has not yet been dispensed. The very wet and high temperature environment of the warewashing machine can degrade the solid or powdered active ingredients. If such wet and/or high temperature environment should come into contact with the active ingredient before being dispensed into the warewashing machine deleterious effects may result. 
   A relatively large, e.g., 600 gram, solid block can be utilized with a flood-type dispenser. As the ingredient in the solid is needed, the dispenser floods the solid block for a specified period of time with water. As water floods the solid block, the solid block erodes providing an ingredient/water solution using a portion of the solid block that has been eroded. Some, perhaps much, of the solid block remains for use in subsequent cycles of the machine to which the dispenser operates. During subsequent cycles, the solid block may again be flooded with water and the process is repeated. 
   However, some problems exist with this arrangement. Because of variations in water temperature, more or less of the active ingredient, e.g., chlorine, can be eroded from the solid block. For example, a lower water temperature will erode less chlorine from the solid block in the predetermined period of time allotted. However, a higher water temperature will erode more chlorine from the solid block in the same predetermined period of time. Depending upon the water temperature, either too much or too little chlorine may be used to produce a desired sanitizing solution. 
   Other forms of active ingredient dispensers also exist in the warewashing machine environment. 
   Powdered detergent is typically individually manually metered or poured into the warewashing machine. This, however, results in the non-uniform dose of detergent for the warewashing machine which is highly variable based upon the person performing the manual dispensing operation. Further, it is possible that the user could come into contact with the active ingredient which could raise a safety issue. 
   Alternatively, a tablet of detergent may be manually placed into a warewashing machine. While placing a tablet of detergent into the warewashing machine does provide a uniform dose, this dispensing system also requires the user to handle a tablet in order to manually place the tablet into the warewashing machine. 
   Another technique for dispensing an ingredient is known in the industry as a blister pack. A blister pack, well known in the industry, consists of a plastic top, typically clear, formed with indentations with each indentation capable of holding an individual dose of tablet or tablets. A backing sheet is adhered over the plastic top to secure the tablets in the indentations. A user may then take the blister pack and, pushing on the plastic top at an indentation, push an individual tablet or tablets contained in an indentation through the backing sheet, perforating the backing sheet, and releasing the tablet or tablets. While this technique also provides for uniform dose, it also could allow the user to come in contact with the tablet being dispensed. Most importantly, dispensing of tablets with a blister pack is an intensely manual operation. 
   PCT International Publication Number WO 02/058528, Hindustan Lever Limited, Detergent Dispenser System, describes a removable cartridge for a detergent dispensing system for a dishwasher. A storage unit contains a plurality of cylindrical or spherical detergent tablets arranged in two or more rows with curved surfaces of adjacent tablets touching such that when the cartridge is upright that tablets will move under gravity towards the transfer station. The transfer station has an ejection means to eject a tablet from the transfer station through a transfer port to prevent ingress of moisture into the cartridge. The dispensing system of Hindustan recognizes the problem of moisture contamination. Hindustan attempts to have the dispensing mechanism handle all of the responsibility of preventing the moisture from contaminating the dispensing container. However, Hindustan does not solve the problem because even a little moisture or extreme humidity can then contaminate not only the tablet being dispensed but literally the whole cartridge (container) of tablets. 
   Some tablets being dispensed may be fragile or the active ingredient may be toxic to a user. In this case, allowing a user to contact or directly interact with solid product, including tablets, can be a significant disadvantage. 
   Further, some tablets and some active ingredients may contaminate the dispenser over time. Continued dispensing of multiple containers of solid product can, especially over time, cause significant contamination of the dispensing mechanism and can lead to deleterious operation including decreased reliability. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system for dispensing a solid product held in a distributable container having an opening. A mechanical interlock secures the opening of the container preventing contact with the solid product by a user. A dispenser, fixed at a dispensing location, is adapted to receive the mechanical interlock of the container. A power source is operatively coupled to the dispenser and adapted to power the mechanical interlock allowing dispensing of the solid product from the container. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the invention further provides a cleaning machine operatively coupled to the dispenser and adapted to receive the solid product dispensed from the dispenser. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the opening of the container is circular. A circular cap is adapted to fit over and secure the opening of the container, the circular cap having a central axis and having an opening therein positioned off-center from the central axis. A shaft operatively cooperates with the circular cap and is adapted to be coupled to the power source. A disc is rotatably coupled with the shaft positioned adjacent the circular cap nearest the solid product in the container. The disc has at least one opening therein cooperating with the opening of the circular cap at an angular position upon rotation of the disc. 
   In another embodiment, the present invention provides a distributable container for holding a solid product and adapted to mate with a dispenser fixed at a dispensing location and having a power source. A receptacle having an opening holding the solid product. A mechanical interlock secures the opening of the receptacle preventing contact with the solid product by a user. The mechanical interlock is adapted to mate with the dispenser and dispense the solid product using the power source. 
   In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of dispensing a solid product from a distributable container having a mechanical interlock preventing contact with the solid product by a user to a dispenser fixed at a dispensing location. The container holding the solid product is distributed to the dispensing location. The mechanical interlock of the container is mated with the dispenser. Power from the dispenser is provided to the mechanical interlock to controllably dispense the solid product allowing the dispenser to dispense a predetermined amount of the solid product from the container without allowing contact of the solid product with the user. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical interlock substantially prevents moisture from the dispenser from affecting the solid product. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the solid product is a plurality of tablets. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of tablets can be dispensed one at a time. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical interlock is fixedly secured to the container. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the power source provides rotary motion to the mechanical interlock. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the solid product is bleach. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the solid product is rinse aid. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the solid product is detergent. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of a dispensable tablet in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows an alternative embodiment of a dispensable tablet in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the dispensable tablet of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a container holding a plurality of dispensable tablets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and adapted for use with both a dispensable tablet and a container of dispensable tablets in accordance with preferred aspects of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the dispenser of  FIG. 5  with dispensable tablets being dispensed from a container in accordance with preferred aspects of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded, perspective view of a closure or mechanical interlock for a distributable container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention along with a shaft used to provide power to the closure; 
       FIG. 8  is a cap used in the closure of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is an internal disk used in the closure of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a shaft used to provide power to the closure of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a view of the closure of  FIG. 7  along with a shaft used to provide power to the closure illustrating the interaction between a tablet and the mechanical interlock; 
       FIG. 12  is a cap used in an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is an isometric view of a rotatable disk used in an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable disk of  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of a container constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with a closure or mechanical interlock; and 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating a container mated with a dispenser and a cleaning machine. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention uses granular chlorine in a commercial warewashing environment. The preferred ingredients are sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione dihydrate or sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the active ingredient, in this example, chlorine, is contained in dispensable tablet  10 , shown in cross-sectional view in  FIG. 1 . In order to avoid the problem of how much active ingredient to dispense into the warewashing machine, dispensable tablet  10  can be constructed to contain exactly the unit dose desired for optimum operation of the warewashing machine. Thus, when an operation of the warewashing machine needs an optimum dose of the active ingredient a single dispensable tablet  10  may be dispensed to the warewashing machine ensuring the proper dosage. 
   Alternatively, the unit dose desired for optimum operation of the warewashing machine can be contained in two or more of dispensable tablets  10  as long as an integral number of dispensable tablets  10  contain the intended dose for the warewashing machine. For example, if the intended dose for the warewashing machine is contained in two of dispensable tablets  10 , then two dispensable tablets  10  can be dispensed when required. Of course, reasonableness is preferred in the number of dispensable tablets  10  the intended dose for the warewashing machine. As the number of dispensable tablets  10  over which the intended dose for the warewashing machine is spread, the more difficult it is to count the number of dispensable tablets  10  which must be dispensed and to actually dispense that number of dispensable tablets  10 . For this reason, it is preferred that the number of dispensable tablets  10  over which the intended dose for the warewashing machine is spread be limited to not more than ten. 
   It is recognized that while it is preferred that a unit dose for the warewashing machine be contained in a single dispensable tablet  10 , or in a plurality of dispensable tablets  10 , that the warewashing machine could require differing amounts of the active ingredient during different cycles or with different options of single cycle. For example, the warewashing machine could require a single dispensable tablet  10  when operating in a normal mode and could require two or more dispensable tablets  10  when operating in a heavy duty mode. Nevertheless, at least one cycle of the warewashing machine in at least one mode operates with an intended dose of the active ingredient contained in a plurality of dispensable tablets  10 , preferably not more than ten dispensable tablets  10 . 
   Dispensable tablet  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is spherical in shape. Other generally rounded shapes for dispensable tablet  10  are also contemplated. For example, dispensable tablet  10 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 2  is of a generally disc shape, preferably with slightly rounded edges. This shape can also be compared to the common shape of medicinal tablet, such as an aspirin tablet. Dispensable tablet  10  and  10 ′ have generally rounded shapes in order that dispensable tablets  10  and  10 ′ may be more easily dispensed through automated dispensing equipment. It is also desirable that dispensable tablets  10  and  10 ′ have generally rounded shapes so that dispensable tablets  10  and  10 ′ do not have sharp corners, e.g., ninety degree three dimensional corners, which are subject to breakage as dispensable tablets  10  and  10 ′ are handled, both manually and with automated equipment but especially with automated equipment. 
   The preferred size for dispensable tablet  10 ′ is an approximately 0.7 gram tablet, plus or minus 0.5 grams, having a diameter of approximately 0.3750 inches (9.52 millimeters with a height of approximately 0.2205 inches (5.59 millimeters). 
   While dispensable tablet of the present invention may be any of a variety of shapes, two of the preferred shapes are illustrated in  FIG. 1  as dispensable tablet  10  and in  FIG. 2  as dispensable tablets  10 ′. It is to be recognized and understood that other shapes are possible. The remainder of the discussion in this disclosure will be made to dispensable tablet  10  but applies equally well to dispensable tablet  10 ′ and to a variety of shapes not specifically illustrated, for example elliptical shapes. 
   Since dispensable tablet  10  is a tablet, the active ingredient contained in dispensable tablet  10  is in solid form. In order that the active ingredient in dispensable tablet  10  can be utilized in the warewashing machine, dispensable tablet  10  should be readily dissolvable in the solution operatively utilized during operation of the warewashing machine. It is desirable that dispensable tablet  10  dissolve quickly in water so that the active ingredient can be effectively utilized by the warewashing machine. Dispensable tablet  10  should also be food contact safe. 
   However, since a warewashing machine often utilizes very hot water in order to accomplish its washing and/or sterilizing functions, the environment of the warewashing machine often contains very high humidities and, often, high temperatures. While this environment is conducive to effective washing and even to effective dissolving of dispensable tablet  10  once dispensed into the warewashing machine, such environment must be prevented from adversely affecting dispensable tablets  10  which have not yet been dispensed into the warewashing machine. As will be seen, part of the function of preventing moisture and, preferably, heat from affecting the supply of non-dispensed dispensable tablets  10  is accomplished in the dispensing apparatus. It is, however, also desirable that additional protection be taken to prevent the adverse effect of moisture and, preferably, heat on dispensable tablets  10  which have not yet been dispensed. 
     FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of dispensable tablet  10 . The active ingredient is contained in the interior portion  12  of dispensable tablet  10 . In a preferred embodiment, interior portion  12  of dispensable tablet  10  is a 0.7 gram spherical ball having a concentration of 70 parts per million consisting of fifty-six percent (56%) chlorine dry bleach for a tank size of the warewashing machine of approximately two (2) gallons (7.6 liters). 
   Other examples of active ingredients are pH modifiers, surfactants, enzymes, builders, lime away products, coupling agents, metal salts and components of rinse aids, detergents and sanitizers. 
   Dispensable tablet  10  also may have protective coating  14  surrounding the exterior of interior portion  12 . Protective coating  14  can be made of a number of materials which can protect dispensable tablet from moisture, e.g., high humidity, and, preferably, heat when dispensable tablet is not yet dispensed. However, protective coating  14  can not be so protective that dispensable tablet  10  does not readily dissolve when dispensed into the warewashing machine. Protective coating  14  also protects dispensable tablet from mechanical breakage during shipping and dispensing. An example of a protective coating  14  is titanium dioxide coated from enzymes having an approximate thickness of the human hair, or approximately 0.1 millimeter. It is preferred that protecting be applied either by spraying or dipping. 
   It is also possible that interior portion  12  of dispensable tablet  10  could be in liquid or semi-liquid form with protective coating  14  forming a dissolvable shell around interior portion  12 . This is similar to a paintball or bath beads in construction (although, obviously, paint is not utilized in a warewashing environment). In this embodiment, a liquid detergent or a liquid sanitizer could be used as the active ingredient. Once dispensed, again protective coating  14  would dissolve in the warewashing machine and the active ingredient contained in interior portion  12  would be released into the warewashing machine. Other examples of alternative forms of dispensable tablets  10  include gel tabs, a liquid or semi-liquid active ingredient contained in a water soluble film and a powder containing an active ingredient contained in a water soluble film. Other forms of packaging an active ingredient, e.g., a liquid or a powder, in a packet or other individualized container are also contemplated. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates container  16  holding a plurality of dispensable tablets  10 . Container  16  has a relatively narrow opening  18 , preferably sealed, for example with foil  20 . With dispensable tablets  10  held in container  16 , especially with foil  20  sealing opening  18 , a user of the warewashing machine is protected from contacting dispensable tablets  10 . Since the active ingredient contained in dispensable tablets  10  can be caustic to humans, preventing a user or another person coming into contact with tablets  10  in container  16 , e.g., a child, is desirable. Sealing container  16  with foil  20  also prevents an unskillful user from inadvertently coming into contact with dispensable tablets  10  as, for example, by simply unscrewing a screw-on lid. Container  16  has a relatively narrow neck  22  which allows container  16  to be inserted into a dispenser. Container  16  also has sloping side walls  24  which assist in enabling dispensable tablets  10  to flow toward opening  18  when container  16  is inverted and inserted into a dispenser. 
     FIG. 5  shows dispenser  26  adapted to dispense dispensable tablets  10 . Dispenser  26  has sloping walls  28  adapted to mate with sloping side walls  24  of container  16 . Neck  22  of container  16  is accommodated with a corresponding receptacle  30  in dispenser  26 . Projection  32  is adapted to penetrate foil  20  seal of container  16  and release dispensable tablets  10  from container  16 . Restriction section  34  funnels dispensable tablets  10  so that, at the lower end of restriction  34  only a single dispensable tablet  10  is allowed to pass at a time. Restriction  34  has an opening  36  adapted to mate with rotatable disc  38 . Rotatable disc  38  rotates in a housing of dispenser  26  just slightly larger than rotatable disc  26 . Rotatable disc  38  has at least one, and in this example, three, openings  40  sized to allow a single dispensable tablet  10  to fall from container  16  through restriction  34  into one of openings  40 . A rotatable disc rotates a single dispensable tablet  10  accompanies each opening  40 . As an opening  40  reaches the bottom of rotatable disc  40 , a dispensable tablet  10  is released into passage  42  which is adapted to communicate with the warewashing machine into which dispensable tablet  10  is to be dispensed. 
     FIG. 6  shows container  16  having been inverted and inserted into dispenser  26 . Dispenser  26  has mating sloping walls  28  adapted to facilitate the insertion of and support of sloping side walls  24  of container  16 . Neck  22  of container  16  is accommodated with a corresponding receptacle  30  in dispenser  26 . As neck  22  of container  16  is inserted into receptacle  30  of dispenser  26 , projection  32  penetrates foil  20  of container  16  puncturing foil  20  and releasing dispensable tablets  10  from container  16 . Dispensable tablets  10  are funneled in restriction section  34  so that, at the lower end of restriction  34  only a single dispensable tablet  10  is allowed to pass at a time. Restriction  34  has an opening  36  adapted to mate with rotatable disc  38 . Rotatable disc  38  rotates in a housing of dispenser  26  just slightly larger than rotatable disc  26 . Rotatable disc  38  has at least one, and in this example, three, openings  40  sized to allow a single dispensable tablet  10  to fall from container  16  through restriction  34  into one of openings  40 . A rotatable disc rotates a single dispensable tablet  10  accompanies each opening  40 . As an opening  40  reaches the bottom of rotatable disc  40 , a dispensable tablet  10  is released into passage  42  which is adapted to communicate with the warewashing machine into which dispensable tablet  10  is to be dispensed. 
   Thus, as rotatable disc  38  is rotated so that the next opening  40  in rotatable disc reaches the bottom another dispensable tablet  10  is released into the warewashing machine through passage  42 . Since dispensable tablets  10  still being held in container  16  are physically remote from passage  42 , which may be contaminated with moisture from the warewashing machine, for example, and because any moisture laden air is prevented from directly being passed into container  16  by rotatable disc  38 , dispenser  16  aids in preventing dispensable tablets  10  still being held in container  16  from being affected by the adverse high moisture content of the warewashing machine to which dispenser  26  is adapted to be utilized. 
   Of course, it is to be recognized and understood that if the intended dose for the warewashing machine calls for more than one dispensable ball  10 , that rotatable discs is rotated through exactly the number of openings  40  for which the intended dose calls. 
   Rotatable disc  38  may be operated automatically through any number of commonly available and readily understood automated mechanical turning mechanisms. Alternatively, rotatable disc  38  may also be operated manually by the user. 
     FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  illustrate an embodiment of a closure  44  for container  16  holding solid product, e.g., dispensable tablets  10 . Cap  46  is secured to opening  18  of container  16  by any suitable means, such as by screw threads. Preferably, cap  46  is fixedly secured, meaning that cap  46  is secured to container  16  in a way which would make it difficult for a user to remove cap  46 . An example of being fixedly secured would be by press fitting grooves or ridges in cap  46  with corresponding ridges or grooves, respectively, in container  16 . Preferably, such ridges and grooves would be back angled, or under cut, to allow cap  46  to snap onto container  16  but make it difficult to remove cap  46  from container  16 . Another example would be by use of an adhesive. Preferably, although cap  46  would be fixedly secured to container  16  making it difficult for a user to remove cap  46  from container  16 , cap  46  would be secured in a way that would allow a qualified service provider, maintenance person or factory refiller to remove cap  46  with proper tools, perhaps tools not readily available to a user. 
   Cap  46  has at least one off-center opening  48  appropriately sized to allow passage of a tablet  10 . Internal disk  50  is adapted to be mounted on rotatable shaft  52  co-axially with cap  46 . Internal disk  50  has at least one off-center opening  52  appropriately sized to allow passage of a tablet  10 . In this embodiment, internal disk  50  has three openings  52 . 
   In operation, rotatable shaft  52  of closure  44  can be mated to a power source in a dispenser with opening  18  of container  16 , and hence closure  44 , being oriented generally downwardly with respect to container  16 . While container  16  does not need to be directly inverted with opening  18  on the bottom of container, it is desired that container  16  be oriented such that gravity will allow tablets  10  to be dispensed from container  16 . For example, opening  18  of container  16  need only be lower than some of tablets  10  contained in container  16 . 
   As rotatable shaft  52  is rotated, one of openings  54  of internal disk  50  will align with opening  48  in cap  46  which will allow a tablet  10  to fall by gravity through the combined openings and be dispensed from container  16 . Preferably, each time one of openings  54  of internal disk  50  align with opening  48  in cap  46 , a tablet  10  will be dispensed. Of course, if the rotation of rotatable shaft  52 , and hence the rotation of internal disk  50 , is slow enough then more than one tablet  10  may be dispensed each time one of openings  54  of internal disk  50  aligns with opening  48  in cap  46 . The number of tablets dispensed can be controlled by varying the rotational speed of rotatable shaft  52  and internal disk  52 . The number of rotations, or partial rotations, of rotatable shaft  52  and internal disk  50  determines the number of tablets  10  dispensed. When rotation stops, dispensing will stop. Care should be taken, of course, to stop the rotation of rotatable shaft  52  when one of openings  54  in internal disk do not align with opening  48  of cap  46 . 
     FIG. 11  illustrates an assembled closure  44  with one of openings  54  of internal disk  50  aligned with opening  48  in cap  46  with a tablet  10  shown positioned for dispensing through the aligned openings  48 ,  54 . 
   Closure  44  forms a mechanical interlock which allows tablets  10  to be dispensed from container  16  without allowing a user the ability to contact tablets  10 . This may be desirable, for example, is tablets  10  are fragile or are constructed from a material which may be toxic when contacted by a user. This is especially true if cap  46  is fixedly secured over opening  18  of container  16 . 
   While closure  44  forms a mechanical interlock allowing dispensing while preventing contact between a user and tablets  10 , power to perform the dispensing operation remains in the dispenser. Rotatable shaft  52  is adapted to mate with a rotatable power source in dispenser  26 ′ to selectively and controllably rotate rotatable shaft  52  enabling the dispensing operation to be performed. Control over rotation enables, for example, one tablet  10  to be dispensed at a time. 
   In an embodiment, container  16  may be distributed to a user containing tablets  10  with opening  18  secured by closure  44 . Closure  44  provides a mechanical interlock preventing the dispensing of tablets  10  until dispensing is desired. At the same, power to do dispensing is obtained from dispenser  26 ′. Thus, the mechanical interlock of closure  44  and the power to dispense functions are separated, the former residing with container  16  and the latter residing with dispenser  26 ′. The power to dispense does not have to be supplied with the distributable container  16  even though container  16  provides the mechanical interlock of closure  44 . 
   Since closure  44  is associated with container  16 , a new mechanical interlock can be used each time container  16  is replaced. Such replacement will help prevent possible contamination of the mechanical interlock over time since this mechanism is replaced with a clean interlock mechanism each time container  16  is replaced. Further, modifications and improvements in the mechanical interlock can be accomplished over time without the necessity of updating dispenser  26 ′. 
   An additional security closure, for example, a security film or adhesive tab, may be employed to cover cap  46  during shipment or distribution of container  16 . Alternatively, container  16  may be secured for premature dispensing of tablets  10  during distribution by positioning disk  50  so that none of openings  54  are aligned with opening  48  and mechanically securing that position, for example, by a pin which can be removed by a user prior, preferably just prior, to insertion of container  16  into dispenser  26 ′. After such security closure is removed, if applicable, container  16  may be mated to dispenser  26 ′ with the power source of dispenser  26 ′ engaging rotatable shaft  52 . 
     FIGS. 12 ,  13  and  14  illustrate another alternative embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12  illustrates cap  46 ′ which is very similar to cap  46  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Cap  46 ′ has a central axis hole  56  and off-center opening  48 . Opening  48  in cap  46 ′ performs the same function as opening  48  in cap  46 . Cap  46 ′ has ridges and grooves for mating with grooves and ridges around the edge of opening  18  in container  16 ′. Rotary disk  58 , illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , has a central shaft  60  for rotatably mounting of rotary disk  58  at groove  62  in central axis hole  56  of cap  46 ′ such that rotary disk  58  is interior of cap  46 ′ when cap  46 ′ is installed on container  16 ′. Rotary disk has a plurality of fins  64  positioned between a plurality of openings  54 . As can be seen by reference to  FIG. 15 , which show container  16 ′ with cap  46 ′ and rotary disk  58  positioned for dispensing. Tabs  66 , protruding from cap  46 ′, provide mechanical support for rotary disk  58  from the weight of tablets  10 . 
   Fins  64  catch tablets  10  in container  16  and position tablets  10  for passage through one of openings  54  and through opening  48  when one of openings  54  and opening  48  are aligned. 
   Central shaft  60  of rotary disk  58  has a opening adapted to mate ( FIG. 16 ) with a power source  68  when container  16 ′ is inserted into dispenser  26 ′. Central shaft  60  has an opening configured to mate with a complementary portion of power source  68 . Preferably, power source  68  provides rotary motion to rotary disk  58 . Power source  68  can be controlled by motor  70 , for example. Dispenser  26 ′ is operatively coupled via passage  72  to cleaning machine  74  which can any of a variety of machines available in marketplace, such as warewashing machine. Solenoid  76  optionally can be used to seal off vapors from cleaning machine  74  when dispensing is not occurring. 
   Various modifications and alterations of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth above.