Patent Description:
Dishwashing detergent compositions are used in automatic dishwashing machines to provide numerous benefits including a good cleaning profile and a good shine profile. The dishwashing detergent compositions have conventionally been provided to the automatic dishwashing machine either through the consumer pouring dishwashing detergent liquid directly into the dishwashing machine, directly placing a dishwashing detergent tablet into the dishwashing machine, or through the consumer placing an encapsulated detergent "water-soluble pouch" into the dishwashing machine. <CIT> discloses a domestic dishwasher, comprising a detergent dosing system having a detergent dispenser with a receiving compartment for receiving at least one cartridge.

However, conventional detergent liquids, tablets, and pods do not have a way to provide discrete chemicals to the dishwashing machine independently of each other. Providing chemicals to the dishwashing machine separately from each other allow the dishwashing machine to administer the chemicals separately at different times of the cleaning cycle and allow for chemicals that may not otherwise be stable in the presence of each other to be provided in one container. The present disclosure addresses this need by providing a partitioned solution cartridge for automatic distribution of dishwashing chemicals that has a compartmentalized body including a plurality of contained solution sectors, where different chemicals may be stored and individually metered out to the dishwashing machine. The partitioned solution cartridge is a multi-use cartridge that can last <NUM> or more or <NUM> or more washing cycles.

In accordance with the present invention, a partitioned solution cartridge for automatic distribution of dishwashing chemicals includes a protective top film and a compartmentalized body including a plurality of contained solution sectors each including a fluid reservoir and a distribution chamber. The fluid reservoir is partially enclosed by a reservoir sidewall and the protective top film. The distribution chamber is partially enclosed by a chamber sidewall and the protective top film. The fluid reservoir and the distribution chamber are fluidly connected, the fluid reservoir has a reservoir depth, the distribution chamber has a chamber depth, and the reservoir depth is greater than the chamber depth.

Referring initially to <FIG>, the present disclosure relates to a partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> for automatic distribution of dishwashing chemicals including a protective top film <NUM> and a compartmentalized body <NUM>. The protective top film <NUM>, the compartmentalized body <NUM>, or both, may include any suitable heat or induction sealable thermoplastic polymers. Suitable sealable thermoplastic polymers may include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), ethylene vinyl alcohol, aluminum, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymers may be with or without further moisture, oxygen or gas, oil or perfume barrier layers like aluminum, ethylene vinyl alcohol, or both. In embodiments, the thermoplastic polymers may have high recycled content (up to <NUM>%) including recycled PET, recycled PP, recycled PE, bioplastic sourced from renewable sources, or combinations thereof.

The compartmentalized body <NUM> includes a plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM>. The plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may each including a fluid reservoir <NUM> and a distribution chamber <NUM>. It is contemplated that the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may include more than one fluid reservoir <NUM> connected to a single distribution chamber <NUM>, such as <NUM> to <NUM> fluid reservoirs <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM> fluid reservoirs <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM> fluid reservoirs <NUM>, <NUM> fluid reservoirs <NUM>, <NUM> fluid reservoirs <NUM>, <NUM> fluid reservoirs <NUM>, or <NUM> fluid reservoirs <NUM>. The plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may include <NUM> or more, <NUM> or more, <NUM> or more, <NUM> or more, <NUM> or more, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby, contained solution sectors <NUM>.

In embodiments, the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may be fluidly separated from each other within the compartmentalized body <NUM>. For example, and not by way of limitation, the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may be fluidly separated via plastic seals. In embodiments, the plastic seals may include heat seals <NUM>. The heat seals <NUM> may be curved. In embodiments, the heat seals <NUM> may be asymmetrical to each other. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may be fluidly separated via air gaps <NUM>. It is contemplated that the shape, curvature, or both of the heat seals <NUM>, the air gaps <NUM>, or both, prevent folding of the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> includes fluid <NUM>. The partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> may not include any folding lines that run across the entire length of the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> in any direction such that when the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> have fluid <NUM>, the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> cannot be folded by hand. It is contemplated that the separation and shaping of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> and lack of folding lines present in the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> provides sufficient stiffness, rigidity, or both to the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> to prevent damage, deformation, or both throughout the manufacturing and supply chain and consumer handling in-use while minimizing the plastic weight and assuring a good consumer quality impression. This lack of folding lines may be achieved in any way suitable. Some nonlimiting example partitioned solution cartridges that lack folding lines that run across the entire length of the partitioned solution cartridge in any direction are shown in <FIG> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

The plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may have a total combined volume from <NUM> to <NUM> liters (l), from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may include from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby total dosages, wash cycles, or both.

The plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may have any shape suitable to contain fluid. The plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may each have a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, an ovoid shape, a conical shape, a cuboid shape, a rectangular prism shape, or combinations thereof. The plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may each be differently shaped from each other. In embodiments, the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> include fluid <NUM>. The fluid <NUM> included within the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may have any composition suitable for dishwashing. The fluid <NUM> may include an automatic dishwashing detergent composition. It is contemplated that each of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may include chemically-distinct fluids <NUM>. The chemically-distinct fluids may include alkaline and non-alkaline solutions made of surfactants, enzymes, bleach, bleach activators, bleach catalysts chelant/builders, solvents and buffers, independent of each other or in combination.

As previously disclosed, the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> each have a fluid reservoir <NUM>. The fluid reservoir <NUM> is partially enclosed by a reservoir sidewall <NUM> and the protective top film <NUM>. The reservoir sidewall <NUM> may be sealed to the protective top film <NUM> via any suitable plastic welding techniques known in the art, including heat sealing, induction sealing, solvent welding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, the reservoir sidewall <NUM> may be heat sealed to the protective top film <NUM> (as shown by heat seals <NUM>). The fluid reservoir <NUM> may be positioned proximate an upper end <NUM> of the compartmentalized body <NUM>. The fluid reservoir <NUM> may have any shape suitable to contain fluid <NUM>. The fluid reservoir <NUM> may each have a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, an ovoid shape, a conical shape, a cuboid shape, a rectangular prism shape, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, each fluid reservoir <NUM> of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> are each differently shaped from each other. Additionally or alternatively, at least two of the fluid reservoirs <NUM> of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may have mirrored symmetry.

In embodiments, the fluid reservoir <NUM> has a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM> formed by the reservoir sidewall <NUM>. The bottom end <NUM> is positioned proximate to the distribution chamber <NUM> and the top end <NUM> is positioned opposite the bottom end <NUM>.

The fluid reservoir <NUM> has an overall length L defined by the top end <NUM> and the bottom end <NUM>. The overall length L may range from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby.

The fluid reservoir <NUM> may have a reservoir depth RD from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby.

Additionally, as previously stated, each of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> include a distribution chamber <NUM>. The distribution chamber <NUM> is partially enclosed by a chamber sidewall <NUM> and the protective top film <NUM>. The chamber sidewall <NUM> may be heat sealed to the protective top film <NUM> by heat seals <NUM>. In embodiments, the chamber sidewall <NUM> has a rigidity greater than the rigidity of the reservoir sidewall <NUM>. The distribution chamber <NUM> may be positioned proximate a lower end <NUM> of the compartmentalized body <NUM>. The distribution chamber <NUM> may have any shape suitable to distribute fluid from the distribution chamber <NUM> when the chamber sidewall <NUM> is punctured. In embodiments, the distribution chamber <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, an ovoid shape, a conical shape, a cuboid shape, a rectangular prism shape, or combinations thereof.

The distribution chamber <NUM> may have a chamber depth CD. The chamber depth CD may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby. In embodiments, the reservoir depth RD of the fluid reservoir <NUM> may be greater than the chamber depth CD. For example, and not by way of limitation, the chamber depth CD may be from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby, of the reservoir depth RD.

The fluid reservoir <NUM> and the distribution chamber <NUM> are fluidly connected. In embodiments, the fluid reservoir <NUM> and the distribution chamber <NUM> are fluidly connected by a gravity drainage passage <NUM>. The gravity drainage passage <NUM> may have an entrance <NUM> defined by the reservoir sidewall <NUM> and an endpoint <NUM> defined by the chamber sidewall <NUM>. The gravity drainage passage <NUM> may be partially enclosed by a passage sidewall <NUM> and the protective top film <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the distribution chamber <NUM> may include a concave notch <NUM> positioned opposite the protective top film <NUM> on the chamber sidewall <NUM>. The concave notch <NUM> may include a piercing point (not shown) located substantially in the center of the concave notch <NUM>. The concave shape of the concave notch <NUM> helps the piercing means <NUM> find the right location (auto centering). The concave shape further helps to prevent leakage, spillage, or both when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is taken out of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> has a reduced fluid amount as compared to the full fluid amount. The concave shape of the concave notch <NUM> further helps to create a "resealing" of the piercing point after removal of the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the concave notch <NUM> may have a reduced thickness as compared to the thickness of the chamber sidewall <NUM> outside of the concave notch <NUM>, thereby making it easier to puncture. The piercing point could also have a normally closed duckbill valve or a one way valve that gets opened up upon engaging with the receiver. It is further contemplated that the exterior cylindrical shape of the distribution chamber <NUM> helps to seal the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> connection to the storage receptacle <NUM> liquid tight with an o-ring or other circular seal in the receiver.

One or more of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may include an air vent <NUM>. Each of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may include an air vent <NUM>. It is contemplated that at least some of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may share an air vent <NUM> (not shown). The air vent <NUM> may be positioned on the protective top film <NUM> at least partially enclosing the fluid reservoir <NUM>. In embodiments, the air vent <NUM> is positioned proximate the top end <NUM> of the fluid reservoir <NUM>. The air vent <NUM> may be positioned on the protective top film <NUM> proximate the top end <NUM> of the fluid reservoir <NUM> in an area spanning <NUM>% of the overall length L. In embodiments, <NUM>% of the overall length L may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby. It is contemplated that the air vent <NUM> may be positioned vertically above a fluid level of the fluid <NUM> within the fluid reservoir <NUM> when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation, as shown in <FIG>, as will be subsequently described. The air vent <NUM> allows air into the fluid reservoir to compensate for the fluid <NUM> volume being dispensed from the distribution chamber <NUM> to prevent deformation or collapse of the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> in use. Additionally or alternatively, the air vent <NUM> may equilibrate the pressure in the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> with the pressure in the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> to prevent expansion, permanent deformation, or both of the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> at elevated temperatures throughout the washing cycles. It is contemplated that there may be a second air vent (not shown) in the storage receptacle <NUM> (thereby allowing air flow access to the air vent <NUM> within the storage receptacle <NUM>) that may be shielded against wash water or have a one way valve to prevent ingress of wash water into the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM>. The air vent <NUM> may be pierced when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the storage receptacle <NUM> so that no leakage can happen throughout the manufacturing and supply chain process or in consumer handling. Alternative venting is possible with build in one-way valves into the cartridge or even via the pumping engine pumping air in while dispensing the fluid.

In embodiments, the air vent <NUM> may be pierced in the protective top film <NUM> in the zone on the top flange of the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> and having a small channel molded in the flange underneath the piercing zone, as shown in <FIG>. This will allow a more controlled piercing of the protective top film <NUM> since the zone around it will be heat sealed and kept in place and it will minimize risk of leakage since the air vent <NUM> is at the highest point in the vertical position.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the compartmentalized body <NUM> may further include a display aperture <NUM>. The display aperture <NUM> may be positioned between the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> of the compartmentalized body <NUM>. The display aperture <NUM> may be positioned from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby from the lower end <NUM> of the compartmentalized body <NUM>. This position ensures sufficient rigidity to hang the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> by the display aperture <NUM>.

When the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation, for each of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> the fluid reservoir <NUM> is positioned vertically above the distribution chamber <NUM> such that fluid <NUM> from the fluid reservoir <NUM> flows via gravity draining to the distribution chamber <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>, the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> may be placed within a door <NUM> of an automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>, as shown. The partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> may be in the substantially vertical orientation (shown in <FIG>) when positioned in a storage receptacle <NUM> within the door <NUM> of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> when the door <NUM> is closed. In embodiments, the storage receptacle <NUM> may include a containment plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, that closes over the storage receptacle <NUM> to ensure the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is contained within the storage receptacle <NUM> when the door <NUM> is closed and the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is in the substantially vertical orientation.

In embodiments, the containment plate <NUM> may include a puncturing rod <NUM> that punctures the protective top film <NUM> to form the air vent <NUM> when the containment plate <NUM> closes over the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

During the course of a selected dishwashing program a domestic dishwasher generally performs one or more cycles, such as a pre-wash, main-wash, intermediate rinse cycle, final rinse cycle and then a drying cycle to terminate the program. During the respective cycles, fluid <NUM> is distributed, in particular sprayed, by means of a rotating spray arm, a fixed spray nozzle, for example a top spray head, a movable spray nozzle, for example a top spinning unit, and/or some other liquid distribution apparatus, in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher cavity, in which fluid <NUM> is applied to items to be washed, such as dishes and/or cutlery, to be cleaned, which are supported in and/or on at least one loading unit, for example a pull-out rack or a cutlery drawer that can preferably be removed or pulled out. To this end the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> is preferably supplied with fluid <NUM> by way of at least one supply line by an operating circulating pump <NUM>, said fluid <NUM> collecting at the bottom of the dishwasher cavity, preferably in a depression, in particular in a sump. If the fluid <NUM> must be heated during the respective liquid-conducting washing sub-cycle, the fluid <NUM> is heated by means of a heating facility. This can be part of the operating circulating pump <NUM>. At the end of the respective liquid-conducting washing sub-cycle some or all of the fluid <NUM> present in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher cavity in each instance is pumped out by means of a drain pump.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, it is contemplated that the storage receptacle <NUM> can be located inside or outside of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>. If placed inside of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>, the storage receptacle <NUM> can be integrated into the automatic dishwasher (i.e., a storage receptacle <NUM> permanently fixed (built in) to the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>), and can also be an autarkic (i.e., an independent storage receptacle <NUM> that can be inserted into the interior of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>).

An example of an integrated storage receptacle <NUM> is a receptacle built into the door <NUM> of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> and connected to the interior of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> by a supply line.

A dosing device can be for example an automated unit comprising the storage receptacle <NUM> and a dispensing unit capable of releasing a controlled amount of different compositions at different times, for example to the pre-wash and to the main-wash. Different types of hardware might be part of the dosing device for controlling the dispensing of the fluid <NUM>, or for communicating with external devices such as data processing units, the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> or a mobile device or server that a user can operate.

The dosing device can be linked to sensors that can determine, based on sensor's input, the amount of fluid required. Sensors that may be used include pH, turbidity, temperature, humidity, conductivity, etc. The dishwasher may require data processing power to achieve this. It is preferred that the dishwashing will have connectivity to other devices. This may take the form of wi-fi, mobile data, blue tooth, etc. This may allow the dishwasher to be monitored and/or controlled remotely. Preferably, this also allows the machine to connect with the internet.

The storage receptacle <NUM> may have a volume of from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby.

The storage receptacle <NUM> may have an aperture engagement feature <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The aperture engagement feature <NUM> may be any shape suitable to mate with the display aperture <NUM> of the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> to secure the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> within the storage receptacle <NUM> when the consumer places it within the storage receptacle <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is in the substantially vertical orientation when positioned within the door <NUM> of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>, a seal may be formed between the distribution chamber <NUM> and the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>. As previously described, the exterior cylindrical shape of the distribution chamber <NUM> helps to seal the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> connection to the storage receptacle <NUM> liquid tight with an o-ring or other circular seal in the receiver. The distribution chamber <NUM> may be pierced by a piercing means <NUM> that is an integral member of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The distribution chamber <NUM> may be pierced when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is in the substantially vertical orientation when positioned within the door <NUM> of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> when the door <NUM> is closed. It is contemplated that the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> may be placed within the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> by first orienting the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> into the storage receptacle <NUM> via the matching shape of the display aperture <NUM> and aperture engagement feature <NUM>, then make a liquid tight seal around the outside of the distribution chamber <NUM> and then pierce concave notch <NUM> of the distribution chamber <NUM> to prevent any leakage, spillage, misalignment, or combinations thereof during piercing. The containment plate <NUM> on the storage receptacle <NUM> can help to do this in a controlled way and provides some leverage to enable the piercing. A hinge of the containment plate <NUM> on the storage receptacle <NUM> may be close to the lower end <NUM> of the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> to maximize the lever force.

The distribution chamber <NUM> may include a connection means that enables the distribution chamber <NUM> to connect to a connection means that is integral to the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>. The connection means may include a piercing means <NUM>. In embodiments, the piercing means <NUM> may be a static hollow needle that punctures the distribution chamber <NUM>, a movable hollow needle that is pressed upwards while closing the door <NUM>, the containment plate <NUM>, or both. The piercing means <NUM> may be linked to electronically steered pumps in the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM> that dispenses, injects, or both, a specific amount of fluid <NUM> at specific points of the wash cycle defined by a dispensing algorithm. The algorithm can define the correct chemistry to be dosed based on machine type, load size, load type (glass, plastic, tableware, cutlery, pots, pans, or combinations thereof), degree of soil, type of soil, wash cycle chosen (short, long, eco, high temperature, low temperature, or combinations thereof), or combinations thereof. The piercing means <NUM> may include some soft deformable material around it to prevent consumers from accessing the sharp tip, or a spring-loaded protector around the piercing means <NUM> that is moved down while inserting the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM>.

The connection means may further include sealing rings such as rubber o-ring or other sealing elements (deformable sealing rib/flanges or the like) to make a leak tight connection with the storage receptacle <NUM>. The seal may be watertight, to insulate and protect the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> inside the storage receptacle <NUM> from the cleaning water, the dirt and high temperature, high humidity, or combinations thereof inside of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>.

The connection means may be positioned proximate the lowest point of the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is vertically positioned in the closed door to make sure there is always fluid <NUM> fed to the pump until the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is empty, i.e. to avoid that the pump runs dry or pumps some air.

In embodiments, each of the connection means may be spaced apart at a distance of from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or any values within the foregoing ranges or any ranges created thereby. The connection means may be each substantially equally spaced from each other. In embodiments, the connection means may be equally spaced apart in a straight line as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, the connection means may be spaced apart in a pattern that is not a straight line. The amount of connection means may directly correlate to the amount of distribution chambers <NUM> present in the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM>, which directly correlates to the amount of contained solution sectors <NUM>. Therefore, the amount of connection means may be any of the amounts of contained solution sectors <NUM> previously described.

In embodiments, the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> may include any suitable "smart" means known in the art to identify the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> and its content that can be recognized, read by the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>, or both to link the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> to the machine algorithm. The smart means may include an RFID tag, NFC tag, readable 2D or 3D barcodes, microchips, "holygrail" invisible barcodes, or combinations thereof. These can also be used to monitor production dates, production locations, the number of uses, the volumes of fluid <NUM> dispensed, different chemistries dispensed, send a warning when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is nearly empty of fluid <NUM>, or even automatically order a new partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> when the partitioned solution cartridge <NUM> is nearly empty of fluid <NUM>, or combinations thereof. It can also be set-up to have two way communication with apps on a smartphone or on an interactive consumer display of the automatic dishwashing machine <NUM>.

As previously described, the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may include fluid <NUM>, which may include an automatic dishwashing detergent composition. As previously described, each of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may include chemically distinct fluids <NUM>. Any of the fluids <NUM> present in any of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> may include any of the chemical components described below. As described below, weight percentages and amounts are used to describe the overall amount of chemicals present in the composition. For the purposes of this disclosure, the "composition" refers to the a composition including the total amount of fluid present in the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM>. Specifically, the "composition" refers to the composition formed if each of the individual fluids present in each of the plurality of contained solution sectors <NUM> were combined.

In embodiments, the fluid may include a surfactant. The surfactant may include a detersive surfactant, such as a non-ionic detersive surfactant. The fluid may include a ternary mixture of non-ionic surfactant. Compositions comprising this mixture have been found to exhibit good grease suspension, even at low temperatures, and drying properties especially on items treated in a dishwashing operation.

The compositions may comprise a ternary surfactant mixture comprising; a) a non-ionic surfactant having a cloud point of <NUM> or above (herein referred to as "high cloud point non-ionic surfactant"), and b) a non-ionic surfactant having a cloud point below <NUM> (herein referred to as "low cloud point non-ionic surfactant"), wherein the weight ratio of a) to b) is preferably in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. The ternary surfactant mixture may further comprises an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymer having a cloud point below <NUM>, preferably below <NUM>.

The cloud point is the temperature at which a non-ionic surfactant solution phase separates into a water rich and surfactant rich phase and becomes cloudy. The cloud point temperature can be determined visually by identifying at which temperature cloudiness occurs.

The cloud point temperature of a non-ionic surfactant can be determined as follows: a solution containing <NUM>% of the corresponding non-ionic surfactant by weight of the solution is prepared in distilled water. The solution is stirred gently before analysis to ensure that the process occurs in chemical equilibrium. The cloud point temperature is taken in a thermostatic bath by immersing the surfactant solution in a <NUM> sealed glass test tube. To ensure the absence of leakage, the test tube is weighed before and after the cloud point temperature measurement. The temperature is gradually increased at a rate of less than <NUM> per minute, until the temperature reaches a few degrees below the pre-estimated cloud point. The cloud point temperature is determined visually at the first sign of turbidity.

It is preferred that the cloud point of the high cloud point non-ionic surfactant is in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. It is preferred that the cloud point of the low cloud point non-ionic surfactant is in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to the present disclosure it is most preferred that the high cloud point nonionic surfactant has a cloud point in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM> and the low cloud point nonionic surfactant has a cloud point in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>. Particularly good results have been achieved according to the disclosure by compositions comprising a non-ionic surfactant mixture, wherein the high cloud point non-ionic surfactant is an alkoxylkated non-ionic surfactant having a single alkoxylate type, and the low cloud point non-ionic surfactant is an alkoxylkated non-ionic surfactant having at least two alkoxylate types.

The alkoxylated non-ionic surfactants of high cloud point may be prepared by the reaction of a monohydroxy alkanol or alkylphenol with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. It is preferred that the type of alkoxylate surfactant is ethoxylate, butoxylate or propoxylate with ethoxylate being especially preferred. Preferably the high cloud point surfactants have <NUM> to <NUM> moles, particularly preferred <NUM> to <NUM> moles, and still more preferred <NUM> to <NUM> moles of alkylene oxide, particularly ethylene oxide, per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol. A particularly preferred high cloud point non-ionic surfactant is C10-C15 with <NUM>-<NUM> EO, more preferably C13 with 7EO. The high cloud point non-ionic surfactants may be prepared from either branched or linear chain fatty alcohols of the above types. Preferred examples of high cloud point non-ionic surfactants are Lutensol TO7 (BASF), Marlipal O13/<NUM> (Sasol), Imbentin-T/<NUM> (Kolb), Emuldac AS-<NUM> (Sasol) and Emuldac AS-<NUM> (Sasol).

The alkoxylated non-ionic surfactants of low cloud point may be prepared by the reaction of a monohydroxy alkanol or alkylphenol with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. It is preferred that the low cloud point surfactant has <NUM> to <NUM> moles in total of alkylene oxide per mole of surfactant. It is preferred that the type of alkoxylates in low cloud point surfactant is a mixture of at least two of ethoxylate, butoxylate and/or propoxylate, with a mixture of ethoxylate and propoxylate being especially preferred. Preferably the low cloud point surfactants have <NUM> to <NUM> moles, especially <NUM> to <NUM> moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol and <NUM> to <NUM> moles, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> moles of propylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol. A mixture of butylene oxide or propylene oxide is also possible. A particularly preferred low cloud point surfactant is C10-C12 with <NUM>-<NUM> EO and <NUM>-<NUM> PO. The low cloud point non-ionic surfactants may be prepared from either branched or linear chain fatty alcohols of the above types.

Low cloud point surfactants may also include surfactants which are ethoxylated and butoxylated mono-hydroxy alkanols or alkylphenols, which additionally comprises polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer units. The alcohol or alkylphenol portion of such surfactants constitutes more than <NUM>%, preferably more than <NUM>%, more preferably more than <NUM>% by weight of the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant. Preferred examples of low cloud point non-ionic surfactants are Plurafac SLF-<NUM> (BASF) and Ecosurf LFE-<NUM> (Dow). The low cloud point surfactant is typically more hydrophobic than the high cloud point surfactant and the amounts and types of the two surfactants in the claimed mixture are preferably selected such that the foaming characteristics of the composition are controlled to within the desired range. For automatic dishwashing applications it is usual to desire low-foaming characteristics.

It is especially preferred according to the present disclosure that the high cloud point non-ionic surfactant is an ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant and the low cloud point non-ionic surfactant is a mixed propoxylated-ethoxylated-propoxylated non-ionic surfactant. The weight ratio of high cloud point to low cloud point non-ionic surfactant is preferably in the range <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

In embodiments, the fluid may include a polymer. The polymer may include a soil release polymer. The polymer may be present in any suitable amount from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, preferably from <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, more preferably from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the composition. Sulfonated/carboxylated polymers are particularly suitable for the composition.

Suitable sulfonated/carboxylated polymers described herein may have a weight average molecular weight of less than or equal to about <NUM>,<NUM> Da, or less than or equal to about <NUM>,<NUM> Da, or less than or equal to about <NUM>,<NUM> Da, or from about <NUM>,<NUM> Da to about <NUM>,<NUM>, preferably from about <NUM>,<NUM> Da to about <NUM>,<NUM> Da.

Preferred sulfonated monomers include one or more of the following: <NUM>-acrylamido-<NUM>-propanesulfonic acid, <NUM>-acrylamido-<NUM>-propanesulfonic acid, <NUM>-acrylamido-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanesulfonic acid, <NUM>-methacrylamido-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanesulfonic acid, <NUM>- methacrylamido-<NUM>-hydroxy-propanesulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, methallylsulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, methallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>- (<NUM>-propenyloxy) propanesulfonic acid, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propen-<NUM>-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, <NUM>-sulfopropyl, <NUM>-sulfo-propylmethacrylate, sulfomethacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide and mixtures of said acids or their water-soluble salts.

Preferably, the polymer comprises the following levels of monomers: from about <NUM> to about <NUM>%, preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight of the polymer of one or more carboxylic acid monomer; from about <NUM> to about <NUM>%, preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight of the polymer of one or more sulfonic acid monomer; and optionally from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight of the polymer of one or more non-ionic monomer. An especially preferred polymer comprises about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the polymer of at least one carboxylic acid monomer and from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the polymer of at least one sulfonic acid monomer.

Preferred commercial available polymers include: Alcosperse <NUM> and Aquatreat AR <NUM> supplied by Nouryon; Acumer <NUM>, Acumer <NUM>, Acusol <NUM> and Acusol <NUM> supplied by Dow. Particularly preferred polymers are Acusol <NUM> and Acusol <NUM> supplied by Dow.

Suitable polymers include anionic carboxylic polymer of low molecular weight. They can be homopolymers or copolymers with a weight average molecular weight of less than or equal to about <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, or less than or equal to about <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, or less than or equal to about <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, or from about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM>/mol, preferably from about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM>/mol. The dispersant polymer may be a low molecular weight homopolymer of polyacrylate, with an average molecular weight of from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, particularly from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, and particularly preferably from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

The polymer may be a copolymer of acrylic with methacrylic acid, acrylic and/or methacrylic with maleic acid, and acrylic and/or methacrylic with fumaric acid, with a molecular weight of less than <NUM>,<NUM>. Their molecular weight ranges from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> and more preferably from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> and in particular <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>/mol. and a ratio of (meth)acrylate to maleate or fumarate segments of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

The polymer may be a copolymer of acrylamide and acrylate having a molecular weight of from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, alternatively from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, and an acrylamide content of less than <NUM>%, alternatively less than <NUM>%, by weight of the dispersant polymer can also be used. Alternatively, such polymer may have a molecular weight of from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> and an acrylamide content of from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, by weight of the polymer.

Polymers suitable herein also include itaconic acid homopolymers and copolymers.

Alternatively, the polymer can be selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines, alkoxylated polycarboxylates, polyethylene glycols, styrene co-polymers, cellulose sulfate esters, carboxylated polysaccharides, amphiphilic graft copolymers and mixtures thereof.

The polymer may include ethylene oxide - propylene oxide block copolymer. The ethylene oxide - propylene oxide block copolymer is a triblock copolymer and can have one of the following structures:.

wherein each of x1, x2 and x3 is in the range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> and each of y1, y2 and y3 is in the range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymer of Formula I preferably has an average propylene oxide chain length of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> propylene oxide units.

The ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymer of Formula II preferably has an average ethylene oxide chain length of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> ethylene oxide units.

The ethylene oxide - propylene oxide triblock copolymer of Formula I and Formula II have a cloud point lower than <NUM>, preferably lower than <NUM>.

Preferably, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymers of Formula I and Formula II have a weight average molecular weight of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>,<NUM> Daltons, preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM> Daltons, more preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM> Daltons, even more preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM> Daltons, most preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM> Daltons.

Suitable ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymers are commercially available under the Pluronic PE and Pluronic RPE series from the BASF company, or under the Tergitol L series from the Dow Chemical Company. Particularly suitable materials are Pluronic PE <NUM>, Tergitol L81, Tergitol L62, Tergitol L61, Pluronic RPE <NUM> and Pluronic RPE <NUM>.

In embodiments, the fluid may be a phosphate-free cleaning composition. The fluid may be free of anionic and cationic surfactants.

The fluid may have a pH as measured in <NUM>% weight aqueous solution in distilled water at <NUM> of at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>. A pH of at least <NUM> or at least <NUM> is preferable for use as a cleaning composition.

The fluid may include a complexing agent, a dispersant polymer, bleach, inorganic builder (preferably carbonate and/or silicate), enzymes, in particular protease and amylase enzymes, glass care agents, metal care agents, etc..

Complexing agents are materials capable of sequestering hardness ions, particularly calcium and/or magnesium.

The fluid may include a complexing agent selected from the group consisting of methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), citric acid, aspartic acid -N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA) its salts and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred complexing agent for use herein is a salt of MGDA, in particular the trisodium salt of MGDA. Mixture of citrate and the trisodium salt of MGDA are also preferred for use herein. The composition preferably comprises from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, preferably from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, more preferably from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the composition of a complexing agent. Preferably, the composition comprises from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the composition of the trisodium salt of MGDA.

The fluid may include an inorganic builder. Suitable inorganic builders are selected from the group consisting of carbonate, silicate and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred for use herein are sodium carbonate and silicate. Preferably the composition comprises from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>% and especially from <NUM> to <NUM>% of sodium carbonate by weight of the composition.

The fluid may include an enzyme. Enzymes may include amylases and proteases.

In describing enzyme variants herein, the following nomenclature is used for ease of reference: Original amino acid(s):position(s):substituted amino acid(s). Standard enzyme IUPAC <NUM>-letter codes for amino acids are used.

Suitable proteases include metalloproteases and serine proteases, including neutral or alkaline microbial serine proteases, such as subtilisins (EC <NUM>. <NUM>) as well as chemically or genetically modified mutants thereof. Suitable proteases include subtilisins (EC <NUM>. <NUM>), including those derived from Bacillus, such as Bacillus lentus, B. alkalophilus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus gibsonii.

Especially preferred proteases are polypeptides demonstrating at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, more preferably at least <NUM>%, even more preferably at least <NUM>% and especially <NUM>% identity with the wild-type enzyme from Bacillus lentus, comprising mutations in one or more, preferably two or more and more preferably three or more of the following positions, using the BPN' numbering system and amino acid abbreviations as illustrated in <CIT>, which is incorporated herein by reference:V68A, N87S, S99D, S99SD, S99A, S101G, S101M, S103A, V104N/I, G118V, G118R, S128L, P129Q, S130A, Y167A, R170S, A194P, V205I and/or M222S.

Most preferably the protease is selected from the group comprising the below mutations (BPN' numbering system) versus either the PB92 wild-type (SEQ ID NO:<NUM> in <CIT>) or the subtilisin <NUM> wild-type (sequence as per PB92 backbone, except comprising a natural variation of N87S).

Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names Savinase®, Polarzyme®, Kannase®, Ovozyme®, Everlase® and Esperase® by Novozymes A/S (Denmark), those sold under the tradename Properase®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, Purafect Ox®, FN3® , FN4®, Excellase®, Ultimase® and Purafect OXP® by Genencor International, those sold under the tradename Opticlean® and Optimase® by Solvay Enzymes, those available from Henkel/ Kemira, namely BLAP.

Preferred levels of protease in the second composition include from about <NUM> to about <NUM> of active protease per grams of the composition.

The fluid may include amylases. A preferred alkaline amylase is derived from a strain of Bacillus, such as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subtilis, or other Bacillus sp. , such as Bacillus sp. NCIB <NUM>, NCIB <NUM>, NCIB <NUM>, DSM <NUM> (<CIT>) DSM <NUM>, DSMZ no. <NUM>, KSM AP1378 (<CIT>), KSM K36 or KSM K38 (<CIT>). Preferred amylases include:.

Suitable commercially available alpha-amylases include DURAMYL®, LIQUEZYME®, TERMAMYL®, TERMAMYL ULTRA®, NATALASE®, EVEREST®, SUPRAMYL®, STAINZYME®, STAINZYME PLUS®, FUNGAMYL® and BAN® (Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), KEMZYM® AT <NUM> Biozym Biotech Trading GmbH Wehlistrasse 27b A-<NUM> Wien Austria, RAPIDASE® , PURASTAR®, ENZYSIZE®, OPTISIZE HT PLUS®, POWERASE®, EXCELLENZTM S series, including EXCELLENZTM S <NUM> and EXCELLENZTM S <NUM> and PURASTAR OXAM® (DuPont Industrial Biosciences. , Palo Alto, California) and KAM® (Kao, <NUM>-<NUM> Nihonbashi Kayabacho, <NUM>-chome, Chuo-ku Tokyo <NUM>-<NUM>, Japan). Amylases especially preferred for use herein include NATALASE®, STAINZYME®, STAINZYME PLUS®, EXCELLENZTM S <NUM>, EXCELLENZTM S2000 and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the composition comprises at least <NUM>, preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, especially from about <NUM> to about <NUM> of active amylase.

Preferably, the protease and/or amylase of the composition are in the form of granulates, the granulates comprise more than <NUM>% of sodium sulfate by weight of the granulate and/or the sodium sulfate and the active enzyme (protease and/or amylase) are in a weight ratio of between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM> or preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM> or more preferably between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>.

Crystal growth inhibitors are materials that can bind to calcium carbonate crystals and prevent further growth of species such as aragonite and calcite.

Especially preferred crystal growth inhibitor for use herein is HEDP (<NUM>-hydroxyethylidene <NUM>,<NUM>-diphosphonic acid). Preferably, the composition comprises from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>% and especially from <NUM> to <NUM>% of a crystal growth inhibitor by weight of the composition, preferably HEDP.

The fluid may include bleach. The composition may comprise from about <NUM> to about <NUM>%, more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>%, even more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>% of bleach by weight of the composition.

Inorganic and organic bleaches are suitable for use herein. Inorganic bleaches include perhydrate salts such as perborate, percarbonate, persulfate and persilicate salts. The inorganic perhydrate salts are normally the alkali metal salts. The inorganic perhydrate salt may be included as the crystalline solid without additional protection. Alternatively, the salt can be coated. Suitable coatings include sodium sulphate, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate and mixtures thereof. Said coatings can be applied as a mixture applied to the surface or sequentially in layers.

Alkali metal percarbonates, particularly sodium percarbonate is the preferred bleach for use herein. The percarbonate is most preferably incorporated into the products in a coated form which provides in-product stability.

Potassium peroxymonopersulfate is another inorganic perhydrate salt of utility herein.

Typical organic bleaches are organic peroxyacids, especially dodecanediperoxoic acid, tetradecanediperoxoic acid, and hexadecanediperoxoic acid. Mono- and diperazelaic acid, mono- and diperbrassylic acid are also suitable herein. Diacyl and Tetraacylperoxides, for instance dibenzoyl peroxide and dilauroyl peroxide, are other organic peroxides that can be used in the context of this disclosure.

Further typical organic bleaches include the peroxyacids, particular examples being the alkylperoxy acids and the arylperoxy acids. Preferred representatives are (a) peroxybenzoic acid and its ring-substituted derivatives, such as alkylperoxybenzoic acids, but also peroxy-α-naphthoic acid and magnesium monoperphthalate, (b) the aliphatic or substituted aliphatic peroxy acids, such as peroxylauric acid, peroxystearic acid, ε-phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid[phthaloiminoperoxyhexanoic acid (PAP)], o-carboxybenzamidoperoxycaproic acid, N-nonenylamidoperadipic acid and N-nonenylamidopersuccinates, and (c) aliphatic and araliphatic peroxydicarboxylic acids, such as <NUM>,<NUM>-diperoxycarboxylic acid, <NUM>,<NUM>-diperoxyazelaic acid, diperoxysebacic acid, diperoxybrassylic acid, the diperoxyphthalic acids, <NUM>-decyldiperoxybutane-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioic acid, N,N-terephthaloyldi(<NUM>-aminopercaproic acid).

Bleach activators are typically organic peracid precursors that enhance the bleaching action in the course of cleaning at temperatures of <NUM>° C and below. Bleach activators suitable for use herein include compounds which, under perhydrolysis conditions, give aliphatic peroxoycarboxylic acids having preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, in particular from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and/or optionally substituted perbenzoic acid. Suitable substances bear O-acyl and/or N-acyl groups of the number of carbon atoms specified and/or optionally substituted benzoyl groups. Preference is given to polyacylated alkylenediamines, in particular tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), acylated triazine derivatives, in particular <NUM>,<NUM>-diacetyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxohexahydro-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-triazine (DADHT), acylated glycolurils, in particular tetraacetylglycoluril (TAGU), N-acylimides, in particular N-nonanoylsuccinimide (NOSI), acylated phenolsulfonates, in particular n-nonanoyl- or isononanoyloxybenzenesulfonate (n- or iso-NOBS), decanoyloxybenzoic acid (DOBA), carboxylic anhydrides, in particular phthalic anhydride, acylated polyhydric alcohols, in particular triacetin, ethylene glycol diacetate and <NUM>,<NUM>-diacetoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydrofuran and also triethylacetyl citrate (TEAC). If present the composition comprises from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of the composition of bleach activator, preferably TAED.

The fluid may include a bleach catalyst, preferably a metal containing bleach catalyst. More preferably the metal containing bleach catalyst is a transition metal containing bleach catalyst, especially a manganese or cobalt-containing bleach catalyst.

Bleach catalysts preferred for use herein include manganese triazacyclononane and related complexes; Co, Cu, Mn and Fe bispyridylamine and related complexes; and pentamine acetate cobalt(III) and related complexes.

The composition may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>% of bleach catalyst by weight of the composition. Preferably the bleach catalyst includes a manganese bleach catalyst.

The fluid may include a metal care agent. Metal care agents may prevent or reduce the tarnishing, corrosion or oxidation of metals, including aluminium, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals, such as silver and copper. Preferably the composition comprises from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>% and specially from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of the composition of a metal care agent, preferably the metal care agent is benzo triazole (BTA).

The fluid may include a glass care agent. Glass care agents protect the appearance of glass items during the dishwashing process. Preferably the composition comprises from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>% and especially from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight of the composition of a glass care agent, preferably the glass care agent is a zinc salt.

The composition may preferably be a rinse aid.

When the composition is a rinse aid, it preferably has a pH as measured in <NUM>% weight/volume aqueous solution in distilled water at <NUM> of from less than <NUM>, more preferably less than <NUM>.

Preferably, the cleaning composition comprises:.

The fluid may include a hydrotrope. A hydrotrope creates increased water solubility of hydrophobic materials and ensures physical stability of the composition. In embodiments, hydrotropes are low molecular weight aromatic sulfonate materials such as cumene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate and dialkyldiphenyl oxide sulfonate materials. In other embodiments, hydrotropes are short chainlength alkyl sulfates with less than <NUM> carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.

A hydrotrope or combination of hydrotropes can be present in the compositions at an amount of from between about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, a hydrotrope or combination of hydrotropes can be present at about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The rinse composition can be formulated as liquid compositions. Carriers can be included in such liquid formulations. Any carrier suitable for use in a rinse aid composition can be used in the present disclosure. For example, in embodiments the compositions include water as a carrier.

In embodiments, liquid rinse aid compositions according to the present disclosure will contain no more than about <NUM> % by weight of the composition of water and typically no more than about <NUM>% by weight of the composition of water. In other embodiments, liquid rinse aid compositions will contain at least <NUM>% by weight of the composition of water, or at least <NUM>% by weight of the composition of water as a carrier.

The fluid may include a pH regulator agent, glass care and/or metal care agents. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such embodiment.

For the purposes of defining the present technology, the transitional phrase "consisting of" may be introduced in the claims as a closed preamble term limiting the scope of the claims to the recited components or steps and any naturally occurring impurities. For the purposes of defining the present technology, the transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" may be introduced in the claims to limit the scope of one or more claims to the recited elements, components, materials, or method steps as well as any non-recited elements, components, materials, or method steps that do not materially affect the novel characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" may be interpreted to be subsets of the open-ended transitional phrases, such as "comprising" and "including," such that any use of an open ended phrase to introduce a recitation of a series of elements, components, materials, or steps should be interpreted to also disclose recitation of the series of elements, components, materials, or steps using the closed terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of. " For example, the recitation of a composition "comprising" components A, B, and C should be interpreted as also disclosing a composition "consisting of" components A, B, and C as well as a composition "consisting essentially of" components A, B, and C. Any quantitative value expressed in the present application may be considered to include open-ended embodiments consistent with the transitional phrases "comprising" or "including" as well as closed or partially closed embodiments consistent with the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of.

As used in the Specification and appended Claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The verb "comprises" and its conjugated forms should be interpreted as referring to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner. The referenced elements, components or steps may be present, utilized or combined with other elements, components or steps not expressly referenced.

It should be understood that any two quantitative values assigned to a property may constitute a range of that property, and all combinations of ranges formed from all stated quantitative values of a given property are contemplated in this disclosure. For example, a dimension disclosed as "<NUM>" is intended to mean "about <NUM>".

The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described in detail and by reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that any detailed description of a component or feature of an embodiment does not necessarily imply that the component or feature is essential to the particular embodiment or to any other embodiment.

Unless otherwise stated within the application, all tests, properties, and experiments are conducted at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Claim 1:
A partitioned solution cartridge for automatic distribution of dishwashing chemicals comprising:
a protective top film, and
a compartmentalized body comprising a plurality of contained solution sectors each comprising a fluid reservoir and a distribution chamber,
wherein:
the fluid reservoir is partially enclosed by a reservoir sidewall and the protective top film;
the distribution chamber is partially enclosed by a chamber sidewall and the protective top film;
the fluid reservoir and the distribution chamber are fluidly connected;
the fluid reservoir has a reservoir depth;
the distribution chamber has a chamber depth; and
the reservoir depth is greater than the chamber depth.