Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for a residential dishwasher comprises a fluid reservoir that can hold liquid gel dish detergent in bulk quantities, preferably comprising the contents of at least one bottle of detergent as sold at retail, which is disposed inside a door of the dishwasher. The reservoir is filled with detergent from the inside of the door, to facilitate clean-up if any product is accidentally spilled. As a result, the dishwasher is made easier and more convenient to use, by reducing the repetitive step of loading detergent and allowing “peace of mind” delegation of the dishwashing task. Metered doses of the fluid may be dispensed. In addition to dish detergent, liquid rinse aids may also be dispensed using the disclosed system.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for a dishwasher is disclosed, wherein the dishwasher comprises a housing, a wash chamber enclosed by the housing, and a door for accessing the wash chamber. The dispensing system, in particular, comprises a fluid reservoir for containing a wash aid (such as detergent or a rinse aid) which may be used to treat dishes in the dishwasher wash chamber during a dish cleaning cycle. The system further comprises a pump for dispensing a predetermined quantity of the wash aid from the reservoir into the dishwasher wash chamber and into the reservoir from a supply reservoir one or more times during the dish cleaning cycle. A dual purpose check valve is provided for controlling fluid flow in two opposing directions between the pump and the fluid reservoir. The dual purpose check valve comprises a duckbill valve portion for controlling fluid flow in a first direction, and an umbrella valve portion for controlling fluid flow in an opposing second direction.