Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices and kits for dispensing laundry additive materials into the drum of an automatic washing machine as that machine is used to carry out a fabric laundering operation. To bring about such dispensing of additives, a lidded housing structure is placed within the drum of an automatic washing machine, an insert, containing one or more laundry additives in each compartment, is placed within the lidded housing structure, the lid is closed and the machine is run through the several stages of its laundering cycle. Selectively actuatable puncturing element are provided to optionally open at least one compartment of the insert upon closing of the housing structure lid, thereby dispensing the contents of that opened compartment into the washing machine drum as wash additive materials and/or to open one or more compartments of the insert later in the laundering cycle to dispense contents of those compartments into the washing machine drum as rinse additive materials.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for use with a replaceable unit dose package has at least one cavity sealed by a membrane, wherein the cavity contains additive materials to be dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is configured for use, for example, in a washing machine, wherein the washing machine has a plurality of cycles. The dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing director having a dispensing signal generator and a monitor for distinguishing among a plurality of washing machine operating cycles. The dispensing apparatus further includes an actuator in communication with said dispensing director and configured to selectively electromechanically open the membrane in response to a dispensing signal, thereby releasing additive materials from said at least one cavity. Also disclosed is a disposable unit dose package for use in a washing machine and with a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing director and an electromechanical actuator in communication with said dispensing director.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for use with a replaceable unit dose package has at least one cavity sealed by a membrane, wherein the cavity contains additive materials to be dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is configured for use, for example, in a washing machine, wherein the washing machine has a plurality of cycles. The dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing director having a dispensing signal generator and a monitor for distinguishing among a plurality of washing machine operating cycles. The dispensing apparatus further includes an actuator in communication with said dispensing director and configured to selectively electromechanically open the membrane in response to a dispensing signal, thereby releasing additive materials from said at least one cavity. Also disclosed is a disposable unit dose package for use in a washing machine and with a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing director and an electromechanical actuator in communication with said dispensing director.