Abstract: An improved apparatus for accurately measuring and dispensing a rinse water additive in an automatic washing machine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an apparatus is provided for accurately measuring a relatively small volume of fluid product by forming an annular column within the dispenser. The annular column extends at least to approximately the desired fill level for the additive so that the relatively small amount of fluid product causes a substantial change in the fluid's vertical position within the dispenser. This is preferably accomplished by providing a dispenser having an internal pushup configuration in its base, the pushup configuration extending at least to approximately the desired fill level within the dispenser. An improved sealing structure is also provided for the valve used to close the filling and dispensing aperture in the dispenser body during the wash cycle.

Abstract: Granular detergent compositions having an effective suds controlling agent comprising a suds-controlling silicone material which is substantially removed from contact with the surfactant component or alkaline component of the composition by incorporation in, e.g., a polyethylene glycol carrier, with preferably a small amount of fatty acid, in an irregularly shaped particle having a minimum dimension of at least about 0.05 cm. and being substantially free of water soluble inorganic salts.

Abstract: Detergent compositions containing water-insoluble aluminosilicate ion exchange materials, organic surface active agents, sodium silicate having an SiO.sub.2 :alkali metal oxide weight ratio of from about 0.8:1 to 2.3:1, and an alkali metal metaborate. The compositions are produced by drying an aqueous slurry. The resulting compositions are effective laundry detergent in the form of crisp, free-flowing granules which are highly soluble when made and which maintain their solubility on aging.