Dry chemical dispensing system

Abstract

A dry chemical dispensing system includes one or more chemical dispenser, a fluid supply conduit, and a fluid pressure source. The fluid supply conduit is adapted to couple to a fluid source, and supplies fluid from the source to dry chemicals installed in the chemical dispensers. The fluid supplied to the dry chemicals dissolves a portion into solution. The fluid pressure source maintains a substantially constant fluid pressure magnitude in the fluid supply conduit. Thus, any variations in pressure of the fluid source do not affect the pressure of the fluid supplied to the chemical dispensers. As a result, dissolved chemical concentration is substantially controlled.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to dry chemical dispensing systems and, more particularly, to a dry chemical dispensing system and method useful for delivering cleaning solution to one or more laundry machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The cleaning and softening chemicals that are used in some commercial laundries may be formed into dry, substantially solid blocks. To dispense a desired amount of the chemical to a washing machine, the solid chemical may be installed into a chemical dispensing system, which selectively sprays the dry chemical with water to dissolve a desired portion of the dry chemical into the water. The resulting solution may then be delivered to the washer.

[0003] In many instances, the water that is used to spray the dry chemical is supplied from a source, such as a municipal water source. Under some circumstances, the pressure of the water supplied from the source to the chemical dispensing system may vary. Such variation may depend, at least in part, upon the demand for water from other users, components, or systems in the building within which the dispensing system and washing machine(s) may be located. For example, one or more washing machine in the building may be drawing water from the water source, while the chemical dispensing system is simultaneously drawing water from the water source to dissolve a desired amount of dry chemical into solution. If one or more washing machines stops, or begins, drawing from the water source during the chemical dissolving process, the pressure of the water being sprayed on the dry chemical may vary. As a result, the concentration of the chemical in solution may also vary.

[0004] Hence, there is a need for a dry chemical dispensing system that addresses at least the above-noted drawback. Namely, a dry chemical dispensing system that supplies chemical cleaning solution to one or more endpoints at a chemical concentration that does not vary with variations in water source pressure. The present invention addresses this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a dry chemical dispensing system that supplies chemical cleaning solution to one or more endpoints at a chemical concentration that does not vary with variations in water source pressure.

[0006] In one embodiment, and by way of example only, a system for dispensing one or more chemical solutions includes a chemical dispenser, a fluid supply conduit, and a fluid pressure source. The chemical dispenser has an internal cavity adapted to receive a chemical therein, and a fluid outlet port in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The fluid supply conduit has a first end adapted to couple to a fluid source and a second end in fluid communication with the chemical dispenser internal cavity. The fluid pressure source is in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit and maintains a first substantially constant fluid pressure magnitude in at least a section of the fluid supply conduit.

[0007] Other independent features and advantages of the preferred chemical dispensing system will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a functional schematic diagram of the dry chemical dispensing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chemical dispenser that may be used with the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the container taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a simplified cross section view of an exemplary expansion tank that may be used with the system depicted in FIG. 1; and

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a physical embodiment of a dry chemical dispensing system that may incorporate the system depicted in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] A functional schematic representation of an embodiment of a dry chemical dispensing system is illustrated in FIG. 1. The system 100 includes a fluid supply conduit 102, a plurality of chemical dispensers 104a-c, and a fluid pressure source 106. The fluid supply conduit 102 includes a first end 108 that is adapted to be coupled to a fluid source 112 such as, for example, a hose bib or spigot that is connected to, for example, a municipal water source or well. The fluid supply conduit 102 also includes a plurality of second ends 114a-c, one for each of the chemical dispensers 104a-c. As will be described more fully below, each of the second ends 114a-c is coupled to one of the chemical dispensers 104a-c, and is in fluid communication with an internal cavity formed in the respective chemical dispenser 104a-c.

[0014] As FIG. 1 additionally depicts, a plurality of control valves 116a-c are mounted on the fluid supply line 102. Each of the control valves 116a-c is moveable between at least an open position and a closed position, and is located fluidly upstream of one of the fluid supply line second ends 114a-c. Thus, by selectively positioning the control valves 116a-c, water in the fluid supply line 102 may be selectively supplied to, and shut off from, each of the chemical dispensers 104a-c. The control valves 116a-c may be any one of numerous manually controlled or remotely controlled valve types. In a preferred embodiment, however, the control valves 116a-c are solenoid operated control valves.

[0015] The chemical dispensers 104a-c each include an internal cavity 118, a spray nozzle 120, and a fluid outlet port 122. The internal cavities 118 are each adapted to receive therein a substantially dry, solid chemical, or a container of the substantially dry, solid chemical. The spray nozzles 120 are located within the internal cavity 118 and are each in fluid communication with one of the fluid supply second ends 114a-c. When supplied with water or other fluid, the spray nozzles 120 direct a fluid spray toward the chemical received in the internal cavity 118 to dissolve a portion of the chemical into solution. The outlet port 122 is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 118, thus the chemical solution flows out the fluid outlet port 122, and may be supplied to an end-use point, such as a washing machine. It is noted that, in the depicted embodiment, the system 100 includes three chemical dispensers 104a-c. However, it will be appreciated that more or less than this number could be included in the system 100, as needed or desired. An exemplary embodiment of one of the chemical dispensers 104 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and for the sake of additional clarity will now be described in more detail.

[0016] Each chemical dispenser 104 includes a dispenser mounting section 202, a chemical mounting section 204, and a solution drain section 206. The dispenser mounting section 202 includes a plurality of holes 208 through which fasteners (not illustrated) may extend, in order to coupled the chemical dispenser 104 to a mounting surface 210 in a desired orientation. The internal cavity 118 is formed through the chemical mounting section 204 and the solution drain section 206. The chemical mounting section 204 includes a support ledge 302 that is formed on an internal surface 304 of the chemical dispenser 104 and extends into the internal cavity 118. As was noted above, a solid, dry chemical, or its container, may be inserted into the internal cavity 118, and rests on the support ledge 302. A dry chemical container 306, with its lid removed to expose the chemical it contains, is illustrated in its installed position in FIG. 3.

[0017] As FIG. 3 further depicts, the spray nozzle 120 extends into the solution drain section 206, and is in fluid communication with one of the fluid supply line second ends 114, via one of the control valves 116. The spray nozzle 120 is configured to spray fluid in a substantially conical pattern onto the dry chemical. As was noted above, spraying fluid onto the dry chemical dissolves a portion of it into solution. The dissolved chemical solution that is formed flows, preferably via gravity, into the solution drain section 206. The solution drain section 206 is configured to direct the dissolved chemical solution toward the fluid outlet port 122.

[0018] It is additionally noted that in a particular preferred embodiment, the spray nozzle 120 is fluidly communicated to the fluid supply line second end 114 via a coupling 308 that incorporates a safety shutoff valve 310. In the depicted embodiment, the safety shutoff valve 310 is a paddle switch operated valve. With this type of valve 310, when a dry chemical or dry chemical container 306 is inserted into the chemical mounting section 204, it depresses a paddle switch 312, which in turn raises a ball stop 314. With the ball stop 314 in the raised position, fluid may flow through the coupling 308 to the spray nozzle 120. When there is no chemical or chemical container 306 mounted in the chemical mounting section 204, the paddle switch 312 moves inwardly, toward the internal cavity 118, which allows the ball stop 314 to drop against a seat. In this position, the ball stop 314 inhibits fluid flow to the spray nozzle 120. Thus, the safety shutoff valve 310 reduces the likelihood of a person being sprayed with fluid if a chemical container 306 is removed from the chemical dispenser 106 and its control valve 116 is, or becomes, open. It will be appreciated that the particular chemical dispenser 106 used need not include the coupling 308 with the safety shutoff valve 310. It will further be appreciated that, if a safety shutoff valve is included, it need not be the particular type disclosed herein as a preferred embodiment.

[0019] Returning now to FIG. 1, it is seen that the fluid pressure source 106 is in fluid communication with the fluid supply line 102. The fluid pressure source 106 maintains a substantially constant fluid pressure in the fluid supply line 102. Thus, any variation in fluid pressure from the source will not affect the pressure of the fluid delivered to the spray nozzles 122a-c. As a result, the concentration of the chemicals dissolved into solution can be maintained substantially constant. It will be appreciated that any one of numerous systems and components may be used to function as a pressure source. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid pressure source 106 is a fluid pressure source, though it will be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited. It will additionally be appreciated that the fluid pressure source 106 may be any one of numerous designs for maintaining a substantially constant pressure such as, for example, a simple surge tank. However, in the preferred embodiment the fluid pressure source 106 is a pre-chargeable expansion tank.

[0020] An exemplary expansion tank 402 is illustrated in FIG. 4, and includes a fluid pressure source 404 and a diaphragm chamber 406. The diaphragm chamber 406 is mounted within the fluid pressure source 404 and is formed of one or more flexible diaphragms. A fluid coupling 408 extends through the tank 402 and into the diaphragm chamber 406. The fluid coupling 408 is used to fluidly couple the diaphragm chamber 406 to the fluid supply line 102. A gas fitting 410 extends through the tank 402 and into the fluid pressure source 404. The gas fitting 410 allows the fluid pressure source 404 to be charged with a gas, such as air, to a desired pressure magnitude. The pressure in the fluid pressure source 404 helps maintain the pressure in the fluid supply line 102 at a substantially constant pressure magnitude, which will approximate the pressure of the gas in the fluid pressure source 404.

[0021] With reference once again returned to FIG. 1, it is seen that a check valve 124 is preferably mounted on the fluid supply line 102 and is fluidly located upstream of the fluid pressure source 106. Thus, the fluid in the fluid supply line 102 will not backflow through the fluid supply line first end 108 if fluid from the fluid source 112 is shutoff or its pressure is reduced. In the depicted embodiment, a regulator valve 126 is mounted on the fluid supply line 102 and is fluidly located downstream of the fluid pressure source 106. The regulator valve 126, which may be any one of numerous regulator valve designs, further regulates the pressure of the fluid in the fluid supply line 102 to a desired pressure. It will be appreciated that the system 100 may be configured and operated without the regulator valve 126 being installed.

[0022] As was previously noted, the dissolved chemical solution that is formed when the dry chemical is sprayed with fluid flows out the chemical dispenser fluid outlet port 122. Upon exiting the chemical dispenser fluid outlet port 122, the chemical solution may then be directed to its desired end-use point, such as a laundry machine. In the depicted embodiment, the chemical solution that flows out each of the chemical dispenser fluid outlet ports 122 is directed to its desired end-use point using a venturi pump. Although the system could be configured to include an individual venturi pump for each of the chemical dispensers 104a-c, or a single venturi pump to service all of the chemical dispensers 104a-c, the preferred sysem 100 includes two venturi pumps, a first venturi pump 128a and a second venturi pump 128b. The first venturi pump 128a is used to direct the dissolved chemical solution from two of the chemical dispensers 104a,b to an end-use point, and the second venturi pump 128b is used to direct the dissolved chemical solution form a single chemical dispenser 104c to an end-use point. The first venturi pump 128a is coupled to two chemical dispensers 104a b because the chemicals that are placed in these dispenser locations are normally compatible with one another. For example, a dry detergent is normally placed in the first chemical dispenser 104a and an acidic softener is normally placed in the second chemical dispenser 104b. A dry bleach is normally placed in the third chemical dispenser 104c. Since bleach is generally incompatible with the other two chemicals, the second venturi pump 128b is used to direct the chemical solution exiting the third chemical dispenser 104c.

[0023] The first 128a and second 128b venturi pumps are substantially identical, and each includes a first fluid inlet port 130, a second fluid inlet port 132, and a fluid outlet port 134. A venturi flow passage (not illustrated) extends between the first fluid inlet port 130 and the fluid outlet port 134. The second fluid inlet port 132 is in fluid communication with the venturi flow passage near its throat. Thus, as is generally known, as fluid flows into the first fluid inlet port 130 and through the flow passage, the change in pressure through the flow passage throat draws fluid into second fluid inlet port 132. The fluid drawn into the second fluid inlet port 132 mixes with the fluid directed into the first fluid inlet port 130, and the fluid mixture is discharged out the venturi pump outlet port 134.

[0024] In the depicted system 100, the first fluid inlet port 130 on each of the first and second venturi pumps 128a b is fluidly coupled to receive fluid from the fluid source 112. In particular, the first fluid inlet port 130 on the first venturi pump 128a is fluidly coupled to the fluid supply line 102 via a first venturi supply line 136, and the first fluid inlet port 130 on the second venturi pump 128b is coupled to the fluid supply line 102 via a second venturi supply line 138. In the depicted embodiment, both the first 136 and second 138 venturi supply lines are fluidly coupled to the fluid supply line 102 upstream of the check valve 124. However, it will be appreciated that these supply lines 136, 138 could be fluidly coupled to the fluid supply line at various other points including, for example, between the check valve 124 and the regulator valve 126, or downstream of the regulator valve 126. It will additionally be appreciated that the first fluid inlet ports 130 could be adapted to be separately coupled, either individually or via a manifold, to receive fluid directly from the fluid source 112.

[0025] No matter the particular configuration, a control valve 140a b is mounted, respectively, on the first 136 and second 138 venturi supply lines. Each of the control valves 140a b is moveable between an open position and a closed position. Thus, the flow of fluid from the fluid source 112 to the first inlet ports 130 on the first 128a and second 128b venturi pumps is controlled by selectively positioning the control valves 140a and 140b, respectively. The control valves 140a,b may be any one of numerous manually controlled or remotely controlled valve types. In a preferred embodiment, however, the control valves 140a,b are solenoid operated control valves. The first 136 and second 138 venturi supply lines also have first 146 and second 148 check valves, respectively, mounted thereon. The check valves 146, 148 inhibit back flow from the first 128a and second 128b venturi pumps to the fluid supply line 102.

[0026] The second fluid inlet ports 132 on each of the venturi pumps 128a,b is fluidly coupled to one or more of the chemical dispenser outlet ports 122. In the depicted embodiment, as was alluded to above, the first venturi pump second fluid inlet port 132 is fluidly coupled to the outlet ports 122 of two chemical dispensers 104a,b, and the second venturi pump second fluid inlet port 132 is coupled to the outlet port 122 of a single chemical dispenser 104c. Again, as was previously noted, this arrangement is merely exemplary of a particular preferred configuration. The outlet ports 134 on the first and second venturi pumps 128a,b are adapted to be fluidly coupled to one or more end-use points.

[0027] The dispensing system 100 may be operated manually, automatically, or in a manual-automatic combination. In a preferred embodiment, however, the system 100 is automatically controlled via a control circuit 150. The control circuit 150 may include at least a transformer 152, a power supply circuit 154, and a controller 156. The transformer 152 receives input AC power from a source, which may be either 110, 220, or 240 VAC, and steps it down to one or more desired voltage magnitudes. The power supply circuit 154 receives input power from the transformer 152 and conditions and supplies operating power at appropriate voltage magnitudes to the controller 156. Though not depicted as doing so, the system 100 could be configured such that the power supply circuit 154 also supplies power to the solenoids on each of the control valves 116a-c and 140a,b.

[0028] The controller 156 receives operational power from the power supply circuit 154 and controls the operation of each of the control valves 116a-c and 140a,b. To do so, the controller 156 receives signals from a laundry machine 158, via the signal interface unit 155. The signal interface unit 155 steps down the signals supplied from the laundry machine 158 to an appropriate magnitude, which allows the use of a common cable to electrically link the laundry machine 158 and the controller 156. In the event that the laundry machine 158 is not configured to allow programming multiple chemical formulas, a remote formula selector circuit 160 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1) may be provided to allow an end user to manually select up to nine chemical formulas. In response to the signals from the laundry machine 158, the controller 156 will selectively energize and de-energize the solenoids. In an alternate embodiment, it will be appreciated that the controller 156 itself may be programmed to selectively energize and de-energize the solenoids.

[0029] As an example of system operation, to dispense chemical from the first chemical dispenser 104a to the laundry machine 158, the laundry machine 158 will transmit appropriate signals to the controller 156, via the signal interface unit 155. In response, the controller 156 will energize the solenoids on the control valves 116a and 140a. The solenoids may be energized substantially simultaneously or sequentially, so long as the solenoid on control valve 140a is energized in time to prevent the first chemical dispenser 104a from overflowing. In any case, by energizing these solenoids, fluid in the fluid supply line 102 will flow to and through the spray nozzle 120 in the first chemical dispenser 104a, and through the first venturi supply line 136 into the first venturi pump inlet port 130.

[0030] The fluid spray exiting the spray nozzle 120 will dissolve a portion of the dry chemical into solution, and the dissolved chemical solution will flow out the first chemical dispenser outlet port 122a. As fluid flows through the first venturi pump 128a, the dissolved chemical solution is drawn into and through the first venturi pump second inlet port 132, and into the venturi flow passage, where it mixes with the fluid directed into the first venturi pump inlet port 130. The mixture then exits the first venturi pump outlet port 134 and is supplied to the laundry machine 158.

[0031] The solenoids on control valves 116a and 140a will remain energized until a predetermined amount of the chemical from the first chemical dispenser 104a is delivered to the laundry machine 158. This may be accomplished by energizing the solenoids for a predetermined time period, or by measuring the volume using a sensor. When the amount of chemical is dispensed from the first chemical dispenser 104a, preferably the solenoid on control valve 116a is de-energized, moving the control valve 116a to its closed position, and then a predetermined time period thereafter the solenoid on control valve 140a is de-energized, moving the control valve 140 to its closed position. Control valve 140a is closed a predetermined time period after control valve 116a is closed to ensure that substantially all of the dissolved chemical solution is delivered to the laundry machine 158, and to flush the lines downstream of the first venturi pump 128a.

[0032] The system 100 operates substantially similar to the above-described operational sequence in order to deliver chemical from the second 104b and third 104c chemical dispensers. The only difference, as will be appreciated, is the particular control valve solenoids that are selectively energized and de-energized.

[0033] The chemical dispensing system 100 described above is preferably enclosed within a protective housing 500. The housing 500 may be suitably mounted on a wall or other mounting surface, which may be located near, or remotely from, the end-use point(s). A perspective view of a physical embodiment of a housing 500 that may be used to enclose the system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The housing 500 includes a fluid system section 502, which houses at least the fluid-carrying portions of the system 100 described above, and an electrical system section 504, which houses at least the transformer 152, the power supply 154, and the controller 156. The fluid supply line first end 108 is shown extending from a first end 506 of the fluid system section 502, to allow connection to the fluid source 112, and chemical containers 306 are shown installed in the chemical dispensers 104a-c, which extend through a top 508 of the fluid system section 502.

[0034] The dry chemical dispensing system 100 illustrated and described herein supplies chemical cleaning solution to one or more endpoints at a chemical concentration that does not vary with variations in water source pressure. Although the system 100 preferably includes three chemical dispensers 104a-c enclosed within the housing 500, it will be appreciated that more or less than this number of dispensers 104 may be enclosed. It will additionally be appreciated that a plurality of systems 100 may be coupled together, as needed or desired, to deliver chemical solutions to various end-use points.

[0035] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing one or more chemical solutions, comprising:

a chemical dispenser having an internal cavity adapted to receive a chemical therein, and a fluid outlet port in fluid communication with the internal cavity;

a fluid supply conduit having a first end adapted to couple to a fluid source and a second end in fluid communication with the chemical dispenser internal cavity; and

a fluid pressure source in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit, the fluid pressure operable to maintain a first substantially constant fluid pressure magnitude in at least a first section of the fluid supply conduit.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a regulator valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled between the chemical dispenser and the fluid pressure source, the regulator valve operable to maintain a second substantially constant fluid pressure magnitude in at least a second section of the fluid supply conduit.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a first control valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled between the chemical dispenser and the fluid pressure source, the control valve moveable between an open and a closed position.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a controller coupled to the first control valve and operable to selectively move the first control valve to at least one of the open and the closed positions.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a venturi pump having at least a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and an outlet port, the first fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit, and the second fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the chemical dispenser fluid outlet port.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising:

a second control valve fluidly coupled in series between the fluid supply conduit and the venturi pump first inlet port, the second control valve moveable between an open and a closed position.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising:

a controller coupled to the second control valve and operable to selectively move the second control valve to at least one of the open and the closed positions.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a first control valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled downstream of the fluid pressure source, the control valve moveable between an open and a closed position;

a venturi pump having at least a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and an outlet port, the first fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit, and the second fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the chemical dispenser fluid outlet port;

a second control valve fluidly coupled in series between the fluid supply conduit and the venturi pump first inlet port, the second control valve moveable between an open and a closed position; and

a controller operably coupled to the first and second control valves and operable to selectively move the first and second control valves to at least one of the open and the closed positions.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid pressure source comprises a fluid expansion tank.

10. A system for dispensing one or more chemical solutions to one or more laundry machines, the system comprising:

a plurality of chemical dispensers, each chemical dispenser having an internal cavity adapted to receive a chemical therein, and a fluid outlet port in fluid communication with the internal cavity;

a fluid supply conduit having a first end adapted to couple to a fluid source and a plurality of second ends, each of the plurality of second ends in fluid communication, one each, with the one of the chemical dispenser internal cavities; and

a fluid pressure source in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit, the fluid pressure source maintaining a first substantially constant fluid pressure magnitude in at least a first section of the fluid supply conduit.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

a regulator valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled between the chemical dispensers and the fluid pressure source, the regulator valve operable to maintain a second substantially constant fluid pressure magnitude in a least a second section of the fluid supply conduit.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

a first control valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled between the chemical dispensers and the fluid pressure source, the control valve moveable between an open and a closed position.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising:

a controller coupled to the first control valve and operable to selectively move the first control valve to at least one of the open and closed positions.

14. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

a first venturi pump having at least a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and an outlet port, the first venturi pump first fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit, and the first venturi pump second fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to at least two of the chemical dispenser fluid outlet ports; and

a second venturi pump having at least a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and an outlet port, the second venturi pump first fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit, and the second venturi pump second fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to at least one of the chemical dispenser fluid outlet ports.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising:

a second control valve fluidly coupled in series between the fluid supply conduit and the first venturi pump first inlet port, the second control valve moveable between an open and a closed position; and

a third control valve fluidly coupled in series between the fluid supply conduit and the second venturi pump first inlet port, the third control valve moveable between an open and a closed position.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising:

a controller coupled to the second and third control valves and operable to selectively move the second and third control valves to at least one of the open and closed positions.

17. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

a first control valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled downstream of the fluid pressure source, the control valve moveable between an open and a closed position;

a first venturi pump having at least a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and an outlet port, the first venturi pump first fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit, and the first venturi pump second fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to at least two of the chemical dispenser fluid outlet ports;

a second venturi pump having at least a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and an outlet port, the second venturi pump first fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit, and the second venturi pump second fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to at least one of the chemical dispenser fluid outlet ports.;

a second control valve fluidly coupled in series between the fluid supply conduit and the first venturi pump first inlet port, the second control valve moveable between an open and a closed position;

a third control valve fluidly coupled in series between the fluid supply conduit and the second venturi pump first inlet port, the third control valve moveable between an open and a closed position; and

a controller operably coupled to the first, second, and third control valves and operable to selectively move the first, second, and third control valves to at least one of the open and closed positions.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the fluid pressure source comprises a fluid expansion tank.

19. A system for dispensing one or more chemical solutions to one or more laundry machines, the system comprising:

a detergent container having an internal cavity adapted to receive a substantially solid detergent therein, and a detergent solution outlet port in fluid communication with the internal cavity;

an acidic softener container having an internal cavity adapted to receive a substantially solid acidic softener therein, and a softener solution outlet port in fluid communication with the internal cavity;

a bleach container having an internal cavity adapted to receive a substantially solid bleach therein, and a bleach solution outlet port in fluid communication with the internal cavity;

a fluid supply conduit having a fluid inlet adapted to couple to a fluid source and first, second, and third fluid outlets, the first, second, and third fluid outlets in fluid communication with the detergent container internal cavity, the acidic softener container internal cavity, and the bleach container internal cavity, respectively;

a first discharge conduit in fluid communication with the detergent container fluid outlet port and the acidic softener container fluid outlet port;

a second discharge conduit in fluid communication with the bleach container fluid outlet port; and

a fluid pressure source in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit, the fluid pressure source maintaining a first substantially constant fluid pressure magnitude in at least a section of the fluid supply conduit.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising:

a first control valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled between the fluid pressure source and the fluid supply line first outlet, the first control valve moveable between an open and a closed position;

a second control valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled between the fluid pressure source and the fluid supply line second outlet, the second control valve moveable between an open and a closed position;

a third control valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled between the fluid pressure source and the fluid supply line third outlet, the third control valve moveable between an open and a closed position;

a first venturi pump having at least a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and an outlet port, the first venturi pump first fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit, and the first venturi pump second fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the first fluid discharge conduit;

a second venturi pump having at least a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and an outlet port, the second venturi pump first fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the fluid supply conduit, and the second venturi pump second fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the second fluid discharge conduit;

a fourth control valve fluidly coupled in series between the fluid supply conduit and the first venturi pump first inlet port, the fourth control valve moveable between an open and a closed position;

a fifth control valve fluidly coupled in series between the fluid supply conduit and the second venturi pump first inlet port, the fifth control valve moveable between an open and a closed position; and

a controller operably coupled to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth control valves and operable to selectively move the control valves to at least one of the open and closed positions.

21. The system of claim 19, further comprising:

a regulator valve mounted on the fluid supply conduit and fluidly coupled between the chemical dispensers and the fluid pressure source.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the fluid pressure source comprises a fluid expansion tank.