(57) An apparatus and method for dispensing a powder to a washing container (60) within
a washing machine. A preferred embodiment (10) of the apparatus includes a plurality
of powder hoppers (12) which store, for example, powdered detergent, bleach, softener
and sour. Valves (14) selectively permit the powdered products to flow from the hoppers
(12) to metering canisters (22), the canisters (22) metering from the hoppers (12)
predetermined amounts of the products. At various times in the washing machine's cycle
the powdered products are pnuematically launched and conveyed to a flush bin (32)
where the products are mixed with water to form a solution. The resulting solution
is carried from the flush bin (32) to the washing container (60) within the washing
machine.
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