Selective dispensing apparatus

A dispensing apparatus for use with a replaceable unit dose package having at least one cavity sealed by a membrane, the at least one cavity containing additive materials to be dispensed and said dispensing apparatus for use in a machine, the machine having a plurality of cycles, said dispensing apparatus comprising:

• a dispensing director comprising a dispensing signal generator and a monitor for distinguishing among a plurality of machine operating cycles;
• at least one sensor associated wit the dispensing director, wherein the at least one sensor comprises two switches oriented effectively perpendicularly to one another;
• and
• an actuator in communication with said dispensing director and configured to electromechanically open the membrane in response to a dispensing signal, thereby releasing additive materials from said at least one cavity.

A dispensing apparatus for use with a replaceable unit dose package having at least one cavity sealed by a membrane, the at least one cavity containing additive materials to be dispensed and said dispensing apparatus for use in a machine, the machine having a plurality of cycles, said dispensing apparatus comprising:

• a dispensing director comprising a dispensing signal generator and a monitor for distinguishing among a plurality of machine operating cycles;
• at least one sensor associated wit the dispensing director, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a switch for detecting inertia;
• and
• an actuator in communication with said dispensing director and configured to electromechanically open the membrane in response to a dispensing signal from the dispensing director, thereby releasing additive materials from said at least one cavity.

A dispensing apparatus for use with a replaceable unit dose package having at least one cavity sealed by a membrane, the at least one cavity containing additive materials to be dispensed and said dispensing apparatus for use in a machine, the machine having a plurality of cycles, said dispensing apparatus comprising:

• a dispensing director comprising a processor, a dispensing signal generator, and a monitor for distinguishing among a plurality of machine operating cycles;
• at least one sensor associated with the dispensing director, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a switch;
• and
• an actuator in communication with said dispensing director and configured to electromechanically open the membrane in response to a dispensing signal from the dispensing director, thereby releasing additive materials from said at least one cavity;
• wherein the processor is configured by programming to identify spin cycles based upon signals received from the at least one sensor.