Fluid distribution system

Abstract

A dispensing system is disclosed herein and includes a valve, a rotatable disc within the valve, and a motor for selectively rotating the disc to certain positions. Positioning of the disc, via the motor, establishes communication between the inlet of the valve and one of at least two outlets.

1 . A fluid distribution system comprising, in combination: 
 a valve having an end wall and an inlet, said end wall having a first segment and a second segment defining at least a first outlet;    a rotatable disc within said valve and defining a channel; and    motor means for rotating said rotatable disc to at least a first position wherein said channel substantially aligns with said first segment and a second position wherein said channel substantially aligns with said first outlet, whereby said inlet of said valve selectively communicates with said first outlet.    
   
   
       2 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said rotatable disc residing substantially adjacent said end wall.  
   
   
       3 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 2  further comprising at least a first seal engagingly interposed said rotatable disc and said end wall, said first seal substantially encompassing said first outlet.  
   
   
       4 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said valve has a side wall defining said inlet.  
   
   
       5 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a dispenser having an outlet port and at least a first receptacle in communication with said first outlet.  
   
   
       6 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 5  further comprising supply means for delivering a liquid to said inlet of said valve, said liquid selectively flowing into said first receptacle of said dispenser and thereafter exiting said outlet port.  
   
   
       7 . A fluid distribution system for use in a washing machine, having a tub, comprising, in combination: 
 a valve having an inlet and at least a first outlet and a second outlet;    a rotatable disc within said valve and defining a channel;    motor means for rotating said rotatable disc to at least a first position wherein said channel substantially aligns with said first outlet and a second position wherein said channel substantially aligns with said second outlet, whereby said inlet of said valve selectively communicates with said first outlet and said second outlet; and    a dispenser having at least a first receptacle, in communication with said first outlet, and a second receptacle, in communication with said second outlet, said dispenser including an outlet port in communication with said tub, whereby said first and second receptacles selectively communicate with said inlet.    
   
   
       8 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 7  further comprising supply means for delivering a liquid to said inlet of said valve, said liquid selectively flowing through said first and second receptacles to said outlet port and into said tub.  
   
   
       9 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said supply means draws said liquid from said tub.  
   
   
       10 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said valve includes an end wall defining a rest position, said first outlet and said second outlet, said rotatable disc residing substantially adjacent said end wall.  
   
   
       11 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 10  wherein motor means rotates said rotatable disc to at least a third position wherein said channel substantially aligns with said rest position.  
   
   
       12 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 11  further comprising supply means for delivering a liquid to said inlet of said valve, said liquid selectively flowing through said first and second receptacles to said outlet port and into said tub.  
   
   
       13 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 12  wherein said supply means draws said liquid from said tub  
   
   
       14 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 13  further comprising a first seal and a second seal engagingly interposed said rotatable disc and said end wall, said first seal substantially encompassing said first outlet and said second seal substantially encompassing said second outlet.  
   
   
       15 . A fluid distribution system as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said valve has a side wall defining said inlet.