CN101198739A - Fabric article treating device and system with user interface - Google Patents

Abstract

A fabric article treating device (20) having a dispenser (25), a reservoir (30), a fluid handling system (35), a measuring device (40), and a user interface (45). The dispenser and reservoir are adapted to be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir is configured to hold the benefit composition. The measuring device communicates with the reservoir and/or the fluid treatment system to determine the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir, and activates a user signal on the user interface to inform the consumer about the amount of benefit composition in the reservoir.

Description

Fabric article treating device and system with user interface

field of invention

The present invention relates to a fabric article treating device for a fabric article drying appliance. More specifically, the present invention relates to unique fabric article treating devices and systems for dispensing benefit compositions. The device and system utilize the reservoir and user interface to inform the user of the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir.

Background of the invention

Fabric article treating methods and/or apparatus have been developed over the past two decades. There is a continuing need to develop a method and/or apparatus for treating fabric articles, especially a method and/or apparatus for treating household fabric articles. The method and/or apparatus enables improved/enhanced deposition of fabric article actives or benefit agents on treated fabric articles compared to currently available deposition methods and/or apparatus.

A particular challenge in delivering fabric article actives in a fabric article drying environment is the effect of moisture and heat, which occurs both during product handling in the commercial chain and during drying of the fabric article. Specifically, the effects of such conditions are minimized by sealing storage containers or reservoirs to minimize the growth of bacteria and fungi, especially on headspace surfaces such as lids or gaps (surfaces prone to repeated condensation and sweating) ), and avoid product loss or contamination.

Often, when using a product that utilizes an expendable composition that needs to be replaced, the user wishes to be able to determine how much composition is left. This allows the user to plan for future purchases of the composition and ensure that sufficient composition is on hand for the desired activity. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a fabric article treating device in which a user can easily determine when a composition needs to be added.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to fabric article treating devices and fabric article treating systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to fabric article treating devices in which the user interface provides information regarding the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir.

One embodiment of the present invention is a fabric article treating device. The fabric article treating device includes a dispenser and a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is configured to hold a benefit composition. The fluid treatment system is configured to deliver the benefit composition from the reservoir to the dispenser. The dispenser is configured to deliver the benefit composition to one or more fabric articles in the fabric article treating appliance. The measuring device is adapted to communicate with the reservoir and/or the fluid treatment system and determine the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. A user interface is in communication with the measuring device and includes a user signal adapted to provide a user with information regarding the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir.

Figure overview

Although the specification concludes with claims that specifically point out and clearly claim protection of the present invention, it is believed that the present invention can be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fabric article treating device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiments depicted in the figures are illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention defined by the claims of the present invention. Furthermore, the drawings and individual features of the invention will be more apparent and understood more fully from the detailed description.

Detailed description of the invention

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the views.

definition

All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise noted, all quantities including numbers, percentages, fractions and ratios are understood to be modified by the word "about" and quantities are not intended to express significant figures. Unless otherwise stated, "a", "the" means "one or more".

"Comprising" as used herein means that other steps and other ingredients that do not affect the end result can be added. This term includes the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". The compositions and methods/processes of the invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.

As used herein, the phrase "fabric article treating system" refers to a fabric article treating device that may be discrete with respect to a fabric article drying appliance and/or may be integrated into a fabric article drying appliance. Furthermore, the fabric article treating device may be integrated into an easily replaceable portion of the fabric article drying appliance, non-limiting examples of which include the closure structure of the drying appliance.

As used herein, the term "fabric article" or "fabric" refers to any article that is normally cleaned by conventional laundering methods or by dry cleaning methods. The term includes, but is not limited to, the following fabric articles: clothing, linens, draperies, furnishings, leather, floor coverings, sheets, towels, rags, canvas, polymeric structures, and the like. The term also includes other articles, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpaulins, shoes, etc., made wholly or partly of fabric material.

The term "benefit composition" as used herein refers to a composition for delivering a benefit to a fabric or article. Non-limiting examples of materials and mixtures thereof that may comprise the benefit composition include: water, softeners, stiffening agents, fragrances, water/stain repellents, fresheners, antistatic agents, antimicrobial agents, durable press agents, anti-wrinkle agents agents, anti-odor agents, anti-abrasive agents, solvents, and combinations thereof. Benefit compositions may include liquid, powder, suspension, or gaseous products and/or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the benefit composition includes a preservative. Various preservatives that help to maintain one or more properties of the benefit composition are generally known in the art and are suitable for use herein. An exemplary preservative is Dantoguard Plus ^™ (dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin) commercially available from Lonza (Fairfield, New Jersey, USA).

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary fabric article treating device 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The fabric article treating device 20 includes a dispenser 25 in communication with a reservoir 30 . Dispenser 25 and reservoir 30 are adapted to be in fluid communication with each other, for example via line 32 . Fluid handling system 35 is adapted to deliver the benefit composition from reservoir 30 to dispenser 25 via line 32 . Measuring device 40 is adapted to communicate with the reservoir, fluid treatment system, and/or dispenser, wherein the measuring device is adapted to estimate and/or determine the amount of benefit composition remaining in reservoir 30 . The user interface 45 communicates with the measurement device 40 . In an exemplary embodiment, user interface 45 includes a user signal adapted to provide information to the user regarding the amount of benefit composition in the reservoir.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid connection between dispenser 25 and reservoir 30 includes tubing configured to transfer the benefit composition from reservoir 30 to dispenser 25 . An exemplary conduit includes polymeric tubing with one or more grooves or conduits. In another exemplary embodiment, the conduit is configured to maintain the closure structure on the fabric article drying appliance in a closed position while still allowing the benefit composition to be dispensed. Reservoir 30 contains the benefit composition and, in an exemplary embodiment, is configured to have a minimal headspace or void volume to maintain an oxygen-free environment within the reservoir during dispensing of the benefit composition. In an exemplary embodiment, reservoir 30 is removable. In another exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 30 comprises a sealed pouch.

Reservoir 30 may be constructed of any material known in the art, and in an exemplary embodiment provides an oxygen-free environment therein. Non-limiting examples of such materials include polymeric materials including, but not limited to: polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly Styrene, nylon, polyester, etc. Other exemplary materials of construction include aluminum foil or other metal films. In one embodiment, reservoir 30 includes multiple layers of one or more materials. In another embodiment, reservoir 30 includes a single or multiple layers of barrier film.

Dispenser 25 may include at least one nozzle for dispensing the benefit composition into the fabric article drying appliance. The benefit composition may be atomized to deliver the target particle size using any suitable spraying device, such as hydraulic nozzles, sonic nebulizers, pressure swirl sprayers, high pressure spray nozzles, and the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable nozzles include those commercially available as models 850, 1050, 1250, 1450, and 1650 from Spray Systems, Inc. (Pomona, California). Another suitable example of a nozzle is a pressure swirl atomizing nozzle manufactured by Seaquist Perfect Dispensing (Cary, Illinois), model number DU-3813.

In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 , fluid handling system 35 includes pump 52 , power supply 50 and controller 60 . In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply 50 is configured to provide electrical power as required by the fabric treating device, such as the controller 60 , the pump 52 , and the power requirements of the user interface 45 and/or the measuring device 40 . Controller 60 is configured to regulate the dispensing of the benefit composition. For example, controller 60 can determine the optimal time to dispense the benefit composition, the amount of benefit composition to be dispensed, and the rate at which the benefit composition is dispensed. In one embodiment, controller 60 is in electrical communication with measurement device 40 . In this embodiment, if measuring device 40 determines that there is no beneficial composition in reservoir 30, a signal is sent to controller 60 not to activate pump 52. By avoiding operating the pump without the beneficial composition, the life of the pump can be extended and energy consumption can be reduced.

In one embodiment, pump 52 comprises a piezoelectric pump. In another embodiment, pump 52 may comprise a diaphragm pump. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any pump known to those skilled in the art may be used to deliver the benefit composition from reservoir 30 to dispenser 25 . Other exemplary pumps include piston pumps, peristaltic pumps, gear pumps, and bellows-type pumps.

As noted above, one type of pump 52 that may be used in the present invention is a piezoelectric pump. Although piezoelectric pumps have certain membranes or laminations that can vibrate in a reciprocating motion-type fashion, piezoelectric pumps typically do not have major moving parts that wear out over time, such as shafts and bearings that work with rotating members to displace fluid or air flow . One commercially available piezoelectric pump suitable for use in the present invention is manufactured by PAR Technologies, LLC (Hampton, Virginia), and sold as the "LPD-Series" laminated piezoelectric fluid pump. Pumps drawing lower flow rates are particularly suitable for certain embodiments.

In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the measurement device 40 further includes a current sensor 41 and a logic control system 42 . The logic control system 42 is adapted to activate a user signal of the user interface 45 when the current sensor 41 detects that the current is less than a predetermined current level. Current sensor 41 is in electrical communication with pump 52 and/or power source 50 . Without being bound by theory, it is believed that when the fluid treatment system is not delivering the benefit composition from the reservoir to the dispenser, the maximum current to pump 52 will decrease. For example, as long as the pump's maximum current is greater than the threshold current, the pump will continue without initiating a user signal. When the measured current indicates that the current is at or below the threshold, the logic control system sends a trigger signal to the user interface to initiate the user signal. An exemplary current sensor amplifier is commercially available from Maxim Integrated Products Inc. (Sunnyvale, California), model number MAX4071AUA.

In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 , user interface 45 includes one or more user signals 82 . The user signal 82 is adapted to provide useful information about the fabric article treating device 20 to the user. For example, a user signal may indicate whether the device is currently in use. Another user signal may indicate a low battery condition. An exemplary user signal is adapted to inform the user about the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. Exemplary user signals include sounds or buzzers, light emitting diodes, graphic display panels, and the like. Those skilled in the art should understand that any user signal known to those skilled in the art can be utilized in the present invention. In another exemplary embodiment, the user signal can send an email or text message to the user via the Internet or a mobile phone network. An exemplary user annunciator includes a light emitting diode commercially available from Lumex Inc. (Palatine, Illinois) as model number SML-LX1206GC-TR. One exemplary user annunciator includes an audible indicator commercially available as model AT-08 from Projects Unlimited (Dayton, Ohio).

In another embodiment, the measuring device comprises a gravimetric sensor adapted to weigh the amount of benefit composition in the reservoir. The detection means are adapted to activate a user signal of the user interface when the weight sensor detects that the weight is below a predetermined threshold level. The weight exerts a certain pressure, which can be converted into some intermediate form, such as displacement. The weight sensor then converts this displacement into an electrical output, such as voltage or current. The three most common types of this form of pressure transducer are strain gauge, variable capacitance, and piezoelectric. In another exemplary embodiment, the user signal can include providing several signals to the user (eg, different amounts of benefit composition remaining) and an indication that there is no benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. In another exemplary embodiment, the measurement device includes a flow sensor in communication with the fluid treatment system. The flow sensor is adapted to detect the flow of the benefit composition delivered from the reservoir to the dispenser. In one embodiment, the measuring device is adapted to activate a user signal of the user interface when the flow sensor detects that the flow is below a predetermined threshold. One exemplary flow sensor includes an in-line low flow switch commercially available as model FR78B Basic from Fluid Components International (San Marcos, California).

In another exemplary embodiment, the measuring device includes a timer in communication with the fluid treatment system, wherein the timer is adapted to detect an amount of time that the fluid treatment system delivers the benefit composition from the reservoir to the dispenser. The detection means are adapted to activate a user signal on the user interface when the timer reaches a predetermined threshold level. In this embodiment, the measuring device assesses the remaining amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir by counting the amount of time the benefit composition has been dispensed. This calculation estimates the amount of benefit composition dispensed based on the average flow rating of the fluid treatment system.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the measurement device includes an opacity sensor in visual communication with the reservoir. In this embodiment, the reservoir is transparent or translucent so that the opacity sensor therein is adapted to detect the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. The measuring device is adapted to activate a user signal of the user interface when the opacity sensor detects a predetermined opacity level of the reservoir. Exemplary photodiodes and phototransistors are commercially available from Lumex Inc. (Palatine, Illinois).

In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the measuring device includes an electrical sensor 41 and one or more electrodes 92 adapted to be in electrical communication with the benefit composition when the reservoir contains a predetermined amount of the benefit composition. A small current may be applied to the electrodes 92, while electrical sensors monitor the current and/or resistance of the electrode circuit. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the benefit composition will conduct electricity, so by placing one or more electrodes in electrical communication with the benefit composition at strategic locations on the reservoir, an electrical sensor can determine whether the benefit composition completes a circuit between the electrodes. Additionally, it is believed that the benefit compositions can act as resistors in electrical circuits. Depending on the location of the electrodes and the specific components of the benefit composition, the resistance measured by the electrical sensor may decrease as the amount of benefit composition in the reservoir decreases. The controller can then use this data to approximate the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir.

In another exemplary embodiment, the reservoir is removable. Additionally, the reservoir includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag or similar such device. RFID tags can contain various information related to the fabric article treating device. For example, the RFID tag can contain a unique serial number that the controller can use to determine optimal dispensing conditions, track the amount of benefit composition dispensed, and track multiple removable reservoirs of the benefit composition. This ability would be useful for the user to switch between different beneficial compositions. In this embodiment, the measurement device includes an RFID tag reader adapted to activate an RFID tag on the reservoir, receive stored information from the RFID tag, and send the information to a controller for further processing . The measuring device may also contain additional sensors, such as timers or flow sensors, to provide additional information regarding the amount of benefit composition remaining in the removable reservoir.

In another exemplary embodiment, the reservoir is removable. Additionally, the reservoir includes a barcode or similar product identifier. The barcode may contain various information related to the fabric article treating device. For example, the barcode can contain a unique serial number that the controller can use to determine optimal dispensing conditions, track the amount of benefit composition dispensed, and track multiple removable reservoirs of the benefit composition. This ability would be useful for the user to switch between different beneficial compositions. In this embodiment, the measurement device includes a barcode reader adapted to read the barcode on the reservoir and send the information to the controller for further processing. The measuring device may also contain additional sensors, such as timers or flow sensors, to provide additional information regarding the amount of benefit composition remaining in the removable reservoir.

In another exemplary embodiment, the measuring device includes a thickness sensor. The thickness sensor is adapted to measure the thickness of the reservoir. In this embodiment, the reservoir comprises a pouch or pouch that collapses when the benefit composition is dispensed. Thickness sensors may include mechanical or electrical sensors. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness sensor is adapted to activate a user signal of the user interface when the thickness of the reservoir is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold level.

In another exemplary embodiment, the measurement device includes a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the fluid treatment system. A pressure sensor is adapted to determine pressure in the fluid treatment system. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the pressure in the fluid treatment system drops when no more benefit composition remains in the reservoir. The pressure sensor is in electrical communication with the logic control system, wherein the logic control system is configured to send a signal to activate a user signal of the user interface when the pressure level reaches a predetermined level.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fabric article treating device comprises a plurality of reservoirs and/or a plurality of dispensers. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric article treating device includes a reservoir system, wherein the reservoir system may comprise one or more reservoirs. In another embodiment, the fabric article treating device comprises at least two reservoirs, wherein one reservoir is a primary reservoir and the other reservoir is a secondary reservoir.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various measuring devices may be used in the present invention to provide information to the user regarding the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. These measuring devices can be purely mechanical, electrical or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the measurement device has no moving parts.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 5 . In this exemplary embodiment, the measuring device 40 of the fabric article treating device 20 is adapted to sense when the reservoir 30 is empty or substantially empty, ie contains less than a predetermined amount of composition. The fabric article treating system 20 includes a fluid handling system 35, a measurement device 40 and a logic control system 85, such as a fuzzy logic control system, a user interface 45, wherein the user interface 45 is adapted to provide the user with the benefit composition remaining in the reservoir 30 information about the quantity. In an exemplary embodiment, fluid handling system 35 includes a pump, liquid transfer tubes, and a power source. In this exemplary embodiment, measurement device 40 includes a voltage or current sensor.

As mentioned above, the fabric article treating device 20 may include a controller 85 . In one embodiment, the controller may be a microcontroller. A suitable microcontroller is manufactured by MicroChip (Chandler, Arizona), part number PIC16LS876-04/P. However, other microcontrollers from different manufacturers can also be conveniently used. In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller includes on-board random access memory (RAM), on-board read-only memory (ROM) including electrically programmable non-volatile storage elements, and on-board input for analog and digital signals output line. The controller can also be used with a crystal clock oscillator, although an RC circuit can be used in place of the clock circuit if desired. The clock circuit provides the clock timing required for the controller to work. In one embodiment, the controller includes a port that can be connected to an optional programmable interface using a communication link such as RS-232. The port also allows the user to change the controller's program information, such as assignment options.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller can be any type of commercially available microprocessor or microcontroller circuit, with or without on-board RAM, ROM, or digital and analog input/output (I/O ). Furthermore, the fabric article treating device 20 may be controlled by a sequential processor, or alternatively, a parallel processor architecture or a logic state machine architecture may be employed. In addition, if desired, the controller can be integrated in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that contains many other logic elements that can be used for various functions depending on the fabric article treating device 20 to be sold to the customer. model. To change model features, the manufacturer only needs to program the ASIC or controller's on-board RAM according to the specific parameters of that particular model, while using the same hardware for each unit.

It should also be understood that discrete digital logic could be used in place of any type of microprocessor, microcontroller unit, or analog control circuitry could be used in conjunction with voltage comparators and analog timers to control timed events and based on the fabric article treating device The input level of various sensors installed on the 20 is determined.

It will be appreciated that the present invention can readily be applied to other types of fabric article drying appliances and is not limited to laundry "dryers". Within the scope of this patent document, the terms "dryer" or "drying appliance" or "fabric article drying appliance" include appliances that may or may not perform an actual drying function, but may include treating fabrics without attempting to be literal to dry the fabric itself. As noted above, the terms "dryer" or "drying appliance" or "fabric article drying appliance" may include "dry cleaning" methods or appliances, which may or may not literally refer to a drying step. As used herein, the term "fabric article drying appliance" also refers to any fabric treatment appliance that utilizes moving air directed toward one or more fabric articles, non-limiting examples of which include laundry dryers and modifications thereof. Such equipment includes domestic and commercial drying units for use in residences, laundromats, hotels and/or industrial settings. Additionally, it should be noted that some drying equipment includes a drying chamber (or "drum"). When the drying equipment is running in the drying cycle, it cannot literally move or rotate. Some of these dryers use moving air through the drying chamber, and the chamber does not move while the drying cycle is in progress. Such exemplary dryers have a door or other type of hatch that enables a person to place clothes to be dried into the chamber. In many cases, one can hang clothes on some type of upper rod in the drying room. After this is done, the door or hatch is closed and the dryer can begin its drying function. Dispensing of the benefit composition can take place within such a unit, however care should be taken to ensure that the benefit composition is distributed well within the drying chamber so as to avoid the occurrence of certain fabrics receiving very high concentrations of benefit composition while others receive little benefit composition Case.

Exemplary fabric article treating devices and systems include those devices and systems described in the following patents, co-pending U.S. application 10/697,735 filed October 29, 2003; 697,685; US Application 10/697,734, filed October 29, 2003; US Application 10/697,736, filed October 29, 2003; US Application 10/762,152, filed January 21, 2004; August 26, 2004 US Application 10/926,925, filed; and US Application 10/927,211, filed August 26, 2004.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference. Citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is available as prior art to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (14)

1. A fabric article treating device, said device comprising: dispenser; a reservoir configured to hold a benefit composition; A fluid treatment system, wherein the fluid treatment system is configured to deliver a benefit composition from a reservoir to a dispenser, and wherein the dispenser is configured to deliver the benefit composition to one or more on a fabric product; a measuring device adapted to determine the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir; and A user interface in communication with the measuring device, wherein the user interface includes a user signal adapted to provide information to the user related to the amount of the benefit composition in the reservoir. 2. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the fluid treatment system includes a pump, a controller, and a power source, wherein the pump drives the benefit composition from the reservoir to a desired location, and wherein the power source is adapted to for supplying current to the pump; and wherein the controller is in communication with the power source and the measuring device, and wherein the controller initiates dispensing of the beneficial composition and is adapted to prevent the power source from energizing the pump when the reservoir contains less than a predetermined amount of beneficial composition. 3. The fabric article treating appliance of claim 2, wherein the measuring device includes a current sensor in communication with a power source and a logic control system, and wherein the measuring device is adapted to detect a current less than a predetermined current level when the current sensor detects that the current is less than a predetermined current level Start user signal. 4. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the measuring device comprises a weight sensor adapted to weigh the amount of the benefit composition in the reservoir, and wherein the measuring device is adapted to detect a weight when the weight sensor detects a weight sensor. A user signal is activated when less than a predetermined weight level. 5. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the measuring device comprises a flow sensor in communication with the fluid treatment system, and wherein the measuring device is adapted to activate a user signal when the flow sensor detects that the flow rate is less than a predetermined flow rate . 6. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the measuring device comprises a timer in communication with the fluid treatment system, wherein the timer is adapted to measure an amount of time for the fluid treatment system to deliver the benefit composition, and wherein The measuring means are adapted to activate a user signal when the timer reaches a predetermined level. 7. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein said measuring device comprises an opacity sensor in visual communication with the reservoir, wherein said opacity sensor is adapted to detect the amount of benefit composition in the reservoir, and wherein The measuring device is adapted to activate a user signal when the opacity sensor detects less than a predetermined level of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. 8. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the measuring device comprises a thickness sensor, wherein the thickness sensor is adapted to measure the thickness of the reservoir, and wherein the measuring device is adapted to measure the thickness of the reservoir less than A user signal is activated at a predetermined level. 9. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the measuring device comprises a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the fluid handling system, wherein the pressure sensor is adapted to determine the pressure in the fluid handling system, and wherein the measuring The device is adapted to activate a user signal when the pressure sensor detects less than a predetermined pressure level in the fluid treatment system. 10. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, said device further comprising an RFID reader, and wherein said reservoir comprises an RFID tag, wherein said RFID reader is adapted to read data from the RFID tag, And wherein the data includes an identification code of the storage. 11. The fabric article treating device of claim 1 , wherein the measuring device comprises an electrical sensor and at least one electrode in electrical communication with the benefit composition in the reservoir, wherein the electrical sensor is adapted to detect the level of the electrode in the reservoir. At least one electrical property changes. 12. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, further comprising: a controller that activates dispensing of the beneficial composition, wherein the controller is in communication with the measuring device, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent the fluid treatment system from attempting to dispense a beneficial composition from the reservoir when the reservoir contains less than a predetermined amount of the beneficial composition combination. 13. A fabric article treating system having a dosing system, said system comprising: A fabric article drying appliance having a chamber and a closure structure having a closed position and at least one open position, the closure structure allowing access to the chamber; a reservoir for containing the beneficial composition; a dispenser in communication with the chamber; a fluid handling system that urges the benefit composition from the reservoir toward the dispenser, thereby dispensing the benefit composition into the chamber; closed structure sensor; A controller that initiates dispensing of the benefit composition, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the benefit composition from being dispensed when the closure sensor indicates that the closure is not in the closed position. a measuring device adapted to determine the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir; and A user interface in communication with the measurement device, wherein the user interface includes a user signal adapted to provide information to the user related to the amount of the beneficial composition in the reservoir. 14. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, further comprising a communication link adapted to connect to a fabric article drying appliance.

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