Methods and systems for dispensing a composition

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for filling cavities with a composition.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of dispensing a composition into cavities of a web that continuously moves in a machine direction, wherein said method comprises the steps of:
 a) providing a web, typically disposed on a moveable surface, that moves continuously in a machine direction, wherein said web comprises a plurality of cavities disposed on said web, wherein said plurality of cavities comprises at least two cavities that are aligned in said machine direction;   b) providing a filling apparatus, wherein said filling apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles, wherein said plurality of nozzles comprises at least two nozzles that are positioned to dispense a composition into said at least two cavities;   c) dispensing said composition from said at least two nozzles into said at least two cavities while said at least two nozzles move from a first position to a second position; and   d) returning said at least two nozzles to said first position.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said web comprises water-soluble film. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein said cavities are formed in moulds. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein said moulds are disposed on a platen. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said cavities are formed by thermoforming. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said web is disposed on an endless surface. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said web is disposed on a rotary drum. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said at least two cavities are spaced circumferentially on said drum. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of cavities further comprises at least two cavities aligned in a cross-machine direction, and wherein said plurality of nozzles further comprises at least two nozzles positioned to dispense a composition into said at least two cavities aligned in a cross-machine direction. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least two nozzles are aligned in said machine direction. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least two nozzles move from said first position in said machine direction to said second position. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of nozzles move in rectilinear motion from said first position to said second position. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of nozzles are positioned on a reciprocating arm. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least two nozzles begin dispensing said composition after said at least two nozzles begin moving from said first position. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition is a household care composition. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition is a liquid having a viscosity of from about 1 mPa*s to about 2000 mPa*s at 25° C. and at a shear rate of 1000 s −1 . 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least two cavities aligned in said machine direction are formed into at least two side-by-side compartments of a pouch. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein each of said cavities is filled with a different composition. 
     
     
         19 . A method according  claim 1 , further comprising the step of sealing the cavities, thereby forming a web of closed cavities. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of separating the cavities, thereby forming individual articles. 
     
     
         21 . A system for dispensing a composition into cavities of a web that continuously moves in a machine direction, wherein said system comprises:
 a) a continuously moveable surface configured to receive a web, wherein said surface comprises a plurality of moulds, where said plurality of moulds comprises at least two moulds that are aligned in said machine direction;   b) a filling apparatus comprising a plurality of nozzles, wherein at least two nozzles are positioned to dispense a composition into at least two cavities of a web disposed on said surface, wherein said two cavities are formed in said at least two moulds, and wherein said at least two nozzles have a first position and a second position;   wherein said at least two nozzles are configured to move from said first position to said second position while simultaneously dispensing said composition into said at least two cavities while said web moves in said machine direction; and   wherein said at least two nozzles are configured to return to said first position.   
     
     
         22 . A system according to  claim 21 , wherein said system comprises a rotary drum, wherein said rotary drum comprises said moveable surface. 
     
     
         23 . A system according to  claim 21 , wherein said composition is a household care composition. 
     
     
         24 . A system according to  claim 21 , wherein said system further comprises a device positioned and configured to continuously feed said web onto said moveable surface.