US Patent 8931311 Additive dispenser for a washing machine

A washing machine includes a casing, a tub disposed within the casing, and a basket configured for receipt of articles to be washed. An additive pack dispenser is disposed within the casing above the tub and included a pack receiver configured for receipt of an additive pack therein. The receiver is biased to a first position wherein the additive pack is stored and is movable to a second position wherein the additive pack is dispensed by gravity from the receiver into the tub. An actuator is disposed proximate to the receiver and is oriented so as to move the receiver at a defined time to cause the receiver to move to the second dispense position and deposit the additive pack into the tub.