Abstract:
A chemical dispensing system features a card reader in data communication with a controller to programmably control the transfer of chemicals between a supply of chemicals and a washing chamber while allowing retention of a permanent record of the programmed status of the controller.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a nonprovisional application of U.S. provisional patent application “CHEMICAL DISPENSING SYSTEM USING KEYBOARDLESS DATA ENTRY,” U.S. Ser. No. 60/043,099, filed Apr. 16, 1997, having David R. Howland and Henry W. Cassady listed as co-inventors and assigned to Nova Controls. The 60/043,099 application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Laundry Chemical Dispensers are provided to inject detergents, bleaches and other chemicals into commercial washing systems. Typically, a plurality of chemicals are injected at different intervals of a washing process. To reduce the cost of laundry services, it is desirable inject precise amounts of the chemicals for the specific type of washing to be performed. The type and amounts of chemicals to be injected into the washing process is dependent upon the items to be washed. For example, if sheets were to be washed, a predetermined quantity of detergent, bleach, soap or softener would be injected into the washing process. This aforementioned combination of chemicals is referred to as a “formula”. The formula for washing rags stained with grease, however, would differ from the aforementioned formula for washing sheets. To that end, the dispensers must be programmed to enable dispensing of the various formulas. The number of formulas of a washing system varies greatly and may range from as few as one to a many as several dozen. Additionally, the time when the chemicals must be injected can be delayed from the time a washing process begins to the time when it is desired to inject the chemical. 
     To control the washing process of the various washing systems in a washing facility, washing facility management systems may include a centralized programmable controller. These programmable controllers usually consist of a computer, such as a personal computer, that has various interface devices coupled thereto, such as a keyboard and monitor. The controllers allow precise control over the washing process. In addition, a permanent record of the programmatic control for each of the washing systems may be maintained for reference. An example of such a washing facility management system is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,977 to Hooper et al. A drawback with the centralized systems is that they are relatively expensive to implement requiring networking of the various washing systems in the washing facility. In addition, the cost of the central processor is typically fixed, making the same much more expensive for washing facilities having a relatively few number of washing systems. 
     The cost associated with networking the various washing systems associated with a washing facility may be reduced by uniquely associating a local controller with each of the washing systems. However, the costs saved by abrogating the need to network the washing systems is offset by the increased cost of the local controller. In addition, the local controllers often have a video display terminal and keyboard attached thereto which are subject to damage during normal use often necessitating repairs and increasing the cost of operating a washing facility having these features. Moreover, accessing the permanent record of the programmed status of the washing systems often requires accessing the local controller. The local controllers are not networked and require each local controller to be contacted to determine the programmed status of the same, thereby making use of the same cumbersome. 
     To avoid the costs associated with the aforementioned video display terminal and the keyboard, low cost controllers have been implemented. The low cost controllers are typically mounted locally with a washing system and include a simplified keyboard and display integrated into a relatively sturdy mount. The keyboard has a minimum amount of buttons and the display is typically capable of displaying a few characters at any given time. In this fashion, damage from normal use is avoided. Drawbacks associated with the low cost controllers is that the relatively few buttons makes the programming process cryptic, difficult to understand and lengthy. Typically, as with the aforementioned controllers, to retrieve data concerning the programmed status of a controller, access to each low cost controller is necessitated. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a programmably controlled chemical dispensing system having a local controller coupled to a washing system which is easily programmed and provides a record of the programmed status of each of the local controllers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A chemical dispensing system features a card reader in data communication with a controller to programmably control the transfer of chemicals between a supply of chemicals and a washing chamber while allowing retention of a permanent record of the programmed status of the controller. Specifically, a data entry substrate is provided which is adapted to be selectively placed in data communication with the card reader. The substrate has a plurality of data entry regions arranged in a plurality of subsets with data entry regions of each of the plurality of subsets being collinear and extending along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the substrate. Each of the plurality of data entry regions of a given subset has a weighted value associated therewith that corresponds to operational parameters of the system. The line associated with each of the subsets extends between opposite ends of a sector of the substrate, with a weighted value associated with data entry regions of one of the plurality of subsets being greatest proximate to one of the opposed ends and weighted values associated with the remaining data entry regions of the subset decreasing in magnitude as a function of a distance from the same end. Indicia may be present on the substrate and disposed adjacent to data entry regions reciting the weighted value associated therewith. The operational parameters include a quantity of chemical to be transferred to the washing chamber. 
     The system includes a plurality of pumps coupled to both the supply of fluids and the washing chamber via a plurality of transfer tubes. The controller is in data communication with the pumps to regulate operation of the same. In this fashion, control of the transfer of the chemicals between the washing chamber and the supply is achieved. The supply of chemicals may include water, bleach, fabric softener and various detergents. 
     In operation, data is entered onto the substrate either by varying the optical contrast of the data entry regions, defining optically varied regions, or by forming an aperture therein, defining punched regions. The combined weighted value associated with each of the sectors of the substrate is dependent upon both the spatial position of the optically varied, or punched, region and the number thereof. After the data has been entered into the data entry regions, the substrate is placed into the card reader. The card reader interprets the data on the substrate and transmits the interpreted data to the controller which then operates on the same to regulate the operational parameters of the system. After the data has been read by the card reader, the substrate may be decoupled from the system and stored remotely at a centralized location. 
     For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chemical dispensing system in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a card reader shown above in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of one side of a data entry substrate which is selectively placed in data communication with the card reader shown above in FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of an opposing side of the data entry substrate shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic showing the components of the card reader shown above in FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 6 is a detailed schematic view of an optical detection system shown in FIG. 5; and 
     FIG. 7 is a plan view of various screens shown on a display of the card reader shown in FIG.  2 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a chemical dispensing system  10  includes a washing chamber  12 , which is incorporated into a standard industrial washing system  14  and a plurality of pumps  16  which are coupled to the supply of chemicals  18  and the washing chamber  12  via a plurality of transfer tubes  20 . Although any type of pump known in the art may be employed, typically each of the plurality of pumps  16  is a peristaltic pump. 
     To regulate the operations of the chemical dispensing system  10 , a machine interface  22  is in data communication with the plurality of pumps  16 . In this fashion, control of the transfer of the chemicals between the washing chamber  12  and the supply  18  is achieved. Although any number of receptacles may be included, depending upon the application, the supply of chemicals  18  includes four receptacles  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  and  18   d , each of which stores a chemical. In the present example, receptacle  18   a  contains detergent break, receptacle  18   b  contains bleach, receptacle  18   c  contains detergent and receptacle  18   d  contains fabric softener. The washing system  14  is connected to a supply of water (not shown) such as a municipal water supply. The chemicals may be in either fluid or solid form. 
     Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, a program interface  24  is in data communication with the machine interface  22 . The program interface  24  allows programmable control of the system  10  by programming a processor (not shown) contained in a housing  25  having a plurality of data input keys  26 ,  28 ,  30  and a display screen  32  mounted therein. Positioned at one edge of the housing  25  is an elongated slot  37  having optical sensing components therein (not shown) which facilitate data input, discussed more fully below. Any type of display may be employed, including, e.g., liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes (LEDs), cathode ray tube and the like. The aforementioned processor is connected to receive signals from the machine interface  22  through an optical interface (not shown) to electrically isolate the processor. 
     Operating chemical dispensing systems for profit often requires making the system flexible so as provide differing wash formulas, reducing the set-up, or programming time, and making the system friendly for an end user to operate. To that end, the program interface  24  has two operational modes: a user mode and an installer mode. The user mode facilitates selection of formula number and view load counts associated with the system  10 . The installer mode facilitates priming and calibration of the plurality of pumps  16 , as well as control of recordation of the system&#39;s operations, such as resetting of load counters, verification of formula programming and restricting access to the installer mode. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  3  and  4 , the card reader  24  reduces set-up time by allowing detection of data from a data entry substrate  36  that incorporates both instructions, such as indicia  38 , and data entry regions  40 . Specifically, the data entry substrate  36  is adapted to be selectively placed in data communication with the card reader  24 , and the plurality of data entry regions  40  are arranged in a plurality of subsets  42 . Typically, the data entry regions  40  of each of the plurality of subsets  42  are collinear, extending parallel to a longitudinal axis  44  of the data entry substrate  36 . Each of the plurality of data entry regions  40  of a given subset  42  extends between opposed ends  46   a  and  46   b  of a sector  46  and has a weighted value associated therewith. The weighted value associated with a subgroup of the data entry regions corresponds to operational parameters of the system  10 , with the weighted value associated with the data entry regions being greatest proximate to one of the opposed ends, such as end  46   a . The weighted value associated with remaining data entry regions  40  of a particular subset  42  decrease in magnitude as a function of a distance from the end  46   a , i.e., the closer the proximity of a data entry region  40  is to end  46   b , the smaller the magnitude of the weighted value associated therewith. 
     The aforementioned operational parameters include a quantity of chemical to be transferred to the washing chamber  12  and the sequence in which the plurality of pumps  16  will transfer chemicals thereto by establishing a delay before chemical transfer. The delay is measured from a commencement of a washing cycle. For example, subset  42   c  shown on data entry substrate  36  corresponding to the indicia “A,” corresponds to pump A of the plurality of pumps  16  shown in FIG. 1, and the weighted values associated with the data entry regions relate to a quantity of chemical pump A is to transfer between receptacle  18   a  and the washing chamber  12 . Similarly, indicia “B,” “C,” and “D” shown on data entry substrate  36  in FIG. 3 correspond to pumps “B,” “C,” and “D” of the plurality of pumps  16  shown in FIG.  1 . Indicia “E” and “F” shown on data entry substrate  36  in FIG. 4 correspond to additional pumps  16  not shown. The data regions  40  recited in subset  42   c  have the following weighted values: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 ounces. Each weighted value is uniquely associated with, and positioned adjacent to, one of the data entry regions  40 . Information is entered into the subset  42   c  by varying the optical properties of the data entry regions  40  so that it contrasts with the area of the substrate surrounding the same. In the present embodiment, information is entered into the subset  42   c  by darkening one or more of the data entry regions  40  associated therewith, defining an optically contrasted data entry region. The information in a subset corresponds to a total weighted value that is dependent upon both the spatial position and number of optically contrasted data entry regions  40  in the subset  42   c . To vary the optical contrast of the data entry regions  40 , any one of numerous implements may be used, e.g., a marker, pen, pencil or the like. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  3 , and  5 , to detect the information programmed into the data entry regions  40 , card reader  24  must distinguish between two different levels of reflected radiation and the spatial positions at which a change in the radiation level is detected. This is achieved by having an optical detection system  48  including one or more illumination sources  50  and  52 , a spatial filtering system  54 , and an optical detector  56 . Although any type of illumination source may be employed, typically illumination sources  50  and  52  include light emitting diodes (LEDs), with a cathode  50   a  of one coupled to the anode  52   b  of the other. The anode  50   b  of illumination source  50  is coupled to a supply voltage V s  through a resistor  58 , and a cathode  52   a  of illumination source  52  is connected to a collector  60   c  of a transistor  60 , which functions as the on/off switch of the card reader  24 . The emitter  60   a  of transistor  60  is connected to ground and the base  60   b  is connected to activations circuit (not shown). 
     The illumination sources  50  and  52  are driven by an operational amplifier  62  having unity gain. Specifically, the output  62   c  of the drive amplifier  62  is connected to the anode  50   b  of illumination source  50  through a resistor  64 . The inverting input of the drive amplifier  62  is connected to the output  62   c  thereof. The non-inverting input  62   a  of the drive amplifier  62  is connected to a filtering circuit, discussed more fully below. 
     The optical detector  56  is of a type sufficient to detect the optical radiation emitted by the illumination sources  50  and  52 . Typically, the optical detector  56  is a photosensitive transistor. A target plane  66  is defined by one edge of the slot  34  and positioned adjacent to optical detection system  48 . The data entry substrate  36  is positioned adjacent to the target plane  66  and the radiation emitted by the illumination sources  50  and  52  is incident thereon, with radiation reflected therefrom impinging upon the optical detector  56 . 
     The optical detector  56  includes an emitter  56   a , a base  56   b  and a collector  56   c , with the base  56   b  functioning as the optical detector. The collector  56   c  is connected to a supply voltage V s  The optical sensor  56  produces a current in response to detecting radiation. The current is converted to a voltage by passing the current through a resistor  68  connected to the emitter  56   a . The voltage is coupled to an inverting input  70   a  of an operational amplifier  70 . Voltage present at the inverting input  70   a  is transmitted to the output  70   c  of the detector amplifier  70 . The signal at the output  70   c  is sensed by the inverting input  72   b  of an output operational amplifier  72 . If the signal at the inverting input  72   b  is above a predetermined threshold level, the same is transmitted to the output  72   c  as information which is interpreted by the controller (not shown). 
     To accurately read information from the data entry substrate  36 , two filtering circuits  74  and  76  are coupled between the output  70   c  of the detector amplifier  70  and the inputs  72   a  and  72   b  of the output amplifier  72 . High level radiation filter  74  prevents a signal from being present on the output  72   c  when high level of radiation is detected by the optical detector  56 . To that end, the high level radiation filter ensures that the voltage levels at both the inputs  72   a  and  72   b  are substantially equal. This is achieved by connecting a non-inverting input  78   a  an operational amplifier  78 , employed as a high level radiation detector, to the output of the detector amplifier  70 . The inverting input  78   b  of the high level radiation detector  78  is set to about 1.5 volt with a resistive divider network consisting of  80 ,  82 , and  84  which are coupled in series. Specifically, resistor  82  is connected between resistors  80  and  84 , with both resistors  82  and  84  connected in common with the inverting input  78   b . A side of resistor  80 , opposite to resistor  82 , is connected to the supply voltage V s . A side of resistor  84 , opposite to resistor  82 , is connected in common with a capacitor  86  and the anode  52   a  of LED  52 . A side of the capacitor  86 , opposite to resistor  84  is connected to the supply voltage V s . 
     Whenever a level of radiation detected by the optical detector  56  increases, the output of the detector amplifier  70  goes below 1.5 volts, i.e., exceeds the 1.5 volt threshold of the high level radiation amplifier  78 . This produces a negative potential at the output  78   c  of the high level radiation detector  78 . This results in the charging of a capacitor  88 , coupled thereto, through a diode  90  connected thereto in series with a resistor  92 , with the cathode  90   a  of the diode  90  being connected to the output  78   c . In this fashion, the voltage on the capacitor  88  is forced down whenever the light level detected results in the voltage level on input  78   a  going below the 1.5 volt threshold. 
     The voltage level charge status of the capacitor  88  regulates the operation of the drive amplifier  62 . Specifically, the non-inverting input  62   a  of the drive amplifier  62  is connected to one side of capacitor  88 , with the opposite side of the capacitor  88  being connected to ground. If the radiation sensed by optical detector  56  goes above a preset level, i.e., the voltage sensed by the non-inverting input  62   a  of the drive amplifier  62  is reduced, thereby reducing the brightness of the illumination sources  50  and  52 . In this manner, high level radiation filter  74  functions as an automatic gain control. To ensure that the voltage levels at the inputs  72   a  and  72   b  of the output amplifier  72  are equal which the optical detector  56  senses an increase in radiation, the filter charges the capacitor  88 , to a negative voltage, much more rapidly than discharge of the same occurs. To that end, a resistor  94  is coupled so that one side is connected in common with both resistor  92  and capacitor  88 . The remaining side of the resistor  94  is connected to the voltage supply V s . The aforementioned temporal relationship between charge and discharge of the capacitor  88  is achieved by having the value of resistor  94  being much greater than the value of resistor  92 . 
     To reduce the probability that the low radiation level signal is interpreted as a high radiation level signal, the low radiation level filter  76  is configured to detect the darkest signal present. In this fashion, problems with reflectivity of ambient light from the darkened areas of the substrate  36  are avoided. Such light may be interpreted as being high level radiation. The darkest signal present is detected by connecting together the anodes  96   b  and  98   b  of two diodes  96  and  98  to one side of a resistor  100  with the opposite side connected to the supply voltage V s , and the cathode  96   a  of diode  96  connected to the output  70   c . The cathode  98   a  of diode  98  is connected to one side of a capacitor  102  and a resistor  104 . The opposite side of the capacitor  102  is connected to ground, and the opposite side of resistor  104  is connected to resistor  106 . The side of the resistor  106 , opposite to resistor  104 , is connected to the inverting input  78   b  and, therefore, is held at 1.5 volts. In this configuration, as voltage on output  70   c  goes higher, capacitor  102  will follow, because the diodes  96  and  98  are balanced. Discharge of the capacitor  102  is through resistors  104  and  106 . In this fashion, the capacitor  102  quickly charges to a positive voltage, but discharges much more slowly than it charges. 
     A problem was encountered due to the conflicting parameters of the sensitivity and frequency response of the optical detector  56 . Specifically, it was discovered that the sensitivity of the optical detector is proportional to the value of the resistor  68 , but the frequency response of the same was inversely proportional. As a result, optical sensitivity could be achieved by employing a resistor having a value approximately 100K ohms, but the frequency response of the optical detector  56  was restricted. This resulted in erroneous readings of a data entry substrate  36  which is scanned passed the optical sensor  54  at moderate speeds. To avoid the aforementioned problem, the detector amplifier  70  is employed having the feedback resistor  68  coupled between the input  70   b  and the output  70   c  with the emitter  56   a  of the optical detector  56  coupled to input  70   b . This structure allows the sensitivity of the optical sensor  54  to be established independent of the frequency response of the same, i.e., the benefit of the full gain afforded by resistor  68  may be obtained without substantial loss in frequency response. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, to minimize the cost of the optical detection system  48 , the need for lenses was abrogated, while making the same suitable for detection of information inserted by various implements, as discussed above. However, a problem was encountered with one of the most common implements. Specifically, it was found that if the illuminating radiation impinged upon pencil marks, specularly reflected radiation would be produced which prevented detection of the information were the detection angle α is equal to the illumination angle β. The detection angle α is measured between an optical axis  56   d  of the optical detector  56  and the target plane  66 . The illumination angle β is measured between one of the optical axes  50   c  and  52   d  of the illumination sources  50  and  52 , respectively, and the target plane. To avoid this problem the illumination sources  50  and  52  and the optical detector  56  are positioned with respect to the target plane  66  to ensure that the angle detection angle α is not equal to the illumination angle β. To that end, radiation is directed toward the target plane  66  at an oblique angle. Although the illumination angle β and the detection angle α may be virtually any two angles, so long as they are not equal, typically illumination angle β, is approximately 45° with respect to the target plane  66 . The detection angle α is typically 90° with respect to the target plane  66 . 
     To reduce the probability that the optical detector  56  detects non-reflected radiation, the same is isolated from incident radiation from the illumination sources  50  and  52  by an optically opaque body  108 . The body  108  is formed from a malleability inexpensive metal, such as brass, which is darkened by a process known to those skilled in the art. At the end of the shield  108 , positioned proximate to the target plane  66 , is a terminus  108   a  having an aperture  108   b  formed therein. The shape of the aperture  108   b  is selected so that the optical detector  56  senses an elongated line of reflected radiation, a longitudinal axis of which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of each of the data regions  40 . This was found to produce the best resolution for detecting the data regions, with the best resolution being defined as follows: 
     
       
         resolution=[ a ( D   2   D   1 )]+ W   
       
     
     where “a” is the area of the slit along the longitudinal axis, “D 2 ” is the distance between the optical detector  56  and the aperture  108   b , “D 1 ” is the distance between the aperture  108   b  and the target plane  66  and W is the area of the optical detector  56 . Although an optical lens may be employed to focus reflected light on the optical detector  56 , it greatly increases the cost of the optical detection system  48  and is not preferred. Finally, to increase the resolution of the optical detector  56 , the opaque body  108  may include a spatial filter  108   c  positioned between the aperture  108   b  and the optical detector  56 . The spatial filter  108   c  has an aperture with an area slightly smaller than the area of the optical sensing portion of the optical detector  56 , with the aperture disposed in the optical axes  56   d.    
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, in operation, data is entered onto the data entry substrate  36  substrate by darkening the desired data regions  40 . The data entry substrate  36  is then inserted into the slot  34  so that the data entry regions  40  face the illumination sources  50  and  52 . The substrate is then slid along a direction, thereby scanning the card across both of the illumination sources  50  and  52  as well as the optical detector  56 . In this fashion, all information entered into the data entry regions  40  is read by the optical detection system  48 . Signals are generated by the detector amplifier  70  indicating the detection of both high level radiation and low level radiation. The high level radiation is associated with data regions  40  not containing information, as well as regions of the substrate located outside of the data entry regions. The low level radiation is associated with data entry regions  40  containing information therein, i.e., optically contrasted data entry regions  40 . To facilitate movement of the data entry substrate  36 , a felt pad may be disposed in the slot  34 . A optically transparent shield may be positioned between the slot and the optical detector  56  to prevent contamination of the same. 
     The weighted value associated with the data entry regions  40  may be determined by including adjacent to each of the data entry regions, an index mark  40   a . In this fashion, an index region  40   b  is formed on one of edge of the data substrate  36 . The index region may be sensed by a second optical detection system (not shown). In this manner, information concerning the index marks is transmitted to the controller which interprets the information to determine the sector  46  and the weighted value associated with a particular data entry region  40 . Typically, the data entry substrate  36  will have header information  40   c  associated therewith. The header information  40   c  can include the type of machine being programmed, the units which are being employed, e.g., metric or english standard units and any other information deemed necessary. The header information  40   c  will be associated with a predetermined number of data entry regions. After detecting the predetermined number of data entry regions, the controller will interpret all subsequent information from the data entry substrate as discussed above. Alternatively, the header information  40   c  may simply be bar encoded information which would be sensed by a bar code reader known to one skilled in the art. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2 ,  7  and  10 , to configure the system  10 , an installer depresses and holds button  28  for approximately two seconds to obtain the password input screen  200 . Button  26  is employed to select the proper input code. Button  30  is employed to select a different digit. This process is repeated for each digit on the display  32 . The default password is  123 . The card reader  24  will return to User Mode after 10 seconds of inactivity. 
     After entering the password, the display  24  will automatically provide a visual representation of the system capacity screen  202  every two seconds. The system capacity screen indicates the programmed capacity of the system  10 , which is used to scale actual pump quantity when reading the information concerning the same from the data entry substrate  36 . 
     To prime pumps  16 , button  30  is depressed to select the prime pump screen  204 . To select the proper value of a digit on the display  32 , i.e., pump number, button  26  is depressed. Button  28  is depressed to start the pump and depressed again to stop the pump. These steps are repeated for all desired pumps. 
     Calibration of the pumps  16  is achieved by depressing button  30  to obtain calibration screen  206 . Every two seconds the display  32  toggles back and forth between visual representations indicating a pump number and a pump calibration time. Button  26  is depressed to select the pump number to be calibrated. As before, button  28  is depressed to activate the pump selected and depressed again to deactivate the pump. Each of the pumps  16  is calibrated in this fashion. 
     To view and/or reset load counters, button  30  is depressed to obtain load counter screen  208 . Every two seconds the screen  208  displays total load counts for all formulas. Button  28  is depressed to reset the load counters. 
     The formula which is employed in the system  10  is verified by depressing the button  30  to obtain the formula screen  210 . Button  26  is depressed to sect the formula to be verified. Every two seconds the display  32  toggles back and forth between visual representations of the formula number and the status of the last read of a data entry substrate  36 . A visual representation of cd1 indicates that most recent card read was side  1 , and a visual representation of cd2 indicates that most recent card read was side  2 . Err indicates a card read error. Depress button  28  to verify information read from the data entry substrate  36 . Depress button  26  to step through all sector  46  of both sides of the most recently read data entry substrate  36 . Depress button  28  to exit the data entry substrate  36  review function. 
     To view and/or test run scaled pump amounts for the formula number selected above, depress button  30  to select the screen display  212 . Depress button  26  to select the pump number to be tested. Every two seconds the display  32  toggles back and forth between visual representations of the pump number and scaled pump quantity. Depressing button  28  activates the selected pump. To deactivate the selected pump before the aforementioned quantity is transferred, depress button  28  otherwise, the pump automatically deactivates. 
     To view the pump delay time, for the formula number selected when formula verify screen  210  is displayed, depress button  30  until screen  214  is displayed. Button  26  is employed to select the pump desired. Every two seconds the display  32  toggles back and forth between visual representations of the pump number and delay time in minutes or seconds. Delay Times in minutes are indicated with a decimal point between the middle and right digits. 
     A visual representation of a chart stop time screen  216  is displayed by using button  30 . Button  26  is employed to change between pumps to view the chart stop times associated therewith. Every two seconds the display  32  toggles back and forth between visual representations of the pump number and the chart stop time in minutes. 
     Finally, the installer mode is exited by using button  30  to provide a visual representation of the end screen  218 . Button  28  is then depressed to exit the installer mode. 
     Although the forgoing discussion has been directed to an optical card reader, it should be understood that a mechanical card reader may be employed to read information corresponding to apertures formed in the data entry substrate. Moreover, the card readers described above may be employed in other types of vending machines, including a laundry dryer and food dispensing machines. More specifically, the card reader may be employed in a chemical dispensing system of the type having one or more hoppers with a solid or powdered chemical placed therein. A solenoid is included with controls delivery of water to the hoppers. The water entering the hoppers makes the chemicals flowable so as to enter a washing chamber, either under force of gravity or through a pumping action. Therefore, the invention should not be determined with reference the description, but instead from the claims attached hereto along with the full scope of equivalents thereof.