PAPER RECYCLING APPARATUS USING A LASER BEAM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for recycling waste products, and more particularly to paper recycling; and still more particularly to recycling through a method and apparatus for selecting acceptable candidate sheets of paper and removing toner deposits thereon.

Brief Description of the Prior Art The explosive growth in printer installation and combined growth in copier installation and usage has created a huge demand for cut sheet paper. Worldwide cut sheet paper demand is expected to grow from 7.6 million metric tons (3.3 billion reams) in 1992 to 12.0 million metric tons (5.3 billion reams) by the year 2000. Attempts to conserve or recycle paper have met with only minimal success. A study on office paper usage commissioned by the EPA revealed that 85% of all office paper is discarded, with only the remaining 15% being diverted to files. Only 19% of the discarded paper is currently recycled, leaving approximately 70% of all office paper purchased ultimately ending up in dump sites. Attempts to increase the percentage of office paper being recycled are hampered by the high costs of recovery, de- inking, and reprocessing. Given the world wide concerns for the environment, and the limited land fill available for municipal solid waste, alternatives to discarding office paper are critical. Current paper recycling involves a dedicated commitment from users to deliver waste paper to recycling centers rather than to the waste basket. For most users, there is no payback or incentive. Also, the recycling procedure is practically feasible only in massive quantities, whereby the paper is re-mulched and inks are

removed. The end product is left with a discoloration, often requiring a uniform color additive, effectively labeling the paper as recycled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for recycling paper at a users place of business, thereby providing a tangible incentive. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means for taking the output of any laser xerographic printer, xerographic copier, plain paper xerographic fax, or ink jet printer and removing the toner/ink so that the paper can be used multiple times. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a paper recycling method and apparatus that is capable of selecting paper to meet specific, selected quality standards, thereby maximizing the usage possibilities. It is a further object of the invention to provide a paper recycling method and apparatus that is cost effective, being capable of producing recycled paper for less than the cost of virgin paper. Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a system wherein an operator, through an operator control panel, can select the quality of paper output based upon the planned usage, and can determine which documents are to be processed based upon the percentage of the document covered with toner/ink. A paper feeder delivers the documents to a pre-processor, where a bit map of the deposits is made through optical scanning, and sent to a system control module. The system control module then determines if the document meets the operator selected requirements for processing. If not, the paper is sent to a reject bin. Documents to be processed are then sent to a mechanical press where wrinkles are removed, and then delivered to a defuser, where a laser, directed by the control system module using the bit map information, focuses on the deposits and

ablates them. The paper is then sent to a mechanical buffer where any remaining particles are buffed out. Following this, the paper is subjected to a second optical scanning, and a bit map is sent again to the control system module, where the bit map is compared with an algorithm to determine if the paper meets the required quality standard set by the operator. If it does not, it is sent to the reject bin, and if it does, it is sent to a paper stacker. The advantages of the invention include the provision of a paper recycling machine that can be part of any office site, allowing the operator to minimize his paper costs, and actively participate in conservation of natural resources. A further advantage of the invention is the provision of a recycling method and apparatus that can potentially result in a significant reduction in land fill deposits, and reduce our consumption of timber. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art after having read the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the several figures of the drawing.

IN THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is an illustration depicting elements of an apparatus for recycling paper; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustrating the elements of a paper recycling system; Fig. 3 is a schematic illustrating the elements of the operator control panel; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a paper feeder; Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the component parts of the pre-processor; Fig. 6 is a schematic illustrating the paper conditioner; Fig. 7 is a block illustration showing the components of the pre and post scanners;

Fig. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of a positioning means; Fig. 9 is an illustration of a paper handling means; Fig. 10 is a schematic showing the operation of the selector located in the pre-processor; Fig. 11 is an illustration of the defuser; Fig. 12 is a block illustration of the components in the post processor; Fig. 13 is a schematic showing the operation of the selector located in the post processor; Fig. 14 is an illustration of a paper buffing apparatus; Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing the various sections of the system control module and the controlled components; Fig. 16 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment ■ of a positioning means and paper holding means; Fig. 17 is an illustration of another positioning and paper handling means; Fig. 18 illustrates the use of multiple positioning means spaced along a document handling means; Fig. 19 is an illustration of a multiple laser array with a particle collection apparatus; Fig. 20 illustrates a laser means using fiber optics tubes; and Fig. 21 is an illustration of a system arrangement using only one scanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawing, there are shown in schematic form, the various elements of an embodiment of the invention. There is a laser 10, responsive to a laser directing means 11, including a reflector 12 and a positioning means 14. There is also a detecting means 15, and lying beneath the laser directing means 11 are a paper handling means 18, a paper holding means 21, and a document 26 in place for processing. In addition, there is an exhaust means 20 and a control means 22.

A primary purpose of the laser 10 is to provide a beam of energy for ablating ink/toner on a document, and the laser directing means 11 directs the beam of energy to a spot on the document 26. Although Fig. 1 shows only one laser 10 and positioning means 11, multiple lasers in array, or separate lasers with each having its own positioning means, are included in the invention. As depicted in the drawing, the laser 10 and directing means 11 are also meant to serve the function of a pre- processor scanning means for scanning the entire document to detect deposits. In this mode of operation, the laser 10 is operated at a low power and serves as a light source for the scanning operation. The light beam, from the laser 10 in the low power mode, is scanned over the entire document. In this scanning mode of operation, the detecting means 15 is activated to produce a signal in response to the beam energy reflected off of the document 26, thereby providing data indicative of the position of ink or toner deposits, which reflect less light than the adjoining lighter areas. The signals from the detecting means 15 are sent to the control means 22, where it they are processed. Exhaust means 20, located adjacent the document, removes particles and vapor produced as by products of the ablation process. The holding means 21 is for securing the document 26 in position, and paper handling means 18 positions the document for processing, in response to the control means 22. In addition, control means 22 provides power and direction to all of the abov--. elements. In operation, a document to be recycled is positioned by the paper handling means 18 and retained by the document holder 21. A procedure of detecting and storing the location of ink/toner deposits is then implemented. This is schematically represented in the figure by a scanning means including the laser 10 working at a low power, to provide a beam of energy to be scanned over the document 26 by the directing means 11 comprised of positioning means 14 and reflector 12. The beam is largely reflected off of the document 26 in white areas, and is to

a great extent absorbed in the darker areas containing ink/toner. The detector 15 senses the different reflections and sends a signal to the control means 22 where the signal data is stored. The control means uses this signal data, along with calibration information on the position of the laser 10 and detector 15, to create a bit map of the ink/toner locations. This bit map is then used to direct the laser 10, which is now set at a higher power level, to ablate the deposits on the document 26. In addition to the directing means 11 illustrated in Fig. 1, other embodiments are more fully discussed in the following, and are all capable of scanning the laser beam, or beams, in a raster fashion, moving laterally one line at a time, or more efficiently in a vector manner, moving from one deposit position directly to the next, taking the shortest distance and thereby minimizing ablation time. These variations are all included in the spirit of the invention. The energy of the laser beam ablates the ink/toner into particles and vapor which are then collected by the exhaust means 20. The apparatus of Fig. 1 is for purposes of illustrating the more basic functional elements of the embodiments to be more fully detailed in the following. Various means of scanning the document and directing the laser and handling the paper are possible and will be obvious to those skilled in the art. These, as well as the following detailed embodiments are included in the spirit of the invention. Referring now to Fig. 2 of the drawing, there is shown a block diagram of a paper recycling system, including a paper feeder 28 with a feeder output 30, connected to a preprocessor 32. The pre-processor 32 has first and second pre-processor outputs 34 and 36, to defuser 38 and reject bin 40 respectively. The defuser output 42 is connected to post processor 44, which has post processor first and second outputs 46 and 47, to a paper stacker 48 and to a reject bin 40 respectively.

Control means 22 is shown to include operator control panel 50 connected to system control module 52 with interconnections to each of the above described elements 28, 32, 38, 40, 44 and 48. Also shown is a power distribution 54 with connections to all of the above described elements. The paper feeder 28 stores documents for processing and feeds them through output 30 to the pre-processor 32. One of the functions of the pre-processor is to scan the document to determine the location and quantity of ink/toner deposits, and the existance of any tears. This information is forwarded to the system control module 52 for processing. Based upon the data relating to the quantity of ink/toner deposits and tears, and user selected options through the operator control panel 22, to be discussed more fully in the following, the system control module 52 directs the pre-processor 32 to either accept or reject the particular document. A rejected document is expelled through output 36 and passed to reject bin 40. An acceptable document is then conditioned by the pre-processor 32 and sent through output 34 to the defuser 38. The data sent to the control module by the pre processor 32 is also used by the control module 22 to create a bit map of the location of the deposits on the document. This bit map information is then used by the control module 22 to instruct the defuser 38 to direct and energize the laser beam only at the deposits on the document. The system control module 52 can be programmed to either raster scan, line by line, or vector drive a laser or lasers to the various deposits. The vector drive, which takes the laser from one point to another on the document by the shortest path, is by far the more efficient and is the preferred embodiment. This use of bit map information in the above manner reduces processing time as well as energy consumption. After the ablation of the deposits, the control module 22 directs the defuser 38 to send the document to the post processor 44. The post processor 44 functions to remove any remaining particles on the paper, and scans the d ^* cument

to supply information to the system control module 52 for a determination as to whether or not the processed document is acceptable. The post processor 44 then receives an instruction from the system control module 52 to either pass the paper through output 47 to the reject bin 40, or to the paper stacker 48. The paper stacker 48 receives and stores the acceptable, finished paper. Paper that is not found to be acceptable is sent to the reject bin 40. In addition, the post processor scanning works in cooperation with the user selected operator control panel 22 settings, the system control module 52 and the defuser 38 to minimize the time required for document processing. If the data from the post processor scanning indicates to the system control module 52 that the amount of ink/toner on the finished paper is greater than that specified by the operator control panel 22 for a specified percentage of documents, the system control module 52 slows down the defuser 38 or increases the laser power to ablate a greater percentage of the deposits. If the system control module 52 determines that the amount of ink/toner on the finished paper is less than that required for a specified percentage of documents, the system control module 52 will speed up the defuser 38 until the quantity is equal to that specified, reducing the ablation time and thereby increasing the rate of finished paper output. In addition to the above mentioned operations, the system control module 52 provides control of all of the paper recycling operations, and the operator control panel 50 serves as a user to system interface allowing an operator to select from a number of alternatives affecting quality and speed of processing. In operation, the paper feeder 28 stores documents having deposits to be removed, and upon command from the system control module 52, sends a document through output 30 to the pre-processor 32. The pre-processor then optically scans the document, collecting information on the location of the deposits and sends this information to the system control module for creation of a bit map. The

system control module then compares the bit map with an algorithm to determine if the document is acceptable for processing, based upon selected quality factors provided from the operator control panel 50. If the document is unacceptable; for example, due to excessive deposits of ink or toner, or due to tears, the system control module 52 sends instructions to the pre processor 32 to reject the document, which is then diverted by the pre processor through output 36 to the reject bin 40. If the system control module finds the document acceptable, the bit map is stored and an instruction is sent to the preprocessor to complete pre processing, including pressing to remove any wrinkles or creases. The acceptable document is then transferred via output 34 to the defuser 38. The defuser accepts the document and responds to instructive control signals from the system control module 52 to remove the deposits according to the stored bit map that was created during pre-processing. The bit map serves as guiding data to the control module to direct the defuser to aim and energize the laser only at deposit areas, and to move from one deposit to the next by the shortest path, thereby conserving processing time and energy. In the case where there is an array of laser beams, the position of each beam on the document is stored in the system control module, and each beam can be energized or not as necessary to ablate the ink/toner deposits. The defuser 38 then passes the document through output 42 to the post processor 44 where the document is subjected to a buffing process to remove any remaining loose particles, whereupon it is again scanned as in the pre-processor, to create a bit map of any remaining deposits, which information is sent to the system control module 52 and compared with an algorithm selected by the operator control panel 50 to determine if the quality is acceptable. If the quality is all right, the system control module 52 instructs the post processor 44 to transfer the paper through output 46 to the paper stacker 48. If the quality is unacceptable, the system control module 52 instructs the post processor 44 to transfer the

paper through output 47 to the reject bin 40. In the event that the amount of deposits on the processed paper is less than that required by the selected quality, as chosen through the Operator Control Panel, the system control module 52 can be programmed to reduce the laser, or lasers, power and/or reduce the time the power is applied. The result will be either minimizing processing time or energy consumption, or a combination of the two. The power distribution block 54, in response to a signal from the system control module 52, supplies the required power to all of the elements above described. Another function that is inherent in the design is that of proper paper indexing or i.e., determining a reference point for finding the location of ink/toner deposits in the pre processor that can be transferred to the operation of finding the deposits again when the document is in the defuser. The apparatus described in Fig. 1 has built in reference because the paper does not move relative to the positioning means, as a result of both the pre processor scanning and ablation being done be the same positioning means. In the more general case where the pre processing and ablation are done with separate positioning means, other methods must be used. One method is to mark the document in the pre processor with special indicator points, and perform a scanning operation in the defuser to locate the marks and feed back the data to the system control module 52 to use for reference. Another method would be to use mechanical stops in the pre processor scanner and defuser to locate the paper edges. Various other means will no doubt be obvious to those generally skilled in related arts. Referring now to Fig. 3 of the drawing, there are shown the various elements associated with the operator control panel 50. The major blocks are a Quality Selector 56, a Document Selector 58 and a Decoder 60. Within the Quality Selector 56 section are Draft 62, Internal 64, and Correspondent 66. Within the Document Selector section 58 are Text 68, Compound 70 and All 72.

The Document Selector 58 allows the operator the ability to determine the amount of deposits i.e., ink or toner, etc. on a document selected for processing. Within the Document Selector 58, the Text 68 option specifies the least amount of toner/ink allowed, and amount that is representative of typical document text. The Compound 70 selection allows a larger quantity of ink/toner deposits, and the ALL 72 selection represents the maximum quantity of ink/toner allowed on a document to be processed. The Quality Selector section 56 provides the operator the ability to set the level of deposits allowable on a finished, acceptable paper. The Draft 62 option represents the lowest quality, i.e., specifies the maximum allowable amount of ink/toner, suitable only for draft copies. The Internal 64 is a better quality, and the Correspondent 66 is the best quality. The decoder 60 translates signals from the control panel selectors 62-72, to a code acceptable to the system control module 52. In operation, the operator control panel 50 allows a user to determine the quality of paper, including the quantity of toner on a document, presented to the defuser 38 for removal of deposits, sending any documents that fail to meet the criteria to the reject bin 40, via pre- processor output 36 as shown in Fig. 2. It also allows the operator to select, at the post processor stage, paper with a specified quality, or i.e., level of deposits to be sent to the paper stacker 68 or to the reject bin 40. In order for the operator control panel to interface with the control module 52, the decoder translates the signals supplied by the selectors 62-72 to a code that is compatible with the system control module 52. Again, in the Document Selector section 58, where the operator can choose the maximum allowable level of ink/toner on documents to be processed, the Text 68 selection instructs the system control module 52 to compare the particular document's bit map with the algorithm allowing only the least amount of ink/toner on a document to be processed. This in practice would be paper with only a normal amount of text. The system

control module 52 then compares the algorithm with the bit map provided by the pre processor 32, and instructs the pre processor 32 to only pass documents of the selected quality, including a specified maximum amount of toner, to the defuser 38, or reject an unacceptable document, passing it to the reject bin 40. Since the amount of time a document spends in the defuser 38 depends on the quantity of ink or toner on the document, the operator selection of Text quality is a choice that speeds up the paper recycling time, at the expense of rejecting a percentage of paper at the beginning of the process. The Compound 70 and All 72 selections operate in a similar manner, with the All 72 setting allowing documents for processing that have the highest level of ink or toner. In the Quality Selector section 56, allowing the operator to select the amount of ink/toner on a finished/processed document, the Draft 62 selection instructs the system control module 52 to select the algorithm allowing the highest allowable level of ink/toner remaining on a finished paper, the system control module then instructing the post processor 44 to send the selected quality level of paper to the paper stacker 48, and any with more ink or toner to the reject bin 40. The Internal 64 and Correspondent 66 function in a similar manner, with the Correspondent 66 selection requiring the use of the algorithm specifying the highest quality for the paper stacker. For both the Document Selector and Quality Selector sections, the specific settings, algorithms, or setting descriptions can be varied according to the specific use requirements, all such variations being within the scope of the invention. Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown the paper feeder 28, consisting of a housing 74, a paper level adjusting means 76, an ejection means 78, and an output 30. The housing 74 holds the paper stack 80 and gives support to the adjusting means 76 and ejection means 78. The adjusting means 76 supports the paper stack 80 so as

to be ready for ejection. The ejecting means 78 ejects the paper through output 30. In operation, documents with ink or toner on them are stacked in the paper feeder 28 and are adjusted to the proper tension/level by adjusting means 76. Upon command from the system control module 52, ejection means 78 feeds a paper through output 80 to the pre-processor 32. Referring now to Fig. 5, there is shown a further detailed block diagram of the pre-processor 32, including an input 30, a pre-processor scanner 82, a selector 84 with a selector input 86 and outputs 88 and 36. Output 88 is also input to a paper conditioner 90 with an output 34. The pre processor scanner 82, upon command from the system control module 52, optically scans the document being processed a ^* "i sends the information to the system control module 52. This information is used by the system control module to create a bit map of ink/toner deposits on the document, the first purpose being to evaluate the quantity of ink/toner, compare it with the selection made from the operator control panel, and either accept of reject the document for processing. The selector 84 then switches the paper flow from input 86 to output 88 upon command from the system control module for an acceptable document, and from input 86 to output 36 for an unacceptable document, as discussed above. Following this, the paper conditioner 90, under control on the system control module 52 presses the document to remove wrinkles and creases, and passes the document to the defuser through output 34. The second purpose of the bit map data is to provide guidance to the defuser 38 to direct and energize the laser beam only to the deposit areas, thereby conserving energy and processing time. A third purpose can be to detect paper position indexing data from a paper edge, a first and last character, or a special implanted indexing mark, to pass to the system control module for use in positioning the document in the system. Referring now to Fig. 6, there is shown a further detail of the paper conditioner 90, including an input

roller feed means 92, an output feed means 94, a press means comprised of rollers 96 and 98 and a pressure regulator 100, a heat means 102, and water vapor means 104. Input roller means 92 receives a document and feeds it to the rollers 96 and 98. Rollers 96 and 98 pull a document through and apply pressure, regulated by pressure regulator 100. Heat and water vapor are applied through heat means 102 and water vapor means 104. In operation, a document is received by input roller feed means 92 from the preprocessor scanner 82 and is pressed between rollers 96 and 98, the pressure being regulated by pressure regulator 100 to remove wrinkles and creases. In addition, heat means 102 and water vapor means 104 may be applied to aid in the pressing operation. Output feed means 94 then propels the document through output 34 to the defuser 38. Referring now to Fig. 7, there is shown further detail of the pre processor scanner 82, including an optics head 106 connected to a first optics positioning means 108. There is also shown paper handling means 110 and control means 22. The optics head 106, mounted on the first optics positioning means 108, provides optical capability to sense darkened areas on the document. The first optics positioning means 108 directs the optics head to the various positions on the document. The function of the paper positioning means 110 is to receive, hold, and position the document for scanning, and to deliver it on to the next stage of processing. In operation, the control means 22 provides instruction/ control for all functions, beginning by directing a document to be fed to the pre processor through input 30. The paper handling means 110 then receives the document, holds it, and positions it for scanning. The first optics positioning means 108, in response to the control means 22, scans the optics head 106 over the document, and transfers data indicative of darkened, deposit areas, to the control means 22. In

response, the control means 22 processes this information to create a bit map of the deposit locations for at least two purposes. The first is to compare it to a selected algorithm, determined by the particular selection from the operator control panel 50 (Fig. 2) , to determine if the document is acceptable for further processing. The second purpose is to use the bit map to guide the laser beam in the defuser 38, as explained above. A third possible purpose is to provide indexing means for positioning the document in the defuser. Referring now to Fig. 8, there is shown a particular embodiment of the positioning means 108 in more detail. A first motor means 112 is connected to a first β shaft 114 having a first axis 116. First drive shaft 114 is connected to frame 118. A second motor means 120 is mounted to frame 118, and has a second drive shaft 122, having a second axis 124 perpendicular to said first axis 116. Second shaft 122 is connected to mounting means 126. The function of the first motor means 112 is to receive instruction from control means 22 to rotate first shaft 114 to a particular position, thereby also rotating mounting means 126 to that position. Similarly, second motor means 120 also receives instruction from control means 22 to rotate second shaft 122 to a particular position and thereby also mounting means 126. Frame 118, attached to drive shaft 114 and motor means 120, is configured so as to position the two axis 116 and 124 perpendicular to each other. In operation, the control means 22 provides instruction to first and second motor means 112 and 120 to position the mounting means 126 at a particular angle. In system operation, the optics head of Fig. 7, or a laser means 10, is mounted on the mounting means 126. In the case of an optics head, the scanning operation is then performed as described in the section discussing Fig. 7. The operation with a laser means will be more fully described in connection with Fig. 11. Referring now to Fig. 9, there is shown a more detailed embodiment of a paper handling means 18. There

is shown a motor means 127, a conveyor means 129, and a holding means 131. The function of the motor means 127 is to propel the conveyor means 129, upon which a document 133 is transported. The paper holding means 131 causes the document to adhere securely to the conveyor means 129. Control for the conveyor means 129 and holding means 131 is provided by control means 22. One fundamental purpose of the paper handling means 18 is to move the document 133 into a position for the pre processor scanning operation as above explained. A second purpose is to position the document in the defuser 38 for the scanning function required in the ablation process. A third purpose would be to work in cooperation with an exclusively lateral moving positioning means, either in the pre or post scanners or in the defuser, by providing the required longitudinal positioning in response to direction from the control module 22. Referring now to Fig. 10, there is shown a schematic of the selector 84 located in the pre-processor 32, as shown in Fig. 5. There are shown an input feed means 128, a first output feed means 130, a second output feed means 132, and a first switch means 134. Input feed means 128 receives a document from input 86 and propels it onward. Similarly, first and second output feed means 130 and 132 receive the document and propel it to outputs 88 or 36 respectively. Switch means 134 receives instruction from control means 22 to direct the paper to either output 88 or 36. In operation, a document is fed to input 86 from the pre-processor scanner 82 of Fig. 5. The input feed means 128 receives the document and propels it on. Switch means 134 receives an instruction from control means 22 to either direct the document to output 88 or to output 36 depending on whether the control means 22 found the document to be of acceptable or unacceptable quality for processing. The output feed means 130 and 132 then receive and propel the document through either output 88 or 36, depending upon the switch 134 position.

Referring now to Fig. 11, there is shown a block di" gram with further detail of the defuser 38. There is shown the positioning means 14, a laser means 135, the paper handling means 18, and the exhaust means 20. There are also shown, the input 34, the output 42, and the control means 22. Laser means 135 provides a beam or beams of energy, and is partially or completely mounted to positioning means 14, depending upon the particular embodiment of the laser means. In the case of the mirror 12 and laser 10 depicted in Fig. 1, only the mirror would be mounted on the positioning means 14. The positioning means 14 in that case would be of the type illustrated in Fig. 8. In general, positioning means 14 adjusts the laser beam or beams to the required location(s), as directed by the system control module through use of the bit map data, as described above. The exhaust means 20 removes particles and vapor, filters them out of the air stream and retain. them in a containment chamber. Paper handling means IS receives, holds, and positions the document being processed, or additionally works in cooperation with the positioning means 14 to locate the beam on the deposits. The control means 22 provides control of all of the above described elements. In operation, a document is fed to input 34 from the pre-processor and is received and positioned by the paper handling means 18. The control means 22 using the bit map created from the pre processor scanning operation, instructs the positioning means 14, or the positioning means in cooperation with the paper handling means 18, to direct the laser means 135 on the particular locations of deposits on the document being processed. The control means 22 then instructs the laser means 135 to supply the energy which ablates the deposit, and exhaust means 20 collects the ablated fumes and particles. The paper handling means 18 then moves the document out through output 42. Also included in the defuser is a means for locating the document relative to the location in the pre processor 32, or i.e., relative to the bit map location

information stored in the system control module 52. This may be accomplished by use of a separate location detector in the defuser, or by purely mechanical means. Such position location means are understood by those skilled in the general art. Referring to Fig. 12, there is shown a block diagram with more detail describing the post processor 4 . There is an input 136, a buffer 138, and a post processor scanner 140 with an input 142 and an output 144. Following the post processor scanner 140 there is a second selector 146 with outputs 46 and 47. The mechanical buffer 138 buffs the paper to remove any remaining loose particles. The post processor scanner 140 performs an identical scanning operation to that of the pre-processor scanner 82 described in detail above for document quality determination. In addition, the post processor provides information that is used by the system control module 52 to direct the defuser 38 to adjust the laser energizing time or power level to optimize the quantity of paper output. This was more fully described in relation to Fig. 2 above. The second selector 146 directs paper arriving at input 144 to either output 47 or 46 depending upon the instructions received from the control means 22. In operation, paper is fed to the mechanical buffer 138 through input 136 from the defuser 38. The buffer 138 scrubs/buffs the paper to remove any remaining particles and passes the paper to the post processor scanner 140. The post processor scanner 140 is of the same structure and basic operation as the pre processor scanner 82. It scans the paper, gathering data to send to the control means 22 where a bit map is created and compared with an algorithm selected by the operator control panel 50. This selection is made from the Quality Selector section 56 determining the amount of ink/toner that is acceptable on a finished paper. If the paper is acceptable, selector 146 is instructed by control means 22 to direct the paper to output 46 to the paper stacker 48. If it is not

acceptable, the control module instructs selector 146 to direct the paper to output 47 to the reject bin 40. Referring now to Fig. 13, there is shown a schematic of the second selector 146. There is an input feeder means 148, switch means 150, and first and second output feeder means 152 and 154. Input feeder means 148 receives the paper from output 144 of the post scanner 140 and propels it onward. Switch means 150 selects the path to either output 47 or 46. Output feeder means 152 and 154 propel the paper through outputs 47 and 46. In operation, the paper is fed from the post processor scanner 140 through output 144. It is received by input feeder means 148, which propels the paper forward. The switch means 150 is controlled by control means 22 to direct the paper to output 47 leading to the reject bin 40 if the control means 22 found the paper of unacceptable quality as described above. If the paper is found to be of acceptable quality, switch means 150 is controlled to direct the paper to output 46 to the paper stacker 48. Output feeder means 152 and 154 give required impetus to the paper. Referring now to Fig. 14, mechanical buffer 138 is s ^"1 ;.wn in more detail. There is an input feeder means 156, ar-d input paper holding means 158. This is followed by a buffer means 160, and then an output feeder means 162 and an output paper holding means 164. The input feeder means 156 propels and gives support to the paper. In addition the paper is held more securely to the feeder means 156 y the input paper holding means 158. The buffer means 160 scrubs the paper to remove may remaining particles of ink/toner. Following this, the output feeder means also guides and propels the paper, and the output paper holding means 164 secures the paper to the output feeder means 162. In operation, paper is fed to the buffer 138 through input 136. It is adhered to the input paper feeder means by input paper holding means 158, and to the output feeder means 162 by the output paper holding means 164- The

buffer means 160 then scrubs the paper, removing any remaining particles. Following this, the paper is propelled by the output feeder means 162 through output 142. Referring now to Fig. 15, there are shown the various functional blocks of the system control module 52 and their connection to the above described elements, hereafter in this section designated alternatively as subsystems. There are shown the paper feeder 28, pre- processor 32, defuser 38, post-processor 44, paper stacker 48, and control panel 50. The elements of the system control module 52 include a power distribution control 166, a paper stacker controller 168, a paper feeder controller 170, a scanner controller 172, a paper handling controller 174, a control panel controller 176, a laser means driver 178, a positioning means controller 180, a microprocessor 182, a safety and control interlock 184, a memory 186, and a read only memory (ROM) 188 which includes a control code 190, an analysis code 192, and a vectoring code 194. The system control module 52 interfaces and controls all of the various sub-systems, 28, 32, 38, 44, 48 and 50. Within the system control module 52 the microprocessor 182 uses the controll codes 190, 192, 194, memory 186, controllers 168-176 and 180, and laser means driver 178 to perform the recycling system management. The control code 190 is used to control all the paper handling systems, including the paper feeder 28, paper stacker 48, paper handling means 18, and movement of the positioning means 14. Additionally, the control code 190 interprets input from the operator control panel 50, the safety and control interlock 184, and subsystem controllers 168-176 and 180. The analysis code 192 is used to interpret output from the pre processor and post processor scanners 82 and 140 for mapping the location of the toner/ink on the document to determine the percentage of toner/ink coverage and quality level. The analysis code 192, in conjunction with the vectoring code 194 is used by the microprocessor 182 to control the movement of the positioning means 14

(which positions the laser means 135) , and the paper handling means 18 (controlling paper moving under the laser array) , and the individual diode laser pulse length and dwell . Similar paper movement control is imposed to accomplish relative positioning of the paper and optics to accomplish pre and post scanning. The vectoring code 194 is used to optimize the movement of the positioning means 14 and thereby the laser means 135, and also the paper handling means 18, and to pulse the diode lasers to minimize the time to ablate the toner/ink from the document and thus increase the device throughput. The controllers 168-176 and 180, and drivers 178 respond to input from the microprocessor 182 to control the sub-systems within the invention. They also provide information from their respective subsystems to the microprocessor for analysis. The safety and control interlocks 184 analyze the operation of the various sub-systems to assure proper operation and provide interrupt faults to the microprocessor 182. Faults such as paper jams, failure of the recirculation system, "full" particle containment chamber 284 of Fig. 19, or unsafe conditions are detected by the safety and control interlocks 184 and transmitted to the microprocessor 182. The power distribution control 166 controls the necessary AC and DC power to the various subsystems. Referring now to Fig. 16, there is shown a positioning means 195 and paper handling means 197 which are alternate embodiments to positioning means 14 and paper handling means 18 of Fig. 1. The positioning means 195 includes a support 196, a carriage 198 with a mounting means 200, a drive belt 202, a motor 204, a position detector 206, a capstan 208, and drive shaft 210. The support 196 provides support to the carriage 198. The carriage is slidably mounted on the support 196 and has mounting means 200 for mounting a laser means or an optical head. The motor 204 is for driving the carriage. The belt 202 is attached to the carriage, and rotatably

positioned around capstan 208 and drive shaft 210, for transferring rotational motor motion to linear carriage movement. The position detector 206 is for detecting the position of the belt 202 and thereby the carriage 198 and transmitting this data to the control means 22. The paper handling means 197 consists of motor 212, belt 214, drive roller 216, roller 218, and paper holding means 220. The motor 212 empowers drive roller 216, turning the belt 214 around the roller 218 in response to instruction from the control means 22. The paper holding means 220 causes the paper to adhere to the belt 214, and can be constructed in a number of ways including a vacuum means providing suction force through a pervious belt to attract the paper, or by electrostatic means. In operation, the above described combination can be used to provide the paper handling and scanning operations in the defuser 38 and the pre-processor and post processor scanners 82 and 140. In the defuser 38, the laser means 135 would be attached to the carriage 198, whereas in the pre or post processor scanners, the optics head 106 would be attached. In either case,- a document is input from the previous stage of processing to the paper handling means 197 where the paper is caused to adhere to the belt 214 by paper holding means 220. The paper is then positioned under the carriage 198, upon which is mounted either the laser means or and optics head. The drive belt 202 is encoded so as to allow position detector 206 to send data indicative of carriage 198 position to the control means 22. The control means 22 then uses this information to direct the motor 204 to position the carriage laterally across the paper. The control means 22 also provides information to the motor 212 to position the document and thereby the relative carriage position longitudinally. In this way the combination above described can be used in either the scanners or the defuser. Referring now to Fig. 17, there is illustrated a still further combination providing a means for positioning a laser means or optics head relative to a document. There is an XY actuator means 222 comprised of

a first plate 224 upon which is slidably mounted a second plate 226. Motor . 3 is connected to first plate 224, and to second plate 226 by X drive means 228. A third plate 242 is slidably mounted on second plate 226. Motor 232 is mounted to second plate 226 and connected to third plate 230 by Y drive means 234. Paper holding means 236 is attached to third plate 230. There is an input feeder means 238 with a motor 240 and a roller 242, and an output feeder means 244 with a motor 246 and roller 248, the motor being attached to third plate 230. There is shown a positioning means 250 comprised of a support 252 mounted to first plate 224, with a mounting means 254. The positioning means 250 is for supporting a laser means over the paper positioning means 222. Input and output feeder means 240 and 244, through motors 240 and 246 and rollers 242 and 248, transfer a document on and off of the paper holding means 236 in response to direction from the control means 22 (not shown) . The XY actuator positions a document in the XY plane relative to the positioning means 250. Motor 228, with drive means 256 moves the second plate 226 in the X direction, and motor 232 and drive means 234, attached to the second plate, moves the third plate 230 in the Y direction. In operation, a document is fed and propelled forward by the motor 240 and roller 242 of input feeder means 238. The paper holding means 236 secures the document in place. Upon instruction from the control means 22 of Fig. 1, the actuator 222 moves the document to a particular selected position relative to the mounting means 254, and thereby also the laser means. Referring now to Fig. 18, there is shown a further alternate positioning means and paper handling means, employing multiple positioning means located over the paper handling means. There is shown a first positioning means 258 with a first carriage 260, a second positioning means 262 with a second carriage 264 located over a paper holding means 266 and a paper handling means 268. The first and second positioning means 258 and 262 independently position the first and second carriages

across a document. The paper holding means 266 holds the document and the means 268 receives and positions the document. In operation, optics heads or laser means are affixed to the carriages for use in the scanners or the defuser. The positioning means 258 and 262 can be of any type, including those shown in Figs. 1, 8, 16, 17. The paper handling means 268 can also be of any type compatible with the positioning means, including those described in the preceding figures of the drawing. Compatibility requirements between the positioning means and the paper handling means include the requirement that if the positioning means is only capable of lateral movement, then the paper handling means must move longitudinally, for example. And in further example, if the positioning means does not move at all, such as in Fig. 17, then the paper handling means would have to be able to move in both directions, etc. The advantage of multiple positioning means is a decreased processing time in inverse proportion to the number of optics heads or laser means employed. Referring now to Fig. 19, there is shown another laser means with exhaust means for use in the defuser 38. There is shown a laser means 270 consisting of laser array 272, chamber 274, air intake 276 and air output 278. Also shown is an exhaust means 280 comprised of a duct 282, a particle filter and containment chamber 284, pump 286, and connective hoses 288, 290 and 292. Laser array 272 is an array of multiple lasers, or laser array, mounted to ablation chamber 274 for ablating deposits on the documents to be processed. The ablation chamber 274 provides means for mounting the laser array 272, and serves as an enclosure for air circulation for laser cooling and for aid in collection of ablated particles and vapors. Exhaust means 280 includes a duct 282 means for collection of air. A particle containment chamber 284 is for filtration and collection of ablated particles and vapor. The pump 286 provides circulative motivation for air or other gas used in the system.

In operation, the laser means 270 is mounted with the ablation chamber 274, to a positioning means of the type described above, and is directed in cooperation with the positioning means by control means 22 to ablate the ink/ toner deposits on a document. The ablation chamber 274 has an input 276 for air, driven through hose 292 by pump 286. The air flowing in the ablation chamber cools the laser array and picks up particles and vapors from the ablation process, being collected by the duct 282, and then swept through hose ?88 to the particle containment chamber 284, where they ra filtered and contained. The chamber has an output hose 290 joining it to the pump 286 to complete the recirculating system. Referring now to Fig. 20, there is shown a further embodiment of a laser means 294. There is shown a laser source 296, an ablation chamber 298, and fiber optics tubes 302. Also shown are an air input 304 and an exhaust port 306. The laser source 296 generates a laser beam or beams. The fiber optics tubes transmit or guide the beams to the ends 308 of the tubes 302. Ablation chamber 298 provides support for the tubes 302, and aids in particle and vapor collection. It also serves as means for mounting on a positioning means, and has an air input 304 and an output 306. Although only two fiber optics tubes are shown, the invention includes the use of one or more, as indicated by the dotted indications 300. In operation, the ablation chamber is mounted to on~. of the above described positioning means, and an air pump and filter and particle containment chamber similar to exhaust 280 in Fig. 19 is connected to input 304 and output 306 for particle collect, on. The laser beam or beams emerge at ends 308 and are directed to a particular deposit on a document by one of the positioning means above described, as directed by control means 22. Referring now to Fig. 21, there is shown an alternate arrangement of system elements, configured so as to require only one scanning device.

There are shown the operator control panel 50, the system control module 52, the paper feeder 28, the paper conditioner 90, the defuser 38, the mechanical buffer 138, the paper stacker 48, and the reject bin 40. In addition, there is one scanner 310, a first switch 312 and a second switch 314. The first switch has ports 316-322, and the second switch has ports 324-330. The functions of the above listed elements have been described fully in the discussions relating to the preceding figures of the drawing, with the exception of the scanner, which is identical to the pre or post scanner, but now serves both functions, and the first and second switches 312 and 314. The switches 312 and 314 provide paper path selection to enable the use of only one scanner. In operation, the control means 22 directs the switches 312 and 314 to the scanner 310 for it to function alternately as a pre scanner and then as a post scanner. The control means also switches the electrical signal paths to the scanner, to again function alternately as a pre or post scanner. Functioning as a pre scanner, switch 314 directs a document from port 326 to 324. Then switch 312 directs the scanner output from 322 to 316 if the document is acceptable, or from 322 to 320 to the reject bin 40 if it is not. For a document exiting the buffer 138, switch 312 directs the paper from port 318 to 322 to the scanner for evaluation. If the finished paper is acceptable, the switch 314 directs the paper from port 324 to port 328. If the paper is not acceptable, the switch 314 directs paper from port 324 to 330 to the reject bin 40. Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above in somewhat general and schematic terms, it will be appreciated that certain alterations and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be interpreted as covering all such alterations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: