×

Collection and processing apparatus of repeatedly used recording media

  • US 5,606,158 A
  • Filed: 02/03/1995
  • Issued: 02/25/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/04/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A recording medium collection and processing apparatus for recycling recording media which are capable of erasably recording data and are repeatedly usable, said apparatus comprising:

  • a main transport passage for transporting a recording medium taken in from outside;

    a record data reader for reading at least data indicating the number of recycle times of the recording medium taken in from the outside, written in a specific area of the recording medium;

    a controller for determining whether or not the recording medium is to be reused based on the read data indicating the number of recycle times, if the recording medium is not reused, said controller outputting a discarding command and if it is reused, said controller updating the number of recycle times and outputting data indicating the updated number of recycle times and a number-of-times write command;

    a separation section for separating the recording medium for which the discarding command is issued from said main transport passage, leaving the recording medium which has been determined to be reused on said main transport passage;

    an erasing section for erasing all record data being erasable written onto the recording medium which has been left on said main transport passage as a recording medium to be reused;

    a number-of-times writer for writing data indicating the number of recycle times of the recording medium into a specific area of the recording medium where said record data has been erased upon receipt of the number-of-times write command; and

    a first stacker for storing said recording medium which is reusable, onto which said data indicating the number of recycle times is written.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×