Q re: the Un-Copy Machine (invented by J.Garcia)

Factual Questions
1

I once read a book in the library about child inventors, one of whom invented the UnCopy Machine. I just now did a www search & came across this:
http://web.mit.edu/invent/www/inventorsA-H/garcia.html

I wonder whether this machine has ever been developed for the personal computer user to be used in conjunction with (or built into) a printer. I wonder whether Hewlett Packard has looked into the idea. I for one would find it practical to be able to use the same sheets of paper over and over again (not to mention tree conservation.) However, if strong chemicals are involved, forget it, as I’m chemical intolerant.

2

I’ve seen something similar to this; a Japanese inventor (I think) developed a machine that would lift even standard laser print off a page using a gel roller of some sort.

Only a couple of drawbacks with that;
-There was no way to make it cost effective, given the comparatively low price of paper and toner.
-It meant that you could erase the printed contents of a page on company headed paper and just leave the ballpoint signature of the Managing Director, then you could reprint the page with a letter saying ‘give Mangetout a hefty pay raise’ - like eraseable ballpoints (paper mate replay?), the idea went the way of the dodo because no reputable company wanted to be responsible for fraud.

3

you mean erasermate? or was it repaly in your neck of the woods?

4

Definitely branded as replay in the UK.

I used to like those pens, I am right that they’re not available anymore aren’t I?

5

Well, I can get Erasermates - I don’t really like them, though, because the ink looks weak.

6

I’ve done a quick search and it looks like they are no longer available in the UK; I seem to remember there was a genuine legal issue with them and they were withdrawn (over here anyway) or something.

7

Cute! I didn’t think of that; wonder if it could work with greenbacks too.