Multi-function system for recovering media printed with thermo-reactive ink

A multi-function system for recovering printed media printed with thermo-reactive ink that has been erased by an application of heat, the system comprising:

• a printed media input module for receiving printed media that has been printed with ink having thermo-reactive properties such that said ink is visible on said printed media when a temperature T of said ink is in a range of TL<T<TH, said ink becoming visually transparent on said printed media when heated to a temperature of at least T≧TH, said ink thereafter remaining visually transparent after said temperature T returns back to within said range, said ink becoming visually perceptible again on said printed media when cooled to a temperature of at least T≦TL, said ink remaining visually perceptible on said printed media after said temperature T returns back to within said range;
• at least one cooling element which resides on a transport path traveled by said printed media and in proximity to said printed media as said printed media travels along said transport path, said cooling element lowering a temperature T of said media to at least T≦TL, such that said thermo-reactive ink printed on said printed media becomes visually perceptible;
• and
• a graphical user interface to receive a user's selection directing a controller along said transport path to keep said printed media at a distance to said cooling element for an amount of time such that a change in said temperature T of said ink is effectuated.