Method and apparatus for digital printing

An apparatus for depositing a liquified material on a surface, comprising:

• stream means for providing a fluid stream;
• wheel means for advancing a material disposed on at least an outer edge thereof through said stream means, said stream means oriented for removing said material from said wheel means;
• application means for applying said material onto said wheel means;
• and
• control means for selectively rotating said wheel means relative to said stream means and thus controlling the quantity of material removed from said wheel means by said stream means.

An apparatus for digital painting, comprising:

• a frame;
• a plurality of printing units secured to said frame, each of said printing units comprising:
• at least one wheel having an outer edge selectively rotatable by a motor;
• a liquid dispenser for depositing a quantity of liquid on said wheel proximate said outer edge;
• at least one air jet positioned proximate said outer edge for removing at least a portion of said quantity of liquid and directing the liquid toward the print medium as said wheel rotates through said at least one air jet.

A method of digital printing, comprising:

• providing at least one printing unit comprising:
• at least one wheel having an outer edge selectively rotatable by a motor;
• a liquid dispenser for depositing a quantity of liquid on said wheel proximate said outer edge;
• and
• at least one air jet positioned proximate said outer edge for removing at least a portion of said quantity of liquid and directing the liquid toward the print medium as said wheel rotates through said at least one air jet.
• electronically controlling rotation of said at least one wheel;
• applying a liquid to said outer edge of said wheel;
• and
• directing a fluid stream at the outer edge of said wheel to remove liquid from said wheel and direct it toward a surface.