Method, apparatus and system for printing on textured, nonplanar objects

A compact single station apparatus for receiving digital images and printing permanent multi-colored graphics on an object with a non planar, textured and irregular surface comprising:

• an indicia-generating unit;
• a gimbal for clamping and positioning said object under the indicia-generating unit;
• a control unit for controlling said object relative to the indicia-generating unit so that said object is maintained at a fixed position relative to the output of the indicia-generating unit while rotating the object about a first axis and a second axis;
• a support with a base on which said object is mounted;
• and
• a transfer means for moving the support and base on which said object is mounted in order to position said object under the indicia generating unit, wherein the indicia-generating unit, the positioning means, the control unit, the support and the transfer means are within a single station.

A method of applying graphics to an object having non-planar, textured and irregular surfaces at a single station, comprising the steps of:

• receiving and holding said object having a non-planar, textured and irregular surfaces at one station, the holding includes clamping said object in a gimbal mount;
• receiving graphics data to be applied to the non-planar, textured and irregular surfaces of said object at the one station;
• moving said object relative to an indicia-generating unit so that said object is maintained at a fixed distance to the output of said indicia-generating unit at the one station;
• applying permanent graphics using an inkjet cartridge, to the non-planar surface of said object at the one station.

An apparatus for printing graphics on an object with a non planar, textured and irregular surface at a single station comprising:

• a support base;
• an indicia-generating unit comprised of two inkjet cartridges;
• a gimbaled mounting apparatus comprising:
• a frame;
• a clamping means for securing said object within said frame;
• a rotating means for rotationally driving said object about a first axis;
• a support means for supporting said frame at a pair of support points orthogonal to said first axis defining a second axis;
• a pivoting means for pivotally driving said frame about said second axis;
• whereby said object is rotationally and pivotally positioned below said indicia generating unit at a fixed distance from said indicia generating unit;
• a control unit for controlling said object relative to the indicia-generating unit so that said object is maintained at a fixed position relative to the output of the indicia-generating unit, wherein the frame, the clamping means, the rotating means, the support means, and the pivoting means are located at a single station.

A compact single station apparatus for receiving digital images and printing permanent multi-colored graphics on an object with a non planar, textured and irregular surface comprising:

• an indicia-generating unit;
• a positioning means for clamping and positioning said object under the indicia-generating unit;
• a control unit for controlling said object relative to the indicia-generating unit so that said object is maintained at a fixed position relative to the output of the indicia-generating unit while rotating the object about a first axis, a second axis and a third axis;
• a support with a base on which said object is mounted;
• and
• a transfer means for moving the support and base on which said object is mounted in order to position said object under the indicia generating unit, wherein the indicia-generating unit, the positioning means, the control unit, the support and the transfer means are within a single station, said transfer means is a rotatable and elevatable table for moving said object with curved surface under said indicia-generating unit in such a manner as to avoid preprinted areas.

A method of applying graphics to an object having non-planar, textured and irregular surfaces at a single station, comprising the steps of:

• receiving and holding said object having a non-planar, textured and irregular surface at one station;
• receiving graphics data to be applied to the non-planar, textured and irregular surface of said object at the one station;
• moving said object relative to an indicia-generating unit so that said object is maintained at a fixed distance to the output of said indicia-generating unit at the one station, the moving comprises rotating and pivoting said object in a gimbal mount;
• applying permanent graphics using an inkjet cartridge, to the non-planar surface of said object at the one station.

A method of applying graphics to an object having non-planar, textured and irregular surfaces at a single station, comprising the steps of:

• receiving and holding said object having a non-planar, textured and irregular surface at one station, the step of receiving and holding said object comprises rotating and elevating said object on a turntable-carriage at the one station;
• receiving graphics data to be applied to the non-planar, textured and irregular surface of said object at the one station;
• moving said object relative to an indicia-generating unit so that said object is maintained at a fixed distance to the output of said indicia-generating unit at the one station;
• applying permanent graphics using an inkjet cartridge, to the non-planar surface of said object at the one station.