Self-contained medium circulation system

Abstract

Apparatus and method for a painting machine are provided. The painting machine may include an end effector controlled by custom software. The painting machine may include a self-contained medium circulation system. The custom control software may be capable of coordinated n-axis manipulation of an end. Illustrative end effectors may include an inkjet head, brush, air brush or any suitable tool for applying ink, paint, color and/or texture to a surface. For example an end effector may utilize oil-based ink or ultraviolet-cured ink. Illustrative surfaces may include canvas, paper, brick, glass etc. The custom control software may control manipulation of the end effector based on a variety of electronic inputs. The custom software may manipulate different end effectors in different ways depending on the input data, type of ink/paint being used, type of surface receiving the ink/paint or any other variable.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for painting a medium along a vector path, the system comprising:
 an end effector configured to apply the medium to a surface;   an circulation subsystem that controls medium pressure and medium circulation using a single pump; and   software and hardware that control movement of the end effector and applying the medium, along the vector path and relative to the surface.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the ink circulation subsystem comprises a microcontroller that dynamically controls a meniscus pressure. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the ink circulation subsystem comprises:
 a receptacle; and 
 a conduit that is configured to carry the further comprising a pump that is configured to transfer the medium from the second receptacle to the first receptacle. 
 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  further wherein the microcontroller adjusts the meniscus pressure in response movement of the end effector. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  further comprising a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure generated by the pump. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the software regulates a quantity of the medium applied by the end effector to the surface. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the end effector comprises one or more of:
 an inkjet head;   an airbrush;   a paintbrush; and   a paint roller.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the end effector comprises:
 a first inkjet head; and 
 a second inkjet head; 
 
       wherein the first and second inkjet heads are moveable with respect to each other. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the end effector applies the medium based on pressure applied to the medium and a control signal generated by the software that triggers a change in the pressure. 
     
     
         10 . A system for painting a medium along a non-linear path, the system comprising:
 an end effector configured to apply the medium to a surface;   a receptacle that holds the medium applied by the end effector; and   a conduit comprising:
 a first segment that transfers the medium from the receptacle to the end effector; and 
 a second segment that transfers the medium from the end effector to the receptacle; 
   a pump that moves the medium through the conduit and maintains a pressure in the conduit;   software that controls movement of the end effector and deposit of the medium, along the non-linear path relative to the surface.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the pump comprises an Archimedes screw. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a valve that regulates a flow of the medium from the receptacle into the conduit. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a pressure sensor that detects changes in the pressure in the conduit;
 wherein the pump is responsive to the changes in the pressure. 
 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a filter that allows air to enter the receptacle. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the receptacle is a first receptacle holding a first medium and the first receptacle is removable from the system and replaceable with a second receptacle holding a second medium. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the medium comprises a white colored ink. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a mixing chamber that mixes a plurality of foundational ingredients to form the medium. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the pump maintains the pressure during rotation of the receptacle, conduit or end effector. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the end effector comprises:
 an ingress port that allows the medium to enter the end effector; and   an egress port that allows the medium to exit the end effector.   
     
     
         20 . A system for depositing a medium along an arbitrary vector path, the system comprising:
 an end effector configured to apply the medium to a surface;   a housing configured to rotate the end effector;   a receptacle that holds the medium applied by the end effector;   a conduit that transfers the medium from the receptacle to the end effector;   a pump that moves the medium through the conduit and maintains a meniscus pressure in the conduit;   software that controls movement of the end effector and deposit of the medium, along the arbitrary vector path and relative to the surface.   
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 :
 the end effector mounted to the housing using an embedded bearing that defines a rotational axis; and   the housing comprising a planetary gear system configured to rotate the end effector about the rotational axis.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 20  wherein the housing defines a rotational axis and is configured to rotate the end effector 360° about the rotational axis.