Abstract:
A printing system, method, and apparatus apply indicia to a textured nonplanar object surface, such as a golf balls, baseballs, tennis ball, other types of sports balls, and other spherical, semi-spherical, cylindrical or other objects having textured, irregular curved, non-planar, or non-linear surfaces using fast drying permanent ink, ink jet printing technology through the use of an indicia-generating unit at a single station. The object is mounted on an elevatable turntable and positioned within a gimbal assembly. The object is clamped in the gimbal assembly that rotates and pivots the object as the image is transferred to the object. The system may be used to print indicia, on-demand, on individual objects or on a plurality of objects, and can be connected to a PC, and/or as part of a vending machine that accepts cash and/or credit cards, and the like.

Description:
This invention relates generally to permanent printing on textured, nonplanar objects, and, more particularly, to methods, apparatus, and systems for applying indicia to golf balls, baseballs, tennis ball, and other spherical, semi-spherical, cylindrical or other objects having textured, irregular curved, non-planar, or non-linear surfaces using fast drying permanent ink, ink jet printing technology at a single station. 
     BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
     Golf aficionados have long desired to identify and personalize golf balls for various reasons. Identification of the ball is required in official play. Most golfers mark balls to ensure that they have found and played the correct one. Balls can be marked with an alignment line around the circumference of the ball to orient the ball and as a reference mark and aid. And, as printing techniques and digital camera technology have advanced, golfers have desired digital photos, graphics or some type of decorative logo to be printed on the outer surface of the ball designed, for example, to advertise or identify a particular corporate entity, golf course, club, or resort, or as a remembrance or memento or souvenir of a place, an event or a special person. 
     Existing techniques for printing on a curved, non-planar surface such as a golf ball are limited, not timely and are not economically feasible when the quantity to be printed is less than a few dozen. One technique has been to apply a decal to the surface of the ball and then to spray the ball with a clear overcoat surface. The use of decals, though, can be troublesome and applying anything that affects the flight of a golf ball is not allowed by the Professional Golf Association. Decals are typically produced using a silk-screen process and are expensive for small quantity orders. The application of the decals and then subsequent clear overcoat is labor-intensive and thereby costly. 
     Another technique for printing text and graphics on curved objects is pad printing as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,921 to Adner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,419 to Adner et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,793 to Mello et al. The pad printing technique involves the use of a printing plate engraved or photo-etched with an image pattern. Ink applied to the printing plate is then transferred to a flexible pad placed in contact with the printing plate. The pad is then removed from the printing plate and then placed in contact with the surface to be printed, such as the surface of a golf ball. 
     Pad printing has many shortcomings for printing an image on a small quantity of objects. The fabrication of a printing plate requires that an image be developed and transferred, either by engraving or by a photographic process, to the plate. The plate itself can be expensive and transferring an image to the plate is time consuming. For every new image to be printed on an object, a new plate must be fabricated and mounted into the pad printing system. The lead-time required to proof the artwork by the customer and produce the printing pad is generally weeks and not available to individuals at home or in a retail setting. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,641 to Carlson describes another system for printing text and graphics on an object. This system discloses the use of an ink jet plotter and a mechanism to hold, position, and rotate the object. Ink jet plotting basically involves a process whereby ink particles are projected in a continuous stream toward the surface to be imprinted using appropriate computer control to create text and graphics on the printing surface. The ink jet plotter moves along a linear axis with the object positioned so that the surface of the object presents a planar surface to the ink jet plotter. This method of applying images is limited to objects with a surface that can be positioned so that the surface is parallel to the travel axis of the ink jet plotter. Although this system can be advantageous for applying an image to a small number of objects, many curved objects, such as balls and ornaments, do not present planar surfaces upon which an image can be applied. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,767 to Over et al. describes a system for printing on spherical and semi-spherical objects using a plurality of print heads, a graphics unit containing one or more ink jet printers and one or more drying stations. This system, as explained in the patent, overcomes the disadvantages of the contact printing techniques described above and the limitations of the Carlson patent. This system involves the use of a fixture to position and rotate an object and a control unit for moving the graphics unit so that the graphics unit is maintained at a desired position relative to the object as the graphics unit applies the image to the object. The graphics unit is also movable in an arc relative to the object so that an image can be applied around the perimeter of the object as it is rotated in the fixture. The image to be applied is separated into tracks and the graphics unit successively applies the image tracks to individual tracks on the object as it is rotated. 
     The system described in the Over patent has several limitations. The graphics unit moves in an arc relative to the object as the object is rotated along its axis a designated distance from the graphics unit. Each station and associated graphics unit applies a single color. After the application of an individual color at its dedicated station the object must be dried by ultraviolet light at a dedicated drying station. An image that consists of multiple colors requires that an object be moved from graphics unit to graphics unit and results in a complex and expensive system. Rotating the object, moving the graphics unit in an arc relative to the object, and then moving the object from graphics unit to graphics unit necessitates a complex control unit. The image preparation for printing requires a spherical transformation and the associated data tracks which necessitate a trained operator. This process still requires time to interact with the customer to approve the graphics before they can be applied. 
     Another U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,819 to Widman describes a “method for transferring an image onto an object having curved surfaces”, title, that requires the target surface be substantially flattened by pressing or separating a surface layer, followed by heat being applied to the surface. Furthermore, the object must be later cooled in water and then alcohol. The flattening and heating process required by this process can potentially harm and even destroy some objects such as golf balls. Also, the mechanical steps, and later steps of immersion in water and alcohol require further undesirable and time consuming steps that would not be practical to users of the process. 
     Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The first objective of the present invention is to provide a system, method, and apparatus for applying images to spherical or semi-spherical objects using a permanent quick drying, ink such as a multi-color inkjet cartridge. 
     The second objective of the present invention is to provide a system, method, and apparatus for creating, receiving, manipulating, and applying an image, multiple images or combined images including text, clip art, photographs, photocopies, or a custom image. 
     The third objective of the present invention is to provide a system, method, and apparatus for applying images at a single polar location, at dual polar locations, or along a band around the circumference of the spherical or semi-spherical objects with irregular and textured surfaces avoiding any existing logos. 
     The fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a system, method, and apparatus for transferring digital images and applying images that can be operated by an individual with limited computer experience in retail or home setting to custom print a limited number of objects. 
     The fifth objective of this invention is to provide a system, method, and apparatus for applying images wherein the systems is a free standing vending machine wherein payment is made by way of a bill acceptor or credit card reader. 
     The seventh objective of this invention is to provide a system, method, and apparatus for applying images to objects with curved surfaces at a single station without having to flatten portions of the object, take apart portions of the object, or heat, or cool the object. 
     The present invention addresses the problems described above by providing methods and systems for printing permanent text and indicia such as but not limited to graphics, and the like, on small quantities of objects having curved, non-planar, or non-linear textured and irregular surfaces. These objects include, but are not limited to, spherical objects such as golf balls, baseballs, or basketballs, and other objects such as plastic eggs. 
     Several embodiments of the invention are included. All embodiments include a golf ball printer having a fixture for receiving and holding the ball, a graphics unit for receiving graphics data and applying the graphics to the golf ball, and a gimbal assembly for moving the golf ball relative to the graphics unit. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes the golf ball printer in a facility as may typically be found in a commercial establishment. The facility provides a means for the customer to designate text, clip art, or a custom digital image, as supplied by the customer, for printing on the golf ball. The facility has the capacity to print from one to twelve golf balls at a time with payment made by way of a bill acceptor or credit card reader. The second embodiment of the invention includes the golf ball printer connected to a personal computer in a commercial establishment. A third embodiment of the invention includes the golf ball printer connected to a personal computer in a home setting. 
     Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the novel Golf Ball Printer with the ball feeder carousel/carriage shown in the lowered position. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the subject invention of  FIG. 1  showing the hinged front cover, in outline form, in both the raised and the lowered positions. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the subject invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the subject invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the subject invention with the electronics cover shown in outline form. 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the subject invention with the ball feeder carousel shown in the raised position. 
         FIG. 7   a  is a top view of the gimbal assembly of the subject invention showing the ball in the clamped position. 
         FIG. 7   b  is a cross sectional view of the gimbal assembly taken along line B—B of  FIG. 7   a.    
         FIG. 8   a  is a top view of the gimbal assembly of the subject invention showing the ball in the released position. 
         FIG. 8   b  is a cross sectional view of the gimbal assembly taken along line C—C of  FIG. 8   a.    
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the subject invention showing the gimbal assembly rotated to the rearward position. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the subject invention taken along line D—D of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the subject invention showing the gimbal assembly rotated to the forward position. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the subject invention taken along line E—E of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13   a  is a perspective view of the ball feeder carriage assembly. 
         FIG. 13   b  is an enlarged detail of the ball feeder assembly of  FIG. 13   a  showing the assembly in the lowered position. 
         FIG. 13   c  is an enlarged detail of the ball feeder assembly of  FIG. 13   a  showing the assembly in the raised position. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the ball feeder assembly components. 
         FIG. 15   a  is a section view of the subject invention, taken along line A—A of  FIG. 4 , with the ball feeder carousel shown in the lowered position. 
         FIG. 15   b  is a detail of the ball feeder assembly from  FIG. 15   a.    
         FIG. 16   a  is a section view of the subject invention, taken along line A—A of  FIG. 4 , with the ball feeder carousel shown in the raised position. 
         FIG. 16   b  is a detail of the ball feeder assembly from  FIG. 16   a.    
         FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of the subject invention with the ball feeder assembly removed. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the subject invention of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of the subject invention of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  shows the printing templates representing areas to be printed on the golf ball. 
         FIG. 21  is a logic diagram representing the steps involved in printing text and indicia on the golf ball. 
         FIG. 22  is a view of the subject invention as utilized in a kiosk version. 
         FIG. 23  is a view of the subject invention as utilized in a commercial version. This same configuration can be used in the home version by substituting the printer shown in  FIG. 17  without the ball feeder assembly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
       FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the novel golf ball printer  100 .  FIG. 2  is a side view of the golf ball printer  100  of  FIG. 1  showing the clear hinged front cover  310 , in outline form, in both the lowered and the raised positions.  FIG. 3  shows a front view of the golf ball printer  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  shows a top view of the golf ball printer  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  shows a rear perspective view of the golf ball printer  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the golf ball printer  100  is comprised of a printer frame  300 , a printing system including print head  400 , a gimbal assembly  500 , and a ball feeder assembly  600 . The golf ball printer  100  can be used to print text and indicia on various types of objects, including, but not limited to, spherical objects, semi-spherical objects, objects having curved surfaces, objects having non-linear surfaces, textured surfaces, irregular surfaces or objects having non-planar surfaces. Some examples of such objects include ornaments, golf balls, eggs, tennis balls, baseballs, and cylinders. Furthermore, the invention advantageously allows text and indicia to be applied to one object or upwards to 12 objects, objects with preprinted logos, and to objects with difficult, irregular or textured surfaces. The elements of the golf ball printer  100  will be described in more detail below. 
     Printer Frame 
     The printer frame  300  provides a supporting structure for the golf ball printer  100  and includes a clear hinged front cover  310 , as shown in  FIG. 1  that allows the operator to view the printing of text and indicia onto the object and may be opened for access to the print head  400  as shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 1  shows the counter  330 , indicator lights  340 , and control buttons  350  that are mounted in the top of the printer frame  300 .  FIG. 3  shows the power switch  360  mounted to the side of the printer frame  300 .  FIG. 5  shows the controller printed circuit board  380  and the power supply  370  mounted in the rear of the printer frame  300  and covered by the electronics cover  320 . Controller printed circuit board  380  receives the graphic input to be printed on the object from a computer and controls the functions of the ball feeder assembly  600  as necessary to rotate the carousel, transport the object to and from the gimbal assembly and print heads, rotate the gimbal assembly and the object relative to the print head, perform printing on the object, and return the object to the ball feeder assembly  600 . 
     Printing System 
       FIG. 1  shows the printing system of the golf ball printer  100  and includes the print head  400  mounted to guide bar  450 . The print head  400  is positioned longitudinally along the guide bar  450  by way of print head drive motor  460  coupled to the print head drive  440 . The print head  400  position is determined by the encoder strip  420  and the sensor  430 . The print head  400  includes a single black inkjet cartridge or a combination of a single black and a multi-color inkjet cartridge with quick drying permanent ink dispensed from the inkjet cartridge. The ink is a custom blend that is fast drying, permanent, and chemically compatible with thermoplastic resins used for golf ball covers such as Dupont Surlyn 8320. The print head  400  is positioned over the print head docking station  410  for storage until the printer is turned on. The print head  400  is then positioned over the object and ready to print. Upon completion of printing and the printer turned off, the print head  400  is repositioned into the print head docking station  410 . 
     Gimbal Assembly 
       FIG. 7   a  shows a detail view of the gimbal assembly  500  of golf ball printer  100  with the golf ball  200  in the capture position.  FIG. 7   b  is a cross sectional view of the gimbal assembly  500  of  FIG. 7   a  along line B—B.  FIG. 8   a  shows a detail view of the gimbal assembly  500  of golf ball printer  100  with the golf ball  200  in the release position. 
       FIG. 8   b  is a cross sectional view of the gimbal assembly  500  of  FIG. 8   a  along line C—C. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7   a , through  8   b , golf ball  200  is secured and positioned for printing in gimbal assembly  500 . Prior to capture in the gimbal assembly  500 , ball out sensor  540  detects if there is a golf ball  200  on raised ball feeder carousel  610 . 
     Golf ball  200  is captured within the gimbal frame  510  between freewheeling ball grip  551  and driving ball grip  552 . Freewheeling ball grip  551 , mounted on sliding grip mount  555  within grip housing  550 , retracts linearly in from grip housing  550  when grip solenoid  553  is actuated, and extends by way of solenoid spring  554  to capture the object. After capture within the gimbal frame  510 , golf ball  200  is rotated about the axis (Y-axis) that passes through the center of the freewheeling grip  551 , the golf ball  200 , and the driving ball grip  552 . The Y-axis drive motor  530 , through Y-axis drive belt  531 , drives the driving ball grip  552  and rotates golf ball  200  about the Y-axis. The rotational position of the golf ball  200  is detected by the Y-axis encoder wheel  532  and Y-axis sensor  533 . The Y-axis sensor  533  provides the feed back and controls the positioning of the object for printing about the Y-axis. The Y-axis drive motor  530  rotates golf ball  200 , about the Y-axis, as required, through the entire 360-degrees of rotation. After the ball has been rotated one time and a line of printing has been completed the gimbal frame  510  and consequently the object  200  is indexed forward and the printing of the next line of data can be accomplished. 
     Gimbal frame  510  is mounted in printer frame  300  and rotationally positioned along an axis (X-axis) that is perpendicular to the Y-axis rotation of the golf ball  200 . Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  7   a , and  8   a , the X-axis gimbal drive motor  520 , through the X-axis drive belt  521 , rotationally positions the gimbal frame  510 . At the beginning of the printing process the gimbal frame  510  is rotated about the x-axis to the full rearward position as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  as determined by the x-axis sensor  523 . When the printing of the first line has been completed, then gimbal frame  510  is indexed forward to the next position. Referring to  FIG. 5  the x-axis motor  520  indexes the gimbal frame  510  and consequently the golf ball  200  to the next position for printing about the x-axis. The rotational position of the gimbal frame  510  is detected by the X-axis encoder wheel  522  and X-axis sensor  523 . When the line of printing is sensed to be complete by the y-axis sensor  533  the golf ball  200  is index back to the beginning position by the y axis motor  530  about the y-axis as determined by the y-axis sensor  533 . The gimbal frame  510  is then indexed forward to the next position as determined by the x-axis encoder wheel  522  and the x axis sensor  523 . This process continues until the printing of the object  200  is completed. 
       FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of golf ball printer  100  showing golf ball  200  captured in the gimbal assembly  500  with ball feeder carousel  610  in the lowered position and gimbal assembly  500  rotated to the rear position.  FIG. 10  is a side view of the golf ball printer  100  of  FIG. 9  along section lines D—D. 
       FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of golf ball printer  100  showing golf ball  200  captured in the gimbal assembly  500  with ball feeder carousel  610  in the lowered position and gimbal assembly  500  rotated to the forward position.  FIG. 11  is a side view of the golf ball printer  100  of  FIG. 10  along section lines E—E. 
     Once the object to be printed is clamped in the gimbal assembly  500 , the ball feeder carousel  610  is lowered out of the way and printing is allowed to start. The printing and drying is accomplished at a single station. The print head is fixed in one position for printing while the object is rotated, in the gimbal assembly  500 , about the X-axis and Y-axis beneath the print head. 
     Ball Feeder Assembly 
       FIG. 13   a  is a perspective view, as seen from the bottom of golf ball printer  100 ; of ball feeder assembly  600  comprised of the ball feeder carousel  610  (drawing shows “carriage” not carousel) and the ball feeder drive  620 . The ball feeder base  630  is shown in outline form to abut against bracket  654 (shown in  FIG. 13   b ) to reveal the details of the ball feeder drive  620 .  FIG. 13   b  is an enlarged view of the ball feeder drive  620  of  FIG. 13   a  with the ball feeder carousel  610  in the lowered position.  FIG. 13   c  is an enlarged view of the ball feeder drive  620  of  FIG. 13   a  with the ball feeder carousel  610  in the raised position. 
       FIG. 14  is an exploded view of ball feeder assembly  600 .  FIG. 15   a  is a cross sectional view of golf ball printer  100 , along line A—A of  FIG. 4 , with ball feeder assembly  600  in the lowered position.  FIG. 15   b  is an enlarged section detail of the ball feeder assembly  600  of  FIG. 15   a.    
       FIG. 16   a  is a cross sectional view of golf ball printer  100 , along line A—A of  FIG. 4 , with ball feeder assembly  600  in the raised position.  FIG. 16   b  is an enlarged section detail of the ball feeder assembly  600  of  FIG. 16   a.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 13   a  through  16   b , the radial drive stepping motor  640  rotates ball feeder carousel  610  by way of the radial drive worm  642  and the radial drive gear  641 . The radial drive gear  641  is attached to the ball feeder carousel  610  so that rotation of the radial drive gear  641  is directly translated to rotation of the ball feeder carousel  610 . A plurality of fixed rotational positions of the ball feeder carousel  610  are defined by the Z-axis drive indexing tabs  657  engaging the Z-axis indexing spline tube  655  which when acting together assures the accurate positioning of the golf ball  200  about the z-axis directly below the gimbal assembly  500  as shown in  FIG. 2  in the proper position relative to the driving ball grip as shown in  FIG. 8   a.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 15   b  and  16   b , the Z-axis drive stepping motor  650  raises and lowers the ball feeder carousel  610  by way of the Z-axis drive worm  652 , Z-axis drive gear  651 , about axle  653 , and Z-axis drive lift worm  656 . As the Z-axis drive lift worm  656  is rotated, the Z-axis drive worm nut  658 , attached to the ball feeder carousel  610 , is driven vertically along the length of the Z-axis drive lift worm  656  and through the Z-axis indexing spline tube  655 . The direction of Z-axis drive worm nut  658  travel and the resulting raising and lowering of the ball feeder carousel  610 , is determined by the direction of rotation of the Z-axis drive lift worm  656 . The Z-axis drive worm nut  658 , with attached Z-axis indexing tabs  657  and radial drive gear  651 , travel vertically through the Z-axis indexing spline tube  655  as determined by the rotation of the Z-axis drive motor  650 . During the printing process the ball feeder carousel  610  is lowered enough to provide clearance for the rotation of the gimbal assembly  500  about the x-axis and y-axis. When all the golf balls have been printed the ball feeder carousel is returned to its complete lowered position  FIG. 1  to unload the golf balls. If for some reason during the printing process a golf ball is not present when the ball feeder carousel is at the ball feeder up position  FIG. 6  the ball out sensor  540  will recognize the condition and stop printing. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the golf ball printer  100  shown without ball feeder assembly  600 .  FIG. 18  is a side view of the golf ball printer  100  of  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 19  is a front view of the golf ball printer  100  of  FIG. 17 . This configuration is for another embodiment of the invention for home use which is the manual ball feed configuration. Referring to  FIG. 1  when the clear hinged front cover is opened the print head  400  moves to the side and provides the operator access to the gimbal assembly  500 . The operator presses the control button  350 . Referring to  FIG. 7   a  when the control button  350  is pushed the grip solenoid  553  is activated and it retracts the sliding grip mount  555  and the attached free wheeling ball grip  551 . The operator inserts the golf ball  200  against the driving ball grip  552 . The operator presses button  350  and the grip solenoid  553  is de-activated and the solenoid return spring  554  pushed the sliding grip mount  555  and the attached free wheeling ball grip  551  against the golf ball  200  securing the ball for printing. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates the areas on the golf ball  200  that can receive printing by the subject invention. The printing can include text, text with images, or logos at a single polar location, at dual polar locations, or in a band around the circumference of ball with the band as wide as 1 inch. The Template for 1 Pole is a two dimensional representation of an area of the golf ball  200  wherein the printing is confined to 1 pole. The Template for 2 poles is a two dimensional representation of the two area of the golf ball  200  wherein the printing is confined to 2 poles. The Template for Image Band is a two dimensional representation of a band around the circumference of the golf ball  200  wherein the printing is located 360 degrees along the circumference of the golf ball  200  within a band as wide as 1 inch. The software will place the image to be printed in the selected template area or multiple areas. Within the templates the image to be printed is first automatically centered horizontally and vertically but then the option is made available for “custom placement”. In the case of custom placement the user can click on each element he placed in the template and move it around to his liking and resize it if desired. 
       FIG. 21  is a logic diagram representing the steps involved in printing text and indicia on the golf ball  200 . Steps in the printing process are described in the blocks drawn with solid lines. Computer screens displayed to the user are described in the blocks drawn in dashed lines. “ 
       FIG. 22  is an illustration of a second embodiment of the subject invention. The golf ball printer  100 , including ball feeder assembly  600 , is mounted to the kiosk base assembly  700 . Kiosk base assembly  700  incorporates a computer and disk drive (not shown). 
     The facility is used to print text, clip art images, and/or custom images on the textured surface of golf balls. The number of golf balls and text is input by the customer through keyboard  720  and viewed on monitor screen  710 . A plurality of clip art is resident on the computer for customer review and selection. Custom images, developed by the customer on his home computer with any one of a number of standard graphic programs such as Paint Shop Pro, are input via a floppy disc (not shown). The text and indicia is previewed on monitor screen  710  before printing is started. 
     The facility can be installed in a commercial establishment, such as a pro shop or golf course, where it will accept currency and can be operated by any individual with limited experience with computers. Payment is made by way of the bill acceptor  730  with change returned through the bill change chute  740 . The bill acceptor  730  can be a standard commercial bill acceptor such as MEI Bill Acceptor Series LE 3800. 
       FIG. 23  is an illustration of a third embodiment of the subject invention. The golf ball printer  100 , including ball feeder assembly  600 , is linked to a personal computer  800 . 
     Printing parameters are entered by way of the keyboard  820  and the mouse  830  and viewed on the computer monitor  810 . 
     The personal computer  800  includes a computer such as an IBM compatible PC with an Intel Pentium processor and the like having a 333 MHZ or higher processor speed, including a 128 Megabytes of system RAM, 300 Megabytes of free space on a hard disk drive, and an 8 Megabyte video card. The computer monitor  810  is a standard color monitor such as a Gateway EV500 capable of 1024×768 resolution. Software for the personal computer  800  includes custom software and image manipulation software such as Paint Shop Pro to generate text, images, or logos. 
     Custom software allows the operator to select one of several templates that correspond to the desired location of printing on the ball and the configuration of indicia to be printed. The software allows the operator to type in information, select font size and style and/or drag and drop an image into the template. The operator can then size the image to suit personal preference. 
       FIGS. 17 through 19  illustrate a fourth embodiment of the subject invention. The golf ball printer  100  is configured in a less expensive configuration without the ball feeder assembly  600  for use in a home version. The golf ball printer  100  is connected to the home owner&#39;s personal computer that is running the custom software provided with the golf ball printer  100 . In the home version configuration, the golf ball printer  100  would allow printing of one ball at a time. 
     A method of operation for the golf ball printer  100  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The golf ball  200  to be printed is placed and aligned to the reference marks, for proper orientation, in one of the 12 saddles of the ball feeder carousel  610 . Aligning the golf ball  200  to reference marks when combined with the custom software allows printing on the object to avoid preprinted areas on the object such as the name of the ball or preexisting logos. The ball feeder assembly  600  rotates the golf ball  200  radially about the Z-axis into position below the gimbal assembly  500  using the Z-axis drive indexing tabs  657  and the Z-axis indexing spline tube  655  to provide accurate positioning of the ball feeder carousel  610 . Ball feeder assembly  600  raises the golf ball  200 , placed on ball feeder carousel  610 , along the Z-axis into position within the gimbal assembly  500 . Grip solenoid  553  clamps the golf ball  200  in the gimbal assembly  500  for printing. Once the golf ball  200  is clamped in position and ball feeder carousel  610  is lowered out of the way, the printing process starts. 
     The printing process is accomplished at a single station by a combination of a single black and a single multi-color inkjet cartridge with quick drying permanent ink in the print head. The print head is fixed in one position for printing while the golf ball  200  is rotated about the X-axis and Y-axis beneath the print head. Fixing the print head in a single position avoids problems with spherical transformation and print registration of the prior art that requires both object and print head to move in order to apply indicia to the surface of the object or requires the object to be moved to two or more different stations in order to apply two or more different colors of ink. Once the golf ball  200  has been printed the ink has dried immediately, the ball feeder carousel  610  is raised into position below the golf ball  200 . The gimbal assembly  500  releases the golf ball  200  into the ball feeder carousel  610 . The ball feeder carousel  610  is lowered with the golf ball  200  in one saddle of the ball feeder carousel  610 . The ball feeder assembly  600  rotates the golf ball  200  radially about the Z-axis to present the next ball for printing. 
     As described above, the golf ball printer  100  can be used to print text and indicia on various types of objects, including, but not limited to, spherical objects, semi-spherical objects, objects having curved surfaces, objects having non-linear surfaces, objects having textured or irregular surfaces, or objects having non-planar surfaces. Some examples of such objects include ornaments, golf balls, eggs, tennis balls, and baseballs, other types of sports type balls, and bottles, cylinders or tubes such as prescription bottles. Furthermore, the invention advantageously allows text and indicia to be applied to one object or upwards to 12 objects and to objects with difficult or textured surfaces. 
     The invention can be used to print various types of indicia such as but not limited to text, text with logos, logos, designs, photographs, photocopies, combinations thereof, custom indicia, and the like. 
     While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.