Automatic Nail Painting Machine

Abstract

Electronic device for the automated painting and drying of fingernails, which allows the user to choose the color they want to paint the nails as well as to carry the device due to its light weight. In one embodiment, the device has a sensor that identifies the hand that has been introduced in it and activates the activation of the device, a touch LED screen, which allows the user to choose the nail and color with which to paint it, without the need for specialized personnel to operate it, as well as to inform the user through visible and audible means the process taking place. In one embodiment, the unit contains capacitive and infrared sensors to detect the difference of the surface of the finger and nail, a computer or processor which guides and controls the paint head with the ink that carries the staining of the surface of the nail. In one embodiment, a device expels air towards the nails and then applies a beam of ultraviolet light for rapid and uniform curing/drying. Once the process with one hand is done, the device prompts user messages through the speaker and LED touch screen, so that the user may insert another hand to repeat the process.

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         11 . An apparatus for the automated painting of human fingernails comprising;
 a housing having two or more apertures, where each such aperture is suitable for the insertion of one or more human digits, including the thumbs;   sensor means for sensing the position of a finger and its fingernail;   means of applying nail polish said fingernail, where said nail polish or nail enamel application means allow for the application and positioning in three-dimensional space of said application means on said one or more fingernails.   
     
     
         12 . the apparatus of  claim 11  wherein;
 said means for applying nail polish or nail enamel comprises a moving spray mechanism. 
 
     
     
         13 . the apparatus of  claim 12  wherein;
 said sensor means includes an infrared sensor. 
 
     
     
         14 . the apparatus of  claim 13  wherein;
 said sensor means includes a capacitive sensor. 
 
     
     
         15 . the apparatus of  claim 14  wherein;
 said moving mechanism includes a gimbaled spray mechanism. 
 
     
     
         16 . the apparatus of  claim 15  wherein;
 said housing has six or more openings, with two of those openings suitable for the insertion of a human thumb. 
 
     
     
         17 . the apparatus of  claim 16  wherein;
 said apparatus further comprises indicators of the operating status of the unit. 
 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus for the automated painting and drying of finger nails comprising;
 an enclosure housing the unit, said enclosure comprising an LED touch screen for graphically showing the hand which has been introduced, an ergonomic base to place the hand, wrist and forearm, one or more openings for the placement of enamel dispensing containers, said containers identifying said enamel's color, electrical cable connectors, speaker, and access to air outside said enclosure, and two or more openings for the insertion of human fingers;   a sensor for detecting the position of a finger and the position of the nail within said finger; and   nail painting mechanism movable in three or more dimensions.   
     
     
         19 . the apparatus of  claim 18  further comprising;
 said enclosure has six finger openings, each opening having a channel, so that the five from one side and the five from the other side form the shape of a human hand; and 
 said nail painting mechanism is comprised of a painting nozzle, with a nozzle distance to nail adjustable between 0.1 mm to 75 mm. 
 
     
     
         20 . the apparatus of  claim 19  wherein;
 said nail painting mechanism is comprised of both capacitive sensors and infrared sensors; 
 said nail painting system is comprised of one or more motors, one or more nozzles, one or more tubes, one or more compressors, one or more pneumatic valves for painting, an air issuing device, gears, and a UV lamp for drying enamel and lacquer finish. 
 
     
     
         21 . the apparatus of  claim 20  wherein;
 one or more of said enamel dispensing containers connects to the device and provides access to the enamel glaze so that when moved through a channel said glaze passes to the injector and/or applicator. 
 
     
     
         22 . the apparatus of  claim 21  wherein;
 said dispenser system allows the identification of the color of enamel, date of last use and the remaining amount in the same. 
 
     
     
         23 . the apparatus of  claim 22  wherein;
 said LED touch screen shows graphically the hand in place, points the fingers and numbers them from 1 to 5, colors that are available in the dispenser, the level of remaining glaze and the last date of use. 
 
     
     
         24 . the apparatus of  claim 23  wherein;
 said enclosure comprises a speaker. 
 
     
     
         25 . the apparatus of  claim 24  wherein;
 said enclosure has an air opening, which allows for cross ventilation through the help of an internal fan. 
 
     
     
         26 . the apparatus of  claim 25  wherein;
 the enclosure includes a USB port that allows users to download songs to play while the device performs the nail polish.