Abstract: A multi-layered golf ball having a core, moisture vapor barrier layer, and outer cover, wherein the moisture barrier layer is preferably made from a non-ionomeric polyolefin composition is disclosed. The moisture barrier layer is applied at very low thickness, preferably in the range of 0.0001 to 0.010 inches, so that the playing performance properties of the ball are not altered. Preferably, the moisture vapor barrier layer is applied over the core material using powder coating or solution coating methods.

Abstract: Golf balls containing at least one layer made from a thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurethane-urea that is the reaction product of a polyisocyanate with moisture-resistant polyol and a curing agent are provided. The moisture-resistant polyol may be prepared by dimerizing unsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid or ester containing 10 to 60 carbon atoms followed by reacting it with a monomeric, oligomeric, or polymeric diol. In one preferred version, the moisture-resistant polyol is a branched polyester polyol containing 36 carbon atoms. The composition can be prepared using prepolymer or one-shot manufacturing techniques. The resulting golf ball has desirable playing performance properties including high resiliency, toughness, impact durability, moisture-resistance, and soft feel.

Abstract: A multi-layered golf ball having an inner core, at least one intermediate layer, and outer cover is provided. The intermediate layer is made from a polyurea composition containing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene powder particulate dispersed therein. The intermediate layer provides the ball with advantageous properties including improved durability, toughness, hardness, and impact-resistance.

Abstract: Golf balls containing at least one layer made from a rubber composition comprising a benzenetrisamide nucleating agent are provided. The rubber composition preferably contains a free-radical initiator agent, cross-linking agent, and fillers along with the base rubber and nucleating agent. Golf balls of various constructions may be made including two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece balls. The composition is used preferably to form a golf ball core having improved resiliency, durability, toughness, and impact strength.

Abstract: An automated object inspection system is presented. The inspection system includes an imaging system to produce at least two images of said object having different optical properties and an analyzer coupled to the imaging system to receive the images and to perform a variety of inspection operations on said images. The imaging system may produce images of the object under inspection in the visible range having varying exposure values. A vision engine included in the analyzer may combine said images through an algorithmic process into one image having high light dynamic range. Alternatively, the imaging system may produce images of the object in the visible or non-visible electromagnetic range. The analyzer may perform inspection routines on said images. An imaging system capable of producing digital video is presented, wherein each frame of video produced by said camera is composed of multiple images having different optical properties.

Abstract: A golf ball having at least a core and a composite layer comprising a fibrous material and a matrix material is disclosed. The fibrous material may comprise a polymer, glass or metal. The matrix material preferably comprises a translucent polymer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous material comprises a ferromagnetic material and the golf ball is subjected to induction heating to improve adhesion between adjacent ball layers. The golf ball may additionally comprise a translucent cover layer surrounding the composite layer or an intermediate layer disposed between the composite layer and the core.

Abstract: Methods for cooling golf ball cores are provided. The methods involve passing a matrix of hot golf ball cores through a die plate to separate individual golf ball cores from the matrix. The die plate has a plurality of holes and each hole is sized to allow a single golf ball core to pass there through. A post-cure unit is arranged to receive the hot cores for additional curing and cross-linking. The hot, cured golf ball cores are then passed through a cooling section where high velocity air is passed over the golf ball cores to achieve the desired level of cooling. The cooling section may contain a fan assembly including an air diffuser to provide sufficient air flow coverage. The cooled golf ball cores may be delivered to a pneumatic delivery system for additional processing.

Abstract: An automated object inspection system is presented. The inspection system includes an imaging system to produce at least two images of said object having different optical properties and an analyzer coupled to the imaging system to receive the images and to perform a variety of inspection operations on said images. The imaging system may produce images of the object under inspection in the visible range having varying exposure values. A vision engine included in the analyzer may combine said images through an algorithmic process into one image having high light dynamic range. Alternatively, the imaging system may produce images of the object in the visible or non-visible electromagnetic range. The analyzer may perform inspection routines on said images. An imaging system capable of producing digital video is presented, wherein each frame of video produced by said camera is composed of multiple images having different optical properties.

Abstract: Golf balls having a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core contains a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is thin relative to the center and outer core layer. In one embodiment, the relatively hard intermediate core layer has a surface hardness of 80 to 90 Shore C which is greater than the center hardness and surface hardness of the outer core layer. In another embodiment, the cover includes an inner cover layer having a surface hardness of 60 Shore D or greater and an outer cover layer having a surface hardness of 20 to 70 Shore D.

Abstract: A method for scanning an object is provided. The method involves placing the object on a scanning platform. The scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around the object to be scanned. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. A positioning system including at least one sensor is used to determine if the foot is located within a predetermined scanning area. The method can be used to measure foot dimensions for the production of shoe lasts and construction of shoes. The method can be used in a system for selecting shoes that properly fit.

Abstract: A method of orienting a spherical object comprising the steps of acquiring an image of a spherical object at an imaging station; analyzing the image with a first computer to determine an analysis; transferring the object from the imaging station to orienting stations using a transfer mechanism; and orienting the object to a predetermined orientation according to the analysis; wherein the orienting stations comprise first, second, and third stations each rotating the object about a single axis; the first, second, and third stations collectively orienting the object by rotation about alternately perpendicular axes. In one embodiment, at least one of the orienting stations is at least partially mounted onto the transfer mechanism. In another embodiment, the transfer mechanism is a compliant object carrier that is movable translationally and substantially immovable rotationally. In an alternate embodiment, the ball is orientated with a gimbaled mechanism. An object orienter is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noncontact printing method for applying indicia, such as insignia or stripes, on at least one subsurface layer of a transparent or translucent cover golf ball, e.g. the core, or one or more intermediate layers. The indicia may be visible in ambient light or are only visible when exposed to specific non-ambient light wavelengths, e.g. ultraviolet wavelengths. Advantageously, this method of noncontact printing on subsurface golf ball layers substantially improves the durability of indicia because such indicia are protected from direct abrasion and club impacts by the cover. Moreover, unlike pad printing, noncontact printing forms indicia that are not susceptible to ink degradation because the indicia are solid markings created by very small discrete dots. In one embodiment, both the cover and the intermediate layer(s) may be transparent or translucent and thusly decorated to achieve previously unattainable image depth effects.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, an outer cover layer, and, optionally, an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer is provided. The core, intermediate layer, or cover layer includes a composition formed from a base polymer blend, a crosslink initiator, and at least one additive. The outer cover layer may comprise a polyurethane or polyurea composition. The base polymer blend preferably includes two or more rubber materials. The additive has at least one C—O—B linkage, the carbon in the linkage being a secondary or tertiary carbon and is selected from the group consisting of boranes, borates, boronates, borinates, heterocylic compounds having at least one boron atom as a ring member, boron-containing organosulfides, salts of such additives, and metal salts, organometallic salts, and non-metal salts of boron complexes.

Abstract: A golf ball having an improved dimple pattern is disclosed. The dimples may have a regular or irregular polygonal perimeter, an undimpled land surface and a depression therein. The perimeter may alternatively comprise a number of linear sides and at least one curved side. At least a portion of the bottom of the depression is convex such that its curvature is substantially identical to the curvature of the land surface making the depth of that portion constant along its surface relative to the land surface. The depression may further comprise a sub-depression. Alternatively, the depression may further comprise a projection. Additionally, the depression may have a polygonal or circular perimeter.

Abstract: A method for coating golf ball components is provided and includes the step of adhering a thin layer of a non-ionomeric polyolefin powder to the interior surfaces of a golf ball mold. The polyolefin powder is adhered to the mold using electrostatic, tribostatic or fluidized bed processes. The golf ball component is placed within the mold, and a sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the mold so that the thin layer of non-ionomeric polyolefin powder fuses to the golf ball component.

Abstract: A method for inspecting golf balls is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one sensor capable of obtaining images of the infrared radiation emitted from the ball, obtaining at least one image of the ball using the sensor after paint or a coating has been applied to the surface of the ball, and determining whether the liquid was applied evenly on the surface of the ball. Preferably, the image is obtained during the transient period when the solvent in the paint or coating is evaporating. A number of numerical analysis can be used to determine the evenness of the paint or coating.

Abstract: A method for inspecting golf balls is disclosed. An imager such as a camera captures a spectral image of the golf ball. The spectral image is captured line-by-line as the golf ball rotates. The lines are then packed together to form a three-dimensional spectral image of the golf ball showing full spectral information for every pixel. The resultant three-dimensional spectral image is then analyzed, such as using a pattern matching or threshold analysis tool. If a golf ball passes the inspection, it is permitted to advance in the processing. If the golf ball does not pass the inspection, it may be diverted. This inspection system is capable of detecting very subtle color differences, so the system is particularly applicable for use in inspecting primer coat coverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a numerical analysis for predicting golf ball launch conditions, e.g., velocity, launch angle and spin rate. By acquiring pre-impact swing conditions, e.g., club speed, rotational rate and ball hit location, along with pertinent club features, e.g., moment of inertia, and ball impact features, e.g., normal and transverse forces as well as time of contact, the method can predict the resulting trajectory and launch conditions of the golf ball. The predicted ball launch conditions and trajectories can also be used to modify one or more properties of the golf ball or golf club. The time of contact measurements can be corrected to account for drag force.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrated curing and cooling of golf ball cores. A plate die is used to separate hot golf ball cores from a post-mold matrix. The hot golf ball cores are held in an insulated unit to maintain the elevated temperature of the golf ball cores to achieve additional curing or cross-linking. The hot, cured golf ball cores are then passed through a cooling section where ambient, turbulent air is passed over the golf ball cores to achieve the desired level of cooling. The cooled golf ball cores are delivered to a pneumatic delivery system for additional processing. A cueing hopper is also provided between the insulated unit and the cooling section to serve as a buffer or accumulator in the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for mixing castable polyurethanes and polyureas and for prolonging the dispensing time for dispensing them into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. A nozzle framework includes support housing heaters and heater adaptors for each dispensing port to delay the onset of drool and improve cut off in the dispensing tubes. The combination of fluorinated dispensing ports, the heating of the polyureas or polyurethanes, and inclusion of a capillary orifice in each dispensing port significantly prolongs the time before the advent of drool is detected.