Abstract: Golf balls including cores formed from polybutadiene reaction products having a percent change in dynamic stiffness from 0° C. to ?50° C. of less than 130 percent where the reaction products include a resilient polymer component, a crosslinking material, a cis-to-trans catalyst, and a free radical source. The golf balls may be formed with polyurethane covers, covers formed from castable reactive liquid materials, among other materials. The golf balls may also include an intermediate layer.

Abstract: Golf balls including centers formed from polybutadiene reaction products having a percent change in dynamic stiffness from 0° C. to ?50° C. of less than 130 percent where the reaction products include a resilient polymer component, a crosslinking material, a cis-to-trans catalyst, and a free radical source. The golf balls may be formed with polyurethane covers, covers formed from castable reactive liquid materials, among other materials. The golf balls may also include an intermediate layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a calibration apparatus and method for calibrating and verifying the accuracy of a golf ball launch monitor. The apparatus includes a support structure and a rotatable wheel that has embedded golf balls evenly dispersed at a known distance from the center of the wheel, and a field of view opening in a protective cover. A power device, typically an electric motor, rotates the wheel at a predetermined speed to establish a known speed and spin rate of the golf balls. Each golf ball surface includes contrasting markings. Camera(s) of the launch monitor are focused on the field-of-view wherein each camera is triggered such that two images of a ball are captured. The monitor has a computer to analyze data for speed and spin rate of the golf balls. A comparison of this data to the established known speed and spin rate of the calibration apparatus enables determination of the accuracy and repeatability of the monitor.

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: A launch monitor that includes substantially all of its functional components on or within a housing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the launch monitor is capable of being transported and used in any desired location. One or more camera's, flashes, and triggers may be used to acquire images of a golf club and golf ball. The launch monitor is preferably capable of receiving and transmitting data over a wireless network. Acquired images and other data may be analyzed by a processor, and then displayed using an LED, LCD or other type of display or printer. The launch monitor may “recognize” a plurality of golf clubs and golf balls based on an optical fingerprint. The optical fingerprints, which are preferably stored in a memory, allow the launch monitor to identify a golf club and/or ball substantially soon after they are placed in the field of view of the monitor Optical fingerprinting enables automatic record keeping, and storing performance data and equipment used simultaneously.

Abstract: Golf balls including centers formed from polybutadiene reaction products having a percent change in dynamic stiffness from 0° C. to ?50° C. of less than 130 percent where the reaction products include a resilient polymer component, a crosslinking material, a cis-to-trans catalyst, and a free radical source. The golf balls may be formed with polyurethane covers, covers formed from castable reactive liquid materials, among other materials. The golf balls may also include an intermediate layer.

Abstract: Golf ball with a novel combination of spin rate, lift coefficient, drag coefficients, and optionally moment of intertia: a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a high moment of inertia; and a golf ball with a high spin rate, a low lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a low moment of inertia.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: Golf ball with a novel combination of spin rate, lift coefficient, drag coefficients, and optionally moment of intertia: a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a high moment of inertia; and a golf ball with a high spin rate, a low lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a low moment of inertia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a calibration apparatus and method for calibrating and verifying the accuracy of a golf ball launch monitor. The apparatus includes a support structure and a rotatable wheel that has embedded golf balls evenly dispersed at a known distance from the center of the wheel, and a field of view opening in a protective cover. A power device, typically an electric motor, rotates the wheel at a predetermined speed to establish a known speed and spin rate of the golf balls. Each golf ball surface includes contrasting markings. Camera(s) of the launch monitor are focused on the field-of-view wherein each camera is triggered such that two images of a ball are captured. The monitor has a computer to analyze data for speed and spin rate of the golf balls. A comparison of this data to the established known speed and spin rate of the calibration apparatus enables determination of the accuracy and repeatability of the monitor.

Abstract: A golf ball with aerodynamic coefficient magnitude and aerodynamic force angle, resulting in improved flight performance, such as increased carry and flight consistency regardless of ball orientation. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball having increased flight distance as defined by a set of aerodynamic requirements at certain spin ratios and Reynolds Numbers, and more particularly the golf ball has a low lift coefficient at a high Reynolds Number.

Abstract: A golf ball having an outside surface with a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples on the ball have a cross-sectional profiles formed by a catenary curve. Shape constants in the catenary curve are used to vary the ball flight performance according to ball spin characteristics and player swing speed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an automated machine for testing the physical properties of spherical objects. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a firing mechanism that includes an inner and outer barrel. An object inside the firing mechanism is propelled towards a striking surface that faces the firing mechanism. Two sensors located at predetermined points between the firing mechanism and the striking surface measure the inbound and outbound velocity of the object. A computing device then uses an algorithm to determine the COR of a given set of objects. An angular device uses gravity to direct the objects to a retrieval chute, which uses a tubing system to direct the objects for re-testing or collection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head with a hitting face. The hitting face comprises a directional control portion, which has at least two zones with different flexural stiffness, such that when the hitting face strikes a golf ball the two zones deform differently to selectively control the direction of the flight of the golf ball. The directional control portion may comprise an upper zone and a lower zone, where the upper zone has a lower flexural stiffness. Alternatively, the lower zone has a lower flexural stiffness. On the other hand, the directional control portion may comprise a left zone and a right zone, and either the left or right zone may have a lower flexural stiffness to selectively control the lateral launch angle either to the left of right.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head with a hitting face. The hitting face comprises a directional control portion, which has at least two zones with different flexural stiffness, such that when the hitting face strikes a golf ball the two zones deform differently to selectively control the direction of the flight of the golf ball. The directional control portion may comprise an upper zone and a lower zone, where the upper zone has a lower flexural stiffness. Alternatively, the lower zone has a lower flexural stiffness. On the other hand, the directional control portion may comprise a left zone and a right zone, and either the left or right zone may have a lower flexural stiffness to selectively control the lateral launch angle either to the left of right.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head with a hitting face. The hitting face comprises a directional control portion, which has at least two zones with different flexural stiffness, such that when the hitting face strikes a golf ball the two zones deform differently to selectively control the direction of the flight of the golf ball. The directional control portion may comprise an upper zone and a lower zone, where the upper zone has a lower flexural stiffness. Alternatively, the lower zone has a lower flexural stiffness. On the other hand, the directional control portion may comprise a left zone and a right zone, and either the left or right zone may have a lower flexural stiffness to selectively control the lateral launch angle either to the left of right.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.