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 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: 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: 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 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: Golf balls having a core including a material formed from a controlled-isomer polybutadiene, a crosslinking agent, and a free-radical initiator, or a reaction product thereof, and a cover having a plurality of dimples disposed about the core, wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene includes at least about 10 percent to 80 percent trans-isomer and no more than about 5 percent vinyl-configuration polybutadiene and wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene has both an absolute molecular weight of at least about 250,000 and a polydispersity of no more than about 3 prior to crosslinking. In particular, golf balls having a compression below about 80 without significant loss of resilience can be advantageously prepared with such materials. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.

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: 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: 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 simplified method of matching a golfer to a golf club and a golf ball by measuring the golfer's club head speed and comparing that measured value to recorded sets of data which correlates a few key variables that can accurately match the golfer with the most suitable golf club and golf ball designed to achieve optimum driving performance.

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: Disclosed herein is a golf club head comprising a forged face cup, which comprises a hitting face and at least one sidewall, a cast member, and a stamped member, wherein the face cup, the cast member and the stamped member are welded together to form the golf club head. The hitting face and the at least one sidewall form a face cup. The hitting face may have a thickened central portion and a relatively thinner intermediate region. The hitting face defines a rectangular area of about 0.5 inch by 1.0 inch, and wherein initial ball speeds generated by the golf club head impacting golf balls are within 2% of a peak initial ball speed within the rectangle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf club head comprising a forged face cup, which comprises a hitting face and at least one sidewall, a cast member, and a stamped member, wherein the face cup, the cast member and the stamped member are welded together to form the golf club head. The hitting face and the at least one sidewall form a face cup. The hitting face may have a thickened central portion and a relatively thinner intermediate region. The hitting face defines a rectangular area of about 0.5 inch by 1.0 inch, and wherein initial ball speeds generated by the golf club head impacting golf balls are within 2% of a peak initial ball speed within the rectangle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf club head comprising a forged face cup, which comprises a hitting face and at least one sidewall, a cast member, and a stamped member, wherein the face cup, the cast member and the stamped member are welded together to form the golf club head. The hitting face and the at least one sidewall form a face cup. The hitting face may have a thickened central portion and a relatively thinner intermediate region. The hitting face defines a rectangular area of about 0.5 inch by 1.0 inch, and wherein initial ball speeds generated by the golf club head impacting golf balls are within 2% of a peak initial ball speed within the rectangle.

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: Golf balls having a core including a material formed from a controlled-isomer polybutadiene, a crosslinking agent, and a free-radical initiator, or a reaction product thereof, and a cover having a plurality of dimples disposed about the core, wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene includes at least about 10 percent to 80 percent trans-isomer and no more than about 5 percent vinyl-configuration polybutadiene and wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene has both an absolute molecular weight of at least about 250,000 and a polydispersity of no more than about 3 prior to crosslinking. In particular, golf balls having a compression below about 80 without significant loss of resilience can be advantageously prepared with such materials. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball and a method of making a golf ball which comprises a center, at least one cover layer, and at least one layer of windings between the center and the cover having at least two threads. Preferably, the threads of the present invention have different physical or chemical properties and are wound onto the center of the golf ball simultaneously. The threads may be wound with varying tensions or angles. The wound layer of the present invention may be applied to golf balls with liquid or solid centers to achieve desired golf ball characteristics.

Abstract: A golf ball with a layer formed of a composite material is disclosed. The composite layer can be the outermost cover layer, an intermediate layer, or a layer of a center of the ball. The composite layer includes a filament material embedded in a matrix material. The filament material is selected such that it can sustain sufficient deformation at impact and remain elastic, i.e. essentially deforming with as little energy loss as possible. As a result, the composite cover layer contributes significantly to the resiliency of the ball and acts as a hoop-stress layer.