Patents by Inventor Michael F. Vieira

Michael F. Vieira has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130337135
    Abstract: Food processing apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a fish processing apparatus includes two sets of the shim magazines on the opposite sides of mold(s) for making food products. Food shuttles alternate in transporting food shims from their corresponding shim magazines to a position under the mold(s). An actuator presses the mold(s) against the food shim to form food products. The force of the mold(s) can be controlled to improve separation of the food products from the food shim. Formed food products fall on a conveyor, which transports them away from the apparatus for further processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Michael F. Vieira, Brett Moreau, Mark A. Brodeur, Bob Myatt
  • Patent number: 8012392
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Stephen K. Scolamiero, LeRoy H. Seymour, Michael F. Vieira
  • Patent number: 7992851
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic indexing device that can be connected to a conveyor, the device firmly holding a golf ball in a particular orientation for the purposes of printing of indicia and logo on the ball when device and ball move along the conveyor. The device includes a stationary base portion and a rotating cup portion which are magnetically coupled to each other. Each portion has recesses for housing magnets to create a magnetic field of attraction which firmly locks the two portions together. When rotation of the cup portion to the base portion is required, the rotation is substantially friction-free because of a thrust bearing ring set in the base portion. The cup portion is caused to rotate 45° or 90° upon being biasly urged by station locks located on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Vieira, Thomas L. Mydlack, Edmund T. Maher, Thomas E. Moore
  • Patent number: 7972221
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Paul A Furze, Thomas L Mydlack, Michael F Vieira, Donald A Laprade, Edmund T Maher
  • Publication number: 20100225022
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen K. Scolamiero, LeRoy H. Seymour, Michael F. Vieira
  • Patent number: 7708545
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Stephen K. Scolamiero, LeRoy H. Seymour, Michael F. Vieira
  • Publication number: 20100059902
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically removing flash along the parting line of a golf ball, especially when the parting line is wavy or corrugated. The apparatus is also effective for removing flash from golf balls that are not completely spherical, or golf balls that are void of tabs or annular ring which are commonly used for alignment. The method removes flash from a golf ball by using a mapping device comprising either a vision orientation system or a laser means incorporating comprises high resolution CCD displacement sensors on a servo controlled vertical axis to properly place the ball in position wherein a cutter and buffer are maneuvered along a mapped contour of the flash that is captured by the coordinated motion logic of a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas E. Moore, Thomas L. Mydlack, Michael F. Vieira
  • Publication number: 20090039552
    Abstract: A method of molding an inner or cover layer of a thermoset or thermoplastic material around a golf ball core within a compression mold, in which the core is positioned within a mold cavity containing preformed inner hemispherical shells and holding the opposing mold portions in a closed position wherein heat and pressure are applied. Knockout pins engage the core and layer to biasly eject it from the mold cavity, while simultaneously blowing high pressure air into the mold cavity to aid in releasing the core and layer without the need of a release agent coating the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Robert A. Wilson, Michael F. Vieira, Ajay Vora
  • Publication number: 20090031904
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic indexing device that can be connected to a conveyor, the device firmly holding a golf ball in a particular orientation for the purposes of printing of indicia and logo on the ball when device and ball move along the conveyor. The device includes a stationary base portion and a rotating cup portion which are magnetically coupled to each other. Each portion has recesses for housing magnets to create a magnetic field of attraction which firmly locks the two portions together. When rotation of the cup portion to the base portion is required, the rotation is substantially friction-free because of a thrust bearing ring set in the base portion. The cup portion is caused to rotate 45° or 90° upon being biasly urged by station locks located on the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Michael F. Vieira, Thomas L. Mydlack, Edmund T. Maher, Thomas E. Moore
  • Patent number: 7387070
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying printing of indicia and logo to golf balls held and indexed by magnetic indexing devices connected to a conveyor. The device includes a stationary base portion and a rotating cup portion which are magnetically coupled to each other. Each portion has recesses for housing magnets to create a magnetic field of attraction which firmly locks the two portions together. When rotation of the cup portion to the base portion is required, the rotation is substantially friction-free because of a thrust bearing ring set in the base portion. The cup portion is caused to rotate 45° or 90° upon being biasly urged by station locks located on the conveyor. The cup portion has an open bridge section wherein cam surfaces of the station locks can engage and cause the cup portion to rotate, which is necessary for each new procedure, whether it be inspection of the ball, pad printing of indicia and logo, or curing the printed ink with ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Mydlack, Edmund T. Maher, Michael F. Vieira, Thomas N. Schermerhorn
  • Publication number: 20080136056
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen K. Scolamiero, LeRoy H. Seymour, Michael F. Vieira
  • Publication number: 20080018020
    Abstract: A method of molding an inner or cover layer of a thermoset or thermoplastic material around a golf ball core within a compression mold, in which the core is positioned within a mold cavity containing preformed inner hemispherical shells and holding the opposing mold portions in a closed position wherein heat and pressure are applied. Knockout pins engage the core and layer to biasly eject it from the mold cavity, while simultaneously blowing high pressure air into the mold cavity to aid in releasing the core and layer without the need of a release agent coating the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Robert A. Wilson, Michael F. Vieira, Ajay Vora
  • Patent number: 6804988
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael P. McNamara, Michael F. Vieira, Laurent Bissonnette
  • Publication number: 20030209053
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Michael P. McNamara, Michael F. Vieira, Laurent Bissonnette
  • Publication number: 20030067088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for making golf ball cores. The method includes using an inspection system during preform formation to measure the perform. The measurements are used to determine the measured perform volume and compare it to a standard preform volume. The method also includes using mold with pairs of self-aligning half-molds. The apparatus for inspecting the preforms comprises a non-contact measuring device, such as a camera. The self-aligning half-molds each include an upper surface with an angularly offset portion. When the offset portions mate during mold closure, the half-molds move with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen K. Scolamiero, Michael F. Vieira, William Brum