Abstract: A game ball, such as a soccer ball, having a cover comprised of one or more cover panel blanks and one or more reinforcement material blanks, is provided. The cover panel blanks and reinforcement material blanks are heat bonded together so that the free edges and interior panel boundaries of the cover panel blanks are aligned with the reinforcement material blanks.

Abstract: A devulcanization apparatus for devulcanizing a plurality of cross-linked elastomer particles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor functioning as a high voltage electrode and a second conveyor functioning as a ground electrode. A generator is operable to apply an alternating electric field between the first and second conveyors. A devulcanization region is provided between the first and second conveyors in which the cross-linked elastomer particles are placed.

Abstract: A process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating electric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles under compression. The alternating electric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V, and may be applied between an apparatus that continuously conveys the particles through the field.

Abstract: A process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating radio frequency dielectric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles. The alternating radio frequency dielectric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V.

Abstract: A composition for forming a molded article comprises a first formable material capable of flowing when heated to a first molding temperature, a second formable material capable of flowing when heated to a second molding temperature, and an additive mixed with the second formable material. The additive is provided in an amount determined by: (a) calculating a molding time for the first formable material to reach the first molding temperature; (b) calculating a required power factor for the second formable material that will allow the second formable material to reach the second molding temperature in the molding time of the first formable material; and (c) calculating the amount of the additive to be mixed with the second formable material to obtain the required power factor. A method of forming the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a molded article from two or more different formable materials having different molding temperatures in a single heating or molding cycle. One of the formable materials is selected as a reference material, and the remaining formable materials are modified so that all of the formable materials reach their respective molding temperatures at substantially the same time. Preferably, each of the remaining formable materials is modified by mixing a suitable amount of an additive therewith so as to adjust the power factor of the formable material. All of the formable materials are then placed in a flow molding apparatus whereby an alternating dielectric field is applied across the formable materials to form the molded article.

Abstract: A method of forming a hardened skin on one or more surfaces of a molded article. In an exemplary method, a formable material is mixed with a blowing agent to form a foam material. The foam material is placed in a flow molding apparatus such that a first surface of the foam material is in contact with a first mold section and a second surface of the foam material is in contact with a second mold section. In operation, an alternating dielectric field is applied across the foam material to form the molded article. At the end of the molding cycle, the first and/or second surfaces of the foam material remain under the decomposition temperature of the blowing agent and are not blown so as to form one or more thicknesses of hardened skin on the molded article.

Abstract: A method of forming a hardened skin on a surface of a molded article. In an exemplary method, a formable material is mixed with a blowing agent to form a foam material. The foam material is placed in a flow molding apparatus such that the top surface of the foam material is in contact with the top mold of the apparatus and the bottom surface of the foam material is in contact with the bottom mold of the apparatus. In operation, an alternating dielectric field is applied across the foam material to form the molded article. At the end of the molding cycle, the bottom surface of the foam material remains under the decomposition temperature of the blowing agent so as to form a hardened skin on the molded article.

Abstract: A flow molding apparatus with multiple layers of molds and electrodes is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes top and bottom electrodes with an intermediate electrode positioned therebetween. A first mold is disposed between the top electrode and the intermediate electrode, and a second mold is disposed between the bottom electrode and the intermediate electrode. Preferably, a plurality of metallic locking fixtures are attached to the top and bottom electrodes for securing the apparatus in a closed position. An electromagnetic energy source is operably connected to the electrodes such that the top and bottom electrodes are grounded and the intermediate electrode carries a high voltage. As such, an alternating electric field may be established across each of the first and second molds during a heating cycle.

Abstract: A golf putter incorporating an inclined alignment face located behind and angularly displaced from a golf putter striking face. A first face, the putter striking face, makes actual contact with the golf ball while a second face, the inclined alignment face, aides the golfer in aligning the putter with the intended path that the golf ball will take after being struck by the putter.