Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring coefficient of restitution of an impact are disclosed. The apparatus includes a launching device, an enclosure, a second initially stationary object, and a plurality of speed sensors. The launching device causes a first object to be moved toward the second object and to impact the second object within the enclosure. The sensors are positioned within the enclosure to determine the velocity of the first object before impact, the velocity of the second object after impact and optionally the velocity of the first object after impact. Using these velocities, the coefficient of restitution of the impact can be determined. By using an enclosure and a second object that is initially stationary and is moved upon impact, the coefficient of restitution of the first object can be determined. The apparatus closely simulates a real-world golf ball/golf club collision.

Abstract: The invention includes a golf ball having a center, a hoop-stress layer of high tensile elastic modulus material wrapped or wound about the core, at least one layer of a resilient elastomeric material, and a cover of at least one layer. The center in the golf ball can be a fluid with an encapsulating shell or a solid. A binding material can be used in conjunction with the hoop-stress layer to facilitate positioning of the hoop-stress layer around the center for easier manufacturing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring coefficient of restitution of an impact are disclosed. The apparatus includes a launching device, an enclosure, a second initially stationary object, and a plurality of speed sensors. The launching device causes a first object to be moved toward the second object and to impact the second object within the enclosure. The sensors are positioned within the enclosure to determine the velocity of the first object before impact, the velocity of the second object after impact and optionally the velocity of the first object after impact. Using these velocities, the coefficient of restitution of the impact can be determined. By using an enclosure and a second object that is initially stationary and is moved upon impact, the coefficient of restitution of the first object can be determined. The apparatus closely simulates a real-world golf ball/golf club collision.

Abstract: The invention includes a golf ball having a core, a hoop-stress layer of high tensile elastic modulus material wrapped or wound about the core, at least one outermost layer of a thermoset material having a thickness of greater than about 0.065 inches. A binding material can be used in conjunction with the hoop-stress layer to facilitate positioning of the hoop-stress layer around the core for easier manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention includes a golf ball having a core, a hoop-stress layer of high tensile elastic modulus material wrapped or wound about the core, at least one outermost layer of a thermoset material having a thickness of greater than about 0.065 inches. A binding material can be used in conjunction with the hoop-stress layer to facilitate positioning of the hoop-stress layer around the core for easier manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention includes a golf ball having a center, a hoop-stress layer of high tensile elastic modulus material wrapped or wound about the core, at least one layer of a resilient elastomeric material, and a cover of at least one layer. The center in the golf ball can be a fluid with an encapsulating shell or a solid. A binding material can be used in conjunction with the hoop-stress layer to facilitate positioning of the hoop-stress layer around the center for easier manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball and a method of making the golf ball, which comprises a center and at least one fused, wound layer. The fused wound layer can be a cover layer or an intermediate layer. In one embodiment, the fused wound layer surrounds the center to form a wound core and a cover surrounds the core. In another embodiment the fused wound layer forms the outer surface of the ball. The method of the present invention allows the characteristics of the wound layer to be altered and controlled after the wound layer has been formed. In the method, fusing occurs by applying heat alone or with pressure to the wound core. In one embodiment, fusing can occur during formation of the cover layer. In one embodiment, single, double, multi-ply or multi-strand thread is used. The cross-sectional shape and area of the thread can be, for example, rectangular or circular.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quantifying the stiffness of a golf ball or golf ball core under normal use conditions while also measuring the contact time, wherein an air cannon, or the like, is used to shoot an object horizontally against a block while the inbound and outbound velocities of the object are measured by two light gates separated by a given distance and the contact time is measured by optical sensors located at the block, and wherein the measured times and calculated velocities are then used to calculate the coefficient of restitution and contact time of the object.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for quantifying the stiffness of a golf ball or golf ball core that would be experienced during typical use (i.e., impact) while also measuring the contact time. Preferably, the invention comprises an air cannon for shooting an object horizontally against a block. The velocities of the object towards and away from the block can be measured by two light gates separated by a given distance. The contact time can also be measured by optical sensors located at the block. The measured times and calculated velocities can then be used to calculate the coefficient of restitution and contact time of the object. These quantities can be further used to gauge the dynamic stiffness and resilience of a golf ball, or portion thereof, typically under conditions of normal use.

Abstract: The invention includes a golf ball having a center, a hoop-stress layer of high tensile elastic modulus material wrapped or wound about the core, at least one layer of a resilient elastomeric material, and a cover of at least one layer. The center in the golf ball can be a fluid with an encapsulating shell or a solid. A binding material can be used in conjunction with the hoop-stress layer to facilitate positioning of the hoop-stress layer around the center for easier manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention includes a golf ball having a core, a hoop-stress layer of high tensile elastic modulus material wrapped or wound about the core, at least one outermost layer of a thermoset material having a thickness of greater than about 0.065 inches. A binding material can be used in conjunction with the hoop-stress layer to facilitate positioning of the hoop-stress layer around the core for easier manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a winding apparatus and method for winding a thread on a golf ball center. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rotating members supported for rotation and guiding the thread to a golf ball center winding station. The sum of the rotational inertias of the rotating members is low or less than about 3000 grams-cm2. The apparatus further includes a roller and at least one brake operatively connected with the roller for changing the rotation thereof. The brake can be a magnetic brake and include a permanent magnet or an electro-magnet. The method of the present invention allows the tension to be changed by applying a magnetic force to at least one roller. In one embodiment, the step of changing the tension includes using a magnetic brake. The present invention is particularly useful in winding thread with a breaking tension below about 800 grams.