Patents by Inventor Matthew F. Hogge

Matthew F. Hogge 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: 20110023774
    Abstract: A method of forming a water vapor barrier layer to a core of a golf ball is provided. The method includes placing the core of the golf ball into a vapor barrier composition, withdrawing the lifting device, and spinning and optionally oscillating the core within the composition for a time sufficient for the composition to form a layer on the core. The present invention also provides an apparatus that can be used to form a water vapor barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Christopher Cavallaro, Richard Foukes, Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris
  • Publication number: 20100304891
    Abstract: A golf ball having an inner core and a cover or intermediate layer made from a non-ionomeric polyolefin composition is provided. The method for making the golf ball includes the step of adhering a thin layer of a non-ionomeric polyolefin powder to the interior surfaces of a golf ball mold. The polyolefin powder is adhered to the mold using electrostatic, tribostatic or fluidized bed, processes. A golf ball component is placed within the mold, and a sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the mold so that the thin layer of non-ionomeric polyolefin powder fuses to the golf ball component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Peter L. Serdahl
  • Publication number: 20100292031
    Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with at least one layer made from an expandable polymeric composition is disclosed comprising a thermally expandable microsphere encapsulating foaming agent wherein the expandable polymeric composition expands from 5% to 200% of its pre-expand thickness when the expandable polymeric composition is exposed to a triggering environmental factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Derek A. Ladd, Matthew F. Hogge
  • Publication number: 20100292030
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in transporting golf balls through a glow discharge plasma treating field, wherein the surface energy of the golf balls is increased to improve wetting ability and adhesion between layers of the golf balls. The apparatus involves a plurality of plastic open helical tubes for moving the balls such that every ball is afforded maximum exposure to the plasma field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Vincent M. Camboni
  • Publication number: 20100240472
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a golf ball with dimples. Some of the dimples have markings that are raised geometric elements having substantially the same elevation as the undimpled land area. Innovatively, the markings interact with and become components of dimples themselves rather than being additions or replacements for dimples. Innovatively, the markings increase the total perimeter value of one or more dimples, and the aggregate dimple perimeter value of a golf ball. Such increased perimeter quantities provide a means to control and improve aerodynamic performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Matthew F. Hogge, William E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7789775
    Abstract: A method for coating golf ball components is provided and includes the step of adhering a thin layer of a non-ionomeric polyolefin powder to the interior surfaces of a golf ball mold. The polyolefin powder is adhered to the mold using electrostatic, tribostatic or fluidized bed processes. The golf ball component is placed within the mold, and a sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the mold so that the thin layer of non-ionomeric polyolefin powder fuses to the golf ball component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Peter L. Serdahl
  • Patent number: 7785217
    Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with at least one layer made from an expandable polymeric composition is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the expandable polymeric composition comprises a film-forming binder polymer latex, a dispersing agent, a plurality of polyspheres encapsulating expandable volatile substance, and at least one additive. The additive can be a defoaming agent, a solvent, a thickener, a plasticizer, or any combination thereof. The at least one layer may also comprise a thermally expandable microsphere encapsulating foaming agent. Another expandable polymeric composition comprises a curable silicone composition comprising a liquid diorganopolysiloxane, a liquid organosilicon compound, a condensation catalyst and a blowing agent. Another the expandable polymeric composition comprises an aqueous acrylic based latex emulsion and an unencapsulated blowing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Derek A. Ladd, Matthew F. Hogge
  • Patent number: 7771776
    Abstract: A method for inspecting golf balls is disclosed. An imager such as a camera captures a spectral image of the golf ball. The spectral image is captured line-by-line as the golf ball rotates. The lines are then packed together to form a three-dimensional spectral image of the golf ball showing full spectral information for every pixel. The resultant three-dimensional spectral image is then analyzed, such as using a pattern matching or threshold analysis tool. If a golf ball passes the inspection, it is permitted to advance in the processing. If the golf ball does not pass the inspection, it may be diverted. This inspection system is capable of detecting very subtle color differences, so the system is particularly applicable for use in inspecting primer coat coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Furze, Matthew F. Hogge, Brian P. St. Aubin
  • Publication number: 20100056300
    Abstract: The invention comprises a golf ball. The golf ball is formed with a core, at least one intermediate layer, and a cover. The intermediate layer has a non-planar parting line. The molds used to form the intermediate layer have non-planar mating surfaces. The non-planar mating surfaces of the molds mesh, and when the intermediate layer is formed therein, the intermediate layer has a non-planar parting line thereon. If compression molding is used, hemispherical layer blanks may be pre-formed in the shape of the mold halves. To form the intermediate layer, the two blanks are compression molded together. If injection molding is used, a core is placed inside a mold chamber and layer material is injected into the mold chamber to form the intermediate layer about the core. If reaction injection molding is used, two or more reactive precursors are mixed and injected into the mold cavity, and they react to form the intermediate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Scott Cooper, Douglas E. Jones, Matthew F. Hogge, Herbert C. Boehm
  • Patent number: 7670542
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for creating a triple layer like golf ball core out of a single material. A thermoset material is cured for only a partial period of time in a compression mold, therein creating a short-cured core wherein the innermost region of the core is substantially softer than the outer region. Subsequently, the short-cured core is heated with infrared radiation to create a cure gradient in the skin of the core. This results in a relatively hard skin, which is at least 2 Shore D points harder than the rest of the core. The hardness gradients created in the skin are in the range of about 0.005 inches to about 0.040 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Peter L. Serdahl
  • Publication number: 20090221386
    Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with at least one layer made from an expandable polymeric composition is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the expandable polymeric composition comprises a film-forming binder polymer latex, a dispersing agent, a plurality of polyspheres encapsulating expandable volatile substance, and at least one additive. The additive can be a defoaming agent, a solvent, a thickener, a plasticizer, or any combination thereof. The at least one layer may also comprise a thermally expandable microsphere encapsulating foaming agent. Another expandable polymeric composition comprises a curable silicone composition comprising a liquid diorganopolysiloxane, a liquid organosilicon compound, a condensation catalyst and a blowing agent. Another the expandable polymeric composition comprises an aqueous acrylic based latex emulsion and an unencapsulated blowing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Derek A. Ladd, Matthew F. Hogge
  • Patent number: 7572508
    Abstract: A polyurea-based curable coating for use with sports equipment, such as golf balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, footballs, billiard balls, baseballs, and the like, of which the coating may be cured over time, with heat, or a combination thereof, providing enhanced adhesion to equipment surfaces, improved abrasion resistance, and increased water resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Mitchell E. Lutz, Matthew F. Hogge
  • Publication number: 20090169741
    Abstract: A method of forming a water vapor barrier layer to a core of a golf ball is provided. The method includes placing the core of the golf ball into a vapor barrier composition, withdrawing the lifting device, and spinning and optionally oscillating the core within the composition for a time sufficient for the composition to form a layer on the core. The present invention also provides an apparatus that can be used to form a water vapor barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Christopher Cavallaro, Richard Foukes, Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris
  • Patent number: 7549936
    Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with at least one layer made from an expandable polymeric composition is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the expandable polymeric composition comprises a film-forming binder polymer latex, a dispersing agent, a plurality of polyspheres encapsulating expandable volatile substance, and at least one additive. The additive can be a defoaming agent, a solvent, a thickener, a plasticizer, or any combination thereof. Another expandable polymeric composition comprises a curable silicone composition comprising a liquid diorganopolysiloxane, a liquid organosilicon compound, a condensation catalyst and a blowing agent. Another the expandable polymeric composition comprises an aqueous acrylic based latex emulsion and an unencapsulated blowing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Derek A. Ladd, Matthew F. Hogge
  • Publication number: 20090137343
    Abstract: The present invention is directed a golf ball having at least a transparent or translucent cover and a core. The golf ball may also comprise an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover. The transparent or translucent cover may comprise a plurality of dimples on its surface as well as depressions other than dimples, such as stripes, text, or logos. Both the cover and the core may comprise an amount of dye or dyes. The cover may additionally comprise an amount of reflective particulates. The core may include a plurality of projections and/or depressions on its surface to provide more surface area for the adhesion of the cover to the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris, Edmund A. Hebert, Matthew F. Hogge, Shawn Ricci, Peter L. Serdahl
  • Patent number: 7517943
    Abstract: Compositions for golf balls including oxirane functional endcapped polymers and, in particular, compositions formed from polyurethane-based or polyurea-based prepolymers that are endcapped with an oxirane functional group. The oxirane functionality is opened with a suitable curing agent to provide a composition that has flexibility via the prepolymer backbone and stiffness via the oxirane functional endcaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Manjari Kuntimaddi, Shenshen Wu, Murali Rajagopalan, Matthew F. Hogge, Steven R. Zawacky, Michael A. Mayo
  • Publication number: 20080315469
    Abstract: A method of forming a water vapor barrier layer to a core of a golf ball is provided. The method includes placing the core of the golf ball into a vapor barrier composition, withdrawing the lifting device, and spinning and optionally oscillating the core within the composition for a time sufficient for the composition to form a layer on the core. The present invention also provides an apparatus that can be used to form a water vapor barrier layer on the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Christopher Cavallaro, Richard Foukes
  • Publication number: 20080261721
    Abstract: A method for coating golf ball components is provided and includes the step of adhering a thin layer of a non-ionomeric polyolefin powder to the interior surfaces of a golf ball mold. The polyolefin powder is adhered to the mold using electrostatic, tribostatic or fluidized bed processes. The golf ball component is placed within the mold, and a sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the mold so that the thin layer of non-ionomeric polyolefin powder fuses to the golf ball component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Peter L. Serdahl
  • Publication number: 20080248898
    Abstract: A golf ball with at least one core layer, at least one intermediate layer, and at least one cover layer. Any combination of the layers of the golf ball may feature a visually enhancing means. The cover layer is preferably translucent and provides a view to the intermediate layer and/or the core layer. The intermediate layer has a non-uniform thickness. The core may comprise a non-spherical insert. The intermediate layer and the core layer may affect the spin rate of the golf ball. The intermediate layer may be used to indicate the alignment of the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Michael J. Sullivan, Matthew F. Hogge
  • Patent number: 7357733
    Abstract: A golf ball with at least one moisture vapor barrier layer is disclosed. The moisture vapor barrier layer is formed from a composition comprising a filler dispersed in a liquid or solven-born polymer of multi-olefin, iso-olefin, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Matthew F Hogge, Mitchell E Lutz, Michael J Sullivan