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 preform. The measurements are used to determine the measured preform 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.

Abstract: A molding machine having a mold including upper and lower mold plates, an upper heat transfer platen connected to the upper mold plate, and a lower heat transfer platen connected to the lower mold plate. Each mold plate contains mold cavities. When the mold plates are aligned and abutted, mold locations from the upper and lower mold plates cooperate to form mold volumes. Each of the heat transfer platens contain two series of independent channels for supplying heat transfer media to control the temperature of the material being molded. Each series of channels includes feeder channels and transverse channels. All of the transverse channels of a heat transfer platen are substantially coplanar and parallel. A plurality of adapters supplies heat transfer media to the channels. A ram is connected to one of the heat transfer platens. A control system controls movement of the ram. A protection device continuously monitors the operation of the molding machine.

Abstract: An insulation board for a molding press is disclosed. The insulation board having a depth and having a plurality of grooves suitably cut at right angles to each other. The grooves having depths of at least one-half the board depth serve to reduce pressure variations transmitted by the molding press during the molding operation.

Abstract: The insulation board as disclosed has a plurality of grooves suitably cut at right angles to each other. The grooves serve to reduce pressure variations transmitted by the molding press during the molding operation.