Abstract: A method for compression molding a thin cover layer over a large or soft core golf ball, wherein the process includes mold press speed of closure, pressure within the mold cavities, temperature of materials being molded, and the movement of the compression press is controlled by as the mold position rather than any fixed amounts of time. A Ram press is moved in a very controlled fashion during the low pressure stage by a servo controller, and is governed by data fed to a control computer by a linear potentiometer, which allows for a very deliberate movement, especially over the last 0.4 inches of closing. A pressure transducer and thermocouples determine the flow point of the cover layer. Once the cover material starts to flow, the Ram press is triggered into a high pressure close wherein the cover layer is formed and then finally cooled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed relates to a method of applying a thin thermoset or thermoplastic cover over a golf ball subassembly by simultaneously dispensing polyurethane into multiple molds while using multiple mixers from multiple polyurethane sources. The method employs a continuous conveyor system wherein pre-heated first (top) and second (bottom) mold halves are pre-heated and pre-sorted prior to a polyurethane material being deposited in each mold half, preferably, each mold half comprises four cavities. A rotary table maneuvers the mold halves into position to receive a shot of polyurethane in each cavity. The polyurethane is dispensed from two separate mixers, each mixer having a pair of dispensing nozzles capable of shuttling back and forth between the cavities. To maintain process integrity, it is imperative that polyurethane dispensed into a particular top mold half and the polyurethane dispensed into the corresponding mated bottom mold half be from the same polyurethane mixer.

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.

Abstract: A method for compression molding a thin cover layer over a large or soft core golf ball, wherein the process includes mold press speed of closure, pressure within the mold cavities, temperature of materials being molded, and the movement of the compression press is controlled by as the mold position rather than any fixed amounts of time. A Ram press is moved in a very controlled fashion during the low pressure stage by a servo controller, and is governed by data fed to a control computer by a linear potentiometer, which allows for a very deliberate movement, especially over the last 0.4 inches of closing. A pressure transducer and thermocouples determine the flow point of the cover layer. Once the cover material starts to flow, the Ram press is triggered into a high pressure close wherein the cover layer is formed and then finally cooled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed relates to a method of applying a thin thermoset or thermoplastic cover over a golf ball subassembly by simultaneously dispensing polyurethane into multiple molds while using multiple mixers from multiple polyurethane sources. The method employs a continuous conveyor system wherein pre-heated first (top) and second (bottom) mold halves are pre-heated and pre-sorted prior to a polyurethane material being deposited in each mold half, preferably, each mold half comprises four cavities. A rotary table maneuvers the mold halves into position to receive a shot of polyurethane in each cavity. The polyurethane is dispensed from two separate mixers, each mixer having a pair of dispensing nozzles capable of shuttling back and forth between the cavities. To maintain process integrity, it is imperative that polyurethane dispensed into a particular top mold half and the polyurethane dispensed into the corresponding mated bottom mold half be from the same polyurethane mixer.

Abstract: A method for compression molding a thin cover layer over a large or soft core golf ball, wherein the process includes mold press speed of closure, pressure within the mold cavities, temperature of materials being molded, and the movement of the compression press is controlled by as the mold position rather than any fixed amounts of time. A Ram press is moved in a very controlled fashion during the low pressure stage by a servo controller, and is governed by data fed to a control computer by a linear potentiometer, which allows for a very deliberate movement, especially over the last 0.4 inches of closing. A pressure transducer and thermocouples determine the flow point of the cover layer. Once the cover material starts to flow, the Ram press is triggered into a high pressure close wherein the cover layer is formed and then finally cooled.

Abstract: A method for compression molding a thin cover layer over a large or soft core golf ball, wherein the process includes mold press speed of closure, pressure within the mold cavities, temperature of materials being molded, and the movement of the compression press is controlled by as the mold position rather than any fixed amounts of time. A Ram press is moved in a very controlled fashion during the low pressure stage by a servo controller, and is governed by data fed to a control computer by a linear potentiometer, which allows for a very deliberate movement, especially over the last 0.4 inches of closing. A pressure transducer and thermocouples determine the flow point of the cover layer. Once the cover material starts to flow, the Ram press is triggered into a high pressure close wherein the cover layer is formed and then finally cooled.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention provided herein comprises a kit, where the kit includes at least one collecting receptacle for collecting cord blood, and a pre-measured non-liquid anticoagulant which is optionally pre-loaded into the receptacle. The anticoagulant is preferably selected from the group consisting of heparin or heparin type additives, citrates, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and oxalates and any other anticoagulant that can be used to decrease the clotting ability of the blood. The invention provided herein also comprises a method for collecting cord blood, where the method comprises collecting a desired amount of cord blood from the umbilical cord using a collection receptacle of the invention, wherein the collection receptacle is pre-loaded with a pre-measured amount of non-liquid anticoagulant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the collection and distribution of cord blood stem cells, particularly in order to increase the number of usable cord blood stem cells that are collected overall. By using a single collection and distribution entity that applies a uniform protocol to obtain cord blood stem cell samples at each of a plurality of different collection facilities, a greater number of samples for both private and public cord blood stem cell banks can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a golf ball or components of a golf ball is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of forming a die having an opening having a perimeter comprising plurality of inwardly convex surfaces; preparing a golf ball component material; extruding the golf ball component material through the opening of the die to form a component prep; placing the component prep into a mold cavity; and molding the golf ball component. An apparatus for forming a golf ball may be configured in accordance with this method.

Abstract: An automated flash/overflow removal system for the manufacturing of golf balls, including a gripping assembly mounted on a motion system. The gripping assembly includes a plurality of gripping members capable of clamping and releasing the flash/overflow from a golf ball mold portion.

Abstract: An automated flash/overflow removal system for the manufacturing of golf balls, comprising a gripping assembly mounted on an motion system. The gripping assembly comprises a plurality of gripping members capable of clamping and releasing the flash/overflow from a golf ball mold portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a golf ball or components of a golf ball is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of forming a die having an opening having a perimeter comprising plurality of inwardly convex surfaces; preparing a golf ball component material; extruding the golf ball component material through the opening of the die to form a component prep; placing the component prep into a mold cavity; and molding the golf ball component. An apparatus for forming a golf ball may be configured in accordance with this method.

Abstract: A real time device polling method for multiplexed transmission of on/off constant bit rate data, such as voice data from a telephone call, over a cable data network is disclosed. The network serves as a shared bus for both the downstream and upstream traffic. The upstream channel is modeled as a stream of mini-slots. A cable modem termination system at the head end supports a number of cable modems attached to the cable network and connected to customer premises equipment. Allocation maps are transmitted on the downstream channel to the cable modems to define transmission opportunities on the upstream channel. The cable modem termination system polls the cable modems in an efficient way such that the overhead associated with the polling is minimized, and the availability of data transmission slots is synchronized with the data packet generation by the codec for the cable modem, which minimizes delay.

Abstract: A method of making a golf ball core, including the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying at least one of heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one mold plate from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center and at least one cover layer, formed from the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by: i) placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and ii) molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one of the top or bottom mold plates from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a golf ball core, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying at least one of heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one mold plate from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated molding machine and method for forming hemispherical components for a golf ball. The machine includes an L-shaped frame and three separate plates. The plates move between longitudinally spaced positions and vertically spaced positions. The machine also includes a rotating frame for inverting several of the plates during manufacture.