Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Mydlack
Thomas L. Mydlack 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).
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Patent number: 8714956Abstract: Universal mold frames for producing multi-piece golf balls are provided. The mold frames include lower and upper frame plates having locator pins that are inserted into corresponding locator slots in the mold cavities. The eccentric pin layout of the frame plates and corresponding slots in the cavities means the cavities can be fitted easily and aligned in the frame plates. The interior surfaces of the mold cavities define a specific dimple pattern such as icosahedron or tetrahedron-based patterns. The mold frames can accommodate cavities having different dimple patterns. A castable liquid polymer, for example, polyurethane is dispensed into the mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form the spherical cover for the ball.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Mark R. Verronneau, Thomas L. Mydlack
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Publication number: 20140004217Abstract: Universal mold frames for producing multi-piece golf balls are provided. The mold frames include lower and upper frame plates having locator pins that are inserted into corresponding locator slots in the mold cavities. The eccentric pin layout of the frame plates and corresponding slots in the cavities means the cavities can be fitted easily and aligned in the frame plates. The interior surfaces of the mold cavities define a specific dimple pattern such as icosahedron or tetrahedron-based patterns. The mold frames can accommodate cavities having different dimple patterns. A castable liquid polymer, for example, polyurethane is dispensed into the mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form the spherical cover for the ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Mark R. Verronneau, Thomas L. Mydlack
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Patent number: 8529816Abstract: Universal mold frames for producing multi-piece golf balls are provided. The mold frames include lower and upper frame plates having locator pins that are inserted into corresponding locator slots in the mold cavities. The eccentric pin layout of the frame plates and corresponding slots in the cavities means the cavities can be fitted easily and aligned in the frame plates. The interior surfaces of the mold cavities define a specific dimple pattern such as icosahedron or tetrahedron-based patterns. The mold frames can accommodate cavities having different dimple patterns. A castable liquid polymer, for example, polyurethane is dispensed into the mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form the spherical cover for the ball.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Mark R. Verronneau, Thomas L. Mydlack
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Patent number: 8309002Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Ajay Vora, Thomas L. Mydlack, Thomas E. Moore, Robert A. Wilson
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Publication number: 20120080818Abstract: Universal mold frames for producing multi-piece golf balls are provided. The mold frames include lower and upper frame plates having locator pins that are inserted into corresponding locator slots in the mold cavities. The eccentric pin layout of the frame plates and corresponding slots in the cavities means the cavities can be fitted easily and aligned in the frame plates. The interior surfaces of the mold cavities define a specific dimple pattern such as icosahedron or tetrahedron-based patterns. The mold frames can accommodate cavities having different dimple patterns. A castable liquid polymer, for example, polyurethane is dispensed into the mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form the spherical cover for the ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Mark R. Verronneau, Thomas L. Mydlack
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Patent number: 8119051Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Thomas L. Mydlack, Thomas E. Moore, Edmund T. Maher, Mark R. Verronneau, Richard Westgate, Glenn R. Newell, Sharon P. Easton
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Patent number: 7992851Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael F. Vieira, Thomas L. Mydlack, Edmund T. Maher, Thomas E. Moore
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Publication number: 20110187013Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Ajay Vora, Thomas L. Mydlack, Thomas E. Moore, Robert A. Wilson
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Patent number: 7972221Abstract: A method of orienting a spherical object comprising the steps of acquiring an image of a spherical object at an imaging station; analyzing the image with a first computer to determine an analysis; transferring the object from the imaging station to orienting stations using a transfer mechanism; and orienting the object to a predetermined orientation according to the analysis; wherein the orienting stations comprise first, second, and third stations each rotating the object about a single axis; the first, second, and third stations collectively orienting the object by rotation about alternately perpendicular axes. In one embodiment, at least one of the orienting stations is at least partially mounted onto the transfer mechanism. In another embodiment, the transfer mechanism is a compliant object carrier that is movable translationally and substantially immovable rotationally. In an alternate embodiment, the ball is orientated with a gimbaled mechanism. An object orienter is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Paul A Furze, Thomas L Mydlack, Michael F Vieira, Donald A Laprade, Edmund T Maher
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Publication number: 20110109010Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: Thomas L. Mydlack, Thomas E. Moore, Edmund T. Maher, Mark R. Verronneau, Richard Westgate, Glenn R. Newell, Sharon P. Easton
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Patent number: 7927524Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Ajay Vora, Thomas L. Mydlack, Thomas E. Moore, Robert A. Wilson
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Patent number: 7771777Abstract: A method for inspecting golf balls is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one sensor capable of obtaining images of the infrared radiation emitted from the ball, obtaining at least one image of the ball using the sensor after paint or a coating has been applied to the surface of the ball, and determining whether the liquid was applied evenly on the surface of the ball. Preferably, the image is obtained during the transient period when the solvent in the paint or coating is evaporating. A number of numerical analysis can be used to determine the evenness of the paint or coating.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Kevin M. Harris, William Brum, Brian P. St. Aubin, Thomas L. Mydlack, Paul A. Furze
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Publication number: 20100151971Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for painting dimpled golf balls that are moving along an endless conveyor. The method employs paint guns operating at a relatively low atomizing air pressure, and make contact with the golf ball surface at an angle between about 5° to 60°. The paint guns are continually in the on position and the paint neither coagulates in the gun nozzle nor forms puddles in the dimple cavities. The number of golf ball painted per gallon of paint is dramatically increased as is the number of ball painted per time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Thomas L. Mydlack, Ajay Vora, Robert A. Wilson
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Publication number: 20100090370Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Ajay Vora, Thomas L. Mydlack, Thomas E. Moore, Robert A. Wilson
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Publication number: 20100059902Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Thomas E. Moore, Thomas L. Mydlack, Michael F. Vieira
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Publication number: 20090031904Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Michael F. Vieira, Thomas L. Mydlack, Edmund T. Maher, Thomas E. Moore
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Patent number: 7387070Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying printing of indicia and logo to golf balls held and indexed by magnetic indexing devices connected to a 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. The cup portion has an open bridge section wherein cam surfaces of the station locks can engage and cause the cup portion to rotate, which is necessary for each new procedure, whether it be inspection of the ball, pad printing of indicia and logo, or curing the printed ink with ultraviolet light.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Thomas L. Mydlack, Edmund T. Maher, Michael F. Vieira, Thomas N. Schermerhorn
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Patent number: 7170592Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inspecting a curved object comprising the steps of acquiring inspection image data of a curved object using a detector, generating adjusted image data by adjusting the inspection image data, and comparing the adjusted image data with digitally generated image data of a predetermined image. In one embodiment, golf balls are inspected using a line scan camera and a line of coplanar and parallel, diffuse light that uniformly illuminates the camera's scan line. A method of digitally filtering brightness in a digital image is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Thomas L Mydlack, Paul A Furze
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Patent number: 7162070Abstract: A method of inspecting a golf ball, comprising the steps of providing a golf ball; providing a first light source emitting a first color of light; illuminating a first area of the golf ball with the first light source; providing a second light source emitting a second color of light different from the first color of light; illuminating a second area of the golf ball with a second light; providing a first detector comprising a first filter for transmitting the first color of light and filtering out the second color of light; providing a second detector comprising a second filter for transmitting the second color of light and filtering out the first color of light; rotating the ball about an axis; and detecting a shadow resulting from illumination by the first or second light sources.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Paul A Furze, Thomas L Mydlack
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Patent number: 6998083Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Thomas E. Moore, Thomas L. Mydlack