Patents by Inventor Viktor Keller
Viktor Keller 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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Publication number: 20050133960Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball comprising fast-chemical-reaction-produced component, such as a component which comprises a reaction injection molded polyurethane material. A process of making a golf ball by forming at least one core and/or cover component of the ball by mixing two or more reactants that react and form a reaction product with a flex modulus of 5-310 kpsi in a reaction time of about 5 minutes or less, the component having a thickness of at least 0.01 inches and a demold time of 10 minutes or less is disclosed. In one preferred form of the invention, excess polyurethane from forming golf ball covers is recycled by using it to form golf ball cores.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2005Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventors: Viktor Keller, Thomas Kennedy, William Risen
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Patent number: 6905424Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball comprising one or more fast-chemical-reaction-produced components, such as a component which comprises a reaction injection molded polyurethane material. A process of making a golf ball by forming at least one core and/or cover component of the ball by mixing two or more reactants that react and form a reaction product with a flex modulus of 1 to 310 kpsi, with a setting time of about 30 seconds or less, the component having a thickness of at least 0.01 inches and a mold release time of 2 minutes or less is also disclosed. In one preferred form of the invention, excess polyurethane from forming golf ball covers is recycled by using it to form golf ball cores.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael John Tzivanis, Viktor Keller, William Risen
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Patent number: 6905648Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The one or more polyurethane layers are preferably formed via a reaction injection molding (RIM) technique. The inner cover layer is relatively soft and preferably comprises an ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is relatively hard and comprises a hard polyurethane. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael John Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, Viktor Keller, William M. Risen, Jr.
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Patent number: 6905427Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Patent number: 6855073Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball comprising fast-chemical-reaction-produced component, such as a component which comprises a reaction injection molded polyurethane material. A process of making a golf ball by forming at least one core and/or cover component of the ball by mixing two or more reactants that react and form a reaction product with a flex modulus of 5-310 kpsi in a reaction time of about 5 minutes or less, the component having a thickness of at least 0.01 inches and a demold time of 10 minutes or less is disclosed. In one preferred form of the invention, excess polyurethane from forming golf ball covers is recycled by using it to form golf ball cores.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Viktor Keller, Thomas Kennedy, William Risen
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Patent number: 6824476Abstract: A unique set of preferred embodiment golf balls is disclosed as follows. In one aspect, a multi-layer golf ball utilizes a particular blend of ionomers in either or both of the cover layers. Preferably, the blend includes a minor percentage of high acid ionomers with a major percentage of low acid ionomers. In another embodiment, golf balls having relatively thin multi-layer cover assemblies are provided. The thicknesses of these cover layer assemblies range from about 0.015 inches to about 0.045 inches. Also, cover assemblies utilizing one or more thermoplastic polyurethanes are disclosed. The multi-layer core assembly used in the golf balls preferably exhibits a PGA compression of less than 85.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael John Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, Viktor Keller, William M. Risen, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040209710Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Publication number: 20040186246Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a golf ball by mixing a polyisocyanate copolymer and at least one other reactant, such as a polyol, to form a reaction product and reaction injection molding the reaction product to form at least one of a core and cover component. Preferably, the polyisocyanate copolymer includes an aromatic polyisocyanate and an aliphatic polyisocyanate. Most preferably, the polyisocyanate copolymer includes a copolymer of toluene diisocyanate and hexamethylene diisocyanate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Viktor Keller, Thomas J. Kennedy, William M. Risen, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Patent number: 6790149Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Publication number: 20040132545Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less and, particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, Viktor Keller, William M. Risen, Mark L. Binette, John L. Nealon
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Patent number: 6716954Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a golf ball by mixing a polyisocyanate copolymer and at least one other reactant, such as a polyol, to form a reaction product and reaction injection molding the reaction product to form at least one of a core and cover component. Preferably, the polyisocyanate copolymer includes an aromatic polyisocyanate and an aliphatic polyisocyanate. Most preferably, the polyisocyanate copolymer includes a copolymer of toluene diisocyanate and hexamethylene diisocyanate.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Viktor Keller, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, William M. Risen, Jr., Michael J. Tzivanis
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Publication number: 20040043837Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved golf ball comprising at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. It is preferred to also utilize a multi-layer cover in conjunction with the silicone material(s). The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Viktor Keller, Mark Binette
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Publication number: 20040014906Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball comprising a polyurethane component formed by the reaction of an isocyanate, and a polyether polyol comprising homopolymers of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or copolymers thereof, and a curing agent/chain extender. Another preferred form of the invention is directed to a golf ball cover comprising an isocyanate component and an ethylene/propylene oxide polyether polyol polyurethane component that is formed by reaction injection molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Viktor Keller, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, William M. Risen
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Publication number: 20030225222Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The one or more polyurethane layers are preferably formed via a reaction injection molding (RIM) technique. The inner cover layer is relatively soft and preferably comprises an ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is relatively hard and comprises a hard polyurethane. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael John Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, Viktor Keller, William M. Risen
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Patent number: 6648777Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less and, particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, Viktor Keller, William M. Risen, Jr., Mark L. Binette, John L. Nealon
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Patent number: 6638185Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less and, particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: The Top-Flite Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, Viktor Keller, William M. Risen, Jr., Mark L. Binette, John L. Nealon
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Publication number: 20030176239Abstract: An apparatus for making a golf ball is disclosed. The apparatus is a molding assembly for making a golf ball which includes a mold body that defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is adapted to accommodate and preferably retain a golf ball core during a molding operation of one or more layers about the core. The molding assembly includes at least one material flow inlet, at least one material flow channel extending between and providing fluid communication with a material flow inlet and the molding cavity. At least one portion of the material flow channel has a plurality of bends and at least one branching intersection adapted to promote turbulence in a liquid flowing therethrough. A method of making a golf ball is also disclosed. A golf ball made from the disclosed molding apparatus and/or process is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Applicant: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael John Tzivanis, Eric G. Johnston, Mario Jarmuzewski, Gary P. Mendrala, Thomas J. Kennedy, Viktor Keller
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Publication number: 20030176619Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball comprising a polyurethane component formed by the reaction of an isocyanate, and a polyether polyol comprising homopolymers of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or copolymers thereof, and a curing agent/chain extender. Another preferred form of the invention is directed to a golf ball cover comprising an isocyanate component and an ethylene/propylene oxide polyether polyol polyurethane component that is formed by reaction injection molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Viktor Keller, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, William M. Risen
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Publication number: 20030158000Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Publication number: 20030109649Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a golf ball by mixing a polyisocyanate copolymer and at least one other reactant, such as a polyol, to form a reaction product and reaction injection molding the reaction product to form at least one of a core and cover component. Preferably, the polyisocyanate copolymer includes an aromatic polyisocyanate and an aliphatic polyisocyanate. Most preferably, the polyisocyanate copolymer includes a copolymer of toluene diisocyanate and hexamethylene diisocyanate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Viktor Keller, Thomas J. Kennedy, William M. Risen, Michael J. Tzivanis