Abstract: A method for making a multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of molding a golf ball core utilizing a single cavity mold that moves on a continuous conveyor system wherein heated preps are automatically and individually taken directly from the extruder and robotically placed into a bottom mold half that is integral with and moves along a conveyor at a speed consistent with the output from the extruder. This eliminates the prep's inefficient loss of heat during storage that is associated with the batch process. The method provides preheating each top and bottom mold half in separate conveyor ovens to about 350° F. prior to the prep being loaded into the bottom mold half. After the prep is loaded, the top and bottom mold halves are assembled to create the single cavity mold. The single cavity mold compresses the prep into a spherical core shape by utilizing spring force and retainer plates to exert about 384 lbs of force. The core is then moved by conveyor into a convection oven wherein the core is cured to a temperature of about 350° F.

Abstract: A method for inspecting golf balls is disclosed. An imager such as a camera captures a digital image of the golf ball. The golf ball image is separated into regions, and a brightness level is determined for each region using a histogram tool. The brightness level of the region is compared with a reference level. If the brightness level of the region is significantly different from the reference level, then the golf ball is diverted. The regions are located from image to image using pattern matching and/or edge finding tools. The environmental light conditions are altered to facilitate the pattern matching and edge finding.

Abstract: A method of casting a cover layer about a golf ball core utilizing a single cavity mold that moves on a continuous conveyor, and the cover layers are cast without any “stop and go” or batch methods being involved. The continuous motion conveyor system is a closed loop system that provides for the automatic pre-heating of top and bottom mold halves and the depositing of a core into the bottom mold halve after a layer material such as urethane has been dispensed into the molds by an articulating module comprising of a plurality of dispensing nozzles. The nozzles translate in a tangential motion with the moving conveyor and dispense the cover material without any stoppage of the conveyor line. The method then assembles the mold halves into a single cavity mold without the use of bolts, but only employing clamping pins that use spring force for compression, and releasable retainers to lock the mold for the curing stage, and then unlocking he mold for the disassembling and product removal.

Abstract: A method of molding a golf ball core utilizing a single cavity mold that moves on a continuous conveyor system wherein heated preps are automatically and individually taken directly from the extruder and robotically placed into a bottom mold half that is integral with and moves along a conveyor at a speed consistent with the output from the extruder. This eliminates the prep's inefficient loss of heat during storage that is associated with the batch process. The method provides preheating each top and bottom mold half in separate conveyor ovens to about 350° F. prior to the prep being loaded into the bottom mold half. After the prep is loaded, the top and bottom mold halves are assembled to create the single cavity mold. The single cavity mold compresses the prep into a spherical core shape by utilizing spring force and retainer plates to exert about 384 lbs of force. The core is then moved by conveyor into a convection oven wherein the core is cured to a temperature of about 350° F.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved single cavity molding device and method for compression molding polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea hybrid covers over golf ball sub-assemblies. The device utilizes top and bottom mold-halves and is particularly novel in that it does not require the use of bolts to secure the mold-halves. The molding device utilizes a pair mold halves, each having a backing plate and mold frame for housing a hemispherical cavity mold. The invention utilizes a plurality of clamping pins, each pin having its top portion reciprocally disposed in a recess of the backing plate of the top mold.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for forming a golf ball is described. The method includes utilizing strands of a desired material. The method employs a top, center and bottom plate. The strands are placed over the concave cavities of a lower plate and over the hemispherical protrusions of a center plate. The three plates are then placed in a press, along with a top plate, thereby forming two sets of hemispherical shells. One set of shells remains in the cavities of the top plate, and one set remains in the cavities of the bottom plate. Centers are placed inside the hemispherical shells of the bottom plate. The two sets of shells are then brought together to form a complete core. A cover may be added to complete the formation of a golf ball.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for forming a golf ball is described. The method includes utilizing strands of a desired material. The method employs a top, center and bottom plate. The strands are placed over the concave cavities of a lower plate and over the hemispherical protrusions of a center plate. The three plates are then placed in a press, along with a top plate, thereby forming two sets of hemispherical shells. One set of shells remains in the cavities of the top plate, and one set remains in the cavities of the bottom plate. Centers are placed inside the hemispherical shells of the bottom plate. The two sets of shells are then brought together to form a complete core. A cover may be added to complete the formation of a golf ball.

Abstract: A method for making a multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.

Abstract: A method for making a multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.

Abstract: A method for inspecting golf balls is disclosed. An imager such as a camera captures a digital image of the golf ball. The golf ball image is separated into regions, and a brightness level is determined for each region using a histogram tool. The brightness level of the region is compared with a reference level. If the brightness level of the region is significantly different from the reference level, then the golf ball is diverted. The regions are located from image to image using pattern matching and/or edge finding tools. The environmental light conditions are altered to facilitate the pattern matching and edge finding.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for forming a golf ball is described. The method includes utilizing strands of a desired material. The method employs a top, center and bottom plate. The strands are placed over the concave cavities of a lower plate and over the hemispherical protrusions of a center plate. The three plates are then placed in a press, along with a top plate, thereby forming two sets of hemispherical shells. One set of shells remains in the cavities of the top plate, and one set remains in the cavities of the bottom plate. Centers are placed inside the hemispherical shells of the bottom plate. The two sets of shells are then brought together to form a complete core. A cover may be added to complete the formation of a golf ball.

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 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for plasma treatment of golf ball surface. The improved apparatus comprises a cylindrical basket shaped rotating tumbler made from aluminum sheet metal that holds a plurality of golf balls within a sealed casing for surface preparation. A staggered hole pattern yields about 57% of open area in the tumbler surface to insure evacuation with minimum resistance. The holes are individually machined and have machined radiuses at each side of the sheet metal to allow for adequate coverage of a hard anodic coating which is necessary for protection of the sheet metal from the high intensity plasma.

Abstract: An improvement in the method of molding is disclosed which utilizes a three plate mold to form golf ball cores having dual parting lines. A method of stripping the cores from the mold and the flashing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for plasma treatment of golf ball surface. The improved apparatus comprises a cylindrical basket shaped rotating tumbler made from aluminum sheet metal that holds a plurality of golf balls within a sealed casing for surface preparation. A staggered hole pattern yields about 57% of open area in the tumbler surface to insure evacuation with minimum resistance. The holes are individually machined and have machined radiuses at each side of the sheet metal to allow for adequate coverage of a hard anodic coating which is necessary for protection of the sheet metal from the high intensity plasma. A two stage dry vacuum pumping system is used to reduce hydrocarbon impurities and improve print and paint adhesion.

Abstract: An improvement in the manufacture of golf ball cores utilizing a three plate mold to form the cores therein providing the cores with dual parting lines. The apparatus comprises top, center and bottom plates, each having at least one mold insert. Each insert having a cavity therein. The three cavities collectively forming a spherical shape for molding a golf ball core. Upon the cores being formed, the center plate holding the cores, is lifted and rotated to a juxtaposed position against a stripping plate, whereby the cores are mechanically separated from both the mold and overflow flashing. The dual parting lines of different distances from their respective polar ends.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for forming a golf ball is described. The method includes utilizing strands of a desired material. The method employs a top, center and bottom plate. The strands are placed over the concave cavities of a lower plate and over the hemispherical protrusions of a center plate. The three plates are then placed in a press, along with a top plate, thereby forming two sets of hemispherical shells. One set of shells remains in the cavities of the top plate, and one set remains in the cavities of the bottom plate. Centers are placed inside the hemispherical shells of the bottom plate. The two sets of shells are then brought together to form a complete core. A cover may be added to complete the formation of a golf ball.