Abstract: The present invention relates to preparations comprising at least one low molecular weight substance and at least one hyperbranched polymer, wherein the hyperbranched polymer comprises a hydrophilic core having polyester units and hydrophobic end groups, said hyperbranched polymer having a molecular weight greater than or equal to 6000 g/mol and a hydroxyl number in the range from 0 to 200 mg KOH/g, the degree of branching being in the range from 20 to 70%, and said hyperbranched polymer having a melting point of at least 30° C.

Abstract: A novel method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of non-uniform polyurethane particles which comprises (a) preparing at least two isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers having different hydrophilicities; (b) preparing a uniform mixture of said prepolymers, and (c) dispersing the mixed prepolymers in an aqueous medium. The resulting dispersion of the prepolymers may optionally be chain extended. This method enables the preparation of core-shell particles as well as particles of other morphologies, including “raspberry”, interpenetrating network, “salt-and-pepper”, “ice-cream cone” and particles of gradient composition. Similarly, an aqueous dispersion of two different polyurethane polymers may be obtained by first preparing at least two different isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers, preparing a uniform mixture of such prepolymers and thereafter dispersing the mixture in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A novel method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of non-uniform polyurethane particles which comprises (a) preparing at least two isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers having different hydrophilicities; (b) preparing a uniform mixture of said prepolymers; and (c) dispersing the mixed prepolymers in an aqueous medium. The resulting dispersion of the prepolymers may optionally be chain extended. This method enables the preparation of core-shell particles as well as particles of other morphologies, including “raspberry”, interpenetrating network, “salt-and-pepper”, “ice-cream cone” and particles of gradient composition. Similarly, an aqueous dispersion of two different polyurethane polymers may be obtained by first preparing at least two different isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers, preparing a uniform mixture of such prepolymers and thereafter dispersing the mixture in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a preform comprising an uncured polybutadiene composition; coating the preform with a cure-altering material comprising an organosulfur compound, an inorganic sulfide compound, or a metal-containing organosulfur compound; curing the coated preform at a predetermined temperature to form a crosslinked golf ball core having an outer surface having a first hardness and a geometric center having a second hardness greater than the first to define a negative hardness gradient; and forming a cover layer about the core to form the golf ball.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of spherical, polyester particles, wherein the particle size can be exactly adjusted in the range of 1 to 200 &mgr;m and a particle size distribution with a span (=d90−d10/d50)≦1.5, as well as the use of the produced particles for toner compositions in electrophotographic and direct printing systems and powder coatings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises a blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins. Each high acid ionomer resin utilized in the blend of the cover composition comprises generally of greater than 16% by weight acid, preferably from about 17 to about 25% by weight acid and more preferably from about 18.5% to about 21.5% by weight acid. The acid groups of the high acid ionomers utilized in the cover compositions of the invention are partially (i.e. generally 10-75 percent, preferably 30-70 percent) neutralized by metal ions such as by sodium, zinc and magnesium ions. When the blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins is utilized to manufacture a golf ball, the golf ball produced thereby, exhibits properties of improved distance without sacrificing characteristics such as playability and/or durability when compared to low acid ionomer and/or low acid/high acid ionomer blends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises a blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins. Each high acid ionomer resin utilized in the blend of the cover composition comprises generally of greater than 16% by weight acid, preferably from about 17 to about 25% by weight acid and more preferably from about 18.5% to about 21.5% by weight acid. The acid groups of the high acid ionomers utilized in the cover compositions of the invention are partially (i.e. generally 10-75 percent, preferably 30-70 percent) neutralized by metal ions such as by sodium, zinc and magnesium ions. When the blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins is utilized to manufacture a golf ball, the golf ball produced thereby, exhibits properties of improved distance without sacrificing characteristics such as playability and/or durability when compared to low acid ionomer and/or low acid/high acid ionomer blends.

Abstract: A dowel for use in the woodworking industry to secure two pieces of wood together is made of a composite, polymeric material comprising from about 4% to 90% by weight thermosetting resin and from about 10% to 96% by weight fibrous filler material. The thermosetting resin and the fibrous filler material are mixed together and then subjected to a high pressure and an elevated temperature to set the thermosetting resin and form a dense, hard mass of composite, polymeric material which is formed into the cylindrical shape of a dowel. The dowels have a surface that will adhere to conventional glues used in the woodworking industry.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a UV light resistant, visibly transparent, urethane golf ball topcoat composition for use with UV curable inks and to golf balls incorporating such a topcoat. The topcoat includes an optical brightener that absorbs at least some ultraviolet light at wavelengths greater than about 350 nm, and emits visible light, and a light stabilizer package. The light stabilizer package includes at least one UV light absorber and, optionally, at least one light stabilizer, such as a HALS. The UV light absorber absorbs at least some UV light at wavelengths between about 200 nm and about 370 nm, and has an absorption peak at a wavelength between about 330 nm and about 360 nm and a UV light absorbance at a wavelength of about 350 nm that is at least about 3 times greater than the UV light absorbance at a wavelength of about 370 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball which is superior in shot feel and attains long flight distance. The solid golf ball comprises a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the core is prepared by vulcanizing a rubber composition comprising a base rubber obtained by mixing silicone rubber and a diene rubber under conditions wherein crosslinking of the diene rubber does not occur but crosslinking of the silicone rubber does occur, and wherein the mixing ratio of silicone rubber to the diene rubber is within the range of 5:95 to 45:55 by weight.

Abstract: A polymer blend and a golf ball employing a cover formed of that composition are disclosed. The polymer blend is made from about 95 to about 50 parts by weight of one or more sodium ionomer resins, one of which has a lower flexural modulus than the other sodium ionomer. About 20 to about 50 parts by weight of a lithium ionomer resin is included in the blend. The ball that employs the cover has excellent spin characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball comprising a core, a cover and a protective clear coat layer, wherein the clear coat layer comprises a polyorgano-siloxane polymer. The novel clear coat compositions of the present invention are believed to provide enhanced abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and chemical resistance as well as diminished photodecomposition and increased adhesion. Optionally, the golf balls of the present invention may also employ at least one primer layer disposed between the cover and clear coat layer to improve the adhesion and physical properties of the polyorgano-siloxane clear coat compositions. Likewise, the present invention provides a method for producing the clear coat compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a composition as obtained from a melt comprising a starch ester and a cellulose ester. The starch ester and cellulose ester may be of the kind obtained by reaction of a mixed acid anhydride with the polysaccharides. The invention further provides the composition when shaped into articles, and the melt from which the composition is obtained.

Abstract: An elastic paving material includes a mixture of 90-50% by weight of fibrous rubber chips each having a length of 3-30 mm and a diameter of 0.3-3 mm, and 10-50% by weight of crushed pieces of golf balls having a particle size of 3-50 mesh. A curable liquid binder is added so as to bond the fibrous rubber chips and the crushed pieces of golf balls. Another elastic paving material includes only pieces of golf balls having a particle size of 3-50 mesh, and a curable liquid binder is added thereto so as to bond the pieces of golf balls. The crushed pieces of golf balls have a color different from that of the fibrous rubber chips, consist of particles having various colors, or are colored in advance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having excellent hit feeling and control property as well as excellent flying performance and cut resistance, which comprises a core and a cover for covering the core, wherein a heated mixture of an ionomer resin and a polymer containing a glycidyl group is used as a main component of a base resin for the cover.

Abstract: A golf ball employing a cover composition comprising an oxa acid compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an organic moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl, carbocyclic, and heterocyclic groups. Additionally, the present invention is directed towards a golf ball cover composition comprising a copolymer of at least two comonomers, the first comonomer comprising an oxa acid composition of Formula I, and the second comonomer is selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, epoxy resins, polyethylenes, polyamides, polyesters, and a monomer having a carboxylic acid moiety or its corresponding ionomer. Golf balls employing the present cover compositions exhibit excellent spin characteristics as well as good shear resistance.

Abstract: A solid golf ball includes a solid core enclosed in a cover. The resin component of the cover consists of 30 to 100% by weight of an ethylene-methacrylic acid-acrylate terpolymer ionomer resin having a flexural modulus of 2,500-14,000 psi and a Shore D hardness of 20-59 and 70 to 0% by weight of an ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer ionomer resin having a flexural modulus of 20,000-29,000 psi and a Shore D hardness of 56-62. The ball is excellent in spin receptivity, burring resistance, and feel on hitting.

Abstract: Low air permeable, pressurized articles such as play balls, e.g., a tennis ball, have a thin barrier layer formed on the vulcanized rubber core. The barrier layer is chemically bonded to the internal and/or external surface of the core, e.g., by the reaction of a Lewis acid, e.g., sulfur trioxide, with the core rubber. The thin barrier layer permits the tennis ball to be flexible and have good rebound life and yet extends the play life thereof before ball rebound or softness changes to undesired levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition having high impact residence, preferred processability and workability which may be used for the manufacture of one-piece solid golf ball, solid core of multi-layered solid golf ball, solid center of thread-wound golf ball, etc. The rubber composition is characterized by that a rubber component is made from a mixture of:(1) 60 to 95 wt % of a polybutadiene containing at least more than 40% of cis-1,4 bond and having a Mooney viscosity [ML.sub.1+4 (100.degree. C.)] of 50 to 70, obtained by using lanthanum rare earth-based catalyst, nickel-based catalyst or cobalt-based catalyst, or a mixture thereof with another polybutadiene obtained by using a catalyst other than the above mentioned one, and(2) 5 to 40 wt % of a polyisoprene containing at least more than 90% of cis-1,4 bond and a Mooney viscosity of 70 to 90.

Abstract: A coated golf ball comprising a core, a cover layer covering said core and a white paint layer coated on said cover wherein said cover is mainly composed of trans-polyisoprene, said paint layer comprises one or more white coating layers and clear coating layers, a white paint for forming said white paint layer contains 20 to 70% by weight of a white pigment and 0.005 to 0.10% by weight of a blue pigment based on a solid content of the white paint, and said blue pigment is selected from the group consisting of .di-elect cons.-phthalocyanine blue and indanthrone blue.

Abstract: An improved golf ball including a novel cover composition, including a blend of a high stiffness ionomer having a melt index of 0.5-5.0 g/min., flexural modulus of 60,000-120,000 psi and shore hardness of 70 or greater and a very low modulus methacrylic acid ionomer having a melt index of 0.5 to 10.0 g/min., flexural modulus of 2,000-8,000 psi or less and Shore D hardness of 20-50. The resulting golf ball shows improved resilience and playability over known golf balls.

Abstract: Golf balls exhibiting an improved coefficient of restitution are obtained by including zinc palmeatate in the core formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coated golf ball wherein the whitening of the color tone is enhanced and weathering properties are improved. The golf ball body having a cover mainly composed of an ionomer resin is coated with a white paint. The paint layer of the coated golf ball comprises at least one white paint layer and at least one clear paint layer. The white paint comprises 3 to 15% by weight of a white pigment, 0.0005 to 0.0250% by weight of a blue pigment and 0.001 to 0.010% by weight of a red pigment, based on 100% by weight of the solid content of the coating. The weight ratio of the blue pigment to the red pigment is 0.1 to 2.0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coated golf ball having beautiful appearance, wherein the whiteness thereof is enhanced by inhibiting the enhancement of blueness. The golf ball body of the coated golf ball is coated with a white paint containing titanium oxide as a main pigment. The white paint comprises 45 to 60% by weight of titanium oxide, 0.005 to 0.20% by weight of a blue pigment and 0.001 to 0.06% by weight of a red pigment, based on 100% by weight of a solid content of a coating. The weight ratio of the blue pigment to the red pigment is 0.9 to 5.

Abstract: A golf ball having a fluorescent cover and an ultraviolet light blocking, visibly transparent top coat is disclosed. The cover can bear a fluorescent coating or be made of a fluorescent bulk material. The fluorescent material is selected and provided in an amount effective to fluoresce by absorbing at least some ultraviolet light having a wavelength exceeding about 320 nm and emitting visible light. The top coat contains a narrow-spectrum short-wave ultraviolet light absorber. The top coat absorbs more ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 320 nm than ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 350 nm, while transmitting a substantial proportion of at least some wavelengths of visible light and ultraviolet light having wavelengths greater than about 320 nm. One particular ultraviolet light blocking material contemplated herein consists essentially of an oxalanilide.

Abstract: A polymer blend and a golf ball employing a cover formed of that composition are disclosed. The polymer blend is made from about 95 to about 50 parts by weight of one or more sodium ionomer resins, one of which has a lower flexural modulus than the other sodium ionomer. About 20 to about 50 parts by weight of a lithium ionomer resin is included in the blend. The ball that employs the cover has excellent spin characteristics.

Abstract: A pressureless tennis ball which has excellent rebound properties and produces a satisfactory feeling of striking retained over a long period of time, the tennis ball having a hollow spherical core made from a rubber composition containing 3 to 50% by weight of a trans-polyoctenamer rubber based on the whole rubbers used.

Abstract: An improved golf ball including a novel cover composition, including a blend of a high stiffness ionomer having a melt index of 0.5-5.0 g/min., flexural modulus of 60,000-120,000 psi and shore hardness of 70 or greater and a very low modulus methacrylic acid ionomer having a melt index of 0.5 to 10.0 g/min., flexural modulus of 2,000-8,000 psi or less and Shore D hardness of 20-50. The resulting golf ball shows improved resilience and playability over known golf balls.

Abstract: A golf ball with a visible outer layer containing a blend of about 0.01 -0.05 parts by weight of a thiophene-type optical brightener and about 0.008-0.025 parts by weight of a second optical brightener selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-(1,2-ethenediyldi-4,1-phenylene)bisbenzoxazole and derivatives thereof, the parts by weight of optical brightener being based upon 100 parts by weight of the polymeric material. The blend provides for a degree of whiteness comparable to that of 0.1 parts by weight of a thiophene-type optical brightener used alone, and provides for better solubility than results from the use of higher concentrations of 2,2'-(1,2-ethenediyldi-4,1-phenylene)bisbenzoxazole alone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball with preferred hit feeling, controllability and satisfactory level of flying performance and cut resistance. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover covering the core, wherein said cover is mainly made of a mixture composed of an ionomer resin and a diene type rubber at a weight ratio (ionomer resin:diene rubber) of 95:5-60:40 and said diene type rubber is crosslinked by a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball cover comprising a blend of copolymers wherein one or more of the copolymers is a low cost nonionic copolymer and one or more of the copolymers is an ionic copolymer. Surprisingly, a golf ball cover comprising the non-ionic/ionic copolymer blend exhibits no loss in C.O.R., and has equal resistance to cutting and cracking when compared to top grade golf ball covers made with one of the conventional 100% ionic copolymer blends. In particular, the present golf ball cover comprises from about 95 to about 80 pphr of one or more ionic copolymers, and from about 5 to about 20 pphr of one or more non-ionic copolymers, the latter being selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid, a copolymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid, a copolymer of polypropylene and acrylic acid, a terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic acid and a lower alkyl acrylate, and a terpolymer of ethylene, methacrylic acid and a lower alkyl acrylate, and blends thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved polybutadiene compositions suitable for molded golf ball core construction. The improved polybutadiene compositions contain specific naturally occurring, essentially non-reinforcing, crystalline (preferably microcrystalline) silica particles which have the effect of increasing the resilience and/or hardness of the resulting molded cores. In addition, the present invention is also directed to golf balls produced utilizing the improved core compositions.

Abstract: A golf ball having excellent durability as well as excellent impact resilience and suitable hardness, comprises a core and a cover for covering the core, wherein a heated mixture of an ionomer resin and a thermoplastic resin containing an oxazoline group is used as a main component of a base resin for the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having excellent hit feeling and control property as well as satisfactory flying performance and cut resistance, which comprises a core and a cover for covering the core. The cover is prepared from a heated mixture of the following three components:(A) an ionomer resin;(B) a polymer containing at least maleic anhydride as one constituent component; and(C) a metal salt selected from the group consisting of metal hydroxides, metal carbonates or metal acetates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thread wound golf ball having excellent durability, heat resistance and impact resilience, which comprises a core, a thread rubber layer and an outer layer. A thread rubber constituting the thread rubber layer comprising a solid rubber containing a high-cis polyisoprene rubber as a main rubber material and a liquid polybutadiene rubber and/or liquid butadiene-isoprene copolymer rubber as a rubber component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved cover compositions for golf ball construction. The cover compositions comprise a blend of polar modified thermoplastic elastomers and ionomer resins. In addition, the present invention is directed to golf balls produced utilizing the improved cover compositions. The golf balls exhibit properties of enhanced playability without sacrificing distance and/or durability.

Abstract: The golf ball is made from a composition of a polyurethane prepolymer and a slow-reacting polyamine curing agent and/or a difunctional glycol. The slow-reacting polyamine curing agents and difunctional glycols are 3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine; 3,5-dimethylthio-2,6-toluenediamine; N,N'-dialkyldiamino diphenyl methane; trimethyleneglycol-di-p-aminobenzoate; polytetramethyleneoxide-di-p-aminobenzoate; 1,4-butanediol; 2,3-butanediol; 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol; ethylene glycol; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved cover compositions for golf ball construction. The cover compositions comprise a blend of polar modified thermoplastic elastomers and ionomer resins.In addition, the present invention is directed to golf balls produced utilizing the improved cover compositions. The golf balls exhibit properties of enhanced playability while substantially maintaining distance and/or durability characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved cover compositions for golf ball construction and the resulting intermediate modulus golf balls produced utilizing the improved cover compositions. The novel golf ball cover compositions of the invention comprise a blend of a relatively large amount of hard ionomeric resins, and a relatively low (i.e. from about 10 to about 25-30 percent) amount of soft ionomers. When the cover compositions of the invention are utilized to manufacture golf balls, the golf balls produced thereby, exhibit properties of improved distance without sacrificing playability and/or durability characteristics when compared to known hard-soft ionomer blends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved cover compositions for golf ball construction and the resulting intermediate modulus golf balls produced utilizing the improved cover compositions. The novel golf ball cover compositions of the invention comprise a blend of a relatively large amount of hard ionomeric resins, and a relatively low (i.e. from about 10 to about 25-30 process) amount of soft ionomers. When the cover compositions of the invention are utilized to manufacture golf balls, the golf balls produced thereby, exhibit properties of improved distance without sacrificing playability and/or durability characteristics when compared to known hard-soft ionomer blends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved cover compositions for golf ball construction. In this regard, it has been found that if high levels (i.e. greater than 10 pph resin) of metal stearates (i.e. zinc stearate, barium stearate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, etc.) are added to various ionomer resin formulations utilized in golf ball cover construction, the covers produced thereby exhibit similar or improved coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.) values combined with similar or reduced hardness (i.e. an increase in softness) properties. Moreover, since the metal stearates are significantly cheaper than the ionomer resins and the discovery that the metal stearates can be added at relatively high levels without detracting, and many instances enhancing the physical properties of the overall formulations, the addition of high levels of the metal stearates presents significant cost savings in the production of golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved cover compositions for golf ball construction. In this regard, it has been found that if high levels (i.e. greater than 10 pph resin) of fatty acid salts (i.e. metal stearates, metal oleates, metal palmitates, metal pelargonates, metal laurates, etc.) are added to various ionomer resin formulations utilized in golf ball cover construction, the covers produced thereby exhibit similar or improved coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.) values combined with similar or reduced hardness (i.e. an increase in softness) properties. Moreover, since the fatty acid salts are significantly cheaper than the ionomer resins and the discovery that fatty acid salts can be added at relatively high levels without detracting, and many instances enhancing the physical properties of the overall formulations, the addition of high levels of the fatty acid salts presents significant cost savings in the production of golf balls.

Abstract: Ionomers derived from ethylene/methacrylic acid or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers, containing high levels of acid neutralized with lithium, zinc and sodium are blended in defined amounts to form compositions with very high resilience. The compositions are highly suitable for use as golf ball covers.

Abstract: A color display facsimile of a cosmetic product comprised of the formulation of an original cosmetic product and prescribed amounts of each of a thermoplastic, copolymeric hardening agent and a hydrocarbonous-based temperature control component. The resultant display facsimile is capable of exhibiting the exact-likeness characteristics of true color, size, and shape of the original cosmetic product. The method for preparing said color display facsimile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf ball having excellent impact resilience and good flying performance comprises a core and a cover for covering the core, wherein the cover contains an ionomer resin as a main material and the ionomer resin has the first peak at 85.degree. to 95.degree. C. and the second peak at 70.degree. to 80.degree. C. in its crystal melting behavior attended with the measurement by a differential scanning calorimeter. A process for producing the above golf ball is also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf ball cover includes a blend of natural or synthetic balata and a crosslinkable elastomer such as polybutadiene. The elastomer is thermally crosslinked with a metallic salt of an unsaturated fatty acid, such as zinc diacrylate, and a crosslinking initiator such as organic peroxide.

Abstract: One-piece and multi-layered golf balls are improved in flying performance by forming the one-piece ball entirely or multi-layered golf ball core from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, an unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt, and an organic sulfur compound and/or a metal salt thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf ball which is excellent in ball velocity, flying distance and low-temperature durability, by using an ionomer resin of an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer as the cover resin. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover covering said core, the cover has a total neutralization degree of 30 to 60% of which at least 10% is neutralized with divalent metal ions and is prepared by mixing specific ethylene-acrylic copolymer type ionomer resins.

Abstract: A conduit formed of extruded polymeric material, which outer surfaces are continuously intrinsically lubricated by a reserve of active lubricious agents which migrate outwardly from within the composition to such surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid golf ball containing at least one rubber portion formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent and an organic peroxide; an improvement being present in that the base rubber is a mixture of(A) a solid polybutadiene rubber containing cis-1,4 bonds in an amount of at least 40%, and(B) either a liquid polybutadiene rubber or a liquid isoprene-butadiene copolymer rubber, or both.