Derek A Ladd

Title: Derek A Ladd: An Innovative Mind in Golf Ball Technology

Introduction:

Derek A Ladd, a resident of Acushnet, MA, is a prolific inventor and a prominent figure in the field of golf ball technology. With an impressive number of 354 patents to his name, Ladd has made significant contributions to the game of golf through his innovative designs. This article delves into his latest patents, career highlights, collaborations, and the impact of his inventions.

Latest Patents:

One of Ladd's latest patents is for a buoyant high coefficient of restitution (CoR) golf ball that incorporates aerodynamics to target flight trajectory. This revolutionary design features a buoyant dimpled golf ball with a CoR of 0.810, specific gravity <1.00 g/cc, and an initial velocity of 250 ft/s. The aerodynamic coefficients and force angles of this golf ball vary across different Reynolds Numbers and spin ratios, allowing for precise control and improved performance on the course.

Another remarkable patent by Ladd involves the creation of non-conforming golf balls made from plasticized thermoplastic materials. These balls deviate from the standards set by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in terms of weight, size, spherical symmetry, initial velocity, and overall distance. The dual-layered core of these golf balls consists of an inner core with a thermoplastic composition and an outer core with a thermoset composition, utilizing specific materials like ethylene acid copolymer ionomer, plasticizer, and polybutadiene rubber.

Career Highlights:

Derek A Ladd has had a successful career, marked by numerous achievements and breakthroughs in the golf ball industry. His expertise in golf ball design and manufacturing has made an indelible impact on the sport. Ladd's dedication to innovation and technological advancements has earned him recognition as one of the leading inventors in this field.

Collaborations:

During his professional journey, Derek A Ladd has collaborated with esteemed individuals to further his research and development efforts. Notable colleagues include Michael J Sullivan and Edmund A Hebert. These collaborations have proven instrumental in shaping and refining Ladd's innovative ideas, combining their expertise to enhance golf ball performance and elevate the overall experience of the game.

Conclusion:

Derek A Ladd's remarkable contributions to golf ball technology have revolutionized the way golfers around the world approach the game. His patented designs, such as the buoyant high coefficient of restitution golf ball and non-conforming golf balls made from thermoplastic materials, showcase his dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation. With a vast portfolio of patents and a career marked by significant achievements, Ladd continues to shape the future of golf ball technology, making the game more enjoyable and challenging for players of all levels.