Acushnet Company

David W Sauerbrey

Stanley W Brown

Robert N Lammi

Christopher Cavallaro

Paul A Puniello

Mark Roger Verronneau

Richard T Dix

The present invention provides an apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes for dispensing into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. The apparatus comprises a mixing block for merging together at least two polyurethane components, then a temperature control chamber to remove excess heat that is produced by the exothermic reaction resulting from the mixing of the urethane components. The mixing of the components is by passing the components through a tortuous mixing path created by a disposable static mixer element. The mixed components are dispensed into the golf ball mold by a multiple lead nozzle assembly.

Golf ball mixing and dispensing apparatus

A method for preheating golf ball covers prior to painting. The process comprises forming a golf ball with a cover, then heating the cover from about 90&#xb0; F. to about 150&#xb0; F. for 1 to 3 hours in a heated enclosure prior to applying a coat of primer or paint to the ball. This is done to accelerate the evaporation of paint solvents, immediately after the paint is applied. The painted balls are subsequently dried in a heated enclosure at about 105&#xb0; F. to 108&#xb0; F. All additional coats of primer or paint are applied in a similar fashion, wherein the balls are painted while still in the heated state and not cooled down.

Heating of golf balls prior to painting

A method and apparatus for preheating golf balls prior to painting. The process includes forming golf balls with covers, heating, coating, and further heating the golf balls in a heated enclosure. The apparatus includes a ventilated holding tray that in addition to supporting the golf balls with a minimum of contact between balls and tray will allow for a thorough flow of heat about the balls for quick and uniform heating. This also will aid in reducing blemishes to the golf balls, by suspending freshly painted golf balls on conical pins set at right angles to the balls, thereby reducing the physical contact between the tray and freshly painted golf balls. The tray comprises replaceable ball support inserts. The inserts will generally be made from injection molded plastic and will be friction-fitted to the tray, and if damaged can be easily and inexpensively replaced.

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Marion, MA, United States of America

David W Sauerbrey