Other

John F Feeley

Donald G Parent

An apparatus and method for metallizing parts in an efficient manner. The apparatus includes a plurality of plates stacked vertically and spaced from one another, wherein each plate has an outer perimeter. There is a plurality of part supports arranged about the outer perimeter of each plate. A support frame is secured to the plurality of plates such that it may rotate about the outer perimeter of the plates while maintaining substantially the same distance from the outer perimeter of each plate. There is one or more rotation drive systems attached to the support frame and positioned such that one or more compliant drive fingers are in close proximity to the outer perimeter of each plate. The stacked plates may be moved between a metallizer and parts loading and unloading stations in a convenient manner.

Integrated 3D metallizer

An apparatus and method for metallizing parts in an efficient manner. The apparatus includes a plurality of plates stacked together and spaced from one another in a manner that enables placement thereon of a plurality of part supports, which are affixed to the plates. Spindles are coupled to the part supports, wherein the spindles are configured to allow for rotation of the parts. The plates are also configured for rotation so that parts may be moved to a metallizer station and rotated at the metallizer station. The plates are supported by centered or offset plate supports. The part supports may be pins to which the spindles are coupled. The pins may be configured to rotate or the spindles may be configured to rotate on the pins. The stacked plates may be moved between a metallizer and parts loading and unloading stations in a convenient manner.

The present invention is directed to a metallized golf ball possessing a masked section and methods for achieving a metallized golf ball possessing a masked section. The invention provides a golf ball masking stand, which effectively masks a portion of a golf ball, allowing coatings to be applied to the golf ball, while preventing coating of the masked section. Alternative masking techniques are disclosed, including the use of labels, double-stick tape, and printing methods to create a masked section. Preferably, metallization of the golf ball is achieved using physical vapor deposition and preferably a hydrophobic protective coating is applied to the metal layer inside the metallizing chamber.

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St. Petersburg, FL, United States of America

John F Feeley