Acushnet Company

Thomas Edward Moore

Thomas L Mydlack

Walter L Reid, Jr

Robert A Wilson

Stephen K Scolamiero

Ajay P Vora

Edmund T Maher

Daniel Ditzel

Steven Earle

John W Kennedy

Anil Kumar Narra

Michael F Vieira

Mark Roger Verronneau

Richard Westgate

Christopher E Charleston

Sharon P Easton

Robert Gell

Glenn R Newell

James Andrew Ruiz

Jerish Augustine

A method for compression molding a thin cover layer over a large or soft core golf ball, wherein the process includes mold press speed of closure, pressure within the mold cavities, temperature of materials being molded, and the movement of the compression press is controlled by as the mold position rather than any fixed amounts of time. A Ram press is moved in a very controlled fashion during the low pressure stage by a servo controller, and is governed by data fed to a control computer by a linear potentiometer, which allows for a very deliberate movement, especially over the last 0.4 inches of closing. A pressure transducer and thermocouples determine the flow point of the cover layer. Once the cover material starts to flow, the Ram press is triggered into a high pressure close wherein the cover layer is formed and then finally cooled.

Method for molding golf ball cover over soft core

The present invention is directed relates to a method of applying a thin thermoset or thermoplastic cover over a golf ball subassembly by simultaneously dispensing polyurethane into multiple molds while using multiple mixers from multiple polyurethane sources. The method employs a continuous conveyor system wherein pre-heated first (top) and second (bottom) mold halves are pre-heated and pre-sorted prior to a polyurethane material being deposited in each mold half, preferably, each mold half comprises four cavities. A rotary table maneuvers the mold halves into position to receive a shot of polyurethane in each cavity. The polyurethane is dispensed from two separate mixers, each mixer having a pair of dispensing nozzles capable of shuttling back and forth between the cavities. To maintain process integrity, it is imperative that polyurethane dispensed into a particular top mold half and the polyurethane dispensed into the corresponding mated bottom mold half be from the same polyurethane mixer. The method of the invention provides a mechanism to maintain that the shot of polyurethane in each mold half is dispensed from the same mixer.

Method of casting urethane for a golf ball cover

The present invention is directed to a magnetic indexing device that can be connected to a conveyor, the device firmly holding a golf ball in a particular orientation for the purposes of printing of indicia and logo on the ball when device and ball move along the conveyor. The device includes a stationary base portion and a rotating cup portion which are magnetically coupled to each other. Each portion has recesses for housing magnets to create a magnetic field of attraction which firmly locks the two portions together. When rotation of the cup portion to the base portion is required, the rotation is substantially friction-free because of a thrust bearing ring set in the base portion. The cup portion is caused to rotate 45&#xb0; or 90&#xb0; upon being biasly urged by station locks located on the conveyor. The cup portion has an open bridge section wherein cam surfaces of the station locks can engage and cause the cup portion to rotate, which is necessary for each new procedure, whether it be inspection of the ball, pad printing of indicia and logo, or curing the printed ink with ultraviolet light.

Device for automatic indexing of a golf ball

A method and apparatus for heating golf balls or golf ball components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing that includes a back panel comprising a plurality of slots. The slots are preferably formed such that they are parallel to a plurality of trays of golf balls. The housing also includes a front panel that includes a plurality of openings that are substantially perpendicular to the trays of golf balls. The size of each of the plurality of openings may be varied based on a plurality of adjustable panels. Each of the adjustable panels may be capable of completely sealing an opening or being displaced to completely prevent obstruction of the opening. Heated air is preferably supplied via an air supply plenum that is capable of supplying air in a direction that is perpendicular to the back panel. The method and apparatus allow the interior of the housing to maintain a desired temperature differential and allow the rate of air flow to be manipulated.

Method and apparatus for heating golf balls

A method and apparatus for forming a golf ball or components of a golf ball is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of forming a die having an opening having a perimeter comprising plurality of inwardly convex surfaces; preparing a golf ball component material; extruding the golf ball component material through the opening of the die to form a component prep; placing the component prep into a mold cavity; and molding the golf ball component. An apparatus for forming a golf ball may be configured in accordance with this method.

Method for forming a golf ball

An automated flash/overflow removal system for the manufacturing of golf balls, including a gripping assembly mounted on a motion system. The gripping assembly includes a plurality of gripping members capable of clamping and releasing the flash/overflow from a golf ball mold portion.

Automated flash removal in golf ball production

A method of making a golf ball core, including the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying at least one of heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one mold plate from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.

Method for making multi-layered cores for golf balls

The present invention is directed to an automated molding machine and method for forming hemispherical components for a golf ball. The machine includes an L-shaped frame and three separate plates. The plates move between longitudinally spaced positions and vertically spaced positions. The machine also includes a rotating frame for inverting several of the plates during manufacture.

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Warren, RI, United States of America

Thomas Edward Moore