Method for plasma treatment of golf balls
US6869645B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/545
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for plasma treatment of golf ball surface. The improved apparatus comprises a cylindrical basket shaped rotating tumbler made from aluminum sheet metal that holds a plurality of golf balls within a sealed casing for surface preparation. A staggered hole pattern yields about 57% of open area in the tumbler surface to insure evacuation with minimum resistance. The holes are individually machined and have machined radiuses at each side of the sheet metal to allow for adequate coverage of a hard anodic coating which is necessary for protection of the sheet metal from the high intensity plasma. A two stage dry vacuum pumping system is used to reduce hydrocarbon impurities and improve print and paint adhesion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.