Method and apparatus for automatic indexing of a golf ball
US7387070B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S101/40
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for applying printing of indicia and logo to golf balls held and indexed by magnetic indexing devices connected to a 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° or 90° 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.