Patent GB-190222172-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in the Manufacture of Golf Balls and Balls for like uses
Inventor: GRIST CHARLES JAMES
Filed: 1902-10-11
Granted: 1903-08-20
Abstract: 22,172. Grist, C. J. Oct. 11. Drawings to Specification. Balls for golf &c. Linseed or other drying oil is heated to at least 400‹ F. with litharge or other suitable drying - agents, and is kept boiling, but not for more than six hours at any one time. Hemp, jute, cotton, animal fibre, or other fibrous substance in which the fibres can be separated is subjected to a carding-process, and then spread out and dried by pumping hot air through the fibres. The fibres are next immersed in the oil, which has regained its normal temperature, and immediately removed and placed in a hydro-extractor or other suitable machine to extract the superfluous oil, which may be drained away and used again. The fibres being then in a matted condition and having globules of partially-oxidized oil adhering at intervals, are pulled apart and loosened by a carding-machine. They are then spread loosely on wire gauze, and a current of heated air is forced through them by a fan or other suitable machine, the fibres being turned about every hour. By these means, nearly all the oil adhering to the fibres is oxidized and dried. The above treatment of the fibres is repeated three times, after which they are placed in masticating or grinding rollers running at a high speed and worked into a homogeneous condition. The crushed material is placed in mixing-rolls, and 5 per cent. to 10 per cent. of powdered sulphur is added, the material being continually stripped off the rolls by a knife or gauge, to prevent overheating. The material is next placed in a closed vessel, which is preferably steam-jacketed and heated to about 360‹ F., and is then laid on trays, heaping up being avoided. The trays are placed in a suitable drying-vessel and uniformly heated. When the material is of a dry or porous consistency, it is taken out and again placed in the mixing-rolls, 10 per cent. to 75 per cent. of gutta-percha or rubber or other suitable substance being added. The thoroughlymixed material is then pressed into rod or other convenient shape. It can then be cut into pieces, which are softened by heating and pressed in suitable moulds to form balls of any desired pattern. These balls are allowed to harden, and are then painted. Golf balls are also made as follows: -A small hollow ball of, say, one and one-eighth inch diameter is made of the above material by forming two half-balls in a suitable mould. The two halves are joined by heating the edges and pressing them together, or by a suitable cement. The small hollow ball is then placed in an ordinary golf-ball mould, and an outside shell of the above material is moulded on it. Or, a hard solid ball of the above material is formed about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and is wrapped with vulcanized india-rubber sheet or tape under tension until of about one and one-eighth of an inch in diameter. An outside shell is then moulded on as above. The Provisional Specification also describes a golf ball, in which a small solid ball of the material described is placed in the centre of a ball of india-rubber moulded in two parts, and having an outer shell of the above material.