Patent ID: 6869645

Claim:
A method for treating a plurality of non-coated golf ball surfaces, the method comprising the following steps in the order named: providing a sealed casing having a rotational tumbler having a chamber disposed therein, the casing providing an electrode; providing a plasma discharge rod disposed within the tumbler, the rod providing another electrode; placing a plurality of untreated golf balls within the chamber; drawing an oil free vacuum of about 1 torr in a first stage, and then in a second stage to about 10 mtorr or less within the sealed casing; supplying an inorganic gas into the casing wherein the pressure is raised to about 100 to 200 mtorr; applying an electrode voltage across the electrodes to create an unpolymerizable gas plasma discharge upon the plurality of golf ball surfaces; and rotating the tumbler such that movable surfaces of the plurality of golf balls within the tumbler receive an even exposure of plasma discharge, wherein the oil free vacuum system effectively isolates all lubricating oils from contact with the surface of the golf balls.