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AssigneeE.I.Du Pont De Nemours and Company
InventorsJohn Chu Chen, Janice V. Granato, Matthew S. Hall, Peter A. Morken
Estimating the term…
A phase transition golf ball comprises a phase transition material. The phase transition material may optionally include a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor. The phase transition material preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer, or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. The performance of the phase transition golf ball, for example its hardness or compression, is adjusted by inducing a complete or partial phase transition in the phase transition material. The extent of the adjustment in performance is correlated with the extent of the phase transition. Preferably, the phase transition is reversible and repeatable and takes place at temperatures that might be achieved through the use of common household appliances. Also preferably, the phase transition material returns to its original state over an extended period, for example hours or days.
A phase transition golf ball comprising a phase transition material and a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor.
A method of accelerating the heating of at least a portion of a golf ball, comprising irradiating a golf ball that comprises a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor;
12-22. (canceled)
A method of using heat to affect the performance of a golf ball, wherein the improvement comprises that the golf ball comprises a phase transition material, and further that the golf ball is heated to a temperature at which at least a portion of the phase transition material undergoes a phase transition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.