Golf ball mixing and dispensing apparatus
View Patent ↗The present invention provides an apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes for dispensing into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. The apparatus comprises a mixing block for merging together at least two polyurethane components, then a temperature control chamber to remove excess heat that is produced by the exothermic reaction resulting from the mixing of the urethane components. The mixing of the components is by passing the components through a tortuous mixing path created by a disposable static mixer element. The mixed components are dispensed into the golf ball mold by a multiple lead nozzle assembly.
1. An apparatus for mixing and dispensing of components for applying to a golf ball sub-assembly, the apparatus comprising:
a mixing block for receiving at least two components;
means for pumping the components through the mixing block;
a mixer body having a middle portion defining a bore extending axially along its longitudinal axis, means for mixing the components;
a temperature control chamber encompassing the mixer body for controlling heat generated by an exothermic reaction created by the components combining and mixing; and
a nozzle assembly for dispensing the mixed components into a mold cavity, the nozzle assembly comprising:
an extended arm portion having one end connected to a bracket assembly of the mixer body and the other end to a vertically reciprocating fixture that is responsive to a pneumatic pressure means;
a dispensing tube housing removably connected to a mounting member attached to the mixer body;
a pair of dispensing ports each having one end integral with the dispensing tube housing for receiving the mixed components, and an opposite end seated in the vertically reciprocating fixture, wherein the pneumatic pressure means causes the vertical lifting and lowering of the dispensing ports into mold cavities wherein the mixed components are deposited therein; and
the pneumatic means comprises a piston rod that is connected to the fixture through the extended arm portion and activated by pressurized air, wherein the rod is biasly moved in a reciprocally vertical direction.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the mixing means for the components comprises:
a dynamic mixer element having a structure comprising of multiple segments at a 90 degree relationship to each other to therein create a tortuous mixing path for the components to pass through.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the dynamic mixer element is formed of plastic material and is generally disposable.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the dynamic mixer element is rotated by a drive shaft.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature control chamber comprises:
a mixing housing having a helical cooling channel spirally about an outer perimeter and along a longitudinal length of the housing, the helical groove having inlet and outlet water openings for circulating cooling water about the housing; and
a cooling jacket surrounding the mixing housing, the cooling jacket having an o-ring at each end to create a relatively tight seal with the housing.