DEVICE AND METHOD FOR APPLYING SUBSTANCE TO A SPORTS BALL - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention relates to the application of a substance, such as silica silylate, to a sports ball for the purposes of increasing grip and hydrophobicity. Disclosed is an invention relating to a method, system, and apparatus for the treatment of a sports ball or other object that a user desires to treat with a substance to achieve a particular result in association with the applied substance.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 245,742, filed on September 17, 2021 and entitled “Systems and Methods for Applying Particulate Material to a Solid Surface, Such as the Surface of a Ball, and Related Articles,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 262,117, filed on October 5, 2021 and entitled “Device and Method for Uniformly Applying Aerogel to a Sports Ball,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 262,117, filed on October 18, 2021 and entitled “Device and Method for Uniformly Applying Aerogel to a Sports Ball,” No. 63 / 262,654, entitled "Device and Method for Uniformly Applying a Substance to a Sports Ball," filed on November 3, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 263,484, entitled "Device and Method for Uniformly Applying aerogel to a sports ball," filed on November 30, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 264,674, entitled "Device and Method for Uniformly Applying aerogel to a sports ball," filed on November 30, 2021. Additionally, this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 810,356, entitled "Granular Aerogel Material for Improved Grip," filed on July 1, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 217,686, entitled "Granular Aerogel Material for Improved Grip." This application is also a continuation-in-part of PCT Application No. PCT / US22 / 73334, filed July 1, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 217,686, filed July 1, 2021, entitled "Granular Aerogel Material for Improved Grip," the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] [Field of the Invention] The present invention is directed to systems, devices, and methods for applying a material, such as silica silylated, to a sports ball, the application of which is intended to enhance the attributes of the sports ball, including increasing grip and hydrophobicity.

[0003] [Background of the invention] Silica silylate, a siloxane polymer, has been used in certain forms for its properties that provide insulating properties. In other applications, silica silylate is included in cosmetics for its properties including emollient, binder, thickener, and can also help prevent foaming. Silica silylate is typically characterized as being a hydrophobic and thixotropic synthetic compound that is commonly used as a thickener. As recognized in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 810,356, the properties of the exterior surface of a sports ball can be enhanced or improved by the application of silica silylate.

[0004] The ability to apply compounds such as silica silylated to the exterior surface of a sports ball brings its own challenges. The application of coatings to the ball requires repeatability and consistency, especially when used by professional teams. For example, in Major League Baseball, an estimated 900,000 baseballs are used per year - 30,000 per team. Of the 900,000 baseballs used per year in Major League Baseball, 200,000 are used for play at a rate of 80-120 per game. Major League players and other stakeholders require consistency in sports balls to maintain consistency of performance. While players of some sports do not require the same consistency that a professional level sport, such as Major League Baseball, expects from a product, they may prefer to play their sport with the same quality products as are played by the highest level of their sport. Thus, there is currently a need for devices and methods for consistently and repeatably applying silica silylated or other siloxane polymers to the exterior surface of a sports ball.

[0005] [Summary of the Invention] The application of silylated silica to the exterior surface of a sportsball involves multiple steps, depending on the level of consistency and reproducibility desired. Although the present invention is directed to the application of silylated silica to the exterior of a sportsball, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to use alternative siloxane polymers or other hydrophobic or oleophilic particles, or to apply such compounds to alternative surfaces not discussed herein for similar benefits.

[0006] An aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide methods, devices, and systems for surface treatment of sports balls with silica silylated that results in substantially uniform surface characteristics throughout the surface of an individual sports ball. Additionally, an aspect of certain embodiments presented herein is that the surface characteristics of a plurality of sports balls include substantially uniform surface characteristics after surface treatment, with the surface treatment of each ball being essentially identical and reproducible within a predetermined margin of error based on a physical property testing protocol.

[0007] An aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is to monitor the surface treatment process in which a sports ball or multiple sports balls are treated in batch quantities to ensure that each sports ball receives the same surface treatment in conjunction with consumable or reusable media, such as, but not limited to, the silylated silica, grinding media (such as plastic beads or ceramic rods), and dispersing media used to evenly disperse the silylated silica.

[0008] One aspect of the invention is to provide a method for providing a silylated silica surface treatment for individual sports balls intended for mass production and delivery to individual users. Certain embodiments well suited for mass production and delivery to the everyday consumer involve a user application method in which the user is provided with a predetermined amount of granular or powdered silylated silica along with instructions on how to apply the silylated silica to the surface of the sports ball. Certain embodiments provide an applicator such as a glove or cloth with inherent properties suitable for application and / or removal of the silylated silica, while other embodiments provide a method of rocking the ball to ensure a more homogenous and consistent application of the silylated silica to the exterior surface of the ball. Certain embodiments also well suited for use by the everyday consumer involve the use of a container in which the sports ball is placed with a predetermined amount of silylated silica before being sealed, and the user rocks the container with the sports ball inside to apply the silylated silica to the exterior surface of the sports ball. Such embodiments with a sealed container for agitation can be reused to reapply the silylated silica after a period of time or use when the benefits of the silylated silica surface treatment have diminished.

[0009] An aspect of further embodiments of the present invention is to provide surface treatment methods, systems, and devices for treating the surfaces of several sports balls at once with silylated silica. Certain embodiments of the present invention include methods, systems, and devices configured for a semi-automated process in which sports balls are placed individually or in batches into equipment that provides silylated silica and agitation. The agitation can be provided through the use of a vibratory aspect of the equipment or a tumbling action. While in certain embodiments, the agitation can be accomplished using only silylated silica, alternative embodiments include a mixed medium to enhance the surface treatment. Such a mixed medium promotes even coating through grinding and mechanical deposition throughout the treatment process. Grinding in certain embodiments is used for surface conditioning and even coating of silylated silica, as well as to eliminate the accumulation of silylated silica in portions of sports balls, such as in sewn sports balls such as baseballs and footballs. The blending media may also be used to drive the silica silylated particles into interstices in the surface of a sports ball, such as within the fibers of the laces of a football or within the seams of a baseball, making the laces / seams stronger and more pronounced. Such blending media may also be used to reduce the cycle time required to achieve a given surface treatment level.

[0010] Thus, an aspect of certain embodiments is to allow for the treatment of sports balls used in different environments in a manner that provides consistent surface treatment results substantially independent of the ambient environment at the treatment site. Certain embodiments of the present invention include methods, systems, and devices for pre-treatment and post-treatment storage of sports balls after their exterior surfaces have been treated with silica silylated. Certain embodiments provide environmental control during pre-treatment or post-treatment storage. Sports balls that are left in a high humidity or high temperature environment after treatment with silica silylated may exhibit different surface characteristics after treatment than when stored in a low temperature or low humidity environment. By providing a defined atmosphere in which the sports ball undergoes the process, the resulting surface characteristics are not affected or different due to differences in geographic location or ambient environment.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the silylated silica is used to treat the surface of a sports ball in a sealed vessel that allows for adjustment and variation of pressure. In certain embodiments, it is preferred to use negative pressure in a sealed vessel for treating the exterior surface of a sports ball with the silylated silica, while in alternative embodiments it is preferred to use positive pressure in a sealed vessel for treating the exterior surface of a sports ball with the silylated silica.

[0012] An aspect of certain embodiments is to treat the exterior surface of a sports ball with silylated silica while reducing potential damage to the exterior surface of the sports ball. In certain embodiments, the silylated silica is applied through a spraying process in which silylated silica powder is aerosolized or sprayed in a treatment chamber through which the sports ball passes. In certain embodiments, the sports ball is pre-treated with a compound prior to passing through the chamber to maximize adhesion of the silylated powder to the sports ball as it passes through the treatment chamber.

[0013] The use of silylated silica in nanoparticle, microparticle, and / or microparticle form is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Nanoparticles refer to particles of material having a diameter between about 1-100 nanometers, microparticles refer to particles of material having a diameter between about 100-2500 nanometers, and microparticles refer to particles of material having a diameter between about 1-1000 micrometers. In alternative embodiments, other forms of aerogel or other hydrophobic or oleophilic particles may be used together with or in place of silylated silica. References herein to silylated silica may also refer to such other forms of aerogel or other hydrophobic or oleophilic particles.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention is to actively track the exterior surface treatment of a sportsball. Active tracking of the processing of a sportsball provides an increased level of quality assurance. Active tracking of the surface treatment of a sportsball ensures that steps are not skipped and that steps are not duplicated for each sportsball. Thus, each sportsball undergoes the same surface treatment process, providing a higher level of quality assurance and quality standards that ensure a consistent final product.

[0015] An aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a consistent and repeatable product through limited human interaction and human control of the system used for surface treatment of sports balls. In certain embodiments, the system for surface treatment of sports balls has limited human control and security protocols limit use of the system and insertion of sports balls into the system. In certain embodiments, the security protocols limit removal of sports balls from the system such that only authorized personnel are allowed access to the sports balls for post-treatment processing, reducing tampering with the sports balls prior to use in play.

[0016] Silica silylated dust, especially in the form of finer powders, reduces the reliability of mechanical systems. One aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide proper dust collection and dust reduction surrounding the treatment of sports balls with silica silylated.

[0017] An aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is to reduce the level of static charge that may prevent the adhesion of silylated silica to sports balls or other objects that are being treated for surface enhancement with silylated silica. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use methods that include improved grounding, introduction of ionized air, increased moisture, increased local humidity, and introduction of polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene glycol is a long chain aliphatic amine-based antistatic agent. Alternative antistatic agents based on amides, such as aliphatic amides and quaternary ammonium salts, esters of phosphoric acid, and polyols are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, alternative antistatic agents such as long chain alkylphenols, ethoxylated amines, and glycerol esters are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or other agents that have antistatic properties.

[0018] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for treating a sports ball in a manner that results in a desired level of hydrophobicity and tackiness for tactile sensation. Testing of sports balls throughout the process for variables such as hydrophobicity, surface roughness, tackiness, and other variables is within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0019] One aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is to process the sports balls, with the silylated silica added thereto, in a sealed container through agitation of the sports balls, the agitation occurring at a rate fast enough to provide acceptable mixing without causing damage to the sports balls, yet slow enough to prevent lack of mixing due to centripetal forces.

[0020] The embodiments described herein relating to methods for processing sports balls can be performed at a central location, or can be performed on-site, manually, or using specialized equipment adapted for processing multiple sports balls in a single process. Additionally, partial processing of sports balls and delivery to a second location for final processing is within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0021] These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention contained herein. The above embodiments, objects, and configurations are not exhaustive or comprehensive. Other embodiments of the invention are possible by using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Furthermore, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, representative of the full breadth and scope of the invention. The invention is set forth in this summary, as well as in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below, with varying levels of detail, and no limitation on the scope of the invention is intended to either include or not include elements, components, etc. in this summary. Additional aspects of the invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when read in conjunction with the drawings and the claims provided herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one particular embodiment of a system for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one particular embodiment of a system for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one particular embodiment of a system for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of certain embodiments of a method for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of certain embodiments of a method for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram of one particular embodiment of a system for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram of one particular embodiment of a system for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a particular embodiment of a method for calibrating a system for treating sports balls with silica silylated. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one particular embodiment of a system including an inspection station for inspecting the surface condition of a sports ball treated with silica silylated. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram of one particular embodiment of a system for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram of one particular embodiment of a system for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram of one particular embodiment of a system for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment with a placement for a sports ball, including a perspective view of the sports ball. [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is a top view of one particular embodiment with placement for sports balls. [Figure 12C] FIG. 1 is a side view of a particular embodiment including a placement for sports balls. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram of one particular embodiment of a system for treating a sports ball with silica silylated. [Figure 14A] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a particular embodiment including a processing chamber. [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a particular embodiment including a processing chamber. [Figure 14C] FIG. 2 is a side exploded view of a particular embodiment including a processing chamber. [Figure 14D] FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view of the processing chamber as shown in FIG. 14C. [Figure 14E] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a particular embodiment including a processing chamber. [Figure 14F] FIG. 14E is a detailed view of the processing chamber as shown in FIG. 14D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 1, certain embodiments of the present invention include a system for treating a sportsball, and in particular, the exterior surface 1010 of sportsball 1000, with silylated silica 1100. Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, systems, and devices related to the application of silylated silica 1100 to sportsball 1000.

[0024] Certain embodiments of the invention, such as those shown in FIG. 2, relate to a system for applying silylated silica 1100 to sportsball 1000, the system including a sealable container 1300 configured to receive sportsball 1000. The system is provided with a package 1200 containing a predetermined amount of silylated silica 1100, and a user places silylated silica 1100 from package 1200 into an open surface 1310 of the sealable container along with sportsball 1000 and reseals sealable container 1300. In certain embodiments, sealable container 1300 includes a lid 1310 that is placed on open surface 1310 by a user to seal sealable container 1300 before agitating the system through shaking, vibration, or other mechanical agitation. Some embodiments of the system as disclosed herein include a sports ball 1000, while alternative embodiments of the system do not include a sports ball 1000 and are intended as a treatment method for a sports ball 1000 obtained by a user outside of the proposed system. Sealed containers having rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible walls are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the interior of the sealed container includes ridges or other protrusions to maintain the sports ball 1000 at a predetermined distance from the interior surface. Certain sealable containers, such as zipper-sealed bags, are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the sealable container 1300 includes a leather bag or pouch having a closure with a roll-top or zip-lock style seal. These closures can be combined to contain the silica silylated dust during surface treatment. The bag or pouch can be assembled with the smooth or rough side of the leather oriented toward the inside of the bag or pouch. In certain embodiments, the interior of the container has a rough surface. In other embodiments, the interior of the container has a smooth surface. For example, a leather bag or pouch can be constructed with a smooth leather interior or a rough leather interior.

[0025] In certain embodiments, and referring again to FIG. 2 , sportsball 1000 is pre-packaged within envelope 1020. Envelope 1020 provides a vapor and chemical impermeable barrier for the sportsball. Use of envelope 1020 allows the sportsball manufacturer to pre-treat or pre-condition sportsball 1000 to predetermined environmental conditions that are pre-determined to be favorable for application of silica silylated 1100. Pre-treatment or pre-conditioning of the sportsball includes, but is not limited to, establishing temperature, humidity equilibrium or internal moisture equilibrium, chemical treatments, surface conditioning with topical ointments, surface grinding, surface polishing, and other methods of pre-treatment or pre-conditioning. In certain embodiments, silica silylated 1100 is introduced into the envelope prior to sealing, such that once sealed, movement of the package or container throughout shipping or transportation applies silica silylated 1100 to the ball surface. Instructions for further movement or manipulation of the package or container may be specified by inscription on the package or container. In certain embodiments, a gas, such as helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, nitrogen, oganesson, or other inert or hydrophobic gas, is introduced into the envelope prior to sealing.

[0026] Certain embodiments of the invention, such as that shown in FIG. 3, comprise a system for applying silylated silica 1100 to sportsball 1000, the system comprising a package 1200 containing a predetermined amount of silylated silica 1100, and an applicator 1400. In certain embodiments, applicator 1400 comprises one or more applicator gloves 1410, while alternative embodiments comprise applicator cloth 1420. The materials of applicator 1400 are formulated and configured for application of silylated silica to sportsball 1000.

[0027] 3, in certain embodiments, applicator 1400 is pre-impregnated with silylated silica, and the user simply rubs the applicator onto exterior surface 1010 of sportsball 1000 for at least a predetermined period of time. Although embodiments of the present invention relate to the application of silylated silica to a sportsball in dry powder or granular form, application of the silylated silica with a carrier medium or carrier fluid is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in certain embodiments, the carrier medium or carrier fluid is contained within package 1200.

[0028] Certain embodiments, such as those depicted in FIGS. 4A-5, include a method for processing sportsballs, where at least one step is performed by machinery or automated. The first step involves input 2000 of at least a first sportsball into the process in preparation for surface treatment with silica silylated. In certain embodiments, at least a first sportsball is placed into sportsball input 3000. Sportsball input 3000 of certain embodiments comprises a hopper configured to receive at least one or more sportsballs. In certain embodiments, the input is configured to receive batches of about 5-10, 10-15, 15-30, 30-60, or 60-120 sportsballs, while alternative embodiments are configured for continuous placement of sportsballs therein. In certain embodiments, the hopper is used in combination with a conveyor belt, such as that found in U.S. Patent No. 2,779,508 to Earl Ensinger, incorporated by reference herein for all purposes, to transport the sports balls from the hopper to the next subsequent step in the process of treating the sports balls with silylated silica. In certain embodiments, the transition between steps in the method of treating the sports balls with silylated silica is physically accomplished using a conveyor belt. In certain embodiments, the sports balls are transported between steps using gravity, with the sports balls dropping or rolling between steps of the method. In certain embodiments, a conveyor belt, conduit, track, or pneumatically charged tube is used to transport the sports balls from one station in the system to another (e.g., from pre-treatment 3100 to treatment 3200).

[0029] Certain embodiments, such as those depicted in FIGS. 4A-5, include a method for the treatment of a sports ball, where a pretreatment-process 2100 is performed in a pretreatment 3100 chamber where at least a first sports ball is prepared for surface treatment with silylated silica. In certain embodiments, the pretreatment-process includes storing the sports ball in an environmentally controlled pretreatment 3100 chamber where the environment is controlled to a predetermined set of variables. Environmental variables controlled in certain embodiments include, but are not limited to, humidity, pressure, and temperature. In certain embodiments, the pretreatment-process 2100 applies a chemical, fluid, or powder to the sports surface in a predetermined amount or duration to prepare the sports ball surface for proper adhesion and coverage of the silylated silica in subsequent processes. In certain embodiments, the pretreatment-process includes surface conditioning of the sports ball, where the sports ball surface is modified with a grinding or polishing medium.

[0030] 4B, the surface of a sportsball is pre-treated 2100 prior to introduction of the sportsball into the system. Pre-treatment process 2100 involves treating the materials of the sportsball prior to its manufacture. In certain embodiments, the exterior surface of the sportsball is made of leather, and the leather is pre-treated or impregnated with a pre-treatment solution prior to the manufacture of the sportsball. Thus, pre-treatment of the sportsball prior to introduction 2000 into the system is within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the surface of a sports ball may include any of the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,401 to Gary McNeil ("McNeil"), U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,598 to John Rampe ("Rampe"), U.S. Pat. No. 3,633,321 to William E. Rise ("Rise"), U.S. Pat. No. 3,724,146 to Denis Fahey et al. ("Fahey"), U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,129 to Achille Ferrara ("Ferrara"), U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,002 to Hisamine Kobayashi ("Kobayashi"), U.S. Pat. No. 3,871,135 to Gordon Anderson ("Anderson"), U.S. Pat. No. 4,018,009 to Raymond Leliaert ("Leliaert"), U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,009 to Gunther Schneider ("Gunther"), U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,009 to Ganther Schneider ("Gan ... Pretreatment 2100 occurs in a rocking chamber such as that found in U.S. Patent No. 4,329,817 to Balz ("Balz") and U.S. Patent No. 4,231,196 to George Jones ("Jones"), each of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. At least one sports ball is placed in the chamber along with a medium intended to grind, polish, or otherwise physically enhance the surface of the sports ball in a manner that alters the surface of the sports ball to promote, limit, or enhance adhesion of the silica silylated during the pretreatment-surface treatment step.

[0032] Certain embodiments, such as those depicted in Figures 4A-5, include a method 200 and system 300 for the treatment of a sportsball, where a surface treatment step 2200 is performed in which the surface of the sportsball is treated with silylated silica. The surface treatment step occurs in a treatment chamber 3200 in which at least one sportsball is treated with silylated silica. The silylated silica is applied to the surface of the sportsball in a manner that produces consistent and homogenous results in surface characteristics for each sportsball treated in the treatment chamber 3200. The treatment chamber of certain embodiments comprises a vibration chamber as disclosed by McNeil and Rampe. The vibration chamber of certain embodiments is filled with silylated silica, while alternative embodiments comprise a combination of silylated silica and a medium configured to further aid in the dispersion and application of the silylated silica to the sportsball. In certain embodiments, the media combined with the silylated silica is selected from a list including, but not limited to, steel balls, polymeric balls, and glass beads, such as may be found in blasting media; ceramic spheres or cylinders; porcelain beads; plastic beads; hydrophobic fumed silica; and hydrophobic precipitated silica. Treatment chambers using agitation methods instead of vibration agitation are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0033] Certain embodiments of the invention include a surface treatment step 2200 in a treatment chamber configured to receive at least one sports ball at a time. The treatment chamber includes a chamber where the sports ball enters treatment chamber 3200, where a predetermined amount of silylated silica is added via silylated silica input 3050, thereby controlling the exact amount of silylated silica used to treat the sports ball. Embodiments including manual, mechanical, and automatic addition of silylated silica via input 3050 are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0034] Certain embodiments of the invention include a surface treatment step 2200 in a treatment chamber configured to treat at least one sports ball with silylated silica through spraying of silylated silica. Spraying of silylated silica includes aerosolized spraying of dry silylated silica. Alternative embodiments include spraying a silylated silica suspension or solution through a spray dryer, and the dried silylated silica is deposited on the sports ball. In certain embodiments, the sports ball is rotated on at least one axis at a predetermined speed to ensure uniform and consistent coverage of each sports ball. Spraying fluidized silylated silica and allowing the suspension to dry on the surface of the sports ball is within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0035] Certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, include a surface treatment method and system, where a sports ball is received 2210 into a surface treatment process 2200. A sports ball is added to a chamber, silylated silica is added 2220 to the same chamber, and the chamber is agitated 2230. The silylated silica is added 2220 from a silylated silica input 3050. The agitation can be accomplished through vibration, agitators, tumbling, mixing, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the agitation of the sports ball with the silylated silica 2230 occurs with added media, while in alternative embodiments the agitation 2230 occurs exclusively with the sports ball and the silylated silica. In certain embodiments, the agitation 2230 occurs for a predetermined period of time. Once the agitation step 2230 is complete, the sports ball is separated 2240 from the chamber. After the sportsball is separated from the chamber, a separation 2250 of excess material from the sportsball occurs. The separation step 2250 involves separating the sportsball from excess silylated silica and excess media used in the agitating 2230 step. Alternate embodiments in which the excess material is discarded after removal 2250 from the sportsball are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the separation step 2250 is performed two or more times with a period of time therebetween. In certain embodiments, the period of time is about 1-60 seconds, 1-60 minutes, 1-3 hours, 3-6 hours, 6-12 hours, 1-2 days, 2-4 days, 4-7 days, or greater than one week. In one preferred embodiment, the period of time is about one week. In certain embodiments, at least one separation step 2250 is performed within the chamber prior to removing the sportsball from the chamber. In one particular embodiment, one separation step 2250 is performed in the chamber, after which the sportsball is removed from the chamber and allowed to sit for a period of time, and then the sportsball is loaded back into the chamber and a second separation step 2250 is performed.

[0036] Certain embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6, include a device for separation 2250 of excess material from the sports ball, such as a screened separator such as those disclosed by McNeil, Rampe, Rise, Fahey, Ferrara, Kobayashi, Anderson, Leliaert, Balz, Jones, or combinations thereof. Once the sports ball is separated from the chamber in which it was oscillated, it is transferred onto a screened surface where it is subjected to vibrations that cause the excess material to break away from it and through the screened surface. The excess material is returned to the silylated silica input 3050. Alternatively, the excess material falls back into the oscillating chamber via the screened surface or is returned to the silylated silica input. In certain embodiments, once the excess material is separated from the sports ball, it is returned 2260 to the silylated silica input 3050 for further use in processing additional sports balls. Certain embodiments of the separation mechanism comprising a screen separator include a vibration aspect that aids in the separation of excess material from the sports balls after they have been treated with the silica silylated.

[0037] In certain embodiments of the invention, a process of removing excess material is accomplished in which the sportsball is exposed to a blast or stream of air at a predetermined pressure and / or speed to remove 2250 excess material from the sportsball after the surface treatment 2200 process. In certain embodiments of the invention, the process of removing excess material 2250 is accomplished through the use of suction or vacuum applied to the sportsball after agitating 2230 the sportsball with the silica silylated.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the process 2250 of removing excess material is performed through the use of a grinding, polishing, or brushing media in a vibration or tumbling chamber that is separate from the chamber in which the sports ball is agitated with the silylated silica. In other embodiments, the process 2250 of removing excess material is performed by vibration or tumbling through the use of a grinding, polishing, or brushing media in a treatment chamber. Media used for removing excess material 2250 can include, but are not limited to, steel balls, polymer balls, glass beads, ceramic balls or cylinders, porcelain beads, plastic beads, or pieces of fabric such as pieces of terry cloth.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the process 2250 of removing excess material is performed using a tumbling chamber with a smooth inner surface or with added baffles to introduce additional tumbling action. The chamber can be cylindrical or have other shapes, such as a cubic or hexagonal shape, to introduce additional tumbling action. The inner surface of the chamber further includes a plurality of openings adapted to allow uniform withdrawal of the silylated silica dust from the chamber by vacuum pressure. In certain embodiments, the tumbling chamber is mounted in a rotating manner within a housing to which vacuum pressure is applied. The housing includes a door that allows access to the tumbling chamber. A predetermined number of sports balls to be treated with silylated silica are introduced into the tumbling chamber through the door. A predetermined number, size, and shape of brushing media, such as towels (made of terry cloth or another material), or other media including beads (plastic, metal, ceramic, porcelain, etc.), rice grains, steel pins, ground corn cobs, ground walnut shells, coconut shells, are also added to the chamber. The door is then closed and the vacuum is turned on to begin removing dust from the chamber. Tumbling of the chamber is then turned on for a predetermined period of time to remove excess material from the treated sports balls. In certain embodiments, the vacuum airflow is monitored by an airborne particle counter or other device to identify when sufficient excess material has been removed so that the tumbling period can be terminated. After the tumbling period, the treated balls and media are removed from the chamber through the door. In certain embodiments, the media is left in the chamber for subsequent processing of additional sports balls.

[0040] In certain embodiments, a short pause 3700 may be desired between processing steps, allowing the sportsball to remain undelivered between steps. In certain embodiments, the short pause 3700 has a length of time of up to 24 hours. In certain embodiments, the short pause 3700 has a length of time between 24 hours and 7 days. Still further, certain embodiments in which the pause has a length of time greater than 7 days are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments, a short pause 3700 may be desired between the rocking 2230 step and the separating 2240 step. In certain embodiments, a short pause 3700 may be desired between the separating 2240 step and the removing excess material step 2250. Still further, in certain embodiments, a short pause 3700 may be desired between the removing excess material step 2250 and the sportsball exiting the surface treatment step 2270. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to remove the sports ball from any processing equipment for a short break 3700 step and then return the sports ball to that equipment or another device for further removal 2250 of excess material.

[0041] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, the process of removing or brushing off excess silylated silica material is performed using a receptacle. In certain embodiments, the receptacle 7000 includes a cone-shaped or hemispherical shaped cup portion 7050, but may have other shapes, such as a pyramidal or hexagonal shaped cup. In a preferred embodiment, the cup portion 7050 has a shape concentric with the outer diameter of the sports ball such that the inner surface of the receptacle 7000 is adapted to allow contact with the sports ball all over the inner surface. In other embodiments, the cup portion 7050 may have a trough shape with a circular or V-shaped profile. In other embodiments, the cup portion 7050 may have a flat center and raised edges, like a dinner plate or frying pan. In other embodiments, the cup portion 7050 may be a substantially flat surface. The cup portion 7050 includes a vacuum opening 7100 and an inner surface 7150. The vacuum opening 7100 is fluidly interconnected to the cup portion 7050 and is adapted to interconnect with a vacuum by a hose or port. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum opening 7100 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of a sports ball to be processed in the cup portion. In another embodiment, the vacuum opening 7100 includes a guard, i.e., a mesh, a grid, a perforated surface, or a protrusion, to prevent a sports ball from being sucked into the vacuum opening 7100. The inner surface 7150 includes a material selected from the list including, but not limited to, wool or synthetic carpet, wool or synthetic felt, leather, synthetic leather or vinyl, terry cloth, or foam. In certain embodiments, the inner surface 7150 is a substantially planar or flat sheet of material that is laid over the substantially flat surface of the cup portion 7050. In certain embodiments, the inner surface 7150 further comprises a plurality of openings 7200 adapted to allow uniform withdrawal of the silica silylated dust by vacuum pressure from the cup portion 7050. The openings 7200 can be holes through the material or, in certain embodiments, conduits formed within the material.In certain embodiments, the inner surface 7150 includes an opening that is fluidly interconnected to the vacuum opening 7100. In certain embodiments, the material of the inner surface is sufficiently porous to allow the silylated silica dust to pass through to the vacuum opening 7100. In certain embodiments, the repository 7000 is interconnected to a port on the housing referenced in the previous paragraph, and the vacuum opening 7100 is fluidly interconnected to the housing vacuum. In this configuration, the repository 7000 can be used in conjunction with the use of a tumbling chamber or instead of using a tumbling chamber when only a small number of sports balls need to be processed. In use, the repository 7000 is interconnected to the vacuum by the vacuum opening 7100. The vacuum is turned on to introduce vacuum pressure into the cup portion 7050. The sports ball treated with silylated silica is placed into cup portion 7050 and manually manipulated to grind the ball surface at inner surface 7150 to remove excess silylated silica from the surface. The silylated silica dust is evacuated by vacuum pressure within cup portion 7050. Once it is determined that the excess silylated silica has been sufficiently removed from the sports ball, the ball is removed from cup portion 7050.

[0042] In certain embodiments, removal 2250 of excess material is performed through alternative processes, including but not limited to brushing, wiping, or electrostatic.

[0043] Certain embodiments of the present invention include a dust abatement system for certain aspects of a system for treating sports balls with silylated silica. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, dust abatement system 3600 is related to a component of a system used to treat sports balls with silylated silica 3200. The dust abatement system applied to a portion configured to treat sports balls 3200 can be applied to a combination of system elements, individual components, or combinations thereof. Certain embodiments of the dust abatement system use filters to separate silylated silica dust from the ambient air surrounding the components for treating sports balls 3200. Embodiments using screens, semi-permeable membranes, foam filters, fabric filters, paper filters, and combinations thereof are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments, electrostatic filtration methods are used to remove particulate silylated silica from the air surrounding a system used to treat sports balls with silylated silica 3200. In other embodiments, dust abatement system 3600 is applied to any opening in a system for processing sports balls, including any opening in sports ball input 3000, processing chamber 3200, silylated silica input 3050, inspection system 3300, post-processing 3400, and / or sports ball output 3500.

[0044] In certain embodiments of the invention, testing 2300 of the treated sportsballs is performed in a testing system 3300 to ensure that a consistent and homogenous application of silylated silica has been applied to at least one sportsball. The testing 3300 system provides a pass 2310 or fail 2320 determination of the sportsball after treatment 2200 with silylated silica. In certain embodiments, a fail 2320 determination initiates a process to automatically return the sportsball again for surface treatment 2200. In certain embodiments, a fail determination 2320 results in a notification to a user to test the sportsball after treatment and / or to resubmit 2000 the sportsball to the system for surface treatment. In certain embodiments, (n) is the number of times a single sportsball receives a fail determination 2320. Upon reaching a fail determination 2320, the system performs a comparison 2325 of (n) to a predefined fail threshold (x). If n is greater than or equal to x, the system notifies the user 2330. In certain embodiments, (n) is the total number of times a reject decision 2320 is reached in a given batch of sportsballs. Once a reject decision 2320 is reached, the system compares 2325 (n) to a predefined reject threshold (x). If (n) is greater than or equal to (x), the system notifies the user 2330. In certain embodiments, the notification to the user 2330 results in the system going into a standby mode and waiting for input from the user. In certain embodiments, the notification to the user 2330 includes instructions to the user to test the system and, if necessary, recalibrate. In certain embodiments, if (n) is greater than or equal to (x), the system discards the sportsball into a discard bin or other device. In certain embodiments, testing of the processed sportsball is performed after the separation step 2250 has been performed at least two or more times. If the inspection 3300 system provides a pass 2310, the sportsball proceeds to post-processing-process 2400 as described herein. After post-processing-process 2400, the sportsball proceeds to yield 2500.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the system requires calibration when it is initialized for use or when a user is notified 2325 to recalibrate the system for treating a sports ball with silylated silica. As shown in FIG. 7, a system calibration method 400 of certain embodiments includes an initialization step of starting 4000 the system calibration. A user is instructed to insert 4050 a calibration sports ball. The calibration sports ball is a calibration tool that represents the optimum surface characteristics of a sports ball treated with silylated silica. Based on the test readings of the calibration sports ball, the system establishes 4150 a test target that matches the test readings of the calibration sports ball results 4100 plus a predefined acceptable tolerance. An untreated sports ball is loaded 4200 and the system proceeds to process 4250 with a standard, programmed process. After processing the sports ball, the system performs an inspection 4300 of the treated sports ball. The system compares the inspection 4300 of the processed sports ball to the newly established inspection system targets. If the inspection results are within the predefined tolerances of the established inspection system targets, the system performs confirmation 4410 that they are within tolerance and completes 4500 the system calibration. However, if the inspection results are not within the predefined tolerances of the established inspection system targets, the system performs confirmation 4420 of a negative test result. System variables are then adjusted according to the negative test result to attempt to match the system output of the processed sports ball with the system output of the established system targets 4150. Variables that may be adjusted include, but are not limited to, the amount of silylated silica in the processing portion of the system, the system processing temperature, the system processing pressure, the pre-processing humidity, the system processing process humidity, vibration frequency, and vibration amplitude. Both embodiments in which the adjustment 4350 of the system variables is adjusted automatically and those in which the adjustment 4350 of the system variables is performed manually by a user are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.After adjustment of the system variables, another loading 4200 of untreated sports balls is performed and the untreated sports balls are treated 4250 by the system with silica silylated for testing 4300 and comparison 4400 to established testing system targets 4150. The process of steps 4200-4400 continues until a positive test result 4410 is reached, thus completing 4500 system calibration.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the inspection system 3300, as shown in FIG. 5, includes at least one method for testing the surface condition of a treated sports ball. Certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, use laser spectroscopy to identify the surface condition of a treated sports ball. The use of laser spectroscopy involves using a laser 5000 to direct a laser beam 5010 at least a first point 5020 on the exterior surface 1010 of the sports ball. Multiple points are used to verify homogeneous and consistent treatment of the silica silylated. In certain embodiments, the sports ball is rotated 5100 at a predetermined speed on at least one axis (5110, 5120, 5130) during the inspection using laser spectroscopy. The rotation 5100 of the sports ball 1000 allows for the rapid assessment of multiple points on the exterior surface 1010 to assess the overall average result of the sports ball's surface treatment.

[0047] In certain embodiments, as shown, the inspection system 3300 of certain embodiments relies on optical assessment of the sports ball after treatment with silylated silica. The optical assessment of the sports ball can be performed using qualification and quantification of variables including, but not limited to, color, surface gloss, surface reflectance, or combinations thereof.

[0048] In certain embodiments of method 200 for treating a sportsball with silylated silica, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the surface test 2300 step is performed optically using a microscope. The sportsball can be viewed under a microscope to assess the surface structure and condition of the sportsball to inspect the quality of the surface treatment with silylated silica, either in an automated machine process or after processing by a human user. In certain embodiments, inspection system 3300 includes application of indicia to the sportsball surface prior to or during the treatment process. The indicia are adapted to be ground away from the ball surface at a predetermined rate during the treatment process and provide optical visual confirmation that at least a portion of the treatment process is complete. For example, the indicia can include marks of paint, grease, graphite, adhesive labels, or other marking materials that adhere to the sportsball surface but can be removed through grinding.

[0049] The application of the silylated silica to the exterior surface of the sportsball results in a change in the material properties on the exterior surface of the sportsball. In certain embodiments, the inspection system 3300 includes a surface conductivity measurement device and the surface conductivity of the sportsball is measured after treatment with the silylated silica. In certain embodiments, the exterior surface of the sportsball is subjected to testing 2300 (FIGS. 4A-4B) to determine the electrical conductivity of the exterior surface before and after surface treatment process 2200, and the results of the surface tests before and after treatment are compared.

[0050] Certain embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 4A-5, include a method 200 and system 300 for treating a sports ball, where a surface treatment step 2200 is performed to treat the surface of the sports ball with silylated silica. In certain embodiments, each step of the method relative to a system station is tracked using asset tracking to ensure each step of the process is performed as specified. In certain embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 9, each station of the system for treating a baseball with silylated silica is marked with a discrete barcode 5500, such as a Data Matrix or QR Code, and each sports ball 1000 is individually marked with a discrete barcode 5500, such as a Data Matrix or QR Code. Before each station (e.g., 3000-3500) of the system, each barcode 5500 of the sports ball is scanned with a scanner 5600, and each barcode 5500 of each station is scanned with a scanner. Thereafter, the barcode 5500 of each sports ball 1000 is scanned following completion of each sports ball 1000 through each station in the system. The scanner is in communication with a computer system 5700, which in some embodiments is in communication with a cloud-based computing system 5800, where data associated with each sports ball is recorded. Thus, the processing of each sports ball 1000 can be tracked, and the performance of each system for processing sports balls can be recorded, tracked, and assessed in relation to other systems. Although an embodiment of the asset tracking system has been disclosed in terms of the use of barcodes, alternative methods of tracking assets and processes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.10, in one particular embodiment, each sports ball 1000 includes an RFID tag 6000 embedded therein, and each station (e.g., 3100-3500) includes a first RFID sensor 6110 intended to record the entry of the sports ball into the system station, and a second RFID sensor intended to record the exit of the sports ball from the system station. The RFID sensors 6110 and 6120 are in communication with a computer system 5700, which is in communication with a cloud-based computing system 5800, where data associated with each sports ball is recorded. Thus, the processing of each sports ball 1000 can be tracked, and the performance of each system for processing sports balls can be recorded, tracked, and assessed in relation to other systems.

[0051] Certain embodiments of the invention include a system as shown in FIG. 9, including system 300 for treating sports balls 1000 with silylated silica, where key system variables are tracked for purposes of asset tracking, system performance, and system status. Key variables tracked in certain embodiments include process time, process temperature, process humidity, process duration, vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, weight monitoring of silylated silica input, weight monitoring of processing stations, weight monitoring of sports ball input, or combinations thereof. Measurement of such key variables is not limited to one particular system station, for example, in certain embodiments, monitoring of process humidity is desired at all system steps including sports ball input 3000, silylated silica input 3050, pre-treatment 3100, treatment 3200, inspection 3300, post-processing 3400, and sports ball output 3500. In certain embodiments, most or all of the process of treating the sports balls occurs in an ambient environment with a relative humidity of less than about 80% and less than about 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0052] Additionally, in certain embodiments involving a conveyor or other motor-driven conveyance for transferring at least one sports ball from one system station to another, a motor load sensor is used to assess power draw from the motor, where the power draw of the motor is correlated to the number of sports balls in the motor-driven conveyance. An increase in the number of sports balls correlates to an increase in load, which requires an increase in power to maintain a predetermined motor rotational speed. Thus, monitoring of the power draw from the motor can be used to indicate the number of sports balls in the process; whether the processing chamber has the correct number of balls and / or the correct amount of processing material or other media; and / or predictive indicators of equipment failure or bearing and motor wear, so that replacement equipment can be deployed prior to a forced shutdown.

[0053] In certain embodiments of a system 300 as shown in FIG. 11 for treating sports balls with silylated silica, a first access control point 6510 prevents unauthorized personnel from accessing sports ball input 3000 to prevent unauthorized use of system 300. A second access control point 6520 prevents unauthorized personnel from accessing sports ball output 3500 to prevent unauthorized access to sports balls that have been treated with silylated silica. In certain embodiments, an access control point prevents access to a system station (e.g., 3000-3500) to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing, inspecting, tampering with, or using system 300. In certain embodiments, system 300 may be controlled by a user only by a single start button or switch, which may be either mechanical or represented in a graphical user interface.

[0054] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, certain embodiments of the present invention include a process 8000 for the treatment of sports balls, where the sports balls are treated with silylated silica. The process includes receiving 8010 the sports balls, treating 8100 the sports balls, polishing 8200 the sports balls, and packaging 8300 the sports balls. Upon receiving 8010 the sports balls may be received as individual units or may be bulk packaged. Upon removal 8015 of the sports balls from any existing packaging, the packaging may be set aside for reuse. The individual balls are placed 8020 into a first container having a first color, the first color indicating that the sports balls contained therein have not been treated. After treatment, the sports balls are placed 8030 into a second container, the second container having a second color, the second color indicating that the sports balls contained therein have been treated. In one particular embodiment, a container having a certain color is used to indicate that the sports ball contained therein is at a pause step 3700.

[0055] After receiving 8010 step, sports ball 1000 is added to processing chamber 3200 during loading step 8050, where the sports ball is exposed to silylated silica 1100 for processing 8100 step. In certain embodiments, processing chamber 3200 has a cylindrical shape, such as a 55 gallon drum, but the processing chamber is not so limited. In certain embodiments, various numbers of sports balls may be added within processing chamber 3200 based on the size and shape of sports ball 1000 in conjunction with the size and shape of processing chamber 3200. In certain scenarios, it may be desirable to add hundreds of sports balls (such as 12 dozen or 24 dozen) to processing chamber 3200, while in alternative scenarios using alternative sports balls, it may be desirable to add 12 or fewer sports balls to the processing chamber.

[0056] Additionally, during the loading step 8050, silylated silica 1100 is added to the processing chamber 3200 (FIGS. 14A-14F) in an amount that correlates to the number of sports balls being processed. The amount of silylated silica can vary according to the shape, size, and surface area of ​​the sports ball. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to add between 0-12 ounces of silylated silica per sports ball being processed. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to add 8 ounces of silylated silica 1100 for each dozen sports balls added to the processing chamber 3200. In certain embodiments, more than 12 ounces of silylated silica 1100 per sports ball is added to the processing chamber.

[0057] In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to add tumbling media 1110 during loading step 8050 of sports ball 1000 in processing chamber 3200. In certain embodiments, tumbling media 1110 includes polymer beads (e.g., HDPE), while alternative embodiments include ceramic based tumbling media (e.g., aluminum oxide), porcelain tumbling media, glass tumbling media, organic tumbling media (e.g., walnut shells), or metal tumbling media. In certain embodiments, tumbling media 1110 has a granule size of less than 0.25 inches. Alternatively, it may be desirable to use tumbling media having a granule size between 0.15 inches and 0.17 inches in the largest diameter or dimension. However, the use of tumbling media 1110 of other sizes or shapes falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and the tumbling media can be adapted for the treatment of various objects, materials, shapes, and intended uses.

[0058] In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to add an antistatic agent 1120, such as polyethylene glycol, to the processing chamber 3200 during the loading step 8050. The addition of an antistatic agent 1120, such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., but not limited to, PEG200, PEG400, or PEG800) can be added depending on environmental conditions, such as ambient humidity. The addition of the antistatic agent 1120 prevents the sports ball from accumulating a static charge that may interfere with the attachment of the silylated silica to the sports ball or that may interfere with the removal of excess silylated silica 1100 from the sports ball.

[0059] 14A-14F, in certain embodiments, a processing chamber 3200 includes an open end 3210 and a vented end 3220. In certain embodiments, the end 3220 includes a mesh surface 3225 that allows air to pass through. The mesh surface 3225 can be sealed with a cover 3228, and the open end 3210 can be sealed with a cover 3218. In certain embodiments, the cover 3218 has a conical shape with a port 3240 therethrough. The port 3240 is adapted for interconnection with a dust abatement system 3600 (FIG. 5) configured to draw a vacuum via the port 3240. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to interconnect a mesh layer 3215 between the open end 3210 of the processing chamber 3200 and the cover 3218 to prevent the tumbling media 1110 from escaping with the silylated silica 1100 during the process of extracting excess silylated silica 8250 (FIG. 13) using a vacuum 1140. The port 3240 includes a first end 3241 interconnected with the cover 3218 and a second end 3242 coaxially interconnected with the first end 3241. The second end 3242 extends away from the top cover 3218. The first end 3241 and the second end 3242 of the port are configured to be coaxially interconnected, but are configured to allow independent rotation relative to one another. Thus, when the processing chamber 3200 is rotated, the interconnected top cover 3218 rotates with the processing chamber 3200 while the port second end 3242 remains stationary for the interconnection of the dust abatement device 3800. In certain embodiments, the port cover 3244 and cover 3228 are used to seal the processing chamber 3200 during the sealing step 8150, and the port cover 3244 and cover 3228 are later removed for the extraction step 8250.

[0060] 14A-14F, the processing chamber 3200 includes a rocking feature 3250 within the processing chamber 3200 that provides rocking of sports balls and other materials disposed within the chamber, the rocking feature 3250 adapted to induce mixing of the contents within the processing chamber 3200. In certain embodiments, the processing chamber 3200 includes a rocking feature 3250 that extends longitudinally within the processing chamber 3200, is positioned between the top 3210 and bottom 3220 of the chamber, and extends radially inward from the sidewalls 3205 of the chamber. In certain embodiments, the oscillating feature 3250 has an arched profile, a first end of the arch and a second end of the arch interconnected with a sidewall of the chamber, the arched profile extending radially inward from the sidewall, and the oscillating device 3250 configured to displace the sportsballs away from the sidewall 3205 of the processing chamber to promote mixing during the process of processing the sportsballs. In certain embodiments, the processing chamber 3200 includes multiple oscillating features 3250.

[0061] For example, in certain embodiments shown in Figures 14A-14F, the processing chamber 3200 includes a rocking feature 3260 having at least one opening 3265 adapted to allow the passage of the silylated silica and tumbling medium while preventing the passage of the sports ball. Thus, the sports ball is separated from the sidewall 3205 while the silylated silica and tumbling medium pass through the opening 3265 of the second rocking feature 3260. In certain embodiments, the rocking feature 3260 extends longitudinally within the processing chamber 3200 and is positioned between the top 3210 and bottom 3220 of the chamber and extends radially inward from the sidewall 3205 of the chamber. In certain embodiments, a first end 3261 of the rocking feature has an angular offset 3263 from a second end 3262 of the rocking feature. Thus, for example, when the processing chamber 3200 is oriented in a horizontal orientation, the rocking feature 3260 acts as a screw such that when the processing chamber is rotated in a first direction 3271, the sports ball is directed toward the top 3210 of the processing chamber, and when the processing chamber is rotated in a second direction 3272, the sports ball is directed toward the top 3210 of the chamber.

[0062] 13, after sports balls and other desired materials are added into the chamber during a loading step 8100, the ends of the chamber are sealed in a sealing step 8150, and the chamber is rocked for a predetermined period of time for a rocking step 8170. In certain embodiments, the rocking includes rotating the chamber about an axis for a predetermined period of time. In certain embodiments, the rotation of the chamber occurs at a speed between 0-60 rpm, while in certain embodiments, the chamber is rotated between 10-15 rpm. However, in alternative embodiments, the chamber is rotated at a speed slower than 10 rpm or faster than 60 rpm.

[0063] In certain embodiments, for example, referring to Figures 13-14F, the chamber is disposed at an angle, with the axis of rotation 3209 being between 0 and 90 degrees from horizontal due to the rocking step 8170. However, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable for the chamber to be disposed at an angle of 0 to 10 degrees. In certain embodiments, the chamber is rotated for a period of time between 10 minutes and 1 hour. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to rotate the chamber for 45 minutes, although in alternative embodiments, the chamber is rotated for less than 10 minutes or more than 1 hour. In certain embodiments, the duration of treatment is based on the desired level of measured and perceived surface conditions, including hydrophobicity and surface roughness.

[0064] After the agitation step 8170, a short break 3700 may be desired before commencing the polishing 8200 step. The short break 3700 typically has a time span between 24 hours and 7 days, although in certain embodiments, the short break is less than 24 hours or greater than 7 days. In certain embodiments, a first polishing 8200 step is performed, after which the sportsball is removed for a short break 3700. The sportsball is then reloaded into the chamber for at least one additional polishing 8200 step.

[0065] For example, in certain embodiments shown in Figures 13-14F, the polishing step 8200 includes agitating the chamber 8170 while extracting 8250 unused and excess silylated silica from the chamber. Extraction 8250 of unused silylated silica is typically performed under vacuum 1140 via a mesh surface 3225 at the bottom of the chamber and via a port 3240 in the top cover. In certain embodiments, the port 3240 is configured to allow interconnection of a vacuum system such as dust abatement 3600 or vacuum. Although the dust extraction described and shown herein flows from the bottom 3220 of the chamber to the top 3210 of the chamber, alternative flow paths are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0066] It may be desirable to continue agitating 8170 the treatment chamber while pulling vacuum 1140 to extract the silylated silica dust, and to continue agitating 8170 during a polishing step 8200 to polish the surface of the sports ball while removing excess silylated silica material. In certain embodiments, extraction 8250 of the silylated silica includes the use of a high pressure nozzle 8270 disposed at the bottom of the chamber, which is used to provide high pressure air 1130 to suspend the remaining and excess silylated silica in air for easier extraction using the vacuum system.

[0067] 14E-14F, the high pressure nozzle 8270 has an angle 8275 away from the axis of rotation 3209 to facilitate the use of high pressure air to remove excess silylated silica from the surface of the sports ball. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable for the high pressure air to be delivered in short bursts, while, alternatively, it may be desirable for the high pressure air to be delivered in a continuous manner.

[0068] For example, in certain embodiments shown in Figures 13-14F, the mesh surface 3225 at the bottom of the chamber is sealable and the vent is in a closed position during the processing step 8100, and during the extraction step 8250, air is allowed to flow therethrough and the vent is open for extraction of unused silylated silica. In certain embodiments, the mesh bottom 3225 is closed with a bottom cover that is installed during the loading step 8100 through the rocking step 8170 and removed during the extraction step 8250. Although the embodiments disclosed herein relate to the mesh surface 8225 for air flow therethrough, the use of a resealable vent is within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0069] 13, extraction step 8250 is performed prior to polishing step 8200, although it may be desirable for extraction step 8250 to be performed during a portion of polishing step 8200 or for the entire duration of polishing step 8200. In certain embodiments, extraction of silylated silica 8250 further includes the use of vacuum 1140 and high pressure air flow via high pressure nozzle 1130 for a predetermined number of revolutions or a predetermined amount of time.

[0070] Certain embodiments further include a setting step, where the sports ball is set aside prior to use. The setting step allows the silica silylated to fully adhere to the sports ball, preventing premature use of the sports ball. The setting step can occur before or after an optional repackaging step 8360, where the sports ball is repackaged before being delivered for use. The repackaging step 8360 can reuse the original packaging material from which the sports ball was unpackaged, or alternatively, new packaging material can be used. The setting step of certain embodiments has a time span between 0-24 hours, while alternative embodiments have a time span between 24 hours and 7 days, or greater than 7 days. In a preferred embodiment, the setting step environment is 45-65% relative humidity and 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. In other embodiments, the setting step environment is 40-70% relative humidity and 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, or 35-75% relative humidity and 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0071] After the setting step of certain embodiments, a brushing step 8350 is performed to remove any excess silylated silica that did not adhere to the sports ball. The brushing step 8350 can be performed in batches, such as by using machinery specifically adapted to brush sports balls, or can be performed individually, such as by hand. In certain embodiments, the sports ball is loaded into a chamber along with a brushing medium, and the chamber is rocked for a period of time to remove any excess silylated silica. After that period of time, the excess silylated silica is removed from the chamber using processes described herein, and then the sports ball is removed from the chamber. In certain embodiments, the brushing step 8350 can be performed before or after the repackaging step 8360.

[0072] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and variations of these embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it should be expressly understood that such modifications and variations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Moreover, the invention described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "in addition" and variations thereof herein means to include not only additional items but also the items listed thereafter and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A method for treating a sports ball with silica silylate, comprising: loading a processing chamber with a plurality of sportsballs; loading the processing chamber with a predetermined amount of the silylated silica; agitating the processing chamber; removing the sports ball from the processing chamber; allowing the sportsball to stand for a second period of time; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising removing at least a portion of the silylated silica from the processing chamber.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising loading the processing chamber with a tumbling medium prior to agitating the processing chamber for a first period of time.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising filling the processing chamber with an antistatic agent.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the antistatic agent comprises polyethylene glycol and the tumbling media comprises HDPE.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein rocking the processing chamber comprises rotating the processing chamber about a first axis.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein rotating the processing chamber occurs at a speed of 10 to 15 rpm.

8. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising agitating said processing chamber during said removing at least a portion of said silylated silica from said processing chamber.

9. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said removing at least a portion of said silylated silica from said processing chamber comprises drawing a vacuum to induce an air flow from said processing chamber.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising flowing air into the processing chamber, the air stream causing at least a portion of the silylated silica to become airborne.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the air stream is directed at an angle relative to an axis of rotation of the processing chamber.

12. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the second period of time is 12 to 36 hours, 1 to 4 days, or 5 to 10 days.

13. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising brushing an exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of sportsballs after the second period of time to remove at least a portion of the silica silylated.

14. loading at least a portion of the plurality of sportsballs into a second chamber after the second period of time; agitating the second chamber to remove at least a portion of the silica silylated from the treated surface of the sports ball; removing the sportsball from the second chamber; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the silylated silica in the processing chamber has a maximum diameter of 1 to 100 nanometers, 100 to 2500 nanometers, or 1 to 1000 micrometers.

16. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising extracting at least a portion of the silica silylate from the treatment chamber by vacuum pressure before removing the sports ball from the treatment chamber.

17. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising testing the treated surface of at least one of the plurality of sportsballs to identify a result of the treatment of the at least one sportsball.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein testing the surface evaluates at least one of hydrophobicity, surface roughness, adhesion, color, surface gloss, or surface reflectance.

19. 1. A method for treating a sports ball with silica silylate, comprising: loading a processing chamber with a plurality of sportsballs; loading the processing chamber with the silylated silica; agitating the treatment chamber for a first period of time to apply the silylated silica to the exterior surface of the sportsball; agitating the processing chamber for a second period of time while applying a vacuum to the processing chamber to remove at least a portion of the silylated silica from the chamber; removing the sports ball from the processing chamber; A method comprising:

20. 1. A method for treating a sports ball with silica silylate, comprising: loading a first chamber with a plurality of sportsballs; loading the first chamber with the silylated silica; agitating the first chamber to apply the silica silylated to the exterior surface of the sportsball; removing the sportsball from the first chamber; allowing the sports ball to stand for 1 to 10 days; loading a second chamber with said sportsball; agitating the second chamber to remove at least a portion of the silica silylated from the exterior surface of the sportsball; removing the sportsball from the second chamber; testing the exterior surface of at least one of the sportsballs to identify a result of the treatment of the plurality of sportsballs; A method comprising:

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