Abstract: A metal backed printing blanket for mounting on a blanket cylinder that includes a gap, the printing blanket having a thin metal base plate with top and bottom surfaces and ends which include leading and trailing edges adapted for engaging the gap in the cylinder; a compressible, elastomeric printing blanket secured to the top surface of the base plate but not the ends and having an upper face adapted for contact transfer of ink to a printable substrate; and a specialized coating applied to the bottom surface to prevent deformation of the printing blanket and to prevent delamination of the printing blanket from a blanket cylinder. The method for making a metal backed printing blanket for mounting on such a cylinder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laminated composite fabric material used for example in the manufacture of automobile air bags has at least one thermoplastic coating layer that is pressure laminated to a pre-treated fabric using an adhesive. The fabric, pre-treated with a curing agent such as an alkyl ether amine, resists penetration by the adhesive, resulting in a softer, more pliable composite fabric. The composite fabric also optionally includes a layer comprising a silicone polyurethane copolymer or acrylic cross-linked with a blocked isocyanate, which functions as a non-stick coating. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a laminated composite fabric.

Abstract: A printing blanket is constructed by electrostatically spraying one or more solvated elastomers onto a sleeve structure. A printing blanket can therefore having a sleeve and at least one layer, said layer comprising first and second compositions that are distinct from one another, wherein the boundary between the compositions is a gradient extending at least 0.002 inches. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of electrostatically spraying elastomeric material onto printing blankets.

Abstract: A laminated printing blanket having compressible and resilient properties and a method for its production are provided. The compressible characteristics are provided by disposing an intermediate layer having substantially uniformly distributed voids of substantially uniform size between the base ply and the working surface of the printing blanket. The voids of the compressible intermediate layer are formed by introducing high melting point microspheres formed from thermoplastic resins into an elastomeric matrix, coating said microsphere containing elastomeric matrix upon an upper surface of the base ply and then vulcanizing the coated base ply at a temperature of between about 80-150° C. for between about one and six hours to form the compressible layer having substantially uniform compression characteristics. Once all of the layers of the blanket are stacked, a final vulcanization treatment at between about 132-160° C.

Abstract: A laminated printing blanket having compressible and resilient properties and a method for its production are provided. The compressible characteristics are provided by disposing an intermediate layer having substantially uniformly distributed voids of substantially uniform size between the base ply and the working surface of the printing blanket. The voids of the compressible intermediate layer are formed by introducing high melting point microspheres formed from thermoplastic resins into an elastomeric matrix, coating said microsphere containing elastomeric matrix upon an upper surface of the base ply and then vulcanizing the coated base ply at a temperature of between about 80-150.degree. C. for between about one and six hours to form the compressible layer having substantially uniform compression characteristics. Once all of the layers of the blanket are stacked, a final vulcanization treatment at between about 132-160.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of forming a cylindrical printing article having a unitary compressible laminate and which includes a rotatable support in the form of a cylinder. This method comprises forming a compressible laminate having upper and lower surfaces and a substantially uniform thickness from at least a printing face which forms the upper surface and a compressible layer positioned beneath the printing face. The compressible layer contains a plurality of compressible cells dispersed therein and has first and second surfaces, with the first surface bonded to an adjacent surface of the printing face. In another step, the first surface of the compressible layer is formed with a profile having a raised central portion so that the compressible layer is spaced closer to the upper surface of the printing face in the center of the laminate than at the ends. Preferably, this laminate is cylindrical and is in the form of a printing blanket or printing roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the rapid, uniform curing of cylindrical, polymeric objects. The invention provides precise, accurate control of both the curing temperature and pressure because the heating system is independent of the pressurization device. Cylindrical polymeric objects are cured by mounting the object on a cylindrical mandrel, applying substantially uniform pressure to the outer surface of the object, typically through an expandable bladder, and supplying curing is heat directly to the object by circulating a liquid heat transfer medium through the bladder or mandrel. Preferably, the expandable elastomeric bladder is mounted coaxially with the mandrel, and is expanded with a suitable liquid or gas to provide the pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital printing blanket carcass for supporting a transfer layer having an outer surface which is capable of transferring electrostatic particles. This carcass includes an upper layer of a resilient material which can withstand a temperature of up to about 150.degree. C., such as silicone rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, an acrylic rubber or a fluoroelastomer; a compressible layer of an elastomeric matrix material having a plurality of open or closed cells therein; and a fabric layer of a fiber material which can withstand a temperature of up to about 150.degree. C., such as carbon, boron, a metal, fiberglass, a polyimide, or an aromatic polyamide.

Abstract: A metal backed printing blanket for mounting on a cylinder that includes a gap. The blanket comprises a metal base plate having top and bottom surfaces and ends which include leading and trailing edges adapted for engaging the cylinder gap. The article further comprises a compressible, elastomeric printing blanket secured to the top surface of the base plate, but not to the ends, and having an upper face adapted for contact transfer of ink to a printable substrate. In addition, the blanket is provided with an anti-slip layer upon at least a portion of the top surface of at least one end of the base plate to facilitate retention of the base plate ends within the gap during rotation of the cylinder. The anti-slip layer has a coefficient of friction that is greater than that of the base plate and a thickness sufficient to permit insertion of the base plate edges and ends into the cylinder gap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool used to insert the sleeve of a cylindrical printing blanket over a press cylinder. One end of the tool is equipped with a tapered portion which forms a snug fit with the inside wall of the sleeve. This tapered portion is formed on a ring shaped member, a plurality of connecting rods connect the ring shaped member to a base plate attached to a handle. The length of these connecting rods is sufficient to accommodate the length of a bearing assembly of the press cylinder onto which the cylindrical blanket is mounted.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylindrical compressible laminate using the floating knife or knife over roll spreading techniques to apply an inner compressible layer and outer or surface layer of a substantially incompressible material. The coating system includes a coating head to dispense an elastomeric material onto a rotating laminate and a knife blade that is parallel to the axis of rotation to distribute and spread a uniform coating of the elastomeric material. The knife blade can be raised incrementally on each rotation of the laminate so that an additional coating can be applied, until a layer of a desired thickness is obtained. In the preferred embodiment, the coatings are at least partially cured during each rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a novel inflatable floatation device and a method of forming the same. The device is formed of a one piece double woven fabric having first and second layers which are separable from each other to form a chamber capable of accepting and retaining a gas from an inflation device. The first and second layers are formed by using warps and wefts of yarn that interlace with each other in such a manner as to form separate layers of fabric. The two separate layers of fabric are joined at the periphery of the device via an alteration of the warp and weft interlacing sequence which forms an outer margin. The fabric may be coated with an elastomeric or thermoplastic material to ensure the device is air and water tight.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a first component of water dispersable polymer and a second component of a monomer, each of which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. A method for grafting at least one of the components to a fiber, yarn or fabric substrate is also disclosed wherein increased flame retarding and yarn integrity is achieved while simultaneously allowing control of fabric porosity. This method does not significantly reduce fabric pliability as compared to uncoated fabric. Furthermore, the graft component may be selectively applied polymer to produce a preferred porosity range or a cutting pattern for the fabric substrate. A fabric, a portion of which includes a graft component or components thereon, forms another embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A composite fabric structure comprising a plurality of warp and fill fibers or yarns forming a fabric substrate which is impregnated with a matrix material which contains a plurality of cells which impart compressibility to the fabric substrate. This fabric may be used, for example, in a composite structure for use with one or more additional layers or coatings. Articles which may be formed from the composite structure include gaskets, packing materials, flexible diaphragms or printing blankets. In the printing blankets, one or more of a vulcanized rubber layer, a fabric layer and a compressible layer may be included.

Abstract: A method for securing a mounting bar to a printing blanket by applying a strip of a hot melt adhesive tape along and adjacent an edge of the blanket, placing the mounting bar along the edge of the blanket upon the tape to form an assembly, and applying heat and pressure to the assembly for a sufficient time to melt the adhesive and securely attach the mounting bar to the blanket. The assembly may be cooled to more rapidly solidify the adhesive so that the assembly can be placed into service without waiting for a long adhesive curing time.

Abstract: A multi-ply laminated compressible printing blanket for use in offset printing comprising in order, a first compressible fabric ply, a compressible elastomeric layer, one or more additional fabric plies situated above the compressible elastomeric layer, an elastomeric subface, and an elastomeric printing face deposited by a solventless process and having a surface profile adapted for reducing dot gain while enhancing the releasability of the printed matter. The lowermost fabric ply may incorporate a protective coating to prevent wicking of inks, water, and/or solvents through the blanket which might otherwise lead to swelling and delamination of the various plies. In addition, both the fabric plies and the compressible layer may be coated with a matrix material having dispersed therein a plurality of closed cells formed, e.g., with the use of blowing agents or by adding thereto a plurality of expanded or expandable microspheres.

Abstract: A method for making an air bag by forming a fabric structure of filaments or yarns in the configuration of an air bag, and grafting first and/or second components onto some or all of the filaments or yarns to provide the fabric structure with increased resistance to fraying, filament or yarn pull-out, or distortion during manufacture or use of the air bag compared to non-grafted filaments or yarns. The graft component(s) may be applied to the filaments or yarns prior to, during or after formation of the fabric structure. An air bag material suitable for use in a passive restraint system is also disclosed utilizing grafted fabric substrate provided by the above described method. A passive restraint system utilizing such fabrics is also described.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating or regenerating the graft initiator, a first component of water dispersable polymer and a second component of a monomer, each of which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. A method for grafting at least one of the components to a fiber, yarn or fabric substrate is also disclosed wherein increased flame retarding and yarn integrity is achieved while simultaneously allowing control of fabric porosity. This method does not significantly reduce fabric pliability as compared to uncoated fabric. Furthermore, the graft component may be selectively applied polymer to produce a preferred porosity range or a cutting pattern for the fabric substrate. A fabric, a portion of which includes a graft component or components thereon, forms another embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A multi-ply laminated compressible printing blanket for use in offset printing comprising in order, a first compressible fabric ply, a compressible elastomeric layer, at least two additional fabric plys situated above the compressible elastomeric layer, an elastomeric subface and an elastomeric printing face deposited by a solventless process and having a surface profile adapted for reducing dot gain while enhancing the releasability of the printed matter. At least the lowermost fabric ply incorporates a protective coating to prevent wicking of inks, water and/or solvents through the blanket which might otherwise lead to swelling and delamination of the various plys. In addition, both the fabric plys and the compressible layer are at least partially coated with a matrix material having dispersed therein a plurality of closed cells formed, e.g., with the use of blowing agents or by adding thereto a plurality of expanded or expand microspheres.

Abstract: A composite fabric structure comprising a plurality of warp and fill fibers or yarns forming a fabric substrate which is impregnated with a matrix material which contains a plurality of cells which impart compressibility to the fabric substrate. This fabric may be used, for example, in a composite structure for use with one or more additional layers or coatings. Articles which may be formed from the composite structure include gaskets, packing materials, flexible diaphragms or printing blankets. In the printing blankets, one or more of a vulcanized rubber layer, a fabric layer and a compressible layer may be included.