Abstract: A textile apron and method of making same are provided wherein such apron is adapted to be operated in an endless path and comprises a polymeric matrix material having a plurality of discrete reinforcing fibers randomly disposed substantially uniformly therethrough and defining the sole reinforcing means of said apron.

Abstract: A compressible printing blanket is provided which has a compressible body comprised of an elastomeric matrix having randomly disposed voids therein and a plurality of layers of discrete fibers bonded together by said matrix as a single mass with each of the layers having its fibers randomly disposed in substantially parallel relation and substantially uniformly throughout the layers with the fibers in each layer being disposed transverse the fibers of an adjoining layer.

Abstract: A smash-recoverable printing blanket having a substantially uniform thickness and method of making same are provided wherein the blanket comprises a plurality of layers including at least one layer adapted to swell upon being contacted by a liquid and a plurality of microcapsules disposed within the blanket with the microcapsules containing the liquid; and, the microcapsules are adapted to be ruptured upon smashing the blanket to thereby release the liquid contained therewithin against the one layer causing swelling thereof and restoring of the adjacent layers substantially to their original position prior to the smashing to define the uniform thickness.

Abstract: A printing blanket is provided which comprises a base ply, a printing face, and a high strength woven layer disposed between the base ply and the printing face with the woven layer being defined by warps and wefts wherein at least the warps are made of highly flexible synthetic filaments having a breaking tenacity ranging between 18 and 26 grams per denier and an elongation at break ranging between 3 and 5% with the blanket having optimum stability and minimum elongation under operating tension.