Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable compressibility layer in rollers or flat pulleys. The present invention provides a smooth-surface roller that will "spread" a web being conveyed by a roller, or urge flattening and prevention of wrinkles in the web. It will also assist in the centering of the web being conveyed on web-handling equipment. If a roller is small, it may be used as a flat pulley, wherein the present invention causes a belt to track in the center of the pulley.

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 printing article which includes a rotatable metal support in the form of a cylinder and a compressible laminate mounted upon the support. The compressible laminate has upper and lower surfaces and a substantially uniform thickness and includes a printing face which forms the upper surface and a compressible layer positioned beneath the printing face. The upper surface of the compressible layer is spaced closer to the upper surface of the printing face in the center of the cylindrical support than at the ends. Preferably, this laminate is cylindrical and is in the form of a printing blanket or printing roll. The invention also relates to a method for forming the compressible laminate.

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 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.