Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for acquiring and tracking a satellite signal with an antenna. In one embodiment, the method comprises a) perturbing one or more of roll, pitch and yaw angles of an antenna orientation to create variant orientations associated with a first search pattern; b) computing new scan and polarization angles, in response to perturbed roll, pitch and yaw angles, for each of the variant orientations; c) receiving a radio-frequency (RF) signal from a satellite for each of the variant orientations; d) generating one or more receiver metrics representing a received RF signal associated with each of the variant orientations; e) selecting, as a new orientation, one of the variant orientations based on the one or more receiver metrics; and f) repeating a)-e) with the new orientation with a second search pattern narrower than the first search pattern.

Abstract: A printing blanket is provided which includes a reinforcing layer formed from a polymeric fabric reinforcing material which softens and flows at a temperature less than that used in the final curing step of forming the blanket or a polymeric reinforcing material having a thickness of between about 0.003 inches and 0.010 inches. The reinforcing layer provides a smooth surface to support an outer print surface layer and provides improved print performance while enabling a reduction in the overall thickness of the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for acquiring and tracking a satellite signal with an antenna. In one embodiment, the method comprises a) perturbing one or more of roll, pitch and yaw angles of an antenna orientation to create variant orientations associated with a first search pattern; b) computing new scan and polarization angles, in response to perturbed roll, pitch and yaw angles, for each of the variant orientations; c) receiving a radio-frequency (RF) signal from a satellite for each of the variant orientations; d) generating one or more receiver metrics representing a received RF signal associated with each of the variant orientations; e) selecting, as a new orientation, one of the variant orientations based on the one or more receiver metrics; and f) repeating a)-e) with the new orientation with a second search pattern narrower than the first search pattern.

Abstract: A printing sleeve is provided which includes a reinforcing layer formed from a polymeric cord reinforcing material which softens and flows at a temperature less than that used in the final curing step of forming the sleeve or a polymeric reinforcing material having a thickness of between about 0.003 inches and 0.010 inches. The reinforcing layer provides a smooth surface to support an outer print surface layer and provides improved print performance while enabling a reduction in the overall thickness of the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: An improved printing blanket construction is provided which includes at least a top ply, a bottom ply, and a non-extensible backing ply. The blanket includes leading and trailing edges which are secured directly to the backing ply, where at least a portion of the leading edge forms a contoured edge, a stair-stepped edge, a beveled edge, or a combination thereof. The printing blanket construction having such a shaped leading edge reduces printing gap, reduces the impact forces on the leading edge of the blanket, and protects the blanket from the penetration of ink, solvents, moisture and the like into the blanket plies during use.

Abstract: A printing blanket is provided which includes a reinforcing layer formed from a polymeric fabric reinforcing material which softens and flows at a temperature less than that used in the final curing step of forming the blanket or a polymeric reinforcing material having a thickness of between about 0.003 inches and 0.010 inches. The reinforcing layer provides a smooth surface to support an outer print surface layer and provides improved print performance while enabling a reduction in the overall thickness of the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A printing sleeve is provided which includes a reinforcing layer formed from a polymeric cord reinforcing material which softens and flows at a temperature less than that used in the final curing step of forming the sleeve or a polymeric reinforcing material having a thickness of between about 0.003 inches and 0.010 inches. The reinforcing layer provides a smooth surface to support an outer print surface layer and provides improved print performance while enabling a reduction in the overall thickness of the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: An image transfer belt is provided for use in digital printing applications which includes a base film layer having perforations therein which are filled with a conductive polymer layer to provide controlled conductivity to the belt. The belt further includes a compliant layer over the conductive polymer layer. The resulting belt exhibits electrical properties suitable for digital image transfer. These properties may be varied according to the desired application.

Abstract: An image transfer belt is provided for use in digital printing applications which includes a base film layer having perforations therein which are filled with a conductive polymer layer to provide controlled conductivity to the belt. The belt further includes a compliant layer over the conductive polymer layer. The resulting belt exhibits electrical properties suitable for digital image transfer. These properties may be varied according to the desired application.

Abstract: A printing blanket is provided including a base layer, a print layer, and at least one barrier layer positioned against the print layer which functions to substantially reduce or eliminate the penetration of printing chemicals and other liquids below the print layer of the printing blanket. The barrier layer may comprise a variety of polymers or rubbers. The barrier layer may include fillers or absorbent materials therein to improve the barrier properties of the layer.

Abstract: A printing blanket is provided which may include a printable surface ply, a compressible ply, one or more reinforcing fabric plies, and a non-extensible backing layer comprising a polymeric material. The printing blanket has first and seconds ends which are adapted to be inserted into the gap of a printing blanket cylinder, where each of the first and second ends may include a relief area formed by removing or molding a portion of the blanket or by removing or molding a portion of the non-extensible backing layer such that the blanket may be mounted in a wide variety of printing presses using a number of different lock-up mechanisms.

Abstract: An improved printing blanket construction is provided which includes at least a top ply, a bottom ply, and a non-extensible backing ply. The blanket includes leading and trailing edges which are secured directly to the backing ply, where at least a portion of the leading edge forms a contoured edge, a stair-stepped edge, a beveled edge, or a combination thereof. The printing blanket construction having such a shaped leading edge reduces printing gap, reduces the impact forces on the leading edge of the blanket, and protects the blanket from the penetration of ink, solvents, moisture and the like into the blanket plies during use.