Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve three-layer printing members having a central layer that is non-conductive yet abalatable at commercially realistic fluence levels. In various embodiments, the central layer is polymeric with a dispersion of nonconductive carbon black particles therein at a loading level sufficient to provide at least partial layer ablatability and water compatibility of the resulting ablation debris.

Abstract: A doctor blade holder and adjustment mechanism that may be utilized with a flexographic printing system. The doctor blade holder and adjustment mechanism may utilize a constant displacement of the doctor blade against an anilox roller, rather than a constant force, to reduce ink build up on the back side of the doctor blade, and subsequently, intermittent dropping of the accumulated ink onto the post-shearing side of the anilox roller (“spitting”). The doctor blade holder and adjustment mechanism may provide adjustability of a combination of doctor blade pressure, angle and displacement.

Abstract: A method of adhering first and second elongate webs includes depositing a first component of a two-component adhesive on a first face of the first elongate web and depositing a second component of the two-component adhesive on a first face of the second elongate web. The first face of the first elongate web and the first face of second elongate web are brought into contact, and the two components are mixed ultrasonically. In an alternate method, a two-component adhesive on at least a first face of the first elongate web, with at least one of the two components micro-encapsulated so that the two components of the two-component adhesive do not react. The first face of the first elongate web and the first face of the second elongate web are brought into contact. Ultrasound and/or heat is applied to free the microencapsulated components of the two-component adhesive, so that the components of the two component adhesive can react.

Abstract: A coating for use with a hydrophilic sheet substrate to form a lithographic printing plate precursor, including at least one Compound A silane compound and at least one Compound B phosphinic acid or organic derivative thereof. Compounds A and B experience a synergistic interaction which substantially increases adhesion to the substrate of areas imaged by radiation. The resulting plate is exhibits high on-press durability suitable for high volume commercial uses without a preheat step prior to development, even when imaged with lower levels of radiation such as violet lasers. A method of preparing a lithographic printing plate includes imagewise exposing the coating on a surface of a hydrophilic substrate to violet radiation and developing in an alkaline aqueous solution without preheating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible composite panel having a plurality of reservoirs connected by at least one capillary includes forming a capillary assembly by winding a flexible, deformable capillary base web partially around a rotating cylinder that has a plurality of recessed features formed therein; drawing the capillary base web into the recessed features to form the capillaries in the capillary base web; filling the capillaries; and laminating a capillary barrier web over the capillary base web. A flexible reservoir assembly is formed by cutting the perimeter of the at least two reservoirs and associated catchments into a flexible reservoir web; removing the waste cut interiors of the reservoirs and the catchments from the reservoir web; securing the reservoir web to a base layer; overfilling each reservoir; and laminating the capillary assembly over the reservoir assembly, driving excess filler from the reservoirs into the catchments.

Abstract: A rotary die cutting system includes a die cutting roll having at least one blade thereon for cutting a web, and an indicator on the surface of the die cutting roll indicating the position of the at least one blade. An anvil roll, spaced from the die cutting roll defines a web path therebeween. A drive mechanism drives the die cutting roll. A first sensor senses the indicator on the surface of the die cutting roll, and a control, responsive to the first sensor, operates the drive mechanism to adjust the rotational position of the die cutting roll to align the die cutting roll relative to the web passing through the web path.

Abstract: A heat sink containing a woolen material is provided for a band-pass filter in a curing lamp. Light having a particular wavelength(s) is transmitted through the band-pass filter and into the heat sink whereas light having other wavelengths is reflected by the band-pass filter. The heat sink absorbs the light transmitted through the band-pass filter and dissipates the heat associated therewith.

Abstract: A printing machine designed to accommodate different repeat lengths for a first and second cylinders, that includes: a front and rear frames; a first cylinder cartridge, including a first cylinder with a centerline; a first assembly attached to the front and rear frames for holding the first cylinder cartridge; a second cylinder cartridge separate from the first cylinder cartridge, with the second cylinder cartridge including a second cylinder with a centerline; a first and second cradles for holding the ends of the second cylinder cartridge, with the cradles including a cradle arm with an opening therein; and a second assembly for each cradle for moving its respective cradle to hold different diameter second cylinders in parallel adjacency with the first cylinder. The second assembly is specifically designed to be operable to change the orientation of its respective cradle for each different diameter second cylinder to facilitate lift-off.

Abstract: A printing cylinder system for use in a printing press comprising a unique apparatus and method for tensioning and releasing a flexible printing plate that is wrapped around a printing cylinder and clamped by a clamping mechanism disposed within the printing cylinder and accessed by a longitudinal slot. The invention features a mounting mechanism for holding the clamp mechanism in a relative position within the printing cylinder and including control means for moving the clamping mechanism within the printing cylinder substantially toward or away from the cylindrical slot to either apply tension to the printing plate or release tension on the printing plate. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a piston assembly for pushing the edge or edges of the printing plate outwardly toward the cylindrical slot opening, upon actuation.