Abstract: A laser markable heat transfer label for application to an item includes a light transmissive carrier, a heat transferable substrate disposed on the carrier and an adhesive disposed on the substrate. The substrate is formulated, at least in part, with a laser light alterable material. A variable graphic component is marked on the label by application of a laser light through the light transmissive carrier, into the substrate to alter the laser light alterable material. The variable graphic component is marked prior to application of the heat transfer label to the item. A method of making and a method of using the laser markable labels are also disclosed.

Abstract: An in-mold label composition includes a microporous sheet substrate having first and second faces and a first down coat of a film-forming polymer on the first face of the microporous sheet substrate. A graphic is printed on the first down coat of film-forming polymer after the first down coat has dried. A method of making the label and an article made with the label are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat transfer label for application to an item includes a heat transferable substrate having a transparent window area, a carrier for carrying the substrate and a variable graphic component including printed indicia on the window area. The variable graphic component is printed separate from the application of the substrate to the carrier and on an opposing side of at least a portion of the substrate from the carrier. The variable graphic component is printed prior to application of the heat transfer label to the item.

Abstract: An exemplary anisotropic printing element comprises an outer printing surface layer and, located radially beneath the outer layer, a spirally-integrated reinforced compressible tubular structure comprising a reinforcing sheet having synthetic fibers, the sheet being spirally wrapped at least two complete turns circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the tubular structure, thereby defining an inner tubular surface on a radially inward wrapped sheet portion and an outer tubular surface on a radially outward wrapped sheet portion, the tubular structure further comprising an elastomer having voids, the elastomer being disposed between the inner and outer tubular surfaces defined by the wrapped sheet portions, the void-containing elastomer thereby providing radial compressibility to and being spirally-integrated within the tubular structure. Examplary methods for fabricating the printing elements of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved compressible, offset printing blankets suitable for use on high speed web processors. These blankets have improved resistance to fall-off at the gap and also have improved resistance to surface piping subsequent to reverse rolling of the blanket. The instant printing blanket comprises a carcass layer, a compressible layer overlaying the carcass layer, a stabilizing layer overlaying the compressible layer and an ink transfer layer upon the compressible layer, wherein the stabilizing layer is formed of a fabric having a plurality of continuous filament synthetic warp yarns, preferably nylon or polyester, following a sinusoidal path over and under the weft yarns.