Abstract: A method of fabricating a lightweight ink transfer roll adapted for use in a flexographic printing apparatus. The roll comprises an aluminum body member having a cylindrical outer surface, tubular opposite end portions, and a solid medial portion which forms a mid span stiffener in the roll. An aluminum header is fixed in each of the tubular end portions, and each of the headers has an inner end surface which is spaced from the solid medial portion of the body member so as to leave an open void therebetween. An outer covering layer, of for example aluminum oxide or a flame sprayed ceramic, overlies the outer cylindrical surface of the body member, and a plurality of ink metering cells are formed in the outer covering layer. In one embodiment the method of fabricating the roll includes the steps of removing material from each of the ends of a metallic solid base roll so as to form tubular opposite end portions, and assembling a header in each of the tubular opposite end portions.

Abstract: A lightweight ink transfer roll adapted for use in a flexographic printing apparatus. The roll includes an aluminum body member having a cylindrical outer surface, tubular opposite end portions, and a solid medial portion which forms a mid span stiffener in the roll. An aluminum header is fixed in each of the tubular end portions, and each of the headers has an inner end surface which is spaced from the solid medial portion of the body member so as to leave an open void therebetween. An outer covering layer, of for example aluminum oxide or a flame sprayed ceramic, overlies the outer cylindrical surface of the body member, and a plurality of ink metering cells are formed in the outer covering layer. Preferred methods of fabricating the roll are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fabric cover is disclosed which is adapted to removably engage and protect the wooden rail of a powerboat or sailboat. The cover comprises a sheet of fabric material having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart pockets on one side of the fabric sheet, and a resilient ring of generally C-shaped cross sectional configuration positioned in each of the pockets. The rings cause the fabric sheet to assume a conforming C-shaped outline, and they may be manually expanded to permit the pockets to be disposed about the wooden rail, so that they then collapse and encircle the rail upon the release of the expanding force.