Abstract: A compressible printing sleeve carrier for use in offset lithography which is formed from a composite fiber-reinforced compressible polymer is provided. The printing sleeve carrier is formed by coating reinforcing filaments with a compressible polymer and winding the filaments around a mandrel to form a hollow cylindrical base, where the first portion of the base adjacent the inner surface contains the wound reinforcing filaments coated with the compressible polymer and the second portion of the base adjacent the outer surface contains the compressible polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressible printing sleeve carrier for use in offset lithography which is formed from a composite fiber-reinforced compressible polymer. The printing sleeve carrier is formed by coating reinforcing filaments with a compressible polymer and winding the filaments around a mandrel to form a hollow cylindrical base, where the first portion of the base adjacent the inner surface contains the wound reinforcing filaments coated with the compressible polymer and the second portion of the base adjacent the outer surface contains the compressible polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressible printing sleeve carrier for use in offset lithography which is formed from a composite fiber-reinforced compressible polymer. The printing sleeve carrier is formed by coating reinforcing filaments with a compressible polymer and winding the filaments around a mandrel to form a hollow cylindrical base, where the first portion of the base adjacent the inner surface contains the wound reinforcing filaments coated with the compressible polymer and the second portion of the base adjacent the outer surface contains the compressible polymer.

Abstract: A printing blanket adapted to be used with a magnetic printing cylinder including a gap extending longitudinally along the outer surface thereof is provided. The printing blanket includes a plurality of plies with a magnetic backing ply which is magnetically adhered to the printing cylinder. The printing blanket is positioned on the printing cylinder such that an end of the printing blanket is bent over an edge and inwardly into the gap. The opposite end of the printing blanket is mounted substantially adjacent the opposite edge of the gap. A tensioning roll or similar device to which the printing blanket may be attached can be disposed in the gap to secure the printing blanket to the printing cylinder more firmly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spot planting seedlings in which planting instrumentalities intermittently engage ground and plant seedlings at spaced spots. The planting instrumentalities include a site preparation pulverizer, seedling insertion dibble plates, and an impacting packer head for compressing soil. Mechanism is provided for sequentially actuating the various planting instrumentalities and for reducing to zero the relative traversing velocity between the planting instrumentalities and a spot of ground engaged thereby.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for planting tree seedlings or the like. The apparatus includes an elongate tube, and a pair of blades pivotally mounted to the lower end of the tube. The blades are each pivotal between a closed position closing the lower end of the tube, and an open position wherein the lower end of the tube is open. In use, the lower end of the tube is rotatably advanced into the soil, with the rotating blades acting to pulverize the surrounding soil. Also, the blades will be pivoted to the closed position by the resistance of the soil, to prevent the soil from entering the tube. A seedling is then deposited downwardly through the tube, and the tube is rotated in the reverse direction to withdraw the tube from the soil. During reverse rotation, the blades pivot to their open position to permit the tube to lift from the seedling, and act to press and compact the soil about the roots of the seedling.