Abstract: In combination a spouted pouch to be filled with a flowable product by a filling machine, a plug, and a cap. The interference fit plug is releasably mounted over the top end of the neck of the spout body and hermetically seals the product passage of the spout body. The plug is adapted to be removed by the filling machine and to be replaced by pressing the plug onto the neck after filling of the pouch. The plug removal, filling, and replacing of the plug are preferably performed in an aseptic environment. The cap is after the filling of the pouch and the replacing of the plug onto the neck. The capping is preferably performed by a capping machine in a non-aseptic environment.

Abstract: In combination a spouted pouch to be filled with a flowable product by a filling machine, a plug, and a cap. The interference fit plug is releasably mounted over the top end of the neck of the spout body and hermetically seals the product passage of the spout body. The plug is adapted to be removed by the filling machine and to be replaced by pressing the plug onto the neck after filling of the pouch. The plug removal, filling, and replacing of the plug are preferably performed in an aseptic environment. The cap is after the filling of the pouch and the replacing of the plug onto the neck. The capping is preferably performed by a capping machine in a non-aseptic environment.

Abstract: In combination a spouted pouch (1) to be filled with a flowable product by a filling machine, a plug (50), and a cap (70). The interference fit plug is releasably mounted over the top end of the neck of the spout body and hermetically seals the product passage of the spout body. The plug is adapted to be removed by the filling machine and to be replaced by pressing the plug onto the neck after filling of the pouch. The plug removal, filling, and replacing of the plug are preferably performed in an aseptic environment. The cap is after the filling of the pouch and the replacing of the plug onto the neck. The capping is preferably performed by a capping machine in a non-aseptic environment.

Abstract: A plug for a pouch assembly, wherein the plug includes a top wall, an inner axial skirt and an outer axial skirt. The inner axial skirt depends from the top wall in a direction opposite the top wall. The inner axial skirt includes an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end and a lower end. The outer axial skirt includes an inner surface and an outer surface, an upper end proximate the top wall and a lower end spaced apart therefrom. A seal bead is positioned on the inner surface of the outer axial skirt spaced apart from the upper end. The seal bead extends inwardly toward the inner axial skirt. The plug is attachable to the spout of the pouch. The seal bead is structurally configured to hermetically seal against the spout, while precluding sealed engagement between the inner axial skirt and the spout.

Abstract: In combination a spouted pouch (1) to be filled with a flowable product by a filling machine, a plug (50), and a cap (70). The interference fit plug is releasably mounted over the top end of the neck of the spout body and hermetically seals the product passage of the spout body. The plug is adapted to be removed by the filling machine and to be replaced by pressing the plug onto the neck after filling of the pouch. The plug removal, filling, and replacing of the plug are preferably performed in an aseptic environment. The cap is after the filling of the pouch and the replacing of the plug onto the neck. The capping is preferably performed by a capping machine in a non-aseptic environment.

Abstract: A method for filling an aseptic pouch having the steps of: (a) providing a pouch, the pouch including a body having a plurality of panels coupled together to define a cavity, and, a spout providing ingress into the cavity, the spout having a plug sealingly engaged to the spout; (b) cleaning the external surfaces of the pouch with a cleaning preparation; (c) directing the spout and the plug into an aseptic zone, the aseptic zone having a supply of sterilized gas having a positive flow within the aseptic zone; (d) removing the plug; (e) filling the pouch with a flowable material; (f) replacing the plug on the spout to seal the cavity; (g) removing the spout and the plug from the aseptic zone; and (h) coupling the plug to a cap, and the cap to the spout, whereupon removal of the cap removes the plug, providing cavity access.

Abstract: A plug for a pouch assembly, wherein the plug includes a top wall, an inner axial skirt and an outer axial skirt. The inner axial skirt depends from the top wall in a direction opposite the top wall. The inner axial skirt includes an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end and a lower end. The outer axial skirt includes an inner surface and an outer surface, an upper end proximate the top wall and a lower end spaced apart therefrom. A seal bead is positioned on the inner surface of the outer axial skirt spaced apart from the upper end. The seal bead extends inwardly toward the inner axial skirt. The plug is attachable to the spout of the pouch. The seal bead is structurally configured to hermetically seal against the spout, while precluding sealed engagement between the inner axial skirt and the spout.

Abstract: A plug for a pouch assembly, where the plug includes a top wall, an inner axial skirt and an outer axial skirt. The inner axial skirt depends from the top wall in a direction opposite the top wall. The inner axial skirt includes an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end and a lower end. The outer axial skirt includes an inner surface and an outer surface, an upper end proximate the top wall and a lower end spaced apart therefrom. A seal bead is positioned on the inner surface of the outer axial skirt spaced apart from the upper end. The seal bead extends inwardly toward the inner axial skirt. The plug is attachable to the spout of the pouch. The seal bead is structurally configured to hermetically seal against the spout, while precluding sealed engagement between the inner axial skirt and the spout.

Abstract: A method for filling an aseptic pouch having the steps of: (a) providing a pouch, the pouch including a body having a plurality of panels coupled together to define a cavity, and, a spout providing ingress into the cavity, the spout having a plug sealingly engaged to the spout; (b) cleaning the external surfaces of the pouch with a cleaning preparation; (c) directing the spout and the plug into an aseptic zone, the aseptic zone having a supply of sterilized gas having a positive flow within the aseptic zone; (d) removing the plug; (e) filling the pouch with a flowable material; (f) replacing the plug on the spout to seal the cavity; (g) removing the spout and the plug from the aseptic zone; and (h) coupling the plug to a cap, and the cap to the spout, whereupon removal of the cap removes the plug, providing cavity access.

Abstract: A plug for a pouch assembly. The plug is includes a top wall, an inner axial skirt and an outer axial skirt. The inner axial skirt depends from the top wall in a direction opposite the top wall. The inner axial skirt includes an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper end and a lower end. The outer axial skirt includes an inner surface and an outer surface, an upper end proximate the top wall and a lower end spaced apart therefrom. A seal bead is positioned on the inner surface of the outer axial skirt spaced apart from the upper end. The seal bead extends inwardly toward the inner axial skirt. The plug is attachable to the spout of the pouch. The seal bead is structurally configured to hermetically seal against the spout, while precluding sealed engagement between the inner axial skirt and the spout.

Abstract: A flexible film for packaging articles such as food is provided. The film comprises a layer of polyvinylidene (“PVdC”) homopolymer, polyvinylidene and methyl acrylate (“PVdC-MA”) copolymer or other polyvinylidene chloride copolymer. A dienophile such as, for example, ethyl trans-cinnamate, methyl trans-cinnamate, dibutyl maleate, dimethyl maleate or maleic anhydride is blended with the PVdC polymer or PVdC-MA copolymer to reduce yellowing of the film caused by degradation of the PVdC or PVdC-MA through heat or electron beam irradiation. Preferably a range of about 0.05% and about 5% by weight of the dienophile is added to the PVdC or PVdC-MA.

Abstract: Multilayer structures, methods of making the same and packages made therefrom are provided. The multilayer structures are useful for packaging bone-in meat or other like products. More specifically, the multilayer structures have sufficient rigidity and strength to contain bone-in meat or other like products. In addition, multilayer structures can easily seal to themselves or to other structures. Moreover, the multilayer structures are biaxially oriented and heat-shrinkable.

Abstract: Multilayer structures, methods of making the same and packages made therefrom are provided. The multilayer structures are useful for packaging bone-in meat or other like products. More specifically, the multilayer structures have sufficient rigidity and strength to contain bone-in meat or other like products, while also maintaining good oxygen barrier properties. In addition, multilayer structures can easily seal to themselves or to other structures. Moreover, the multilayer structures are biaxially oriented and heat-shrinkable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers for flowable products having improved barrier and/or mechanical properties and methods for making said containers. These improvements are achieved by incorporating into at least one layer of the container structures a polymeric nanocomposite comprising a polymer and nanosize particles of a modified clay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic film structures having improved barrier and/or mechanical properties and methods for making the film structures. These improvements are achieved by incorporating into the thermoplastic film structures a polymeric nanocomposite comprising a polymer and nanosize particles of a modified clay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flexible film structures which can be affixed to flexible air duct and methods of making the film. More specifically, the present invention relates to film structures having at least one layer comprising an antimicrobial agent inorporated in a polymer resin or resin blend. The film structures of the present invention can be single layer polymer films comprising a layer of antimicrobial agent incorporated in a polymer resin or a multiple layer film wherein at least one layer comprises antimicrobial agent incorporated in a polymer resin. The film structures of the present invention can be affixed to the wiremold core of a flexible air duct to retard, reduce, inhibit, or eliminate microbial growth which can occur in the duct.

Abstract: A flexible film for packaging articles such as food is provided. The film comprises a layer of polyvinylidene (“PVdC”) homopolymer, polyvinylidene and methyl acrylate (“PVdC-MA”) copolymer or other polyvinylidene chloride copolymer. A dienophile such as, for example, ethyl trans-cinnamate, methyl trans-cinnamate, dibutyl maleate, dimethyl maleate or maleic anhydride is blended with the PVdC polymer or PVdC-MA copolymer to reduce yellowing of the film caused by degradation of the PVdC or PVdC-MA through heat or electron beam irradiation. Preferably a range of about 0.05% and about 5% by weight of the dienophile is added to the PVdC or PVdC-MA.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjustably reflecting light is provided. The apparatus includes a base and, positioned above the base, a member having an upper surface and a lower surface. A reflective coating is applied to at least a portion of the upper surface. The system also includes a capacitive plate positioned between the member and the base. The capacitive plate is operable to deflect the member, which alters the orientation of the member relative to the base. A second member, which may be deformable, may be attached to the first member so that deformation of the second member alters the orientation of the first member relative to the base.

Abstract: A flexible film for packaging articles such as food is provided. The film comprises a layer of polyvinylidene (“PVdC”) homopolymer, polyvinylidene and methyl acrylate (“PVdC-MA”) copolymer or other polyvinylidene chloride copolymer. A dienophile such as, for example, ethyl trans-cinnamate, methyl trans-cinnamate, dibutyl maleate, dimethyl maleate or maleic anhydride is blended with the PVdC polymer or PVdC-MA copolymer to reduce yellowing of the film caused by degradation of the PVdC or PVdC-MA through heat or electron beam irradiation. Preferably a range of about 0.05% and about 5% by weight of the dienophile is added to the PVdC or PVdC-MA.