Abstract: Apparatus for the sterilization of a tube of packages which employs a stationary source of ultra-violet rays inside the tube of material which has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as that of the tube.

Abstract: A method for transferring decorative matter, especially metallic lustre to a plastic packing material web in which a polyethylene film having decorative printed matter applied to one face thereof and covered over with a very thin metallic layer is brought into contact with a face of the plastic packing material web, which is in a heated softened state, and passed between cooling and compression rollers. The very thin metallic layer with the decorative matter thereon separates from the polyethylene film and penetrates into the surface of the softened plastic packing material thus completing the desired transfer of the decorative matter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to pre-sterilize the filling. tube of a packaging machine which produces filled flexible packages. The pre-sterilization is carried out by generating ozone within the confines of a tubular web of packaging material and recirculating the ozone through the filling tube while generating more ozone for sufficient time to pre-sterilize the machine.