Abstract: A multilayer barrier film comprises an oriented outer film and a sealing layer attached to the oriented outer film, and the oriented outer film has 1) a first exterior layer containing a first polymeric material having a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of greater than or equal to 10 gram·mil/100 in2/day, 2) a first EVOH layer adjacent to the first exterior layer, 3) an interior layer adjacent to the first EVOH layer, and 4) a second EVOH layer adjacent to the interior layer, the multibarrier film exhibiting rapid recovery of oxygen transmission barrier after exposure to a retort process.

Abstract: A multilayer film is provided that comprises a nylon skin layer, a buried high density polyethylene layer, and a sealant layer, for use, for example, to form a package for dry food products. The multilayer film has a thickness of less than about 2.0 mils, such as between 0.8-1.7 mils, a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.30 g/100 in2/day, and a tear strength in the machine direction of greater than 40 grams, for instance at least about 120 grams. The multilayer film may further include a buried nylon layer and exhibit a tear strength in the machine direction of greater 190 grams.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high release nip roll assembly comprising a nip roll with a covering comprising a high release material. The release properties of the nip roll material can permit intermittent contact without the coating adhering to the surface of the roller and wrapping the nip. Also disclosed is a high release nip roll belt made of a high release material on the top and bottom surfaces of the belt. The belt can be positioned at each end of a nip roll so that areas of the nip roll typically vulnerable to molten thermoplastic material contact are protected by a belt. Also disclosed is a belt making apparatus. Also disclosed is a frame assembly for moving a belt longitudinally along a nip roll. Also disclosed is a rope guide assembly for threading a belt in relation to a nip roll and at least at least one belt roller. Also disclosed is a jig for joining a leading section of a belt and a trailing section of a belt.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high release nip roll assembly comprising a nip roll with a covering comprising a high release material. The release properties of the nip roll material can permit intermittent contact without the coating adhering to the surface of the roller and wrapping the nip. Also disclosed is a high release nip roll belt is made of a high release material on the top and bottom surfaces of the belt. The belt can be positioned at each end of a nip roll so that areas of the nip roll typically vulnerable to molten thermoplastic material contact are protected by a belt. Also disclosed is a belt making apparatus. Also disclosed is a frame assembly for moving a belt longitudinally along a nip roll. Also disclosed is a rope guide assembly for threading a belt in relation to a nip roll and at least at least one belt roller.

Abstract: A multilayer film is provided that comprises a nylon skin layer, a buried high density polyethylene layer, and a sealant layer, for use, for example, to form a package for dry food products. The multilayer film has a thickness of less than about 2.0 mils, such as between 0.8-1.7 mils, a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.30 g/100 in2/day, and a tear strength in the machine direction of greater than 40 grams, for instance at least about 120 grams. The multilayer film may further include a buried nylon layer and exhibit a tear strength in the machine direction of greater 190 grams.

Abstract: A multilayer film comprising, a cross-linked ethylene copolymer layer such as ethylene vinyl acetate layer, an HDPE layer, and a sealant layer, for use, for example, to form a package for dry food products. The multilayer film has a thickness of less than about 2.0 mils, such as between 1-1.5 mils and a tear strength in the machine direction of greater than 40 grams.

Abstract: Flexible films, packages, and methods of making the same are provided where the film is capable of being sealed to itself or to other films by more than one sealing method, including thermal sealing and ultrasonic sealing. In particular, a package includes at least three multilayer films sealed together with an ultrasonic seal, where the outer layers remain intact and do not contain visible perforations at the ultrasonic seal. The multilayer films include at least a sealant layer and an outer layer, and may be separate pieces of multilayer films or one multilayer film that has been folded. A method for sealing a film includes the steps of providing a multilayer film having at least a sealant layer and an outer layer, folding the multilayer film to provide a folded film including at least three layers of multilayer film, and applying mechanical oscillations to seal the folded film.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high release nip roll assembly comprising a nip roll with a covering comprising a high release material. The release properties of the nip roll material can permit intermittent contact without the coating adhering to the surface of the roller and wrapping the nip. Also disclosed is a high release nip roll belt is made of a high release material on the top and bottom surfaces of the belt. The belt can be positioned at each end of a nip roll so that areas of the nip roll typically vulnerable to molten thermoplastic material contact are protected by a belt. Also disclosed is a belt making apparatus. Also disclosed is a frame assembly for moving a belt longitudinally along a nip roll. Also disclosed is a rope guide assembly for threading a belt in relation to a nip roll and at least at least one belt roller.

Abstract: A film structure having an inner barrier layer comprised of a blend of a polyamide and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. The polyamide is present in the blend in an amount of from 15-40%, and most preferably from 25-30%. The inner barrier layer is laminated on each side with a layer of a polyamide. The preferred polyamide is nylon, and particularly nylon 6. In a preferred embodiment, the film structure is layered with an oxide or ceramic layer. Included is a method of manufacturing the film and for using the film structure to package a product in a retort packaging process.

Abstract: Fresh produce and cut flower packages are prepared from one or more polymer layers. At least one layer is a polylactic acid (PLA) film layer. Layers that can be adhered to the PLA film layer include polyolefin and polyester films. The packages have optimized moisture vapour transmission rates (MVTR) and oxygen transmission rates (OTR) to produce a shelf-life extended package that reduces growth of bacteria and prevents haze or fog on the inside of the package.

Abstract: Methods related to coextrusion of heat-sensitive polymer materials. The sensitive melt stream element (12) is encapsulated in a second polymeric melt stream element (16). Transport means (36) is preferably employed between the encapsulating means (20) and the die (42). A third melt stream element (68) is joined to one or both opposing surfaces (70) of the second melt stream element (16) between the encapsulating means (20) and the die (42). In the die (42) the encapsulated melt stream element (12) becomes an interior layer (46) between encapsulating layers (48A, 48B) derived from the second melt stream element (16). The third melt stream element (68) forms layers (72, 74) positioned outwardly of the encapsulating layers (48A, 48B). The positioning, on the interior of the extrudate, of edges (54) of layer (46) is adjusted independently of the combined thicknesses of a layer derived from the third melt stream element (68) and an adjacent layer (48).

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and films, related to coextrusion of heat-sensitive polymer materials. The sensitive melt stream element (12) is encapsulated in a second polymeric melt stream element (16). Transport means (36) is preferably employed between the encapsulating means (20) and the die (42). A third melt stream element (68) is joined to one or both opposing surfaces (70) of the second melt stream element (16) between the encapsulating means (20) and the die (42). In the die (42) the encapsulated melt stream element (12) becomes an interior layer (46) between encapsulating layers (48A, 48B) derived from the second melt stream element (16). The third melt stream element (68) forms layers (72, 74) positioned outwardly of the encapsulating layers (48A, 48B). The positioning, on the interior of the extrudate, of edges (54) of layer (46) is adjusterd independently of the combined thicknesses of a layer derived from the third melt stream element (68) and an adjacent layer (48).

Abstract: A three layer oriented film, packages made from the oriented films, and packaging methods using the oriented film. Each layer of the film is molecularly oriented. A first outer layer of the film is nylon 6. The other outer layer of the film is a blend of 50% to 100% linear low density polyethylene and 50% to 0% low density polyethylene. An intermediate adhesive polymer layer has a high fraction of linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: Multiple layer films and containers. The films have a first layer of either nylon 6,6 or a combination of nylon 6,6 with nylon 6 wherein the melting point temperature of the combination is greater than the melting point temperature of the corresponding nylon 6. A second layer is comprised of linear low density polyethylene, and 0% to 40% low density polyethylene. A third adhesive layer is disposed between the first and second layers. The containers are susceptible of being sealed with included gas at low pressure, and subsequently boiled in water without rupture of the seals. The film is preferably coextruded from tubular die, thereby setting forth a new method for forming a mulitple layer film comprising a combination of linear low density polyethylene, optionally with up to 40% low density polyethylene, and nylon 6,6, optionally combined with nylon 6 in a composition having a melting point temperature greater than that of the corresponding nylon 6.

Abstract: A three layer oriented film, packages made from the oriented films, and packaging methods using the oriented film. Each layer of the film is molecularly oriented. A first outer layer of the film is nylon 6. The other outer layer of the film is a blend of 50% to 100% linear low density polyethylene and 50% to 0% low density polyethylene. An intermediate adhesive polymer layer has a high fraction of linear low density polyethylene.