Abstract: A vacuum sealing system that allows a user to vacuum pack the contents of a sealable container, while using the airtight sealing capabilities of the container. The vacuum is provided through a ventilation mechanism that is integrated into the airtight sealing system. The ventilation mechanism may also be sealed, either on its interior or exterior, as part of the airtight sealing system.

Abstract: A self-sealing disposable storage bag for storing perishable foods or biohazardous waste wherein the storage bag comprises a pouch having a self-sealing interlocking system extending longitudinally across, near an open top end, the open top end having a main opening contiguous with an evacuation opening, each opening having a separate and independent cooperative pairs of interlocking strips to make up the interlocking system. The interlocking system also includes a pliable gasket seal and a defined groove of predetermined interlocking strips for providing a true airtight seal when the main and evacuation openings are closed. A tapered barrier as defined above the evacuation opening for providing a corridor that receives a suction conduit having a corresponding tapered flange end which engages the tapered barrier and facilitates the evacuation of air from the storage bag when the main opening is closed.

Abstract: An ovenable bag for packaging heated, greasy food items for display is formed of a laminate having a thin, transparent, polyester inner layer and a relatively thicker and stiffer opaque outer layer formed of a foldable and printable material. The wall structure is generally tubular and is folded to define front and rear panels and gusseted side panels, one end of the structure being folded, heat sealed and then folded again and adhesively secured. The window portion extends the length of the front panel of the bag centrally thereof. The outer layer is bonded to the inner layer along the entire area of the outer layer except for an optional tear strip which may be disposed along one edge of the window. The bag may also be heat sealed along the fold lines joining the side panels to the front and rear panels for added stiffness.

Abstract: A flexible, gussetted package having an interior for holding some particulate material product, e.g., food stuffs, under vacuum, and which includes a mouth to be opened to provide access to the contents of the package. The package is formed of a flexible material and includes a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of opposed side gussets and a pressure equalizing valve. The valve includes a displaceable slitted-aperture disk located on a valve seat and is arranged to operate in a first mode of operation wherein any gasses within the package are allowed to vent to the exterior of the package, by passing through the interface between the disk and the valve seat while the ambient atmosphere is precluded from entering into the interior of the package. The valve also operates in a second, transitory, mode wherein the slitted aperture in the disk allows a small amount of the ambient atmosphere to gain ingress into the interior so that the package's walls give a smooth appearance.

Abstract: A bag and a method of packing a bag for storing sheets of material, such as photosensitive materials, provides a light-tight environment for the photosensitive material. The bag has a rear end which has a serpentine passageway, thereby creating a light-tight end as well as allowing for entrapped air to exit the cavity of the bag.

Abstract: A flexible paper popcorn package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions. The top wall (22) is formed by first and second wall portions (22b, 22c) interconnected together by a peelable closure seal (28).

Abstract: A portable animal carrier is disclosed which permits the transportation of a small animal, such as a cat or dog, in the passenger compartment of an airplane, by securely and safely containing the animal, but permitting placement below the airplane seat. In addition to providing manual carrying of the portable animal carrier, a supplemental strap is provided which may be used to either accommodate the insertion of a pull out handle from a wheeled article of luggage, to retain the portable animal carrier on top of the wheeled article of luggage, or insertion of an automobile safety strap to safely retain the portable animal carrier on an automobile seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-corrosive flexible storage pouch with reservoir bottom for storing a razor, and its method of use. The flexible storage pouch contains a skin conditioner and oil solution that is lighter than water. During use of the pouch, a razor is submerged into the conditioner and oil mixture. The razor rests on support structures within the pouch. Water and debris from the razor settle to the bottom of the pouch and are removed from contact with the razor. Storage of the razor reduces the corrosive effect of water on a razor and helps prevent the bonding of debris to the razor, enhancing the life span of the razor. The conditioner in the pouch moisturizes the skin during shaving.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sterilizing and vacuum packaging bag having at least one non-fused degassing portion, wherein an insufficiently fused area is present inside the degassing portion. The insufficiently fused area is lower in fusion strength than the vertical fused areas and a bag mouth fused area, and is fused so as to be separable by an increase in inner pressure. Further disclosed is a vacuum packaging method comprising using this sterilizing and vacuum packaging bag, including putting contents into the bag through an open end thereof, fusing the open end more firmly than the insufficiently fused area, performing microwave heating, separating films fused together at the insufficiently fused area at a stage that the surface temperature of the contents is also sufficiently elevated, and completely fusing the degassing portion after termination of microwave heating.

Abstract: A flexible, gussetted package having an interior for holding some particulate material product, under vacuum, and which includes a mouth to be opened to provide access to the contents of the package. The package is formed of a flexible material and includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposed side gussets and a pressure equalizing valve. The valve is arranged to operate in a first mode of operation wherein any gasses within the package are allowed to vent to the exterior of the package, while the ambient atmosphere is precluded from entering into the interior of the package. The valve also operates in a second, transitory, mode wherein it allows a small amount of the ambient atmosphere to gain ingress into the interior so that the package's walls give a smooth appearance. The valve then enters into its third mode of operation wherein it isolates the interior of the package from the exterior.

Abstract: A self-venting package (A) contains peracetic acid or other strong oxidants in a unit dose that assures sterilization of instruments and equipment in an automated sterilizing apparatus (FIG. 3) or of biological wastes in a biological waste comminuting apparatus (FIG. 4). The self-venting package is constructed of a cylindrical body having first and second vent apertures (12, 14) 180.degree. offset adjacent a first edge (20) and third and fourth vent apertures (16, 18) 180.degree. offset adjacent a second edge (26). The first and second vent apertures are 90.degree. offset relative to the third and fourth vent apertures. The first edge is flattened and sealed forming a pair of corners (40, 42) such that the first and second vent apertures are disposed closely adjacent the first and second corners. The container is filled with peracetic acid or other liquids which liberate gas or vapors. A second end (26) of the container is flattened and sealed in a direction transverse to the first edge.

Abstract: A bag and a method of packing a bag for storing sheets of material, such as photosensitive materials, provides a light-tight environment for the photosensitive material. The bag has a rear end which has a serpentine passageway, thereby creating a light-tight end as well as allowing for entrapped air to exit the cavity of the bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a freezer bag comprising a multibag having at least an inner liner bag and an outer support bag, the inner liner bag having a first sidewall and a second sidewall attached together along respective lateral edges forming edge seals, each sidewall having a top edge, and the liner bag having a folded edge defining the bottom of the liner bag, the outer support bag having two sidewalls attached together along respective lateral edges forming edge seals, each sidewall having top edges defining the opening to the multibag, and the support bag having a folded edge defining the bottom of the multibag, the top edges of the liner bag being attached to an inner surface of each respective sidewall of the support bag wherein the liner is thermoplastic and has a thickness of less than 2.0 mil (50.8 micron).

Abstract: A snap-fastener bag according to the present invention is composed of a quadrilateral bag body, a deaerating passage provided along a bottom-seal and a snap fastener provided along the opening. The deaerating passage is provided by configurating a deaerating passage opening as a non-adhesive part through one side-seal and along the bottom-seal and by configurating an adhesive part near the bottom of the side-seal to near the other side-seal positioned at a predetermined interval from the bottom-seal in parallel to adhere between the top and bottom films. A paint film coated with a sticky substance having the kinematic-viscosity of 4-5,000.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s (100.degree. C.) such as polybutene is applied in the deaerating passage.

Abstract: A receptacle made of air-impervious sheet material which is heat-sealable at least on one face thereof. The receptacle has portions with the heat-sealable face of one portion opposed to the heat-sealable face of another. The portions are heat-sealed together forming a seal for the receptacle. The receptacle has a check valve for venting air therefrom for deflation of the receptacle while checking ingress of outside air. The check valve comprises an elongate flat tube of heat-sealable sheet material extending between the portions of the receptacle through the seal from the inside to the outside of the receptacle. The tube has opposed walls with an elongate longitudinal passage between them from one end of the tube to the other. The opposed portions of the receptacle are heat-sealed to the outside of the tube in line with the seal.

Abstract: A container bag (10 designed to be inflated before or during filling characterized in that a pressure relief valve (22) is incorporated or incorporatable into the bag body, the valve being connectible to a receiver for exhausted powder or pulverulent matter. The pressure relief valve can be set to give a desired inflation pressure in the FIBC but will permit air to escape above this pressure thereby ensuring that the stitching and seams of the FIBC are not over-stressed to the point of leakage. The valve is connectible to, and preferably is connected to, a receiver for any vented gases and entrained powder. Preferably the receiver is the filling silo (28) so that any expelled powder is returned for refilling.

Abstract: A bag for receiving objects and permitting manual evacuation of air from the bag. The inventive device includes a bag within which objects can be positioned. A bag sealing assembly extends across an opening of the bag to seal objects therewithin. A suction assembly extends through the bag and into fluid communication with an interior thereof to permit manual suctioning of air from the bag.

Abstract: A compressive sealed bag for compressible articles such as clothing comprising a sealed bag body of a plastic film having sealing fasteners formed at an opening portion of the bag body and a check valve formed with a flat pipe of a plastic film and provided at any marginal portions of the bag body other than the opening portion and having a base end inserted into the bag body and a tip end projecting to the outside for discharging the air from the bag body, said sealing fastener being provided at least two positions at the opening portion of the bag body, said tip end of the check valve provided at the marginal portion of the bag body being enveloped in a covering envelope of a plastic film having a discharge outlet of the air.

Abstract: A recloseable plastic bag having male and female interlocking profiles which are easily openable and easily closeable, and a method of making such bag are disclosed. The bag includes mating profiles which comprise a selected non-engaging section such that the profiles cannot interlock at that section. The non-engaging section permits a user to more easily open the bag when the separating action of the profiles is initiated at the non-engaging section. The non-engaging section also permits air to escape as the bag and profiles are pressed together to close, to enable easier closing of the bag when product is contained therein.

Abstract: A reusable, evacuable enclosure comprising a bag with an opening in which to place compressible articles, such as clothing or linen, and a one-way valve in a surface of the bag. Compressible articles may be placed in the bag and sealed from the surrounding environment by placing a seal across the opening. The excess air in the bag may then be removed by placing a cylindrical attachment of a household vacuum cleaner over the one-way valve. Once the excess air is extracted, a cap is placed over the valve to ensure a permanent seal. Removal of excess air reduces the size of the compressible article and inhibits the growth of insects and bacteria, which may damage the contents of the bag. Moreover, the enclosure is impervious to moisture, and so inhibits the growth of mildew.

Abstract: A flexible pouch having a pressure sensitive gas valve for releasing gas from a sealed flexible pouch is disclosed. The gas valve is integrally formed in the lateral edge portions of the front and back wall panels which are heat sealed to form the flexible pouch. The gas valve has an unobstructed tortuous gas pathway, preferably having convoluted channels, extending across at least one and preferably both of the lateral heat seals of the pouch with one end of the gas pathway opening into the interior of the flexible pouch and the outer end of the gas pathway open to the ambient atmosphere at the outer edge of the lateral heat seal. A method of forming a pressure sensitive gas valve in each lateral heat seal of a flexible pouch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A urine receiver for sanitary use away from rest-room facilities; the receiver may also be used by the bedridden. The receiver includes an inlet, an air outlet vent, an expandable bag member, a sealing plastic cap and may have a disinfectant and deodorant for rendering potentially harmful human waste safe for public disposal. The urine receiver also includes a top handle and a bottom handle to facilitate use, and may be used with a vaginal adaptor.

Abstract: A bag fabricated of plastic film and particularly suited for holding pulverulent or granular food products, such as rice, is provided with a check valve which is also fabricated of plastic film. The check valve includes a filter surface located in the fluid flow path of the check valve. The check valve allows egress of air or other fluid from the bag and prevents ingress of air into the bag, while the filter serves to retain the bag contents within the bag.

Abstract: An inexpensive, collapsible, disposable and sealable bag for draining and storing washable goods such as salad vegetables which includes a main storage chamber dimensioned to accept the washable goods of interest, a reservoir positioned beneath the storage chamber and connected to the storage chamber through a series of apertures. When the user revolves the bag, the excess water is driven down away from the washable goods through the apertures and into the reservoir. A channel extending up the side of the bag provides a means for draining the reservoir prior to sealing the bag for storage.

Abstract: A disposable medical waste bag having layers of polyethylene film has an open top and a seal at the bottom of the bag. The bag is filled to a desired level with medical waste and is sealed by closing off the top of the bag by twisting. After the top of the bag has been twisted and a twist is formed, the twist is bent over on itself and an adhesive tape located at a location on the outside of the bag is used to tape the twist to itself, thereby thoroughly sealing the bag. A normally-closed valve is provided on the bag and is removably engagable with a coupler that is used in conjunction with the hose of a central vacuum system of a medical facility such as a hospital. After the bag has been sealed such as by taping, the central vacuum system vacuums or sucks out excess air sealed within the bag thereby substantially decreasing the size of the bag. The seal located at the bottom are sealed bars of thermosealable polymer material having a plurality of triangular air pockets extending between the bars.

Abstract: For popping popcorn in a microwave oven, a flexible bag is provided which contains popcorn and includes a collapsible stand. The bag has upper and lower opposing face panels connected together by longitudinally extending, centrally projecting gussets that are integral with the face panels. Prior to popping, the gussets are folded between the upper and lower face panels of the bag. The panels and gussets are preferably formed from a pair of superimposed sheets of paper that are laminated together with adhesive. Popcorn is placed in the bag and the bag ends are sealed. A microwave heating susceptor of any suitable type is provided in the lower panel of the bag or elsewhere in the bag if desired. During popping of the popcorn kernels, the bag increases in size and the gussets expand outwardly as the bag becomes filled with popped kernels, hot vapor and steam.

Abstract: A bag structure includes an upper resealable zipper strip positioned adjacent a top wall portion of an upper edge of the bag, with the top wall portion fixedly containing a vent tube therewithin. The vent tube includes a central tube web in alignment with the top wall, and includes a central aperture therethrough mounting a valve member therewithin. The valve member is operative to release pressure from interiorly of the bag body and is biased to a closed position to maintain contents within the bag body in a sealed relationship.

Abstract: An all dielectric self-supporting fiber optic communication cable for use between spaced-apart support towers of an electrical power transmission network. A central core including at least one optical fiber is surrounded by a layer of non-conductive stranded strength members that are wound about the core. The core includes a plurality of pliable buffer tubes, each of which houses a bundle of optical fibers. The buffer tubes are helically wound about a cylindrical element in order to provide temperature performance by preventing the buffer tubes from experiencing thermally induced movement when exposed to varying temperatures. Each of the stranded strength members comprises a bundle of non-conducting filaments or fibers that are encapsulated by individual polyethylene jackets. The stranded strength members are helically wound about the central core. An outer protective jacket is formed about the stranded strength members and encloses the entire cable.

Abstract: A container that will contain contaminated surgical garments is closed after the container is filled to a recommended level, using a closure system that causes the container to become air tight and also will not allow vapors or gases to escape or enter. There is a one way valve for air to be vacuumed from the container but not to return. All the air will be vacuumed from the container making it a small manageable waste package ready for storage or incineration.

Abstract: A package is described comprising a bag with a pair of opposing face panels joined by longitudinally extending centrally projecting gussets. The bottom of the bag has a strong permanent seal containing a stiffening member or stay. The top has a rupturable seal formed from thermoplastic adhesive that allows the top to open during popping to form a vent. The bottom seal includes adhesive seals that extend diagonally from the center of the bag obliquely toward the side edges and is pinched shut to provide a temporary fin seal across the entire lower end of the bag. The temporary fin seal is folded down and bonded to an outside face of the bag to provide the stiffening stay member. During cooking, the popping of corn expands the bag and forms a bottom wall which is held quite flat by the cooperation of the bottom diagonal seals and the stiffening stay member.

Abstract: A bait bag and drainage system for storing and transporting live bait on a vessel includes a bag having a bottom, a top and one or more sides defining a fluid carrying chamber, an attachment system for attaching the bag to the vessel, a drainage system for controllably draining fluid from the bag, and the drainage system including an anti-clog system therein for preventing the drainage system from becoming substantially clogged with bait fish or other matter in the bag such that the bag overflows and bait is lost.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus to store matter out of contact with gas. A container for storage of matter is combined with a vacuum pump for extracting gas from the container. The vacuum pump has an inlet tube in which is arranged a sealing means for locking the inlet tube and thereby preventing re-entry of gas into the container after the gas has been exhausted by the vacuum pump therefrom, and during storage. The lockable sealing means may be arranged on the inlet valve of the vacuum pump, or it may be internally located in a probe serving as the inlet tube of the vacuum pump and inserted through the container's gas tight sealing means, such as the interlocking strip closure of a food storage bag. In both instances the locking means is operated by external force.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new and improved method of continuously forming a heat shrinkable packaging medium from PVC tubing comprising the steps of supporting a roll of flat folded heat shrinkable seamless tubing material for controlled unwinding; directing a web of tubing drawn from said roll toward a sealing station; directing said unseamed tube to an ultrasonic welding station; applying ultrasonic welding energy exteriorly and transversely of said tube for less than the full width thereof while pinching the walls thereof between an ultrasonic horn means bearing against lower exterior surfaces of said tubing and a sealing bar means bearing against the upper surfaces of said tubing to weld said walls into a permanent joint and to form an air relief port; advancing the welded tube from said welding station to a severing station; severing said tubing downstream of said joint to separate an individual bag having an open end and closed end.

Abstract: An improved microwavable package of laminar construction, having its inner layer constructed of a film whose inherent seal strength is sufficiently high that the inside of the package need not have extraneous reinforcement to maintain its integrity filling, storage, distribution and cooking. The microwavable package is ventable and easily opened by virture of a strip of heat sealable adhesive coated along its top edge immediately inside the opening of the bag and having a seal strength less than that of the package formed seals, to mask the package's normal seal strength.

Abstract: A package is described comprising a bag with a pair of face D joined by longitudinally extending centrally projecting gussets. The bottom of the bag has a strong permanent seal and the top has a rupturable seal formed from thermoplastic adhesive that allows the top to open during popping to form a vent. The bottom seal includes adhesive seals that extend diagonally from the center of the bag obliquely toward the side edges and is pinched shut to provide a fin seal across the entire lower end of the bag. The top seal has diagonal adhesive seals on each side which are constructed and arranged to provide free-standing, outwardly projecting triangular corner flaps with sealed edges on each side. Their diagonal edges intersect at two spaced apart points near the center of the bag. The points at the intersecting ends of the four flaps define the steam vent area for the bag.

Abstract: A heating system for heating food provides a heated forced air source and a food package including an air circulating bag for convection heating of the food. The food package can include an interior food storage pouch which is not exposed to direct impingement by the circulating air preventing cooking oils or smoke from the mixing with the circulating air flow.

Abstract: A flexible, generally tubular, three-surface, single-pleated, microwave-penetrable package for use in cooking popcorn. Two transverse seals and one lengthwise-extending seam seal the package. Venting means releases accumulated steam produced by the popping corn and the package maintains its expanded structure even after venting has commenced. A convenient means of opening the package is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible, semi-rigid or rigid plastics material container, bag or encasement for produce, the container, bag or encasement having a selected size and number of openings therein, with the modified atmosphere within the container, bag or encasement controlled to delay the ripening of the produce located within the container, bag or encasement.

Abstract: A package for microwave heating of food products includes a multi-layer sheet material having a first paper layer defining an exterior portion of the assembled package. A metallized polyester is laminated to the paper layer and defines the interior portion of the assembled package. A plurality of pinholes extend completely through the sheet material. Peripheral regions of the sheet material are left free of any pinholes to receive an adhesive for securing the sheet material to itself and form the completed package. Absence of the pinholes inhibits passage of the adhesive to the interior of the assembled package.

Abstract: A plastic bag having a venting structure therein including flexible plastic front and rear walls sealed along their side edges and a venting sealing arrangement at one end of the walls including elongated spaced heat-sealed portions having puckers formed therebetween and unsealed openings proximate the sealed portions to permit pressurized gases from within the bag to pass through the unsealed openings and the puckered portions to the atmosphere, the puckered portions normally maintaining the portions of the side walls which form the puckers in contiguous contacting engagement to function as normally closed valves which prevent atmospheric air from entering the bag. The bag may have one or both walls fabricated from polyethylene containing ethyl vinyl acetate which permits the bag to have controlled breathing to permit oxygen to enter the bag at a controlled rate to maintain freshness of the product.

Abstract: A sealed container for use in cooking which has a heat-sealed portion partially opened when there is an increase in the internal pressure during heat cooking of various kinds of food including frozen foods contained therein so as to prevent rupture or deformation of the container, as well as the possibility of the contents boiling over as a result of rupture of the container. The sealed container of the present invention includes a container body provided at the opening thereof with a flange, and a lid, and a heat-sealed strip capable of peeling off is formed on the flange portion, at least one portion of the heat-sealed strip being formed in such a manner as to project toward the interior of the container, and the outer edge of the heat-sealed strip at that position and an innermost point of the outer edge of the heat-sealed strip being disposed on the inner side of a line connection the starting point of the projecting portion located on the inner edge of the container.

Abstract: A liquid container generally includes a main container body and a liquid delivery unit secured thereto. The main container body is formed of a flexible sheet and has an opening at its upper end to which the liquid delivery unit is sealingly secured. The liquid delivery unit includes a mouth portion positioned outside the main container body, a joining portion positioned below the mouth portion, a conduit portion extending from the joining portion toward the interior of the main container body, at least two flanges disposed above the joining portion, and at least two ribs positioned between the flanges. The ribs project in a direction perpendicular to front and rear surfaces of the main container body and extend in an axial direction of the conduit. The conduit is formed with a plurality of slots positioned inside the main container body and adjacent the upper opening.

Abstract: A flexible chest drainage bag or the like has an inlet with a flutter valve, and a venting outlet formed by a rigid or semi-rigid tube. The tube projects downwardly into the bag alongside the flutter valve to its lower end so as to resist folding of the bag in the region of the valve. The tube has an open lower end and several apertures along its opposite sides between the walls of the bag, so that the apertures are not obstructed by the material of the bag. One aperture is located close to the top of the bag to allow fluid to be drained from the bag when the bag is inverted. The upper end of the tube is external of the bag and is provided with a plastic cage to prevent occlusion of the tube.

Abstract: A package for an expandable food product and a method for manufacturing the same including an outer container, an expandable food pouch within the container and a coating on the inside surface of the container to adhere the pouch thereto when the package is exposed to a source of heat. A further embodiment of the package includes an expandable food pouch with a designed fault along its peripheral edge to facilitate the controlled release of pressure formed within the pouch.

Abstract: A liquid container is made of a flexible film and a delivery device is securely attached to the container in such a way that a conduit portion of the delivery device extends into the interior of the liquid container. An opening is formed in the cylindrical wall of the conduit portion adjacent to the sealed top of the container. When the delivery device is used as a straw, the opening is closed with the wall of the container because of its flexibility. When the content in the container is poured into another liquid receptacle, the opening is used as an inlet so that the content of the container can be completely emptied.

Abstract: A valve which is to be used as a component of plastics bags and trays for packaging foodstuffs and other perishable goods. The valve consists essentially of a small spherical chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The chamber is made from two hemi-spherical walls having different resilience. In order to close the valve one wall is made to spring into contact with the other wall so that the two walls enter into such close intimate contact that communication between the inlet and the outlet through the valve is prevented.

Abstract: A paper bag is described comprising a pair of face panels, one of which may be narrower than the other, joined by centrally extending gussets. The bottom and top of the bag are sealed, the bottom with a permanent seal and the top with a rupturable seal formed from thermoplastic adhesive so that the top can open to form a vent when products, e.g., foods, are heated within the bag in a microwave oven. The strong bottom seal may consist of diagonal seals that extend diagonally from the center of the bag toward the side edge. One or more temporary transverse seals can be provided near the center of the bag.

Abstract: Square ended valve bags are formed from a tube-like band and in a chain with the back wall and top end of each bag partially sealed together to provide bags between the seals. Patches are placed on the top end of the bag and the patches and top ends are provided with displaced openings to provide a valve. Each bag in turn may be filled through the valve located in the top end, the bag expanding forwardly from the back wall by expanding gussets in the top and bottom ends.

Abstract: A reusable plastic bag with a loop handle is disclosed for packaging goods in a sealed manner with perforations being provided to facilitate access to the goods without interfering with the reusability of the bag. The bag is made from a laminate of opaque plastic material on which printing is applied and over which is bonded a transparent layer to protect the printing and increase the strength of the bag.

Abstract: The herb package described is made of a synthetic foil having therein plural perforations for allowing fluids, but not solids, to exit and/or enter the package. The perforations are formed by needling, created inward or outward deformation of the foil at each puncture point, whereby each perforation tends to act as a one-way valve in a direction corresponding to the direction of needle penetration. Some of the perforations are formed by inward needling, some by outward needling, so that pressure cycling pumps water through the package contents.