Abstract: An apparatus and a method for substantially preventing tarnish from forming on metal objects such as silver, copper or brass objects. It comprises an enclosure for substantially sealing within a metal object and for substantially surrounding the metal object within the enclosure. The invention also provides for the regeneration and reuse of the adsorbent by washing the adsorbent with solvent and subsequently heating to a temperature less than about 350° C. to restore an adsorptive capacity of said adsorbent.

Abstract: A method for packaging a zeolite adsorbent by introducing the zeolite absorbent into a packaging bag having an opening, a constrictive part and at least two layers including a metal layer, through said opening and constrictive part. The method also includes sealing the bag above the introduced zeolite adsorbent at a first position of the constricted part, introducing a dehydrating agent through the constrictive part, and sealing the bag above the introduced dehydrating agent at a second position of the constricted part, such that the dehydrating agent is disposed between the first and second positions of the constrictive part.

Abstract: A packaging system and method is provided which will substantially retard or reduce the caking of powdered, crystalline, or granular organic and inorganic cakable chemical compounds and mixtures thereof. Such retardation and reduction in caking enhances the free flowability and scoopability of the compound. The packaging system and method comprises a moisture impermeable container, a moisture impermeable cover which closes the container, providing a moisture tight seal between the container and cover such as with a gasket, and desiccant. The compound can be placed directly into the container or into a moisture permeable bag which is sealed after the compound has been placed therein. The bag is filled or sized so that there will be a void space in the container once the container is closed. The desiccant is placed in the void space. The drum may be a fiber board drum having a moisture impermeable liner, such as an aluminum liner. The cover is preferably a plastic cover.

Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for inserting an oxygen scavenger into a modified atmosphere package for extending the shelf life of food, especially raw meats. A scavenger feeder feeds a chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A separator separates the oxygen scavenger located at an exposed end of the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. An adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the oxygen scavenger which has been separated from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A conveyor conveys the separated oxygen scavenger to a position which is adjacent to a film layer which is used to form an outer package of the modified atmosphere package so that the oxygen scavenger is attached to a surface of the film layer by the adhesive. The film layer is subsequently formed into the outer package so that the oxygen scavenger that is attached to the film layer is contained within the outer package.

Abstract: A package for storing one or more batteries comprising a container defining an encapsulated hollow region and having walls that provide a first vapor permeability. The package contains an air cell or air-assisted cell battery housed within the container. Also housed within the container is a vapor control medium for providing controlled vapor flooding within the container so as to substantially match the vapor pressure of the hollow region with the vapor pressure within the air cell battery. The package allows for an electrically-operated device to be assembled with the air cell battery and housed ready for use within the package, while advantageously controlling the vapor pressure to minimize cell performance degradation.

Abstract: A method for triggering an oxygen scavenging component of a container for packaging an oxygen sensitive material includes the steps of providing a container defining an internal space and having an internal oxygen scavenging component including an oxidizable organic compound, exposing the oxygen scavenging component to a source of actinic radiation, positioned within said internal space, at a wavelength, intensity, and residence time so as to provide a dose of actinic radiation sufficient to activate the oxygen scavenging component, and packaging an oxygen sensitive material in the internal space of the container whereby the oxygen scavenging component scavenges the oxygen from the internal space of the container. An apparatus and packaging system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of improving raw stock keeping of silver containing imaging material comprising providing a package of said material and providing in said package a fiber board containing zeolite.

Abstract: A method is provided for hermetic packaging of unimpregnated and impregnated adsorbents which provides for improved packing densities, reduced attrition losses, and reduced exposure of the adsorbent to environmental or other contamination. Furthermore, the method inherently provides for identification of instances of packaging failure. The method entails hermetically sealing a collapsible gas and vapor impermeable vessel containing an adsorbent which is at an elevated temperature. Subsequent cooling of the adsorbent results in the production of a partial vacuum within the vessel. As a result of this partial vacuum, the environmental atmospheric pressure collapses the vessel to firmly compresses the adsorbent in a hermetically sealed low-pressure environment to provide the stated advantages.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. The blending of the components is preferably done before the polymer is caused to assume a molten state. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. A channeling agent is blended then reacted into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. A desiccating agent is then blended into the product so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the product through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into any shaped article.

Abstract: A package and method for the packaging of contents at a reduced pressure which provides for improved protection of said materials from contamination. The method includes hermetically sealing a gas and vapor impermeable packaging containing both the material, object, and/or device and an adsorbent at elevated temperature. Subsequent cooling of the adsorbent results in the production of a partial vacuum within the packaging. Alternatively, if the packaging is evacuated prior to sealing by use of some mechanical device, the subsequent cooling of the adsorbent results in a further reduction of the interior pressure of the packaging. The improvement is provided by the presence of the cooled adsorbent in the packaging. Due to the presence of the cooled adsorbent within the packaging, the vacuum within the packaging is produced or increased and more readily maintained due to the adsorptive action of the adsorbent.

Abstract: Foamed plastic food containers are prepared for contact with food by exchanging the air in the interstices of the foam for a packaging gas prior to using the containers for packaging of food.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the preservation of an article by housing an article such as a food, cereal and pharmaceutical in a packaging vessel which is equipped at least in part thereof with an oxygen absorbing resin layer wherein an iron-based deoxidizing agent is kneaded with and dispersed in a theremoplastic resin so that oxygen is absorbed in the layer in the presence of carbon dioxide gas and by hermetically sealing the packaging vessel. It is preferable to house the article in the vessel, subsequently replace the atmosphere in the vessel with carbon dioxide gas, etc. so as to allow carbon dioxide gas to be present therein and thereafter hermetically seal the vessel. The method enables substantially oxygen-free state by the absorption of oxygen in an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide gas and permits the deoxidizing agent packaging through carbon dioxide gas replacement as well as the deoxidizing agent package of an article which generates carbon dioxide gas from itself.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preserving solder paste which comprises housing solder paste in a vessel which is substantially free from oxygen and moisture and is imparted with gas barrier properties. The process is preferably carried out by housing the solder paste together with an oxygen absorbent not requiring moisture for absorbing oxygen (e.g. unsaturated fatty acid compound and chain hydrocarbon polymer having unsaturated groups) and optionally a dehumidifying agent and/or an acidic gas absorbent in the above vessel and subsequently hermetically sealing said vessel. The process makes it possible to prevent the deterioration of the solder paste such as viscosity change of the solder and the formation of solder balls which affect the printability and solder reflowability, to preserve the solder paste at room temperature and to remarkably prolong its service term.

Abstract: A flexible pressure vessel 20 having an aperture 44 through one wall 30 of the vessel 20, which aperture 44 can be closed by a closure flap 50 having sufficient surface area of adhesive 52 to completely surround the aperture 44. The adhesive 52 has sufficient peel strength to prevent the vessel 20 from being reused after closure, and the vessel 20 is capable of withstanding a pressure differential of at least 75 kPa for at least thirty minutes.

Abstract: A method for protecting substrates used in the manufacture of semiconductors, memory products, and other electronic devices from the effects of moisture during transport and storage is disclosed. This method involves the use of a cassette or box made from polycarbonate or another material having similar hydroscopic properties, treating the cassette or box to reduce its moisture content, and surrounding the cassette or box, and the substrates held therein, with a moisture barrier. This results in a package which will keep the substrates dry and eliminates the need for a separate desiccant within the package.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to packaging methods for preserving a comestible, and for extending the shelf-life thereof, while simultaneously providing a freshly baked and locally packaged appearance. The package includes a retractable panel located at an inconspicuous place on the package which panel is pressed inwardly by atmospheric pressure, after the essentially inert modified atmosphere within the package has been partially absorbed by the comestible contained there within.

Abstract: A vial for housing hygroscopic materials such as tableted chemicals contains a desiccant canister secured to the inside at its base. The desiccant canister is punctured immediataly prior to use. The vial containing hygroscopic materials is sealed with a lid that resists the entrance of water vapor into the vial.

Abstract: A process for packaging, especially bottling, a liquid product which will contain a fragrance oil or other material capable of adversely affecting a capping or other package closure operation if said oil or material came in contact with a mating sealing edge thereof, the process comprising sequentially filling the liquid product and fragrance oil or other material into a package, the fragrance oil or other material being added to said package in temporarily bound form.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package wherein the inside of a container having shape-retentive capability is formed from a gas barrier plastic material into which an agricultural product such as rice is filled and sealed together with an inert gas provides an efficient storage and transportation system. Once the product is sealed in this package, it is handled in an integral manner from the packaging area to storage through the distribution channels to the final consumption site. A container formed from a high nitrile resin is suitable for applying the system. Shape-retention characteristics is achieved by using a container formed from a gas barrier plastic material packed with an excess of an inert gas, with the amount of the inert gas adsorbed by the agricultural product taken into consideration, or by using a container made of a gas-barrier plastic material, with a smaller part of the wall being made of a film portion which is thinner than the remaining larger portion of the wall.

Abstract: A metal hydride storage facility having a cylindrical pressure vessel and a centrally mounted gas conducting tube. Self contained boxes, being annular in shape, are stacked within the vessel. The boxes contain the metal hydride. Each body is capable of expansion.