Abstract: A system for sealing a load with film, where the load is placed on a pallet, includes a frame and a vertically moveable platform on which the pallet is received. A clamp is mounted to the frame and is configured to engage the load independently of the pallet when the pallet is received on the platform. A rack is mounted to the frame so as to be vertically movable, and a pair of cross members are mounted to the rack so as to be horizontally movable. An engagement subsystem configured to engage sides of the film and a sealing subsystem configured to seal the film are mounted to the cross members. In operation, when the pallet is placed on the platform, the sides of the film, which in the form of a sleeve where the sides define an inner space when separated, are engaged with the engagement subsystem when the rack is in the upper position. Thereafter, the cross members move outwardly to separate the sides of film and to define the inner space.

Abstract: A system for packaging of perishable food products involves initially packaging the food product in a receptacle containing an inert gas atmosphere and sealing a film to the receptacle. The inert gas atmosphere prevents deterioration of the food product subsequent to shipment from a central processing facility. The receptacle includes a sealing flange and a tab portion extending from the sealing flange, to which the film is sealed. To prepare the food product for display at a retail establishment, the tab and the film sealed thereto are removed from the package, by operation of a severing mechanism, to form an opening between the film and the receptacle. An atmosphere exchange operation is carried out through the opening, by injecting gas through the opening into the receptacle cavity. The severing mechanism includes a knife member, and gas is injected into the opening through a gas injection port formed in the knife member.

Abstract: Processes for preparing cartons, including bag in the box type cartons, using inductive heating are disclosed. Methods for preparing bowl-type single serving containers having filled bags therein and methods for using inductive heating to bond pour spouts to cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum sealing a container is disclosed that includes a vacuum chamber in communication with a vacuum source, the vacuum chamber having at least a first port and an internal pressure, a securing device adapted to secure an open end of the container to the first port of the vacuum chamber; and a heating member at least a portion of which is located inside the vacuum chamber, the heating member is adapted to apply heat to a heat-activated sealant material positioned to cover at least the open end of the container.

Abstract: A powder packing apparatus of the present invention is capable of sending a gas uniformly into powder to thereby fluidize the powder with a minimum amount of gas. The gas conveys the fluidized powder to the bottom of a container that may have a small mouth or a sophisticated configuration. The gas present in the powder introduced in the container is released via a powder layer between a nozzle and the mouth. The apparatus can therefore easily, densely pack the container with the powder without causing the powder to fly out of the container. Further, the apparatus is miniature, easy to carry and easy to operate and can therefore be handled by any person at any plate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for packaging floral groupings in a modified atmosphere at or near the site or harvest. The modified atmosphere package, which generally contain oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations which differ from those seen in air, is constructed of a material which has modified atmosphere characteristics such that the material is permeable to certain gases while impermeable to others. The package may also include fluid impermeable perforations to assist in the removal of the floral grouping from the package. A surface packaging agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping and/or the modified atmosphere package, may also be present on the package, and a floral grouping maintenance agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping, may also be disposed within the package with the floral grouping before partially sealing the modified atmosphere package about the floral grouping.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling beverage containers under an inert-gas atmosphere. The apparatus includes a stationary filling tool (20) to which the containers (1) are moved and a device for filling the containers with inert gas prior to a beverage-filling procedure. A container engaging element (19) of the filling tool is mounted in a processing chamber (12) that is charged with inert gas and encloses the container (1) in a fill-ready position. The containers are moved through an entry sluice space (11), which can be shut off from the outside and from the processing chamber, by sluice doors (10.1, 10.2).

Abstract: A method for preparing a photothermographic material comprising an organic silver salt is disclosed, comprising a step of treating the organic silver salt under a gas atmosphere containing an inert gas having a volume fraction of not less than 85% or under a gas atmosphere containing oxygen gas having a volume fraction of not more than 15%. Packaging the photothermographic material under the inert gas atmosphere is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for storing of a bulk commodity utilizes a flexible, low air-permeable sheet material enclosure in which the bulk commodity is hermetically sealed. The atmosphere in the sealed flexible sheet material enclosure is evacuated to establish a vacuum therein. The vacuum is maintained during at least a portion of the storage of the commodity to ensure a significant reduction of the commodity. The temperature of the commodity is maintained sufficiently high to ensure substantial total kill of infesting insects within a desired time period. At least a portion of the commodity can be removed from the enclosure by opening a hermetic seal therein.

Abstract: Methodology for packaging and packages for meat or other foodstuffs in a carbon dioxide rich low oxygen environment by including without the packages carbon dioxide generating material and oxygen removing material where the production of carbon dioxide is not dependent upon removal of oxygen.

Abstract: A wide mouthed container (2) filled with beer (20) has a first closure member (12) applied thereto and held in position. The container is then moved along the filling line to a cleaning station at which the exterior thereof is subjected to high pressure jets of water to clean any contaminants therefrom. After drying, a second closure member (14) is screwed over the first closure member (12) to seal the container. In this manner, it is ensured that there are no contaminants on the exterior of the container near the mouth opening so that it is safe to drink from the container after opening.

Abstract: An automatic bulk filling machine is provided having a container input end which includes a fill station for filling a container in accordance with weight or volume requirements followed by a lid dispensing and attachment station wherein the lids of the container are placed over the container in registry with the lip of the container and closed onto the bulk container by a piston cylinder combination having a lid pad for pressing and deforming the center of the lid onto the bulk container before press fitting the bulk container lid onto the bulk container which filled and sealed bulk container is then transferred to an optional labeling station and subsequently transferred to the output end of the conveyor to complete the automated filling, sealing and labeling operations for removal of the container from the automated bulk filling machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum packaging a continuous packaged body of the invention is so constructed that a seal bar 35 and a seal table 36 are mounted in the respective skirt parts 39, 40 of seal blocks 22, 23 opposite to each other with a tube film 20 interposed between them, and in the case of nipping the tube film 20 by both seal blocks 22, 23 plural intermittent teeth 44. 45 spot close the tube film on the inner sides of both skirt parts as one points in the transfer direction of a material to be packaged. Simultaneously, in ports 47 of the face of a standing gap 46 formed thin along the outsides of the above intermittent teeth, the tube film is flared by vacuum suction force, and from the section of the tube film cut by forcing a cutting edge 51 in the seal bar into a receiving groove 52 cut in the seal table, the air in the tube film is sucked through the spot closing gap and the receiving groove 52.

Abstract: Methods are provided for packaging floral groupings in a modified atmosphere at or near the site or harvest. The modified atmosphere package, which generally contain oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations which differ from those seen in air, is constructed of a material which has modified atmosphere characteristics such that the material is permeable to certain gases while impermeable to others. The package may also include fluid impermeable perforations to assist in the removal of the floral grouping from the package. A surface packaging agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping and/or the modified atmosphere package, may also be present on the package, and a floral grouping maintenance agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping, may also be disposed within the package with the floral grouping before partially sealing the modified atmosphere package about the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method is described for sterilizing, filling and closing packaging containers open on one side, in which the packaging container is exposed to a sterilizing agent during a clock-controlled transportation in a processing line through different processing stations, which is then removed with sterile hot air. Then, the packaging container is filled with sterile fluid and with a sterile closure.

Abstract: The osteointegration of osseous fixing implants may be improved through a series of surface treatments. These treatments comprise a cleaning and passivation process, the application of a coating of CaUPVHXOYCZ to the implant, where subindexes u, v, x, y, and z are natural numbers including zero with variable stoichiometry, and a sterilization process by irradiation. The flexibility of this method provides for the control of physical and chemical properties of the obtained surface in order to match the properties with those of the bone in which the implant will be placed.

Abstract: The invention concerns packaging container produced from a composite shaped by cold-forming, the term “packaging containers” including base of lid parts or base and lid parts shaped by cold-forming. The base or lid parts can be shaped by cold-forming, and a lid film or base film, respectively, can form the corresponding closure for the packaging container. In addition, both the base and the lid part can be shaped by cold-forming, the depressions formed in the base and lid parts advantageously lying opposite one another.

Abstract: An improved method of packaging compositions susceptible to degradation by oxygen comprises: (1) providing a composition to be comminuted in premixed form in a first vessel; (2) transferring the premixed composition through a hollow first transfer means from the first vessel to a second vessel; (3) comminuting the composition in the second vessel, the second vessel including at least two sets of multiple spaced inlets for inert gas such that the inert gas backflows into at least the hollow first transfer means, and such that the first set of spaced inlets is located closest to the hollow first transfer means; (4) transferring the comminuted composition to a second transfer means, the second transfer means including an inlet for an inert gas so that inert gas permeates the second transfer means and the comminuted composition within the second transfer means; (5) transferring the comminuted composition from the second transfer means to an opaque, oxygen impermeable pouch; (6) expelling oxygen from the pouch by

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the mixing of foam precursors in foam-in-bag precursor systems, to thereby enhance the quality of the resulting foam. The apparatus comprises a heated chamber for storing bags containing the precursors in separate compartments, an opening for dispensing the heated bags, and mechanical agitators for externally agitating the bag containing the separated foam-forming precursors to mix the precursors and form foam. Also, a foam cushion packaging precursor is disclosed and comprises such a heated bag.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method and system for establishing, and optionally maintaining, a desired atmosphere for perishable or atmosphere-sensitive goods during their storage and/or transportation.

Abstract: The invention provides polymeric films for the storage or packing of plant material, the film being perforate and having a water vapor permeability of not more than 800 g m−2 day−1 and an oxygen permeability of not more than 200000 cm3 m−2 day−1 atmosphere−1, both permeabilities being measured at 25° C. with a relative humidity of 75 percent. Examples of polymers which can be used to make the film are regenerated cellulose, homo and copolymers of polyolefins, e.g. with vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate, polyesters and polyamides. Various plant materials, for example carrots, tomatoes, calabrese and mushrooms heat sealed in packs of films of the invention have shown improved shelf lives compared with similar plant materials packaged for example in polyethylene cling film or polyvinyl chloride stretch wrap.

Abstract: A flexible bag is positioned in a rigid container, such as a fifty-five gallon drum, and the bag is filled through its spout with flowable product, such as tomato paste. The bag is then expanded in the container to be substantially rigid and thereby reduce film movement and resultant flex cracking. One way that the bag can be expanded, pursuant to this invention, is for a lid to be sealed onto the container and a vacuum drawn from between the bag and the container. Gas volume needs to be present in the bag before the vacuum is applied so that the gas in the bag can expand from the vacuum on its outside. Another way to expand the bag is, after filling the bag with the flowable product, to inject pressurized gas into the bag. For this embodiment, the container need not be vacuum sealable. For example, the container may be formed from a metal, plastic, cardboard and the like, and the container walls can be either solid or have openings.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for exposing product-filled container or tray being transported by an intermittent conveyer to a controlled environment are provided. The apparatus may include a vertically reciprocating gassing rail, a stationary gassing rail, and an angled gassing rail. The vertically reciprocating gassing rail includes a rail head and an outer shell, which clamps to the conveyer. High velocity gas is flowed through a longitudinally oriented manifold in the rail head and the exhaust gas is removed by exhaust channels. The stationary rail provides a laminarized flow, and the angled rail provides a stream of controlled environment gas beneath the film which is sealed to the tray.

Abstract: A foam sheet comprising a cellular structure having two or more interconnected cells in fluid communication with one another, the foam sheet being in the form of a tray. One or more perforations are provided in the exterior surface of the tray, and extend into the cellular structure of the foam sheet to fluidly communicate with the interconnected cells. This arrangement is sufficient to permit gas to escape from the cellular structure in order to substantially prevent damage to the tray upon exposure thereof to a reduction in ambient pressure. A method of making the trays and a packaging method employing such trays is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a gas flushing device that includes a piston portion having a hole to introduce the flushing gas. The present invention also includes a method for removing air from a container that stores food. The method includes providing the gas flushing device and aligning the device with the container. The method also includes moving the piston of the device into the container until the piston encounters a predetermined pressure. Next, the piston is retracted from the container while simultaneously releasing a fushing gas through the hole. Next, the piston is removed from the container and the container is sealed in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package for storing oxygen sensitive goods which contains a gas permeable tray for holding the oxygen-sensitive goods and a gas permeable film wrapped over the tray. The tray is made from foam material; at least about 20 volume percent of said foam material is open cell foam. A hinged flap is connected to a wall of the tray and contains a receptacle in which a source of carbon dioxide (such as dry ice) may be disposed.

Abstract: A packaging system for preserving a perishable item which contains a gas permeable tray containing open-cell foam disposed within a sealed, oxygen-impermeable barrier bag. The open cells within the gas-permeable tray contain less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen, and the atmosphere within the sealed barrier bag contains less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen.

Abstract: This system comprises a compacted bag, in particular under vacuum, having an appendage into which a spacer device is inserted (2) which forms a pocket (140) separating two facing flexible partition sections from each other (120,121) of which one (121) is adapted to be applied when placed under vacuum against a set of heatable blades with closed outline linked to each other (51, 61) the interior blade (61) being carried by a mobile part (6) of which the end is able to penetrate into the cut pocket (140) with a view to the inflation of the bag with air brought by a channel (600′) through a sterilizing filter (8).

Abstract: A method for filling a liquid filled container includes the steps of providing a container, placing a capsule defining a cavity in the container, filling the container with a liquid, and allowing a gaseous exchange between the liquid and the cavity to provide a benefit to one of the capsule and the liquid. The invention also includes a method for providing a retrievable payload in a liquid filled container that includes the steps of providing a capsule in a liquid filled container wherein the capsule has a cavity and is associated with the payload. The method further includes the step of pressurizing the cavity. The present invention also includes a capsule having a body defining a cavity and an opening communicating with the cavity, a payload disposed in the cavity, sealing means for sealing the cavity which contains gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure when the cavity is sealed, and vent means for selectively venting the pressurized gas from the cavity.

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 present invention relates to a method for producing high-quality drinks filled in containers, which is characterized in that containers are made to have a nitrogen gas atmosphere to be in a substantially deoxidated condition prior to being filled with drinks. According to the method of the present invention, the inside of empty containers is made in a substantially oxygen-free condition, and drinks as prepared in the presence of an inert gas or in a deoxidated condition are filled into the containers. Therefore, all steps constituting the method, including the step of preparing raw materials through the step of filling and sealing drinks in containers, can be conducted all the way in a deoxidated condition to give high-quality drinks filled in containers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preserving the color, texture and visual effect of sports related items enclosed within transparent material for purposes of ornamental display. In the preferred embodiment, the sports related item is preserved by vacuum sealing or freeze-drying and encased in transparent resin. The preserved sports item may be displayed alone or in combination with photographs, descriptions, other memorabilia and the like.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package for storing oxygen sensitive goods which contains a a gas permeable tray for holding the oxygen sensitive goods, a gas permeable film positioned over and adjacent to the tray forming a wrapped tray, a barrier bag with an inside surface and an outside surface within which the wrapped tray is disposed, an oxygen absorber disposed within the barrier bag, and a pressure relief valve located on the outside surface of the barrier bag. The tray contains foam material, at least about 20 volume percent of which is open cell foam with an average cell diameter of from about 0.001 to about 0.020 inches. A film of gas permeable material is disposed over and contiguous with the bottom wall of the gas permeable tray. The barrier bag has an oxygen permeability of less than 10 cubic centimeters per 100 square inches per 24 hours.

Abstract: A method for treating a perishable meat product including the steps of chilling the meat product to within a selected temperature range, exposing the chilled meat product to a chilled gas mixture containing a significant fraction of inert gas, and thereafter removing the chilled gas and exchanging that gas with a gas mixture containing a high oxygen fraction.

Abstract: A composition for absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide in a high moisture environment including by weight an iron-based component for absorbing oxygen in an amount of between about 15% and 60%, a carbon dioxide releasing component for releasing carbon dioxide in an amount of between about 8% and 50%, an acidifying component for providing acid for activating the carbon dioxide releasing component, and a dry water-attracting component for preventing premature activation of the iron-based component and carbon dioxide releasing component and for attracting water from a high moisture environment to thereby supply water for activating the acidifying component and the iron-based component.

Abstract: A controlled environment sealing apparatus includes a reciprocating seal head positioned above an intermittent conveyer carrying product-filled trays, a film feeder to dispense film between the tray and reciprocating seal head, and at least one seal head gassing assembly positioned in the seal head and oriented to direct a flow of controlled environment gas through a cut-out portion of the film into a product-filled tray positioned beneath the seal head. The seal head gassing assembly may preferably direct a high velocity controlled environment gas stream surrounded by a lower velocity controlled environment gas stream downward into the tray.

Abstract: A method of storing and aging a meat which comprises the steps of containing meat in a controllable environment under a mechanical compression, substantially separating a majority of a surface of the meat from direct contact with a gas present in the controllable environment, controlling the gas in the controllable environment by reducing free oxygen gas in the controllable environment and controlling gas pressure in the controllable environment while protecting a majority of the surface of the meat from the effects of a pressure variation, and holding the meat under the controllable environment for a period of time within a predetermined temperature range; provided that the meat is held under the mechanical compression during the controlling of the gas in the controllable environment.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. The inner package is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer package is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag arrangement and packaging method for packaging bone-in cuts of meat using two bags to provide a double wall of film surrounding the cut of meat for bone puncture resistance. Both bags are bottom sealed bags formed of a heat shrink film, the inner bag has an interrupted bottom seal to provide an opening for venting air between the bags and the outer bag has a continuous bottom seal. The outer bag is longer than the inner bag so the outer bag can be closed without involving any portion of the inner bag in the closure. The bone-in cut of meat is inserted first into the first bag and then the first bag and its contents are inserted into the second bag, the bags are evacuated and then the outer bag is closed.

Abstract: A production process for a prefilled, sterile syringe comprising providing a sterilized syringe barrel having sealable proximal and sealable distal ends. The proximal end being opened and the distal end being closed and adapted for coupling with a syringe outlet piece. In accordance with the process, the distal end of the barrel is closed and the barrel is then filled through the proximal end while the proximal end is opened with a fluid medium in the form of a liquid, a solution, a suspension or an emulsion wherein the barrel contains the fluid medium in a portion of the barrel and contains a gaseous medium in another portion of the barrel. After the barrel has been filled, a sterile plug is inserted through the proximal end of the barrel to close the proximal end. After pressing the plug into the barrel, the barrel is vented through a tube extending past the plug so that only the liquid medium is within the barrel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and package for packaging contaminant-sensitive articles such as semiconductor wafers on shock absorbers in a sealed rigid plastic enclosure such as a box or the like which may be enclosed within another sealed enclosure wherein the sealed enclosures are each provided with a self-sealing member together with a hollow needle connected to a source of purging gas and a vacuum source for selectively piecing one or more of the self-sealing members to communicate the gas and vacuum sources with a selected one of the enclosures interiors for purging and/or evacuating the enclosures interiors to remove ion contaminants, moisture, oxygen, plastic particles, etc. whereby corrosive activity on the articles is eliminated and the sealed condition of both enclosures is maintained after the contaminants, etc.

Abstract: The device is characterised in that the obturating means are constituted by an obturating screw (24) capable of co-operating with the whole set of mounting pieces (3) and, if required, with a ring-shaped obturating joint (25) and in that the capturing means are constituted by a threaded joining piece (25) to co-operate with the whole set of mounting pieces (3) by replacing the obturating screw (24) and, if required, the ring-shaped obturating joint (25) during the control, so as to break the imperviousness of the receiving cell (6) with respect to the container or box and comprising a perforation (34) linked to continuous analysing means so as to enable capture of the gas that has entered the receiving cell (6).

Abstract: There is provided a process of packaging metal pigment in a substantially non-dusting manner. The process includes the step of dampening the metal pigment with a liquid which may be water or an organic solvent compatible with that pigment type. The dampened pigment is then placed into a porous container which is sealed prior to removal of the liquid. The porosity of the container is chosen to permit removal of the liquid (for example by evaporation and/or centrifugation) whilst retaining substantially all of the pigment. Suitable containers include paper bags (such as autoclave bags), woven fiber materials (optionally calendered or coated) and polymer materials. The substantially dry metal pigment can be conveniently stored or transported within the container and is in a convenient form to use in a powder coating process.

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: A method for controlling an apparatus for exchanging a first gas contained in a sealed container for a second gas while the container is in a chamber. The method comprises the steps of withdrawing the first gas from the container for a predetermined period of time and approximating the head space volume of the container based directly or indirectly upon a change in headspace pressure in the container. The method further includes the step of withdrawing the first gas from the container and air from the chamber under conditions which are dependent upon the approximation of the headspace volume and which reduce the damage to the container due to pressure forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for deoxygenating a food product and packing it. This method includes the steps of supplying one or more products to an evacuation chamber, evacuating oxygen from the chamber for deoxygenating the chamber and the product or products, injecting protective gas into the chamber to replace at least part of the oxygen evacuated from the product and chamber with protective gas, and transferring the products to a packing unit and sealing it in a package. The invention also relates to an apparatus for such as purpose and to deoxygenated food package.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package for storing oxygen sensitive goods which contains a a gas permeable tray for holding the oxygen sensitive goods, a gas permeable film positioned over and adjacent to the tray forming a wrapped tray, a barrier bag with an inside surface and an outside surface within which the wrapped tray is disposed, and a pressure relief valve located on the outside surface of the barrier bag. The tray contains foam material, at least about 20 volume percent of which is open cell foam with an average cell diameter of from about 0.001 to about 0.020 inches. A film of gas permeable material is disposed over and contiguous with the bottom wall of the gas permeable tray. The barrier bag has an oxygen permeability of less than 5 cubic centimeters per 100 square inches per 24 hours.

Abstract: A process is provided for displacing air from containers prior to seaming a lid to a container. In the process, a container body is filled with contents and is then injected with liquid nitrogen. A lid is immediately placed on the container body, and a biasing force is immediately applied against the lid to maintain the lid on the liquid nitrogen filled container bodies until the container body reaches the seaming mechanism. The biasing force is sufficient to allow a portion of nitrogen gas from vaporization of the liquid nitrogen to escape from the container body, and to allow air originally present in the container body to escape from the container body, while preventing surrounding air from entering the container body.

Abstract: The performance of capacitor-grade tantalum powder that is vacuum packaged is enhanced. Preventing contact with air reduces the quantity of oxygen that passes through the oxide film and dissolves in the substrate. Lower oxygen in the powder can lower DC leakage in the capacitor made from the powder. Over a 4-month period, vacuum/argon packaging reduces oxygen pick-up in a 50K-class powder by over 200 ppm compared with the same powder stored in conventional packaging.

Abstract: A method for packaging a food product for staged production and sale involves packaging the food product in a first package containing a preservative atmosphere which is low in oxygen content. In this way, the useful life of the meat product is extended. At the retail level, when sale is imminent, the package may be opened, the meat product bloomed and subsequently repackaged for retail sale.