Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding structure for simultaneously holding a plurality of containers for substances for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications or of devices having such containers, having a plurality of receptacles. The receptacles are arranged in a regular arrangement and are formed by in each case peripherally formed side walls. The receptacles have in each case one or two widened clearances having a dimension which is greater than the width of a gap between the containers received in the receptacles and side walls of the receptacles in the regions other than the widened clearances. The widened clearances additionally make available space for access to containers or devices which are received in the receptacles for handling thereof.

Abstract: A packaging machine for producing sealed packages of a pourable product from a packaging material web advancing along a web advancement path comprises an isolation chamber separating inner and outer environments, and a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing the packaging material web and in fluid connection with the isolation chamber. The sterilization apparatus comprises a main shielding chamber housing an irradiation device and comprising an advancement channel having inlet and outlet openings, and through which, in use, the packaging material web advances, and first and second auxiliary shielding chambers having respectively first and second inner spaces fluidically connected to the advancement channel.

Abstract: A method for treating open cut edges of a packaging sleeve, blank or web material of a packaging material rolled up into a roll, in particular a composite cardboard/plastics material, by applying or introducing a disinfectant-containing treatment agent to or into the outer region of the cut edges. To provide a particularly resource-efficient composite packaging and a production method required for this purpose, it is proposed that at least some of the treatment agent is not applied directly to the cut edges, but that a load carrier is loaded, which load carrier absorbs the treatment agent so that an actively sterilising atmosphere which is created then acts on the open cut edges of the packaging sleeve, blank or web material and performs the desired sterilisation. The invention also relates to a packaging material, to a combipack produced therefrom and to a container for receiving the packaging material.

Abstract: Packaging apparatuses for loading and sealing products into a web of interconnected bags, and methods of using them, are provided. In one aspect, the packaging apparatus includes an intermittently advancing web conveyor that also indexes vertically to facilitate stacked loading of products into the bags. In another aspect, the packaging apparatus includes a dividing seal station that applies a center seal dividing the bag into separate sealed subcompartments, some of the bag contents being distributed to each compartment, such as one of two trays to each subcompartment. To facilitate distribution of contents and even sealing, the dividing seal station may include a dividing sealer lower support that oscillates vertically to promote settling of contents and gases in the bag before applying a dividing seal.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for heat and pressure treatment are provided. A system for heat and pressure treatment includes a vacuum pump, an enclosure, and an oven. The enclosure may include a body defining an inner volume, wherein the enclosure is configured to enclose at least part of a component within the inner volume, and sustain a vacuum pressure that is less than an ambient atmospheric pressure within the inner volume. The oven may be configured to receive and heat the enclosure. The vacuum pump may evacuate gases from within the inner volume and create the vacuum pressure. Under the vacuum pressure, the body may be configured to make surface contact with a surface of the at least part of the component, and to apply a mechanical pressure against the surface of the at least part of the component.

Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging products under vacuum, the packaging machine comprising a lid and a chamber bottom which together form a chamber, the chamber bottom having formed therein a suction opening which can be closed in a gas-tight manner and to which a suction device for evacuating the chamber is connected. An electrically heatable grid is arranged on the suction opening to prevent ice forming near or around the suction opening during evacuation of the chamber.

Abstract: A method for packaging one or more tobacco-filled boxes (13) in a plastic bag (21) comprises the following steps of—placing the box in a vacuum chamber (3, 5) through an input (7),—closing the vacuum chamber, then evacuating the vacuum chamber and thereafter creating an over-pressure nitrogen atmosphere in the vacuum chamber—putting a bag open at one end around a rectangular guide profile (19) open at both ends, where the other, closed, end of the bag shuts off one of the ends of the rectangular guide profile,—positioning the rectangular guide profile with the end not shut off by the bag in front of a shut off output (9) of the vacuum chamber and coupling the rectangular guide profile in a gas-tight manner to the output of the vacuum chamber,—opening the output of the vacuum chamber and guiding the box into the bag via the rectangular guide profile, and—folding the open end of the bag immediately followed by the sealing of the bag.

Abstract: The vacuum sealer includes a base, a cover, a vacuuming device, at least a heating device, at least a heat-resistant element wrapping around the heating device, at least a heat insulation element between the base and the heating device, at least a power provision device, and at least a safety breaker device. The safety breaker device includes at least a safety switch, and at least a trigger element. The object to be sealed is placed on the heating device and, as the cover closes the base, the safety switch engages the trigger element to release the safety breaker device and to allow the power provision device to power the heating device. The heat insulation element prevents heat from being conducted to the base. With the dual protection from the safety breaker device and the heat insulation element, safety is enhanced and the power provision device may operate under high voltage.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum packaging method and a vacuum packaging apparatus that can sufficiently degasify the inside of a packaging bag without any trouble and in which bubbles are less likely to remain inside the packaging bag after vacuum packaging, even if a liquid is included in a packaged object.

Abstract: A device (1) for evacuating gas from a package (50) in a packaging apparatus, the package (50) having an open end (55), the open end (55) having a terminal portion (54), a non-terminal portion (52), and an intermediate portion (53) located between the terminal portion (54) and the non-terminal portion (52) of the open end (55), the device (1) comprising a vacuum chamber (10) having an elongated opening (14) extending along a longitudinal axis of the vacuum chamber (10), an evacuation means configured for providing the vacuum chamber (10) with an internal vacuum pressure that is lower than an ambient pressure outside the vacuum chamber (10), means for moving (30) a package (50) relative to the vacuum chamber (10), and a control unit (60) programmed for controlling the means for moving (30) to relatively move a package (50) to be evacuated with respect to the vacuum chamber (10), the package (50) and the means for moving (30) each being arranged with respect to the vacuum chamber (10) so that a main movement di

Abstract: A flexible package and methods of making the same are disclosed. The package is formed of a flexible sheet material and includes plural panels connected together to form an internal compartment holding a flowable granular or particulate material. The package includes a transverse seal line which includes a permanently sealed section and a releasably securable sealed section. The releasably securable sealed section is configured to be peeled open to form a spout for the package. The package also includes a re-closable connector located adjacent the releasably securable section to close the spout after it has been opened. The package also includes a handle for lifting and carrying the package and for facilitating pouring the contents of the package out of the spout.

Abstract: A combination chamber and external suction vacuum packaging machine is operable to evacuate a vacuum bag and seal closed an open margin of the bag. The vacuum packaging machine includes a base and a lid that define a vacuum chamber operable for use in a chamber packaging operation, where the bag is entirely received within the vacuum chamber, and an external packaging operation, where only part of the bag is received within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Packaging apparatuses for loading and sealing products into a web of interconnected bags, and methods of using them, are provided. In one aspect, the packaging apparatus includes an intermittently advancing web conveyor that also indexes vertically to facilitate stacked loading of products into the bags. In another aspect, the packaging apparatus includes a dividing seal station that applies a center seal dividing the bag into separate sealed subcompartments, some of the bag contents being distributed to each compartment, such as one of two trays to each subcompartment. To facilitate distribution of contents and even sealing, the dividing seal station may include a dividing sealer lower support that oscillates vertically to promote settling of contents and gases in the bag before applying a dividing seal.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the performance of a product vacuum packaging machine allows for a determination of the performance of platen and chamber combinations, especially in systems using multiple platens and chambers, and particularly where individual platens are used in combination with differing chambers during packaging operations.

Abstract: An appliance for vacuum packaging and sealing a container, including: a vacuum motor assembly generating suction, a vacuum trough fluidly connected to the vacuum motor assembly, first and second heat sealing elements, and a microprocessor configured to control the vacuum motor assembly and the first and second heating elements in programmable sequences. One programmable sequence may include energizing the vacuum motor assembly to provide suction to the vacuum trough, energizing the first heat sealing element at a first predetermined temperature for a first predetermined time when a first predetermined vacuum level is reached in the vacuum trough, de-energizing the vacuum motor assembly after a third predetermined time has elapsed after the first heat sealing element has been de-energized, delaying a dwell time, and energizing the second heat sealing element at the expiration of the dwell time at a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an inert gas generator having an outlet and an inlet, and a secure enclosure having an outlet and an inlet. The outlet of the secure enclosure is connected to the inlet of the inert gas generator and the secure enclosure supplies inert gas enriched air having a first oxygen content percentage from the outlet of the secure enclosure to the inlet of the inert gas generator. The inert gas generator is configured to operate on the inert gas enriched air having a first oxygen content percentage to form inert gas enriched air having a second oxygen content percentage, wherein the second oxygen content percentage is substantially lower than the first oxygen content percentage. The inert gas generator may be a membrane inert gas generator. The inert gas generator may be a pressure swing adsorption inert gas generator. The inert gas may be nitrogen.

Abstract: A method and a device for packaging of products (28) in bags (26) comprises the steps of “forming a chamber (4) around the bag (26) by closing a lid (5)” and “evacuating the chamber (4)” or is formed such, respectively, in order to carry out these steps. It is the object of the device and the method, respectively, to enable an increase of the cycle performance of a packaging machine. Therefore, simultaneously with sealing the bag (26) by a sealing bar (11), the chamber (4) is vented and the bag (26) is clamped by at least a first clamping bar (10, 12).

Abstract: A substantially paper-based composite container for an off-gassing product includes a paperboard can body having a substantially gas-impervious liner attached to an inner surface thereof, and a pair of substantially paper-based end closures attached to the opposite ends of the can body, each end closure defining a generally cylindrical sealing panel in contact with an inner surface of the can body. Heat-sealable materials are disposed on opposing surfaces of the sealing panel and can body. The sealing panels of the end closures are attached to the can body by heat seals. The heat seal for at least one of the end closures is discontinuous such that at least one vent channel extends through the heat seal so as to establish fluid communication between an interior of the composite container and the environment outside the composite container. The at least one vent channel is operable to vent excess gas pressure from the interior of the container.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a cavity-type vacuum sealing machine, comprising a machine body and a cover which covers the machine body. The machine body is internally provided with a tray; an airtight cavity for holding packaging bags is formed between the tray and the cover; the cavity is internally provided with a hot-pressing bar and a heating and sealing component for sealing the packaging bags; the machine body is internally provided with a vacuum pump set for vacuumization; and the suction ports of the vacuum pump set communicate with the airtight cavity for holding the packaging bags via tubes. The cavity-type vacuum machine disclosed by the utility model has the advantages of smaller volume and small occupied space.

Abstract: A combination chamber and external suction vacuum packaging machine is operable to evacuate a vacuum bag and seal closed an open margin of the bag. The vacuum packaging machine includes a base and a lid that define a vacuum chamber operable for use in a chamber packaging operation, where the bag is entirely received within the vacuum chamber, and an external packaging operation, where only part of the bag is received within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sterilizing of packaging material and/or packages is disclosed herein. The method comprises disposing the packaging material and/or packages in a sterilization device and pressurizing a pressure medium in the sterilization device to at least a pressure sufficient to at least inhibit reproductive capabilities of microorganisms disposed with the packaging material and/or packages. The apparatus is configured to receive packaging material and/or packages and a pressure medium in a sterilization device configured to pressurize the pressure medium in the sterilization device to at least a pressure sufficient to at least inhibit reproductive capabilities of microorganisms disposed with the packaging material and/or packages.

Abstract: First retention member 40 and second retention member 42 are disposed so as to be separately arrayed along a direction orthogonal to a drawing direction, in which the first retention member 40 and the second retention member 42 are drawn from paper sheet storing unit. Upper opening of paper sheet storing bag 50 is sealed when the first retention member 40 moves toward and abuts on the second retention member 42. The first retention member 40 and the second retention member 42 is drawable to outside from the paper sheet storing unit only when the first retention member 40 and the second retention member 42 abut each other.

Abstract: A multifunctional BOPP cigarette packaging film includes an upper layer, a middle-upper layer, a middle layer, a middle-lower layer and a lower layer. The upper layer is a binary copolymerized polypropylene surface layer, both the middle-upper layer and the middle-lower layer are homopolymerized polypropylene antibacterial agent layers, the middle layer is a homopolymerized polypropylene stiffening agent layer, the lower layer is a binary copolymerized polypropylene bottom surface layer. Also disclosed is a manufacturing method for the multifunctional BOPP cigarette packaging film. The packaging film acts as an effective barrier, has slip property and relatively low moisture permeability as well as low cost, and is suitable for a high-speed packing machine.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging machine and to a method of forming a vacuum package. A first evacuable chamber is used for accommodating therein a product-accommodating section of a package, whereas a second evacuable chamber is used for accommodating therein an opening section of the package. Pressure gauges measure the pressure in both chambers, and a supply air valve serves to supply air into the first chamber. The disclosure is characterized in that the supply air valve is a control valve and is adapted to be controlled in dependence upon the difference between the pressures which prevail in the first and second chambers and which are measured by means of the two pressure gauges. The disclosure also relates to the fact that a gap is provided in a partition between the two chambers and that an adjuster is provided for varying and adjusting the cross-sectional area of said gap.

Abstract: A method of expanding a structural support volume of a flexible container can include dispensing a cryogenic fluid into at least one structural support volume and sealing the at least one structural support volume such that it has a closed volume prior to complete conversion of the cryogenic fluid into a gas and expansion of the structural support volume to a pressurized state. The flexible container includes a product volume and at least a portion of the structural support volume extends into the product volume when the structural support volume is expanded.

Abstract: A vacuum and sealing appliance comprises a heat sealing element for sealing a container during a sealing cycle. A controller controls the temperature of the heat sealing element during the sealing cycle based on a signal from a temperature sensor that senses the real-time temperature of the heat sealing element. A seal indicator light is provided which is lighted during the sealing cycle and extinguished at its completion. The signal from the controller energizes the heating element for a time to heat the sealing element to a pre-determined temperature for sealing the container and initiates a dwell time corresponding to cooling the heating element after sealing the container. Values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element and values of the sealing times and the dwell times that correspond to the values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element are stored in a look-up table.

Abstract: A sample vessel may include a segmented tubule and an interface receiving the tubule. The segmented tubule may include an opening for receiving a sample material and at least one compressible section, the at least one compressible section having a wall constructed at least partially from a material having sufficient flexibility to permit compression of opposed sections of the wall into contact with one another, and at least two segments of the tubule being fluidically isolated from one another by a bonding of a fluid-tight seal between opposed sections of the tubule wall, wherein said fluid-tight seal irreversibly opens upon application of fluid pressure greater than a threshold value to permit selective fluid communication between the opposed sections. The interface may facilitate delivery of a sample material to the tubule through the opening.

Abstract: The present device is a sealable vacuum bag that can be either attached or non-detached to luggage. The bag extends considerable above the luggage so it can be fully packed with clothing and other items prior to a vacuum be applied through a valve in the vacuum bag by a self-contained vacuum apparatus within the luggage. The vacuum apparatus includes an air compressor, pc board, usb charging port, battery, or combination of smaller batteries, and an on/off switch enclosed in a compact vacuum casing in the luggage. The vacuum bag connection port uses a one-way valve to seal the vacuum bag in the luggage or to allow the vacuum bag to be removed from the luggage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for continuously bagging pellets. The pellets can be formed from a tacky and/or polymer-containing formulation. Other embodiments relate to systems for continuously bagging pellets. Still other embodiments related the individual components of the processes and systems for continuously bagging pellets.

Abstract: A packaging machine and a method for packaging of products in bags, respectively, comprises a lid (5) forming a chamber (4) together with a chamber bottom (6). The object of the invention is to provide an improved device and method for evacuating the chamber (4) of a packaging machine. For this purpose a suction device (100) is provided in the chamber bottom (6), the suction device being designed such that gas can be sucked and the chamber (4) can be closed gas tight, wherein at least a closing element (8, 8?) is provided which can be moved from a first raised position into a second lowered position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packaging material and its use in the shelf-life extension and quality improvement of products.

Abstract: An automated filling system for introducing crushed polysilicon fragments into shipping bags without significant contamination positions a freely suspended energy absorber into a freely suspended bag of non-contaminating material prior to filling, and following filling, the energy absorber is removed, and the bag is sealed. The system can replace manual packaging which has been required for semiconductor applications.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. The apparatus also includes processing stations for loading the pouches, transferring fluids (typically gases) into and out of the pouches, and sealing the pouches. Various alternative methods and devices are provided for separating each sealed pouch from the web by either making a continuous cut across a connecting strip of web material downline of the processing stations or pre-perforating the connecting strip upline of the processing stations. When the connecting strip is pre-perforated, a sealed pouch of sufficient weight may be separated from the web passively by a takeaway conveyor, and a lighter sealed pouch may be separated from the web by a tear-off mechanism that grips and pulls the web.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system can include a tray and a vacuum-fitted cover covering at least a portion of the tray. The surgical system can comprise a tray and a drape at least partially vacuum-fitted to the tray. A surgical drape is also disclosed. The surgical drape can comprise a cover including an opening and an interior cavity defined by a flexible wall which is configured to receive a support surface. The surgical drape can further comprise a closable portion configured to close the opening and seal at least a portion of the support surface within the interior cavity. The surgical drape can further include a valve in fluid communication with the interior cavity, wherein the valve is configured to enable the suction of air from the interior cavity and draw the flexible wall inwardly to closely envelop at least a portion of the support surface.

Abstract: A package for an article (1) comprises a pressurized outer bag (5) having gas-tight seals (7) at opposite ends, and an inner web for supporting the article within the outer bag. The web extends along the length of the outer bag and is secured to the outer bag only at the gas-tight seals (7). The web is maintained under sufficient tension by the pressure within the outer bag to suspend the article within the bag and to maintain a space between the article and the outer bag on all sides of the article.

Abstract: A packaging system and method of use for packaging coffee in individual valved packages is disclosed. The individual valved packages are disposed within a secondary package formed of a flexible material and including a one-way pressure relief valve. The valve of the secondary package is set to open so that the secondary package internal pressure never drops below the operating pressure of the primary package degassing valves. The secondary package is disposed within a rigid container, e.g., a corrugated carton. The system and method enables shipping of the coffee packages permitting them to degass without vacuumization (bricking) irrespective of changes in atmospheric pressure encountered during the transport of the system.

Abstract: A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).

Abstract: Meat products are provided to an automated bagging system in a controlled and managed manner. Packaging systems in accordance with the present invention preferably include one or more buffering systems capable controlling the flow of meat products to a bagging system. Buffering systems are positioned along a meat product packaging line to provide such flow control. Plural buffering systems may be used as arranged in one or both of in series and in parallel.

Abstract: A reservoir for a nebulizer, a nebulizer and a method of filling a reservoir are proposed. To avoid undesirable rises in pressure, a fluid chamber of the reservoir is pre-collapsed and filled with an initial amount of fluid which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber. Preferably, before being filled, the fluid chamber is compressed and/or expanded by means of gas to a defined volume which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A system for collecting and compressing waste collected in a medical or surgical procedure. The system includes a bag for collecting the waste that is seated on a mobile cart. Once the waste is collected the bag is closed and, while on the cart, transported to a compactor. While on the cart, the bag is compacted. Air in the bag is discharged through a one-way valve fitted to the bag. The one way valve may be attached to a cartridge that is inserted into the bag opening. The air discharged from the bag is filtered prior to discharge into the ambient environment. The filter may be built into the one-way valve.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to unitized packages and a method of manufacturing the unitized packages for containing and dispensing a product material. In particular, the unitized packages comprise a printed base card and a fluid vessel permanently bonded to the printed base card. The fluid vessel comprises a first laminate barrier layer comprising at least one layer of a biaxially oriented thermoplastic polymer, a portion of which is formed into a modified dome shape, and a planar second laminate barrier layer. The first and second laminate barrier layers are sealed together to form a fluid-tight enclosure, wherein the product material substantially fills the enclosure and the modified dome shape is resiliently sustainable. In particular, the method includes forming a portion of the first laminate barrier layer comprising the biaxially oriented polymer into the modified dome shape using a force such as pressurized gas.

Abstract: A collapsible article container includes a pair of side walls connected along side edges and a transverse bottom edge defining an interior pouch volume having a sealable entrance opening and an air purge mechanism in communication with the pouch to provide air evacuation from the pouch through a volume reduction port. The air purge mechanism includes truncated, transverse, seals defining a restricted flow path in communication with the pouch volume through one passage and in communication with a volume reduction port through another. The collapsible article container may be reused after removal of a contained article by insertion of an article into the pouch volume, exposing the volume reduction port to atmosphere, and expelling entrained air from the pouch volume through the passages and restricted flow path of the air purge mechanism. In one form the pouch includes a closable strip spaced inwardly from the top edge.

Abstract: A filling method including a preceding filling process in which the drop opening of the filling funnel and the forward end of the gas-filling nozzle brought close to the normal line are inserted from the opened bag opening into a package bag, and at the same time, the forward end is separated from the normal line and moved toward a corner of the package bag. The method further includes a following filling process in which inert gas jetted from the gas filling nozzle and air in the package bag are replaced with each other, and a postprocess on the downstream side in which the replacement action between the inert gas and the air is promoted with the bag opening substantially closed by a shutter unit.

Abstract: A lubricant applicator unit for pressure relief valves for a system for applying pressure relief valves to packaging during a packaging process, including a vacuum applicator for temporarily separating layers of the valve when the lubricant is applied. A pressurized nozzle sprays or atomizes the lubricant into the valve opening. Graphite suspended in liquid silicone is used as the lubricant; it is recirculated in a reservoir to keep the graphite in suspension. Optical sensors check for valves before the entrance to, and after exit from, the vacuum applicator.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes a suction mechanism that suctions an interior of a bag, and a connecting mechanism that connects an opening of the bag and the suction mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover, a method of covering, and a cover system to be used with shipments of products transported by air with ULDs. The dimensions of the cover system can vary depending on the ULD they are designed to be used with. The cover system can also be adapted to any individual skid such as wooden or plastic pallets used for smaller loads used in air transport or any other mode of transportation. The cover system can include one or multiple parts that wrap the shipment. Each part of the cover system can be made of one or more layers. Each layer can be made of a single material or a combination of different materials, and different layers can incorporate different materials. The different parts of the cover can be made of different materials or different combination of materials. In specific embodiments, materials used for the cover system are Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) friendly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for packing a material in a packing container. The method includes the steps of providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing; supplying a material to the gaseous atmosphere and delivering a packing container to the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, the material is filled into the packing container, the packing container is sealed inside the gaseous atmosphere, and filled packing container is moved out of the gaseous atmosphere.

Abstract: Amorphous valgancyclovir hydrochloride has a median particle size of below 100 ?m. A process for the preparation of the compound includes dissolving valgancyclovir hydrochloride in at least one solvent, removing the solvents under moisture controlled conditions, and drying the wet mass.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved flat package of petri dishes and method of producing the same for prolonging shelf life and preservation of sterility of the petri dishes. The flat package is comprised of an optically clear, high-barrier, moisture-, gas- and microbial-resistant pouch. A plurality of petri dishes located adjacent one another are placed in an interior cavity of the pouch, after which the pouch is vacuum-packed, optionally flushed with an inert gas and then heat sealed. The placement and immobilization of the petri dishes in the pouch allow for prolonged shelf life and preservation of sterility, greatly reduced breakage rates, and enhanced visibility of the petri dishes by a user.