Abstract: Dried fruits, especially raisins, are treated with an edible water soluble humectant by a variety of methods to establish a humectant level absorbed by the fruit at a value in excess of about 4%, thereby to increase the potential of the fruit to retain, under prolonged storage conditions, sufficient softness to remain tender and flavorful for human consumption. The fruit may be given a preliminary treatment to precondition the surface thereof for humectant penetration and/or to raise the internal moisture content. The fruit is then exposed to a humectant, preferably glycerol, or a solution of glycerol and sorbitol and/or other humectants, until significant levels, at least about 4% by weight, of the humectant are absorbed. The fruit is then washed, if necessary, and dried to a moisture content of about 12 to 20%.

Abstract: A pouch is formed from a section of coextruded polymer tubing, which is pressed flat, folded over along a longitudial axis, and heat sealed along the sides, whereby the opposed walls of the pouch are each composed of two thicknesses of the coextruded material.The outermost laminate of the coextruded tubing that form the innermost and outermost surfaces of the pouch walls is composed of a polymer, such as low density polyethylene, which can be rapidly and reliably heat sealed in the formation of the pouch, with the outermost surface being suitable for printing. The inner laminate, which is encapsulated by the outer laminate, is composed of one of a group of polymers which have relatively poor heat sealing properties but otherwise provide toughness, puncture resistance, gas and vapor barrier properties or coloration to the pouch, such as polyamides, ionomers, pigmented polyolefins and medium and high density polyethylenes.

Abstract: A combined container and dispenser for liquids such as milk and the like comprises a reusable, rigid case having an open top, and containing a flexible plastic bag filled with liquid, the bag having a dispensing tube extending therefrom near one end of the case to enable dispensing of the liquid by gravity after the case is disposed on its one end in an appropriate dispenser. The case includes a pair of pivotally mounted brackets adapted to be pivoted or folded over the open top of the case into a closed position to retain the filled bag in the case during dispensing of the liquid. When the brackets are in their closed position, overlying the open top of the case, the dimensions of the case correspond to those of the standard disposable bulk milk box that fits within a standard bulk milk dispensing cabinet. When closed the brackets increase the width dimension of the case.

Abstract: A pouch made from thermoplastic film and particularly suited for sterilizing and storing medical items has an edge defined by a fold of the film. A cap of porous material is wrapped over the folded edge and is sealed thereto along a continuous line to define an enclosed area on both sides of the edge in which the film and cap are unsealed. An opening, such as a slot, is provided in or adjacent to the fold of the film, with the opening being entirely located within the unsealed area and spaced from the seal line. The construction lessens the possibility of open bacteria paths often found in similar prior art pouches.In the manufacture of the pouch, a web of thermoplastic film is provided with a series of spaced linear openings or slits, a porous sheet material is applied over the openings and the porous material is sealed to the web along a continuous line surrounding the openings.

Abstract: A paint spray booth for removing excess atomized paint from the air in the vicinity of a spray painting operation comprises a spray booth structure having a working or spray painting area, an exhaust chamber and an exhaust stack, which together define an air passage having an inlet at the spray painting area and an outlet at the stack, within which a fan is mounted for drawing air through the inlet and out the outlet at high velocity. A plurality of generally vertical baffles are disposed in the passage between the spray painting area and the exhaust chamber for the purpose of removing overspray or excess atomized paint from the air before it is exhausted out the stack. Mineral oil is continuously flowed over the front surface of the baffles so as to entrain therein paint solids in the air stream, and the oil is received in a reservoir or holding tank wherein the paint solids are allowed to settle, and from which the oil is recirculated for downward flow over the baffles.