Abstract: A multilayer film comprises: a first layer comprising a first homogeneous ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer; a second layer comprising a polyolefin; and a third layer comprising a second homogeneous ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer. The second layer is between the first layer and the third layer, the second layer is chemically different from the first layer and the third layer, and the multilayer film has an oxygen transmission rate of from about 500 to 50,000 cc/m.sup.2 / 24 hr STP. Also disclosed are a process for making the film, a packaging process using the film, and a product packaged in the film. The film is especially suitable for the packaging of oxygen-sensitive products, such as lettuce, and exhibits exceptional hot tack seal strength.

Abstract: A method for making a film which is useful in the packaging of newly formed blocks of cheese and demonstrates flexibility, extensibility, and improved sealing strength comprises extruding an ethylene vinyl acetate/very low density polyethylene sealing layer. In addition to barrier properties, flexibility and extensibility are, preferably, also provided by coextruding a core layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer containing at least 32% by weight of ethylene with the sealing layer.

Abstract: A process for packaging a product on a receptacle includes advancing a film tubing on a conveyor, the tubing having therein a product on a receptacle, the film having a forward end which is sealed; sending a gaseous mixture into the tubing; blowing heated air onto an outer surface of the forward sealed end region of the tubing to pre-shrink this end of the tubing and to expel gas rearwardly from the forward region; applying a vacuum inside the tubing from a rearward portion of the tubing of film, to facilitate the welding of the tubing of film at the rear portion of the container; heat sealing the tubing in an area rearward of the receptacle, so that the receptacle having the product thereon is surrounded by the film; separating the sealed tubing film portion from a remainder of the tubing film; and heat-shrinking the sealed portion of the film. The process of the invention solves a problem in the packaging of products of the "bloody offals type," i.e.

Abstract: A laminated printed shrinkable film comprising at least a first unprinted shrinkable film laminated to a second printed shrinkable film. Preferably each said shrinkable film is shrinkable at a temperature no higher than 100.degree. C. The laminated printed film can be in the form of tubing suitable for sealing to make into a bag. The bag can be end-sealed or side-sealed. Bags made of such laminated printed film are useful in packaging food items such as meat.

Abstract: A patch bag has a patch adhered to a bag, with a primary seal primary seal across an uncovered portion of the bag, and a supplemental seal inward of the primary seal. The supplemental seal reduces or eliminates an uncovered region between the primary seal and the patch, and prevents a product in the bag from contacting the primary seal. The patch bag is especially useful in the packaging of a bone-in meat product, especially ham, sparerib, picnic, back rib, short loin, short rib, whole turkey, pork loin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oriented, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat shrinkable patch attached thereto such that said heat shrinkable patch covers substantially all area exposed to bone, thereby protecting the bag from puncture by sharp protruding bones in bone-in cuts of meat which are vacuum packaged within the bags. The protection is especially directed to prevention of bag puncture by, bone-in cuts of both fresh and smoked or processed meat. The bag produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for packaging a product includes the steps of providing a composite film including a non-barrier layer and a peelable barrier layer; providing a bottom web having the product supported thereon; removing a strip of the non-barrier layer from an edge of the composite film so as to provide an extending portion of the barrier layer which extends beyond the non-barrier layer; and sealing the composite film over the product to the bottom web so that the non-barrier layer overwraps the product and is sealed to the bottom web wherein the extending portion of the barrier layer forms a pull tab for peeling the barrier layer from the non-barrier layer.

Abstract: A method of packaging meat emulsion in a flexible thermoplastic bag, wherein the bag has dispersed on its insides, prior to insertion of the meat emulsion into the bag, additives such as liquid colorant or liquid smoke, via a squeeze roller and backing plate (or two squeeze rollers), is shown. An apparatus for dispersing the additives via a squeeze roller and backing plate (or two squeeze rollers) is also shown.

Abstract: Photocurable elements which are useful for preparing flexographic printing plates are provided which comprise a printing layer and a contiguous base layer, the printing layer comprising about 40 to 95 parts by weight of an elastomeric block copolymer, about 5 to 60 parts by weight of a second elastomeric polymer which is incompatible with the block copolymer, a photopolymerizable monomer, and a photoinitiator. The printing layer preferably also comprises an actinic radiation scattering and absorbing pigment.Also provided are relief printing plates prepared from the photocurable elements. The printing plates have a tack-free surface having excellent ink transfer properties, abrasion resistance, and solvent resistance. A high level of exposure latitude may also be provided in the photocurable elements of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic flexible film suitable for wrapping static sensitive devices such as electronic circuit boards. The film is made of an inherently hydrophilic polyether block amide copolymer in blend with a compatible polymer. Compatible polymers typically are amide polymers or are acid copolymers, such as the nylons or ionomers. The film does not have a degree of hydrophilicity unsuitable for packaging static sensitive devices. Yet the film is antistatic without requiring the addition of an antistatic agent.

Abstract: Intumescent sheets are having improved expansion characteristics are disclosed. The intumescent sheets comprise an inorganic fibrous material, a binder, and a heat expandable layer mineral composition containing at least 87.5% by weight of heat expandable interstratified layer minerals comprising interstratified layers of vermiculite and biotite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging and dispensing system especially suitable for semi-fluid or fluid cement admixtures. The admixture is encapsulated in a material, such as gelatin or wax, which ruptures, shatters, or disintegrates in the wet cementitious mixture during a period of mechanical mixing. The present invention also contemplates a method of modifying the properties of cementitious mixtures by adding thereto an encapsulated admixture in a predetermined amount sufficient to provide a modified cementitious composition having the desired properties.

Abstract: Dry castable concrete compositions having improved strength and resistance to aggressive chemicals are provided. The compositions comprise water, hydraulic cement, fine and coarse aggregate, and condensed silica fume, wherein the weight ratio of condensed silica fume to hydraulic cement is about 0.10 to 0.25, the water to cement weight ratio is about 0.18 to 0.33, and the mix has a slump of about 1/2 inch or less. Also provided is a method of preparing the dry castable compositions using aqueous condensed silica fume slurries and a method of dry casting the compositions.

Abstract: A water resistant or repellant article comprised of delaminated vermiculite lamellae is provided, which article is produced by immersing the article in a solution of a cationic exchange agent.The invention further relates to a method of producing such a water resistant or repellant article comprising the step of contacting the film with a solution of a cationic exchange agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrostatically applying a coating, such as solder mask, to a substrate such as a circuit board. A grounded conveyor system includes electrically conductive means for suspending the substrate from the conveyor and grounding the substrate. An atomizing spray nozzle provides an atomized, electrically charged spray of the coating material in the direction of the grounded substrate. A focusing element is positioned to confine the spray to a desired pattern, and a receiving backplate, which carries a charge opposite that of the spray, is positioned behind the substrate to attract the charged coating particles that do not impinge on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved concrete additive product comprising synthetic concrete reinforcing fibers packaged in a closed paper package, whereby under the influence of mechanical action in a concrete mixer, the packaging material disintegrates and the fibers are uniformly distributed throughout the fresh concrete mixture. The synthetic fibers may additionally be coated with a dispersant. The present invention also relates to the methods of using the above improved concrete additive product.

Abstract: New set-accelerating admixtures for hydraulic cement compositions are disclosed. These admixtures incorporate set-accelerating compounds and methylol derivatives of amino acids, are found to be surprisingly effective in decreasing the initial set time of hydraulic cements, mortars, and concretes, and are particularly advantageous in reduced-temperature set-accelerators.

Abstract: Aqueous-based microsilica slurries having resistance to gelling and settlement of solids are provided. The slurries contain amino alcohols as stabilizing agents, the amino alcohols having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each individually hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is a linear or branched alkylene group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are each individually hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched hydroxyalkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms.Also provided are hydraulic cement compositions comprising a hydraulic-cement binder, microsilica, and an amino alcohol of the invention.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing relief images having improved image fidelity and resolution. The method comprises positioning an image bearing negative transparency closely adjacent and substantially parallel to a layer of a photocurable material; positioning on the other side of the negative from the photocurable material and in substantially parallel relationship thereto at least one louver having a plurality of open cells, each cell extending through the louver along an axis perpendicular to the negative and having reflective side surfaces contoured to reflect and redirect rays of radiant energy incident thereon to a direction more normal to the negative surface; and passing radiant energy which is capable of curing the photocurable material through the louver and the negative and onto and through the photocurable material for a time sufficient to form a latent relief image in the photocurable material.