Abstract: Methods and systems for testing the seals of container lids to the top portion of container bodies are provided. Testing the integrity of the seal is achieved by injecting fluid under pressure under the lid portion of the container and detecting if the lid bulges outwardly with respect to its at-rest position prior to injecting fluid. A container adapted to having the seal tested for leakage is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fabricating films and packages, especially films and packages containing a layer of vinylidene chloride copolymer. The preferred apparatus includes a coextrusion feedblock (20) in combination with an annular extrusion die (10) having an internal crosshead mandrel (11), and intervening spacing means for conveying the melt stream (24) from the feedblock to the die. The mandrel (11) has a cross-head groove (14), whose preferred design resembles elements of a rectangle. The inner surface of the outer die wall (19) preferably has an offset portion, including one of a pair of ramps (33A, 33B) traversed by the melt stream (24) as it leaves the groove. The die (10) maintains the melt stream in a single basic shape as the melt stream traverses the die. The VDC copolymer is shielded from the equipment surfaces beyond the VDC copolymer extruder. Equipment surfaces beyond the VDC copolymer extruder are protected from the VDC copolymer.

Abstract: A multiple layer sheet material comprising a first layer 12 of vinylidene chloride copolymer having a first softening temperature. A second polymeric sealant layer 14 has a second softening temperature no more than about 50.degree. C. less than the first softening temperature. An optional third layer 16 between the first and second layers has a third softening temperature greater than either of the first and second softening temperatures and comprises a polyethylene terephthalate composition. A fourth polymeric layer 18 has a fourth softening temperature greater than the first and second softening temperatures. The first layer is positioned between the third and fourth layers. A fifth impact layer 20 is positioned between layers 14 and 16.

Abstract: This invention teaches using blends of polyisobutylene and polypropylene copolymer in the formation of single layer films and multiple layer sheet materials. The films and sheet materials are useful as flexible packaging materials. The multiple layer sheet materials may be entirely polymeric or may include layers having non-polymeric components, such as metal. The blends of polyisobutylene and polypropylene copolymer unexpectedly have the capability of being extruded through a slot die to form a film having a functionally useful mixture of its components. Thus the invention further includes methods of forming film-like layers of the blends of polyisobutylene and polypropylene copolymer.

Abstract: Blends having improved adhesion to each other when coextruded into multilayer films, such films, film-packages such as pouches from such films, and methods for making and using the films and film-packages are disclosed and claimed. Improved adhesion between layers results from adjusting the components of the blends of the layers. In addition, improved adhesion between layers results from reducing the temperature of the chill roll in the cast coextrusion process.

Abstract: Improved polymer additive concentrate compositions used in nylon film layers. The improved concentrate comprises a carrier of a nylon polymer composition and the additive material. Preferred nylons include nylon 6; nylon 6,66; nylon 6,6; and combinations thereof. Preferred additives are antiblock agents and slip agents. The film layers may comprise a single layer nylon film, or may be part of a multiple layer composition. The films are susceptible to being used in making packaging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the impact of a higher temperature polymeric melt stream element on a lower temperature polymeric melt stream element, and vice versa. The methods include: supercooling the hotter melt stream element, exposing one or more melt stream elements to an undesirable thermal condition for a limited period of time, and/or using one or more layers as a heat sink. The apparatus is provided by a modified die in which one of the melt stream elements having the disparate temperatures traverses the die in a foreshortened path in the direction of extrusion of the extrudate.

Abstract: A plastic resin extruder to co-extrude a multi-layer melt-laminate film including a multi-port diverter plug which selects the orders of the layers by changing the alignment of the plug channels with different pairs of exit and entrance ports. The walls of the plug and its barrel are tapered and the plug is rotatable about its axis. The plug has interconnected indentations which lie between its surface channels with the indentations leading to a weep hole. Resin which leaks from the channels to the indentations is led out the weep hole so that leakage of resin from one surface to another is prevented.

Abstract: Sheet materials and packages capable of holding hard-to-hold products such as methyl salicylate. The preferred embodiments include a foil layer 12 and a layer 14 of EVOH between foil layer 12 and the enclosed product. A carboxy modifed adhesive layer 18 is disposed between the EVOH layer 14 and the product 52. Additional layers are used in the sheet material for purposes of adhesion, appearance, protection, body, and the like. One embodiment of the invention is a coextruded film comprising the EVOH layer 514, a surface layer 516, an intervening adhesive layer 518, and a fourth covering layer 519 for covering and protecting the EVOH layer 514, especially from physical abuse. The sheet materials of the invention may be made into packages using fin seals 54 and lap seals 50.

Abstract: Packaging films, and packages made with those films which have reduced sensitivity to humidity. The films include a first layer comprising an EVOH copolymer and a second layer comprising a vinylidene chloride copolymer. Packages made with the vinylidene chloride copolymer layer between the low ethylene content EVOH copolymer and the contained product provide high oxygen barrier properties under both high and low humidity conditions. At high humidity conditions, the oxygen barrier properties of the package are provided by the vinylidene chloride copolymer. At lower humidity conditions, the packaging material provides the superior oxygen barrier properties of the EVOH. So the packages of the invention provide superior oxygen barrier properties of the low ethylene content EVOH at lower humidities. But the oxygen barrier properties of the package are never less than those provided by the vinylidene chloride copolymer, even at high humidity conditions.

Abstract: A system for introducing liquified gas into filled containers in a continuous container fill line (10), wherein, the dosage of liquified gas dispensed into each container is calibrated to the individual container's particular head-space volume. The system (10) includes measuring the head-space volume of each filled container in-line and communicating that measurement to a controller (28) which can adjust the dosage of liquified gas to be dispensed to each individual container. The system also provides for measuring the internal pressure of each container after sealing, which measurement is also communicated to the controller so that the controller can make additional dosage corrections and can direct the ejectment of improperly pressurized containers.

Abstract: Multiple layer films, and novel polymer compositions, for use in packaging sterile medical products and shelf stable foods. The films include at least two layers of modified polypropylene-based compositions, and optionally a third layer of polypropylene-based composition. The two layers of the film comprise polypropylene polymers having melting point temperatures, differing by at least 3.degree. C., with corresponding ethylene contents disparate by at least 1 weight percent ethylene. In 2-layer films, the compositions include ethylene butene-1 copolymer in both layers, and optionally an elastomer in either or both layers. Three and four layer films are set forth wherein outer polypropylene based layers protect the inner layers, as of the two layer composition, from bonding to corresponding portions of adjacent like layers. The films can be fabricated into packages formed as by heat sealing.

Abstract: This invention teaches using blends of polyisobutylene and polypropylene copolymer in the formation of single layer films and multiple layer sheet materials. The films and sheet materials are useful as flexible packaging materials. The multiple layer sheet materials may be entirely polymeric or may include layers having nonpolymeric components, such as metal. The blends of polyisobutylene and polypropylene copolymer unexpectedly have the capability of being extruded through a slot die to form a film having a functionally useful mixture of its components. Thus the invention further includes methods of forming film-like layers of the blends of polyisobutylene and polypropylene copolymer.

Abstract: An air cooling mechanism for a machine for molding glass objects from molten glass. The mechanism comprises a mold (14) including mold halves each having a plurality of air passages (20). A fixed plenum (22) includes a slot (24) for the passage of air from that plenum into the air passages of that mold half. Pivot means (26) are provided for pivoting the mold halves from a first position where the mold defines an article cavity, to a second position away from the article to be molded. In this second position, one end of the air passages are in registry with the slot to effect the transport of air from the plenum and through the air passages.