Abstract: A polyol blend is disclosed for making polyurethane foams. The blend includes a first polyol having a functionality of about 2, a hydroxyl number ranging from about 20 to about 90, and an equivalent weight ranging from about 600 to about 2800; a second polyol having a functionality ranging from about 4 to about 8, a hydroxyl number ranging from about 200 to about 600, and an equivalent weight ranging from about 90 to about 280; and a third polyol having a functionality ranging from about 2.5 to about 4, a hydroxyl number ranging from about 15 to about 500, and an equivalent weight ranging from about 180 to about 4000. The polyol blend is capable of reacting with an isocyanate compound in the presence of water to produce a foam having a density ranging from about 0.5 to about 5 pounds/ft.sup.3, a compressive strength ranging from about 3 to about 20 psi, and an airflow ranging from about 10 to about 1000 cc/minute.

Abstract: A multilayer film generally includes:a) an interior layer of homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer having a density ranging from about 0.89 to about 0.92 grams per cubic centimeter;b) a first exterior layer of a material selected from the group consisting of homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene, a blend of homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene and elastomer, high density polyethylene, and copolyester; andc) a second exterior layer of a material selected from the group consisting of polyamide, copolyamide, polyester, copolyester, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, propylene/ethylene copolymer, and polycarbonate, wherein a first adhesive layer is present between the interior layer and the first exterior layer and wherein a second adhesive layer is present between the interior layer and the second exterior layer. Such multilayer film is advantageously used to produce flexible pouches for the packaging and administration of medical solutions.

Abstract: A package which allows for butchering and packaging of a fresh red meat product at a centralized facility is provided. The package includes a support member which contains the product; a first, preferably permeable film sealed to the support member for enclosing the product; a second, preferably impermeable film enclosing the first film and removably secured to the package; and labeling means including a label removably affixed to an outer surface of the support member. Upon removal of the second film, the label may be removed from the outer surface of the support member and adhered to the first film, thereby providing a package labeled with individualized information relating to the particular product.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymeric compositions capable of providing enhanced crosslinking efficiency, to single and multilayer films having the subject composition contained within at least one layer of said film, to a method of treating said film to provide enhanced crosslink within said at least one layer of the film and to the resultant cross-linked film product as well as articles made from said cross-linked film product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing thermoplastic foam, including:(a) melting a thermoplastic polymer to produce a polymer melt;(b) introducing a carbon dioxide blowing agent into the polymer melt;(c) adding to the polymer melt one or more additives selected from the group consisting of(1) polysiloxane, and(2) mineral oil; and(d) extruding and foaming the melted polymer melt, blowing agent, and one or more additives to produce thermoplastic foam.The resultant thermoplastic foam can be thermoformed into various foamed articles, such as foam packaging trays. The quality of foams made from a carbon dioxide blowing agent, and particularly 100% carbon dioxide, has been found to be substantially improved by adding one or more of the foregoing additives, i.e., polysiloxane, mineral oil and, optionally, polyolefin to the polymer melt during the extrusion and foaming process.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage bag (colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy bag) comprising a bag of thermoplastic material having means to define an opening for receiving waste material from a stoma and means to secure the bag in place with the opening connected to the stoma, characterized in that at least the surface of the bag in contact with the skin of the wearer is flocked. Also described is an ostomy appliance comprising a re-usable outer bag and a disposable inner bag, means for securing the two bags together and to the stoma, means for inserting and removing the inner bag from the outer one, and means for closing, the outer bag once the inner one is in place, characterized in that at least the surface of the outer bag in contact with the skin of the wearer is flocked.

Abstract: A composite film and vacuum skin package for packaging a product such as a fresh red meat is disclosed. The composite film is thermoformed and sealed under vacuum to a support member to completely enclose a product which is positioned on the support member. The composite film is a gas-permeable film weakly bonded to a gas-impermeable film, permitting the gas-impermeable film to be peeled from the package while leaving the gas-permeable film intact so that the fresh red meat product can bloom from a purplish color to a desirable red color upon exposure to oxygen. A peel initiation mechanism which is a grippable film sealed along an edge of the gas-impermeable film is provided.

Abstract: A laminate comprising two or more films, at least one of the films being a coextruded, multilayer film, wherein the laminate delaminates within the coextruded, multilayer film when the laminate is subjected to a peel force ranging from 0.001 to 2.5 pounds per inch. The laminate advantageously provides the lid for a package and delaminates into a substantially gas-impermeable portion and a gas-permeable portion, with the gas-permeable portion being bonded directly to a product support member of the package. In this manner, the gas-impermeable portion may be peelably removed from the package to allow atmospheric oxygen to enter the interior of the package.

Abstract: A case-ready package and method of reducing discoloration in meat or poultry products enclosed within such packages when the packages are disposed in a stack of two or more packages. A non-textured and substantially smooth gas-permeable substrate is attached to the lower surface of the packages to allow air to flow into an underlying package in a stack of packages, thereby preventing or minimizing premature discoloration of packaged fresh meat or poultry product due to insufficient oxygen flow into such packages when disposed in a stack. In addition, the substrate may contain printed product indicia either directly or in the form of a label attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chlorine-free multilayer film material comprisinga) a gas-barrier layer (1) comprising a non-chlorine containing organic polymer which is substantially impermeable to oxygen gas;b) two tie layers (2) each contacting one side of said barrier layer;c) an inner surface layer (3);d) an outer surface layer (4); ande) two intermediate layers (5) positioned between said surface layers (3,4) and said tie layers (2), said barrier layers (5) comprising an ethylene-propylene copolymer having a flexural modulus of less than 200 MPa and preferably less than 150 MPa. a process for the manufacture of this film material and its use for the manufacture of bags and pouches for ostomy/urostomy use.

Abstract: A package for shingled food slices (e.g., sliced bacon), including:a. a substantially flat support member supporting thereon a group of shingled food slices;b. a flexible film enclosing the food slices on the support member, the film being sealed to the support member outside the periphery of the food slices and substantially conforming to the shape of the food slices; andc. one or more printed images on at least one of the support member and the flexible film.

Abstract: A film suitable for packaging medical solutions and other pH sensitive products wherein the product pH is controlled by including an ionomer resin as a core layer, strength layer, or other distinct intermediate layer positioned between a sealant layer and a vinyl carboxylate copolymer containing layer.

Abstract: An impact resistant film suitable for making medical solution pouches and medical drainage pouches generally includes an interior layer of a polyolefin such as an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, very low density polyethylene or blends thereof; and outer layers of a high melt flow ethylene propylene copolymer. At least one of the outer layers also includes an elastomer such as a styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer. A flexible copolyester can be substituted for one of the outer high melt flow polymer layers. Additional interior layers can also be incorporated in the film structure.

Abstract: A package having a lid bonded to a support member with a heat-seal to enclose a product between the support member and lid. The lid is at least partially heat-shrinkable and has a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion, the first peripheral portion being heat-contracted toward the heat-seal to a greater degree relative to the second peripheral portion so that the second peripheral portion provides a tab which can be manually grasped for peeling the lid.

Abstract: A composite film and vacuum skin package for packaging a product such as a fresh red meat is disclosed. The composite film is thermoformed and sealed under vacuum to a support member to completely enclose a product which is positioned on the support member. The composite film is a permeable film weakly bonded to an impermeable film, permitting the impermeable film to be peeled from the package while leaving the permeable film intact so that the fresh red meat product can bloom from a purplish color to a desirable red color upon exposure to oxygen. The permeable and impermeable films are fully peelable without the need for a migratable wax to enhance peelability.

Abstract: A multilayer film includes:a. a first layer comprising a material having a melting point of at least 145.degree. C.;b. a second layer comprising a colorant blended with a polymer having a vicat softening point ranging from 100.degree. C. to 140.degree. C.;c. a third layer comprising a material having a melting point of at least 135.degree. C.; andd. a fourth layer comprising a material which is capable of forming a heat-seal,wherein, the second layer is positioned between the first and third layers and the fourth layer is an exterior layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enclosing a product in a tray having an outwardly extending flange is provided. A permeable web is secured to an inner periphery of flange and the secured portion is severed from the web to form a permeable lid. An impermeable web is then secured to an outer periphery of the flange and then severed from the web to form a peelable, impermeable lid. The outer periphery of the flange is protected from damage when the permeable lid is severed from the permeable web by elevating the permeable web above the outer periphery of the flange and severing the web at the elevated portion.If a fresh red meat product is to be packaged, the tray may be at least partially evacuated and then at least partially filled with a gas which is lower in oxygen content than air. Prior to retail sale, the impermeable lid may be removed to cause the packaged meat product to bloom to a red color.

Abstract: A multilayer film generally includes:a) a first layer of a blend of homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene and elastomer; andb) a second layer in adherence with the first layer and including an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of less than or equal to 0.89 grams per cubic centimeter.Such multilayer film is advantageously used to produce flexible pouches for the packaging and administration of medical solutions.

Abstract: A package which allows for butchering and packaging of fresh red meat at a centralized facility is provided which includes a support member such as a tray for receiving and supporting the meat, a permeable film enclosing the meat and an impermeable film enclosing the permeable film which remains in place during distribution and is removed at retail. A discontinuity in the seal between the permeable film and the tray provides for rapid introduction of oxygen to the packaged meat.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable bag generally includes a multilayer, coextruded, oriented, tubular film, the film comprising an inner, gas-permeable portion and an outer, substantially gas-impermeable portion peelably adhered to the inner portion at a peel force ranging from about 0.001 to about 2.5 pounds/inch.