Abstract: A foam, comprising a blend of (a) from 0.1 to 4.9 weight percent ethylene/styrene interpolymer; and (b) from 95.1 to 99.9 weight percent polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer.

Abstract: A cellular cushioning article comprises first and second multilayer films each having first and second outer layers, each of which contains an olefin-based polymer, and an inner O2-barrier layer. At least one of the O2-barrier layers contains recycled polyester. The first multilayer film is laminated to the second multilayer film so that a plurality of cells are formed between the first multilayer film and the second multilayer film. The cells can be discrete, fluid-filled cells produced by forming one or both of the films. Alternatively, the cushioning article can be an inflatable article in which the films are adhered to one another in a pattern to form a series of inflatable chambers connected by inflatable passageways terminating in a dead-end chamber. Processes for making the articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers generally includes a mechanism that conveys a web of film along a path of travel, the film web including one or more pre-formed flexible containers; an inflation assembly positioned adjacent the travel path to direct gas into the containers, thereby forming inflated containers; and a device for sealing closed each inflated container. Various features for improving the reliability and consistency of inflation of the containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expanded cellular ethylenic polymer product is provided from an irradiated, noncross-linked linear ethylenic polymer. Linear ethylenic polymers can be irradiated at ambient conditions sufficient to introduce branching in the polymer in the absence of detectable cross-linking as indicated by the absence of gels. The irradiated linear ethylenic polymer is compatible with highly branched low density polyethylene and, when mixed therewith, produces a resin having a single broad based melting temperature range as determined by direct scanning calorimetry, which indicates that the polymers in the mixture have similar crystallization behavior suitable for producing low density foams by extrusion foaming. The linear polymers can be obtained from recycled shrink wrap film. Low densities of from 0.7 to less than 4 pcf can be achieved. The foams typically have improved tear resistance as compared to previous products prepared from low density polyethylene, at comparable low densities.

Abstract: An extruded thin sheet foam is disclosed prepared from a polyolefin resin in which the blowing agent comprises a blend of from about 1 to 25% by weight of carbon dioxide and the balance of C3 to C4 VOCs. Thin foam sheets produced with the blowing agent age about twice as fast as foams prepared with VOCs, are remarkably stable, and can be produced at high throughputs.

Abstract: An extruded polyolefin foam in thicknesses of at least about 12 mm and greater of improved compressive strength, extensional viscosity, and reduced aging time and a process for making the foam are disclosed. The foam is prepared using a propane blowing agent. The beneficial properties imparted to thicker grade and plank foams by a propane blowing agent can be achieved with up to as much as 75% by volume of either normal butane or isobutane or both in the blowing agent, depending on the polyolefin selected.

Abstract: An inflator/sealer machine useful for inflating and sealing an inflatable cushion having a resistance wire that extends across the inlet of the inflatable cushion. The machine includes an inflation tube, a seal bar, and an anvil. The inflation tube is connected to a source of inflation fluid and has an outlet that is larger than the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion. The inflation tube and anvil are adjustable between a tube/anvil engaged position and a tube/anvil disengaged position. In the tube/anvil engaged position, the inflation tube outlet opposes the anvil and can engage the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion between the inflation tube and the anvil to inflate the cushion. The seal bar and the anvil are adjustable between a bar/anvil engaged position and a bar/anvil disengaged position. In the bar/anvil engaged position, the anvil opposes the seal bar to compress the inlet heat seal zone of the inflatable cushion between the anvil and the seal bar.

Abstract: An inflatable packing article including a flexible, air tight bag; and a valve assembly defining a passage through which air is introduced into the bag during inflation, the valve assembly having an inlet end, the inlet end having an outer exposed surface with an adhesive adhered thereto and circumscribing a predefined area through which access to the passage is obtained.

Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced aging time and reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). Carbon dioxide based blowing agents are suitable. The process additive comprises a fatty acid N-aliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R—CON(R′)R″. R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R′ typically is hydrogen. R′ can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R″ is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R′ is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA).

Abstract: A device for sealing two plies of plastic film together generally includes an electrically conductive heating element and a rotatable support cylinder having an outer, circumferential surface, the cylinder being positioned in abutting relationship with the heating element and capable of rotating against the heating element, which is in fixed position, along a predetermined contact arc such that less than a complete circumference of the outer surface of the cylinder is in contact with the heating element.

Abstract: A process additive for polyolefin films and foams produces products having reduced aging time and reduced greasiness and reduced grease-like transfer as compared to glycerol monostearate (GMS). Carbon dioxide based blowing agents are suitable. The process additive comprises a fatty acid Naliphatic alcohol amide of the general formula R—CON(R′)R″. R is a fatty hydrocarbon radical having from about 8 to 30 carbons. R′ typically is hydrogen. R′ can also be an alkyl radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons or an alkyl alcohol radical of from about 1 to 6 carbons. R″ is an alkyl alcohol fragment of from about 1 to 6 carbons. The alkyl alcohol fragments can be monohydric or polyhydric. Secondary fatty monoalkanolamides in which R′ is hydrogen are particularly useful, especially stearamide monoethanolamine (MEA).

Abstract: A foam sheet including a blend of polypropylene and homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer, wherein the polypropylene is present in the blend at a weight percentage ranging from 70 to 95 and the homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer is present in the blend at a weight percentage ranging from 5 to 30. Foam composite structures in which the aforedescribed foam sheet is bonded to polyethylene and/or polypropylene foam sheets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag forming apparatus and method that features a single drive unit for operating both a drive roller and cross-cut mechanism with the drive motor assembly being internalized within the drive roller. The bag forming apparatus and method also features a easy slide in, slide out edge sealer and vent hole former inserts that are held by, and move with, the bag width adjustable driven rollers. The edge seal inserts feature a heating element that is compressed against the film material by an internal bias in the edge sealer insert. A heating element can also be used for the vent hole inserts. The heating element can be a plug-in heating unit easily inserted and removed from the remainder of the insert.

Abstract: An article, such as a tamper evident container, includes an indicator having a first layer including a thermochromic ink composition, and a second layer, disposed on the first layer, having a composition different from the ink composition of the first layer. The article exhibits better evidence of tampering. The first and/or second layer can be in the form of a message.

Abstract: A foam includes a blend of low density polyethylene and polypropylene having a melt tension of greater than about 20 centinewtons at 200° C.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the release of a flammable blowing agent from an expanded foam is disclosed. According to the method, an expanded foam structure is perforated to form a first series of channels extending partially through its thickness from a first surface and a second series of channels extending partially through its thickness from a second surface opposite the first surface. The channels provide paths enabling the blowing agent to escape more rapidly from the interior of the expanded foam structure.

Abstract: Ionomer present in a polyethylene resin from about 1 to 40% by weight of the resin produces superior extruded foam sheet products that approach the pore size and resiliency of foams prepared from chemical blowing agents. The results can be achieved at normal extrusion rates and on standard extrusion foaming equipment. Tear strength is improved so that collapsible foam packaging products can be produced in which the foam body is cut through except for a surface thereof that remains intact to provide a hinge or joint about which the cut foam bodies can be pivoted.

Abstract: A foam plank laminate of thermoplastic material comprises at least two expanded foam sheets, both partially perforated, and laminated with the perforated surfaces facing each other and the smooth non perforated surfaces as the outer plank surfaces. The foam plank laminate can be obtained by an industrially acceptable production method as the partial perforation of the forming foam sheets accelerates the removal of a majority of the blowing agent from the foam structure, thus drastically reducing the curing time, and at the same time it has impermeability, good mechanical properties, and an attractive appearance.

Abstract: Core for a composite structural member comprises rigid, extruded, closed-cell polypropylene foam in which the surfaces are skived to provide adhesive bonding to structural skin layers. Panel made from core in accordance with the invention has shear strength of from about 60 to 200 psi at a density of 3 to 8 pcf and is suitable for use in marine craft, vehicles, and in building construction. The core is kerfed or “kiss cut” prior to application of adhesive for use in forming curved surfaces without a scrim layer.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying and dispensing packing material, such as a chain of linked air bags which includes a pressurized pathway and an elongated hopper that conveys and dispenses the air bags. The hopper includes a plurality of air jets that transfer the bags between each jet to a remote end of the hopper, and a series of dispensing ports so the bags may be accessed by several users. The hopper further includes a venting and display surfaces throughout its length.