Abstract: A multi-stage corona laminator may be used to produce a relatively thick, i.e., 10 mils or greater corona bonded laminate characterized by low dielectric build-up, and preferably the presence of one or more oriented layers within the laminate material.

Abstract: A bag and a method and apparatus for forming an easy open bag in a vertical form-fill-seal process wherein a bag is formed from a sheet of thermoplastic film and a heat seal betwee bags as they are filled serves as the top closure for the lower bag and a bottom closure for the upper bag, the easy open feature being provided by easy tear slots which are cut at acute angles in both the bottom seal of a bag and the top so that an opening corner of the bag may be torn in either the top or bottom of the bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective patch for biaxially a heat shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag for protecting the bag from puncture by sharp protruding bones in bone-in cuts of meat which are vacuum packaged within the bags. The patch is made from multi-layer film and preferably comprises outer layers of a blend of linear low density polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and inner layers of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. The patch is heat shrinkable with the bag. A method of making the patch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage container for electrostatic discharge sensitive devices comprises an enclosable polymeric outer shell, a polymeric inner shell disposed within the outer shell, grooves in the inner shell for accommodating electrostatic discharge sensitive devices, and means for affixing the inner shell to the outer shell.

Abstract: A gusseted bag is provided which, according to a preferred mode, is constructed of thermoplastic multilayer film with an outer sealing layer and has a seamless folded bottom and reverse-fin-sealed sides. Advantageously, the starting material for such bags is lay-flat tubular film cut longitudinally along the center of one side, which is folded and joined to itself along each side of the longitudinal cut, respectively. In an alternate mode wherein the bag bottom is not seamless but is end-sealed, the bag is constructed by joining together two such lay-flat tubes along each side of their longitudinal cuts, respectively.

Abstract: A multi-layer film is disclosed having improved adhesion between layers and consisting essentially of the following elements:(a) a layer consisting essentially of vinylidene chloride copolymer; and,(b) a layer consisting essentially of about 5-40 wt. % of ethylene/butyl-acrylate copolymer having a melting point of about 110.degree. C. blended with about 95-60 wt. % of linear ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layer heat-shrinkable (oriented) film having a barrier layer of polyvinylidene chloride copolymer and having an outer layer of polyamide. The polyamide layer is directly adhered to the barrier layer. Also disclosed is a method to make the film and barrier bags made therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective patch for a biaxially heat shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag for protecting the bag from puncture by sharp protruding bones in bone-in cuts of meat which are vacuum packaged within the bags. The patch is made from multi-layer film and comprises a layer of linear low density polyethylene and a layer of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. The patch is biaxially heat shrinkable and shrinks with the bag. A method of making the patch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coextruded multiple layer oriented film comprises a core layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, and two intermediate layers each comprising a polyamide. Two outer layers comprising polymeric materials or blends of polymeric materials such as (a) linear low and linear medium density polyethylene, and EVA, and (b) blends of polypropylene and ethylene propylene copolymer are adhered to the intermediate polyamide layers by means of modified polymeric adhesive materials. A multilayer film with a combination of oxygen barrier properties, toughness, shrinkability, and good optical properties is obtained.

Abstract: A multilayer film useful in the packaging of high acid food products at elevated temperatures comprises a core layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, two intermediate layers each comprising a polyamide; outer blend layers of linear low density polyethylene and anti-blocking agent, and adhesive polymeric materials to adhere the outer blend layers to the respective intermediate polyamide layers.

Abstract: A multilayer film useful in the packaging of high acid food products at elevated temperatures comprises a core layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, two intermediate layers each comprising a polyamide; outer blend layers of linear low density polyethylene and anti-blocking agent, and adhesive polymeric materials to adhere the outer blend layers to the respective intermediate polyamide layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a flexible printing plate on a printing cylinder comprises a table comprising a planar surface and two separable sections, whereby the sections when separated can accommodate therebetween an upper surface of the printing cylinder. The printing plate is aligned on the table in order to accurately mount the printing plate on the cylinder. The table is then separated and the cylinder moved into contact with the plate which is then adhered thereto as the cylinder is rotated.

Abstract: A thermoformable polymeric laminate with good optical properties, extended shelf life, and memory characteristics comprises a core layer comprising an oxygen barrier material; a polyamide layer disposed on each surface respectively of the core layer, the polyamide having controlled crystallinity; a sealant layer; an outer layer comprising a moisture barrier material; and an intermediate layer disposed between the polyamide layer and each of the sealant layer and outer layer respectively, and comprising an anhydride grafted polyolefin.

Abstract: An easily opened package suitable for food products such as ring sausage and the like includes a first web with a sealant layer of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and an ionomer, and a second web including a sealant layer of an ionomer. A resulting package exhibits good self-welding characteristics and seal strength, and an easily peelable seal.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate suitable for long-term storage of shelf stable food products includes a first substrate comprising a layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and a layer of a polyamide; and a second substrate bonded to the first substrate and comprising a vinylidene chloride copolymer. Polyamide may be included in a separate and distinct third substrate disposed between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting pouches into boxes or lining boxes with pouches is disclosed. Rather than manually line boxes, the apparatus takes a pouch from a horizontal stack of pouches, opens the pouch over an open box, partially inflates the pouch, and, inserts the pouch into the box. A vertically reciprocating mandrel is included with tucker fingers to fold the bag's mouth over the outside perimeter of the box thus presenting a line box ready to receive a product.

Abstract: In a multilayer flexible film suitable for medical solution packaging, film-derived extractables are controlled by the use of a small amount of a high molecular weight stabilizer in the outer layer of the film. Solution pH can be controlled by the addition of a carbonate of an alkali metal to at least one intermediate adhesive layer and/or the core layer of the film.