Abstract: A method of making a film and the resulting film are disclosed. A matrix polymer comprising at least 20 wt. % nylon-6 is combined with moisture-absorbing particles and mixed in an extensional flow mixer to disperse the moisture-absorbing particles in the matrix polymer. The mixed composition is formed into a film comprising at least 20 wt. % matrix polymer and 1 wt. % moisture-absorbing particles. The film is oriented in at least one direction by a ratio of at least 1.2:1 to provide an unperforated, oriented film having a thickness of at least 20 microns and a water transmission rate of at least 24 g/m2/hr. The film is useful in food casing applications.

Abstract: In a method of making a food casing a mixture is extruded to form a seamless tube. The mixture comprises at least 10% of cellulose fiber and at least 50% of nylon-6 content. The nylon-6 content has a weighted average viscosity number of at least 155 ml/g and at most 230 ml/g. The seamless tube is oriented by at least 10% in the machine direction with at most 0% orientation in the transverse direction to form an oriented seamless tube.

Abstract: A multilayered packaging film includes a first exterior layer of a heat sealable polymer and second exterior layer on a side opposite from the first exterior layer, and including two inner layers made of polyvinylidene chloride disposed between the first and second layers and an innermost core layer disposed between the two inner layers wherein the innermost core layer is not crossed-linkable when exposed to radiant energy.

Abstract: A caddy for packaging and transporting shirred food casings. A caddy according to the present invention comprises a plurality of shirred food casings, each of the shirred food casings being generally cylindrical and of generally equal length and diameter, with the food casings being arranged in a plurality of generally adjacent but offset rows to form a stack. The stack includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and a plurality of sidewalls. The stack is further defined by a pair of outside rows and a plurality of inside rows. At least one of the inside rows is laterally offset relative to its adjacent rows to thereby form a recessed notch adjacent one of the sidewalls. The same row also forms a protruding casing on the side opposite of the notch. A vacuum sealed peripheral retaining film surrounds the stack to thereby retain the food casings in the stack.

Abstract: An adjustable reaction tub for making tubular cellulosic casings from viscose, the tub having upper rollers mounted to a frame and lower rollers on a roll support mounted to the same frame for adjustable positioning of the lower rollers at any of a range of depths within the tub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming stuffed food products having one flat end by cutting a slit in a food casing forward of a stuffing horn and inserting an end flattening disc directly into the casing through the slit. A fixture at the end of the stuffing horn holds the disc while the slit casing is drawn forward to clear the slit away from the disc. The casing is then gathered and closed to capture the disc within the casing. On stuffing, the pressure of food product forces the disc to release from the fixture to form a flat leading end of the stuffed product.

Abstract: A shirred stick composed of unreinforced casing impregnated with liquid smoke. The stick has no twist which eliminates rope and gives the stick a smooth, blemish free outer peripheral surface. The method of making the stick requires placement of the shirred stick on a dowel immediately after shirring, holding it on the dowel for a period of time sufficient for moisture to migrate uniformly throughout the stick and then removing the dowel.

Abstract: A shirring method and apparatus for shirring food casing in which the casing is shirred directly onto a sleeve which moves longitudinally through the shirring mechanism from a first position to a second position until a desired length of shirred casing is accumulated on the sleeve. The sleeve is held at its second position and the shirred casing is removed from the sleeve in the direction of shirring and thereafter the sleeve is returned to its first position.

Abstract: A breathable fabric which comprises a structure woven from thermoplastic polymeric tapes, wherein the woven structure is coated with a foamed permeable coating. The tapes are preferably made from polyethylene having a density between 0.940 and 0.970 g/cm.sup.3. The coating is preferably a lace coating made from polyethylene having a density between 0.910 and 0.940 g/cm.sup.3. The fabric is useful for making breathable sacks.