Abstract: The subject invention provides devices and methods for regulating the composition and pressure of one or more gaseous species and/or volatile chemicals present in a volume enclosed by a flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid packaging material. In one aspect, the subject invention provides a device designed to be inserted into an enclosed volume, the device comprising a predetermined concentration of one or more gaseous species and/or volatile chemicals contained in a capsule comprising packaging materials selected according to the desired composition, pressure or concentration, and rate of permeation of the content of the device. In another aspect, the subject invention provides a method for regulating the atmospheric condition within an enclosed volume, the method comprising inserting the device provided herein into the enclosed volume and allowing the content of the device to permeate into the enclosed volume over a desired period of time.

Abstract: Testing methods and equipment are provided for fast, non-destructive testing of the quality of seal and/or integrity of a package. According to certain embodiments, dynamic impact characterization is used to determine whether a loss of pressure due to a leak in the package occurs. The methods and equipment can be used in-line with product packaging processes. According to one embodiment, an initial pressure is applied to a package under test. A region of the package is impacted with a force sufficient to create a disturbance to the package while not destroying the package by using an impacting rod. Force sensors/transducers in contact with the package and spaced a distance away from the impact region of the package detect a force signature from the impact. The existence of a leak is determined by evaluating the force signature.

Abstract: Testing methods and equipment are provided for fast, non-destructive testing of the quality of seal and/or integrity of a package. According to certain embodiments, dynamic impact characterization is used to determine whether a loss of pressure due to a leak in the package occurs. The methods and equipment can be used in-line with product packaging processes. According to one embodiment, an initial pressure is applied to a package under test. A region of the package is impacted with a force sufficient to create a disturbance to the package while not destroying the package by using an impacting rod. Force sensors/transducers contact with the package and spaced a distance away from the impact region of the package detect a force signature from the impact. The existence of a leak is determined by evaluating the force signature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for measuring the transmission rate of a substance through a material, such as a packaging film. The transmission rate of the substance during the test can be increased, or decreased, by increasing the pressure, or decreasing the pressure, respectively, at which the test is conducted. Embodiments can use a probe that does not consume the substance. Specific embodiments can utilize flowing gases. Other embodiments do not require any flowing gas during the measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for measuring the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of a material, such as a perforated film packaging material. The method and apparatus can use a fiber optic oxygen sensor that does not consume oxygen and does do not require any flowing gas during measurement of the OTR.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for measuring the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of a material, such as a perforated film packaging material. The method and apparatus can use a fiber optic oxygen sensor that does not consume oxygen and does do not require any flowing gas during measurement of the OTR.

Abstract: Time-temperature integrators (TTIs) are useful for providing a means to monitor safety of fresh foods, particularly foods packaged in reduced-oxygen environments. TTIs of the present invention utilize Arrhenius-type curves to offer safety margins that satisfy regulator and shelf-life requirements. One method of using TTIs of the present invention involves using duel TTIs, one as a reference and one as a safety.