Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring oxygen concentration in a package having an oxygen sensitive product disposed therein. The method includes exposing a luminescent compound that is disposed in an interior of the package to light having a wavelength that is absorbed by the luminescent compound so that the luminescent compound is promoted into an excited state. When the exposure of the light is terminated, the excited luminescent compound emits light that is detectable by a detector positioned outside of the package. The intensity of the emitted light is inversely proportional to the oxygen concentration and is used in conjunction with mathematical function that describes the luminescent intensity of the luminescent compound as a function of oxygen concentration and temperature to calculate the oxygen concentration. The method may be used to verify and track the oxygen concentration of a package as it moves through a distribution system.

Abstract: A package for storing and shipping food products incorporates a multilayer film lid that includes a gas-impermeable exterior layer and a gas-permeable interior layer. The multilayer film lid is heat sealed to a flange of a tray upon which the food product is supported. The gas-impermeable layer may be delaminated from the gas-permeable layer when it is desired to expose the food to atmospheric gases. Separation of the gas-impermeable layer from the gas-permeable layer is facilitated by a film fracture feature included in the heat seal pattern adjacent a pull tab of the lid. The film fracture feature concentrates the separation forces exerted on the tab in a small area so that the gas-permeable layer of the lid readily breaks at the film fracture feature.

Abstract: A packaging cushion is disclosed for supporting and protecting objects during shipment. The cushion has upper and lower surfaces and one or more compartments for supporting the objects in positions so that the objects are higher than the lower surfaces of the cushions. The cushions may include upper and lower nodes which increase the separation distance between the objects when the cushions are stacked one on top of another. The cushions may be held in a stack by an outer box, or by wrapping the stack of cushions in a protective film, eliminating the need for an outer box.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for extracting pigments, namely carotenoids, from plant material. The process includes the step of combining shredded plant material with an enzyme. The enzyme breaks down the plants cellular walls releasing the carotenoids contained within the plant cells. The enzyme added to the plant material can be pectinase, cellulase, hemicellulase, or mixtures thereof.