Abstract: A peel-open package includes a polymeric film, a lid adhered to the polymeric film along a continuous portion thereof and a product encapsulated between the polymeric film and lid material. The polymeric film is typically a coextruded multiple layer film having a sealable layer and at least one base layer. The sealable layer comprises an ethylene copolymer derived from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl acetate and alkylacrylates, a talc additive, and an additive which provides peelability to the heat seal layer. The lid material is preferably a microporous layer to allow sterilization and prevent subsequent contamination by bacteria and other microbial organisms. The peel-open package provides a good seal range for uncoated Tyvek.RTM., evidence of seal integrity, reduced Tinting, and a seal strength which is sufficiently low to prevent the delaminating or branching of the lid material when it is removed. The present invention also includes methods of making peel-open packages.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a stream of flowing liquid in a conduit into segments separated by gas bubbles of a known or at least controllable size includes a chamber communicating with the interior of the conduit and a duct of smaller cross section than the chamber, which projects into the chamber and is connectable to a source of gas under pressure: the size of the gas chamber, can be adjusted to change the rate at which the gas bubbles are injected and thus vary the length of the liquid segments.