Abstract: A fresh produce package includes a laminated polymer film having water transport windows that impart a limited, controlled water vapor transport rate (MVTR), thereby avoiding produce desiccation, while also avoiding excess moisture pooling. The film comprises a low MVTR layer, such as heat-sealable PET, laminated to a high MVTR layer, such as nylon, PLA, or cellulose. The film includes lamination gaps, for example created using an adhesive spray-blocking mask or an adhesive-applying roller with insets. A cutting device, such as a laser or die-cutter, forms moisture transport windows (MTWs) by cutting out panels of the low MVTR layer in the gaps while leaving the high MVTR layer in place. Container seams can be formed by heat sealing of the low MVTR layer to itself, or to an underlying tray. The film can be gas-impermeable, and can include microperforations to establish a modified gas atmosphere within the package.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting cross contamination by airborne droplets between adjacent passengers on an aircraft comprises a case in which a flexible shield can be stored, and from which the shield can be deployed in a vertical, substantially flat configuration, where it is maintained by an extension mechanism. The shield can be coiled within the case when not deployed, and can be retractable by a ratchet and spring when deployment is terminated. An attachment mechanism positions the case between the passengers by fixing the case to a structure such as an arm rest. The extension mechanism can include one or more rigid or semi-rigid rods. The case or shield can include a storage cavity for storage of the rods when not deployed. The attachment mechanism can include an arm rest clamp and/or an insertion member that can pivot downward for insertion between a seat cushion and adjacent structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting cross contamination by airborne droplets between adjacent passengers on an aircraft comprises a case in which a flexible shield can be stored, and from which the shield can be deployed in a vertical, substantially flat configuration, where it is maintained by an extension mechanism. The shield can be coiled within the case when not deployed, and can be retractable by a ratchet and spring when deployment is terminated. An attachment mechanism positions the case between the passengers by fixing the case to a structure such as an arm rest. The extension mechanism can include one or more rigid or semi-rigid rods. The case or shield can include a storage cavity for storage of the rods when not deployed. The attachment mechanism can include an arm rest clamp and/or an insertion member that can pivot downward for insertion between a seat cushion and adjacent structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing microperforated patches for MAP includes drilling or punching microperforations through continuously advancing label stock. Holes can be drilled by at least one microperforating laser traversed across the label stock as it advances, a laser beam deflected or split using a servo-driven galvanometer, beam splitters, or a plurality of mirrors, or by drills mounted into a rotating die cylinder across which the stock passes as it is advanced. Numbers and sizes of microperforations can be adjusted by manipulation of laser control parameters, or by exchange of die cylinders. The laser can be a CO2 laser with between 10 W and 100 W output. The drills can be carbide drills. The label stock is typically 6-18 inches wide, and can include an adhesive covered by a release sheet. The stock to be microperforated can include separate rows of labels or can be suitable for die-cutting after microperforation.

Abstract: A package suitable for storing and cooking foods without user manipulation includes a venting mechanism actuated primarily or exclusively by temperature, rather than pressure. A vent hole can be sealed by a patch attached by a thermoplastic adhesive having a selected, well characterized Tg, or the patch itself can be a thermoplastic polymer having a selected Tg. The patch can be convection-heated, or a microwave absorbing susceptor material can be applied to the adhesive or patch for direct microwave heating. The patch can include a region that is melted by convection or by a susceptor material. A porous patch can be sealed by a low melting temperature polymer or by thermally sensitive ink. And/or, microwave susceptor material can be applied directly to a package wall and can melt a ventilation hole through the wall when a specified amount of microwave energy has been applied.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus suitable for containing and transporting a specified quantity of bananas or plantains includes a vented box and a plastic bag that includes laser microperforations located in target areas separated from each other by distances greater than their largest dimensions. When the bag is placed within the box, filled with bananas or plantains, and hermetically sealed, the microperforations and box vents allow for limited transmission of gases into and out of the bag to establish a modified atmosphere within the bag, and to allow ethylene ripening of the bananas or plantains. The target areas are located at the top of the bag, and also at the bottom of the bag, so that they are not occluded when the bananas or plantains are placed within the bag with their concave sides facing down.

Abstract: A lidding film and method of manufacture thereof includes a laminated web having upper and lower film layers joined by a central PSA layer. At least one laser creates a “kiss” cut through one but not both of the film layers to form a first flap. A second laser can form a second, larger flap in the other film layer. Separating the film layers or pulling back the second flap also pulls back the first flap, creating an opening and leaving a PSA coated margin for resealing. One or more score cuts through only the upper layer, proximal to the apex can facilitate lifting of the flaps. A second plurality of score cuts through only the lower layer proximate but not overlapping the first plurality can further facilitate the flap lifting. The score cuts and/or printing over the die cuts can provide tamper evidence.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing microperforated patches for MAP includes drilling or punching microperforations through continuously advancing label stock. Holes can be drilled by at least one microperforating laser traversed across the label stock as it advances, a laser beam deflected or split using a servo-driven galvanometer, beam splitters, or a plurality of mirrors, or by drills mounted into a rotating die cylinder across which the stock passes as it is advanced. Numbers and sizes of microperforations can be adjusted by manipulation of laser control parameters, or by exchange of die cylinders. The laser can be a CO2 laser with between 10 W and 100 W output. The drills can be carbide drills. The label stock is typically 6-18 inches wide, and can include an adhesive covered by a release sheet. The stock to be microperforated can include separate rows of labels or can be suitable for die-cutting after microperforation.

Abstract: A package suitable for storing and cooking foods without user manipulation includes a venting mechanism actuated primarily or exclusively by temperature, rather than pressure. A vent hole can be sealed by a patch attached by a thermoplastic adhesive having a selected, well characterized Tg, or the patch itself can be a thermoplastic polymer having a selected Tg. The patch can be convection-heated, or a microwave absorbing susceptor material can be applied to the adhesive or patch for direct microwave heating. The patch can include a region that is melted by convection or by a susceptor material. A porous patch can be sealed by a low melting temperature polymer or by thermally sensitive ink. And/or, microwave susceptor material can be applied directly to a package wall and can melt a ventilation hole through the wall when a specified amount of microwave energy has been applied.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus suitable for containing and transporting a specified quantity of bananas or plantains includes a vented box and a plastic bag that includes laser microperforations located in target areas separated from each other by distances greater than their largest dimensions. When the bag is placed within the box, filled with bananas or plantains, and hermetically sealed, the microperforations and box vents allow for limited transmission of gases into and out of the bag to establish a modified atmosphere within the bag, and to allow ethylene ripening of the bananas or plantains. The target areas are located at the top of the bag, and also at the bottom of the bag, so that they are not occluded when the bananas or plantains are placed within the bag with their concave sides facing down.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to control banana and plantain quality by providing packaging in laser microperforated plastic bags having registered microperforation arrays to allow for transmission of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene gases into and out. The method improves even ripening of the bananas and plantains, extends green life and yellow life of the bananas and plantains, controls dehydration and reduces crown mold and pedicle withering of packed bananas and plantains during transport and storage.

Abstract: A system for laser microperforated fresh produce trays for use in modifying or controlling the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and/out of a fresh produce container, where the microperforations are specifically tailored such as by size, location and number for the specific produce. The packaging system tailors microperforated trays for particular produce to optimally preserve the produce, using a method of making registered microperforations on the trays using at least some of the following: a conveyor, a thickness measuring devise, a sensor mechanism, and a laser system including optics.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to control banana and plantain quality by providing packaging in laser microperforated plastic bags having registered microperforation arrays to allow for transmission of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene gases into and out. The method improves even ripening of the bananas and plantains, extends green life and yellow life of the bananas and plantains, controls dehydration and reduces crown mold and pedicle withering of packed bananas and plantains during transport and storage.

Abstract: An atmosphere controlled, resealable foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray include resealing members. When connected, the cover and base tray define a generally enclosed and sealed interior space for foodstuffs. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane, which controls the flow of gases through an opening in the container. The member may be located over a recessed opening in the cover to permit the containers to be stacked without gas flow interference. A label extends over the recess, thus obscuring the membrane from view to the purchaser without affecting the membrane atmosphere control function. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.

Abstract: An atmosphere controlled, resealable foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray include resealing members. When connected, the cover and base tray define a generally enclosed and sealed interior space for foodstuffs. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane, which controls the flow of gases through an opening in the container. The member may be located over a recessed opening in the cover to permit the containers to be stacked without gas flow interference. A label extends over the recess, thus obscuring the membrane from view to the purchaser without affecting the membrane atmosphere control function. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.

Abstract: A system for laser microperforated fresh produce trays for use in modifying or controlling the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and/out of a fresh produce container, where the microperforations are specifically tailored such as by size, location and number for the specific produce. The packaging system tailors microperforated trays for particular produce to optimally preserve the produce, using a method of making registered microperforations on the trays using at least some of the following: a conveyor, a thickness measuring devise, a sensor mechanism, and a laser system including optics.

Abstract: An atmosphere controlled, resealable foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray include resealing members. When connected, the cover and base tray define a generally enclosed and sealed interior space for foodstuffs. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane, which controls the flow of gases through an opening in the container. The member may be located over a recessed opening in the cover to permit the containers to be stacked without gas flow interference. A label extends over the recess, thus obscuring the membrane from view to the purchaser without affecting the membrane atmosphere control function. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.

Abstract: An atmosphere controlled, resealable foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray include resealing members. When connected, the cover and base tray define a generally enclosed and sealed interior space for foodstuffs. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane, which controls the flow of gases through an opening in the container. The member may be located over a recessed opening in the cover to permit the containers to be stacked without gas flow interference. A label extends over the recess, thus obscuring the membrane from view to the purchaser without affecting the membrane atmosphere control function. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.

Abstract: A microperforated packaging material for use in modifying or controlling the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and/out of a fresh produce container, where the microperforations are specifically tailored in size, location and number for the specific produce. The packaging system specifically tailors microperforated containers and packaging for particular produce to optimally preserve the produce, using a method of making registered microperforations on the packaging material using a CO2 laser and a sensor mechanism.

Abstract: A microperforated packaging material for use in modifying or controlling the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and/out of a fresh produce container, where the microperforations are specifically tailored in size, location and number for the specific produce. The packaging system specifically tailors microperforated containers and packaging for particular produce to optimally preserve the produce, using a method of making registered microperforations on the packaging material using a CO2 laser and a sensor mechanism.