Abstract: Enclosed package such as an envelope-like package, which may be substantially impermeable to gas, water and chemical vapor and preferably is essentially light opaque having two surfaces sealed together, e.g., at least one end, and having a tearstrip. The improvement comprises hot melt adhesive-covered tearstrip present between the two surfaces and is sealed in an area along the entire length of the outer edge of the tearstrip, the inner edge of the entire length of the tearstrip remaining unsealed except at the opposite ends. The seal can be opened easily by tearing in a substantially perfect line with virtually no ragged edges which impede the removal of the package contents. The package, when light opaque, is useful for containing light-sensitive photographic films, e.g., x-ray films, including x-ray intensifying screens, photopolymer elements and other light sensitive sheets. In nonlight opaque embodiments, the package can contain paper sheets, flat materials and various solid and liquid food items.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuously forming pizza crusts, particularly deep dish pizza crusts having substantially vertical sidewalls, in pizza pans of corresponding shape. A ribbon of deep dish pizza dough is formed and superimposed on a conveyor comprising flights including upstanding cutting rings within which pizza pans to be filled are disposed. A roller passing over the cutting rings severs dough disks disposed within each cutting ring; the dough disks drop into each pizza pan. Each pan is then registered with a diaphragm which is inflated to urge each dough disk into intimate conformity with the pan, then the diaphragm is withdrawn from the pan, leaving a finished crust. A carriage periodically moves the diaphragm in the contra-machine direction to engage the following flight. The pans are then removed from the conveyor flights to recover pan and pizza crust assemblies.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously forming pizza crusts, particularly deep dish pizza crusts having substantially vertical sidewalls, in pizza pans of corresponding shape. A ribbon of deep dish pizza dough is formed and superimposed on a conveyor comprising flights including upstanding cutting rings within which pizza pans to be filled are disposed. A roller passing over the cutting rings severs dough disks disposed within each cutting ring; the dough disks drop into each pizza pan. Each pan is then registered with a diaphragm which is inflated to urge each dough disk into intimate conformity with the pan, then the diaphragm is withdrawn from the pan, leaving a finished crust. A carriage periodically moves the diaphragm in the contra-machine direction to engage the following flight. The pans are then removed from the conveyor flights to recover pan and pizza crust assemblies.