Abstract: A method of operating a blanching system includes steps of automatically sampling a blanching solution and mixing the sampled blanching solution with a reagent that is formulated to change at least one property according to a concentration of a metal ion in the blanching solution. This property is automatically sensed with an automated sensor and a controller is used to automatically control a concentration of metal ions in the blanching solution in response to a signal that is received from said automated sensor.

Abstract: A method of operating a blanching system includes steps of automatically sampling a blanching solution and mixing the sampled blanching solution with a reagent that is formulated to change at least one property according to a concentration of a metal ion in the blanching solution.

Abstract: A method for identifying and separating hydrophilic plastic from hydrophobic plastic includes tagging the hydrophilic plastic with a tagging agent, such as a fluorescent dye. Upon exposure to a water bath or other processing fluid, the hydrophilic plastic incorporates, such as by absorption, the tagging agent. The plastic containing the tagging agent is then detected and separated from the remainder of the plastic material.

Abstract: A method of filling a container, and thereby extending the effective life of an oxygen scavenger, includes providing a container having an oxygen scavenger material, introducing product contents and a liquefied gas into the container to displace at least a portion of the air within the headspace, and capping or otherwise sealing the container. Displacing oxygen from the headspace diminishes the available oxygen within the container that can permeate into the container sidewall, thereby extending the effective life of the scavenger.

Abstract: A method of filling a multilayer container includes providing a multilayer container that is subject to delamination, introducing product contents at an elevated temperature and a liquefied gas, and capping or otherwise sealing the container. The pressure within the container remains positive at temperatures at least as low as ambient, and preferably down to the lower range of household or commercial refrigeration temperatures.

Abstract: A method of improving surface morphology of a semiconductor substrate when using an SOI technique comprises providing a silicon ingot positioned on a support member, orientating the silicon ingot in relation to the support member, and a cutting device, and cutting the silicon ingot along about a (100) crystal plane of the silicon ingot, preferably using a wire saw. This then provides a silicon substrate having an initial surface defining a miscut angle which is less than about 0.15 degrees from the (100) crystal plane. The method then comprises processing the silicon substrate using SIMOX processing, which includes implanting oxygen atoms in the silicon substrate to form a buried oxide layer and annealing the silicon substrate to provide a final substrate surface. Finally, the method includes accepting the final substrate surface for further processing when the final substrate surface measures between 2-20 Å RMS using an atomic force microscopy technique.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an irreversible tamper evident system for a closure such as a button closure is provided. The irreversible tamper evidence system is provided by an appearance change system carried by the flexible button portion of the closure. The appearance change system comprises a liquid crystal material and a liquid crystal poison. When the button is depressed such as upon initial closure of the container, the liquid crystal material is separated from the liquid crystal poison and optical properties of the liquid crystal material are viewable. When the container is opened the flexing the button forces the liquid crystal poison into contact with the liquid crystal material and the optical properties of the liquid crystal material are irreversibly altered.

Abstract: This relates to a tamper indicating closure which includes a closure cap having a button which is movable between an elevated position and a downwardly recessed position in accordance with the state of closure of an associated container. In particular, the button is provided with a tamper indicating arrangement which will include a first layer directly attached to the button and an overlying second layer which is connected to the button generally at the periphery thereof. The first layer is in the form of a photoactive layer and the second layer is in the form of a friable filter material. Normally the second layer protects the first layer, but when the button changes its shape, the friable filter layer will crack and expose the underlying photoactive layer to cause a change in the photoactive layer. This change could be in the form of the disappearance of a message, including a UPC code or the developing of a previously formed message on the photoactive layer so as to make that message appear.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method and apparatus for selectively depositing metal or other materials upon a transparent substrate utilizing a laser source. More particularly, the invention contemplates depositing material in highly selective areas with a high degree of adhesion and uniformity.The invention attains these results with an arrangement wherein a laser source 12 is located on one side of a transparent or translucent substrate 18 upon which metal is to be deposited, so that the laser beam can be directed through the substrate. A reservoir 20 of metal is located on supports 24 on the opposite side of the substrate adjacent to the surface thereof. Deflection means 14, 16 are provided to selectively scan the laser beam at predetermined intensity levels over a desired pattern.The scanned laser beam acts to heat and vaporize metal from the metal reservoir, which is then redeposited upon the adjacent surface of the glass substrate.