Abstract: Nozzle is provided for heat sealing, as well as methods of use thereof. Nozzle includes blade with leading edge and trailing edge having an opening for air to exit. Opening communicates with hot air tool through internal channel of blade and bore of attachment for nozzle. Blade may be bent to improve interposition of blade between material(s) to be seamed or sealed. Linear edges, curvilinear edges, stepped edges, or any combination thereof, define air exit opening. Nozzle directs hot air downstream from nozzle and perpendicular to nozzle's trailing edge. With blade interposed between material(s), hot air is directed parallel to direction of flow of material(s) in process flow. Hot air heats material(s) to a fusion temperature, or a thermoset to its activation temperature, provided along a forming region of seal or seam. Compressive force applied to material downstream from nozzle assists contact of melted material to form seal or seam.

Abstract: Nozzle is provided for heat sealing, as well as methods of use thereof. Nozzle includes blade with leading edge and trailing edge having an opening for air to exit. Opening communicates with hot air tool through internal channel of blade and bore of attachment for nozzle. Blade may be bent to improve interposition of blade between material(s) to be seamed or sealed. Linear edges, curvilinear edges, stepped edges, or any combination thereof, define air exit opening. Nozzle directs hot air downstream from nozzle and perpendicular to nozzle's trailing edge. With blade interposed between material(s), hot air is directed parallel to direction of flow of material(s) in process flow. Hot air heats material(s) to a fusion temperature, or a thermoset to its activation temperature, provided along a forming region of seal or seam. Compressive force applied to material downstream from nozzle assists contact of melted material to form seal or seam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the pasteurization and/or sterilization of a continuous web of packages. The method includes the steps of providing a continuous web of individual packages; moving the continuous web through a first mechanical pressure seal into a pressure chamber; applying an increased pressure and temperature; and moving the continuous web through a second mechanical pressure seal out of the pressure chamber. The present invention is also directed to a continuous pressure seal apparatus and an apparatus for the pasteurization and/or sterilization of a continuous web of flexible packages. The apparatus includes a first mechanical continuous feeding pressure seal; a pressure chamber; and a second mechanical continuous feeding pressure seal. The first pressure seal is adjacent to an entry to the pressure chamber and the second pressure seal is adjacent to an exit of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a convenient semi-rigid hand-held microwaveable package. The package contains a thermal insulating layer that protects the consumer from being burned by handling the hot package. Yet further, the package also contains an easy open device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a convenient semi-rigid hand-held microwaveable package. The package contains a thermal insulating layer that protects the consumer from being burned by handling the hot package. Yet further, the package also contains an easy open device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held microwaveable container formed from microwaveable appropriate material, The container includes a thermal insulating layer that allows a microwaved container to be removed from a microwave oven and held in a user's hand while using the contents of the container. The container also can include a susceptor surface adjacent the food item within the container. The container further includes an opening mechanism for easily opening the container and optionally a venting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held microwaveable container formed from microwaveable appropriate material, The container includes a thermal insulating layer that allows a microwaved container to be removed from a microwave oven and held in a user's hand while using the contents of the container. The container also can include a susceptor surface adjacent the food item within the container. The container further includes an opening mechanism for easily opening the container and optionally a venting mechanism.