Abstract: Disclosed is a package for cheese, luncheon meat and the like having an easy open seal. The package comprises a pouch-like receptacle constructed from flexible thermoplastic film having at least two layers wherein the outer surface layer has a tensile strength greater than the bond strength between the outer layer and its adjacent layer. To form the easy open seal the edges of the mouth of the receptacle are folded inwardly, flattened, and a heat seal applied to compress and seal together the resulting four layers of film with the seal being located between the edges and the fold lines. The resulting two folds provide grippable halves which can be pulled apart thereby rupturing one of the outer layers and delaminating the film from the point of rupture to the edge of the film, the delamination occurring between the outer layer and the adjacent layer.

Abstract: Bags are dispensed from a stack of bags by locating the stack of bags on a dispensing surface and elastically pinching the stack of bags to the dispensing surface with an elastic compression means. The bags are thus capable of being removed from the stack one at a time without otherwise disrupting the stack.

Abstract: A method of improving the high temperature strength of a heat seal which bonds cross-linkable thermoplastic material together by first forming the heat seal and then irradiating the seal area with ionizing radiation to increase the cross-linking in the material of the seal area by at least 2 MR.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for loading articles, particularly meat articles, into containers. The apparatus comprises two groups of movably mounted beams cantilevered in a direction of article progression. One group of beams is movable in a vertical direction while the other group of beams is movable in a horizontal direction. The movement of the beams is synchronized to provide for article movement in the desired direction. The terminal portions of both sets of beams are unconnected and spaced apart so as to provide a spaced relationship between the group of beams to permit the insertion of a container over the terminal portions of the beams.

Abstract: Bags are dispensed from a stack of bags by locating the stack of bags on a dispensing surface and elastically pinching the stack of bags to the dispensing surface with an elastic compression means. The bags are thus capable of being removed from the stack one at a time without otherwise disrupting the stack.

Abstract: The strength of a heat seal which bonds irradiatively cross-linkable thermoplastic materials together can be significantly improved by irradiating the seal area after sealing is completed. This technique is especially effective for improving the seal strength of packaging film laminates such as those having a layer of saran and a layer of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: The strength of a heat seal which bonds irradiatively cross-linkable thermoplastic materials together can be significantly improved by irradiating the seal area after sealing is completed. This technique is especially effective for improving the seal strength of packaging film laminates such as those having a layer of saran and a layer of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.