Abstract: Building panels and structures formed from building panels are disclosed. A building panel includes a first building panel unit including a first outer wall and a first sidewall angularly offset from the first outer wall. The building panel can also include a second building panel unit including a second outer wall and a second sidewall depending from the second outer wall. In the building panel, the first sidewall of the first building panel unit is attached to the second sidewall of the second building panel unit, and the attachment of the first sidewall to the second sidewall applies a constant tension to the first outer wall and the second outer wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multilayer film having an active oxygen barrier layer that comprises an oxygen scavenging composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C) having oxygen barrier properties that can be further enhanced by exposing the composition to a source of ionizing radiation e.g., electron beam radiation. Irradiation improves the oxygen scavenging abilities of the oxygen scavenging composition so that oxygen can be intercepted and scavenged as it passes through the film. The resulting irradiated multilayer film has improved active barrier properties in comparison to the same film prior to irradiation. As result, the multilayer film of the present invention can be used in packaging applications to help maintain a low oxygen atmosphere in the interior of a package.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer film having an active oxygen barrier multilayer core comprising at least one of 1) an active oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two passive oxygen barrier layers, or 2) a passive oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two active oxygen barrier layers. In one embodiment, the active barrier layer comprises a composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C). In some embodiments the active barrier layer may also include a compatibilizer (D). The passive oxygen barrier layers help to maintain the oxygen barrier properties of the multilayer film after the oxygen absorbing capacity of the active barrier layer has been exhausted. As a result, the useful shelf life of the film can be extended.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer film having an active oxygen barrier multilayer core comprising at least one of 1) an active oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two passive oxygen barrier layers, or 2) a passive oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two active oxygen barrier layers. In one embodiment, the active barrier layer comprises a composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C). In some embodiments the active barrier layer may also include a compatibilizer (D). The passive oxygen barrier layers help to maintain the oxygen barrier properties of the multilayer film after the oxygen absorbing capacity of the active barrier layer has been exhausted. As a result, the useful shelf life of the film can be extended.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer film having an active oxygen barrier and at least one layer containing an iron-based oxygen scavenging composition. In one embodiment, the active barrier layer comprises a composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C). In some embodiments the active barrier layer may also include a compatibilizer (D). The layer containing the iron-based oxygen scavenging composition helps to maintain the oxygen barrier properties of the active barrier layer, and under both retort and non-retort conditions. As a result, the useful shelf life of the multilayer film can be extended.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer film having an active oxygen barrier multilayer core comprising at least one of 1) an active oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two passive oxygen barrier layers, or 2) a passive oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two active oxygen barrier layers. In one embodiment, the active barrier layer comprises a composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C). In some embodiments the active barrier layer may also include a compatibilizer (D). The passive oxygen barrier layers help to maintain the oxygen barrier properties of the multilayer film after the oxygen absorbing capacity of the active barrier layer has been exhausted. As a result, the useful shelf life of the film can be extended.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multilayer film having an active oxygen barrier layer that comprises an oxygen scavenging composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C) having oxygen barrier properties that can be further enhanced by exposing the composition to a source of ionizing radiation e.g., electron beam radiation. Irradiation improves the oxygen scavenging abilities of the oxygen scavenging composition so that oxygen can be intercepted and scavenged as it passes through the film. The resulting irradiated multilayer film has improved active barrier properties in comparison to the same film prior to irradiation. As result, the multilayer film of the present invention can be used in packaging applications to help maintain a low oxygen atmosphere in the interior of a package.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for activating an oxygen scavenging composition that includes a plurality of UV lamps arranged in a bank and disposed in a UV chamber; the UV lamps include first and second sides through which UV light is transmittable. A series of guide rolls disposed in the UV chamber define a film pathway for directing a film in close proximity with the first and second sides of the UV lamps. The UV shade is arranged to wrap about the first and second sides of the UV lamps, and may be configured to move between an open, partially open, and closed position so that the dosage of UV light to which the film is exposed may be controlled by adjusting the degree to which the shade is open. As a result, the UV shade may limit UV exposure without having to turn off the UV lamps.

Abstract: A method of triggering a film containing an oxygen scavenger includes providing composition including a peroxide; and packaging the composition in a film including an oxygen scavenger; whereby the oxygen scavenger is triggered in the absence of ultraviolet light, visible light, and electron beam radiation by exposure to the peroxide or an associated enriched oxygen environment.

Abstract: A network system is provided and includes an enterprise information system. A web application server communicates with the enterprise information system and an application component communicates with the web application server. A connection manager resides in the web application server and manages a plurality of connection handles. Each one of the plurality of connection handles corresponds to one or more physical connections to the enterprise information system via hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Additionally, a Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) HTTP connector resides within the web application server in the form of a resource adapter and is responsive to the connection manager.

Abstract: A method includes triggering an oxygen scavenger; and storing the scavenger in a container configured such that the oxygen scavenger exhibits no substantial oxygen scavenging activity while inside the container. The triggered oxygen scavenger can later be removed from the container, and used in packaging oxygen sensitive products. A stored oxygen scavenger, triggered, is also disclosed. A method of distributing an oxygen scavenger film includes providing a tubular film at a first location, the film having oxygen barrier and oxygen scavenger layers; triggering the oxygen scavenger; collapsing the film; rolling up the film; transporting the film to a second location; and triggering the oxygen scavenger. Another method of distributing an oxygen scavenger film includes providing an oxygen scavenger film at a first location; transporting the film to a second location; triggering the oxygen scavenger; storing the oxygen scavenger film in a container; and transporting the film to a third location.

Abstract: Culture devices for promoting the growth of microorganisms, especially anaerobic microorganisms, are disclosed. The culture devices include an oxygen scavenging material. In one aspect, the culture device includes a supporting substrate and a cover sheet affixed to at least one edge of the supporting substrate. At least one of the supporting substrate and cover sheet includes the oxygen scavenging material. In another aspect, the culture device is an article that includes a container, e.g. a pouch, including a film having an oxygen scavenging material, with a culture media placed within the container.

Abstract: A package includes a non-thermoformed thermoplastic pouch including a first and second panel; and an optical data storage medium disposed in the pouch; wherein the pouch comprises an oxygen barrier material, and an oxygen scavenger. Two methods of making a package include (1) providing a web; providing an optical data storage medium; forming a non-thermoformed pouch from the thermoplastic web, the pouch comprising a first and second panel; placing the optical data storage medium in the pouch; and sealing the pouch; wherein the web includes an oxygen barrier material and an oxygen scavenger; or (2) providing a first and second web; providing an optical data storage medium; forming a non-thermoformed pouch from the webs; placing the optical data storage medium in the pouch; and sealing the pouch; wherein at least one of the webs includes an oxygen barrier material, and at least one of the webs includes an oxygen scavenger.