Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a system and method for sterilizing a wide variety of products. Specifically, in some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a package that is capable of self-sterilizing by initiating sterilizing conditions inside the package interior without the necessity of being treated with an externally-supplied sterilizing medium. Particularly, the disclosed package includes at least one dual-layer lid that comprises inner and outer layers and an interstitial space that houses a sterilizing gas-producing component.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a system and method for sterilizing a wide variety of products. Specifically, in some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a package that is capable of self-sterilizing by initiating sterilizing conditions inside the package interior without the necessity of being treated with an externally-supplied sterilizing medium. Particularly, the disclosed package includes at least one dual-layer lid that comprises inner and outer layers and an interstitial space that houses a sterilizing gas-producing component.

Abstract: A composite assembly useful for resisting the penetration of projectiles. The composite assembly comprises a plurality of ballistic fabric layers and a plurality of distinct films. The plurality of distinct films is adjacent the plurality of ballistic fabric layers. Each distinct film of the plurality of distinct films comprises thermoplastic polymer. Each distinct film of the plurality of distinct films has an elongational strength index of at least 800 psi.

Abstract: A composite assembly useful for resisting the penetration of projectiles. The composite assembly comprises a plurality of ballistic fabric layers and a plurality of distinct films. The plurality of distinct films is adjacent the plurality of ballistic fabric layers. Each distinct film of the plurality of distinct films comprises thermoplastic polymer. Each distinct film of the plurality of distinct films has an elongational strength index of at least 800 psi.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a package and methods for disinfecting a wide variety of microbiologically contaminated products. Particularly, the disclosed package comprises a package to house the product to be disinfected and a disinfecting gas generator positioned within the interior of the package. The materials used to construct the package and/or the gas generator comprises an active agent that neutralizes the disinfecting gas from the interior of the package. The reactivity of the active agent is balanced such that the rate of neutralizing is lower than the rate of disinfecting gas release. As a result, the disinfecting gas has time to function fully before it is neutralized. Thus, when a user opens the package at the end of the disinfecting period, exposure to the disinfecting gas is minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for electrically interconnecting multiple electronic components together by disposing the electronic components between two opposing plurality of protrusions that hold the electrical components together and establish an electrical connection therebetween. Each plurality of protrusions may be disposed in an offset arrangement with the opposing protrusions. The opposing protrusions cause the electronic components to bend and adopt a deflected geometry when they are positioned between the opposing sets of protrusions. This bending results in the electronic components being biased against each other so that electrical contacts on each electronic component may be held together and thereby form an electrical connection. As a result, the opposing sets of protrusions can be used to electrically interconnect a plurality of electrical components in the absence of clamping, adhesion, soldering, or pinching.

Abstract: Film and sheet materials, and articles made therefrom, such as bags, pouches, trays, etc., comprise one or more layers of homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer, preferably an ethylene/styrene copolymer. The alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer has properties which can provide a desired performance characteristics such as impact resistance, printability, RF sealability, free shrink, optics, high permeability, etc. The homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer may be present in a monolayer film, either alone or in a blend, or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film. Also included is a multilayer thermoformable article comprising a web having a film of such alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymers thereto.

Abstract: A film includes a core layer including a homogeneous random alpha-olefin/cyclic olefin copolymer; and first and second outer layers including an olefinic polymer; the film having Young's modulus between about 50,000 and about 200,000 psi, free shrink between about 10% and about 80% at 240° F., and shrink tension of less than about 400 psi, or a shrink force of between about 20 and about 180 grams, at 240° F. First and second intermediate layers including an ethylene copolymer having a melt index less than about 2 g/10 minutes can be optionally included. Alternatively, a film includes a core layer including an ethylene copolymer having melt index less than about 2 g/10 minutes; first and second intermediate layers including a homogeneous random alpha-olefin/cyclic olefin copolymer; and first and second outer layers including an olefinic polymer; the film having properties as disclosed above.

Abstract: A method of linking source units of food with product items that include at least a portion of one or more of the source units of food, where a conversion process produces a plurality of product items from a plurality of source units (e.g., at a meat processing plant). A conversion algorithm is created to estimate within a desired confidence level a range of the amount of time required by the conversion process to produce a product item from one or more of the source units of food. A range of an amount of conversion time required to produce a selected product item is estimated by applying the conversion algorithm. The estimated range amount of conversion time for the selected product item is subtracted from the time of exit from the conversion process for the selected product item to generate an estimated time range of entry. Each source unit having a time of entry into the conversion process within the estimated time range of entry is identified.

Abstract: A film includes a core layer including a homogeneous random alpha-olefin/cyclic olefin copolymer; and first and second outer layers including an olefinic polymer; the film having Young's modulus between about 50,000 and about 200,000 psi, free shrink between about 10% and about 80% at 240° F., and shrink tension of less than about 400 psi, or a shrink force of between about 20 and about 180 grams, at 240° F. First and second intermediate layers including an ethylene copolymer having a melt index less than about 2 g/10 minutes can be optionally included. Alternatively, a film includes a core layer including an ethylene copolymer having melt index less than about 2 g/10 minutes; first and second intermediate layers including a homogeneous random alpha-olefin/cyclic olefin copolymer; and first and second outer layers including an olefinic polymer; the film having properties as disclosed above.

Abstract: A mail collection apparatus comprising a housing defining an access opening. An access door is supported by the housing. The access door is moveable between a door open position, providing access to the housing interior space through the access opening, and a door closed position blocking the access opening. A chute is supported by the housing. The chute comprises an inlet end defining a chute inlet opening adapted for receiving mail and a chute outlet end defining a chute outlet opening opposite the inlet end. A bag comprises an inlet portion defining a bag inlet opening.

Abstract: A mail collection apparatus comprising a housing defining an access opening. An access door is supported by the housing. The access door is moveable between a door open position, providing access to the housing interior space through the access opening, and a door closed position blocking the access opening. A chute is supported by the housing. The chute comprises an inlet end defining a chute inlet opening adapted for receiving mail and a chute outlet end defining a chute outlet opening opposite the inlet end. A bag comprises an inlet portion defining a bag inlet opening.

Abstract: A method of linking source units of food with product items that include at least a portion of one or more of the source units of food, where a conversion process produces a plurality of product items from a plurality of source units (e.g., at a meat processing plant). A conversion algorithm is created to estimate within a desired confidence level a range of the amount of time required by the conversion process to produce a product item from one or more of the source units of food. A range of an amount of conversion time required to produce a selected product item is estimated by applying the conversion algorithm. The estimated range amount of conversion time for the selected product item is subtracted from the time of exit from the conversion process for the selected product item to generate an estimated time range of entry. Each source unit having a time of entry into the conversion process within the estimated time range of entry is identified.

Abstract: Film and sheet materials, and articles made therefrom, such as bags, pouches, trays, etc., comprise one or more layers of homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer, preferably an ethylene/styrene copolymer. The alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer has properties which can provide a desired performance characteristics such as impact resistance, printability, RF sealability, free shrink, optics, high permeability, etc. The homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer may be present in a monolayer film, either alone or in a blend, or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film. Also included is a multilayer thermoformable article comprising a web having a film of such alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymers thereto.

Abstract: A film includes a first layer including polyvinyl chloride; and a second layer including a material such as anhydride functionalized polyolefin, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of between 10% and 35%, ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymer having an alkyl acrylate content of between 10% and 30%, ethylene/alkyl methacrylate copolymer having an alkyl methacrylate content of between 10% and 30%, ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer having an acrylic acid content of between 10% and 30%, ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer having a methacrylic acid content of between 10% and 30%, and ionomer. A layer of polyolefin, and/or an additional layer including any of the materials of the second layer, or polyvinyl chloride, can be optionally included in a film of the invention.

Abstract: A film suitable for packaging medical solutions and other pH sensitive products wherein the product pH is controlled by including an ionomer resin as a core layer, strength layer, or other distinct intermediate layer positioned between a sealant layer and a vinyl carboxylate copolymer containing layer.

Abstract: An article useful for packaging oxygen-sensitive products is disclosed. The article is a single or multi-layer article capable of enveloping the oxygen sensitive product. The article has at least one layer which contains a composition composed of an ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon polymer and a transition metal salt. The layer is capable of scavenging oxygen at a rate of at least 1 cc oxygen per square meter per day and has a capacity of at least 250 cc oxygen per square meter per mil thickness of the layer.

Abstract: Products and film structures using the oxygen scavengers, are disclosed. Such products demonstrate enhanced shelf stability of foodstuffs and reduced sensitivity to humidity and temperature changes.

Abstract: A method of initiating oxygen scavenging by rigid or semi-rigid articles which comprise oxidizable organic compounds and transition metal catalysts is disclosed. The method comprises initiating scavenging by exposing the composition, etc., to radiation. The radiation exposure is preferably electron beam or ultraviolet light and is preferably used on oxygen scavenging compositions which comprise a substituted or unsubstituted ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon and a transition metal catalyst. Inclusion of a photoinitiator or antioxidant in the scavenging composition is also preferred to facilitate and/or control the composition's scavenging properties. The method can be used for initiating scavenging in packaging layers or articles for oxygen sensitive products such as food and beverage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a film suitable for packaging medical solutions and other pH sensitive products. Product pH is controlled by including an ionomer resin blended with a vinyl carboxylate copolymer in a film layer or adhesive. Alternatively, the ionomer may be present as either a core layer, strength layer, or other distinct layer positioned between the sealant layer and the vinyl carboxylate copolymer containing layer.