Abstract: A system and business method for maximizing the fabrication and distribution efficiency of transparent conductive carbon films, while at the same time preserving the desirable mechanical, electrical and optical properties of the films, are discussed. This system and method preferably employ a roll-to-roll fabrication process, environmental controls, testing of pertinent optoelectronic properties and packaging.

Abstract: A container for distributing product samples comprises material configured to form a pocket. A layer of clean release adhesive is disposed on the first external face of the pocket. A first surface of a film is placed adjacent to the layer of clean release adhesive such that the first surface of the film and the first external face of the pocket are releasably attached. A layer of permanent adhesive disposed on a second surface of the film. A surface of a liner is placed adjacent to the permanent adhesive such that the permanent adhesive is exposed if the liner is removed. A product sample may be sealed in a pocket formed from the material.

Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.

Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dual-ovenable food packaging, a method for packaging food and a method for cooking food. A dual-ovenable food packaging in accordance with the present invention may comprise: (a) a heat-resistant tray; (b) a non-venting plastic film overwrap, and (c) a food items. A method for packaging food may comprise the steps: (a) disposing a food item in a heat-resistant tray; (b) overwrapping the tray and food item with a non-venting plastic film overwrap; and (c) vacuum sealing the non-venting plastic film overwrap around the heat-resistant tray and food item. A method for cooking a food item may comprise the steps: (a) disposing a food item in a heat-resistant tray; (b) overwrapping the tray and food item with a plastic film; (c) vacuum sealing the plastic film around the heat-resistant tray and food item to create a sealed packaging; and (d) heating the sealed packaging with a heating device.

Abstract: Described herein is a capping head for the application of caps on bottles or containers, in which the capping head is enclosed within a casing having an end mouth that engages the bottle or the container during application of the cap so as to define a closed chamber, within which the capping head is contained. Said closed chamber is set in communication with a source of vacuum so as to empty the bottle or container of the air contained therein before completion of application of the cap.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing, through a vacuum skin packaging (VSP) method, an easy-to-open package provided with a device for initiating the opening thereof. The apparatus includes a sealing station (115) wherein a top web (113) is sealed to a bottom web (104) in a first area (A) all around a product (P) arranged on the bottom web by providing heat and vacuum in a fundamentally closed chamber. The apparatus further includes a local sealing inhibition unit (130) including at least one removable local sealing inhibition tool (150) for inhibiting the sealing between the top and bottom webs in at least a second area (B). A method is also disclosed including the step of inhibiting the sealing between the top and bottom webs by arranging at least one removable local sealing inhibition tool between the top and bottom webs in at least a second area.

Abstract: A method of preserving evidence and later returning the same utilizing a package having an optically transparent film incorporating the evidence and a signed itemization thereof to produce a tamper evident package.

Abstract: A method for the vacuum packaging of articles including at least the steps of: creating a plurality of recesses in a backing board; positioning at least one article on said backing board; placing a film substantially over said at least one article; and using a vacuum packaging machine to substantially package said at least one article, said at least one article being situated between the backing board and the film, wherein the thickness of the backing board is at least 2 mm. Also a packaged article, the article being packaged between a backing board and a film, wherein the backing board has a thickness of at least 2 mm and the backing board further has a plurality of recesses therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for shrinking a heat-shrink foil wrapped in particular about a palleted object stack. in order to improve on such an apparatus so that shrinking of the foil part projectingg past upper and/or lower face is pmproved and produces an optimal fold-free shrinkage, an apparatus for shrining a heat-shrink foil wrapped in particular about a palleted object stack comprises at least one shrink device movable vertically up and down on a frame to heat and shrink the heat-shrink foil, the heat-shrink foil projecting past the upper and/or lower edge of the object stack to form an upper and/or lower shrink formation, the apparatus further comprising at least one nozzle connected to a compressed air source and aimed centrally above and/or below the object stack and generally vertically directed thereat, each nozzle having outlet openings that extend at an angle not coinciding with the flow direction inside the nozzle and that are in an annular array.

Abstract: A film comprises first, second, and third layers. The first layer comprises vinylidene chloride polymer. The second layer comprises a dispersion of tie polymer and nanoparticles. The third layer comprises thermoplastic polymer. The second layer is between and directly adhered to both the first and third layers. The film provides an enhanced interlayer bond strength between the layers at the elevated temperatures associated with cook-in, retort, and/or pasteurization thermoprocessing.

Abstract: A flexible carrier tape system, suitable for housing components and for winding on a reel in high density, is disclosed, comprising an elongated base strip having a plurality of longitudinally spaced cavities with side walls having a step-like groove near the surface around the cavity, comprising further an elongated cover strip having a width matching the width of the cavity including the widths of the grooves, the cover strip sealed onto the base strip so that the cover strip rests on the step-like grooves. In one embodiment, the sealed cover strip forms a substantially uniform plane with the upper surface of the base strip. The thickness consumed by each tape winding becomes a minimum so that a high density of components can be stored and transported.

Abstract: This invention is a novel process for skin packaging, and is an addition to the usual vacuum packaging processes. Instead of the skin being pushed down on to the object being sealed, by atmospheric air pressure created by a partial vacuum under the skin, it is instead pushed down on the object being sealed by increased external pressure. Both use the same difference between the outer air pressure and the inner air pressure. This difference in how the pressure differences are obtained, however, changes many of the procedures, and some of the results. There are many new opportunities opened up by this new process that can only be determined by further studies and experimentation.

Abstract: A container includes at least one product within the container, the product being secured in the container between an interior surface of the container and a layer of flexible material. The layer of flexible material is skin packaged over the product and adhered to the interior surface of the container by an adhesive. A blank for the container is provided. The blank has panels with a product secured to a panel with layer of flexible material. The invention also relates to a method of packing a product, a method of securing at least one product to a container and a packaging machine for skin packing the product.

Abstract: A produce packaging device for weighing and packaging produce in an appropriate package based upon the produce type and quantity. In one embodiment, the device includes: (1) a scale for receiving and weighing produce to be packaged; (2) produce-type determination circuitry coupled to the scale; and (3) a control module, coupled to the scale and the produce-type determination circuitry and having a packaging database associated therewith, that (i) selects an appropriate package for the produce based upon a quantity received from the scale and a produce-type received from the produce-type determination circuitry, and (ii) causes the appropriate package to be dispensed for use in packaging the produce.

Abstract: The present provides a thermoforming system for film on blister packing machines that forms pockets without any extreme reduction of thickness of the sheet at the top face portion of the pocket and enables sheets to be placed one upon another without warping. The thermoforming system for film for blister packaging machines pinches and heats a film, fed intermittently in synchronization with an open/close drive of a pair of dies on a thermoforming system, between the dies of the thermoforming system, and partially extends the heated film along an inner circumferential face of the pocket holes of the forming die to form pockets. The dies of the thermoforming system are constructed with a forming die provided with pocket holes, a heating die provided with a plugs for locally heating only the pocket forming portion of the film F disposed facing the pocket holes of the forming die, and injecting mechanisms that inject compressed air disposed on the forming die side and the heating die side, respectively.

Abstract: Folded film (10) used to create a lap seal using an L sealer (50) includes a first film (12) folded substantially in a form of a “J” and a second film (14) overlapping at least a portion (16) of the first film. The first film and the second film are coupled together (19) in at least a portion of an overlapping area.

Abstract: A packaging machine is described. A plurality of working stations is arranged between the input side and output side of the machine. A conveyor moves packages carrying a product along a path from the input side to the output side through the working stations. A device feeds a cover film onto the packages. The cover film has two layers bonded together with a limited bonding strength. A first layer has a portion protruding beyond said second layer. Another device separates the first layer from the second layer in a defined region extending across the cover film transversely to the conveyor path. The separator seals the defined region of the cover film and supplies a pressurized fluid to said defined region. The defined region includes at least part of the protruding portion of the first layer. A method of using the packaging machine to package product also is described along with the package that is made.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum bag sealing machine used for vacuumizing and sealing plastic bag containing food or the like therein so as to keep the food or the like fresh. The vacuum bag sealing machine comprises a main body consisted of a top cover and a base connected pivotally with the top cover; a static sealing unit including an upper and a lower sealing strip which are disposed on the front portion of the main body, the lower sealing strip being provided with a predetermined number of through holes; a vacuum generating unit including a vacuum pump and an exhaust tubule mounted on the base, the vacuum pump being communicated with the predetermined number of through holes formed in the lower sealing strip through the exhaust tubule; and a heating and opening-sealing unit. The vacuum bag sealing machine is improved in the static sealing unit and the vacuum generating unit, so that it has an increased sealing reliability and a quickened vacuumizing speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sales pack for receiving one or more products having inherent stability, and in particular tools, with a protective packaging of plastic for at least partially receiving the product, the protective packaging being made in the form of a rigid film of plastic with its own stability, which hugs the outer contour of the product at least partially with a form fit—in the manner of a skin pack—and an additional rear covering of paper, paperboard, card, plastic or the like being joined to the rigid film of plastic. In this case, the covering (4) comprises only a subregion of the rear side of the rigid film of plastic (2).

Abstract: A product packaging system and method. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a backing member to which a product will be adhereingly disposed thereon. The packaging system is further comprised of an adhering material disposed upon the backing material for adhering the product to the backing member. The packaging system is further comprised of a flexible plastic material for encasing the backing member with the product adhereingly attached thereto. The flexible plastic material is sealable and tear resistant. The present invention is further comprised of a sealing component for sealing the flexible plastic material, such that the product and the backing member to which the product is disposed thereon are packaged. In one embodiment, the backing member is relatively rigid in nature and readily recyclable. In one embodiment, the flexible plastic is adapted to receive marketing communication materials and graphics/artwork.

Abstract: An inclusion package product is produced by coating a base sheet with a solution of and inclusion article; drying the solution coated onto the base sheet; and placing an overlapping sheet onto the base sheet and sealing prescribed sections of the base sheet to the overlapping sheet to surround the area coated with the solution.

Abstract: A packaging process is disclosed which includes the steps of providing a tray, providing an upper film which includes a sealant layer which is sealable to the tray, orienting the film to an orientation ratio of from about 6.0:1 about 16.0:1 positioning, a high profile product on the tray, extending the upper film above the tray and product, drawing the upper film into a concavity by differential pressure, maintaining the concave shape of the upper film while heating the film, removing gases from the space between the upper film and the tray and product, introducing a desirable gas into the space, releasing the upper film such that it shrinks toward the product and the tray while the desirable gas is retained within the space and prevents close contact of the film with the lowermost portions of the product, and sealing the upper film to the flange of the tray, wherein at least the step of heating the film shrinks the film, thereby tensioning it onto and across the underlying product.

Abstract: Clean room cleaning articles such as PVA sponge brushes and pre-saturated wipers are packaged in a sealed container with a de-ionized water containing around 0.05 to 1% hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoformed package comprises the steps of placing a first sheet of film over a forming die having at least one cavity, heating the film to mold the film into the at least one cavity thereby forming at least one recess in the film, placing a composition in the at least one formed recess; and sealing a second sheet of film across the at least one formed recess to produce at least one closed package. The film is heated by a heating plate having at least one concave depression which in use overlies the at least one cavity, wherein the heating step involves the step of bringing the film into intimate contact with the or each depression.

Abstract: A system and method of arranging products, such as batteries, in a display package according to a desired orientation with efficient space utilization. The method includes providing products to be packaged, and applying an invisible orientation marking on each of the products. The orientation marking is visible when illuminated with ultraviolet light and is generally invisible to consumers under normal ambient light conditions. The method also includes illuminating the products with ultraviolet light, scanning each of the products, detecting the orientation marking on each of the products, orienting each of the products based on the detecting steps, and disposing each of the oriented products in a package so that the products have a desired orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the folding of an inflatable airbag for motor vehicles which comprises the steps that an airbag to be folded is fastened with its open end at a carrier; that a preferably substantially cylindrical piston is pushed forward into the airbag through an opening in the carrier and against the closed end of the airbag; and that the carrier and the piston are introduced into a sleeve, with the airbag being pressed together irregularly. The invention also relates to a folding apparatus for carrying out this folding method.

Abstract: A blister package having a shaped blister flange and a correspondingly shaped backing. The flange and backing are non-planar, thereby permitting the width of the blister pocket while maintaining the area of contact between the blister flange and backing. The blister package is manufactured by the general steps of (a) producing a blister with a shaped flange, (b) locating the blister in a correspondingly shaped die, (c) producing a backing with a layer of heat activated adhesive, (d) locating the backing over the blister, and (e) applying heat and pressure to the backing and blister with a correspondingly shaped heated press.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag arrangement and packaging method for packaging bone-in cuts of meat using two bags to provide a double wall of film surrounding the cut of meat for bone puncture resistance. Both bags are bottom sealed bags formed of a heat shrink film, the inner bag has an interrupted bottom seal to provide an opening for venting air between the bags and the outer bag has a continuous bottom seal. The outer bag is longer than the inner bag so the outer bag can be closed without involving any portion of the inner bag in the closure. The bone-in cut of meat is inserted first into the first bag and then the first bag and its contents are inserted into the second bag, the bags are evacuated and then the outer bag is closed.

Abstract: Process and device for packaging foodstuffs having a recess, such as meats and sausages and gutted poultry, in which a previously sealed tubular section is taken through the aperture by means of an insertion pin, whereafter one end of the tubular section is turned back around the hollow body towards the other end in order to fully encase the foodstuff.

Abstract: To find the core temperature of the foodstuff, the package can be fitted with an aperture (3) through which a temperature sensor (11) is inserted into the foodstuff. The temperature sensor is connected to a temperature detection instrument at an end projecting from the aperture (3) and the foodstuff heated to the predetermined temperature, the temperature curve being stored in the temperature detection instrument so as to be fetched. For cooling, the foodstuff with the sensor is, for example, taken out of the oven and reconnected to the temperature detector, in which the temperature curve during cooling is stored so as to be fetched.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus perform the steps of:a. providing a film including a first film component peelably adhered to a second film component;b. providing a support member for supporting a product thereon;c. forming a seal between the second film component and the support member, the seal extending around the product to define a sealed enclosure for the product between the film and the support member;d. separating the first film component from the second film component within a predetermined region of the film located outside of the sealed enclosure; ande. severing the film within the predetermined, separated region to form an edge on the first film component within the separated region, thereby providing a tab for peeling the first film component from the second film component.

Abstract: A package containing a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor for use in forming film packaging envelopes. The package, and the method of forming the package include the selection of a suitable substrate board, and the application of a thermally activated adhesive film containing a quantity of vapor phase corrosion inhibitor onto the surface of the board. The films are thermal forming resins, such as a copolymer of ethylene and a vinyl monomer having an acid group thereon, and with the film resin also being blended with a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor. The vapor phase corrosion inhibitors used in the adhesive and in the film are selected from the group consisting of blends of alkali metal molybdates, alkali metal nitrites, triazoles, and amine salts. In forming the package, the films are initially heated or formed separately, and thereafter moved into contact with the substrate, this being undertaken with the peripheral areas of the film thereby becoming bonded to the substrate.

Abstract: A machine and method for making a strip of dome arrays on a backup strip, wherein the dome arrays include a plurality of domes in a predetermined non-linear pattern and in oriented relation to each other that are adhesively mounted on a dome seal. The machine comprises a punch press or stamping machine capable of simultaneously stamping a pattern of domes in non-linear arrangement and oriented relative to each other and depositing those domes onto the adhesive side of a dome seal strip. The machine also includes means for feeding dome seals to the stamping machine and also for kiss-cutting the dome seal while on the backup strip to define a plurality of successively arranged dome arrays.

Abstract: A doubly-packaged easily oxidizable article and a process for packaging the article are provided, wherein the deterioration of the easily oxidizable article during heat sterilization or storage is prevented. A hermetically sealed plastic vessel filled with an easily oxidizable article is double-packaged in a flexible packaging bag. The bag is made of a plastic layer having heat-sealing characteristics, an inorganic oxide layer and a plastic layer laminated in order from the inside to the outside.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sturdy display package which, in an embodiment, is made of first and second peripherally sealed transparent PVC sheets approximately 7.5 mils thick each. The package is particularly useful for displaying and protecting small items such as pain reliever packets or condoms. The invention includes a method and apparatus for making such a package. The first sheet is positioned over a nesting plate having a plurality of nesting modules, each corresponding to one package and being independently height-adjustable by a shim at a selected location to correct sealing flaws. The second sheet is then positioned over the first sheet so that the items are between the sheets. An RF-sealing die is provided having package-shaped sealing dies, each defining a pocket. The sealing die and nesting plate are pressed together so that each pocket receives a bulge formed by from one of the items.

Abstract: An inflatable wrapping apparatus comprises a substantially self supporting base for placing an article to be wrapped thereon, and an inflatable wrap attachable to the base for decoratively wrapping and securing the article in place. A periphery of a first portion of the wrap is matably attachable to a periphery of the base for enabling the first portion to substantially encompass and cover the article thereon. The first portion of the wrap separates the article from a second portion of the wrap, and the second portion has a dimension greater than the first portion. Upon inflating the wrap, the first portion inflates in a direction toward the base to substantially engulf and secure the article in place, and the second portion of the wrap inflates in a direction away from the base to provide a decorative feature of the wrap. In an alternate embodiment, the inflatable wrap is coupled to the base by an adjoining edge, providing a simple, single component wrapping apparatus.

Abstract: A method for packaging a product includes the steps of providing a composite film including a non-barrier layer and a peelable barrier layer; providing a bottom web having the product supported thereon; removing a strip of the non-barrier layer from an edge of the composite film so as to provide an extending portion of the barrier layer which extends beyond the non-barrier layer; and sealing the composite film over the product to the bottom web so that the non-barrier layer overwraps the product and is sealed to the bottom web wherein the extending portion of the barrier layer forms a pull tab for peeling the barrier layer from the non-barrier layer.

Abstract: An improved method for shipping a display rack loaded with packaged small fragile items to provide greater protection during shipment and to provide greater convenience to the retail vendor in displaying the packaged items. Multiple packages are pre-placed on the rack and the rack is wrapped with shrink-wrap. Heat is applied and the shrink-wrap contracts pulling the packages into each other and more tightly against the rack. This wrapping makes the rack and packages easier to pack for shipment, provides further shock protection and saves the retailer time and energy in displaying the small fragile items.

Abstract: Improved packaging for goods including a base on which goods are placed, and a flexible, gas-permeable web covering the goods, with portions of the web being secured to the base at positions below the top of the goods. The web is in tension and engages and holds the goods to the base, which is relatively rigid compared to the web. A lid is positioned over and sealed to the base and defines a space between the web and the lid. A preservation-enhancing gas is in the space and permeates the web for enhancing preservation of the goods. The goods are retained against said relatively rigid base by the securing of the web to the base at positions below the top of the goods.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a tray of produce or other articles requiring ventilation is provided. A ventilated package produced in accordance with the method is also provided. In accordance with the method, a sheet of flexible plastic film is applied to an open ended tray. The sheet includes a perforated portion which is bounded by non-perforated lateral edge portions. The sheet is positioned with respect to the tray such that the perforated portion is located over the open end of the tray while the non-perforated lateral edge portions extend over opposing portions of the rim of the tray and down the side walls thereof. The sheet is stretched in such a manner that the non-perforated lateral edge portions are subject to more severe stretching than the perforated portion of the sheet. The sheet accordingly will not tend to tear despite the presence of perforations.

Abstract: Apparatus for skin packaging articles on a backing card in which a heating unit for film is disposed behind a work table having a vacuum platen on which may be placed a backing card with an article to be packaged; and, upon activation, is moved vertically between a first position above the level of the table and a second position not higher than the table level. A film clamping frame holds a section of film closely above the heating unit when it is in its first position, and when the unit is moved to its second position, moves the heated clamped film section forward and downward onto a backing card where it is drawn down tightly against the article on the card upon creation of a vacuum. Upon completion of the packaging, the backing card is pulled forwardly off the table and its film is severed from the further film which is pulled with it, such further film then being clamped on the film clamping frame which is moved back up to its elevated position for repetition of the cycle.

Abstract: Packages containing articles with smooth surfaces can be prepared without entrapment of air between the packaging film and the smooth surface of the articles by selecting a packaging film having at least one surface which comprises a polymer which in film form exhibits a specular gloss of at least about 20, measured at an angle of 20 degrees and a synthetic amorphous silica having particle size of about 0.5 to about 50 micrometers.

Abstract: A film/foil panel comprises a substrate such as a thermoformed film; a first film/foil combination; an insulating material; a second film/foil combination; a top web in sealing relationship to the substrate; the film/foil combinations substantially enclosing therebetween the insulating material; and the insulating material and enclosing film/foil combinations disposed between and enclosed by the substrate and top web.

Abstract: The baking or heat treating of products, which must take place at an extremely high temperature and under a strict non-oxidizing inert furnace atmosphere, is advantageously made by conveying the products into the furnace atmosphere only after having the products vacuum-packed in resinous films or bags, thereby to prevent oxygen, vapor, and the like, which might be trapped on or in the products, from entering into and contaminating the furnace atmosphere, and also in order to eliminate various apparatus which otherwise is required by conventional baking methods, such as vacuum chambers, bulky and thermal energy-wasting conveyor trays, and the like.

Abstract: A method of packaging goods including providing a base and placing goods over the base. A flexible web of gas permeable skin wrapping plastics material is then applied over the base and the goods, and air or gas is evacuated from between the base and the skin wrapping so as to allow the skin wrapper to flexibly displace onto the goods to at least partially skin pack the goods. A lid is then applied over the skin wrapping and spaced from the wrapping. A desired gas is then provided in the space between the lid and the skin wrapping to enhance the keeping properties of the packaged goods by permeating the skin wrapping. The lid is sealed to the base so that the space is permanently retained, and the skin wrapping is attached relative to the base.

Abstract: A reclosable package comprising interlocking closure strips positioned outside of a hermetic seal or seal area and the method for producing and filling same. The hermetic seal is of the easy-open or peelaway type so as to not destroy the integrity of the package or closure strips upon opening of the package.

Abstract: In a vacuum skin package wrinkles and weak spots are avoided by providing a tray as the support or backing member rather than a flat sheet, the angle of the walls as they diverge outwardly being 91.degree. to 160.degree.. Especially useful is such a package when provided with a lid for stacking purposes.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging apparatus for packaging a product between a plastic film and a backing card comprises a base having a stationary heating hood. A reciprocal table is mounted on the base beneath the hood. Two packaging wells are mounted side by side on the table, each well being dimensioned for holding a backing board on which the product is placed for packaging. The reciprocal table moves laterally on the base so that when one packaging well is in a packaging position under the hood, the other packaging well is not and extends out from beneath the hood. A sealing frame is mounted on the base beneath the hood for holding a sheet of wrapping material and moves vertically between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the sealing frame is adjacent the heating hood to heat the sheet. In the lowered position the sealing frame is adjacent the packaging well which is in packaging position to place the heated sheet over the board.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging apparatus for packaging a product between a plastic film and a backing board includes a base which has a stationary heating hood. A packaging table is mounted on the base and offset from the hood to extend laterally and outwardly from the hood. A sealing frame is mounted on the base for holding a sheet of wrapping material. First and second elongated arms are pivotally attached to both the base and the frame to connect the frame to the base. The arms may be pivoted to move the frame from a sealing position, wherein the frame is positioned adjacent the packaging table, to a heating position, wherein the frame is positioned adjacent the heating hood to heat the sheet. A vacuum motor is mounted in the base beneath under the packaging table. When the sealing frame is lowered to the sealing position to place the heated sheet over the board, a vacuum is drawn against the backing board to seal the heated sheet over the product onto the backing board.