Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved combination comprising a resealable container with a matching lockable lid and methods of formation "in-line" and use thereof. The container includes a rounded container lip near the top extremity of the container. The matching lid includes a substantially rounded lid lip which is slightly larger than and of substantially the same shape as the lip for the container. The transverse cross-sectional shape of the lid lip is that of a substantially smooth curve, and the transverse cross-sectional shape of the container lip for receiving, engaging and compressing the smooth curve of the lid lip is substantially V-shaped in order to exert force upon the smooth curve of the lid lip after mating engagement for effectuating a seal therebetween. The novel features of the container and lid hereof are such that they may be formed separately on separate machines or may in other embodiments be formed and used "in-line".

Abstract: A process for packaging coffee, which includes a grinding phase of the coffee coming from silos, a forming phase for forming flexible or semi-rigid containers and a phase for filling such containers with the coffee and subsequent sealingly the pack, in which, during the container forming phase, the containers are preliminarily filled with gas and, at the same time, closed at their top, in such a way as to be able to be opened again immediately before filling. The filling takes place in an atmosphere controlled by a flow of gas, the gas where in for preliminarily filling the containers and/or for controlling the atmosphere during the container filling phase is drawn from a coffee grinding plant. An installation for putting such process into effect is also provided.

Abstract: Improved packaging for perishable goods such as meats comprising a base over which the goods are placed, and a lid positioned over the top of its base and sealed to said base. Strands are placed over the goods for holding said goods relative to the packaging, with a space above the goods and under the lid. A gas is introduced in the space for enhancing preservation of the packaging goods by contacting the surface of the goods. The gas contacts the goods by passing through the strands, with the strands being of a size permitting viewing of a major portion of an upper surface of the goods. The invention further includes the method of and apparatus for producing the packaging.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for maximizing the production rate of a modular vacuum packaging machine comprising a container forming station wherein a unit of containers is formed from film web, a loading station wherein product is loaded into a unit of containers, a sealing station adapted to simultaneously vacuum seal at least two units of containers with film web, a conveying means for indexing the containers through the stations, and a control means comprising a means for activating the container forming and loading stations after every index of the conveying means and a means for activating the sealing station after every at least second index of the conveying means, whereby optimum efficiency of the packaging machine is achieved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing containers filled with product are disclosed. The method includes partially introducing an end piece into the open end of a filled tubular container, softening the end of the container and a corresponding portion of the end piece which is to be molded, thereto, contacting a transverse end wall of the end piece with an abutment device with a flange for direct contact with the transverse end wall, cooling the abutment device with a cooling medium in order to indirectly cool the flange in order to prevent the flange from adhering to the transverse end wall, and closing the container by relatively displacing the abutment device carrying the end piece and the tubular container.

Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing bags for medical use includes an extruding machine, a device for forming an extruded tube, a device for supplying outlet devices, and a device for conveying the extruded tube horizontally. The device for forming the extruded tube has a die through which pass a sterile air supply line, a medical fluid supply line, an air recovering line and a second sterile air supply line which passes through the medical fluid supply line. The extruding machine extrudes a tube in a fused state and outlet devices are welded to the extruded tube in the fused state. The extruded tube is pressed by the formation device at intervals along it to form fused portions bounding chambers and a fluid passage through each fused portion to connect the chambers. Sterile air is fed into the extruded tube and the shape of the extruded tube is maintained by the pressure of the sterile air.

Abstract: A method of packaging a food product employing a tray having side walls defining a cavity in an outwardly directed flange extending around the perimeter of the tray, the flange being adapted to receive a pair of membranes to enclose the tray. The lower membrane is the more permeable of the two. It may be attached to a first surface of the flange. The second membrane is attached to a second outer surface of the flange without direct connection except through the tray to the more permeable membrane. The two connection surfaces may be separated by a depression to facilitate the cutting away of the material forming the more permeable membrane in a continuous manufacturing process. With the less permeable membrane in place, a desired gaseous environment may be maintained within the package. When it is desired to change the gaseous environment, the upper less permeable membrane may be peeled away allowing gaseous communication through the lower more permeable membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for enveloping successive groups of items in a plastic film as the items traverse a linear path. Items are gathered in a group, and the group of items is then inserted in a tubular packaging film as the items and the film are conveyed at the same linear velocity. After the items are completely enveloped in the film, the film is severed and sealed to fully encapsulate them in the film. A vacuum is used to eliminate excess air generated within the tube, and also, in one form of the invention, form side gussets as sealing dies are closed. A tight package made at speeds results, with no need for any holes in the film to relieve internal air pressure.

Abstract: A method of filling and sealing a package with a product wherein a container having a bottom generally deformable in shape is filled with a product having a volume less than the container volume but equal to the filled volume. A continuous top lid is placed onto the container and positioned adjacent to a sealing surface and rim section of the container. In this position enough headspace exists to permit the proper lid placement without squeezing product onto the seal surface. The filled container supported on an anvil and lid are then transferred into a vacuum chamber within the vacuum chamber and with a sealing head disposed above the anvil in the raised position, the pressure within the chamber is evacuated by a vacuum. This process lowers the pressure of the headspace gas from the container to that of the chamber. When the desired vacuum level is achieved, the sealing head is lowered and the lid is sealed to the sealing surface of the container.

Abstract: A liquid-impregnated flexible sheet includes high capillarity pores for retaining the impregnated fluid. The fluid may be an oil having a boiling point and vapor pressure sufficient to promote vaporization of the oil at room temperature. The vaporizable oil can function as a corrosion inhibitor making the sheet useful for wrapping metallic articles. A surfactant may also be added to the sheet to enhance corrosion inhibition. The sheet comprises a homogenous mixture of a polyolefin-based component and an inert filler. The sheet may be used alone or as one component of a composite that includes materials that have other desirable properties. The composite may be assembled into a container, such as a gun case.

Abstract: A packing machine for wrapping compressed insulation products in heat sealable plastic film, including a forming tube having product feed means to move or hold the product within it, a former to reconfigure a web of heat sealable plastic film into a longitudinally open tube around the forming tube, a heat welder to close the longitudinal opening and provide a continuous plastic tube, take-off conveyors which receive the plastic tube containing the product at a point downstream of the forming tube and displace the product a preset distance from the forming tube to create a pocket, means to close the plastic tube behind the displaced product and ahead of the next product which is fed into the forming tube as the product is displaced, and means to cut the plastic tube between the two closures so formed, characterised in that air is removed from the pocket before closure by applying vacuum, thereby reducing the time for closing the plastic tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging, mixing and delivering bone cement. The apparatus may include a bone cement gun having a flexible container which is able to store at least two components of the bone cement. In this regard, the flexible container includes a first compartment that is able to store one component of the bone cement as well as a second compartment that is able to store the second component of the bone cement. A sealing member temporarily seals the first compartment with the second compartment, the removal of which permits the first and second components to be mixed so as to form the bone cement.

Abstract: A form fill packaging and sealing apparatus comprises a film dispenser and a film forming plow which, together with a roller guide, forms the film to be sealed into a tube with the free edges at the side. The object to be packaged is inserted into the film tube. The free edges of the film are longitudinally sealed together at the side of the package by a rotary heat sealer and immediately cooled to approximate impulse sealing. The quality and width of the longitudinal seal can be adjusted by changing the amount that the film is preheated before sealing. A cross seal is made at the front and back of the object to be packaged. The excess gas in the package is pressed out by a presser before the back cross seal is made.

Abstract: A method of packaging a food product employing a tray having sidewalls defining a cavity and an outwardly directed flange extending around the perimeter of the tray, the flange being adapted to receive a pair of membranes to enclose the tray. The lower membrane is the more permeable of the two. It may be attached to a first surface of the flange. The second membrane is attached to a second outer surface of the flange without direct connection except through the tray to the more permeable membrane. The two connection surfaces may be separated by a depression to facilitate the cutting away of the material forming the more permeable membrane in a continuous manufacturing process. With the less permeable membrane in place, a desired gaseous environment may be maintained within the package. When it is desired to change the gaseous environment, the upper less permeable membrane may be peeled away allowing gaseous communication through the lower more permeable membrane.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a container filled with a product is disclosed. The container has a substantially tubular body portion of thin-walled plastic or laminated plastic material and a butt-weldable end-piece at each end of the body portion. A first end-piece is fitted to one end of the body portion and the product is introduced into the container via the open end of the body portion, a second end-piece 13 is introduced into the open body portion end to an intermediate position at which it partially projects into the body portion, and the plastic material of the body portion end region and the second end-piece is softened through application of heat energy. The end-piece by means of relative displacement between it and the body portion, is pressed into the body portion to its terminal position during evacuation of air from the interior of the container via an opening in the end-piece and the opening is thereafter heat-sealed.

Abstract: A method of producing packaging in which the goods to be packaged are engaged against a rigid base and a flexible material is held taut over the goods. Portions of the flexible material near the side edges thereof are engaged and moved to a position below the top of the goods. The intermediate portions of the flexible material are tensioned and stretched thereby compressing the goods to the base. A lid is applied over the base so there is a space between the lid and the flexible material which is secured to the base below the goods to maintain the goods against the base. A gas is charged into the space to preserve the goods, ad the lid and flexible material are sealed to the base with the gas in the space.

Abstract: A horizontal form fill packaging and sealing apparatus comprises a film dispenser and a film forming plow which, together with a roller guide, forms the film to be sealed into a tube with the free edges at the side. The object to be packaged is inserted into the film tube. The free edges of the film are longitudinally sealed together at the side of the package by a rotary heat sealer and immediately cooled to approximate impulse sealing, and a cross seal is made at the front and back of the object to be packaged. The excess gas in the package is pressed out by a presser before the back cross seal is made.

Abstract: A thermal shrink film is continuously pulled out and is shaped into a tubular form. Individual items to be wrapped are fed into the tubular film sequentially and overlapping marginal portions of the tubular film extending lengthwise are sealed. The tubular film is sealed and cut transversely side of each of the items at the front end thereof and the tubular film is deformed inwardly by applying pressure thereto to decrease its internal volume. Then the tubular film is sealed and cut transversely of each item at the rear end thereof to form an intermediate package. The film of the intermediate package is shrunk by heating to thus shrink-wrap the item.

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: An apparatus and method for automatically compressing and packaging loose fiber material. The fibrous material compressed in the bale tube to form a bale while a tube of bale overwrap material is being formed. The doors to the base overwrap material is being formed. The doors to the base tube open to allow the compressed material to be pushed out of the bale tube by the piston. The base overwrap material is then cut, sealed at the ends of the bale, and cooled at desired locations.

Abstract: A packing machine for wrapping compressed insulation products in heat sealable plastic film, including a forming tube having product feed means to move or hold the product within it, a former to reconfigure a web of heat sealable plastic film into a longitudinally open tube around the forming tube, a heat welder to close the longitudinal opening and provide a continuous plastic tube, take-off conveyors which receive the plastic tube containing the product at a point downstream of the forming tube and displace the product a preset distance from the forming tube to create a pocket, means to close the plastic tube behind the displaced product and ahead of the next product which is fed into the forming tube as the product is displaced, and means to cut the plastic tube between the two closures so formed, characterised in that air is removed from the pocket before closure by applying vacuum, thereby reducing the time for closing the plastic tube.

Abstract: A sealed indicator vial to detect the presence of a predetermined contaminant in water containing a mixture of reagents reactive in the presence of water, the mixture being sufficiently dehydrated to prevent the reaction of said reagents while sealed in said vial. The vial contains an inert atmosphere at less than atmospheric pressure. Also described is the method of producing such an indicator vial in which a tube containing the dehydrated reagents is heated and stretched to form a narrow waist while under vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for packaging, continuously and under vacuum, individual articles in the form of plates or sheets in a wrapping sheet folded along its longitudinal axis. The articles (6,7,8) are introduced within the fold (1) of the wrapping sheet (9); the two free edges of the wrapping sheet (9) are brought close in order to delimit a substantially enclosed space; a partial vacuum is applied at the base (1) of the fold inside the space such defined; and the open edges (2,3,4) surrounding each article are welded.

Abstract: A method of packaging goods within a packaging casing in which a substantially gas impermeable cup-shaped first casing part is provided having a depression and a peripheral lip. A web of gas permeable skin packaging material is placed over the depression and spaced from the bottom of the depression to form a space therebetween. A gas is then provided in the space. The web is sealed to the peripheral lip providing at least atmospheric pressure above to create a pressure differential above and below the web resulting in the web being stretched down inwardly of the depression. Goods are placed over the web, and an outer casing member is placed over the goods and the lip so that the permeable web is further stretched. The outer casing member is then sealed to the lip so that gas in the depression is allowed to permeate over an extended period of time through the web to the goods to enhance the keeping qualities of the goods.

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: A packaging machine for producing a reclosable package from a bottom film, a top film and a closure strip therebetween shall be designed to facilitate the generation of a hermetic seal in particular in the region of the closure strip with low film consumption. To this end a sealing station for sealing an edge portion between the product and the closure strip and an evacuation and sealing station having a chamber for sealing the package including the edge portion are provided.

Abstract: A method of packaging goods including placing goods such as meat over a base, applying a flexible web of gas permeable skin wrapping plastics material over the base and the goods, evacuating air or gas from between the base and the skin wrapping so as to allow the skin wrapping to flexibly displace onto the goods and to at least partially skin pack said goods. A lid is then applied over the skin wrapping and spaced therefrom. A gas is 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, the skin wrapping is attached relative to the base. Following discoloration of the packaged goods over a period of time, a fresh gas is allowed to enter the package and contact the surface of the goods within the skin wrapping without removal of the skin wrapping, whereby the color of the goods is improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a self-supporting tray-like container wherein a product-receiving well protrudes into a second well in an all-round mutually spaced relationship. The method calls for two parts, each formed with a well therein and each part formed of a thermoplastic having a different resistance to thermal deformation, to be joined at their peripheries. The present invention additionally provides that the two parts are to be formed simultaneously, their peripheries are to be joined so that their respective wells extend in opposite directions after which one well is inverted into the other.

Abstract: A unitary multi-compartment package includes a package body member which partially encloses a formed product tray having multiple product compartments. The product tray is attached to the package body member and the multiple product compartments depend downwardly therethrough through one or more openings. Package flap panels are folded around and underneath the product tray to partially enclose the product compartments between opposing package panels. A cover film is attached to the product tray to seal individual distinct product portions in multiple product compartments.

Abstract: Discoloration of meat products due to oxygen starvation in stacked packages is significantly reduced by applying a textured surface to the bottom of the packages. A discrete textured film may be adhered to a tray or supporting member, or the tray or supporting member may itself be textured at its bottom surface.

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 machine includes an elongated frame, packaging forming stations for forming a lower container and top or cover for a package, a vacuum seal and sizing station, a chill station and a cutoff or package separating station. The vacuum seal and sizing station includes an upper tool defining an upper chamber and a lower tool defining a container chamber. The lower tool is movable towards and away from the upper tool and defines a vacuum chamber therewith. A pressure and sealing bar disposed within the upper chamber is movable to seal the package top to the container. A platform is adjustably positionable in the container chamber to vary the volume or size of the vacuum chamber. A product sizing plunger carried by the upper tool engages and compresses the product placed within the container prior to application of a vacuum and sealing of the cover or top to the container.

Abstract: A method of continuously making packages from groups of stacked items includes the steps of advancing consecutive groups of flat, edgewise standing, stacked items on a conveyor while supporting each item group by holders engaging each article group; during the advancing step, wrapping a wrapper sheet about an item group by a wrapper folding device, whereby the wrapper sheet supports and holds together the items in consecutive item groups; removing the holders from a just-wrapped article group; drawing the wrapper sheet, together with an item group wrapped in the wrapper sheet for conveying the item groups after the holders are removed therefrom; and withdrawing air from the wrapper sheet at a suction location where at least a partial wrapping has been completed, for generating a vacuum inside the wrapper sheet for causing the wrapper sheet to be pressed against edges of items in wrapped item groups downstream of the suction location.

Abstract: A flexible recloseable package wherein the enclosed product is supported on a rigid backing board and the package includes a recloseable seal strip mounted on an access edge of the backing board. Two sheets of packaging film surround the backing board and the packaged product. The film is sealed to opposite surfaces of the recloseable seal strip and is further sealed hermetically around the periphery of the backing board.

Abstract: A first web having an ionomer, or ionomer/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) sealant layer, heat sealed to a second web having an EVA/ethytlene butene copolymer (EBC)/polypropylene (PP) sealant layer, forms an easily opened package. A layer adjacent the sealant layer of the second web optionally includes PP or ethylene propylene copolymer. With this optional layer, the sealant layer of the first web may comprise a polymeric material which forms strong interweb adhesion upon heat sealing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sealing pallets of fresh produce inside plastic bags and furnishing the interiors of the sealed bags with a modified gaseous atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous bakery products includes a carriage having opposed sealing jaws. Upper and lower webs of wrapping material extend between the jaws of the carriage along a bakery product path. Bakery products to be wrapped are advanced along the bakery product path between the webs of wrapping material and between the initially open jaws of the carriage. The jaws of the carriage are then closed to form transverse seals at the trailing edge of a leading package of bakery products and at the leading edge of a trailing package of bakery products. The carriage is advanced along the bakery product path during the sealing operation so that sealing of the bakery product packages is carried out on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A method of packaging a beverage containing gas in solution and a beverage package has a chamber 9 in a moulded open topped container 1 (of plastics or metal) in a bottom wall 8 of which is formed a restricted orifice 10. The bottom of the container 1 is received in a cup shaped closure 11 and sealed thereto at 16 to form a chamber 12 which communicates with the chamber 9 through the orifice 10. The chamber 9 is charged with beverage 17 and its headspace 21 is dosed with liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide prior to sealing with a cap 18 so that the headspace 21 is at a pressure greater than atmospheric. With the sealed package in equilibrium the chamber 12 contains beverage derived from the chamber 9 through the orifice 10 and has a headspace 22.

Abstract: The container (1) is intended for the separate storage of active compositions, especially of liquids or solutions, and for their subsequent mixing just before use.It comprises at least three compartments (3, 4, 5) separated from one another by leakproof seams (6) of the material of the envelope (2), sealable inlet passages (7, 8), sealed transfer passages (10, 11) and a sealable outlet passage (9). The envelope is made of a polymerized and homogeneous flexible material which is chemically inert to each of said compositions and to their mixtures.

Abstract: A container for the storing and the direct consumption of edible contents therefrom. The container comprises a substantially cylindrically shaped container defined by an upstanding sidewall and an upper lid and a substantially parallel lower closure. The container also comprises a cover removably mounted above the upper lid to define a space between the upper lid and the cover. A utensil is located within the space for consuming the edible contents within the container. The container further comprises means between the upper lid and the cover for emitting a fragrance upon the separation of the cover from the upper lid. One of the lids and the sidewall thereadjacent is constricted to a reduced size for being inserted into the opposite end of another container for stacking purposes. The package is tamper evident with its upper lid coupled with respect to the sidewall so as to preclude littering. Lastly, also disclosed are methods of fabricating, filling and using such containers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for inserting objects into balloons. The apparatus preferably includes a housing having a balloon chamber and a vacuum pump chamber therein. The balloon chamber is large enough to accommodate an inflated balloon and has a lid through which the inflated balloon can pass. The vacuum pump chamber houses a vacuum pump which is in gaseous communication with the balloon chamber in order to create a vacuum therein. The lid includes an adjustable mechanism for first expanding and then maintaining a balloon orifice in an expanded condition to enable access to the interior of the balloon in a position in which the balloon extends downwardly from the lid to a position inside the balloon chamber. The vacuum pump may then be actuated to cause the balloon to inflate within the balloon chamber so that the desired object may be inserted through an access opening in the lid to the inside of the balloon.

Abstract: A device and method of constructing articles of fresh cut parts of plants and artificial decorative embodiments. The packaging is characterized by enveloping such articles with an inflated balloon. The article being placed in an open container, a balloon is then inflated and receives the article and container and is then securely attached to the container, thereby enclosing the article. A device for constructing the packaged article employs a rigid conduit which is received in the balloon to facilitate reception of the article and container. The gas used to inflate the balloons can be air or nitrogen. If cut flowers are used, the container is provided with some water and plant food.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming, filling, sealing and deflating a package of goods prior to the time the fill opening is sealed includes a blast of air against the exterior flexible sidewalls of the package to thereby drive gas from the inside of the package.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of packaging a product including drawing a thermoplastic thermoformable web into a thermoforming mold to form a cavity, inserting the product into the cavity, moving the web and product to a vacuum chamber, placing a tray, upside down, in the chamber on top of the web to define an unsealed package; sealing the tray to the web under vacuum; and shrinking the bottom web.

Abstract: A resealable hermetically sealed package for food products has the product contained between two sheets of thermoplastic material which are sealed together by a permanent heat fused seal about the product except for one edge along which the sheets are adhesively glued together by an easily peeled resealable seal. The process for manufacturing the product forms the adhesive seal prior to the permanent seals in an area remote from that in which evacuation and the final seal occurs. Thus, the final sealing and evacuation of the package is performed in the absence of adhesive so that no adhesive can be drawn into evacuation slots so as to economically produce the product.

Abstract: A new computerized control system designed for packaging machines. This control system can be installed on any dieless packing machine. The advances achieved by this control system are: High speeds are achieved by synchronizing the machine index cycle and tooling controls, permitting the prestart of tooling before the end of the index cycle; because the motor speed is monitored and profiled by the computer continuously, faster machine speeds can be achieved while maintaining the minimum machine jerk; total index time savings; diagnostics which dramatically reduce machine down time as a user friendly hard-copy print out is produced describing and pinpointing locations of malfunctions in the timers, tooling, and motor performance; access to all timer control settings through easy to use thumbwhell switches. In addition, a new arrangement of the tooling stations is used, allowing for the increase of per cycle capacity several times the capacity of the prior art.

Abstract: In a process for the filling and hermetically sealing by fusion welding a receptacle which is elastically deformable, the liquid level in the receptacle is raised by elastic deformation of the receptacle before the receptacle is sealed closed by fusion welding. A vacuum pressure is established during at least a portion of the length of time between the beginning of the raising of the liquid level and the hermetical sealing by fusion welding applied to the filler connection of the receptacle.

Abstract: Discoloration of meat products due to oxygen starvation in stacked packages is significantly reduced by applying a textured surface to the bottom of the packages. A discrete textured film may be adhered to a tray or supporting member, or the tray or supporting member may itself be textured at its bottom surface.

Abstract: Different products are hermetically sealed in separate but integrally adjoining packages to form package pairs or what might be called "dual" packages. All of the packages are made from two continuous sheets of plastic packaging material, and the separate packages of each pair are differentially-conditioned by differential evacuation and/or gassing to different pressure levels. A continuous series of filled side-by-side containers formed from one sheet of packaging material is conveyed in two parallel rows into a sealing region where a cover sheet is laid over the containers to form packages. A group of the packages is stopped in the sealing region, and are clamped and partially sealed around the peripheries of the individual packages. The individual side-by-side units of the package pairs are differentially conditioned as to vacuum pressure or gas pressure or composition through aligned openings between adjacent containers in each of the parallel rows.