Abstract: A storage system for storing or shipping goods in a controlled environment comprises a bag made of a flexible gas and water impermeable material placed in an ISO type shipping container, with the bag having an entry flap equivalently sized with and positioned adjacent to the door of the container with an air and water resistant zipper sealing the flap with the bag, and having a resealable port for inflating and evacuating the interior of the bag. A method of using the storage system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for packaging disposable endoscope sheaths so that they do not become contaminated prior to use during shipment, storage and installation on an endoscope. The packaging system also prevents the spread of contamination after use while the sheath is being removed from the endoscope and then discarded. The sheath is shipped in an elongated, flexible bag having a length substantially equal to the length of the insertion tube of the endoscope and a diameter substantially larger than the diameter of the insertion tube. The sheath and bag may be shipped in a sterile tray having a spiral recess containing the sheath, bag and funnel-like container or bag holding the tubing of the air, water, and suction channels. Installation of the sheath on the endoscope is accomplished by inflating the sheath while it is in the bag so that the sheath expands until it contacts the wall of the bag.

Abstract: To minimize the air volume present in a container following heat sealing, the dimensions of the flowthrough passage of the filling connection are decreased in a first heat sealing operation. Then, the container is elastically deformed by a punch to such an extent that the liquid content level rises up inside the filling connection. Finally, in a second heat sealing operation, the end segment of the now funnel-shaped flowthrough passage of the filling connection is heat sealed such that it is totally sealed without pores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging vacuum packaged goods from a vacuum packaging apparatus. While a chamber held in contact with the upper surface of a table and defining an airtight space therein is in movement integrally with the table for one round of travel along an endless track, the chamber is lifted from the table for a given period of time for supply into the chamber of goods to be packaged as contained in a bag. When the chamber is again brought in contact with the table, a vacuum atmosphere is created in the chamber so that the mouth of the bag is sealed, vacuum packaged goods being thus obtained. A table portion within the chamber is formed with an open/close type drop opening which is sealed by a cover plate. The to-be-packaged goods contained in a bag, as well as vacuum packaged goods which are sealed at the mouth of the bag, are loaded on the cover plate.

Abstract: A method for packaging a product includes the steps of placing the product on a first metallic sheet; placing a second metallic sheet over the product; placing the first sheet, product, and second sheet on a supporting member; applying a top web over the second sheet and in sealing arrangement with the supporting member, by a vacuum skin packaging process; and bringing the first and second sheet together to substantially enclose the product between the two sheets. Alternatively, a packet having a first metallic sheet, a product on the sheet, and a second metallic sheet disposed over the product is placed on a supporting member; a top web is placed over the packet by a vacuum skin packaging process; and the first and second sheets are brought together to substantially enclose the product between the sheets. In another embodiment, the product may be placed within a pouch which is then placed on a first sheet with a second sheet placed over the pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for placing objects inside inflated balloons. The apparatus includes a walled enclosure having a balloon nozzle opening of a predetermined size and shape about which a balloon mouth within a predetermined size range is sealingly receivable. The enclosure also includes an access opening through which a user's arm is sealing receivable. A port is also provided for supplying an inflation gas into the enclosure. In operation, the object to be placed within the balloon is placed within the enclosure and a balloon mouth is stretched about the balloon opening. A user's arm is inserted through the access opening to grasp the object and move the object through the balloon opening and into the inflated balloon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for vacuum-packaging material in a soft flat packaging bag. Packaging bags filled with a material are supported in a plurality of holders in advance in a place other than a plurality of vacuum chambers adapted to be intermittently rotated along a circular path. Such holders are successively fed to the vacuum chambers. While a vacuum chamber which has been fed with such holder is rotating along the circular path, this vacuum chamber is evacuated, the opening section of the packaging bag is sealed and then the vacuum chamber is opened to the surrounding atmosphere. And the packaging bag which has completed vacuum packaging is withdrawn from the vacuum chamber. Since the vacuum chamber is fed with a relatively large-sized holder rather than a soft flat bag which is difficult to handle, errors in feeding are avoiding.

Abstract: A method and means for packaging sheet material such as polyurethane foam is described wherein the compressed sheet material is positioned within an inner bag and is held from expansion by means of a flexible plastic sleeve with the plastic sleeve maintaining a flexible U-shaped handle between it and the bag with the handle protruding from one end of the package.

Abstract: A roll of continuous laminated web product usable for forming a flexible package includes a first continuous flexible web formed of a gas barrier material adapted to form an inner bag of the package, and a second continuous flexible web adapted to form an outer bag of the package. The first and second webs are adhered together by adhesive bonds in the form of a discrete pattern of bonded areas which repeats in the machine-direction of the laminated web construction to define a plurality of sequentially disposed, dual walled sheets between such discrete patterns of bonded areas. Each of the discrete patterns of bonded areas includes discrete bonds which are spaced-apart from each other in the cross-machine-direction of the roll to define at least one passageway between the discrete bonds.

Abstract: A method for cooking meat in a bag wherein a cling film is vacuum sealed and shrunk around the meat, said cling film having a cavity for forming the meat. Next, the cling film is surrounded by an outer film which is vacuum sealed and shrunk around the cling film. The outer film has a softening point above the cooking temperature of the meat. The meat is then heated in the bag to the cooking temperature of the meat. It is found that when this invention is employed that there is minimum purge formed in the bagged cooked product.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation batt packaging machine comprises a vacuum chamber, an inlet tube for receiving batts, the inlet tube being defined by (a) a pair of sidewalls, (b) a pair of moveable end walls, and (c) a platen, the platen being mounted for vertical movement, vacuum means for partially evacuating the vacuum chamber thereby causing compression of the batts, vacuum chamber top doors mounted for movement to close the inlet tube, means for moving the platen vertically upward to further compress the batts, means for moving the moveable end walls to open the inlet tube, and pushing means for pushing the compressed batts from the vacuum chamber into a bag.

Abstract: A packaged medical device comprising a medical device; a gas-permeable sterile bag containing the medical device therein; a wrapping member made of oxygen-impermeable material and wherein said medical device-containing bag, previously subjected to radiation-sterilization, is sealed; and a deoxidizing agent contained in the wrapping member together with the medical device-containing bag. The packaged medical device does not give off an odor upon unsealing and is free from decrease in strength of plastic parts thereof.

Abstract: A balloon stuffing system (25, 25', 25", 25'") including a tubular member (26) open at one end (28) thereof and defining a chamber (31) capable of receiving the object (49) to be stuffed into a balloon (50); an ejector rod (29) passing through the opposite end (30) of the tubular member (26); a flexible, bellows-like, fluid impervious element (34) surrounding the ejector rod (29) and sealed at one end to the end (30) of the tubular member (26) and at its opposite end to the ejector rod (29); a fluid inlet aperture (56, 81, 85) formed in the tubular member (26) for permitting coupling of the interior of the tubular member (26) to any suitable source of pressurizing fluid; and, a balloon (50) having its inlet aperture (55) and constricted neck portion (58) mounted in surrounding sealed relation to the open end (28) of the tubular member (26) so that upon pressurization of the interior of the tubular member (26), the balloon (50) is inflated, and upon axial movement of the ejector rod (29) towards the open end (

Abstract: A balloon stuffing system (25, 25') including a tubular member (26) open at one end (28) thereof and defining a chamber (31) capable of receiving the object (34) to be stuffed into a balloon (35); a hollow, tubular, piston-like ejector rod (29) passing through the opposite end (30) of the tubular member (26); and, wherein provision is made for coupling the axial bore (58) extending through the hollow, tubular, piston-like ejector rod (29), and therefore the chamber (31) in the tubular member (26) and the balloon (35) secured thereto, to a source of inflation medium by either: (i) attaching a mouthpiece (84) to the projecting end of the ejector rod (29) so as to permit pressurization of the chamber (31) and the interior of the balloon (35) by blowing through the mouthpiece (84); or (ii), coupling the hollow, tubular, piston-like ejector rod (29) to a conventional hand-held, hand-operated air inflation pump (41, 41'); and, wherein the ejector rod (29) may be selectively: (a) unlatched from the pump housing (42)

Abstract: Method and device for the vacuum filling of containers by using a continuous conveyor bringing the containers straight below two successive fixed stations. At one of the stations the filling of the containers is carried out, and at the other station a vacuum sealing of the containers is carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making gas flushed packages in a vacuum chamber machine which includes a bag mouth clamp spaced apart form seal bars disposed to transversely seal the bag neck. A vertically moveable piercing blade and nozzle penetrate the upper wall of the bag neck as the chamber pressure is lowered and the bag "balloons" thereby causing the upper and lower neck walls to separate. Once the bag is pierced and the residual air escapes, a predetermined amount of gas is injected and then the bag is sealed. If desired, sufficient gas can be injected to make a pillow pack.

Abstract: For a form, fill and seal bagging machine a process and apparatus are provided whereby simultaneous with product discharged into the interior of the bag during the filling segment of the form, fill and seal cycle, a gas is also discharged into the interior of the bag to purge the interior of the bag and further, a low pressure area is created within the interior of the bag to remove excess purging gas and/or condensing fluids from the interior of the bag prior to sealing the bag.

Abstract: Multiple layer films and containers. The films have a first layer of either nylon 6,6 or a combination of nylon 6,6 with nylon 6 wherein the melting point temperature of the combination is greater than the melting point temperature of the corresponding nylon 6. A second layer is comprised of linear low density polyethylene, and 0% to 40% low density polyethylene. A third adhesive layer is disposed between the first and second layers. The containers are susceptible of being sealed with included gas at low pressure, and subsequently boiled in water without rupture of the seals. The film is preferably coextruded from tubular die, thereby setting forth a new method for forming a mulitple layer film comprising a combination of linear low density polyethylene, optionally with up to 40% low density polyethylene, and nylon 6,6, optionally combined with nylon 6 in a composition having a melting point temperature greater than that of the corresponding nylon 6.

Abstract: The pack according to the invention possesses an edge 4 delimiting an orifice and an evacuation means comprising an elastically compressible volume 5 having a wall, which possesses means for the passage of air 8, and arranged inside the pack near the edge 4 of the pack, but at a distance from this. The invention also relates to a device allowing the alternate compression and expansion of the compressible volume, whilst at the same time ensuring alternate communication between the latter and the inside of the bag or the outside.

Abstract: A method of shrink film packaging an assembled aircraft or portion thereof for transport, storage or the like comprises the steps of covering exposed jagged or sharp edges and discontinuities, exposed irregularly shaped areas, and exposed heat-sensitive components of the aircraft with a foam material. The aircraft is then wrapped with a plurality of separate sections of heat-shrinkable polymer film with adjoining sections partially overlapping to provide a generally continuous covering. Heat is then applied to the heat-shrinkable film sections to shrink the film to tightly conform to the aircraft, to fuse together overlapping film sections and to fuse portions of the film to adjoining foam material. Elongated strips of heat-shrinkable material are then applied along seams formed by the fusing together of the overlapping film sections. Finally, heat is applied to the elongated strips to shrink and fuse the strips to the film sections on both sides of the seams to seal and reinforce the seams.

Abstract: A process of packaging goods, especially foodstuffs, comprising enclosing the goods in a sheet of thermoplastics material, preferably a bag, so as to form a package which presents two unsealed juxtaposed surfaces. The package is then placed in a container, one wall of which is made of deformable sheet material, preferably a sheet made of a silicone resin, which is stable at the sealing temperature of the thermoplastics material. The container is then connected to a source of vacuum and when the pressure has been reduced in both the container and the bag sufficient heat is applied to the deformable sheet in the vicinity of the juxtaposed surfaces to cause them to become sealed together. In a further embodiment of the invention vacuumization of the container including the bag is followed by the injection of a preserving gas such as carbon dioxide.

Abstract: In a vacuum packaging apparatus for packaging relatively large articles, a rotary valve is provided over a turntable having a plurality of vacuum chambers at its periphery so that an amount of air is supplementarily discharged from a vacuum chamber into one of other vacuum chambers before a complete vacuum is made and that a small amount of atmospheric air is sucked into the chamber to shrink preliminarily a packaging bag before its open end is sealed.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing and storing articles wherein a bag for containing articles to be sterilized is automatically sealed by means responsive to a sterilizing environment applied to the bag. One or more actuators are releasably attached to the bag to automatically close one or more valves at the appropriate point in a sterilizing cycle to result in a vacuumized sterile package.

Abstract: An evacuating pump has a hollow cylindrical body, a cap at one end of the body, and a nozzle at the opposite end. A plunger disposed within the body has a piston attached to an inner end of a reciprocating rod, while the outer end of the rod extends through a bore provided in the cap. When the plunger is withdrawn, a vacuum is created at the nozzle, while on the inward stroke, a check valve flap seats over the nozzle inlet to prevent air from being injected through the nozzle. Air being compressed on the inward stroke escapes around the peripheral edge of the piston.

Abstract: A process of packaging goods particularly foodstuffs in which the goods are placed in a first container for example a plastics bag or a tray having a deformable lid, sealing the container except for an aperture provided by an open valve. The container is then placed in a second container having rigid walls. A vacuum is then created in both containers after which the inner container is completely sealed by for example closing the valve whilst preventing the entry of undesireable substances. In a preferred process an inert or preserving gas is introduced into the first container prior to sealing.

Abstract: A sealable container (20) includes an inner wall (24) formed of a semipermeable sheet material and shaped into an inner bag (30), an outer wall (26) formed of a gas impermeable sheet material and shaped as an outer bag (32), with a gas space (28) therebetween. A product, e.g. ground coffee (22), is heat sealed under vacuum in the inner bag (30) and gas is introduced into the gas space (28) via openings (56) in the outer bag (32). The container is then heat sealed again to isolate the openings (56) from the gas space (28), to prevent ambient air from gaining ingress to the product. The finished package has a smooth exterior appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique method and apparatus for packaging a product in individual vacuum-sealed packets constructed of a sheet of flexible material. In the method of the present invention, a sheet of flexible packaging material is formed into a channel-shaped member having spaced apart vertical sidewalls. The facing surfaces of the sidewalls are sealed at horizontally spaced apart, vertical locations to define a plurality of open top packets. A predetermined amount of a flowable product is introduced into each of the open top packets. Next, the upper corner portions of each individual packet are sealed to reduce the size of the opening in the packets. A vacuum tube is introduced into the open top packet and the upper portion of the open top packet is sealed around the vacuum tube. The interior of the packet is then evacuated through the vacuum tube and an initial horizontal top seal is produced below the vacuum tube to initially seal the packet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting pouches into boxes or lining boxes with pouches is disclosed. Rather than manually line boxes, the apparatus takes a pouch from a horizontal stack of pouches, opens the pouch over an open box, partially inflates the pouch, and, inserts the pouch into the box. A vertically reciprocating mandrel is included with tucker fingers to fold the bag's mouth over the outside perimeter of the box thus presenting a line box ready to receive a product.

Abstract: A sealable package (20) in accordance with this invention includes an inner bag or container (24) located within an outer bag or container (26). The inner bag is formed of a flexible sheet (40) of material resistant to the passage of gas therethrough. The outer bag is formed of a flexible sheet (42) of material. The inner bag is secured to the outer bag along its top (32) and bottom (30) edges and along a vertically oriented back seam (52) by areas (44) of adhesive interposed therebetween. The adhesive areas define passageways (58) therebetween through which air from the ambient atmosphere may flow to enter into the space (28) between the two bags. The inner bag is arranged to be filled with some material (22) and then vacuumized and the top sealed closed.

Abstract: Pressure resistant containers, each consisting of a pressure resistant box opened at the front surface thereof and a wall plate, are circulated along an endless track with the wall plates directed outward. The front and back surfaces of each wall plate are each provided with a clamp for supporting a soft pliable bag. The bag is fed to the clamp disposed outside the pressure resistant container, and the bag is clamped by the clamp. The mouth of the bag is then opened to fill the bag with an article. Subsequently, the wall plate is turned inside out to admit the bag in the pressure resistant container, and the bag is subjected to a vacuum in the pressure resistant container and the mouth of the bag is sealed.

Abstract: A process and package product for preserving bacteriological culture media and gels is based on use of a sterilized air, liquid, and light impervious flexible wall pouch in which a Petri dish or similar device containing the medium or gel is stored and which is heat sealed after being evacuated and flushed with a inert gas to remove oxygen from within the dish and the pouch while in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A thermoformed container having a granular product therein being made from two webs of films of flexible material is provided. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a web of flexible film material is thermoformed into a series of cup-shaped containers, each cup having a peripheral flange around its mouth. The cups are then partially filled with a granular product such that there is a headspace between the product's top surface and the cup's peripheral flange. The cups are then placed in a vacuum/sealing/shaping chamber wherein substantially all the air inside the cups is removed, followed by sealing an upper web of flexible film material to each cups's peripheral flange. Before the sealed containers are removed from the vacuum/sealing/shaping chamber, a shaping die located in the bottom of the chamber is thrust upwardly into each cup's bottom wall.

Abstract: Precipitated silica is mixed with a fly ash material and is employed as an insulating material having a low thermal conductivity. The mixture of precipitated silica and fly ash material is dried, compressed, placed in an evacuable pouch, and evacuated. The resulting board-like insulation configuration is used directly as insulation. The board-like material which is produced may be used as insulation in household refrigerators and freezers by placing it in an insulation space between the inner liner and the outer case and encapsulating the board-like material with a foamed insulating material.

Abstract: A method is provided for vacuum packaging a molded meat product in a cook-in bag that includes the steps of vacuum stuffing a substantially deaerated moldable meat product into a thermoplastic bag lining a cooking mold, the bag having a length greater than the mold to define a bag neck; substantially removing any meat from the bag neck; and then, while still under vacuum, gathering and clipping the bag neck. Associated apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of packaging an article involves drawing two elongated strips of plastic from a supply, placing an article between them, then drawing two broader sheets above and below the first two sheets. The various sheets are adjusted and sealed in such a manner that two envelopes are formed, one inside the other, the outer envelope being larger in all directions than the inner envelope. The outer envelope is then inflated under conditions such that air is expelled form the inner envelope, collapsing it tightly about the article. By omitting certain steps, an empty container can be formed, suitable for later loading and inflation. The apparatus disclosed automatically carries out the method.

Abstract: Precipitated silica, formed by the interaction of sodium water glass and sulfuric acid, followed by mechanical processing, is employed as an insulating material having a low thermal conductivity. The precipitated silica is dried, compressed, placed in an evacuable pouch, and evacuated. The resulting board-like insulation configuration is used directly as insulation in, for example, household refrigerators.

Abstract: This relates to the sterile packaging of sterile products. A suitable thermoplastic film tube is formed by an extrusion process wherein the resultant tube is initially sterile internally and externally. The shape of the tube is maintained by a gas supplied under pressure, which gas is maintained in a sterile condition. The resultant tube portions, containers or pouches are filled utilizing filling equipment which is disposed within a housing of the sterile gas supply apparatus and is maintained externally in a sterile state by a suitable heater or other external sterilization methods. A sterile product is delivered from a sterile kettle or the like through a conduit to the filling equipment. The conduit and the filling equipment may be internally sterilized by circulating a suitable chemical sterilizing liquid therethrough as an initial part of the product packaging operation.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sterile double package by inserting a sterile article into an inner package which has been sealed on three sides, inserting the inner package into an outer package which has three sides sealed, sealing the remaining side of the outer package to form a double package, sterilizing the contents of the outer package, and sealing the fourth side of the inner package through the outer package.

Abstract: A method for forming an inflated gift wrapping includes the insertion of a gift or other item into an open-end of an envelope, at least partially inflating the envelope with an inert gas and thereafter completely sealing the envelope. The envelope is thus formed into an inflated gift wrapping, preferably composed of a pair of overlying panels that are heat-sealed together about their perimeters. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the packaged item is inserted into a first open-end of the envelope, the first end of the envelope is heat-sealed, the envelope is pressurized with the inert gas through a second and opposite open end thereof, and then the second end of the envelope is heat-sealed to form a fully closed and sealed wrapping.

Abstract: A method of packaging an article involves drawing two elongated strips of plastic from a supply, placing an article between them, then drawing two broader sheets above and below the first two sheets. The various sheets are adjusted and sealed in such a manner that two envelopes are formed, one inside the other, the outer envelope being larger in all directions than the inner envelope. The outer envelope is then inflated under conditions such that air is expelled from the inner envelope, collapsing it tightly about the article. By omitting certain steps, an empty container can be formed, suitable for later loading and inflation. The apparatus disclosed automatically carries out the method.

Abstract: A novel aseptic process for the preparation of intravenous and other pharmaceutical products, especially parenteral solution is provided as well as the pharmaceutical products produced thereby. The process involves ambient temperature mixing, filtering and filling in special enclosures, the surfaces of which have been rendered free of pathogenic organisms. The enclosures are further provided with sterile air by filtration through high efficiency particulate air filters. Positive pressure sterile air is caused to flow across the enclosure in a unidirectional, substantially lateral flow pattern in a generally diagonal direction, to effect a sweeping of sterile air in a continuous manner through the enclosure. Compounding of ingredients preferably is conducted in a separate enclosure from the filtration and filling processes. The apparatus is free of pathogenic organisms and includes a novel backflow pressure manifold system to control internal pressure exerted in the filtering and filling tubing.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging process and apparatus employ the novel step of deliberately at least partially repressurizing the exterior of a flexible packaging receptacle after commencement of the evacuation of the exterior and interior of the receptacle in a chamber. The receptacle is closed after the receptacle has been pressed against the article located in the receptacle by repressurization.

Abstract: A tube sack has a fill chamber and a flag at one end thereof, the flag having a sealing seam at the outer end thereof and a labyrinth seam which is adjacent the fill chamber and which is arranged to provide small passages through which air can flow from the fill chamber to a ventilation chamber located between the sealing and labyrinth seams. A vent opening is provided in the form of a perforation through a wall of the flag or an interruption in the seal seam, and is sealed by a bridging seam which surrounds it or by a seal piece which is glued over it. In a method and apparatus for making the sack, a tube is formed and sealed at one end, is then filled, and the flag, sealing seam and labyrinth seam are then made in the other end along with, where appropriate, a perforation for the vent opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for packaging a product article such as meat, in a plastics bag (1) by injecting a hot gas, in this case steam, into the bag interior from behind the product article (2) using a nozzle (3) to flush air (at 5) from the bag (1) and to impart shrinking heat to the material forming the bag.When using steam, or another vapor capable of condensing at atmospheric pressure above room temperature, the condensing of the vapor effects evacuation of the bag interior.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for packaging palletized stacks of goods which are brought on a chain conveyor to a wrap cover station where they are raised by an elevating platform located under the wrap cover station. A suction fan is provided under the wrap cover station which sucks in the edges of a shrink wrap drawn over the stack of goods, which edges project over the underside of the pallet, before the palletized stack of goods is lowered and transported to a shrinking station. In addition, tools for folding back the projecting edges of the shrink wrap under the pallet are located in the zone of the wrap cover station. In order that folded-back sections which are as free of folds as possible are produced on the underside of the pallet, the tools are slide plates which are located at the height of the upper side of the elevating platform when the elevating platform is raised and the plate and slide plane of which runs essentially parallel to the plane of transport.

Abstract: In order to package a stack of goods in an envelope of heat-shrinkable plastic material such as polyethylene, with prevention of adhesion between the envelope and the goods which may themselves be wrapped in similar sheet material, the stack is placed on a pallet and is covered by the envelope whose lower rim is clamped between the legs of the pallet and an apertured supporting surface such as an upper run of a chain conveyor. The envelope is then inflated from below, by way of the supporting surface, with a low-temperature gas such as ambient air, to establish significant clearances between the stack and the inner surface of the envelope which is then thermally shrunk around the stack by training jets of hot gas onto its outer surface. In zones where the envelope is in contact with the stack, as along edges of the latter, the heating intensity may be reduced to avoid fusion with individual wrappings.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging method and apparatus for packaging solid objects such as food products of various shapes automatically. A web of tubular plastic film is supplied from a roll and drawn over an opening core which opens the plastic film into a rectangular shape. The film is then drawn over the object to be packaged and cut to a predetermined length. In one embodiment, the front end of the film is then sealed and the object urged towards the sealed end. In another embodiment, both ends of the film are left open at this point. The object with the film positioned therearound is transferred to a vacuum chamber. Prior to the chamber being evacuated, tension is applied to the film so as to prevent the formation of creases.

Abstract: A method for vacuum shrink packaging a product is provided that includes the steps of placing the product in a heat shrinkable thermoplastic bag; then shrinking the bag in a heated gaseous medium, while partially constricting the mouth of the bag to cause ballooning of the bag, further provided that the constricting is selected such that shrinkage of the bag overcomes the ballooning to collapse the bag onto the product; and then placing the bag in a vacuum chamber followed by vacuumizing and in-chamber sealing, further provided that the rate of vacuumizing is limited to substantially prevent reballooning of the bag. Associated apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A package for perishable products which can readily be prepared for home freezing is comprised of a relatively rigid tray and a flexible cover, the cover having a hole covered by a removable, replaceable seal. The tray is provided with collapsible supports, which hold the cover above the perishable product on the tray during fresh storage, but which can be readily collapsed in order to provide maximum expulsion of air from the package in preparation for freezing. The atmosphere in the package may be modified so as to inhibit bacterial decay of the product and/or to enhance its appearance. The package is prepared for freezing by removing the seal, collapsing the supports and expelling as much of the atmosphere in the package as possible, and then replacing the seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for packing commodities such as meat or bacon into bags of flexible thermoplastics film material comprises a vacuum chamber and sealing means arranged to hold closely together without application of pressure a band of bag material extending across the neck of the bag and applying heat to fuse the band of bag material and form a fluid tight seal. The vacuum chamber may include heating means so that after sealing the bag may be inflated off the commodity and thereby heated prior to collapse into close engagement with the commodity.