Cryovac, Inc.

Other

Scott W Beckwith

Drew V Speer

Thomas Duane Kennedy

Janet W Rivett

Frank Bryan Edwards

Ronald L Cotterman

Brian L Butler

Richard M Dayrit

Walter B Mueller

Stephen Floyd Compton

Cynthia Louise Ebner

Narender P Luthra

Woodrow W Pressley

Charles R Bamore

Rachel McDowell

Ram Kumar Ramesh

Michael J Rosinski

James A Solis

Jason G Verrett

Greg Grossman

Richard Dayrit

Cynthia L Ebner

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

Multilayer film having an active oxygen barrier layer with radiation enhanced active barrier properties

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

Multilayer film having passive and active oxygen barrier layers

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

Method and apparatus for controlled triggering of oxygen scavenging compositions utilizing a wrap-around shade

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

Method of triggering a film containing an oxygen scavenger

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

Process for triggering, storing, and distributing an oxygen scavenger, and a stored oxygen scavenger

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

Oxygen scavenging form/fill/seal package for limited lifetime optical data storage media

A method comprises subjecting ant oxygen scavenger to actinic radiation; and then optionally storing the oxygen scavenger in a container, the container configured such that the oxygen scavenger exhibits no substantial oxygen scavenging activity while inside the container. The dosed oxygen scavenger can later be removed from the container, if stored therein, subjected to a second dose of actinic radiation to trigger the oxygen scavenger, and used in packaging oxygen sensitive products. A stored oxygen scavenger, untriggered, is also disclosed.

Process for subjecting to actinic radiation and storing an oxygen scavenger, and a stored oxygen scavenger

A package includes a thermoformed web or support member, an optical data storage medium disposed in a cavity of the thermoformed web, or on the support member; and a covering web disposed on the optical data storage medium, and on the thermoformed web or support member, and in sealing relationship to the thermoformed web or support member; where each of the thermoformed web or support member, and the covering web, includes an oxygen barrier; and where at least one of the thermoformed web or support member, and the covering web, includes an oxygen scavenger. Methods of making the package are also disclosed. In addition to, or alternatively to including the oxygen scavenger in at least one of the thermoformed or support member, and the covering web, the oxygen scavenger can be disposed on the optical medium, e.g. in the form of a disc, coating, label, pellet, wafer, or flattened sachet.

Packaging for limited lifetime optical data storage media

A multilayer film has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises an additive, a binder, and a crosslinking agent. The additive is a flavor, fragrance, colorant, antimicrobial agent, antioxidant, chelating agent, and/or odor absorbent. The binder is a polysaccharide and/or a protein. The crosslinking agent comprises a compound with at least two carbonyl groups. The second layer comprises a non-water-soluble thermoplastic polymer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene. Each of the additive, binder, and crosslinking agent are present throughout a thickness of the first layer. Preferably, the first layer is coated onto the second layer, which is preferably a non-water-soluble thermoplastic polymer, e.g., polyolefin, polyamide, and/or polyester. The film is especially useful for cook-in applications, in which a food product (preferably comprising uncooked meat) is packaged in the film with the coated layer against the meat. The meat is then cooked and the additive transfers to the meat, and purge can be very low. The invention also pertains to a process for preparing a cooked food product, process for making a coated film, and articles formed from the film, such as bags and casings.

Additive transfer film suitable for cook-in end use

A laminate comprising first and second polymeric films. One of the films is heat shrinkable and the other of the first and second films is non-heat shrinkable. At least one of the first and second films has an oxygen permeance of no more than about 150 cm /m &middot;atm&middot;24 hours at 23&deg; C. and 0% relative humidity. The first film comprises an outer layer which, even when untreated, has a surface energy of at least 0.034 J/m , and at least about 10 weight percent of one or more polymers having a Vicat softening point of at least about 65&deg; C. The first film outer layer forms a first outer surface of the laminate. The outer layer of the second film forms the second outer surface of the laminate. The laminate has an improved ability to be sealed about a forming shoe without necking down.

Growing community of inventors

Greer, SC, United States of America

Scott W Beckwith