Dual temperature hot water shrink system

Abstract

A process for shrinking a package having a top, end seals, and bottom includes heating water until the water reaches a temperature of between 180.degree. F. and 210.degree. F., applying a first portion of the heated water to the bottom and end seals of the package, mixing a second portion of the heated water with water having a temperature lower than the heated water to provide cooled water, and applying the cooled water to the top of the package. An apparatus for shrinking a package having a top, end seals, and bottom includes means for heating water until the water reaches a temperature of between 180.degree. F. and 210.degree. F.; means for applying a first portion of the heated water to the bottom and end seals of the package; means for mixing a second portion of the heated water with water having a temperature lower than the heated water to provide cooled water; and means for applying the cooled water to the top of the package.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.