Abstract:
The present invention provides a gassing lance including a base and an extension. The base includes a docking port connectable to an input member for transmitting gas to the gassing lance, and the extension includes laminar and accelerator gassing elements for transmitting gas through the gassing lance at first and second flow rates. The gassing lance is affixable within a conventional forming tube of a packaging machine. The invention also provides a gas control panel for controlling and directing gas flow. The gas control panel includes first and second circuits for controlling laminar and accelerator gas flow, respectively, through the gassing lance. The gas control panel also includes a Programmagle Logic Control for controlling the first and second circuits based upon a desired gas characteristic input at an operator interface, and measured by a gas analyzer, thereby providing real-time-control of gas characteristics of gas exiting through the gassing lance.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims benefit of priority of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/422,152, filed Oct. 30, 2002. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     a. Field of Invention  
         [0003]     The invention relates generally to the control and distribution of gas flow, and, more particularly to an apparatus for directing and distributing gas, and an apparatus and method for continuous monitoring and control of gas properties during distribution thereof to a predetermined location, such as a food product container.  
         [0004]     b. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     Conventional gassing operations include the exchange and/or insertion of a gas from a food product container or other environmentally sensitive products. In the past, gassing systems have utilized gas control panels in conjunction with gassing lances to exchange and/or insert an environment gas as needed. As industry usage of conventional gas control panels and gassing lances has become increasingly diversified, there exists a present need for a compact, versatile and robust gassing system.  
         [0006]     As discussed above, gassing systems generally include a gas control panel in conjunction with a gassing lance for removal and/or insertion of an environment gas. A gassing lance is generally an extended tube, having inlet and exit openings, through which environment gas may be supplied into a package before sealing. The gassing lance may be installed in a generally vertically oriented forming tube of a packaging machine to direct gas into a package through its exit opening adjacent the bottom of the forming tube. After insertion of a specified amount of gas into the package, the package may be sealed. The inlet end of the gassing lance may be connected to a gas supply, which may be controlled by a gas control panel.  
         [0007]     In the industry, several problems however presently exist with the design and operational characteristics of conventional gassing lances and gas control panels.  
         [0008]     One such problem with conventional gassing lances is that the single exit opening or multiple exit openings adjacent the bottom of the tube can cause excessive turbulence as the gas exits, and thus cause the contents of the package to be unevenly distributed or the package seal area to become contaminated with product. For a gassing lance mounted on a horizontal flow wrapper as opposed to a generally vertical forming tube, it is apparent that in an horizontal orientation the above-identified problems are magnified. Accordingly, there exists a need for a gassing lance which is compact, versatile and robust, and which can provide sufficient gas flow to quickly transmit or exchange gas from a package without unnecessarily disturbing or contaminating the package contents.  
         [0009]     In the case of gas control panels, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,616 to Sanfilippo et al. (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference), there has been designed, manufactured and utilized herewith a first embodiment of a gas control panel in which a manifold may be used to supply gas to a gassing lance via solenoid valves. In the first embodiment of the gas control panel, the gas feed from each solenoid valve may be directed and controlled by a manually operated valve/flowmeter. Each valve/flowmeter may connect to a second manifold with a spool inserted therein for grouping with other valves/flowmeters. Each flowmeter may also include an outlet port. This gas control panel design has drawbacks in that it may be difficult for an operator to determine the grouping arrangement of the valves/flowmeters. Additionally, if the grouping arrangement of a set of valves/flowmeters is changed, it may become necessary to redesign the spool for the new valve/flowmeter arrangement.  
         [0010]     In yet a further development, there has been designed, manufactured and utilized herewith a second embodiment of a gas control panel in which electronic flowmeters may be used in conjunction with manually adjusted valves. The design of the second embodiment improves upon the first embodiment by replacing the manually operated valves/flowmeters. The design of the second embodiment is superior, in that the electronic flowmeters may be used to compensate for various parameters, such as gas temperature and gas pressure, which provides increased accuracy in the gas flow rate. The electronic flowmeters may also include an integral switch, which may be tied into a Programmable Logic Control (PLC), to alert an operator of flow problems, or to instruct an operator to perform a specified function.  
         [0011]     One drawback with the above-identified first and second embodiments is that the gas control panel may only be used to control a single specific gas flow through a gassing lance, and not for control of multiple gas flows through the gassing lance. Accordingly, there exists a need for a gas control panel which is compact, versatile and robust, and which can control multiple gas flows through a gassing lance.  
         [0012]     Another drawback of the above-identified first and second embodiments is that in order for an operator to be certain of the gas environment in a package, it is necessary for a test package to be destroyed after sealing to determine if the gas environment conforms to the required specifications for the package. If the gas environment in the package is out of conformity with the required specifications, it is necessary to manually adjust the valves and to re-test a new package until the required specifications are met. It is apparent that in a high-speed manufacturing environment, such a trial-and-error procedure, which requires system shut-down and manual adjustment of valves, can be extremely time consuming and detrimental to a production operation. Additionally, due to the requirement for manual adjustment of the valves, operator error can be a factor in the resulting precision and operational characteristics of the gas control panel.  
         [0013]     Various conventional gassing systems and associated inventions, which overcome some of the drawbacks and disadvantages of prior art gas control panels, are known and disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,306 to Taka and U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,733 to Eidsmore et al.  
         [0014]     For the U.S. patents cited above, from an operational standpoint, the industrial operation of the relatively inflexible and/or unautomated gassing systems of the past has resulted in a noticeable increase in the overall operational cost thereof, due to the drawbacks and disadvantages discussed above. From an assembly standpoint, the assembly and installation of complex gassing systems can be time-consuming and burdensome, and can further add to the overall costs associated with a manufacturing process. Lastly, from a maintenance and use standpoint, improvements in conventional gassing systems, which overcome the drawbacks and disadvantages discussed above would likewise provide improvement in the durability of the various components associated therewith.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0015]     The invention solves the problems and overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art gassing systems by providing novel gassing lance and gas control panel designs.  
         [0016]     Thus, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a gassing lance which is compact, versatile and robust, and which can provide sufficient gas flow to quickly transmit or remove gas from a package without unnecessarily disturbing or contaminating the package contents, or contaminating the package seal.  
         [0017]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a gassing lance which is capable of distributing multiple gas flow rates through multiple distinct channels into a package.  
         [0018]     Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a gassing lance which is installable on a conventional forming tube of a Vertical Form Fill Seal machine.  
         [0019]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a gassing lance which is relatively simple to manufacture, assemble and disassemble.  
         [0020]     Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a gas control panel which is compact, versatile and robust, and which is capable of installation onto conventional packaging systems.  
         [0021]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a gas control panel which is capable of reducing or virtually eliminating operator error by continuously monitoring and adjusting gas flow parameters as required, thereby maintaining specified gas parameters for a package.  
         [0022]     Specifically, the invention provides a gassing lance including a base and an extension. The base may include a docking port connectable to an input member for transmitting gas to the gassing lance. The extension may include laminar gassing elements for transmitting gas through the gassing lance at a first flow rate and accelerator gassing elements for transmitting gas through the gassing lance at a second flow rate. The first flow rate may be less than the second flow rate.  
         [0023]     For the gassing lance described above, the base may be removably connectable with the extension. The base may further include input and output laminar ports, input and output accelerator ports, and input and output analyzer ports. The docking port may likewise include input and output laminar ports, input and output accelerator ports, and input and output analyzer ports. When the docking port is connected to the base, the input laminar port, the input accelerator port and the output analyzer port on the base may be respectively interlinked with the output laminar port, the output accelerator port and the input analyzer port on the docking port, so as to enable the passage of gas between each of the respective input and output ports. The input member may include input and output laminar ports, input and output accelerator ports, and input and output analyzer ports. When the input member is connected to the docking port, the input laminar port, the input accelerator port and the output analyzer port on the docking port may be respectively interlinked with the output laminar port, the output accelerator port and the input analyzer port on the input member, so as to enable the passage of gas between each of the respective input and output ports.  
         [0024]     The docking port may be removably connectable to the base. The docking port may include an externally threaded surface engageable with an internally threaded engagement section on the input member. The docking port may include guide holes engageable with respective locating pins on the input member. The extension may include first and second ends, the first end being removably connectable with the base.  
         [0025]     The gassing lance may further include an accelerator tube including first and second ends. The first end of the accelerator tube may be connectable with the output accelerator port on the base and the second end of the accelerator tube may terminate substantially adjacent the second end of the extension. The accelerator tube may include holes having a central axis substantially orthogonal to a central axis of the accelerator tube. The accelerator tube may be removably connectable with the base by means of a set screw disposed in a threaded hole in the base. An end of the set screw may be engageable with the accelerator tube to connect the accelerator tube to the base. The accelerator tube may include an endpiece disposed adjacent the second end thereof. The endpiece may include an analyzer hole disposed substantially orthogonal to a gassing lance central axis. The analyzer hole may be interlinked with an output connector disposed on the endpiece. An analyzer tube may be connectable with the output connector to permit the transmission of gas from the analyzer hole to the input analyzer port on the base.  
         [0026]     The laminar gassing element may be disposed substantially adjacent the second end of the extension on a surface of the extension for transmitting gas substantially perpendicular a gassing lance central axis. The accelerator gassing element may include first and second accelerator gassing elements. The first accelerator gassing element may be disposed substantially adjacent the second end of the extension on a surface of the extension for transmitting gas substantially perpendicular the gassing lance central axis. The second accelerator gassing element may be disposed substantially adjacent the second end of the extension on an end of the extension for transmitting gas substantially parallel to the gassing lance central axis. The surface area of the laminar gassing element may be greater than the surface area of either the first accelerator gassing element, or the second accelerator gassing element, or both. Spacers may be disposable adjacent the second end of the accelerator tube. The spacers may include first openings along the gassing lance central axis and second openings disposed substantially orthogonal to the gassing lance central axis. The first opening may permit transmission of gas substantially parallel to the gassing lance central axis and the second opening may permit transmission of gas substantially orthogonal to the gassing lance central axis. The gassing lance may further include baffle elements disposable adjacent the spacers for controlling transmission of gas through the first and second openings in the spacers. An endcap may be disposed adjacent the second end of the extension.  
         [0027]     Each of the laminar and accelerator gassing elements may include wire meshes including microscopic holes enabling transmission of gas therethrough. The gassing lance cross section perpendicular to the gassing lance central axis may include a first generally curved surface and second generally flat surfaces. The curved surface may be disposable adjacent an inner surface of a forming tube when the gassing lance is mounted to the forming tube. The gassing lance may be mountable in a hole provided in the forming tube. When the gassing lance is mounted to the forming tube, the gassing lance docking port may protrude through the hole, and the gassing lance base and extension may be disposed inside the forming tube. The base may be disposed at an angle relative to the extension.  
         [0028]     The invention further provides a method of supplying gas through a gassing lance disposable in a forming tube of a packaging machine. The gassing lance may include a base including a docking port connectable to an input member for transmitting gas to the gassing lance, and an extension. The extension may include laminar and accelerator gassing elements for transmitting gas through the gassing lance. The method may include the steps of connecting the input member to the docking port, transmitting gas through the laminar gassing element at a first flow rate, and transmitting gas through the accelerator gassing element at a second flow rate. The first flow rate may be less than the second flow rate.  
         [0029]     For the method of supplying gas described above, the base may include input and output laminar ports, input and output accelerator ports, and input and output analyzer ports. Likewise, the docking port may include input and output laminar ports, input and output accelerator ports, and input and output analyzer ports. The method may further include the steps of connecting the docking port to the base, and thereby interlinking the input laminar port, the input accelerator port and the output analyzer port on the base with the output laminar port, the output accelerator port and the input analyzer port on the docking port, respectively, so as to enable the passage of gas between each of the respective input and output ports.  
         [0030]     The input member may include input and output laminar ports, input and output accelerator ports, and input and output analyzer ports. The method may further include the step of interlinking the input laminar port, the input accelerator port and the output analyzer port on the docking port with the output laminar port, the output accelerator port and the input analyzer port on the input member, respectively, so as to enable the passage of gas between each of the respective input and output ports. An internally threaded engagement section on the input member may be engaged to an externally threaded surface of the docking port to connect the input member to the docking port. Locating pins may be provided on the input member for engagement with respective holes in the docking port. The holes may guide engagement of the docking port with the locating pins on the input member.  
         [0031]     The extension may include first and second ends. The first end may be removably connectable with the base. An accelerator tube may be provided and may include first and second ends. The second end of the accelerator tube may terminate substantially adjacent the second end of the extension. The first end of the extension may be connected to the base, and the first end of the accelerator tube may be connected with the output accelerator port on the base. Holes may be provided in the accelerator tube. The holes may include a central axis substantially orthogonal to an axial length of the accelerator tube. The accelerator tube may be connected with the base by means of a set screw disposed in a threaded hole in the base. An end of the set screw may be engaged with the accelerator tube to connect the accelerator tube to the base. An endpiece disposed adjacent the second end of the accelerator tube may be provided. The endpiece may include an analyzer hole disposed substantially orthogonal to a gassing lance central axis. The analyzer hole may be interlinked with an output connector disposed on the endpiece. An analyzer tube may be connected with the output connector to permit the transmission of gas from the analyzer hole to the input analyzer port on the base.  
         [0032]     The accelerator gassing element may include first and second accelerator gassing elements. The laminar gassing element may be disposed substantially adjacent the second end of the extension on a surface of the extension for transmitting gas substantially perpendicular a gassing lance central axis. The first accelerator gassing element may be disposed substantially adjacent the second end of the extension on a surface of the extension for transmitting gas substantially perpendicular the gassing lance central axis. The second accelerator gassing element may be disposed substantially adjacent the second end of the extension on an end of the extension for transmitting gas substantially parallel to the gassing lance central axis. The surface area of the laminar gassing element may be greater than the surface area of the first accelerator gassing element or the second accelerator gassing element, or both.  
         [0033]     Spacers may be disposed adjacent the second end of the accelerator tube. The spacers may include first openings disposed along the gassing lance central axis and second openings disposed substantially orthogonal to the gassing lance central axis. The first opening may permit transmission of gas substantially parallel to the gassing lance central axis and the second openings may permit transmission of gas substantially orthogonal to the gassing lance central axis. Baffle elements may be disposed adjacent the spacers for controlling transmission of gas through the first and second openings in the spacers. An endcap may be disposed adjacent the second end of the extension.  
         [0034]     A plurality of microscopic holes may be provided in each of the laminar and accelerator gassing elements for enabling transmission of gas therethrough. The gassing lance cross section perpendicular to the gassing lance central axis may include a first generally curved surface and at least one second generally flat surface. The curved surface may be disposed adjacent an inner surface of a forming tube when the gassing lance is mounted to the forming tube. The gassing lance may be mounted in a hole provided in the forming tube. The gassing lance docking port may protrude through the hole, and the gassing lance base and extension may be disposed inside the forming tube. The base may be disposed at an angle relative to the extension.  
         [0035]     The invention yet further provides a gas control panel for controlling and directing gas flow. The gas control panel may include first circuits for controlling gas flow at a first flow rate through one or more gassing lances. An operator interface may be provided for setting forth a desired gas characteristic. A gas analyzer may be provided for measuring a gas characteristic for gas flowing through the gassing lances. The gas characteristic may constitute a measured gas characteristic, and correspond either directly or indirectly to the desired gas characteristic. A control system, namely a Programmable Logic Control may be provided for controlling the first circuit such that the measured gas characteristic corresponds to the desired gas characteristic.  
         [0036]     The gas control panel may further include second circuits for controlling gas flow at a second flow rate through the gassing lances. The Programmable Logic Control may control the first and second circuits such that the measured gas characteristic corresponds to the desired gas characteristic. The first flow rate may be less than the second flow rate. Gas may be supplied to the gas control panel via a gas supply. A filter-regulator may be provided for filtering and regulating flow of gas from the gas supply. A gas distribution manifold may be provided for distributing gas supplied from the filter-regulator to the first and second circuits.  
         [0037]     For the gas control panel described above, the first circuit may include an electronic pressure regulator for increasing or decreasing gas flow controlled by the first circuit based upon a gas flow reading by a flow indicator. The flow indicator may be connected in series between the electronic pressure regulator and a solenoid valve. The second circuit may likewise include an electronic pressure regulator for increasing or decreasing gas flow controlled by the second circuit based upon a gas flow reading by a flow indicator. The flow indicator may be connected in series between the electronic pressure regulator and a solenoid valve.  
         [0038]     The gas characteristic measured by the gas analyzer may be converted into a deliverable gas flow via a control scheme. Exemplary control schemes may include PID, Speed, Minimum, Maximum, Linear or Logarithmic, which may be utilized singly or in combination.  
         [0039]     During operational or non-operational states of a packaging machine, the first and second flow rates may be either constant, pulsed, dependent upon an operational speed of the packaging machine, dependent upon an operational state of the packaging machine, or variable. Alternatively, the first and second flow rates may be combinations of the above-identified flow rate. The first and second flow rates may be increased or decreased based upon the gas characteristic measurement. The Programmable Logic Control may be programmed for a plurality of flow rates corresponding to the desired gas characteristics.  
         [0040]     The invention further provides yet another gas control panel for controlling and directing gas flow. The gas control panel may include a plurality of circuits for controlling gas flow at a plurality of flow rates. An operator interface may be provided for setting forth desired gas characteristics. A gas analyzer may be provided for measuring gas characteristics of gas directed by the gas control panel. The gas characteristics may constitute measured gas characteristics and correspond either directly or indirectly to the desired gas characteristics. A Programmable Logic Control may be provided for controlling the circuits such that the measured gas characteristics correspond to the desired gas characteristics.  
         [0041]     The invention further provides a method of controlling and directing gas flow. The method may include the steps of providing first circuits for controlling gas flow at a first flow rate through one or more gassing lances, setting forth a desired gas characteristic, and measuring a gas characteristic for gas flowing through the gassing lances. The gas characteristic may constitute a measured gas characteristic and correspond either directly or indirectly to the desired gas characteristic. The method may yet further include the step of controlling the first circuit such that the measured gas characteristic corresponds to the desired gas characteristic.  
         [0042]     For the method described above, second circuits may be provided for controlling gas flow at a second flow rate through the gassing lances. The first and second circuits may be controlled such that the measured gas characteristic corresponds to the desired gas characteristic. The first flow rate may be less than the second flow rate. Gas from a gas supply may be filtered and regulated, and distributed to the first and second circuits. The gas flow controlled by the first and second circuits may be increased or decreased based upon a gas flow reading. The measured gas characteristic may be converted into a deliverable gas flow via a control scheme. Exemplary control schemes include PID, Speed, Minimum, Maximum, Linear or Logarithmic, which may be utilized singly or in combination.  
         [0043]     During operational or non-operational stages of a packaging machine, the first and second flow rates may be either constant, pulsed, dependent upon an operational speed of the packaging machine, dependent upon an operational state of the packaging machine, or variable. Alternatively, the first and second flow rates may be combinations of the above-identified flow rates. Lastly, the first or second flow rates may be increased or decreased based upon the gas characteristic measurement.  
         [0044]     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0045]     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:  
         [0046]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a gassing lance according to the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the gassing lance of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0048]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the gassing lance of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0049]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the gassing lance of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an accelerator flow port, taken along direction  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the gassing lance of  FIG. 1 , taken along section  5 - 5 ;  
         [0051]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a spacer which may be used to align the gassing lance of  FIG. 1  relative to a forming tube;  
         [0052]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary retaining nut which may be used to affix the gassing lance of  FIG. 1  onto a forming tube;  
         [0053]      FIG. 8  is a front enlarged view of a baffle element for the gassing lance of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 9  is a front enlarged view of a spacer which may be used to separate the baffle element of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of an endcap for the gassing lance of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0056]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the spacer of  FIG. 9 , taken along direction  11 - 11  in  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0057]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of the spacer of  FIG. 9 , taken along direction  12 - 12  in  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0058]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged end view of the gassing lance of  FIG. 1 , taken along direction  4 - 4 , with the endcap of  FIG. 10 , baffle elements of  FIG. 8  and the spacer of  FIG. 9  removed;  
         [0059]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged perspective view of a retention element for retaining the baffle elements of  FIG. 8  and the spacer of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0060]      FIG. 15  is an illustrative side view of an accelerator flow tube;  
         [0061]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of the gassing lance base;  
         [0062]      FIG. 17  is an enlarged perspective view of a quick connect, illustrating the flexible tubes for providing gas for laminar and accelerator flow, and for gas analysis;  
         [0063]      FIG. 18  is an illustrative perspective view of the gassing lance installed onto a forming tube, with the docking port of the gassing lance protruding through a hole in the forming tube;  
         [0064]      FIG. 19  is a rotated enlarged perspective view of the quick connect of  FIG. 17 , illustrating the locating pins and engagement areas of the quick connect;  
         [0065]      FIG. 20  is a cutout view of the gassing lance of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the layout of various internal components;  
         [0066]      FIG. 21  is a front view of the accelerator tube of  FIG. 15 , illustrating the location of an output connector for the flexible gas analyzer tube;  
         [0067]      FIG. 22  is a front view of a forming tube including a plastic bag installed thereon;  
         [0068]      FIG. 23  is a front view of a first embodiment of a related art gas control panel which has been designed, manufactured and utilized herewith;  
         [0069]      FIG. 24  is a front view of the top-most and middle internal components of the gas control panel of  FIG. 23 ;  
         [0070]      FIG. 25  is a front view of the bottom-most internal components of the gas control panel of  FIG. 23 ;  
         [0071]      FIG. 26  is a front view of the internal components of a second embodiment of a related art gas control panel which has been designed, manufactured and utilized herewith;  
         [0072]      FIG. 27  is a front view of a third embodiment of a gas control panel according to the present invention; and  
         [0073]      FIG. 28  is a front view of the internal components of the gas control panel of  FIG. 27 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0074]     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1-22 ,  27  and  28  illustrate components of a gassing lance system according to the present invention. The gassing lance system may include a gassing lance  40 , generally illustrated in  FIGS. 1-22 , and a gas control panel  260 , generally illustrated in  FIGS. 27 and 28 .  
         [0075]     Generally, the gassing lance system according to the present invention is a gas flushing system which may be installed in a conventional Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machine (not shown). Gassing lance  40  may be installed inside a forming tube (i.e. forming tube  62  described below) of a packaging machine (not shown) so as to deliver gas relatively close to the sealing bar of the packaging machine. Gas control panel  260  may be used to control and deliver the desired gas to gassing lance  40 .  
         [0076]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3  and  16 , gassing lance  40  may include a gassing lance base  41  (hereinafter “base”) and a gassing lance extension  43  (hereinafter “extension”). Base  41  may be removably connectable with extension  43 . A seal  45  may be provided on base  41 , as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , and/or in extension  43  for sealing the interconnection between the two members. Additionally, the interconnection area between base  41  and extension  43  may be bent at section  58  for facilitating alignment of gassing lance  40  with forming tube  62  (described below). An indented section  47  may be provided in base  41  for facilitating alignment of a docking port  44  (described below).  
         [0077]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , base  41  and extension  43  may each include a curved profile  50  on one face thereof, and an angled profile, including first, second and third surfaces  51 ,  53  and  55 , on the other face thereof. The face including curved profile  50  may be directed toward the inner wall surface of forming tube  62 , and the angled profile face may be directed toward the center of forming tube  62 .  
         [0078]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  6 ,  7 ,  18 ,  19  and  22 , a docking port  44  for connection of a quick connect  46  (described below) may be provided on base  41 . Docking port  44  may include a connector  49 , such as a screw or the like, for retention thereof onto base  41  of gassing lance  40 . Docking port  44  may further include a laminar gas port  48 , holes  52  for insertion of locating pins  64  (described below) provided in quick connect  46 , analyzer gas port  54  and accelerator gas port  56 . Laminar gas port  48 , analyzer gas port  54  and accelerator gas port  56  may each include an o-ring for sealing the connection with laminar, analyzer and accelerator gas ports  138 ,  142  and  144  (described below), respectively, of quick connect  46 . In order to obtain a reliable gas reading, analyzer gas port  54  must be sealed off completely. As discussed in greater detail below, analyzer gas port  54  allows gas control panel  260  (described below) to verify that the gas in the proximity of exemplary package  63 , shown in  FIG. 22 , is at the desired level prior to sealing thereof. The outer surface of docking port  44  may include threads  42 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , for permitting locking nut  57  to be threadedly engaged thereto. It is foreseeable that other means of providing a quick-connect feature for attachment of gas to docking port  44  may also be used. A spacer  59 , including a hole  61  for permitting insertion of docking port  44  therethrough, may be used to fasten gassing lance  40  securely to forming tube  62 .  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 4  and  10 , an endcap  66  may be provided at an end of extension  43  (i.e. left side of  FIG. 1 ). Endcap  66  may include projections  68  including threaded holes  72  for insertion of fasteners, such as screws, for securing endcap  66  to gassing lance  40 . A cutout  74  may be provided in endcap  66  for permitting exit of accelerator gas flow therethrough.  
         [0080]     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 8 ,  9  and  20 , a baffle element  76  may be provided between endcap  66  and each side face of a spacer  78  (described below) for controlling the velocity of accelerator flow exiting through gassing lance  40 . Baffle element  76 , which permits the exit of accelerator flow therethrough, may constitute a first accelerator gassing element. Baffle element  76  may include a plurality of meshed porous screens disposed in a layered configuration. Layering the screens for baffle element  76  allows for control of the flow velocity exiting therethrough, in conjunction with the gas pressure.  
         [0081]     Referring to  FIGS. 9, 11 ,  12  and  20 , as discussed above, a spacer  78  may be provided between baffle elements  76 . Spacer  78  may include an opening  92  and additional openings  82 ,  84 ,  86  and  88 , provided orthogonal to opening  92 , for permitting passage of accelerator flow therethrough. It is foreseeable that other opening configurations may also be used.  
         [0082]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 14 ,  15 ,  20  and  21 , a retention element  94  may be provided for enclosing and retaining baffle elements  76  and spacer  78 . Retention element  94  may include a cutout  96  sized to retain baffle elements  76  and spacer  78  therein. Additionally cutout  96  may be sized to fit over section  99  of end-piece  112  (described below). Retention element  94  may further include a curved face  95  on one side thereof, and an angled face  97 , constituting a second accelerator gassing element, on the other side thereof. Curved face  95  may be made of a non-porous material, such as stainless steel and the like. Angled face  97  may be made of one or more meshed screens similar in construction to baffle element  76  for permitting transmission of some of the accelerator flow therethrough.  
         [0083]     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16  and  20 , an accelerator tube  98  may be provided in gassing lance  40  to transmit gas from accelerator gas port  56  and out through the outermost baffle element  76  (i.e. first accelerator gassing element). Accelerator tube  98  may include a first end  102  which may be inserted into accelerator output port  104  in base  41 . Accelerator output port  104  may be interlinked with accelerator gas port  69  in base  41 . A set-screw  106  provided in base  41  may be used to secure accelerator tube  98  to base  41 . It is foreseeable that other retention means for accelerator tube  98  may also be provided. A second end  108  of accelerator tube  98  may include an end-piece  112 . Accelerator tube  98  may be welded to end-piece  112 , or attached thereto by other means known in the art. A plurality of spaced holes  114  may be provided in accelerator tube  98  for permitting some of the gas in accelerator tube  98  to enter into gassing lance  40  and exit through laminar gassing element  116 . Since the majority of accelerator flow exits through baffle element  76 , holes  114  reduce the velocity of the overall accelerator flow by distributing the excess pressure in accelerator tube  98  into the open area inside gassing lance  40 . It is apparent that the number of holes  114  may be increased or decreased to vary the amount of laminar flow needed through laminar gassing element  116 , or to increase or decrease the amount of accelerator flow through angled face  97  of retention element  94 . A bent section  118  may be provided in accelerator tube  98  for facilitating insertion of accelerator tube  98  into gassing lance  40  adjacent bent section  58 . Accelerator tube  98  may be made of a metal, such as stainless steel, or other similar materials.  
         [0084]     As shown in  FIGS. 10, 13 , and  20 , end-piece  112  may include holes  113  through which fasteners (not shown), such as screws, may be inserted for attachment of end-piece  112  to endcap  66 . It is apparent that the fasteners may be screwed on or otherwise connected into threaded holes  72  of endcap  66  to retain baffle elements  76  and spacer  78  therebetween.  
         [0085]     Referring next to  FIGS. 1, 3 ,  5 ,  16  and  20 - 22 , a flexible gas analyzer tube  128  may be connected at one end thereof to an output connector  122  mounted to end-piece  112 , and the other end thereof to an input connector  124  on base  41 . Input connector  124  may be interlinked with analyzer gas port  67  on base  41 . Additionally, a gas analysis hole  126  may be strategically located as shown on  FIG. 1  and interlinked with output connector  122 . The location of gas analysis hole  126 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is rather critical for obtaining reliable gas readings in the proximity of package  63 . If gas analysis hole  126  is not strategically located as shown in  FIG. 1 , the reading thereof may be more substantially influenced by factors such as the laminar and accelerator flow in package  63 .  
         [0086]     Referring to  FIG. 16 , laminar gas port  65  in base  41  may be interlinked with laminar output port  132 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , gas may exit through laminar output port  132  into the body of lance  40 . It is apparent however that a tube, similar in construction to accelerator tube  98 , may be affixed to laminar output port  132  to transmit gas from port  132  and out through laminar gassing element  116 . Additionally, laminar, analyzer and accelerator gas ports  65 ,  67  and  69 , respectively, on base  41 , may each include o-rings for sealing the interconnection with laminar, analyzer and accelerator gas ports  48 ,  54  and  56 , respectively, in docking port  44 .  
         [0087]     The flow output through laminar gassing element  116  and retention element  94 , which provides accelerator flow therethrough, may generally be perpendicular to forming tube  62 . It is apparent that gassing lance  40  may be configured such that the majority of accelerator flow may exit through baffle element  76 . It is also apparent that by distributing the accelerator flow through two outlets (i.e. retention element  94  and baffle elements  76 ), the overall velocity of the accelerator flow exiting through baffle element  76  is reduced.  
         [0088]     In a particular embodiment of gassing lance  40 , gas output through laminar gassing element  116  provides the initial volume for filling a package  63  and the accelerator flows through the angled face  97  of retention element  94  and baffle element  76  act to maintain the volume before sealing package  63 . The benefit of the laminar and accelerator flows is realized when packages of different volumes are filled. Speed parameters for filling packages and flow rate parameters of accelerator and laminar flow vary for the gassing lance system and are dependent upon the size of the package being filled. For example, in a typical packaging situation, the accelerator flow rate may be twice the laminar flow rate. For a forming tube  62  having a length of 35″, exemplary dimensions for gassing lance  40  may include an overall length of 36″, a width of 2″, a laminar gassing element having a length of 5″ along the axis of gassing lance  40  and a retention element  94  (for accelerator flow) having a length of 0.4″ along the axis of gassing lance  40 .  
         [0089]     Referring next to  FIGS. 1, 2  and  17 - 19 , quick connect  46  may be provided with an internally threaded engagement section  134 , for engagement with docking port  44 . Specifically, engagement section  134  may include complementary internal threads  136  for engagement with external threads  42  on docking port  44 . Laminar and accelerator gas ports  138  and  144 , respectively, in quick connect  46 , may be provided for transmitting gas to laminar gas port  48  and accelerator gas port  56 , respectively, in docking port  44 . Additionally, analyzer gas port  142  in quick connect  46 , may be provided for transmitting gas from analyzer gas port  54  in docking port  44 . Laminar, analyzer and accelerator gas ports  138 ,  142  and  144 , respectively, in quick connect  46 , and laminar gas port  48 , analyzer gas port  54  and accelerator gas port  56 , respectively, in docking port  44 , may each include o-rings for sealing the interconnection therebetween. Flexible tubes  146 ,  148  and  152  may be connected to laminar, analyzer and accelerator gas ports  138 ,  142  and  144 , respectively, disposed in housing  154 , and exit through a single conduit  156 . Tubes  146 ,  148  and  152  may be connected to gas supplies and a gas analyzer, as described below. It is foreseeable that other means may be utilized for providing a quick-connect to docking port  44  for supplying gas to gassing lance  40 .  
         [0090]     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 22 , gassing lance  40  may be disposed inside forming tube  62  of a conventional packaging machine (not shown) and extend through forming tube  62  so that the gas delivery areas (i.e. baffle element  76 , angled face  97  of retention element  94  and laminar gassing element  116 ) are relatively close to the sealing bar of the packaging machine. In a conventional operation, forming tube  62  may take film from a roll (not shown) and run it over shoulders  71 . The film may be folded into a round bag or tube having some overlap for the film. TEFLON tape  60  may be used to provide a sealing surface for heat-sealing a part of package  63 . As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 23 , the portion of extension  43  (i.e. endcap  66  and retention element  94 ) of gassing lance  40  may protrude out through the opening in forming tube  62  to transmit gas into a package  63 . It is foreseeable that gassing lance  40  may not protrude through forming tube  62  if the length of forming tube  62  is greater than that of gassing lance  40 .  
         [0091]     Gassing lance  40 , and the various components thereof described above, may be made of metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum, or other similar materials, or may be made of plastics, composites and other similar materials. Additionally, it is apparent from the above discussion that gassing lance  40  according to the present invention may be quickly assembled and disassembled for sanitation or for changeover purposes. Alternatively, the number of components of gassing lance  40  may be reduced by welding, for example. Such a reduction may make sanitation more difficult, but would render gassing lance  40  less expensive to manufacture.  
         [0092]     A gas control panel  260  according to the present invention, for transmitting and controlling the flow of gas to gassing lance  40 , will now be described in detail. However, before proceeding with the description of gas control panel  260 , in order to illustrate the novelty of gas control panel  260 , gas control panels  160  and  210 , which have been designed, manufactured and utilized herewith, and briefly described in the section titled “Description of Related Art,” will first be described in detail.  
         [0093]     Referring now to  FIGS. 23-25 , a first embodiment of a gas control panel  160  according to the present invention will now be described in detail.  
         [0094]     Gas control panel  160  for use in a pharmaceutical line, for example, may include an operator interface  162 , a power on switch  164 , an emergency stop switch  166 , a pressure indicator/switch  168  and flow indicators/switches  170 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 23 , nine flow indicators/switches  170  are illustrated. It is however apparent that the number of flow indicators/switches  170  may correspond to the number of flow control valves  206 .  
         [0095]     As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the front door of gas control panel  160  is shown in an open configuration to illustrate the various internal components thereof. Referring to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , gas control panel  160  may further include a power supply  174 , fuse terminals  176 , grounding terminals  178 , electronic terminals  182  and a Programmable Logic Control (PLC)  184  with I/O modules. Gas control panel  160  may further include a filter/regulator  188 , wiring duct  192 , phenolic tags  194 , gas distribution manifolds with solenoid valves  196  and flow indicators/switches  198 . Gas control panel  160  may yet further include electrical terminals  202  and pressure indicator/switch  204 .  
         [0096]     Referring next to  FIG. 25 , a plurality of manual flow control valves  206  having gas distribution hoses  208  attached thereto may also be provided in gas control panel  160 .  
         [0097]     In operation, if flow through the gas distribution hoses drops below a predetermined limit, flow indicators/switches  198  may be configured to sound an alarm. Manual flow control valves  206  may then be manually adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of flow, and to therefore obtain a desired gas environment in exemplary package  63 , shown in  FIG. 22  or at some other place.  
         [0098]     Referring now to  FIG. 26 , a second embodiment of a gas control panel  210  according to the present invention will now be described in detail.  
         [0099]     Gas control panel  210  for use in a food processing line, for example, may include a gas analyzer  212 . Gas analyzer  212  may include solenoid valves  213  mounted on a side thereof to allow switching to different ports. Allen-Bradley Flex I/O modules  214  and a SOLA power supply  216  may be provided adjacent gas analyzer  212 . It is foreseeable that other manufacturers may be employed to communicate with a Programmable Logic Control or other components of Gas control panel  210 .  
         [0100]     Gas control panel  210  may further include an auxiliary sample pump  218 , circuit breakers  222 , relays  224 , terminals  226 , an optoisolator  228 , a relay  232 , circuit breakers  234  and terminals  236 .  
         [0101]     Gas control panel  210  may yet further include a duplex receptacle  238  for 110 VAC power, a fan  242  located under duplex receptacle  238 , and a filter/regulator  244 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 26 , filter/regulator  244  may include a pressure indicator/switch  246  mounted thereon. Electronic pressure regulators  248  may be provided to regulate the gas pressure. Additionally, one or two units, each including nine point distribution manifold assemblies with manual flow control valves  252  and solenoid valves (not shown) may be provided. Each of the manifold assemblies may include valves  254  between each outlet port.  
         [0102]     Referring now to  FIGS. 27 and 28 , a third embodiment of a gas control panel  260  according to the present invention will now be described in detail.  
         [0103]     As shown in  FIG. 27 , gas control panel  260  may include indicator lights  261  showing the status of gas control panel  260 , an operator interface  262 , a power on switch  264 , an emergency stop switch  266 , and a gas supply  285 . The wiring layout for indicator lights  261 , operator interface  262 , power on switch  264 , and emergency stop switch  266  is shown in  FIG. 28 .  
         [0104]     As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the front door of gas control panel  260  is shown in an open configuration to illustrate the various internal components thereof. Referring to  FIG. 28 , gas control panel  260  may further include a cooling fan  268  for cooling the various electronic components therein, optoisolators  272 , a Programmable Logic Control  274  for controlling the various electronic components therein, terminals  276 , a power supply  278  and terminals  282 . Gas control panel  260  may further include a filter/regulator  284  for the desired gas and a gas distribution manifold  286 . Filter/regulator  284  may be connected between gas supply  285  and gas distribution manifold  286 . A left circuit  288  may be provided on gas distribution manifold  286  for laminar flow. Left circuit  288  may include an electronic pressure regulator  292 , a flow indicator  294  with analog and/or switch output in the middle thereof, and a solenoid valve  296  on the bottom. Flow indicator  294  may be connected in series between electronic pressure regulator  292  and solenoid valve  296 . Additionally, a manual flow restrictor valve can be placed in series. A right circuit  298  may be provided on gas distribution manifold  286  for accelerator flow. Right circuit  298  may include an electronic pressure regulator  302 , and a solenoid valve  304  on the bottom. Additionally, a manual flow restrictor valve can be placed in series. Gas control panel  260  may further include a gas analyzer  306 , a blow-off solenoid  308  adjacent a left surface of gas analyzer  306 , an inline filter  312  adjacent a right surface of gas analyzer  306 , and an inlet air filter  314 . Provisions may also be made to switch gas analyzer  306  to other ports using additional solenoid valves (not shown). Moreover, although not illustrated in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , as discussed above for left circuit  288 , right circuit  298  may also include a flow indicator (not shown) with analog and/or switch output in the middle thereof, the flow indicator being connected in series between electronic pressure regulator  302  and solenoid valve  304 .  
         [0105]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 16 ,  17  and  28 , flexible tubes  146 ,  148  and  152 , connected to laminar, analyzer and accelerator gas ports  138 ,  142  and  144 , respectively, of quick connect  46 , may be connected to solenoid valve  296 , inline filter  312  (connected to gas analyzer  306 ), and solenoid valve  304 , respectively, and exit through the single conduit  156 .  
         [0106]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 28 , gas analyzer  306  may measure the purity of the gas through gas analysis hole  126  in end-piece  112 . In operation, gas analyzer  306  may continuously draw a sample of the environment in the open space near a package (i.e. package  63  in  FIG. 22 ). The gas reading may then be displayed on operator interface  262 . This gas reading may be converted into a deliverable gas flow via a PID loop or other control schemes. The accelerator flow may be used in a pulsed mode, for example. The laminar flow may be compensated based upon the gas reading. In addition to being used for verification of the gas near package  63 , the gas reading by gas analyzer  306  may also be used to provide an operator with statistical information and related analysis of the operational characteristics of the gassing lance system (i.e. gassing lance  40  and gas control panel  260 ), as well as for checking individual sealed packages.  
         [0107]     In operation, flow indicator  294  may continuously provide a reading of the amount of gas flow in laminar tube  146  by using the analog I/O. This reading may then be sent to laminar electronic pressure regulator  292 , to increase or decrease the pressure in laminar tube  146 . Based upon the increased or decreased pressure, as discussed above, flow indicator  294  may continuously provide a reading of the amount of gas flow in laminar tube  146 . Accordingly, by continuously monitoring the amount of gas flow in laminar tube  146 , and continuously increasing or decreasing the pressure in laminar tube  146 , gas control panel  260  may attain and thereafter maintain a specified gas environment near a package (i.e. package  63 ). It is apparent that since the accelerator gas flow is generally pulsed, in order to adjust the gas environment near package  63 , for general applications of gassing lance  40  of the present invention, it may only be necessary to monitor and control the pressure in laminar tube  146 . It is however evident that if needed, the gas flow in accelerator tube  152  may also be monitored and controlled by an additional flow switch.  
         [0108]     The operation of the various electronic components of gas control panel  260  discussed above may be controlled by Programmable Logic Control  274 . Programmable Logic Control  274  may be programmed to remember a host of flow rates for specific operations and respond accordingly. This type of setup allows different “recipes” to be programmed into Programmable Logic Control  274 , based upon the type of product, container size, running speed, etc.  
         [0109]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 23-26  for gas control panels  160  and  210 , it is apparent that the number of components connected to a specific gassing lance  40  for gas control panel  260  may be duplicated as needed for configuring gas control panel  260  for operating multiple gassing lances  40  or for controlling gas to other types of devices (not shown).  
         [0110]     Referring to  FIG. 28 , the laminar and accelerator flows through flexible tubes  146  and  152 , respectively, may be controlled by gas control panel  260  in several different ways. For example, one or both of the laminar and accelerator flows may be preset at a first constant flow level during operation of a packaging machine, and otherwise be set to a second constant flow level, or turned off, during non-operational stages of the packaging machine. Likewise, one or both of the laminar and accelerator flows may be preset at a first variable flow level during operation of a packaging machine, and otherwise be set to a second variable flow level, or turned off, during non-operational stages of the packaging machine. For the variable flow setup, the flow parameters may be dependent on gas analyzer  306 , packaging machine speed, or other parameters, as would be apparent to a skilled artisan. Additionally, for the variable flow setup, a number of different control algorithms, such as PID, Speed, Minimum, Maximum, Linear, Logarithmic, etc., may be used to control and adjust the variable flow rate. Combinations of these modes may also be overlaid to achieve the desired control.  
         [0111]     In an alternative configuration, one or both of the laminar and accelerator flows may be preset at a variable flow level during operation of a packaging machine, and otherwise be set to a constant flow level, or turned off, during non-operational stages of the packaging machine. Additionally, the variable flow level during operation of the packaging machine may be changed to a constant flow level if the speed of the packaging operation exceeds a predetermined threshold.  
         [0112]     In yet another alternative configuration, one or both of the laminar and accelerator flows may be pulsed at fixed or variable intervals, depending on the operational state of a packaging machine.  
         [0113]     Referring to  FIGS. 22 and 28 , in an exemplary setup for supplying a specified gas environment to a package  63 , an operator may input a predetermined gas level into operator interface  262  based upon the specifications of package  63 . An operator may likewise specify the delivery parameters for delivering gas through gassing lance  40  (i.e. constant, variable, pulsed etc.). Gas supplied via gas supply  285  and through filter/regulator  284  may be distributed by gas distribution manifold  286 . Programmable Logic Control  274  may control the operation of the various electronic components to control laminar flow through flexible tube  146 , so that feedback from gas analyzer  306  may ramp the laminar flow up or down to maintain the gas level in the proximity of package  63  at a desired level. If specified, the accelerator flow through flexible tube  152  may be pulsed at a rate proportional to the operational timing of the particular packaging machine, and turned off momentarily before the sealing of package  63  to allow the contents thereof to settle. The above-identified operations may be repeated until an operator was to stop the gas delivery process or specify new parameters.  
         [0114]     Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.