Apparatus and method for exposing a container to a controlled environment

Abstract

An apparatus and method for exposing a container to a controlled environment. The apparatus includes an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. The first, second, and third manifolds are adapted for providing flow of a gas therethrough. At least one gas flow regulator is operably attached to the first, second, and third manifolds. At least one nozzle is positioned adjacent the second manifold. The at least one nozzle is adapted for providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold. The method includes providing an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. A flow of a gas is regulated through the first, second, and third manifolds. A composite gas stream is provided exiting through the second manifold.

1 . An apparatus for exposing a container to a controlled environment, the apparatus comprising: 
 an elongated rail including first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container, said manifolds adapted for providing flow of a gas therethrough;    at least one gas flow regulator operably attached to the first, second, and third manifolds; and    at least one nozzle positioned adjacent the second manifold; wherein the at least one nozzle is adapted for providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the gas flow regulator comprises a differential gas flow regulator.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the gas flow regulator comprises a network of apertures formed therein, the apertures generally decreasing in size as the gas flows therethrough.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second manifold comprises a tapered shape.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one nozzle is positioned in about the center of the second manifold.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the composite gas stream comprises at least two substreams flowing at a speed different from a speed of at least one other substream.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the composite gas stream comprises a slower moving gas stream exiting from the second manifold, the slower moving gas stream substantially encompassing a faster moving gas stream exiting from the at least one nozzle.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising gas deflecting members positioned adjacent to the first and third manifolds; wherein the gas deflecting members are contoured to deflect the gas exiting the first and third manifolds.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 providing an inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle for receiving a high-pressure gas; and    providing an inlet in fluid communication with the second manifold for receiving a low-pressure gas.    
     
     
         10 . A method of exposing a container to a controlled environment, the method comprising: 
 providing an elongated rail including first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container;    regulating flow of a gas through the first, second, and third manifolds; and    providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein regulating flow of the gas comprises differentially regulating flow of the gas.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein regulating flow of the gas comprises dispersing flow of the gas.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein providing the composite gas stream comprises accelerating a gas stream exiting the second manifold.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the composite gas stream comprises a slower moving gas stream exiting from the second manifold, the slower moving gas stream substantially encompassing a faster moving gas stream exiting from the at least one nozzle.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising centering the composite gas stream through the second manifold.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising deflecting the flow of the gas exiting the first and third manifolds.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising providing a low-pressure gas stream and a high-pressure gas stream to the second manifold.  
     
     
         18 . An apparatus for exposing a container to a controlled environment, the apparatus comprising: 
 an elongated rail including first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container    means for regulating flow of a gas through the first, second, and third manifolds; and    means for providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold.    
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  further comprising means for deflecting the flow of the gas exiting the first and third manifolds.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 18  further comprising means for providing a low-pressure gas stream and a high-pressure gas stream to the second manifold.