Instrument and method for sealed penetration of rigid packaging to measure internal oxygen concentration with an optical oxygen analyzer

An assembly, comprising:

• (a) a first component comprising a mechanical punch press equipped with a longitudinally reciprocable fixture having a sharp-tipped, rigid, lumen defining, hollow piercing member extending in a first longitudinal direction from the fixture, and a longitudinal bore extending completely through the fixture and into fluid communication with the lumen of the piercing member, and
• (b) a second component comprising an oxygen analyzer having an oxygen sensitive luminescent sensor retained within a rigid, lumen defining, hollow, side-port needle proximate a distal end of the needle, with the fixture and the oxygen analyzer configured and arranged relative to one another for sealed, detachable, mounting of the oxygen analyzer onto the fixture with the needle extending into the bore of the fixture with the distal tip of the needle positioned within the lumen of the piercing member,
• (c) wherein (—) the assembly is operable, when the first and second components are assembled, as a benchtop instrument for sealed penetration of the oxygen sensitive luminescent sensor into sensible communication with an enclosed space of a sealed rigid package, and (—) the oxygen analyzer component of the assembly is operable, when the first and second components are disassembled, as a handheld instrument for sealed penetration of the oxygen sensitive luminescent sensor into sensible communication with an enclosed space of a flexible package.