ES2201542T3 - APPLIANCE AND FILLING PROCEDURE FOR POWDER. - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for transporting fine powder (20), comprising: placing the fine powder (20) in a hopper (12) having an opening (18); vibrate a vibrating element (28) inside the fine powder (20) near the opening (18); moving the vibrating element (28) from side to side of the opening (18) while the vibrating element (28) is vibrating; and collecting at least a portion of fine powder (20) that exits through the opening (18) into a chamber (24), in which the collected powder (20) is sufficiently unpacked, so that it can be dispersed by removing it from the camera (24).

Description

Apparatus and filling procedure for powder.

Introduction 1. Field of the invention

The present invention is related in general with the field of fine powder processing, and more specifically with administration of fine powder by means of a dosing container. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems, apparatus and methods for filling dosed containers with dispersible but not fluid fine powder medications, especially for inhalation

Effective administration to the patient is a Very important aspect of any drug treatment. A drug can be administered through different routes of administration and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The tablets, capsules, elixirs and other forms of administration by orally are perhaps the most appropriate way to administer a medicine, but many drugs have an unpleasant taste or Tablet size makes it difficult to swallow. In addition, some active ingredients are degraded in the gastrointestinal tract before of being absorbed This degradation is a problem especially important in the case of modern medicines that contain proteins as they are rapidly degraded in the tract gastrointestinal by proteolytic enzymes. The injection subcutaneous is usually an appropriate form of systemic administration, but it is poorly tolerated by patients and results in a series of disposable material, such as needles, with which staff The toilet can be accidentally punctured and difficult to dispose of. Since in some cases (e.g. insulin) it is necessary to inject the drug frequently (one or more times a day), the Medications given by injection may lead to poor compliance with the medical prescription by the patient. Therefore, a series of administration routes have been developed alternatives such as transcutaneous, intranasal, rectal, intravaginal and pulmonary.

Of special interest as regards the The present invention is the pulmonary route of administration. This way of administration is based on the patient's inhalation of a dispersible medicine or aerosol, such that the principle active content in the dispersion can reach the regions distal (alveolar) lung. It has been shown that certain medications are rapidly absorbed throughout the region alveolar, going directly to the bloodstream. The pulmonary administration is especially interesting in the case of proteins and polypeptides that are difficult to Administer through other routes. The route of administration pulmonary can be effective for both systemic administration as for the local administration, in the latter case for the Treatment of lung diseases.

Pulmonary administration (both systemic and local) can be done by different procedures, such as liquid nebulizers, metered dose inhalers (ID) and dry powder dispersion devices. The devices of Dry powder dispersion are especially interesting for the administration of medicines containing proteins and polypeptides that can be easily processed in powder form dry. Many unstable proteins and polypeptides can be stably stored as freeze dried or dried powders in spray, alone or in combination with suitable powder excipients. Another advantage of dry powder is that it has a much more concentration elevated than medications in liquid form.

However, protein administration and Polypeptides in the form of dry powder is problematic in certain aspects. Many times the dosage of the proteins and polypeptides, so it is necessary that any Dry powder management system used is capable of administer a predetermined, accurate and repeatable amount of medicine. In addition, many proteins and polypeptides are expensive, generally more expensive than conventional medications that administered at a certain dose per unit. Therefore, it is from great importance to manage the dry powder to the region lung target with minimal loss of medication.

In the case of some applications, the Fine powder medications are administered through devices of dispersion of dry powder contained in containers with a dose little. These receptacles sometimes have a lid or any other surface on which a puncture can be performed (usually known as alveolated container). For example, the dispersion devices described in the Patents of the United States No. 5,785,049 and 5,740,794 are constructed to accommodate such a receptacle. By placing the receptacle in the device, is passed through the plug of the receptacle a Multi-flow ejector with a feeding tube to pass the medicine in powder form. The multi-flow ejector also serves to create air intake holes in the cap that allow the air passage through the receptacle to drag and evacuate the medicine. The propellant system of this system consists of a high velocity air stream flowing through a portion of the tube, such as an outlet end, to remove the dust the receptacle through the tube and pass it through the air stream to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by the patient The high speed air stream carries dust from the receptacle in partially broken down form, and the final disaggregation takes place in the mix volume, just below the high air intake ducts speed.

The physical characteristics of the little powders fluids are especially interesting for the present invention. Low fluid powders are those that have physical characteristics, such as fluidity, which depend on cohesion forces existing between the individual units or particles (from now on forward "individual particles") that form the powder. In these cases, the dust does not flow well because the particles individuals move with difficulty independently ones with with respect to the others, and they move as formed groupings For many particles. When this type of powder is subjected to a little intense force, the dust will not flow at all. Nevertheless, when the force acting on the dust increases to exceed cohesion forces, dust moves into large "pieces" of agglomerated individual particles. When the dust is in rest, large particle agglomerations remain individual, which makes the dust density not homogeneous due to the existence of voids and low density areas located between large agglomerations as well as the presence of areas of local compression

This type of behavior tends to increase as the size of the individual particles becomes more small. This is logical, since, as the particles are made smaller, cohesion forces, such as van Der's Waals, electrostatic and friction, get older in comparison with the gravitational and inertial forces that can apply to individual particles due to their small mass. This is important in regards to the present invention, since that the gravitational and inertial forces produced by the acceleration, as well as other acting phenomena, are used generally for the processing, movement and dosing of powder.

For example, when the fine powder is dosed before placing it in the dosing receptacle, the powder many times it agglomerates unevenly, which creates gaps and excessive variation in density, thus reducing accuracy of the volumetric dosing process that is usually used to the dosage in large-scale processing in which the Productivity is important This non-uniform agglomeration is a also inconvenient because it is necessary to reduce the agglomerates of dust to individual particles (e.g., to make the powder dispersible) for pulmonary administration. Such Deagglomeration is often performed on devices dispersion due to the disaggregation forces created by the stream of air used to extract the medication from the dose receptacle or any other container, or by means of any other mechanical energy transfer mechanism (e.g. eg, ultrasound, fan, rotor, etc.). However, when small dust agglomerates are too compact, the force of disaggregation of the air flow or any other dispersion mechanism will not be enough to disperse so Effective medicine in individual particles.

The way to avoid agglomeration has been sought of the individual particles creating mixtures of multiphase powders (generally, an excipient or diluent), in which they are combined larger individual particles (sometimes different sizes), for example between 1 and 5 µm. In this case, the Smaller particles stick to larger ones so that during processing and filling the powder has the characteristics of a 50 µm powder.

This powder is more fluid and can be dosed more easily. A disadvantage of this type of powder, however, is that it is difficult to separate small particles from large ones, and the resulting formula is mainly composed of an agent bulky fluid that may end up in the device or in the pathways Respiratory of the patient.

Among the methods that are currently used for filling dose receptacles with medication in powder is the direct discharge, in which the granulated powder it is poured directly by the force of gravity (sometimes this method is combined with stirring or stirring) in a chamber dosage. When the camera is full to the desired level, the medication is expelled from the chamber to the receptacle. In this direct pouring process, variations in the density, which reduces the effectiveness of the dosing chamber to when accurately measuring the dose of the medication. In addition, the powder is in granular state, which can be a inconvenient in many applications.

Some attempts have been made to reduce the density variability by compacting the powder in the chamber of Dosage or before depositing it. However, the Compaction is not desirable, especially when it comes to dust composed only of fine particles, since it produces a decreased dust dispersibility (i.e., reduces chances that the compacted powder is broken down into individual particles during administration to the lung through of the dispersion device).

It would be desirable to have systems and methods to process fine powders that resolved or reduced to the maximum These and other problems. Such systems and methods should allow precise dosing of fine powder when divided into doses individual for placement in the dose receptacle, especially in filling low dough. These systems and methods they should also ensure that fine dust remains acceptably dispersible during processing, such that fine dust can be used in inhalation devices existing ones that require dust to be broken down into particles individual before administration by pulmonary route. Further, these systems and methods should allow fast processing of the fine powder so that it can quickly fill the dose receptacle in large quantities of the drug in powder to reduce production costs.

2. Current status of the issue

U.S. Patent No. 5,765,607 describes a machine for dosing the product in containers, and It includes a dosing unit to supply the product to the containers

U.S. Patent No. 4,640,322 describes a machine that applies a subatmospheric pressure through of a filter to extract the material directly from a hopper e Insert it laterally into a non-rotating chamber.

U.S. Patent No. 4,509,568 describes an apparatus for processing granulated material that use a rotating blade to remove the granulated material.

U.S. Patent No. 2,540,059 describes a device for filling with powder having a stirrer wire loop loop rotary to remove dust in a hopper before pouring directly into a dosing chamber through gravity.

German patent DE 3607187 describes a mechanism for the dosed transport of fine particles.

The "Powder Filler" business brochure E-1300 "describes a dust filler manufactured by Perry Industries, Corona, CA.

U.S. Patent No. 3,874,431 describes a machine for filling powder capsules. This machine It uses extraction tubes located in a rotating turret.

British Patent No. 1,420,364 describes a membrane assembly that is used in a dosing cavity to Measure the amount of dry powder.

British Patent No. 1,309,424 describes a apparatus for filling with powder that has a dosing chamber with a piston head that is used to create a back pressure in the camera.

Canadian Patent No. 949,786 describes a powder filling machine with cameras Dosage that get into the powder. Then, the vacuum is used to fill the chamber with dust.

U.S. Patent No. 5,377,727 describes an apparatus for dosing and administering granulated material or in particles provided with a container conveyor, a input roller with distributed measuring boxes axially, a hopper located above the input roller and a filling channel located between the conveyor and the roller entry. Inside the hopper, there is a device that locks the bar of the agitator.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention consists of a system, a apparatus and a method according to claims 39, 20 and 1, respectively, for the dosed transport of fine powder to a dosing receptacle In an example of this method, the powder Fine is transported by shaking it first with a vibrating element and at least a portion of the fine powder is then collected. Fine dust collected is then transferred to a receptacle. The fine powder remains unpacked enough to be dispersed when leaving the receptacle. Generally, fine powder is a medicine formed by individual particles with an average size smaller than about 100 µm, generally less than about 10 µm, more specifically with a size within a range between 1 and 5 µm.

Preferably, the fine powder is placed in a hopper that has an opening in the bottom. There is a vibration to stir fine dust. The vibrating element produces a vibration of the dust near the opening, which contributes to the transfer of a portion of the fine powder through the opening, where it can be picked up in a camera. Element vibration vibrator also contributes to the breakdown of dust within the dosing chamber, so that the chamber can be filled more uniformly.

The vibrating element preferably vibrates towards up and down in relation to dust (ie in the sense vertical). On the other hand, an ultrasonic horn is used for vertical vibration of the vibrating element. As an alternative, the vibrating element may consist of a rod that vibrates towards forward and backward (that is, laterally). Other Alternatively, the vibrating element vibrates in an orbital direction. On the other hand, the rod is attached to a piezoelectric motor that It makes the rod vibrate. Preferably, the vibrating element vibrates vertically at a frequency that is within a range approximately 1,000 to 180,000 Hz, preferably within of an interval of approximately 10,000 to 40,000 Hz, and better still within a range of approximately 15,000 to 25,000 Hz. Preferably, the rod vibrates laterally at a frequency within a range of between about 50 and 50,000 Hz, preferably within a range of approximately 50 and 5,000 Hz, better still within a range of approximately between 50 and 1,000 Hz.

On the other hand, the vibrating element has a distal end located near the opening. In addition, the end distal has a terminal part that vibrates on the chamber to facilitate the transfer of fine dust from the hopper to the camera. The terminal part is preferably projected in the direction lateral outward from the vibrating element. In addition, the part terminal has a cylinder when the vibrating element vibrates in vertical sense In another embodiment of the present invention, the terminal part has a transverse part when the rod vibrates laterally. Preferably, the terminal part is vertically dispensing the camera for a distance that is within a range of approximately 0.01 to 10 mm, and better yet within a range of about 0.5 to 3.0 mm This distance helps keep dust out when it is transferred to the camera.

The vibrating element moves from side to side of the opening while vibrating. For example, the vibrating element can move from side to side of the opening at a speed preferably less than 100 cm per second. However, the concrete speed of the vibrating element will normally depend on the vibration frequency of the vibrating element. In this way, the vibrating element sweeps the camera from one end to another while vibrates

The movement of the vibrating element is especially useful when more than one camera is aligned with the opening. In this way, the vibrating element is used to facilitate the transfer of fine dust from the hopper to each of the cameras. Optionally, a series of elements or rods They can vibrate inside the hopper near the openings. Preferably, the rods will be aligned with each other and be they will move along the opening while vibrating, although in some cases some of the vibrating elements or rods can remain motionless on each of the cameras.

To facilitate the collection of fine dust in the chamber, preferably air is drawn through the part of below the chamber to extract fine dust and introduce it into the camera. After collecting fine dust, this is preferably transferred to a receptacle. Preferably, the Fine dust transfer is done by introducing compressed gas in the chamber to expel fine dust inside the receptacle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the powder contained in the hopper is leveled periodically. By example, the dust can be leveled by placing a protruding element on the distal end of the vibrating element. In this way, the protruding element vibrates along the vibrating element. When he vibrating element moves along the hopper, the element projection tends to level the dust contained in the hopper. In a embodiment of the present invention, the powder transfer is performed in an environment in which the degree of humidity.

On the other hand, the powder is transferred to the hopper from a secondary hopper. Preferably, the secondary hopper vibrates to transfer dust over a channel through which it passes to the main hopper. In addition, periodically the camera and be replaced by another of different size to adjust the camera volume Thus, by the present invention Different doses can be processed.

The present invention further provides a apparatus for transporting fine dust. The apparatus comprises a hopper It contains fine dust. It also includes at least one chamber, which is placed very close to the hopper opening. Too It has a vibrating element, which has a proximal end and a distal end The vibrating element is placed inside the hopper, such that the distal end is located near the opening. The device also has a vibrator to make vibrate the vibrating element when it is inside the dust. This shape, the vibrating element can vibrate to stir fine dust, which facilitates its transfer from the hopper to the chamber. Preferably, the vibrator has an ultrasonic horn that vibrates the vibrating element with a movement from top to bottom (that is, vertical). Alternatively, an engine can be used piezoelectric to vibrate the vibrating element in the direction side.

The apparatus also includes a mechanism for move the vibrating element or rod over the chamber when the vibrating element vibrates. Such a mechanism is especially useful when more than one camera is used in a rotating element that rotates to align the cameras with the opening. Then the mechanism of displacement is used to move the vibrating element over the rotating element, such that the vibrating element passes over each of the chambers to facilitate the filling of each one with the powder. Preferably, the displacement element has a linear propulsion mechanism that moves the rod along the opening at a speed of less than 100 cm per second.

On the other hand, the vibrator is set to vibrate the vibrating element with a movement from top to bottom (i.e., vertical) with a frequency within a range of approximately 1,000 to 180,000 Hz, preferably within a range of approximately between 10,000 and 40,000 Hz, and better still understood within a range of approximately 15,000 to 25,000 Hz. When vibrating vertically, the vibrating element preferably it comprises a cylindrical rod, which has a diameter that is within a range of approximately between 1.0 and 10 mm. When vibrating laterally, the vibrating element preferably it comprises a metal rod or wire, which has a diameter that is within a range of approximately between 0.01 and 0.04 inches.

Preferably, a terminal element is attached to the distal element of the vibrating element to facilitate the fine dust agitation. Preferably, the terminal element it is separated vertically from the camera by a distance that is within a range of approximately 0.01 to 10 mm, preferably within a range of about 0.5 and 3.0 mm. In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus It has a series of vibrating elements, so that more A vibrating element can vibrate inside the fine dust.

On the other hand, inside the camera there is a rotating element, which makes, in a first position, the chamber is aligned with the opening of the hopper, and, in a second position, the camera is aligned with a receptacle. This shape, in the first position, the camera can be filled with dust. Then, the rotating element is rotated until it reaches the second position to make the powder expelled from the chamber to receptacle. Preferably, the chamber has a conduit, which is in communication with a vacuum source to facilitate the Extraction of fine dust from the hopper into the chamber. Preferably, a filter is placed in the conduit to facilitate dust collection. Preferably, a gas source is placed compressed also in communication with the duct to expel the dust collected from the chamber to the receptacle. You can place a controller to control the gas source, the vacuum source and the vibrator operation.

The apparatus may also include a mechanism. to adjust the amount of dust collected in the chamber depending on of the volume of this one. Thus, the amount collected will be equal to the amount needed for the dose. This adjustment mechanism can have an edge to remove fine dust that extends through on top of the camera In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mechanism comprises a thin metal plate, which has a opening that can be aligned with the chamber during filling. When the rotating element rotates, the edge of the opening eliminates excess dust contained in the chamber.

On the other hand, the vibrating element includes a protruding element, which is separated above the distal end. The protruding element serves as a leveler to level the dust contained in the hopper since this element moves along the hopper.

In addition, the device has a hopper secondary to store the dust until the moment of being transferred to the main hopper. The secondary hopper vibrates by a mechanism that produces jolts when the dust is going to transfer to main hopper. Preferably, the powder passes to channel located below, so that it is possible to transfer the powder without interfering with the action of the vibrating element along of the main hopper.

On the other hand, the camera is located in a removable part of the device, so the camera size it can be changed simply by adding a rotating element to the camera of different size.

The present invention further provides a system for the transport of fine dust. This system comprises a series of rotating elements, each of which includes a row of cameras It has a hopper located above each one of the rotating elements, and has an opening that allows Transfer the powder to the cameras. Each hopper has an element vibrator, and there are vibrators to vibrate the elements in vertical sense In addition, there is a displacement mechanism for move the vibrating elements along the hoppers with the in order to facilitate the transfer of dust from the hoppers to the cameras A controller can be used to control the operation of rotating elements, vibrators and the displacement mechanism

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an example apparatus for transporting fine powder according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a more detailed view of a chamber of the apparatus of Fig. 1, showing the vibrating rod moving over the chamber according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a front perspective view from the left of an example system of the present invention for transporting powder according to the invention.

Figure 5 is a front perspective view from the right of the system of Fig. 4.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the system of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of an alternative apparatus for transporting fine powder according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of another alternative device for transporting fine dust according to the present invention

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of another alternative device for transporting fine dust according to the present invention

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of an apparatus for transporting fine powder of according to the present invention.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 10 seen along the lines 11-11.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 10 seen along the lines 12-12

Figure 13 is a detailed view of a rotary element of the apparatus of Fig. 10.

Figure 14A is a schematic representation of a leveling mechanism to remove excess dust that there could be a rotating element in the chamber.

Figure 14B is a front view of the leveling mechanism of Fig. 14A mounted above the rotating element.

Figure 14C is a perspective view of a alternative mechanism to remove excess dust that could having in the chamber a rotating element according to the invention.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a preferred system for transporting dust according to the present invention.

Detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention

The present invention provides methods, systems and an apparatus for the dosed transport of fine dust to receptacles The powder is very fine (of an average size of less than approximately 20 µm, generally of an average size of less of about 10 µm, and more frequently of a size medium within a range of about 1 to 5 µm), although in some cases the invention may be useful with particles larger (for example, up to about 50 µm or plus). The fine powder can be composed of different components and preferably comprises a medicament, such as proteins, nucleic acid, carbohydrates, pH stabilizing salts, peptides, other small molecules, etc. The receptacles in which the fine powder is introduced are preferably receptacles of dose. The receptacles are used to store the dose of the medication until its administration by pulmonary route. To extract the medicine in the receptacle, a device can be used inhalation, such as those described in the United States Patents United States No. 5,785,049 and 5,740,794.

However, the methods of the present invention They are also useful for preparing powder to be used in others inhalation devices that are based on dust dispersion fine.

Preferably, the receptacles are filled with a precise amount of fine powder to ensure that the patient will use the precise dose. When transported and dose the fine powder, it must be handled carefully and not must be compressed, so that the amount that is entered in the receptacle be sufficiently dispersible when used in existing inhalation devices. Fine dust prepared according to the present invention will be especially useful with, but not only, "low inhalation devices energy "manually operated or based solely on the inhalation to disperse the dust. With these devices inhalation, the powder will preferably be dispersible or removable at least 20% (by weight) in an air flow; preferably it will be dispersible at least 60%, and better yet it will be dispersible at least 90%, as defined in US Patent No. 5,785,049, previously incorporated by reference. Since the Economic cost of producing fine powder medicines is generally quite high, preferably the medication will be dosed and transported in the receptacles with minimal losses of fine dust. Preferably, the receptacles will be filled quickly with the amount of powder in the dose, so that a large number of receptacles can be profitably produced containing the dosed medication.

In accordance with the present invention, the Fine particles are collected in a dosing chamber (which, preferably, it has a size that defines the volume of the dose). One of the preferred methods for collecting dust consists of air extraction through the chamber, so that the air drag force acts on small conglomerates or individual particles, as described in the Patent of United States No. 5,775,320. In this way, the fine fluid powder fills the chamber without major compaction or substantial void formation. In addition, dust collection of this way allows precise and repeatable powder dosing fine without decreasing its dispersibility. Air flow passing through the camera may vary in order to control The density of dust collected.

Once the fine powder has been dosed, it Expel into the receptacle in an amount equal to the dose. The fine powder is currently sufficiently dispersible, such so that it can be dragged and sprayed into the turbulence of the air flow created by the inhalation device or from dispersion. Such a process is described in US Pat. No. 5,775,320.

The agitation of the fine powder is carried out preferably by vibrating a vibrating element placed inside the fine powder near and above the chamber of dust collection Preferably, the vibrating element vibrates from top down (that is, vertically). Alternatively, the vibrating element can vibrate laterally. Can be used a series of mechanisms to vibrate the vibrating element, such as an ultrasonic horn, a piezoelectric motor, a engine that rotates a cam or crankshaft, a solenoid electric, etc. Alternatively, you can spin a thread Loop-shaped metal inside the powder to make it fluid. Although agitation of the fine powder is preferably performed by vibrating the vibrating element inside the fine dust, in some cases it may be preferable to make the element vibrate vibrator just above the powder to make it fluid.

Next, an example of realization of an apparatus 10 for dosing and transporting doses of fine medicine powder, referring to Fig. 1 and 2. The apparatus 10 is formed by a bucket or hopper 12, which it has an upper part 14 and a lower part 16. In the part bottom 16, there is an opening 18. Inside the hopper 12 there is a bed of fine powder 20. Such a process facilitates the transfer of dust from bed 20 to chamber 24. While it is vibrating, the rod 28 moves over chamber 24, as indicated by the arrow 34. In this way, the agitation of the powder bed 20 is will essentially produce over the entire opening of the chamber 24. In addition, the displacement of the rod 28 will also do that the rod 28 moves over other chambers, so that These can be filled in a similar way.

As indicated by arrow 42, rod 28 will be preferably separated vertically from the rotating element 22 for a distance that will be within a range of approximately between 0.01 and 10 mm, preferably within a range of approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm. This spacing vertical is preferable to make sure the dust located immediately above the cavity will become more fluid and may be introduced in chamber 24. Referring now to Figs. 4-6, an example of embodiment of a transfer and dosing system 44 in accordance with the present invention System 44 is based on the principles described above with respect to the apparatus 10 of Figs. 1-3. System 44 is formed by a base 46 and a frame 48 to maintain a rotating element 50. The element Rotary 50 includes a series of cameras 52 (see Fig. 6). The rotating element 50, including chambers 52, preferably it will have compression and vacuum ducts similar to those described in United States Patent pending grant No. 08 / 638,515. In short, a vacuum is created to facilitate dust extraction and its introduction in the cameras. When filling cameras 52, the rotating element 50 rotates until the chambers 52 are facing down. At that time, a compressed gas passes through the chambers 52 to expel the dust collected in the receptacles, such as is currently done normally in packaging honeycomb

Placed above the rotating element 50, there is a hopper 54, which has an elongated opening 56 (see Fig. 6). Mounted on frame 48, there are a number of engines piezoelectric 58. Together with each of these motors piezoelectric 58, there is a rod 60. An example of a motor Piezo is the one manufactured by Piezo Systems, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts. These piezoelectric motors consist of two Piezoceramic layers, each of which has an electrode external. An electric field is applied through the two electrodes outer to make one of the layers expand while the Another contracts.

The rod 60 is preferably made of stainless steel and has a diameter comprised within a range of about 0.02 to 0.40 mm, preferably within a range of approximately 0.08 to 0.16 mm

However, it should be noted that the Rod 60 can be manufactured with other shapes and materials. By For example, a series of rigid materials can be used, such Like other metals and metal alloys other than steel, wire metallic, carbon fiber, plastics, etc. Rod shape 60 does not necessarily have to be circular, and may not be uniform in its cross section, the important thing being its ability to shake the powder near the distal end of the rod to make Make the powder more fluid. A perpendicular transverse element 62 (see Fig. 6) will preferably be attached to the distal end of rod 60. Optionally, one or more elements can be placed transverse above the distal transverse element to facilitate the removal of any layer that could have been created in the Bed of dust during operation. When they are running, the rods will preferably vibrate at a frequency within a range of about 5 to 50,000 Hz, preferably within a range of approximately 50 to 5,000 Hz, and better yet within a range of about 50 to 1,000 Hz.

Piezoelectric motors 58 are attached to a displacement mechanism 64 that moves the rods 60 to length of the hopper 54. When it moves, the transverse element preferably it will be separated above the chambers 52 by a distance within a range of approximately between 0.01 and 10 mm, preferably within a range of approximately between 0.1 and 0.5 mm. Displacement mechanism it is formed by a rotating drive roller 66 which makes turn a belt 68, which, in turn, is attached to a platform 70 which travels on an axis 72 when roller 66 is driven. in this way, the rods 60 are moved forward and towards back inside hopper 54, such that rods 60 vibrate on each of the cameras 52. The displacement mechanism 64 it is used to pass the rod 60 over the cameras 52 so many times as desired when cameras are filling 52. Preferably, the rod 60 will travel at a speed of less than about 200 cm per second, preferably of less than 100 cm per second. Rod 60 will preferably pass on each of the cameras at least once, and better yet two times.

When the device is in operation, it will fill hopper 54 with the fine powder to be transferred to the chambers 52. Then, the vacuum is extracted through each of the chambers 52, while these align with the opening 56. At the same time, piezoelectric motors 58 are driven to do vibrating the rods 60. The displacement mechanism 64 is actuated to move the rods 60 forward and backward within the hopper 54 while the rods 60 are vibrating. The vibration of  the rods 60 stir the fine powder to facilitate its transfer to cameras 52. When cameras 52 are sufficiently filled, the rotating element 50 rotates 180º to place cameras 52 in the down position. When he rotating element 50 rotates, a blade located at the bottom edge from hopper 54 removes any excess dust that may exist so that all cameras are level and contain only the amount of fine powder that is required for the dose.

When cameras 52 are in the position towards below, a compressed gas is released through each of the chambers 52 in order to expel fine dust within the receptacles (not shown in Figures). In this way, it get a convenient method to transfer fine dust from a hopper to receptacles in dosed form.

An embodiment is described in Fig. 7 alternative of an apparatus 74 to transfer dosed quantities of fine dust. The apparatus 74 is formed by a housing 76 and a piezoelectric substrate 78 that works attached to housing 76. The piezoelectric substrate 78 has a series of holes 80 (or a grating). Placed on top of the substrate 78, there is a hopper 82, which it has a bed of fine powder 84. Attached to the substrate 78, there are a couple of electrical cables 86 for substrate operation piezoelectric 78. When power is supplied alternative to cables 86, the substrate 78 expands and contracts, which produces a vibration, as shown by arrow 88. At its instead, the holes 80 vibrate to facilitate bed agitation of dust 84, in order to make the powder easily fall to through the holes 80 inside a chamber. It also can use a rotating element that is in communication with a pressure source, as described in the embodiment of the present invention. This rotating element is used in order to facilitate fine dust collection and expeler more easily the dust collected inside the receptacles.

In Fig. 8, another embodiment of a 100 apparatus for transferring fine dosed powder. The apparatus 100 functions in the same way as apparatus 10 which has been described above, except that the piezoelectric motor has been replaced by a motor 102 that has a shaft 104 that drives a crank shaft 106. When crank shaft 106 is moved alternatively, a rod 108 vibrates inside a hopper 110 which It contains 112 dust. Then, the powder, once agitated, is collected in a chamber 114 in a manner similar to that already described. Besides, the rod 108 travels over chamber 114 during vibration of similar to that already described in the case of other embodiments of The present invention.

Fig. 9 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 120 to transfer fine powder dose. The apparatus 120 is formed by a motor 122 that spins a loop of metallic wire 124. As shown in the Figure, the metal wire loop 124 is inside a bed of fine dust just above a chamber 128. Thus, when the metal wire loop 124 rotates, the dust becomes more fluid and is extracted inside chamber 128 of similar to that described in the case of previous embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the metal wire loop 124 is moves over chamber 128 during its rotation similar to the one already described in previous embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 10 describes another embodiment of a 200 apparatus for transporting fine dust. The apparatus 200 operates from similar to those already described in previous embodiments of the present invention Thus, the powder is transferred from a hopper to a dosing chambers of a rotating element. From the rotating element, dust is expelled into the receptacles in amounts equal to the dose.

The apparatus 200 is formed by a frame 202 which holds a rotating element 204, such that this rotating element can rotate by the action of a motor (no shown in Figure) which is in frame 202. Frame 202 also holds a main bucket or hopper 206, located above of the rotating element 204. Above the hopper 206, there is a vibrator 208. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, an element vibrator 210 is coupled to vibrator 208. Vibrator 208, to its instead, it is coupled to an arm by means of a collar 214. The arm 212, in turn, it is coupled to a displacement platform 216. It uses a 217 propeller motor to displace the platform of offset 216 forward and backward in relation to the frame 202. In this way, the vibrating element 210 moves back and forth inside hopper 206.

Again in reference to Figs. 11 and 12, the apparatus 200 further includes a secondary hopper 218 placed by above the main hopper 206. The secondary hopper 218 has wings 219 that allow to remove and put the secondary hopper 218 in the frame 202 inserting wings 219 into slots 220. Hopper 218 it is formed by a housing 222 and a tubular section 224 for Store the dust. From housing 222 to the inside of the Hopper 206 extends a conduit when hopper 218 is attached to the frame 202. Tubular section 224 includes an opening 228 for that the dust can pass from the tubular section 224 through the duct 226. A grid 230 is placed over the opening 228 to prevent dust from passing to conduit 222 before vibration or housing shake 222.

A 232 hitch is used to secure the hopper secondary 218 in frame 202. To remove the secondary hopper 218, the hitch 232 is disengaged and the hopper 218 is lifted to take it out of the slots 220. In this way, it can be removed with Easily hopper 218 to fill it again, clean it, replace it with another, etc.

To transfer the powder from hopper 218, it is place an arm 234 in contact with the housing 222. This arm 234 vibrates or shakes to vibrate the housing 222. A motor (not shown in Figure) to shake or vibrate the arm 234. As shown in Fig. 12, housing 222 can optionally include an internal opening 236 containing a block 238. When housing 222 shakes, block 238 vibrates inside the opening 236. When the block 238 acts on the housing walls 222, sends shock waves through the housing to facilitate the transfer of dust from the section tubular 224 through the opening 228, and through the grid 230. Then the dust slides down the duct 226 until it falls into hopper 206. The use of conduit 226 is also convenient because it allows diverting laterally the tubular section 224 of the vibrator 208, thereby that does not interfere with the movement of vibrator 208. An advantage important to include block 238 inside opening 236 is that any particle that is generated while block 238 is vibrating will remain inside opening 236 and will not contaminate the powder.

Vibrator 208 is configured to make vibrate vibrator element 210 up and down (i.e. in vertical direction). Preferably, vibrator 108 is formed by any of a series of commercially available ultrasonic speakers available, such as the Branson TWI. The vibrating element 210 preferably vibrates at a frequency within a range of approximately 1,000 to 180,000 Hz, preferably within a range of approximately between 10,000 and 40,000 Hz, and better still understood within a range of approximately 15,000 to 25,000 Hz.

As shown in Fig. 12, the element vibrator 210 includes a terminal element 240, which has a shape appropriate to optimize fine dust agitation during vibration of element 210. As shown, the terminal element 240 has an outer perimeter greater than that of element 210. The element 210 is preferably cylindrical in shape and has preferably a diameter within a range of approximately 0.5 to 10 mm. As shown in Figure, the terminal element 240 also has a cylindrical shape, and its diameter it is preferably within a range of approximately between 1.0 and 10 mm. However, it should be noted that the vibrating element 210 and the terminal element 240 may be manufactured such that have different shapes and sizes. For example, the vibrating element 210 can be narrowed towards the tip. The terminal element 240 it can also be smaller to minimize the lateral movement of dust that occurs when vibrator 208 moves through hopper 206. Preferably, the element terminal 240 is vertically separated above the member rotating for a distance that is within a range of about 0.01 and 10 mm, preferably within a range approximately 0.5 to 3.0 mm.

Vibrator 208 is used to facilitate the transfer of dust into dosing chambers 242 of the rotating element 204 in a manner similar to that already described in the case of other embodiments of the present invention. Plus specifically, engine 217 is used to move the platform of displacement 216, such that the vibrating element 210 is move laterally forward and backward along the hopper 206. At the same time, the vibrating element 210 vibrates with a movement from top to bottom (i.e. radial with respect to rotating element 204) as it passes over each of the chambers dosing 242. Preferably, vibrator 208 moves laterally along hopper 206 at a lower speed of approximately 500 cm per second, preferably less than approximately 100 cm per second.

When the vibrating element 210 moves laterally inside the hopper 206, the vibrating element 210 can have a tendency to push or open grooves in part of the dust towards the ends of hopper 206. This movement of dust can mitigated by a radiating surface or protruding element 244 located in element 210 just above a depth average inside the hopper. In this way, the accumulated dust that have a height greater than the average depth is moved from preferential form and transferred to those areas of the hopper that have a lower depth of dust. Preferably, the element projection 244 is separated from terminal element 240 by a distance that is within a range of approximately 2 and 25 mm, preferably within a range of approximately between 5 and 10 mm. Alternatively, they can be coupled to vibrator 208 (or articulate independently) different mechanisms to scratch the dust, such as rakes, so that they act on the part top of the powder to facilitate leveling it when the Vibrator 208 travels along the hopper. Another alternative is to place an elongated element inside the bed of dust, such as a grid, to facilitate the leveling of dust.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the element Rotary 204 is in the filling position. In this position, the Dosing chambers 242 are aligned with hopper 206. Al as in the other embodiments of the present invention that described above, once the dosing chambers 242 are full, the rotating member rotates 180º and the dust is expelled from dosing chambers 242 to receptacles. Preferably, a Klöckner packaging machine is used for that the apparatus 200 has a plate containing the receptacles

It will be described in more detail below. the construction of the rotating element 204 in reference to Fig. 13. The rotating element 204 is formed by a drum 246, which it has a front part 248 and a rear part 250. They can be Insert bearings 252 and 254 on parts 248 and 250 of the drum 246 to make it rotate when coupled to frame 202. The rotating element 204 is also composed of a ring 256, a rear manifold ring 258 and a front manifold ring 259, which They are coupled with seals to prevent gas leakage. In ring 256, there are air intakes 260 and 261. Air intake 260 is in communication with a pair 242a of dosing chambers 242, while the air intake 261 is in communication with a pair 242b of dosing chambers 242. In this way, it can be produced air under pressure or vacuum in either of the two pairs of chambers 242a or 242b.

More specifically, the air coming from the outlet of air 260 passes through the manifold ring 258 and a hole 264 located in a joint 270 to a hole 265 located in a manifold 262. Next, air passes through the manifold 262 and leaves manifold 262 through a pair of holes 265a and 265b. Then, holes 265c and 265d of support 270 direct the air into the chambers 242a. Similarly, the air from the air intake 261 passes through the ring manifold 259 and a hole 266 located at the joint 270 at a hole (not shown in Figure) located in manifold 262. The  air is directed through different holes located in the manifold 262 and in seal 270 in a manner similar to that already described with with respect to the air intake 260, until it passes through the 242b cameras In this way, two air circuits are available different. As an alternative, it should be taken into account that one of the air intakes can be eliminated, so that you can provide vacuum or pressurized gas simultaneously to all Dosing chambers 242.

Placed above manifold 262, there is a removable part 274. Dosing chambers 242 are placed in the removable piece 274, and filters 276 are placed between the removable part 242 and the air support 272 to form the bottom of dosing chambers 242. The air can be expelled into chambers 242 creating the vacuum in the outlet of air 260 or 261. As in other embodiments of the present invention described above, the vacuum is created at through dosing chambers 242 to facilitate entry of the powder in the dosing chambers 242. Once the drum 246 has rotated 180º, a compressed gas is passed through the 242 dosing chambers to expel dust from the chambers of dosage 242.

The drum 246 has an opening 278, inside from which the manifold 262, the seal 270, the support of the air 272 and removable part 274. There is also a cam 280 that can be inserted in opening 278. Cam 280 rotates inside the opening 278 to secure the different components located in the inside the drum 246. When it becomes loose, it is possible to remove the part removable 274 of opening 278. In this way, the removable part 274 can easily be exchanged for another that has cameras Dosing of another size. Thus, the apparatus 200 can have a wide assortment of removable parts, allowing the user Easily change the size of the dosing chambers, simply by inserting another removable piece 274.

The apparatus 200 further includes a mechanism for solve the problem of excess dust in chambers 242. The Figs. 14A and 14B show this mechanism 282. To make clearer the illustration, mechanism 242 does not appear in Figs. 10-12 In Figs. 14A and 14B are shown on rotating element 204 schematically. The mechanism 282 is formed by a thin metal plate 248, which has openings 286 that are aligned with the dosing chambers 242 when the rotating element 204 is in the filling position. Preferably, the openings 286 have a diameter slightly greater than that of dosing chambers 424. In this way, the openings 286 will not interfere with the filling of the chambers of dosage 242. Preferably, metal plate 284 is manufactured in bronze, and has a diameter of approximately 0.01 mm. The plate metal 284 works in conjunction with the rotating element 204, such that it will generally be displaced to the periphery Exterior. Thus, the metal plate 284 will generally be tightly attached to the rotating element 204 in order to avoid that the excess dust escapes between the metal plate 284 and the rotating element 204. The metal plate 284 is attached to the frame 202, and remains at rest while rotating the rotating element 204. In this way, once the powder has been transferred to the dosing chambers 242, the rotating element 204 rotates towards the dispensing position During the turn, the edges of the openings 286 level any excess dust in the dosing chambers 242, so that in each of the dosing chambers 242 only the amount of dust will remain That is equal to the dose. The advantage that mechanism 282 has this configuration is that it reduces the number of parts mobile, thus reducing the amount of electricity static In addition, the collected dust remains inside the hopper 206, where it will be available for transfer to the cameras of 242 dosage once they have been emptied.

In Fig. 14C, a mechanism is presented alternative to level the excess dust that may be in the Dosing chambers 242. The mechanism consists of a pair of leveling sheets 290 and 292 that are coupled to hopper 206. It you will see that it is possible to use only one sheet, depending of the direction of rotation of the rotating element 204. The blades of leveling 290 and 292 are preferably made of thin sheet, such as brass with a thickness of 0.02 mm, and work in coordination with the rotating element 204. The edges of the blades 290 and 292 roughly coincide with the edges of the opening of the Hopper 206. Once the 242 dosing chambers are full, the rotating element 204 rotates, and the leaves 290 or 292 (depending direction of rotation) level any excess dust that could be in dosing chambers 242.

Going back to Figs. 10-12, be will describe below the operation of the apparatus 200 for fill containers of fine dosed powder. Initially, the dust Fine is placed in tubular section 224 of the secondary hopper 218. The secondary hopper 218 can be removed from the frame 202 during the filling Then the housing is shaken or vibrated 222 for the time necessary to transfer the desired amount of dust through the opening 228, the grid 230 and the duct 226, until it falls into the main hopper 206. The element Rotary 204 is placed in the filling position. In this position, dosing chambers 242 are aligned with hopper 206. A then the vacuum is applied to the air intakes 260 and 261 (see Fig. 13) to extract the air through the chambers of dosage 242. Due to the action of gravity and with the help of empty, the powder falls into the dosing chambers 242 and It usually fills them. Next, the vibrator 208 is operated to vibrate the vibrating element 210. At the same time, the engine 217 is put into operation to move the element vibrator 210 forward and backward inside the chamber. When the vibrating element 210 vibrates, the terminal element 240 creates a configuration of the air flow at the bottom of the waving hopper the dust When the terminal element 240 passes over each of the dosing chambers 242, a nebulizer effect occurs that enters the dosing chamber 242 by the action of vacuum and the gravity. When the terminal element 242 passes over the cameras dosing 242, the ultrasonic energy radiates towards the inside the dosing chambers 242 to agitate the dust that It is already inside the dosing chamber. This, in turn, allows that the flow within the cavity correct any density irregularity that could have occurred during the fill. This is especially useful, as it allows breaking the conglomerates or "pieces" of dust that can create gaps in the dosing chamber, which allows filling the chamber so more uniform

Once it has happened one or more times over each one of the dosing chambers 242, the rotating element 204 rotate 180º to the dispensing position. In this position, the 242 dosing chambers are aligned with the receptacles (not shown in Figures). When the rotating element 204 rotates, any excess dust in dosing chambers 242 It is eliminated, as already explained. When in the dispensing position, a compressed gas is applied through air intakes 260 and 261 to expel dust doses from Dosing chambers 242 inside the receptacles.

The present invention also provides a way to adjust the filling weights by modulating the energy of ultrasound administered to vibrator 210 when it passes over 242 dosing chambers. In this way, the filling weights of the different dosing chambers for compensate for discrepancies in the weight of dust that may occur periodically. For example, if the fourth chamber of dosing takes time giving a dose consistently with a weight that is too low, the energy of the vibrator 208 every time it passes over the fourth chamber of dosage. Together with an automatic (or manual) weighing system and a controller, this procedure can be used to create a automated closed loop weight control system for adjust the energy level of the vibrator to each of the cameras dosing and thus achieve more filling weights accurate.

In relation now to Fig. 15, a example of the realization of a system 300 for dosing and fine dust transport. System 300 works in a way similar to the apparatus 200, but consists of several vibrators and hoppers to simultaneously fill a series of receptacles with the adequate dose of fine powder. System 300 consists of a frame 302, to which a series of rotating elements is coupled 304. Rotating elements 304 can be manufactured similarly to the rotating element 204, and include a series of cameras of Dosage (not shown in Figure) to receive the powder. The number of rotating elements and dosing chambers can vary according to the application for which the system is to be used 300. Above each of the rotating elements 304, there is a main hopper 306 in which the powder is placed above the rotating elements 304. On each of the hoppers 306, there is a vibrator 308, which includes a vibrator element 310 to stir the powder contained in hopper 306, similar to that already described in the case of the apparatus 200. Although not shown in order to make clearer illustration, on each of the main hoppers 306 there is a secondary hopper, which is similar to the secondary hopper 218 of the apparatus 200, to transfer the powder to the hoppers 306 of in a manner similar to that described above in the case of the apparatus 200.

A 312 engine (for the purpose of clarity of illustration, only one motor is shown) is attached to each of the rotating elements 304 to rotate the elements swivels 304 between a filling position and a position of dispensing, similar to that already described in the case of apparatus 200.

Each vibrator 308 is coupled to an arm 314 by means of a clamp 316. The arms 314, in turn, are coupled to a common platform 318, which has 319 cursors that can be moved on rails 321 by means of a propeller 320 of a propeller motor 322. In this way, the vibrating elements 310 they can be moved back and forth simultaneously in the hoppers 306 thanks to the action of the propeller motor 322. As alternatively, each vibrator can be coupled to a different motor, of such that each vibrator can move so Independent.

The frame 302 is coupled to a base 324 which it has a series of slots 326. In slots 326 it can be adjusted the part underneath a series of receptacles 328, which are in a sheet 330. Preferably, sheet 330 is acquired at a specialized manufacturer, such as Uhlman Model No. 1040 Packaging Machine Preferably, the rotating elements 304 they include a series of dosing chambers that correspond to the number of receptacles of each row of sheets 330. In this way, Four rows of receptacles can be filled in each cycle. One time that four rows have been filled, the chambers of dosing and sheet 330 advances until four new rows of receptacles are aligned with hoppers 306.

An especially important advantage of the system 300 is that it can be fully automated. For example, you can couple a controller to the packaging machine, as well as to the vacuum and pressurized gas sources, to 312 engines, to 322 engine and to vibrators 308. With this controller, sheet 330 can automatically advance to the appropriate position, in which the 321 engines are driven to align the dosing chambers with hoppers 306. Next, a vacuum source is activated to make the vacuum through the dosing chambers, while the 308 vibrators are driven and the motor is used 322 to move the vibrators 308. Once the cameras of Dosage are full, the controller is used to operate 312 engines to rotate rotating elements 304 until align with the 328 receptacles. Then, the controller sends a signal to supply pressurized gas through the Dosing chambers to expel the dosed powder within the 328 receptacles. Once filled, the controller makes the packaging machine advance sheet 330 and repeat the cycle. When necessary, the controller can be used to operate the motors (not shown in the Figure) to vibrate the secondary hoppers to transfer the dust to the main hoppers 306, as already described.

Although the present invention has been described with vibrators that have ultrasonic speakers, should be taken into Note that other types of vibrators and elements can be used vibrators, including those described here. In addition, you must Note that the number of vibrators and the size of the cuvettes It may vary depending on the use and the specific circumstances.

While the present invention has been described here in detail by means of figures and examples in order to make it more easily understandable, it is obvious that certain changes and modifications within the scope and scope of Claims attached.

Claims (40)

1. A method for transporting fine dust (20), which understands: placing fine powder (20) in a hopper (12) having an opening (18); vibrate a vibrating element (28) inside the fine powder (20) near the opening (18); move the vibrating element (28) from side to side of the opening (18) while the vibrating element (28) it is vibrating; Y collect at least a portion of fine powder (20) that exits through the opening (18) inside a chamber (24), in which the collected powder (20) is sufficiently unpacked, such form that can be dispersed when removed from the chamber (24). 2. A method according to Claim 1, in the which the vibrating element (28) vibrates with a movement from above below in relation to the powder (20) contained in the hopper (12). 3. A method according to Claim 2, in the which the vibrating element (28, 210) is coupled to a ultrasonic horn, and in which vibration occurs when The ultrasonic horn is activated. 4. A method according to Claim 1, in the which the vibrating element (28, 210) vibrates at a frequency that is within a range of approximately between 1,000 and 180,000 Hz. 5. A method according to Claim 1, in the which the vibrating element (28) has a distal end (29), which is placed near the opening (18), and in which the end distal (29) has a terminal element (240) attached to it, which vibrates on the camera (24). 6. A method according to Claim 1, in the which the terminal element (240) is separated in the direction camera vertical (24) for a distance that is within a range of approximately 0.01 to 10 mm. 7. A method according to Claim 6, which It also consists in moving the vibrating element to the length of the opening (18) at a speed less than about 100 cm per second. 8. A method according to Claim 1, which it also consists in periodically leveling the powder (20) contained in the hopper (12). 9. A method according to Claim 8, in the which powder leveling (20) is done by placing a projecting element (30, 244) in the vibrating element (28, 210), separated from the terminal element (29) of the vibrating element (28, 210). 10. A method according to claim 1, in the which several chambers (24, 52) are aligned with the opening (18, 56), and which also consists in moving the vibrating element (28, 60) along the opening (18, 56) to pass over each of the cameras (24, 52). 11. A method according to Claim 1, in the which fine powder (20) consists of a compound medicine of individual particles that have an average size that is within the range of approximately 1 to 100 \ mum. 12. A method according to Claim 1, which It also involves the extraction of air through the chamber (24, 52) which is placed under the opening (18, 56), in the which the extracted air facilitates the introduction of fine dust (20) in the chamber (24, 52). 13. A method according to Claim 1, which it also consists of transferring the collected dust (20) from the chamber (24, 52) to a receptacle. 14. A method according to Claim 13, in the which transfer is done by introducing a gas compressed into the chamber (24, 52) to expel the collected dust (20) inside the receptacle. 15. A method according to Claim 1, which It also consists in adjusting the amount of dust collected (20) to match the dose. 16. A method according to Claim 15, in the which adjustment is made by a thin metal plate (284) located below the hopper (12), and in which the metal plate (284) has an opening (286) that is aligned with the chamber (24, 242), and which also involves moving the camera (24, 242) in relation to the metal plate (284) to remove excess dust (20) from the camera (24, 242). 17. A method according to Claim 1, in the which hopper (12) is the main hopper (206, 306), and in which the powder (20) is transferred from a secondary hopper (218) to the main hopper (206, 306). 18. A method according to Claim 17, which it also consists of the vibration of the secondary hopper (218) to transfer the powder (20) to the main hopper (206, 306). 19. A method according to Claim 1, which it also consists of the transfer of dust (20) from the camera (242) and in changing the camera size (242). 20. An apparatus (200) for transporting fine dust (20), which is formed by: a hopper (12), which has an opening (18), adapting the hopper (12) to receive the fine powder (20); at least one camera (242), which can be removed and be replaced, located near the opening (18); a vibrating element (210), which has an end proximal and a distal end (29), being able to place the vibrating element (210) inside the hopper (12), so that the distal end (29) is near the opening (18); a vibrating motor (208) to vibrate the vibrating element (210) when it is inside the fine powder (20); Y a mechanism (216, 217) to displace the vibrating element (210) on the chamber (242). 21. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 20, which also has a rotating element (204), which has of a series of cameras (242) on its periphery, which can be aligned with the opening (18, 56). The device (200) is configured to move the vibrating element (216, 217) along the opening (18, 56), so that the vibrating element (219) passes over each one of the cameras (242). 22. An apparatus (200) according to claim 20, in which the displacement mechanism (216, 217) is formed by a linear propulsion mechanism that displaces the vibrating element (210) along the opening at a speed less than about 100 cm per second. 23. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 20, in which the vibrating motor (208) vibrates the element vibrator (210) at a frequency that is comprised within a range of approximately 1,000 to 180,000 Hz. 24. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 20, in which the vibrator has a horn of ultrasound that vibrates the vibrating element with a movement from top to bottom in relation to dust (20). 25. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 24, in which the vibrating element is cylindrical and has a diameter that is within a range of approximately between 1.0 and 10 mm. 26. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 25, which also has a terminal element (240) at the end distal (29) of the vibrating element (210). 27. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 26, in which the terminal element (240) extends radially from the vibrating element. 28. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 26, which also has an element to level the dust (244) separate from the terminal member (240). 29. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 20, in which the chamber (242) is located in an element swivel (304), which can be placed in a first position, in the which chamber (242) is aligned with the opening, and in a second position, in which the chamber (242) is aligned with a receptacle (328). 30. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 20, which also has a conduit under the chamber (242) and of a vacuum source that is in communication with the conduit to facilitate the extraction of fine dust (20) from the hopper (206) to inside the chamber (242). 31. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 30, which also has a filter (276) placed along the conduit. 32. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 30, which also has a source of compressed gas, which is in duct communication to expel collected dust (20) from the chamber (242) to the inside of the receptacle (328). 33. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 32, which also has a controller for the activation of the gas source and vacuum source. 34. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 29, which also has a series of hoppers located on a series of rotating elements, each of which has a series of cameras (242), and which also has a series of vibrating elements and a series of vibrators to vibrate The vibrating elements. 35. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 20, which also has a plate located under the hopper. The plate has an aperture that is aligned with the chamber (242), and the chamber (242) can move relative to the plate to eliminate the excess dust (20) that could be inside the camera. 36. An apparatus (200) according to claim 20, in which the hopper is the main hopper (206), and which has in addition to a secondary hopper (218), which is located above the main hopper (206) to transfer the powder (20) to the hopper main (206). 37. An apparatus (200) according to Claim 36, which also has a mechanism that produces a movement of shake to vibrate the secondary hopper (218). 38. An apparatus (200 according to Claim 29, in which the chamber is located in a removable part (274), and in which the removable part (274) can be removed from the element swivel (304). 39. A system (300) for transporting fine dust (20), which is formed by: a series of rotating elements, each of which has a row of cameras (242) on its periphery; a hopper (306) located above each of the rotating elements (306) and in which each hopper (306) has An opening; a vibrating element (310), which can be placed inside each of the hoppers, in which each vibrating element it has a distal end (29) located near the opening; a vibrator (308) coupled to each of the vibrating elements to vibrate the vibrating elements with an up and down movement; Y a mechanism (322) to move each of the vibrating elements along each of the hoppers while The vibrating elements are vibrating. 40. A system (300) according to Claim 39, which also has a controller to control the rotation of the vibrating elements (310), the vibrators (308) and the mechanism displacement (322).