MXPA00003523A - Powder filling apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper (12) having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder (20). At least one chamber (24), which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element (28) having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FILLING POWDER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention. The present invention relates generally to the field of fine powder processing, and particularly, to the metered transport of fine powders. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems, apparatuses and methods for filling receptacles with unit doses of dispensable fine powder drugs, but which can not flow, particularly for subsequent inhalation by a patient. Effective release to a patient is a critical aspect of any successful drug therapy. There are several release routes, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The oral release of the drug from tablets, capsules, elixirs, and the like, is perhaps the most convenient method, but many drugs have unpleasant tastes, and the size of the tablets makes them difficult to swallow. In addition, such medications often degrade in the digestive tract before they can be absorbed. Such degradation is a particular problem with modern protein drugs, which are rapidly degraded by proteolytic enzymes in the digestive tract. Subcutaneous injection is often an effective route for the systemic release of the drug, including the release of proteins, but has low patient acceptance, and produces sharp waste items, eg, needles, which are difficult to discard. Since the need to inject drugs into a frequent program, such as insulin one or more times a day, can be a source of little comfort for the patient, a variety of alternative routes of administration have been developed, including transdermal, intranasal release , intrarectal, intravaginal, and pulmonary. Of particular interest for the present invention are the pulmonary drug release methods, which is based on the inhalation of a drug dispersion or aerosol by the patient, so that the active drug within the dispersion can reach the regions distal (alveolar) of the lung. It has been found that certain drugs are easily absorbed through the alveolar region directly into the bloodstream. Pulmonary release is particularly promising for the release of proteins and polypeptides, which are difficult to release by other routes of administration.

Such pulmonary release may be effective both for systemic release and for localized delivery for the treatment of lung diseases. The release of the pulmonary drug (including both systemic and local), can be achieved by itself, through different methods, including liquid nebulizers, metered dose inhalers (MDI), and dry powder dispersion devices. Dry powder dispersion devices are particularly promising to release protein and polypeptide drugs, which can be easily formulated as dry powders. Many otherwise labile proteins and polypeptides can be stably stored as freeze-dried or spray-dried powders, by themselves or in combination with suitable powder carriers. An additional advantage is that dry powders have a much higher concentration than drugs in liquid form. The ability to release proteins and polypeptides as dry powders, however, is problematic in certain aspects. The dosage of many protein and polypeptide drugs is often critical, so that it is necessary that some dry powder delivery system be able to deliver accurately, accurately and repeatedly, the intended amount of drug. In addition, many proteins and polypeptides are quite expensive, typically, being many times more expensive than conventional drugs on a per-dose basis. Thus, the ability to efficiently release dry powders to an objective region of the lung is critical, with a minimal loss of the drug. For some applications, fine powder medicaments are supplied to fine powder dispersion devices in small unit dose receptacles, often having a pierceable cover or other access surface (commonly referred to as bubble pack). For example, the dispersion devices described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,785,049,779,794, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference, are constructed to receive such a receptacle. With the placement of the receptacle in the device, a multiple flow ejector assembly, having a feeding tube, is made to penetrate through the receptacle cover, to provide access to the medicament sprayed therein. The multiple flow ejector assembly also creates ventilation holes in the cover to allow air flow through the receptacle to entrain and evacuate the medication. What triggers this process is a high velocity air stream, which flows past a portion of the tube, such as an outlet end, to extract dust from the receptacle, through the tube, and into the stream of flowing air, to form an aerosol for inhalation by the patient. The high velocity air stream transports the powder from the receptacle in a partially non-agglomerated form, and the final complete deagglomeration, takes place in the mixing volume, just below the high velocity air inlets. Of particular interest for the present invention are the physical characteristics of the powders that flow poorly. The powders that flow poorly are those powders that have physical characteristics, such as fluidity, which are dominated by the cohesive forces between the individual units or particles (hereinafter "individual particles"), which constitute the powder. In such cases, the powder does not flow well, because the individual particles can not move easily independently of one another, but instead move as masses of many particles. When such powders are subjected to low forces, the powders will not tend to flow. However, as the forces acting on the powder increase, to exceed the cohesive forces, the powder will move in large agglomerated "pieces" of the individual particles. When the dust is at rest, the large agglomerations remain, which results in a non-uniform dust density, due to the voids and low density areas between the large agglomerations, and the local compression areas. This type of behavior tends to increase as the size of the individual particles becomes smaller. This is most likely, because as the particles become smaller, cohesive forces, such as Van Der Waals, electrostatic, friction forces, and other forces, become greater with respect to the gravitational forces. inertial, which can be applied to individual particles due to their small mass. This is relevant for the present invention, since the forces of gravity and inertia, produced by the acceleration, as well as other motivators effected, are commonly used to process, move and dose powders. For example, when fine powders are dosed prior to placement in the unit dose receptacle, the powders often agglomerate inconsistently, creating voids and a variation in excessive density, thereby reducing the accuracy of the process. Volumetric dosing, which are commonly used for dosing in high performance production. Such inconsistent agglomeration is also undesirable because the powder agglomerates need to break into the individual particles, ie, become dispensable, for lung release. Such de-agglomeration often occurs in dispersion devices, by shear forces created by the air stream used to remove the drug from the unit dose receptacle or other container, or by other mechanisms of mechanical energy transfer (e.g., ultrasonic, ventilator / impeller, and the like). However, if the small agglomerates of powder are too compacted, the shearing forces provided by the air stream or other dispersion mechanisms will be insufficient to effectively disperse the drug to the individual particles. Some attempts to avoid agglomeration of the individual particles are to create multi-phase powder mixtures (typically a carrier or diluents), wherein larger particles (sometimes of multiple size ranges), eg, approximately 50 μm, are combined with smaller drug particles, for example from 1 μm to 5 μm. In this case, the smaller particles are attached to the larger particles, so that under processing and filling, the powder will have the characteristics of a 50 μm powder. Such powder is able to flow and be dosed more easily. A disadvantage of such a powder, however, is that the removal of the smaller particles from the larger particles is difficult, and the resulting powder formulation is constituted mostly of the component of the bulky flowing agent, which may end up in the device. or in the patient's throat. Current methods for filling unit dose receptacles with powdered medicaments include a direct pour method, wherein a granular powder is poured directly by gravity (sometimes in combination with "mass" agitation or agitation), in a chamber dosage. When the chamber is filled to a desired level, the medicament is then expelled from the chamber and into the receptacle. In such a direct pour process, variations in density in the dosing chamber can occur, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the dosing chamber by accurately measuring a quantity of unit dose of the drug. In addition, the powder is in a granular state, which may be undesirable for many applications.

Some attempts have been made to minimize variations in density by compacting the powder inside, or before depositing it in the dosing chamber. However, such compaction is undesirable, especially for powders made only of fine particles, in which the dispersibility of the powder decreases, that is, it reduces the opportunity for the compacted powder to break into individual particles during lung release with a dispersion device. . Therefore, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods for the processing of fine powders, which greatly overcome or reduce these and other problems. Such systems and methods should allow accurate and accurate dosing of the fine powder when divided into unit doses for placement in unit dose receptacles, particularly for low mass fillings. Systems and methods should also ensure that the fine powder remains sufficiently dispensable during processing, so that the fine powder can be used with existing inhalation devices, which require the powder to break into individual particles before lung release. . In addition, the systems and methods should provide for the rapid processing of fine powders, so that large numbers of unit dose receptacles can be easily filled with unit doses of fine powdered medicaments, in order to reduce the cost. 2. Description of the Prior Art U.S. Patent No. 5,765,607, discloses a machine for dosing products in containers and includes a dosage unit for delivering the product in containers. U.S. Patent No. 4,640,322 discloses a machine, which applies subatmospheric pressure through a filter, to pull the material directly from a hopper, and laterally into a non-rotating chamber. U.S. Patent No. 4,509,560, discloses an apparatus for processing a granular material, which employs a rotating vane to agitate the granular material. US Patent No. 2,540,059, discloses a powder filling apparatus having a stirrer with a rotating wire loop, for stirring the powder in a hopper before pouring the powder directly into a gravity metering chamber. German Patent DE 3607187 describes the mechanism for the metered transport of fine particles.

The product brochure, "E-1300 Powder Filler" describes a powder filler available from Perry Industries, Corona, CA. U.S. Patent No. 3,874,431, discloses a machine for filling capsules with powder. The machine uses central tubes that are held in a rotating turret. British Patent No. 1,420,364 describes a membrane assembly for use in a metering cavity used to measure quantities of dry powders. British Patent No. 1,309,424, discloses a powder filling apparatus, having a metering chamber with a piston head used to create a negative pressure in the chamber. Canadian Patent No. 949,786 describes a powder filling machine having dosing chambers that are immersed in the powder. Then vacuum is used to fill the chamber with dust.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for metered transport of fine powders, in unit dose receptacles. In an exemplary method, such fine powders are first transported by stirring the fine powders with a vibrating element, and then capturing at least a portion of the fine powder. The captured fine powder is then transferred to a receptacle, with the powder transferred being sufficiently non-compacted so that it can be substantially dispersed with the removal of the receptacle. Usually, the fine powder will comprise a medicament, with the individual particles having an average size that is less than about 100 μm, usually less than about 10 μm, and usually in the range of about 1 μm to 5 μm. The fine powder will preferably be placed in a hopper having an opening at one end of the bottom. The element is vibrated to shake the fine powder. The vibration of the powder in the vicinity of the opening aids in the transfer of a portion of the fine powder through the opening, where it can be captured in a chamber. The vibration of the element also helps to deagglomerate the fine powder within the dosing chamber, so that the dosing chamber can be filled more evenly. The vibrating element is preferably vibrated in an upward and downward movement, ie vertical, in relation to the powder in the hopper. In one aspect, an ultrasonic horn is used to vertically vibrate the element. Alternatively, the element may comprise a rod, which is vibrated back and forth, ie laterally, within the powder. In another alternative, the vibrating element is vibrated in an orbital manner. In one aspect, the rod is operatively connected to a piezoelectric motor, which vibrates the rod. Preferably, the element is vibrated vertically at a frequency in the range of from about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz, and more preferably from about 10,000 Hz to about 40,000 Hz, and more preferably from about 15,000 Hz to about 25,000 Hz. The rod is vibrated preferably laterally at a frequency in the range of about 50 Hz to about 50,000 Hz, and more preferably in the range of about 50 Hz to about 5,000 Hz, and most preferably in the range from about 50 Hz to about 1,000 Hz. In another aspect, the element has a distal end, which is placed near the opening. In addition, the distal end has an end member, which is vibrated on the chamber, to assist in the transfer of the fine powder from the hopper to the chamber. The end member preferably projects laterally outwardly of the element. In one aspect, the end member comprises a cylinder, when the element is vibrated vertically. In another aspect, the end member comprises a transverse member, when the rod is vibrated laterally. Preferably, the end member is vertically separated from the chamber by a distance in the range of from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. Such a distance helps keep the dust compacted when it is transferred to the camera. In yet another aspect, the element preferably moves through the opening while vibrating. For example, the element can be moved along the opening at a speed that is preferably less than about 100 cm / s. However, the particular rate of translation will typically depend on the vibrational frequency of the element. In this way, the element is swept through the camera while vibrating. Movement of the element along the opening is particularly preferred when multiple chambers align with the opening. In this way, the element can be used to assist in transferring the fine powder from the hopper to each of the chambers. Optionally, a plurality of elements or rods may be made to vibrate within the hopper in the vicinity of the openings. Preferably, the rods will be aligned with each other, and will move along the opening, while vibrating, although in some cases, the rods or elements can remain stationary on each chamber. To aid in the capture of fine dust in the chamber, air is preferably removed through the bottom of the chamber to pull fine dust into the chamber. After the capture of fine dust, the powder is preferably transferred to a receptacle. The transfer of the fine powder is preferably carried out by introducing a compressed gas into the chamber, to expel the captured powder in the receptacle. In another aspect of the method, the powder in the hopper is periodically leveled. As an example, the powder can be leveled by placing a member projecting above the distal end of the vibrating element. In this way, the projecting member vibrates together with the vibrating element. As the element moves along the hopper, the projecting member tends to level the dust in the hopper. In one aspect, the transfer of the powder is carried out in a controlled humidity medium.

In another aspect, the powder captured by the chamber is adjusted to be a unit dose amount. This can be achieved by placing a thin plate (or doctor blade) between the hopper and the chamber. The plate has an opening to allow the transfer of powder from the hopper and into the chamber. The camera then moves relative to the plate, with the plate scraping any excess powder from the chamber. Alternatively, the doctor blade can be used to scrape any excess powder from the chamber as the chamber is rotated. In a particular aspect, the powder is transferred to the hopper from a secondary hopper. Preferably, the secondary hopper is vibrated to transfer the powder to a channel, where it passes to the primary hopper. In yet another aspect, the camera is periodically removed and replaced with a camera of a different size, to adjust the volume of the camera. In this way, different unit doses can be produced by the invention. The invention further provides an exemplary apparatus for transporting a fine powder. The apparatus comprises a hopper for retaining the fine powder. The apparatus further includes at least one camera, which is movable to allow the camera to be positioned in close proximity to an opening in the hopper. A vibratory element having a proximal end and a distal end is also provided, with the element being positioned within the hopper, so that the distal end is close to the opening. A vibrator is provided to vibrate the element, when it is inside the fine powder. In this way, the element can be vibrated to agitate the fine powder, to assist in its transfer from the hopper to the chamber. Preferably, the vibrator comprises an ultrasonic horn, which vibrates the element in an upward and downward or vertical movement. Alternatively, a piezoelectric motor can be used to laterally vibrate the element. In an exemplary aspect, the apparatus further includes a mechanism for moving the vibrating element or rod over the chamber as the element is vibrated. Such a mechanism is particularly advantageous when a plurality of chambers are provided in a rotating member, which is rotated to align the chambers with the opening. The translation mechanism can then be used to translate the element onto the rotating member, so that the vibrating element passes over each chamber to assist in filling each with powder. The translation mechanism preferably comprises a linear drive mechanism, which moves the rod along the opening at a speed that is less than about 100 cm / s. In another aspect, the vibrator is configured to vibrate the element in an up and down movement at a frequency in the range of about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz, and preferably in the range of about 10,000 Hz to about 40,000. Hz, and more preferably in the range of about 15,000 Hz to about 25,000 Hz. When vibrated up and down, the vibrating element preferably comprises a cylindrical shaft, having a diameter in the range of about 1.0. mm to approximately 10 mm. When vibrated laterally, the element preferably comprises a rod or a wire having a diameter in the range of about 0.01 inch (0.0254 cm) to about 0.04 inch (0.1016 cm). An end member is preferably operably joined to the distal end of the vibrating element to aid in the agitation of the fine powder. The end member is preferably vertically separated from the chamber, by a distance in the range of from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. In an alternative, the apparatus is provided with a plurality of vibrating elements, so that the multiple elements can be made to vibrate within the fine powder. In still another aspect, the camera is placed inside a rotating member, which is placed in a first position having the camera aligned with the opening in the hopper, and a second position having the camera aligned with a receptacle. In this way, the camera can be filled with dust when it is in the first position. The rotating member is then rotated to the second position, to allow the powder to be expelled from the chamber and into the receptacle. The chamber preferably includes a door, which is in communication with a vacuum source, to assist in the removal of fine dust from the hopper into the chamber. Preferably a filter is placed through the door to help capture the dust. A source of compressed gas is also preferably in communication with the door, to eject dust captured from the chamber into the receptacle. A controller can be provided to control the performance of the gas source, the vacuum source and the operation of the vibrator.

The apparatus may also include a mechanism for adjusting the amount of powder captured in the chamber, due to the volume of the chamber. In this way, the amount captured will be a unit dose amount. Such an adjustment mechanism may comprise an edge for removing the fine powder that extends above the chamber. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises a thin plate having an opening, which can be aligned with the chamber during filling. As the rotating member is rotated, the edge of the opening scrapes the excess powder from the chamber. In a particular aspect, the vibrating element includes a projecting powder, which is separated above the distal end. The projecting member serves as a leveler to level the dust inside the hopper as the vibrating element moves along the hopper. In another aspect, a secondary hopper is provided to store the powder until it is delivered to the primary hopper. A stirring mechanism is provided to vibrate the secondary hopper when the powder is to be transferred to the primary hopper. Preferably, the powder passes down a channel, so that the powder can be transferred without interfering with the movement of the vibrating member along the primary hopper. In yet another aspect, the camera is formed in a tool of change. In this way, the size of the camera can be varied simply by attaching a changing tool with a camera of different size to the rotating member. The invention further provides an exemplary system for transporting fine powders. The system comprises a plurality of rotating members, each of which includes a row of cameras. A hopper is placed on top of each rotating member, and has an opening to allow dust to be transferred to the chambers. A vibrating element is placed in each hopper, and vibrators are provided to vibrate the elements in an up and down movement. A translation mechanism is also provided to move the vibratory members along the hoppers to help transfer powder from the hopper to the chambers. Conveniently, a controller can be provided to control the operation of the rotating members, the vibrators, and the translation mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary apparatus for transporting fine powders according to the invention. Figure 2 is an end view of the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a more detailed view of a camera of the apparatus of Figure 1, showing a vibrating rod being moved over the chamber according to the invention. Figure 4 is a left front perspective view of an exemplary system for transporting powder according to the invention. Figure 5 is a right front perspective view of the system of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the system of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a schematic view of an alternative apparatus for transporting fine powders from according to the invention. Figure 8 is a schematic view of yet another alternative apparatus for transporting fine powders according to the invention. Figure 9 is a schematic view of yet another alternative apparatus for transporting fine powders according to the invention.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an apparatus for transporting fine powders according to the invention. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 10, taken along lines 11-11. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 10, taken along lines 12-12. Figure 13 is an exploded view of a rotating member of the apparatus of Figure 10. Figure 14A is a schematic view of a scraping mechanism., to scrape the excess powder from a chamber of a rotating member. Figure 14B is an end view of the scraper mechanism of Figure 14A, as mounted above the rotating member. Figure 14C is a perspective view of an alternative mechanism for scraping excess powder from a chamber of a rotating member according to the invention. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a particularly preferred system for transporting powders according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC MODALITIES The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders, in receptacles. The fine powders are very fine, usually have an average size in the range that is less than about 20 μm, usually less than about 10 μm, and more usually about 1 μm to 5 μm, although the invention may in some cases be useful with larger particles, for example, up to about 50 μm or more. The fine powder may be composed of a variety of constituents, and will preferably comprise a medicament, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, buffer salts, peptides, other small biomolecules and the like. The receptacles proposed to receive the fine powder, preferably comprise unit dose receptacles. The receptacles are used to store the unit dose of the drug until it is needed for lung release. To extract the medicament from the receptacles, an inhalation device may be employed, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,785,049 and 5,740,794. previously incorporated here as a reference. However, the methods of the invention are also useful in the preparation of powders to be used with other inhalation devices, which are based on the dispersion of the fine powder. The receptacles of preference are each filled with a precise amount of the fine powder, to ensure that a patient will be given the correct dose. When dosed and transported to the fine powders, the fine powders will be delicately handled and not compressed, so that the amount of unit dose delivered to the receptacle is sufficiently dispersed to be useful when used with existing inhalation devices. The fine powders prepared by the invention will be especially useful with, but not limited to, "low energy" inhalation device, which are based on manual operation or only with inhalation to disperse the powder. With such inhalation devices, the powder will preferably be at least 20% (by weight) dispersible or extractable in a flowing stream of air, more preferably, it will be at least 60% dispersible, and most preferably at least 90%. % dispersible as defined in U.S. Patent No. 5,785,049, previously incorporated by reference. Since the cost of producing the powdered medicines is usually quite expensive, the medication will be dosed and transported preferably in receptacles with minimal waste. Preferably, the receptacles will be filled rapidly with unit dose amounts, so that large numbers of receptacles containing the dosed medicament can be produced economically. According to the invention, the fine particles are captured in a dosing chamber (which is preferably sized to define a unit dose volume). A preferred method for capturing is to extract air through the chamber, so that the entraining force of the air will act on the small agglomerates with individual particles as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,775,320, the complete description of which is Incorporates here as a reference. In this way, the fluidized fine powder fills the chamber without substantial compaction and without substantial void formation. In addition, capturing in this way, allows the fine powder to be dosed accurately and repeatedly without undue decrease in the dispersibility of the fine powder. The air flow through the chamber can vary in order to control the density of the captured powder. After the fine powder is measured, the fine powder is expelled into the receptacle in a unit dose amount, with the fine powder expelled being sufficiently dispersed, so that it can be entrained and put in the form of an aerosol in the flow of water. turbulent air created by the inhalation or dispersion device. Such expulsion process is described in U.S. Patent No. 5, 775,320, previously incorporated as reference. The agitation of the fine powders is preferably achieved by vibrating a vibrating member within the fine powder in the vicinity just above the capture chamber. Preferably, the element is vibrated in an upward and downward movement, ie vertically. Alternatively, the element can be vibrated laterally. A variety of mechanisms can be employed to vibrate the elements, including an ultrasonic horn, a piezoelectric bending motor, a motor that rotates a cam or a crankshaft, an electric solenoid and the like. Alternatively, a wire loop can be rotated into the fine powder to fluidize the powder. Although agitation is preferably achieved by vibrating the vibrating member within the fine powder, in some chaos it may be desirable to vibrate the vibrating member just above the powder to fluidize the powder. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for dosing and transporting unit doses of a fine powder medicament will be described. The apparatus 10 comprises a hopper or trough 12 having an upper end 14 and a lower end 16. At the lower end 16 is an opening 18. Supported within the hopper 12 is a fine powder chamber 20. Positioned below the hopper 12 is a rotating member 22 having a plurality of chambers 24 around its periphery. The rotating member 22 can be rotated to align the chambers 24 with the opening 18, to allow the powder 20 to be transferred from the hopper 12 and into the chambers 24. Positioned above the hopper 12 is a piezoelectric flexing motor 26, having a rod 28 attached thereto. The piezoelectric motor 26 is positioned above the hopper 12, so that a distal end 29 of the rod 28 is placed within the fine powder bed 20, while being separated away from the rotary member 22. The lower end 16 of the Hopper 12 is positioned just above a rotating member 22, so that dust maintained within hopper 12 will not leak between lower end 16 and rotating member 22. At distal end 29 rod 28, is a transverse member 30, which is generally perpendicular to the rod 28. The transverse member 30 will preferably be at least as long as the upper diameters of the chambers 24, to assist in the agitation of the fine powder towards the chambers, as described in more detail later. As best illustrated in Figure 1, with the actuation of the piezoelectric flexing motor 26, the rod 28 is caused to vibrate back and forth as indicated by the arrows 32. Further, as illustrated by the arrow 34, the Piezoelectric bending motor 26 is movable along the length of rotating member 22, to allow transverse member 30 to vibrate on each of chambers 24. Referring now to Figure 3, the transfer of powder from the hopper 12 (see Figure 1) to chamber 24, will be described in greater detail. Placed inside the chamber 24, there is an upper filter 36 and a support filter 38. The upper filter 36 is placed on the rotary member 22, so that it is at a known relative distance to the upper part of the chamber 24. line 40 is in communication with chamber 24 to provide suction within chamber 24 during filling, and compressed gas when the powder is ejected from chamber 24 in a manner similar to that described in copending US Patent Application No. Series 08 / 638,515, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

When it is ready for filling, a vacuum is created within line 40 to draw air through chamber 24. In addition, rod 28 is vibrated as shown by arrows 32, when placed on top of the chamber 24 to assist in the agitation of the powder bed 20. Such a process aids in the transfer of the powder from the bed 20 and into the chamber 24. While vibrating, the rod 28 moves over the chamber 24 as indicated by the arrow 34. In this way, the agitation of the powder bed 20 will occur on substantially the entire opening of the chamber 24. In addition, the translation of the rod 28 will also move the rod 28 on other chambers, so that they can be filled in a similar manner. As illustrated by the arrows 42, the rod 28 will preferably be vertically separated from the rotating member 22 by a distance in the range of from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. Such vertical separation is preferred to ensure that the powder immediately above the cavity is fluidized, and can be drawn into the chamber 24. Referring now to Figures 4-6, an exemplary embodiment of a powder transfer and dosing system will be described. The system 44 is made according to the model of the principles previously set forth in relation to the apparatus 10 of Figures 1-3. The system 44 comprises a base 46 and a frame 48 for rotatably supporting a rotating member 50. The rotating member 50 includes a plurality of cameras 52 (see Figure 6). The rotating member 50, which includes the chambers 52, will preferably be provided with vacuum and compression lines, similar to those previously described in copending US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 638,515, previously incorporated by reference. In short, a vacuum is created to assist in extracting the dust towards the chambers 52. With the filling of the chambers 52, the rotary member 50 is rotated until the chambers 52 are oriented downward. At this point, the compressed gas is forced through the chambers 52 to expel the captured dust in the receptacles, such as bubble packings, as is commonly used in the art. Positioned above the rotating member 50 is a hopper 54 having an elongated opening 56 (see Figure 6). Operably mounted to the frame 48 is a plurality of piezoelectric bending motors 58. Attached to each of the piezoelectric bending motors 58 is a rod 60. An exemplary piezoelectric bending motor is commercially available from Piezo Systems, Inc., Cambridge , Massachusetts. Such bending motors comprise two layers of a piezoceramic, each having an external electrode. The electric field is applied through the two external electrodes to cause one layer to expand while the other one contracts. The rod 60 will preferably comprise a stainless steel wire rod having a diameter in the range of about 0.005 inches (0.0127 cm) to about 0.10 inches (0.254 cm), and most preferably about 0.02 inches (0.05 cm). ) to approximately 0.04 inches (0.1 cm). However, it will be appreciated that other materials and geometries may be used when the rod 60 is constructed. For example, a variety of rigid materials, including other metals and alloys, a carbon steel wire, a carbon fiber, plastics and the like can be used. the similar. The shape of the rod 60 may also be non-circular and / or non-uniform in cross-section, with an important feature being the ability to agitate the powder near the distal end of the rod to fluidize the powder. A perpendicular cross member 62 (see Figure 6) will be preferably attached to the distal end of the rod 60.

One or more transverse members may optionally be placed on top of the distal transverse member to help collapse any ditches created in the powder bed during the operation. When they are powered, the rods 60 will be vibrated preferably at a frequency in the range of about 5 Hz to about 50,000 Hz, and more preferably in the range of about 50 Hz to about 5,000 Hz, and even more preferably in the range from about 50 Hz to about 1,000 Hz. The piezoelectric flexing motors 58 are attached to the translation mechanism 64, which moves the rods 60 along the hopper 54. When translated, the cross member 62 preferably will be separated vertically above the chambers 52 by a distance in the range from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. The translation mechanism 64 comprises a rotating drive pulley 66, which rotates a band 68, which in turn joins a platform 70. The piezoelectric flexing motors 58 are attached to the platform 70, which is moved on an axle 72, when the pulley 66 is actuated. In this way, the rods 60 can be moved back and forth within the hopper 54, so that the rods 60 will be vibrated on each of the chambers 52. The translation mechanism 64 can be used to pass the rod 60 over the chambers 52 as many times as desired, when the chambers 52 are filled. Preferably, the rod 60 will be moved at a speed that is less than about 200 cm / s, and more preferably less than about 100 cm / s. The rod 60 will preferably pass over each chamber at least once, with two passes being preferred. In operation, the hopper 54 is filled with fine powder to be transferred to the chambers 52. A vacuum is then drawn through each of the chambers 52, while aligning with the aperture 56. At the same time , the piezoelectric flexing motors 58 are actuated to vibrate the rods 60. The translation mechanism 64 is driven to translate the rods 60 back and forth within the hopper 54 while the rods 60 are vibrating. The vibration of the rods 60 agitates the fine powder to aid its transfer to the chambers 52. When the chambers 52 are sufficiently full, the rotating member is rotated 180 ° to position the chambers 52 in a downward position. As the rotating member 50 is rotated, a blade at the lower edge of the hopper 54 scrapes off any excess powder to ensure that each chamber contains only a single unit amount of fine powder. When in the downward position, a compressed gas is forced through each of the chambers 52 to expel the fine powder into the receptacles (not shown). In this way, a convenient method is provided for transferring fine powder from a hopper into receptacles in a dosed amount. Referring now to Figure 7, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 74 for transferring measured doses of a fine powder will be described. The apparatus 74 comprises a housing 76 and a piezoelectric substrate 78 operably linked to the housing 76. The piezoelectric substrate 78 includes a plurality of holes 80. (or a screen). Positioned above the substrate 78 is a hopper 82 having a fine powder bed 84. Attached to the substrate 58 is a pair of electrical conductors 86 for driving the piezoelectric substrate 78. When the electric current is supplied alternately to the conductors 86, the substrate 78 is caused to expand and contract to produce a vibration mode as illustrated by the arrow 88. In turn, the holes 80 are vibrated to assist in the agitation of the powder bed 84, to allow more effective that the powder falls through the holes 80 and into a chamber. A rotating member having chambers in communication with a vacuum source and a pressure source, as described in the previous embodiments, can also be used in connection with apparatus 74 to aid in the capture of fine dust, and eject captured dust in receptacles. A further embodiment of an apparatus 100 for transferring measured doses of a fine powder is illustrated in Figure 8. The apparatus 100 operates in a manner similar to the apparatus 10, as previously described, except that the piezoelectric flexing motor has been replaced with a engine 102 having a crankshaft 104, which drives a link shaft 106. As the shaft 106 moves back and forth, a rod 108 is vibrated within a hopper 110, which is filled with dust 112. The powder agitated is then captured in a chamber 114, in a manner similar to those previously described. In addition, the rod 108 can be moved over the chamber 114 during vibration, in a manner similar to that previously described with other embodiments. Another embodiment of an apparatus 120 for transferring measured dose of a fine powder is illustrated in Figure 9. The apparatus 120 comprises the motor 122, which rotates a loop of wire 124. As shown, the wire loop 124 is placed within a bed of fine powder 126, just above a chamber 128. In this way, when the wire loop 124 is rotated, the powder will fluidize, and be drawn into the chamber 128 in a manner similar to the previous modes. In addition, the loop 124 can be moved over the camera 128 during its rotation, in a manner similar to that previously described with other embodiments. Referring now to Figure 10, another embodiment of an apparatus 200 for transporting fine powders will be described. The apparatus 200 operates in a manner similar to the other embodiments as previously described, in that the powder is transferred from a hopper to the dosing chambers of a rotating member. From the rotating member, the powder is ejected into receptacles in unit dose amounts. The apparatus 200 comprises a frame 202, which holds a rotating member 204, so that the rotating member 204 can be rotated by a motor (not shown) supported on the frame 202. The frame 202 also supports a primary hopper or trough 206. , above the rotating member 204. Positioned above the hopper 206, is a vibrator 208. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a vibrating element 210 is coupled to the vibrator 208. The vibrator 208 is coupled to an arm 212 by a clamp 214. In turn, the arm 212 is coupled to a translation platform 216. A screw motor 217 is used to translate the platform 216 back and forth relative to the frame 202. In this way, the vibratory element 210 can be moved back and forth within hopper 206. Referring now also to Figures 11 and 12, the apparatus 200 further includes a secondary hopper 218 positioned above the primary hopper 206. Conveniently, the hopper 218 includes fins 219 to enable it to be removably engaged to the frame 202, by inserting the fins 219 into the slots 220. The hopper 218 comprises a housing 222, and a tubular section 224 for storing powder. A channel 226 extends from the housing 222 and to the hopper 206, when the hopper 218 joins the frame 202. The tubular section 224 includes an opening 228, to allow the powder to flow from the tubular section 224 and down the channel 226. A screen 230 is placed over the opening 228 to generally avoid the flow of powder down the channel 226, until the housing 222 is agitated or vibrated.

Conveniently, a latch 232 is used to secure the secondary hopper 218 to the frame 202. To remove the secondary hopper 218, the latch 232 is decoupled from the hopper 218, and the hopper 218 is raised from the slots 220. In this way , the hopper 218 can be conveniently removed for filling, cleaning, replacement or the like. To transfer the powder from the hopper 218, an arm 234 is placed in contact with the housing 222, and is agitated or vibrated to vibrate the housing 222. A motor (not shown) is used to agitate or vibrate the arm. 234. As shown in Figure 12, the housing 222 may optionally include an internal opening 236 that contains a block 238. As the housing 222 is agitated, the block 238 vibrates within the opening 236. As the block 238 engages the walls of the housing 222, sends shock waves through the housing 222, to assist in the transfer of the powder from the tubular section 224, through the opening 228, and through the screen 230. Then the powder slides down from the channel 226, until it falls into the hopper 206. The use of the channel 226 is also advantageous in that it allows the tubular section 224 to deviate laterally from the vibrator 208, so that it will not interfere with the movement of the vibrator 208. A particular advantage of including block 238 within opening 236 is that any particles generated in accordance with block 238 are vibrated, maintained within opening 236, and will not contaminate any of the powder. The vibrator 208 is configured to vibrate the element 210 in upward and downward or vertical movement. The vibrator 208 preferably comprises any of a variety of commercially available ultrasonic horns, such as a Branson T I ultrasonic horn. The vibrating element 216 vibrates preferably at a frequency and in the range from about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz, and more preferably from about 10,000 Hz to about 40,000 Hz, and even more preferably from about 15,000 Hz to about 25,000. Hz. As best shown in Figure 12, the vibrating element 210 includes an end member 240, which is appropriately configured to optimize the agitation of the fine powder during the vibration of the element 210. As shown, the End 240 has an outer periphery, which is larger than that of element 210. Element 210 is preferably cylindrical in geometry and preferably has a diameter in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. As shown, the end member 240 is also cylindrical in geometry, and preferably has a diameter in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 10 mm. However, it will be appreciated that the vibrating element 210 and the end element 240 can be constructed to have a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the vibrating element 210 can be tapered. The end member 240 may also have a reduced profile to minimize lateral movement of the powder as the vibrator 208 moves through the hopper 206. Preferably, the end member 240 is vertically spaced above the rotary member 204, by a distance in the range of from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. The vibrator 208 is used to assist in the transfer of the powder in the dosing chambers 242 of the rotating member 204, in a manner similar to that described with the previous embodiments. More specifically, the motor 217 is used to move the platform 216, so that the vibrating element 210 can be moved laterally back and forth along the hopper 206. At the same time, the vibrating element 210 is vibrated in a movement up and down, ie radial to the rotating member 204, as it passes over each of the dosing chambers 242. Preferably, the vibrator 208 laterally moves along the hopper 206 at a speed that is less than about 50 cm per second. , and more preferably less than about 100 cm per second. As the vibrating element 210 moves laterally within the hopper 205, there may be a tendency for the vibrating element 210 to push or precipitate some of the dust towards the ends of the hopper 206. Such movement of the powder is mitigated by providing a radiant surface or a projection member 244 on the vibrating element 210, just above an average depth of the powder within the hopper. In this way, the accumulated dust that is higher than the average depth, is preferably moved, and moves to areas in the hopper that have a lower depth of dust. Preferably, the projecting member 244 is separated from the end member 240 by a distance in the range of about 2 mm to about 25 mm, and more preferably from about 5 mm to about 10 mm. As an alternative, various groove mechanisms, such as rakes, can be attached to the vibrator 208 (or be hinged apart), so that they will be dragged over the top of the powder, to assist in leveling the powder according to the vibrator 208 moves along the hopper. As another alternative, an elongated vibratory element, such as a screen, can be placed inside the powder bed to aid in powder leveling. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the rotating member 204 is in a filling position, wherein the dosing chambers 242 are aligned with the hopper 206. As with the other embodiments described herein, once the cameras of dosing 242 are full, rotating member 204 is rotated through 180 °, where dust is expelled from dosing chambers 242 into receptacles. A Kloc ner packaging machine is preferably used to supply the apparatus 200 with a sheet containing the receptacles. Referring now to Figure 13, the construction of a rotating member 204 will be described in more detail. The rotating member 204 comprises a drum 246 having a front end 248 and a rear end 250. The bearings 252 and 254 are inserted over the ends 248 and 250, to allow the drum 246 to rotate when attached to the frame 202. The rotating member 204 further includes a collar 256, a rear slide ring 258, and a front slip ring 259, which are fitted with seals hermetic to gas. The air inlets 260 and 261 are provided in the collar 256. The air inlet 260 is in fluid communication with a pair 242a of dosing chambers 242, while the inlet 261 is in fluid communication with a pair 242b of dosing chambers. 242. In this manner, pressurized air or a vacuum can be produced in either of the pair of chambers 242a or 242b. More specifically, the air in the inlet 260 passes through the slip ring 258, through a hole 264 in a joint 270, and in a hole 265, in a manifold 262. The air then passes through the multiple 262, and leaves the manifold 262 through a pair of holes 265a and 265b. The holes 265c and 265d in the clamp 270, then conduct the air towards the chambers 242a. In a similar manner, the air from the inlet 261 passes through the slip ring 259, through an orifice 266 in the joint 270, and in an orifice (not shown) in the manifold 262. The air is routed through of several holes in the manifold 262, and the gasket 270, in a manner similar to that previously described with the inlet 260, until it passes through the chambers 242b. In this way, two separate air circuits are provided. Alternately, it will be appreciated that one of the air inlets could be removed, so that vacuum or pressurized gas can be simultaneously provided to all dosing chambers 242. Also placed on top of manifold 262, there is a change tool 274. Dosing chambers 242 they are formed in the change tool 274, and the filters 272 are placed between the change tool 274 and the air clamp 272, to form a lower end of the dosing chambers 242. The air can be extracted from the chambers 242 by attaching a vacuum to the air inlets 260 or 261. Similarly, a compressed gas can be forced through the dosing chambers 242, by coupling a source of compressed gas to the air inlets 260 or 261. As with other embodiments described in FIG. present, a vacuum is drawn through the dosing chambers 242, to help extract the powder towards the dosing chambers 242. After the t ambor 246 is rotated 180 °, a compressed gas is forced through the dosing chambers 242 to eject the powder from the dosing chambers 242. The drum 246 includes an opening 278, into which the manifold 262 is inserted, the gasket 270, the air clamp 272 and the change tool 274. A cam 280 is also provided and inserted into the aperture 278. The cam 280 is rotated within the aperture 278, to secure the various components within the drum 246. When is loose, it is possible to slide the change tool 274 from the opening 278. In this way, the change tool 274 can be easily replaced with another change tool having dosing chambers of different sizes. In this way, the apparatus 200 can be provided with a wide variety of change tools, which allow the user to easily change the size of the dosing chambers, simply by inserting a new change tool 274. The apparatus 200 further includes, a mechanism for scrape any excess powder from the dosing chambers 242. Such scraping mechanism 282, is illustrated in Figures 14A and 14B, and is also referred to as a scraping sheet. For the convenience of the illustration, scraping mechanism 282 has been omitted from the drawings of Figures 10-12. In Figures 14A and 14B, the rotating member 204 is shown in a schematic view. The scraping mechanism 282 comprises a thin plate 284 having openings 286, which align with the dosing chambers 242, when the rotating member 204 is in the filling position. The openings 286 preferably have a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the dosing chambers 242. In this way, the openings 286 will not interfere with the filling of the dosing chambers 242. The plate 284 is preferably constructed from bronze, and has a diameter of approximately 0.003 inches (0.762 mm). The plate 284 is sunk against the rotating member 204, so that it is generally flush against the outer periphery. In this way, the plate 284 is generally sealed against the rotating member 204, to prevent excess dust from leaking between the plate 284 and the rotating member 204. The plate 284 is attached to the frame 202, and remains stationary while that the rotating member 204 rotates. In this way, after the powder has been transferred to the dosing chambers 242, the rotating member 204 is rotated towards the delivery position. During rotation, the edges of the openings 286 scrape any excess powder from the dosing chambers 242, so that only a quantity of unit dose remains in the dosing chambers 242. The configuration of the scraping mechanism 282 is advantageous in which reduces the amount of moving parts, thereby reducing the accumulation of static electricity. In addition, the removed powder remains inside the hopper 206, where it will be available for transfer to the dosing chambers 242, after they have been emptied. In Figure 14C there is illustrated an alternate mechanism for scraping or scraping the excess powder from the dosing chambers 242. The mechanism comprises a pair of scraper blades 290 and 292, which are coupled to the hopper 206, it is appreciated that only one The blade may be needed, depending on the direction of rotation of the rotating member 204. The blades 290 and 292 are preferably constructed of a thin sheet material, such as a 0.005 inch (1.27 mm) bronze, and are slit slightly against the blade. rotary member 204. The edges of the blades 290 and 292 approximately coincide with the edges of the opening in the hopper 206. After the dosing chambers 242 are filled, the rotary member 204 is rotated, with the blades 290 and 292 ( depending on the direction of rotation), scraping any excess powder from the dosing chambers 242.

Referring now again to Figures 10-12, the operation of the apparatus 200 for filling the receptacles with the unit doses of the fine powder will be described. Initially, the fine powder is placed in a tubular section 224 of a secondary hopper 218. Conveniently, the hopper 218 can be removed from the frame 202 during filling. The housing 222 is then agitated or vibrated for a sufficient time to transfer a desired amount of powder through the opening 228, through the screen 230 and down the channel 226, where it falls into the primary hopper 206. The rotating member 204 is placed in the filling position, where the dosing chambers 242 are aligned with the hopper 206. A vacuum is then applied to the air inlets 260 and 261 (see Figure 13), to extract air through the dosing chambers 242. Under the influence of gravity, and with the help of the vacuum, the powder falls into the dosing chambers 242, and generally fills the dosing chambers 242. The vibrator 208 is then driven to The element 210 is vibrated at the same time. At the same time, the motor 217 is operated to move the vibrating element 210 back and forth within the chamber 206. As the element 210 is vibrated, the member 210 is vibrated. end 240 creates a pattern of air flow at the bottom of hopper 206 to agitate the powder. As the end member 240 passes over each dosing chamber 242, an aerosol cloud is produced which is pulled into the dosing chamber 242 by vacuum and by gravity. As the end member 242 passes over the dosing chambers 242, the ultrasonic energy radiates downward into the dosing chambers 242, to agitate the powder already inside the dosing chamber. This, in turn, allows the flow within the cavity to level any irregularities in the density that may exist during the previous filling. Such a feature is particularly advantageous in that the agglomerates or pieces of powder, which can create gaps in the dosing chamber, can be broken to more evenly fill the dosing chamber. After passing one or more times over each of the dosing chambers 242, the rotating member 204 is rotated 180 ° to a supply position, where the dosing chambers 242 are aligned with the receptacles (not shown). As the rotating member 204 rotates, any excess powder is scraped from the dosing chambers 242 as previously described. When in the supply position, the compressed gas is supplied through the air inlets 260 and 261 to eject the unit doses of powder from the dosing chambers 242 and into the receptacles. The invention also provides a way to adjust the filling weights by modulating the ultrasonic power supplied to the vibrator 210, as it passes over the dosing chambers 242. In this way, the filling weights for the various dosing chambers can be adjusted to compensate for the discrepancies in weight of the powder that may occur periodically. As an example, if the fourth dosing chamber is consistently producing a dose amount that was too low in weight, the power of the vibrator 208 could be increased slightly each time it passes over the fourth dosing chamber. In conjunction with an automated weighing system (or manual), and a controller. Such an arrangement could be used to make an automated closed circuit (or manual) weight control system, to adjust the power level of the vibrator for each of the dosing chambers, to provide more accurate fill weights. Referring now to Figure 15, an exemplary embodiment of a system 300 for dosing and transporting a fine powder will be described. System 300 operates in a manner similar to apparatus 200, but includes multiple vibrators and multiple hoppers to simultaneously fill a plurality of receptacles with unit doses of fine powder. The system 300 comprises a frame 302, to which they are rotatably coupled to a plurality of rotating members 304. The rotating members 304 can be constructed similarly to the rotating member 204, and include a plurality of dosing chambers (not shown) for receiving the dust. The number of rotating members and dosing chambers may vary according to the particular application. Placed on top of each rotating member 304, there is a primary hopper 306, which holds the powder on top of the rotating members 304. A vibrator 308 is placed on top of each hopper 306, and includes a vibrating element 310, for stirring the powder within the hopper 306, in a manner similar to that described in relation to the apparatus 200. Although not shown for convenience of illustration, a secondary hopper, which is similar to the secondary hopper 218 of the apparatus 200, will be placed on top of each one of the primary hoppers 306, for transferring powder to the hoppers 306 in a manner similar to that described in relation to the apparatus 200.A motor 312 (only one shown for convenience of illustration) engages each of the rotating members 304 to rotate the rotating members 304 between a filling position and a supply position similar to the apparatus 200. Each vibrator 308 is coupled to an arm 314, by means of a bracket 316. The arms 314 in turn are coupled to a common platform 318, which has slides 319, which are movable on tracks 321 by a screw 320, of a motor screw 322. In this way. The vibrating elements 310 can move simultaneously back and forth in the hoppers 306, by the operation of the screw motor 322. Alternately, each of the vibrators could be coupled to a separate motor, so that each vibrator can move independently . The frame 302 is coupled to a base 324, which includes a plurality of elongated slots 326. The slots 326 are adapted to receive the lower ends of a plurality of receptacles 328, which are formed in a sheet 330. The sheet 330 preferably supplied with a bubble former, which is a commercially available Uhlmann Packing Machine, Model No. 1040. The rotating members 304 preferably include a number of metering chambers corresponding to the number of receptacles in each row of sheets 330 In this way, four rows of receptacles can be filled during each cycle of operation. Once four of the rows are filled, the dosing chambers are re-filled and the sheet 330 is advanced to fill four new rows of receptacles with the hoppers 306. A particular advantage of the system 300 is that it can be fully automated. For example, a controller can be coupled to the packaging machine, vacuum and pressurized gas sources, motors 312, motor 322 and vibrators 308. By using such a controller, the blade 330 can be advanced automatically to the proper position, when engines 312 are aligned to drive the dosing chambers with the hoppers 306. Next, a vacuum source is operated to draw a vacuum through the dosing chambers, while the vibrators 308 are actuated, and the motor 322 is employed to move the vibrators 308. Once the dosing chambers are filled, the controller is used to drive the motors 312, to rotate the rotating members 304, until they are aligned with the receptacles 328. The controller then sends a signal to send a pressurized gas through the dosing chambers to eject the dosed powder into the receptacles 328. Once filled, the control d) causes the packaging machine to advance sheet 330 and the cycle is repeated. When needed, the controller can be used to drive the motors (not shown) to vibrate the secondary hoppers to transfer the powder to the primary hoppers 306, as previously described. Although shown with vibrators comprising ultrasonic horns, it will be appreciated that other types of vibrators and vibratory elements can be employed, including those previously described. In addition, it will be appreciated that the number of vibrators and the size of the troughs can be varied according to the particular need. Although the above invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (42)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A method for transforming a fine powder, characterized in that it comprises: placing a fine powder inside a hopper having an opening therein; vibrating a vibrating element within the fine powder in the vicinity of the opening; and capturing at least a portion of the fine powder leaving the opening within a chamber, where the captured powder is sufficiently not compacted so that it can be dispersed with the removal of the chamber.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibrating element is vibrated in an upward and downward movement relative to the powder in the hopper.

The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the vibrating element is coupled to an ultrasonic horn, and wherein the step of vibrating comprises operating the ultrasonic horn.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibrating element is vibrated at a frequency in the range of about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibrating element has a distal end, which is placed near the opening, and wherein the distal end has an end member attached thereto, which is vibrated on the chamber.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the end member is vertically separated from the chamber by a distance in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises moving the element through the opening while vibrating the element.

The method according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises moving the element along the opening at a speed that is less than about 100 cm / s.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that it also comprises periodically leveling the powder inside the hopper.

The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the leveling step comprises placing a projecting member in the vibrating element, at a location spaced from a distal end of the vibrating element.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that multiple chambers are aligned with the opening, and further comprises moving the vibrating element along the opening to pass over each chamber.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fine powder comprises a medicament composed of individual particles having an average size in the range of about 1 μm to 100 μm.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the capture step further comprises extracting air through the chamber, which is placed below the opening, where the extracted air helps to extract the fine powder towards the chamber .

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises transferring the captured powder from the chamber to a receptacle.

The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the transfer step comprises introducing a compressed gas into the chamber, to eject the captured powder in the receptacle.

16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises adjusting the amount of powder captured to be a quantity of unit dose.

The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the adjustment step comprises providing a thin plate beneath the hopper, the plate having an opening that is aligned with the chamber, and further comprising moving the chamber relative to the plate, to scrape excess dust from the camera.

18. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the hopper is a primary hopper, and wherein the laying step comprises transferring the powder from a secondary hopper to the primary hopper.

The method according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises vibrating the secondary hopper to transfer the powder to the primary hopper.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises dispersing the powder from the chamber and changing the size of the chamber.

21. An apparatus for transporting a fine powder, characterized in that it comprises: a hopper having an opening therein, the hopper is adapted to receive the fine powder; at least one camera which is mobile, to allow the camera to be placed in close proximity to the opening; a vibratory member having a proximal end and a distal end, the vibratory member is filled into the hopper, so that the distal end is close to the opening; and a vibrator motor to vibrate the vibrating member when it is inside the fine powder.

22. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that it further comprises a mechanism for moving the vibrating member over the chamber.

The apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises a rotating member having a plurality of chambers around its periphery, which align with the opening, and where the translation mechanism is configured to translate the member vibrating along the opening so that the vibrating member passes over each chamber.

The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the translation mechanism comprises a linear drive mechanism, which moves the vibratory member along the opening, at a speed that is less than about 100 cm / s.

25. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the vibrator motor vibrates the vibrating member at a frequency in the range of about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz.

The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the vibrator comprises an ultrasonic horn, which vibrates the element in an upward and downward movement relative to the powder.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the vibrating element is cylindrical in geometry, and has a diameter in the range of about 1.0 to about 10 mm.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that it further comprises an end member at the distal end of the vibrating member.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that the end member extends radially from the vibrating element.

30. The apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that it further comprises a member for leveling the separated powder on top of the end member.

31. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the camera is placed inside a rotating member, which is placed in a first position having the camera aligned with the aperture, and a second position having the camera aligned with the camera. a receptacle

32. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a door at the bottom of the chamber, and a vacuum source in communication with the door, to assist in the extraction of fine dust from the hopper and into the chamber .

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that it also comprises a filter placed through the door.

34. The apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that it further comprises a source of compressed gas in communication with the door, for expelling the captured dust from the chamber, and towards the receptacle.

35. The apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises a controller for controlling the drive of the gas source and the vacuum source.

36. The apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of hoppers positioned above a plurality of rotating members, one of which includes a plurality of chambers, and further comprising a plurality of elements and a plurality of vibrators to make the elements vibrate.

37. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a plate placed below the hopper, with the plate having an opening that is aligned with the chamber, and where the chamber is movable relative to the plate, to allow excess dust to be scraped from the chamber.

38. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the hopper is a primary hopper, and further comprises a secondary hopper, placed on top of the primary hopper, for transferring the powder to the primary hopper.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that it further comprises a stirring mechanism for vibrating the secondary hopper.

40. The apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that the chamber is formed in a change tool, and wherein the change tool is removably coupled to the rotating member.

41. A system for transporting a fine powder, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of rotating members, each having a row of chambers around its periphery; a hopper positioned on top of each rotating member, where each hopper includes an opening; a vibratory element that fits inside each of the hoppers, wherein each vibratory element has a distal end near the opening; a vibrator coupled to each vibratory element, to vibrate the elements in an up and down movement; and a mechanism for moving each vibrating element along each of the hoppers, while the elements are vibrating.

42. The system according to claim 41, characterized in that it further comprises a controller for controlling the rotation of the vibratory members, the vibrators, and the translation mechanism.