NO324158B1 - Powder filling device and method - Google Patents

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part application and claims priority from the provisional US patent application which was continued from US patent 08/949,047 filed on October 10, 1997, the entire of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Scope of the invention

The present invention generally relates to the area of fine powder processing and in particular to measured transport of fine powders. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems, devices and methods for filling containers with unit doses of non-flowable but dispersible drugs in the form of fine powder, in particular for subsequent inhalation by a patient.

Effective delivery to a patient is a critical aspect of any successful drug regimen. Different forms of delivery exist, and each of these has its advantages and disadvantages. Oral medicines delivered in the form of tablets, capsules, elixirs and the like are perhaps the most appropriate method, but many medicines have an unpleasant taste, and the size of the tablets and the size of the tablets make them difficult to swallow. Furthermore, such drugs are often broken down in the digestive tract before they can be absorbed. Such breakdown is particularly a problem with modern protein medicines, which are quickly broken down by proteolytic enzymes in the digestive tract. Subcutaneous injection is often an effective way of systemic drug delivery, including the delivery of proteins, but this has a low degree of acceptance by patients and creates sharp waste objects, i.e. needles, which are difficult to get rid of. Since the need to inject drugs regularly, eg insulin once or more a day may be a source of daily compliance with the patient's wishes, a number of alternative ways of administering drugs have been developed, including transdermal, intranasal, intrarectal, intravaginal , and pulmonary delivery.

Of particular interest to the present invention are lung drug delivery procedures based on inhalation of dispersed drug or an aerosol by the patient, so that the active drug in solution can reach the remote (alveolar) regions of the lung. It has been found that certain drugs are easily absorbed through the alveolar area directly into the blood system. Pulmonary delivery is particularly promising for the delivery of proteins and polypeptides that are difficult to deliver via other routes of administration. Such pulmonary delivery can be effective both for systemic delivery and for localized delivery to treat diseases of the lungs.

Pulmonary drug delivery (including both systemic and local) can itself be achieved by various approaches, including liquid nebulizers, metered dose inhalers (MDIs), and dry powder dispersion devices. Dry powder dispersion devices are particularly promising for the delivery of proteins and polypeptide drugs that can be easily formulated as dry powders. Many otherwise labile proteins and polypeptides can be stored stably as lyophilized or spray-dried powders by themselves or in combination with suitable powder carriers. A further advantage is that dry powders can have a much higher concentration than drugs in liquid form.

However, the ability to deliver proteins and polypeptides as dry powders is problematic in certain respects. The dosage of many protein and polypeptide drugs is often critical, so it is necessary that any dry powder delivery system be capable of accurately and precisely and repeatably delivering the intended amount of the drug. Furthermore, many proteins and polypeptides are relatively expensive, and are typically many times more expensive than conventional drugs in a pr. dose basis. Consequently, the ability to deliver the dry powders to lung measurement areas with minimal loss of drug is critical.

For some applications, powder drugs are supplied in fine powder to dry-powder dispersing devices in small unit dose containers, often with a punctureable cap or by means of another access surface (often referred to as a blister pack). For example, the dispersion device described in US patent no. 5,785,049 and 5,740,794, which is hereby incorporated by reference, is designed to receive such a container. Upon placement of the container in the device, a multi-stream ejector assembly with a feed tube is penetrated through the lid of the container to provide access to the powdered drug. The multi-flow ejector assembly also creates vent holes in the cap to allow flow of air through the container to entrain and evacuate the drug. Driving this process is a high-velocity air stream that flows past a portion of the tube, such as an outlet end, to draw the powder from the container, through the tube, and into the flowing air stream to form an aerosol for inhalation by the patient. The high-velocity air flow transports the powder from the container in a partially deagglomerated form, and finally a complete deagglomeration takes place in the mixing volume immediately downstream of the high-velocity air inlets.

Of particular interest to the present invention are the physical properties of the powder with poor flow properties. Poorly flowing powders are those powders with physical properties such as flowability, which are dominated by cohesive forces between the individual units or particles (hereafter "individual particles") of which the powder consists. In such cases, powders do not flow well because the individual particles cannot easily move independently of each other, but instead move as clumps of many particles. When such powders are subjected to low forces, the powders tend not to flow at all. However, as the forces acting on powders increase to exceed cohesive forces, powders will move in large agglomerated "chunks" of the individual particles. When the powder settles, the large agglomerates remain and result in a different powder density due to voids and areas of low density between the large agglomerates and areas of local compaction.

This behavior tends to increase as the size of the individual particles becomes smaller. This is very likely, because as the particles become smaller, the cohesive forces, such as Van Der Waals, electrostatic, friction and other forces, become greater with respect to the gravity and mass velocity forces that are applied to the individual particles due to their small mass. This is relevant to the present invention since gravity and mass velocity forces generated by acceleration, in addition to other affected motivators, are commonly used to process, move and measure powders.

For example, when measuring the fine powders before placing them in the unit dose container, the powders often agglomerate inconsistently, forming voids and excessive density variation, thereby reducing the accuracy of the volumetric measurement process that is often used to measure at high throughput. production. Such inconsistent agglomeration is further undesirable because the powder that agglomerates must be broken down into its individual particles, i.e. be made dispersible for pulmonary delivery. Such deagglomeration often occurs in dispersion devices due to shear forces generated by the air flow used to extract the drugs from the unit dose container or other containers, or by other mechanical energy transfer mechanisms (e.g., ultrasonic, fan/paddle wheel, and the like). However, if the small powder agglomerates become too compact, the shear forces provided by the air flow or other dispersing mechanisms will be insufficient to effectively disperse the drugs into the individual particles.

Some attempts to prevent agglomeration of the individual particles are to form mixtures of multiphase powders (for example a carrier or a diluent) where larger particles, (occasionally several orders of magnitude), e.g. about 50 µm be combined with smaller drug particles, e.g. 1 |im to 5 |i.m. In this case, the small particles bind to the larger particles, so that during processing and filling, powders will have the properties of a 50 µm powder. Such a powder is more easily able to flow and be measured. A disadvantage of such a powder, however, is that removing the small particles from the larger particles is difficult, and the resulting powder formulation mainly consists of the large flowing substance component that can end up in the device, or in the patient's mouth.

Current methods of filling unit dose containers with powdered drugs include a direct pour method in which a powder in granule form is directly poured by gravity (occasionally in combination with stirring or "bulk" agitation) into the metering chamber. When the chamber is filled to the desired level, the drug is then expelled from the chamber into the container. In such a direct pouring process, variations in the density can occur in the measuring chamber, thereby reducing the efficiency of the measuring chamber for accurate measurement of a unit dose of the drug. Furthermore, the powder in its granular form may be undesirable in many applications.

Some attempts have been made to minimize density variations by compressing the powder within or prior to discharge into the measuring chamber.

However, such compaction is desired, especially for the powder made only of fine particles in that it lowers the dispersibility of the powder, i.e. it reduces the chance of compressed powders breaking down into their individual particles during pulmonary delivery with a dispersing device.

It would therefore be desirable to provide systems and methods for processing fine powder which can overcome or significantly reduce these and other problems. Such systems and methods should allow accurate and precise measurement of the fine powder when divided into unit doses for placement in unit dose containers, particularly for low mass fills. Systems and methods should further ensure that the fine powder remains sufficiently dispersible during processing, so that the fine powder can be used with existing inhalation devices, which prescribe that the powder be broken down into its individual particles prior to lung delivery. Furthermore, the systems and methods should provide rapid processing of the fine powders so that a large number of unit dose containers can be quickly filled with unit doses of finely powdered drug to reduce costs.

2. Description and prior art

US patent no. 5,765,607 describes a machine that measures products in containers, and includes a measuring unit for supplying the product to the containers.

US Patent No. 4,640,322 describes a machine that applies subatmospheric pressure via a filter to draw material directly from a hopper (hopper) and laterally into a non-rotating chamber.

US Patent No. 4,509,560 describes a device for processing granular material that uses a rotating paddle to stir the granular material.

US patent no. 2,540,059 describes a powder filling device with a rotating stirring element of wire coils to stir the powder in a hopper (hopper) before directly pouring the powder into a measuring chamber by gravity.

German patent no. DE 3607187 describes a mechanism for metered transport of fine particles.

Product brochure "E-1300 Powder Filler" describes a powder filler available from Perry Industries, Corona, CA.

US Patent No. 3,874,431 describes a machine for filling capsules with powder. The machine uses core tubes that are held on a rotatable lathe.

British Patent No. 1,420,364 discloses a diaphragm assembly for use in measuring cavities used to measure dry powder.

British Patent 1,309,424 describes a powder filling device with a measuring chamber with a piston head which is used to create a negative pressure in the chamber.

Canadian Patent No. 949,786 describes a powder filling device with the measuring chamber that is dipped into the powder. A vacuum is then used to fill the chamber with powder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides systems, devices and methods for measured transport of fine powders into unit dose containers. In an exemplified method, such fine powders are transported by first agitating the fine powder with a vibrating element, and then capturing at least a portion of the fine powder. The collected fine powder is then transferred to a container, where the transferred powder is sufficiently uncompressed so that it can be substantially dispersed upon removal from the container. Typically, the fine powder will comprise a drug in which the individual particles have an average size of less than about 100 µm, usually less than about 10 µm and even more commonly in the range of about 1 nm to 5 nm.

The fine powder will preferably be placed in a funnel (hopper) with an opening and a bottom. The element is vibrated to agitate the fine powder. The vibration of the powder in the area around the opening assists the transfer of part of the fine powder through the opening, where it can be captured in a chamber. Vibration of the element also contributes to deagglomeration of the powder inside the measuring chamber, so that the measuring chamber can be filled up in a more uniform way.

The vibrating element is preferably vibrated up and down, i.e. in a vertical movement in relation to the powder in the hopper (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, i.e. laterally, inside the powder. In another alternative, the vibratable element is orbitally vibrated. In one aspect, the rod is operably connected to a piezoelectric motor that vibrates the rod. Preferably, the element is vibrated vertically at a frequency ranging from about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz, and more preferably from about 10,000 to about 40,000 Hz, and most preferably from about 15,000 Hz to about 25,000 Hz. The rod is preferably vibrated laterally at a frequency in the range of about 50 Hz to about 50,000 Hz, even more advantageously if it vibrates in the range of about 50 Hz to about 5,000 Hz and most advantageously in the range of about 50 Hz to about 1,000 Hz.

In another aspect, the member has a distal end that is located near the opening. Furthermore, the distal end has an end member which is vibrated over the chamber to effect transfer of the fine powder from a hopper to the chamber. The end element preferably protrudes laterally outwards from the element. In one aspect, the end member comprises a cylinder when the member is vibrated vertically. In another aspect, the end member comprises a transverse member when the rod is vibrated laterally. Preferably, the end member is at a vertical distance from the chamber by a distance ranging from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. Such a distance helps to keep the powder uncompressed when it is transferred to the chamber.

In yet another aspect, the element is preferably moved transversely across the aperture while being vibrated. For example, the element can be translated along the opening at a speed which is preferably less than approximately 100 cm/s. However, the particular transfer rate will typically depend on the vibration frequency of the element. In this way, the element is swept across the chamber while it is vibrated.

Movement of the element along the opening is particularly advantageous when several chambers are aligned with the opening. In this way, the element can be used to help transfer fine powder from a hopper into each of the chambers. Alternatively, a series of elements or rods may be vibrated within a funnel in the area around the openings. Preferably, the rods will be aligned with each other and will be transferred along the opening while it is being vibrated, although in certain cases the rods or elements may remain stationary above each chamber.

In order to help collect the fine powder in the chamber, air is preferably drawn through the bottom of the chamber to draw the fine powder into the chamber. Following collection of the fine powder, the powder is preferably transferred to a container. Transfer of the fine powder is preferably completed or achieved by introducing a compressed gas into the chamber to eject the captured powder into the container.

In another aspect of the method, the powder in the funnel is given a certain level in given periods. As an example, the powder may be leveled by placing a projecting member over the distal end of the vibrating member. In this way, the projecting element vibrates along with the vibratable element. As the element is translated along the hopper, the projecting element tends to level the powder in the hopper. In one aspect, the transfer of powder is performed in a humidity controlled environment.

In yet 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 sheet) between the funnel and the chamber. The plate has an opening to allow transfer of the powder from the hopper into the chamber. The chamber is then moved relative to the plate, so that the plate scrapes away any excess powder from the chamber. Alternatively, a remedial blade can be used to scrape 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 into a chute where it is passed into the primary hopper. In yet another aspect, the chamber is periodically removed and replaced with a chamber of a different size to adjust the volume of the chamber. In this way, different unit doses can be produced by the invention.

The invention further provides an exemplary device for transferring fine powder. The device includes a funnel to hold the fine powder. The device further comprises at least one chamber which is movable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to an opening in the funnel. A vibrating element with a proximal and a distal end is also provided, where the element is placed inside the funnel (hopper) so that the distal end is close to the opening. A vibrator is placed 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 help contribute to its transfer from the hopper to the chamber. Preferably, the vibrator comprises an ultrasonic horn which vibrates the element in an up and down or vertical movement. Alternatively, a piezoelectric motor can be used to vibrate the element laterally.

In an exemplified aspect, the device further comprises a mechanism for transferring the vibratable element or rod across the chamber as the element is vibrated. Such a mechanism is particularly advantageous when a series of chambers is provided with a rotatable element which is rotated to align the chamber with the opening. The transfer mechanism can then be used to transfer the element over the rotatable element so that the vibrating element passes over each chamber to assist in filling each of them with powder. The transfer mechanism preferably comprises a linear operating mechanism which translates the rod along the opening at a speed of less than about 100 cm/s.

In another aspect, the vibrator is configured to vibrate the member in an up and down motion at a frequency in the range of about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz, and more preferably in the range of about 10,000 Hz to about 40,000 Hz, and most advantageously in the range from about 15,000 Hz to about 25,000 Hz. When vibrated up and down, the vibrating element preferably comprises a cylindrical shaft with a diameter in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. When moved laterally, the element preferably comprises a rod or a wire with one

diameter ranging from about 0.01 inch to about 0.04 inch.

An end member is preferably operably associated with the distal end of the vibratable member to assist in agitating the fine powder. The end member is preferably positioned at a vertical distance from the chamber by a distance in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more advantageously from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. In an alternative, the device is fitted with a number of vibrating elements, so that several elements can be vibrated inside the fine powder.

In yet another aspect, the chamber is located within a rotatable member, which is located in a first position with the chamber aligned with the opening in the funnel, and a second position with the chamber aligned with a container. In this way, the chamber can be filled with powder when it is in the first position. The rotatable member is then rotated to the second position to allow the powder to be ejected from the chamber into the container. The chamber preferably includes a port which communicates with a vacuum source to assist in drawing the fine powder from the hopper into the chamber. A filter is preferably placed across the gate to help collect the powder. A source of compressed gas is preferably also in communication with the port to eject the captured powder from the chamber into the container. A controller may be provided to control the actuation of the gas source, the vacuum source and the operation of the vibrator.

The device may also include a mechanism for adjusting the amount of powder captured in the chamber due to the chamber volume. In this way, the captured amount will be a unit dose amount. Such an adjustment mechanism may include a rim to remove fine powder that extends over the chamber. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises a thin plate with an opening which can be aligned with the chamber during filling. As the rotatable element is rotated, the edge of the opening scrapes the excess powder from the chamber.

In a particular aspect, the vibrable element comprises a projecting element that is a certain distance above the distal end. The projecting element acts as a level element to give the powder a certain level inside the hopper as the vibrating element is transferred along the hopper.

In another aspect, a secondary hopper is provided to store the powder until it is delivered to the primary hopper. A hopper mechanism is provided to vibrate the secondary hopper when powder is to be transferred to the primary hopper. Preferably, the powder passes down a chute, so that the powder can be transferred without interfering with the transfer of the movement of the vibrating element along the primary funnel.

In yet another aspect, the chamber is formed in a change tool. In this way, the size of the chamber can be varied simply by attaching a change tool with a chamber of a different size to the rotatable element.

The invention further provides an exemplary system for transporting fine powders. The system comprises a number of rotatable elements, each comprising a number of chambers. A hopper is located above each rotatable element and has an opening to allow powder to be transferred to the chambers. A vibrating element is placed in each funnel, and vibrators are placed to vibrate the elements in an upward and downward motion. A transfer mechanism is further provided to move the vibrating element along the hopper to help transfer powder from the hoppers into the chambers. Preferably, a control element is provided to control operation of the rotatable elements, the vibrators and the displacement mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a side view of a cross-section of a device for transporting fine powders according to an example of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an end view of the device in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a more detailed view of the chamber of the device shown in fig. 1 where the vibrating rod is shown where it is moved over the chamber according to the invention. Fig. 4 is a front perspective view from the left side of a system according to an example for transferring powder according to the invention.

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view from the right side of the system in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the system in fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an alternative device for transporting fine powders according to the invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of yet another alternative device for transporting fine powders according to the invention. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of yet another alternative device for transporting fine powders according to the invention. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a device for transporting fine powders according to the invention. Fig. 11 is a cross-section of the device in fig. 10 taken along the lines 11-11.

Fig. 12 is a cross-section of the device in fig. 10 taken along line 12-12.

Fig. 13 is a component drawing of the rotatable element in fig. 10.

Fig. 14A is a schematic diagram of the scraping mechanism for scraping excess powder from the chamber of a rotatable element. Fig. 14B is an end view of the scraper mechanism of Fig. 14A mounted above the rotatable element. Fig. 14C is a perspective view of an alternative mechanism for scraping excess powder from a chamber into a rotatable element according to the invention. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a particularly preferred embodiment of a system for transporting the powder according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The invention provides methods, systems, measuring of fine powders into containers. The fine powders are very fine, usually with an average size in the range of less than about 20 µm, usually less than about 10 µm and more commonly from about 1 µm to 5 µm, although the invention in some cases may be useful when used with larger particles, eg up to about 50 µm or more. The fine powder may be composed of a number of ingredients and will preferably comprise a drug eg proteins, nucleic acid, carbohydrates, buffer salts, peptides , or other smaller biomolecules and the like. The containers intended to receive the fine powder preferably comprise unit dose containers. The containers are used to store the unit dose of the drug until needed for pulmonary delivery. To extract the drug from the containers, an inhalation device, for example described in US 5,785,049 and 5,740,794, previously incorporated by reference will be used However, the method according to the invention is also useful for pre preparation of powders to be used in other inhalation devices based on the distribution of fine powders.

The containers are preferably each filled with a precise amount of the fine powder, to ensure that a patient will be given the correct dose. During measurement and transport of the fine powder, the fine powder will be handled carefully and will not be compressed so that the unit dose amount delivered to the container is sufficiently distributable to be useful when used in existing inhalation devices. The fine powders prepared according to the invention will be particularly useful in conjunction with, but not limited to, "low energy" inhalation devices that rely on manual operation or inhalation alone to distribute the powder. With such inhalation devices, the powder will preferably be at least 20% (by weight) dispersible or extractable into a flowing air stream, even more advantageously at least 60% dispersible, and most advantageously 90% dispersible as defined in US 5,785,049, previously incorporated by reference . Since the costs of producing fine powder drugs are usually quite high, the drug will preferably be measured and transported into the containers with minimal wastage. Preferably, the containers will be filled quickly with the unit dose amount, so that large numbers of containers containing the measured drug can be produced in an economical manner.

According to the invention, the fine particles are captured in a measuring chamber (which is preferably dimensioned to define a unit dose volume). A preferred method of capture is to draw air through the chamber, so that the drag force in the air will act on the small agglomerates or the individual particles as described in US patent 5,775,320, where this entire invention is hereby incorporated as a reference. In this way, the fluidized fine powder fills the chamber without significant compaction and without significant void formation. Furthermore, trapping in this way allows the fine powder to be accurately and repeatably measured without unnecessarily increasing the distributability of the fine powder. The flow of air through the chamber can be varied to control the density of the captured powder.

After the fine powder is measured, the fine powder is sprayed into the container in a unit dose amount, with the sprayed fine powder sufficiently distributable so that it can be entrained and aerosolized in the turbulent air stream created by an inhalation - or a dispersing device. Such an ejection process is described in US 5,775,320 previously incorporated as a reference.

Agitation of the fine powder is preferably achieved by vibrating a vibrating element inside the fine powder in the area directly above the capture element. Preferably, the element is vibrated into an upward and downward movement, i.e. vertical movement. Alternatively, the element can be vibrated laterally. A variety of mechanisms may be used to vibrate the elements including an ultrasonic horn, a piezoelectric bending motor, a motor that rotates a cam or crankshaft, an electric solenoid and the like. Alternatively, a wire loop can be rotated inside the fine powder to fluidize the powder. Although agitation is preferably achieved by vibrating the vibrating element inside the fine powder, in certain cases it may be desirable to vibrate the vibrating element directly above the powder in order to fluidize the powder.

With reference to fig. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of the device 10 for measuring and transporting unit doses of finely powdered drug will be described. The device 10 comprises a passage or a funnel 12 with a top end 14 and a bottom end 16. At the bottom end 16 there is one opening 18. A layer of fine powder 20 is held inside the funnel 12. Placed under the funnel 12 is a rotatable element 22 with a row of chambers 24 along its periphery. The rotatable member 22 can be rotated to align the chambers 24 with opening 18 to allow powder 20 to be transferred from the hopper 12 into the chambers 24.

Placed above the funnel 12 is a piezoelectric bending motor 12 with a rod 28 attached. 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 layer 20, while at a distance from the rotatable element 22. The bottom end 16 of the hopper 12 is positioned directly above the rotatable the element 22, so that powder held inside the funnel 12 will not escape between the bottom end 16 and the rotatable element 22. At the remote end 29 of the rod 28, a transverse element 30 is placed which is substantially perpendicular to the rod 28. The transverse element 30 will preferably be at least as long as the top diameter of the chambers 24, in order to contribute to the agitation of the fine powder into the chambers as described in greater detail hereafter.

As can be seen most clearly in fig. 1, actuation of the piezoelectric bending motor 26 causes the rod 28 to vibrate back and forth as indicated by arrows 32. Further, as illustrated by arrow 34, the piezoelectric bending motor 26 is transferable along the length of the rotatable member 22 to allow the transverse member to be vibrated over each of the chambers 24.

Now with respect to fig. 3, the transfer of powder from the hopper 12 (see Fig. 1) to the chamber 24 will be described in greater detail. Located within the chamber 24 is a top filter 36 and a backup filter 38. The top filter 36 is located in the rotatable element 22 so that it is at a known distance relative to the top of the chamber 24. A line 40 is in communication with the chamber 24 to produce negative pressure inside the chamber 24 during filling and compressed gas during ejection of the powder from the chamber 24 in a manner similar to that described in the corresponding US patent application no. 08/638,515, the presentation of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

When ready for filling, a vacuum is created within conduit or line 40 to draw the air through chamber 24. Further, rod 28 is vibrated as shown by arrows 32 when positioned above chamber 24 to help agitate the powder bed 20 Such a process contributes to the transfer of the powder from layer 20 into the chamber 24. As it vibrates, the rod 28 translates over the chamber as indicated by arrow 34. In this way, agitation of the powder layer 20 will occur over substantially the entire opening of the chamber 24. Furthermore, translation of rod 28 will also move rod 28 over other chambers so that they can be filled up in a corresponding manner.

As illustrated by arrows 42, rod 28 will preferably be vertically spaced from rotatable member 22 by a distance ranging from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 0, 5 mm. Such a vertical distance is preferred to ensure that the powder directly above the cavity is fluidized and can be drawn into the chamber 24. Now with reference to fig. 4-6, an embodiment of a powder transfer and a measuring system 44 will be described. System 44 follows a pattern given by the principles previously described in connection with the device 10 in fig. 1-3. The system 44 comprises a plinth (base) 46 and a frame 48 for rotatably holding a rotatable element 50. The rotatable element 50 comprises a series of chambers 52 (see Fig. 6). Rotatable element 50, including the chambers 52, will preferably be fitted with vacuum and compression lines corresponding to those previously described in corresponding US patent application 08/638,515, previously incorporated as a reference. Briefly described, a vacuum is created to cause powder to be drawn into the chamber 52. When filling the chamber 52, the rotatable element 50 is rotated until the chamber 52 faces upwards. At that point, compressed air or compressed gas is forced through the chambers 52 to eject the captured powder into containers, for example blister packs often used in the field.

Placed above the rotatable element 50 is a funnel 54 with an elongated opening 56 (see Fig. 6). Operably mounted to frame 48 is a series of piezoelectric bending motors 58. Associated with each of the piezoelectric bending motors 58 is a rod 60. An example of a piezoelectric bending motor is commercially available from Piezo Systems, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts. Such bending motors comprise two layers of a piezo ceramic (as in ceramics), where each has an outer electrode. An electric field is applied across the two outer electrodes to cause one of the layers to expand, while the other contracts.

Rod 60 will preferably comprise a stainless steel wire rod with a diameter ranging from about 0.005 inch to about 0.10 inch, and more preferably from about 0.02 inch to about 0.04 inch. However, it should be recognized that other materials and geometries may be used in the construction of rod 60. For example, a variety of rigid materials may be used, including other metals and alloys, a steel piano wire, a carbon fiber, plastics and the like. The shape of the rod 60 also need not be circular and/or non-uniform in cross-section, where an important characteristic is the ability to agitate the powder near the distal end of the rod to fluidize the powder. A perpendicular cross member 62 (see Fig. 6) will preferably be associated with the distal end of the rod 60. One or more cross members may optionally be located above the remote cross member to assist in collapsing pits formed in the powder layer during operation. The rod 60 will preferably vibrate when actuated 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 most preferably in the range of about 50 Hz to about 1,000 Hz.

Piezoelectric bending motors 58 are associated with the displacement mechanism 64 which translates the rods 60 along the funnel 54. When translated, the transverse member 62 will preferably be at a vertical distance above the chamber 52 by a distance in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. The displacement mechanism 64 comprises a rotating drive pulley 66 which rotates a belt 68, which in turn is connected to a platform 70. Piezoelectric bending motors 58 are connected to platform 70 which is rotated over shaft 72 when pulley 66 is actuated. In this way, the rods 60 can be moved back and forth inside the funnel 54, so that the rods 60 will be vibrated over each of the chambers 52. The transfer mechanism 64 can be used to pass the rod 60 over the chambers 52 as many times as desired during filling of the chambers 52. Preferably, rod 60 will be rotated at a speed of less than about 200 cm/s, and more advantageously less than about 100 cm/s. Rod 60 will preferably pass over each chamber at least once, and two passes are preferred.

During operation, the hopper 54 is filled with fine powder to be transferred into the chambers 52. A vacuum is then drawn through each of the chambers 52, while they are aligned with opening 56. At the same time, piezoelectric bending motors 58 are actuated to vibrate the rods 60. The displacement mechanism 64 is actuated to to transfer the rods 60 back and forth inside the funnel 54, while the rods 60 are vibrated. Vibration of the rods 60 agitates the fine powder to aid in its transfer into the chambers 52. When the chambers 52 are sufficiently filled, the rotatable member 50 is rotated 180° to place the chambers 52 in a downward-facing position. As the rotatable member 50 is rotated, a blade at the bottom edge of the hopper 54 scrapes off excess powder to ensure that each chamber contains only a unit dose amount of fine powder.

When in its downward position, a compressed gas is forced through each of the chambers 52 to eject the fine powder into containers (not shown). In this way, a suitable method is provided for transferring fine powder from a funnel into containers in a measured quantity.

Now referring to fig. 7, an alternative embodiment of device 74

for the transfer of measured doses of fine powder will be described. Device 74 comprises a housing 76 and a piezo substrate 78 operationally connected to the housing 76. Piezo substrate 78 comprises a number of holes 80 (or a strainer). Placed above substrate 78 is a funnel with a layer of fine powder 84. Associated with substrate 78 is a pair of electrical conductors 86 for actuation of piezo substrate 78. When electrical current is alternately applied to conductors 86, substrate 78 is caused to expand and contract to forming a mode of vibration as illustrated by arrows 88.1 in turn, the holes 80 are caused to vibrate to assist in the agitation of powder bed 84, to more effectively allow the powder to fall through the holes 80 and into a chamber. A rotatable element with the chamber in communication with a vacuum source and a pressure source as described in previous embodiments may also be used in connection with the device 74,

to help capture the fine powder and eject the captured powder into containers.

A further embodiment of a device 100 for transferring measured doses of fine powder is illustrated in fig. 8. The device 100 is operated similarly to device 10 as previously described, with the exception that the piezoelectric bending motor has been replaced with a motor 102 with a crankshaft 104 that drives an associated shaft 106. As the shaft 106 is reciprocated, a rod 108 is vibrated inside a funnel 110 which is filled with powder 112. The agitated powder is then captured in a chamber 114 in a manner similar to that previously described. Further, rod 108 may be moved over chamber 114 while vibrating in a manner similar to that previously described in other embodiments.

Another embodiment of a device 120 for transferring measured doses of fine powder is illustrated in fig. 9. The device 120 comprises a motor 122 which rotates a coil of wire 124. As shown, the coil of wire 124 is placed inside a layer of fine powder 126 directly above a chamber 128. In this way, when the coil of wire 124 is rotated, the powder will be fluidized and drawn into the chamber 128 in a way similar to previous embodiments. Furthermore, the coil 124 may be translated over the chamber 128 during its rotation in a manner similar to those previously described with other embodiments.

Now referring to fig. 10, another embodiment of a device 200 for transporting fine powders will be described. Device 200 is operated in a manner similar to other embodiments previously described in that the powder is transferred from a funnel into a measuring chamber to a rotatable element. From the rotatable element, the powder is ejected into containers in unit dose amounts.

The device 200 comprises a frame 202 which holds a rotatable element 204, so that the rotatable element 204 can be rotated by a motor (not shown) held on the frame 202. The frame 202 also holds a feedthrough or a primary funnel

(hopper) 206 above rotatable element 204. Placed above the funnel 206 is a vibrator 208. As shown in fig. 11 and 12, a vibrating element 210 is connected to vibrator 208. Vibrator 208 is connected to an arm 212 by means of a clamp 214. Arm 212 is in turn connected to a displacement stage 216. A screw motor 217 is used to

rotate step 216 back and forth in relation to frame 202. In this way, the vibrating element 210 can be rotated back and forth inside the funnel 206.

Now referring to fig. 11 and 12, wherein device 200 further comprises a secondary hopper located above the primary hopper 206. Preferably, the hopper 218 comprises wings 219 to allow it to be removably connected to frame 202 by inserting wings 219 into slots 220. The hopper 218 comprises a housing 222 and a tubular section 224 for storing powder. A chute 226 extends from the housing 222 into the hopper 206 when the hopper 218 is connected to the frame 202. The tubular section 224 includes an opening 228 to allow powder to flow from the tubular section 224 down the chute 226. A strainer or screen 230 is located over opening 228 to generally prevent flow of powder down chute 226 until housing 222 is shaken or vibrated.

Preferably, a hook 232 is used to secure or fasten secondary hoppers 218 to the frame 202. To remove the secondary hopper 218, the hook 232 is disconnected from the hopper 218 and the hopper 218 is lifted from the slots 220. In this way, the hopper element 218 can be conveniently manner is removed for filling, cleaning, replacement or similar.

To transfer powder from hopper 218, an arm 234 is placed in contact with housing 222 and shaken or vibrated to vibrate housing 222. A motor (not shown) is used to shake or vibrate arm 234. As shown in FIG. 12, housing 222 may alternatively include an interior opening 236 containing a block 238. As housing 222 is shaken, block 238 is vibrated into opening 236. As block 238 engages the walls of housing 222, it sends shock waves through the housing 222 to assist in the transfer of powder from tube section 224 through opening 228, and through sieve 230. The powder then slides down chute 226 until it falls into funnel 206. Use of chute 226 is also advantageous in that it allows tube section 224 to be sideways offset from the vibrator 208 so that it will not interfere with movement of the vibrator 208. A particular advantage of including block 238 within aperture 236 is that any particulate generated as block 238 is vibrated will be retained within aperture 236 and will do not contaminate any of the powder.

Vibrator 208 is configured to vibrate member 210 in an up and down or vertical motion. Vibrator 208 preferably comprises any one of a number of commercially available ultrasonic horns, for example the Branson TWI ultrasonic horn. The vibratable element 210 is preferably vibrated at a frequency ranging from about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz, and most preferably from about 10,000 to about 40,000 Hz and most preferably from about 15,000 Hz to about 25,000 Hz.

As is clearest from fig. 12, the vibrating element 210 comprises an end element 240 which is suitably designed to optimize agitation of the fine powder during vibration of the element 210. As shown, the end element 240 has an outer periphery that is larger than that of the element 210. The element 210 is preferably cylindrical geometrically and preferably has a diameter in the range from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. As shown, 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 should be recognized that vibratable element 210 and end element 240 may be constructed to have a number of shapes and sizes. For example, the vibrating element 210 can be conical. The end member 240 may also have a reduced profile to minimize lateral movement of the powder as the vibrator 208 is passed through the hopper 206. Preferably, the end member 240 is at a vertical distance above the rotatable member 204 by a distance in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and even more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm.

The vibrator 208 is used to help transfer the powder into the measuring chamber 242 of the rotatable element 204 in a manner similar to that described in previous embodiments. In particular, motor 217 is used to convert step 216, so that the vibrating element 210 can be transferred laterally back and forth along the funnel 206. At the same time, the vibrating element 210 is vibrated in an up and down motion, i.e. radially with the rotatable element 204 as it passes over each of the measuring chambers 242. Preferably, the vibrator 208 is translated laterally along the funnel 206 at a speed of less than about 500 cm per second. second, and more preferably less than about 100 cm per second.

As the vibrating element 210 is moved laterally within the hopper 206, there may be a tendency for the vibrating element 210 to push or plow some of the powder towards the end of the hopper 206. Such movement of the powder is mitigated by providing a radiating surface or a projecting element 244 on the vibrable element 210 just above an average powder depth inside the crack element. In this way, accumulated powder which is higher than the average depth is preferably mobilized and moved to areas in the funnel with a smaller powder depth. Preferably, the projecting member 244 is spaced from the end member 240 by a distance ranging from about 2 mm to about 25 mm, and more preferably from about 5 mm to about 10 mm. As an alternative, different plowing mechanisms, for example rakes, can be associated with the vibrator 208 (or be separately articulating), so that they will be pulled over the top of the powder to contribute to the flattening of the powder as the vibrator 208 is moved along the hopper. As another alternative, an extended vibrating element, for example a sieve, can be placed inside the powder layer to contribute to the flattening of the powder.

As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the rotatable element 204 is in a filling position where the measuring chambers 242 are aligned with the funnel 206. As with the other embodiments described so far, as the measuring chamber 242 is filled, the rotatable element 204 is rotated 180°, where the powder is ejected from the measuring chamber 242 in containers. A Klockner wrapping machine is preferably used to supply the device 200 with a sheet containing the containers.

Now referring to fig. 13, the construction of the rotatable member 204 will be described in greater detail. The rotatable member 204 comprises a drum 246 having a front end 248 and a rear end 250. Bearings 252 and 254 may be inserted over the ends 248 and 250 to allow the drum 246 to rotate when associated with the frame 202. The rotatable member 204 further comprises a collar 256, a rear slip ring 258 and a front slip ring 259 which are equipped with gas tight seals. Air inlets 260 and 261 are located in the collar 256. Air inlet 260 is in fluid communication with a pair 242a of the measuring chamber 242, while the inlet 261 is in fluid communication with a pair 242b of the measuring chamber 242. In this way, pressurized air or vacuum can be produced in any of chambers 242a or 242b.

In particular, air is passed from inlet 260 through slip ring 258, through a hole 264 in gasket 270 and into hole 265 in a manifold 262. The air then passes through manifold 262 and exits manifold 262 through a pair of holes 265a and 265b. The holes 265c and 265d in bracket 270 then lead the air into the chambers 242a. In a similar way, air is passed from the inlet 261 through the slip ring 259, through a hole 266 in the gasket 270 and into a hole (not shown) in the manifold 262. The air is passed through a number of holes in the manifold 262 and gasket 270 in a manner corresponding to the described in connection with the inlet 260 until it passes through the chambers 252b. In this way, two separate air circuits are provided. Alternatively, it should be recognized that one of the air inlets could be eliminated, so that vacuum or pressurized air or gas can be simultaneously applied to all the measurement chambers 242.

Also located above the manifold 262 is a shift tool 274. The measurement chambers 242 are formed in the shift tool 274, and the filter 276 is placed between the shift tool 274 and the air bracket 272 to form a bottom of the measurement chamber 242. Air can be drawn into the chambers 242 by connecting vacuum to the air inlets 260 or 261. Similarly, a compressed gas can be forced through the measurement chambers 242 by connecting a source of compressed gas to the air inlets 260 or 261. As with other embodiments described so far, a vacuum is drawn through the measurement chambers 242 to help draw the powder into the measuring chamber 242. After the drum 246 is rotated 180°, a compressed gas is forced through the measuring chamber 242 to eject the powder from the measuring chamber 242.

The drum 246 includes an opening 278 into which the manifold 262, the gasket 270, the air bracket 272 and the shifting tool or shifting tool 274 are inserted. A cam 280 is also provided and is insertable into the opening 278. The cam 280 is rotated within the opening 278 to ensure that the various components to secure the various components within the drums 246. When released, it is possible to slide the switching tool 274 from the opening 278. In this way, the switching tool 274 can be easily exchanged with other switching tools with measuring chambers of different sizes. In this way, the device 200 can be fitted with a large number of changing tools that allow a user to easily change the size of the measurement chamber simply by inserting a new changing tool 274.

The device 200 further comprises a mechanism for handling or correcting problems with excess powder from the measurement chambers 242. Such a correction mechanism 282 is illustrated in fig. 14A and 14B and is also shown as a correction sheet. For reasons of expediency in connection with illustration, the correction mechanism 282 has been omitted from the drawings of fig. 10-12. In fig. 14A and 14B, the rotatable member 204 is shown in a schematic view. The correction mechanism 282 comprises a thin plate 284 with openings 286 which are aligned with the measuring chamber 242 when the rotatable element 204 is in its filling position. The openings 286 preferably have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the measuring chambers 242. In this way, the openings 286 will not interfere with filling of the measuring chambers 242. The plate 284 is preferably constructed of brass and has a diameter of about 0.003 inches. The plate 284 is spring-loaded against a rotatable element 204, so that this is substantially flat against the outer periphery. In this way, the plate 284 is substantially sealed against the rotatable member 204 to prevent excess powder from escaping between the plate 284 and the rotatable member 204. The plate 284 is connected to the frame 202 and remains stationary while the rotatable member 204 is rotated. In this way, after the powder has been transferred to the measuring chamber 242, the rotatable element 204 is rotated towards the dispensing position. During rotation, the edges of the opening 286 scrape away excess powder from the measuring chambers 242, so that only a unit dose amount remains in the measuring chambers 242. The configuration of the remedial mechanism 282 is advantageous in that it reduces the amount of moving parts, thereby reducing the build-up of static electricity. Furthermore, the removed powders remain inside the hopper 206 where they are available for transfer into the measuring chamber 242 after they have been emptied.

Illustrated in fig. 14C, there is an alternative mechanism for scraping off or redressing excess powder from the metering chambers 242. The mechanism includes a pair of redressing blades 290 and 292, which are coupled to the hopper 206, it being recognized that only one blade is required depending on the direction of rotation of the rotatable element 204. The blades 290 and 292 are preferably constructed of a thin sheet material, for example 0.005 inch brass, and are lightly spring-loaded against the rotatable element 204. The edges of the blades 290 and 292 roughly match the edges of the opening in the funnel 206. After the measuring chambers 242 is filled, the rotatable element 204 is rotated with the blades 290 or 292 (depending on the direction of rotation), to scrape away excess powder from the measuring chambers 242.

Now referring to fig. 10-12, operation of the device 200 to fill up

the containers of unit doses of fine powder will be described. Initially, the powder is placed into tube sections 242 of the secondary hopper 218. Preferably, the hopper 218 may be removed from the frame 202 during follow-up. The housing 222 is then shaken or vibrated for a certain time sufficient to transfer a desired amount of powder through the opening 228, through the sieve 230 and down the chute 226 where it falls into the primary funnel device 206. The rotatable element 204 is placed in the filling position where the measuring chambers 242 is aligned with the funnel 206. Vacuum is then applied to air inlets 260 and 261 (see Fig. 13) to draw air through the measuring chambers 242. Under the influence of gravity, and with the help of the vacuum, the powder tumbles into the measuring chambers 242 and substantially fills the measuring chambers 242. Vibrator 208 is then actuated to vibrate element 210. At the same time, motor 217 is driven to rotate the vibratable element 210 back and forth within chamber 206. As element 210 is vibrated, end element 240 creates a pattern of

airflow at the bottom of hopper 206 to agitate the powder. As the single element is passed over each measuring chamber 242, an aerosol cloud is formed which is drawn into the measuring chamber 242 by means of vacuum and gravity. After the end element 242 is passed over the measuring chamber 242, ultrasonic energy is sent down into the measuring chamber 242 to agitate the powder which is already inside the measuring chamber. This in turn allows current inside the cavity to smooth out irregularities in density that may be present during the previous filling. Such properties are particularly advantageous in the case of agglomerates or pieces of powder that form cavities in the measuring chamber which break down into shape and fill up the measuring chamber in a more uniform manner.

After it has passed one or more times over each of the measuring chambers 242, the rotatable element 204 is rotated 180° to a dispensing position where the measuring chambers 242 are aligned with the containers (not shown). As the rotatable element 204 is rotated, excess powder is scraped away from the measuring chamber 242 as previously described. A compressed gas is supplied through the air inlets 260 and 261 to eject unit dose powder from the measuring chambers 242 and into the containers when in the dispensing position.

The invention also provides a way to adjust the counting weights by modulating the ultrasonic energy supplied to the vibrator 210 as it is passed over the measuring chambers 242. In this way, filling weights for the different measuring chambers can be adjusted to compensate for powder weight deviations that may periodically occur. As an example, if the fourth metering chamber consistently produced a dose rate that was too low by weight, the power of the vibrator 208 could be increased slightly each time it was passed over the fourth metering chamber. In combination with an automated (or manual) weighing system and a controller, for example a device can be used to create an automatic (or manual) closed circuit weight control device or system to adjust the power level of the vibrator for each of the measuring chambers to provide a more accurate filling weight.

Now referring to fig. 15, an exemplified embodiment of a system 300 for measuring and transporting a fine powder will be described. The system 300 is operated in a manner similar to device 200 but comprises multiple vibrators and multiple funnels to simultaneously fill a number of containers with unit doses of fine powder. The system 300 comprises a frame 302 to which is rotatably connected a series of rotatable elements 304. The rotatable element 304 can be constructed similarly to a rotatable element 204 and comprises a series of measuring chambers (not shown) to receive powder. The number of rotatable elements and measuring chambers can be varied according to the particular application area. Positioned above each rotatable element 304 is a primary hopper 306 containing powders above the rotatable element 304. A vibrator 308 positioned above each hopper 306 comprises a vibrating element 310 to agitate the powder within the hopper 306 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the device 200. Although not shown in the illustration for convenience, a secondary hopper similar to the secondary hopper 218 of the device 200 will be positioned above each of the primary hoppers 306 to transfer powder into the hopper 306 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the device 200.

A motor 312 (shown for illustration purposes only) is coupled to each of the rotatable elements 304 to rotate the rotatable elements 304 between a filling position and a dispensing position corresponding to devices 200.

Each vibrator 308 is connected to an arm 314 by means of a clamp 316. Arms 314 are in turn connected to a common step 318 which has slides 319 which are transposable over grooves 321 by means of a screw 320 on a screw motor 322. In this way, the vibrating elements 310 can be simultaneously moved back and forth in the grating elements 306 by operation of the screw motor 322. Alternatively, each of the vibrators could be connected to a separate motor, so that each vibrator could be moved independently.

Frame 302 is connected to a foundation (base) 324 which comprises a row

extended recesses 326. The recesses 326 are adapted to receive the bottom end of a number of containers 328 which are formed in a sheet 330. Sheet 330 is preferably supplied from a manufacturer of blister packs, for example those commercially available from Uhlmann Packaging Machine, model no. 1040. The rotatable element 304 preferably comprises a series of measuring chambers that correspond

with the number of containers in each row of sheets 330. In this way, four rows of containers can be filled during each operating cycle. As four of the rows are filled, the measuring chambers are filled again and sheet 3330 is brought forward to be arranged with four new rows of containers with funnels 306.

A particular advantage of the system 300 is that it can be fully automated. For example, a controller can be connected to the packaging machine, vacuum and pressurized gas sources, motors 312, motor 322 and vibrators 308. By using such a controller, or control unit, the sheet 330 can be automatically brought to the correct position whereby the motors 312 are actuated to align the measuring chambers with the funnels 306. A vacuum source is then actuated to draw vacuum through the measuring chambers, while the vibrators 308 are actuated and the motors 322 are used to transfer or convert the vibrators 308. As the measuring chambers are filled, the control element is used to actuate the motors 312 for to rotate the rotatable elements 304 until they are aligned with the containers 328. The controller then sends a signal to send pressurized gas through the metering chambers to eject the metered powder into the containers 328. As they are filled, the controller causes the packaging machine to drive the sheet 330 further forward and repeat the cycle. When needed, the control device can be used to activate the motors (not shown) to vibrate the secondary hoppers to transfer powder into the primary hoppers 306 as previously described.

Although shown with vibrators comprising ultrasonic horns, it should be recognized that other types of vibrators and vibrating elements may be used, including those previously described. Furthermore, it must be recognized that the number of vibrators and the size of the penetrations or channels can be varied according to need.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by means of illustrative examples, due to the fact that this facilitates understanding, it is obvious that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (39)

1. Method for transporting fine powder (20), where the fine powder (20) is placed in a funnel (12) with an opening (18) therein; characterized by vibrating a vibrating element (28) inside the fine powder (20) in the area around the opening (18); vibrating the vibrating element (28) by an upward and downward movement relative to the powder (20) in the hopper (12); and capturing at least a portion of the fine powder (20) exiting the opening (18) into a chamber (24, 52, 242), in which the captured powder (20) is sufficiently uncompressed so that it can be dispersed upon removal from the chamber (24). 2. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibrating element is connected to an ultrasonic horn, and in which the vibrating step includes actuation of the ultrasonic horn. 3. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibrating element (28, 210) is vibrated with a frequency in the range from approximately 1,000 Hz to approximately 180,000 Hz. 4. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibrating element (28) has a remote end (29) which is located near the opening (18), and wherein the remote end (29) has an end element (240) connected thereto which is vibrated over the chamber (24). 5. Procedure according to claim 4, characterized in that the end member (240) is at a vertical distance from the chamber (24) by a distance in the range from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm. 6. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises movement of the element across the opening (18) while the element is vibrated. 7. Procedure according to claim 6, characterized in that it further transfers movement of the element along the opening (18) at a speed which is less than approximately 100 cm/s. 8. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises periodic leveling of the powder (20) inside the funnel. 9. Procedure according to claim 8, characterized in that the leveling step comprises placing a projecting element (30, 244) on the vibrable element (28, 210) at a location at a distance from a remote end (29) of the vibrable element (28, 210). 10. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that multiple chambers (24, 52) are aligned with the opening (18), and further comprising moving the vibrating element (28, 60) along the opening (18) to pass over each chamber. 11. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that the fine powder (20) comprises a drug composed of individual particles with an average size in the range from approximately 1 µm to 100 µm. 12. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that the capture step further comprises and draws air through the chamber (24, 52), which is placed below the opening (18, 56), in which the entrained air contributes to drawing the fine powder (20) into the chamber (24, 52 ). 13. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises transferring the collected powder (20) from the chamber (24, 52) to a container. 14. Procedure according to claim 13, characterized in that the transfer step comprises the introduction of a pressurized gas into the chamber (24, 52), to eject the captured powder (20) into the container.. 15. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises adjusting the amount of the captured powder (20) to be a unit dose amount. 16. Procedure according to claim 15, characterized in that the adjustment step comprises placing a thin plate (284) under the funnel (12), where the plate (284) has an opening (286) which is aligned with the chamber (24, 242), and further comprehensive movement of the chamber (24, 242) relative to the plate (284), to scrape off excess powder from the chamber (24, 242). 17. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that the hopper (12) is a primary hopper (206, 306), and in which the placing step comprises the transfer of powders from a secondary hopper (218) to the primary hopper (206, 306). 18. Procedure according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises vibrating the secondary hopper (218) to transfer the powder (20) to the primary hopper (206, 306). 19. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises dispensing the powder (20) from the chamber (242) and changing the size of the chamber (242). 20. Device (200) for transporting a fine powder (20), as it comprises a hopper (12) having an opening therein, the hopper being adapted to receive the fine powder (20); characterized in that it comprises: at least one chamber (242) which is movable to allow the chamber (242) to be placed in close proximity to the opening (18); a vibrator with a vibratable element (210) having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the vibratable element (210) is positionable within the funnel (12) such that the distal end (29) is close to the opening (18); and a vibrator motor (208) for vibrating the vibratable element (210) when inside the fine powder (20) wherein the vibrator motor (208) is adapted to vibrate the vibratable element (210) in an up and down motion relative to to the powder (20). 21. Device (200) according to claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises a mechanism (216,217) for transferring the vibrating element (210) over the chamber (242). 22. Device (200) according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a rotatable element (204) with a series of chambers (242) around its periphery which are alignable with the opening (18), and in which the transfer mechanism (216, 217) is configured to transfer the vibrable element (210) along the opening (18), so that the vibrating element (210) passes over each chamber. 23. Device (200) according to claim 21, characterized in that the movement mechanism (216, 217) comprises a linear operating mechanism (216, 217) which moves the vibrating element (210) along the opening (18) at a speed which is less than about 100 cm/s. 24. Device (200) according to claim 20, characterized in that the vibrator motor is arranged to vibrate the vibratable element (210) with a frequency in the range from about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz. 25. Device (200) according to claim 20, characterized in that the vibrator comprises an ultrasonic horn which is arranged to vibrate the vibratable element in an upward and downward movement in relation to the powder (20). 26. Device (200) according to claim 25, characterized in that the vibrating element (210) is cylindrical geometrically and has a diameter in the range from about 1.00 mm to about 10 mm. 27. Device (200) according to claim 26, characterized in that it further comprises an end element (240) at the remote end (29) of the vibrating element (210). 28. Device (200) according to claim 27, characterized in that the end element (240) extends radially from the vibrating element. 29. Device (200) according to claim 27, characterized in that it further comprises a powder leveling element (244) at a distance around the end element (240). 30. Device (200) according to claim 20, characterized in that the chamber (242) is placed inside a rotatable element (204) which is placed in a first position with the chamber (242) aligned with the opening (18), and a second position with the chamber (242) aligned with a container (328) ). 31. Device (200) according to claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises a port at the bottom of the chamber (242), and a vacuum source in communication with the port to help draw the fine powder (20) from the funnel into the chamber (242). 32. Device (200) according to claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises a filter (276) placed across the port. 33. Device (200) according to claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises a source compressed gas in communication with the port to eject the captured powder (20) from the chamber (242) into the container (328). 34. Device (200) according to claim 33, characterized in that it further comprises a control element for controlled actuation of the gas source and the vacuum source. 35. Device (200) according to claim 30, characterized in that it further comprises a number of funnels placed over a number of rotatable elements, each of which comprises a number of chambers (242), and which further comprises a number of elements and a number of vibrators to vibrate the elements. 36. Device (200) according to claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises a plate positioned below the funnel, wherein the plate has an opening aligned with the chamber (242), and wherein the chamber (242) is movable relative to the plate to allow excess powder (20) to be scraped from the chamber (242). 37. Device (200) according to claim 20, characterized in that the hopper is a primary hopper (206) and that it further comprises a secondary hopper (218) placed above the primary hopper (206) to transfer powder to the primary hopper (206). 38. Device (200) according to claim 37, characterized in that it further comprises a shaking mechanism (234, 238) to vibrate the secondary funnel (218). 39. Device (200) according to claim 30, characterized in that the chamber is designed in a switching tool (274), and in which the switching tool (274) is removably connected to the rotatable element.