CN1191963C - 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

Fine powder filling device and method

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority from, part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.————, which was re-registered as U.S. Patent Application 08/949,047 on October 10, 1997, the full disclosure of which is at This quote is for reference.

field of invention

This invention relates generally to the handling of fine powders and, in particular, to the metered delivery of fine powders. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for filling sachets of no-flow dispersible fine powder unit doses, especially of drugs for patient inhalation.

Background technique

An important aspect of successful drug therapy is effectively administering the drug to the patient. There are various routes of administration, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Oral administration of tablets, capsules, elixirs, etc., may be the most convenient method, however, many medications have an unpleasant odor, and the size of the tablets may also make them difficult to swallow. And these drugs often degrade in the digestive tract before they can be absorbed. Modern protein drugs are rapidly degraded by proteolytic enzymes in the digestive tract, and this degradation is particularly problematic. Subcutaneous injections are often an effective route for systemic drug delivery, including protein drugs, but are not well tolerated by patients and generate difficult-to-dispose of sharp waste, known as spent needles. Because the need for frequent injections, such as one or several daily injections of insulin, can be a reason for patient reluctance, various routes of administration have been invented, including transdermal, nasal, rectal, vaginal, and transdermal Pulmonary administration.

The present invention is particularly concerned with methods of pulmonary drug delivery which rely on the patient to inhale a powder or aerosol of the drug so that the active drug in the aerosol can reach the distal (alveolar) regions of the lungs. It has been found that certain drugs can be rapidly absorbed through the alveolar region directly into the blood circulation. This method has great prospects for pulmonary administration of proteins and polypeptides that are difficult to administer by other routes of administration. Such pulmonary administration is effective both for systemic administration and for local administration in the treatment of pulmonary diseases.

Pulmonary administration (both systemic and topical) can itself be administered by different methods, including liquid nebulizers, metered dose inhalers (MDIs), and dry powder inhalers. Dry powder bulk spray devices are particularly promising for drug delivery of proteins and peptides because these drugs are easily prepared as dry powders. A variety of protein and polypeptide drugs that are otherwise susceptible to damage can be stabilized by themselves as freeze-dried powders or spray powders or stored together with other appropriate powder carriers. Another advantage of dry powder is that the dry powder has a higher concentration than the drug in liquid form.

However, in some respects, the administration of proteins and peptides with dry powders has become problematic. Dosing of many protein and peptide drugs is often critical, so many dry powder drug delivery systems must be able to deliver the required dose accurately, precisely and reproducibly. Moreover, many proteins and peptides are very expensive, generally many times more expensive per dose than conventional drugs. Therefore, the ability to effectively deliver the drug to the target area of the lung with little loss is critical.

For some applications, the fine powder drug is supplied to the dry powder dispensing device in small unit dose sachets, often with pierceable lids and other access surfaces (commonly referred to as vesicle packs). For example, the dry powder dispensing devices described in US Pat. Nos. 5,785,049 and 5,740,794, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, are configured to receive such sachets. When replacing the sachet in such a device, a multi-stream injection device with a feed tube is pierced through the cap of the sachet to provide access for the powdered drug therein. This multi-stream injection device also creates vent holes in the cap to allow air to flow through the capsule to ensure suction and expulsion of the drug. This process is driven by a high velocity gas flow that passes through a portion of a tube, eg, the outlet end, through which powder is drawn from the sachet into the gas flow to form an aerosol for patient inhalation. The high-velocity airflow transports the powder from the capsule in a partially divergent manner, with complete divergence occurring in the mixing space immediately downstream of the high-velocity airflow.

The present invention is of particular interest in the physical properties of poorly flowing powders. A powder having poor fluidity is a physical property such that, for example, the fluidity is dominated by the adhesion between each unit or particle constituting the powder (hereinafter referred to as each particle). In this case, the powder flow is not good because the individual powder particles do not tend to move independently of each other but many powder particles move in agglomerates. When such powders are subjected to less force, the powders tend not to flow at all. However, when the force acting on the powder increases beyond the adhesion force, the powder moves in large aggregates of individual powder particles. As the powder rests, large aggregates remain, resulting in non-uniform powder density due to the presence of voids and areas of low density between the large aggregates and localized compressed areas.

The smaller the powder, the greater this tendency. It is likely that the particles become smaller because their mass is less than the adhesion forces, such as van der Waals forces, electrostatic forces, friction forces and other forces are greater than the gravitational and inertial forces exerted on the individual particles. This is relevant to the present invention because gravitational and inertial forces due to acceleration and other kinetic energies are commonly used to process, move and meter powders.

For example, when metering fine powders prior to placement in unit dose sachets, the powder often aggregates unevenly, creating voids and over-dense variations that can cause volumetric metering inaccuracies, which is the case when metering high-throughput products. Commonly used measurement methods. Another undesirable aspect of such non-uniform agglomeration is the need to break up the powder agglomerate into individual particles, that is, to make it sprayable for pulmonary administration. This separate collection is often done in diffuser devices by shear generated by the air flow used to draw the drug from a unit-dose sachet or other sachet, or by other mechanical energy transfer mechanisms (e.g., ultrasonic, fan, etc.) / thrusters, etc.). However, if the small powder agglomerates are too dense, the shear force generated by the air flow or other dispersing device will not be enough to effectively disperse the drug into discrete powder particles.

Some ideas to prevent agglomeration of dispersed powder particles are to create multi-phase powder mixtures (typically a carrier or diluent), where larger particles (sometimes multiple size ranges), e.g. about 50 microns, are mixed with smaller The drug particles, for example 1 to 5 microns, are combined together. In this case, the smaller powder particles are attached to the larger powder particles so that when processed and filled they will have the characteristics of a 50 micron powder. Such powders can be flowed and metered relatively easily. But one of the disadvantages of this powder is that it is not easy to remove the smaller powder particles from the larger powder particles, and the resulting powder is mostly composed of large clumps of flowable agent components, which may become clogged in the device or the patient. throat.

Current methods of filling unit dose sachets with powdered drug include the direct pour method, in which the granular powder is poured directly into a metering chamber by gravity (sometimes combined with agitation or "scattering"). When the metering chamber is filled to the desired depth, the drug is pushed into the sachet. In such direct pour methods, different densities can occur in the metering chamber, reducing the effectiveness of the metering chamber to accurately measure unit doses of drug. Also the powder is in a granular form which is unsuitable for many applications.

Some ideas are to compact the powder within the metering chamber, or before placing the powder in the metering chamber, to reduce density differences. However, such compaction is undesirable, especially for powders consisting only of fine particles, because it reduces the spray properties of the powder, that is to say, when the spray device is used for transpulmonary drug delivery, it reduces the spray performance. The possibility of a compacted powder breaking into discrete particles.

It is therefore desirable to provide systems and methods of processing fine powders that overcome or substantially reduce these or those problems. Such systems and methods enable accurate and precise metering of these fine powders when dividing the drug into unit doses for placement into unit dose sachets, especially when filling in low quantities. The system and method should further ensure that sufficient bulk sprayability is maintained during processing so that the fine powder can be adapted to existing inhalation devices that require the powder to be broken into discrete particles prior to pulmonary administration. In addition, the system and method should provide rapid handling of fine powders so that the fine powders can be quickly filled with unit doses into unit dose sachets to reduce costs.

US Patent 5,765,607 describes a machine for metering product into sachets and includes a metering device for supplying product to the sachets.

US Patent 4,640,322 describes a machine that applies sub-atmospheric pressure through a filter to draw material directly from a hopper and feed sideways into a non-rotating chamber.

US Patent 4,509,560 describes a granular material handling apparatus which uses a rotating paddle to agitate the granular material.

US Patent No. 2,540,059 Powder Filling Apparatus, has a rotating wire loop agitator to first stir the powder in the hopper, and then pour the powder by gravity into a metering chamber.

German patent DE3607187 has described a kind of mechanism of metering conveying of fine powder.

The product specification for "E-1300 Powder Filler" describes a powder filler commercially available from Perry Industries of Corona, California.

US Patent 3,874,431 describes a machine for filling capsules with powder. The machine uses a core tube fixed on a turntable.

British Patent 1,420,364 describes a membrane device for use in a metering chamber for measuring dry powder quantities.

British Patent 1,309,424 describes a powder filling device having a measuring chamber with a piston head which creates a negative pressure in the chamber.

Canadian Patent 949,786 describes a powder filling machine with a measuring chamber immersed in the powder. Here vacuum is used to fill the cavity with powder.

Contents of the invention

The present invention provides systems, devices and methods for metering powder delivery into unit dose sachets. In one exemplary method, the fine powder is placed in a hopper having an opening therein and the fine powder is conveyed by agitating the fine powder with an oscillating element that moves up and down relative to the fine powder in the hopper vibrate and capture at least a portion of the fine powder. The captured fine powder is then delivered to a sachet, the delivered powder being sufficiently loose to be dispersed when removed from the sachet. Typically the fine powder contains drug, the average particle size of each particle of drug being less than 100 microns, usually less than 10 microns, more usually in the range of 1 to 5 microns.

Fine powders are best placed in a hopper with an opening at the bottom. The element is shaken to agitate the fine powder. Oscillation of the fine powder in the vicinity of the opening helps transport a portion of the fine powder through the opening where it can be trapped in a cavity. Oscillation of the element also helps to disperse the powder within the metering chamber so that the metering chamber can be filled more evenly.

The oscillating element preferably vibrates up and down, that is to say moves vertically relative to the powder in the hopper. One aspect vibrates the element vertically with an ultrasonic horn. Alternatively, the element may contain a rod that vibrates back and forth, that is to say transversely, within the powder. Furthermore, the oscillating element may vibrate in an orbital manner. In one aspect, the rod is operatively connected to a piezoelectric motor that vibrates the rod. Preferably, said element vibrates vertically at a frequency in the range of about 1,000 to 180,000 Hz, more preferably in a frequency range of about 10,000 to 40,000 Hz, most preferably said element vibrates vertically at a frequency in the range of about 15,000 to 25,000 Hz The range vibrates vertically. Preferably, said rod vibrates laterally in a frequency range of about 50 to 50,000 Hz, more preferably, vibrates laterally in a frequency range of about 50 to 5,000 Hz, most preferably, said element vibrates laterally in a frequency range of about 50 to 1,000 Hz Vibrate vertically.

In another aspect, the element has a distal end adjacent the opening. Further, the distal end has an end piece that vibrates over the cavity to assist in conveying the fine powder from the hopper into the cavity. Preferably said end piece projects laterally from said element. In one aspect, the end piece has a cylinder when said element vibrates vertically. In another aspect, the end piece has a transverse member when said rod vibrates laterally. Preferably, the end piece is spaced vertically from the cavity by a distance in the range of about 0.01 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably in the range of about 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. This distance helps the powder to remain unpacked as it is delivered into the cavity.

In yet another aspect, said member preferably moves across said opening when subjected to vibration. For example, the element may move along the opening at a rate preferably less than about 100 centimeters per second. The specific rate of movement however generally depends on the oscillation frequency of the element. In this way, the element sweeps the cavity when vibrated.

Movement of the element along the opening is actually optimal when multiple cavities are aligned with the opening. In this way, the elements can be used to assist in the transfer of fine powder from the hopper to the respective chambers. Alternatively, a plurality of said elements or rods may be vibrated near the opening in the hopper. Preferably the rods are aligned with each other and are moved along the opening when vibrated, but in some cases the rods or elements may remain stationary over the respective chambers,

To help trap the fine powder in the cavity, it is preferable to draw air through the bottom of the cavity to draw the fine powder into the cavity. The powder is preferably delivered into the sachet after capturing the fine powder. Delivery of the fine powder is best accomplished by introducing compressed air into the chamber to expel the trapped powder into the sachet.

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 protrusion over the distal end of the oscillating element. In this way, the protrusion oscillates together with the oscillating element. As the oscillating element moves along the hopper, the protrusions tend to level the powder in the hopper. In one aspect, delivery of the powder is performed in a controlled humidity environment.

In yet another aspect, the powder captured by the cavity is regulated as a unit dose. This can be done by placing a thin plate (or regulating tab) between the hopper and the cavity. This plate has a hole to allow the powder to be transferred from the hopper into the cavity. The cavity is then moved relative to the plate, which scrapes off any excess powder. Alternatively, a scraper blade can be used to scrape off any excess powder as the chamber rotates.

In a particular aspect, powder is delivered from a secondary hopper into said hopper. Preferably, the secondary hopper is vibrated to convey the powder to a chute from which it passes into the primary hopper. In yet another aspect, the cavity is periodically removed and replaced with a cavity of a different size to adjust the capacity of the cavity. In this way, the invention can produce different unit doses.

The present invention also provides a demonstration device for conveying fine powder. This unit has a hopper for fine powder. The device also includes at least one chamber movable so that the chamber can be positioned proximate to the opening in the hopper. There is also a vibrating element having a proximal end and a distal end, the element being placed in the hopper with the distal end adjacent the opening. A vibrator is provided to vibrate the element while in the fine powder. In this way, the element is vibrated to agitate the fine powder, helping it to be transported from the hopper into the cavity. Preferably, the oscillator comprises an ultrasonic horn which vibrates the element up and down, or moves the element vertically. Alternatively, a piezoelectric motor can be used to vibrate the element transversely.

In an exemplary aspect, the device further includes a mechanism for moving the vibrating element or the rod over the chamber as the vibrating element vibrates. This arrangement is particularly advantageous when multiple chambers are provided within a rotatable chamber which is rotated to align the chambers with the opening. This makes it possible to move the element over the rotatable element with the movement mechanism so that the vibrating element passes through each cavity to help fill each cavity with powder. Preferably said moving means comprises a linear drive mechanism which moves said rod along the opening at a rate of less than 100 centimeters per second.

In another aspect, the oscillator is configured to vibrate said element up and down with a frequency in the range of about 1,000 to 180,000 Hz, more preferably in the range of about 10,000 to 40,000 Hz, most preferably at about 15,000 Hz The frequency range to 25,000 Hz vibrates the element in an up and down motion. When vibrating up and down, the vibrating element preferably comprises a cylindrical rod with a diameter in the range of 1.0 to 10 cm. For lateral vibration, the vibrating element preferably comprises a rod or wire having a diameter in the range of 0.01 to 0.04 inches (0.025 to 0.1 cm).

An end piece is preferably operably attached to the distal end of the vibrating element to assist in agitating the fine powder. Preferably, the end piece is spaced vertically from the cavity by a distance in the range of about 0.01 mm to 10 mm, and, more preferably, the range is in the range of about 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. In one aspect, the device is provided with a plurality of vibrating elements so that the plurality of elements can vibrate in the fine powder.

In yet another aspect, the chamber is housed in a rotatable member, the rotatable member being positioned in a first position to align the chamber with the opening of the hopper and in a second position to align the chamber with a sachet. In this way, the cavity can be filled with powder in the first position. The rotatable member is then turned to the second position to enable powder to be expelled from the cavity into the sachet. The chamber preferably includes a port in communication with a vacuum source to assist in drawing powder from the hopper into the chamber. Preferably a filter is placed across the port to help capture the powder. A source of compressed air is also preferably connected to the port to expel trapped powder from the cavity into the sachet. A controller may be provided to control the air source, vacuum source and drive of the oscillator.

The apparatus may also include a means for controlling the amount of powder trapped in the chamber according to the volume of the chamber. In this way, the amount captured is the unit dose. Such an adjustment mechanism may include a lip to dislodge fines beyond the cavity. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises a thin plate with a hole which can be aligned with the cavity during filling. The edge of this hole scrapes excess powder from the cavity as the rotatable member is turned.

In a particular aspect, the oscillatory element includes a protrusion spaced apart from the distal end. This protrusion acts as a leveling member to level the powder in the hopper as the oscillating element moves along the hopper.

In another aspect, a secondary hopper is provided to store the powder before sending it to the primary hopper. A shaking device is provided for vibrating the secondary hopper while feeding powder to the primary hopper. Preferably the powder falls through a chute so that it does not interfere with the movement of the oscillating elements along the primary hopper.

In yet another aspect, the cavity is formed using a transformation tool. In this way, the size of the cavity can be changed simply by connecting a changeover tool of a different size cavity on the rotatable member.

The present invention also provides an exemplary system for conveying fine powders. The system includes a plurality of rotatable members each containing a row of chambers. A hopper is placed above each rotatable member, each hopper having an opening to allow powder to be delivered into each chamber. A vibrating element is placed in each hopper, and an oscillator is provided to vibrate the element up and down. A moving device is also provided to move the vibrating member along the hopper to assist in conveying powder from the hopper into the cavity. Conveniently, a controller may be provided to control the operation of the rotatable element, the oscillator, and the moving means.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a side sectional view of an exemplary apparatus for conveying fine powders according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the device of FIG. 1 .

Figure 3 is a detailed illustration of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 showing an oscillating rod being moved over the chamber according to the invention.

4 is a left front perspective view of an exemplary system for conveying powders according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a right front perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in FIG. 4 .

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of another device for conveying fine powder according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of another device for conveying fine powder according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of another device for conveying fine powder according to the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a device for conveying fine powders according to the present invention.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 10 taken along line 11-11.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 10 taken along line 12-12.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the rotatable member of the device shown in FIG. 10 .

Figure 14A is a schematic illustration of a scraper mechanism for scraping excess powder from a cavity of a rotatable member.

Figure 14B is an end view of the scraper mechanism shown in Figure 14A mounted above the rotatable member.

14C is a perspective view of another scraper mechanism for scraping excess powder from a cavity from a rotatable member in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a particularly preferred system for conveying powders according to the present invention.

preferred embodiment

The present invention provides methods, systems and devices for delivering fine powders into sachets. Fine powders are very fine, typically having an average size in the range below about 20 microns, often below about 10 microns, more often in the range of about 1 to 5 microns. However, the present invention can in some cases be used with large powder particles, for example up to about 50 microns or more. Fine powders can contain various ingredients and preferably contain drugs such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, buffer salts, peptides, other small biomolecules and the like. The sachets intended to contain the fine powder preferably comprise unit dose sachets. These sachets are used to store unit doses of drug until needed for pulmonary administration. To withdraw the drug from the sachet, an inhalation device may be used, as described in US Patent Nos. 5,785,049 and 5,740,794, previously incorporated by reference. However, the method of the invention is also useful for the preparation of fine powders for other inhalation devices which rely on diffuse spraying.

The sachets are preferably each filled with a precise amount of fine powder to ensure that the correct dosage is given to the patient. The fine powder is carefully handled and uncompressed when metered and delivered so that the unit dose delivered to the sachet is sufficient to be sprayable and thus effective when using existing inhalation devices. Fine powders prepared in accordance with the present invention will be particularly useful, though not limited to, "low energy" inhalation devices that rely on manual manipulation, or inhalation only of loose powders. With such an inhalation device, preferably at least 20% by weight of the powder can be sprayed or inhaled into the flowing air stream, more preferably at least 60% can be sprayed, and most preferably at least 90% can be sprayed, as previously cited by reference Described in US Patent 5,785,049. Because the cost of producing a fine powder drug is often considerable, the drug is preferably metered and delivered to the sachet with the least amount of waste. The sachets are preferably filled quickly with a unit dose of drug so that large quantities of sachets containing metered drug can be produced economically.

According to the invention, the fine powder particles are trapped in the metering chamber (preferably sized to define the volume of the unit dose). A preferred method of capture is to draw air through the cavity, allowing the suction force of the air to act on small aggregates or discrete particles, as described in US Patent No. 5,775,320, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Thus, the fluidized fine powder fills the cavities substantially without compaction and substantially without void formation. Also, trapping in this manner allows accurate and repeatable metering of the fine powder without unduly reducing the sprayability of the fine powder. The air flow through the chamber can be varied to control the density of the trapped powder.

After metering the fine powder, the fine powder is injected into the sachet as a unit dose, since the injected fine powder has sufficient sprayability, it can be inhaled and aerosolized by the air turbulence generated by the inhalation device or the spray device. This implantation process is described in US Patent 5,775,320, previously incorporated by reference.

Agitation of the fine powder is best accomplished by a vibrating element in the fine powder immediately above the catch chamber. Preferably said element vibrates up and down, that is to say moves vertically. In addition, the element can also vibrate laterally. Various mechanisms can be used to vibrate the element, including ultrasonic horns, piezoelectric bending motors, motors that rotate a cam or crankshaft, electromagnets, and the like. Alternatively, a wire loop can be rotated in the fine powder to fluidize the powder. However, agitation is preferably accomplished by vibrating a vibrating element in the fine powder, in some cases it is desired to vibrate the vibrating element immediately above the powder to fluidize the powder.

Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a device 10 for metering and delivering unit doses of finely powdered medicament. Apparatus 10 includes a channel or hopper 12 having a top end 14 and a bottom end 16 . At the bottom end 16 there is an opening 18 . Fixed in the hopper 12 is a bed 20 of fine powder and placed below the hopper is a rotatable member 22 having a plurality of cavities 24 around its perimeter. The rotatable member 22 can be turned to align the cavity 24 with its opening 18 so that the powder 20 can be delivered from the hopper 12 into the cavity 24 .

Positioned on the hopper 12 is a piezoelectric bending motor 26 to which a rod 28 is attached. The piezoelectric motor 26 is positioned above the hopper 12 such that the distal end 29 of the rod 28 is within the fine powder bed 20 while being spaced from the rotatable member 22 . The bottom end 16 of the hopper 12 is closely above the rotating member 22 so that powder held in the hopper 12 cannot escape from between the bottom end 16 and the rotatable member 22 . At the distal end 29 of the rod 28 there is a cross member 30 which is generally perpendicular to the rod 28 . The cross member 30 is preferably at least as long as the diameter of the top of the chamber 24 to help agitate the fine powder into the chamber, as will be described in more detail below.

As best seen in FIG. 1, driving the piezoelectric bending motor 26 causes the rod 28 to oscillate back and forth as indicated by arrow 32. As shown in FIG. Also, as indicated by arrow 34, piezo bending motor 26 is movable in the longitudinal direction of rotatable member 22 to vibrate cross member 30 over each chamber.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the delivery of powder from the hopper 12 to the cavity 24 will be described in detail. Positioned within cavity 24 are top filter 36 and backup filter 38 . The top filter 36 is placed in the rotatable member 22 at a known distance from the top of the chamber 24 . Line 40 communicates with chamber 24 to provide suction during filling and to provide compressed air as powder is expelled from chamber 24, in a manner similar to that described in co-pending US Patent Application Serial No. 08/638,515, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

When ready to fill, a vacuum is created in line 40 to draw air through cavity 24 . Also, rod 28 vibrates as indicated by arrow 32 when over cavity 24 to help agitate powder bed 20 . Such a process assists in conveying the powder from the powder bed 20 into the cavity 24 . While vibrating, rod 28 is moved over cavity 24 as indicated by arrow 34 . Agitation of the powder bed 20 takes place substantially throughout the opening of the cavity. In addition, movement of the rod 28 also moves the rod over the other cavities so that they can be filled in the same manner.

As indicated by arrow 42, the rod 28 is preferably spaced vertically from the rotatable member 22 by a distance of from about 0.01 to 10 millimeters, more preferably from the rotatable member 22 by a distance of from about 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters. mm distance. This spacing is chosen to ensure that the powder directly above the cavity is fluidized and can be drawn into cavity 24 . An exemplary embodiment of the powder delivery and metering system 44 is now described with reference to FIGS. 4-6. System 44 is constructed in accordance with the principles described above for the apparatus shown in Figures 1-3. System 44 includes a base 46 and a frame 48 that rotatably secures a rotatable member 50 . The rotatable member 50 includes a plurality of cavities 52 (see FIG. 6 ). Rotatable member 50, including chamber 52, is preferably provided with vacuum and compression lines similar to those described in co-pending US Patent 08/638,515, previously incorporated by reference. Briefly, a vacuum is created to assist in drawing powder into cavity 52 . When filling the cavity 52, the rotatable element 52 is turned until the cavity 52 faces downward. At this point compressed air is forced through chamber 52 to expel the trapped powder into a sachet, such as blister packs commonly used in the industry.

Positioned above the aforementioned rotating member 50 is a hopper 54 having an elongated opening 56 (see FIG. 6 ). Operably mounted on the frame 48 are a plurality of piezoelectric bending motors 58 . Attached to each piezoelectric bending motor is a rod 60 . Exemplary piezoelectric bending motors are commercially available from Piezo Systems, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts. The curved motor consists of two layers of piezoelectric ceramics, each with an outer electrode. An electric field is applied across the two outer electrodes to cause expansion of one electrode layer and contraction of the other.

Rod 60 preferably comprises stainless steel wire having a diameter in the range of about 0.005-0.10 inches (0.013-0.254 cm), more preferably about 0.02 to 0.04 inches (0.05-0.1 cm). However, other materials and geometries are contemplated for use in constructing the rod 60 . For example, various rigid materials may be used, such as other metals and alloys, musical instrument wire, carbon fibers, plastics, and the like. The cross-sectional shape of the rod 60 may also be non-circular and/or non-uniform, as long as there is an important characteristic of being able to agitate the powder near the distal end of the rod to fluidize the powder. Attached to the distal end of the rod 60 is preferably a vertical cross member 62 (see Figure 6). Optionally one or more cross members are placed over the distal cross members to help fill in any grooves created during operation. Rod 60 preferably vibrates in a frequency range of about 5 to 50,000 Hz when actuated, more preferably in a frequency range of about 50 to 5,000 Hz, more preferably in a frequency range of about 50 to 1,000 Hz.

The piezo bending motor 58 is connected to a movement mechanism 64 which moves the rod 60 along the hopper 54 . When moving, the cross member 62 is preferably vertically spaced a distance from about 0.01 to 10 mm above the cavity 52, and more preferably vertically spaced from the rotatable member 22 by a distance from about 0.1 to 0.5 mm. . The moving mechanism 64 includes a rotating wheel 66 which turns a drive belt 68 which in turn is connected to the platform 70 . Piezo bending motor 58 is attached to platform 70 which moves over shaft 72 when transmission wheel 66 is driven. In this way, the rod 60 can be moved back and forth within the hopper so that the rod 60 vibrates over each cavity 52 . The travel mechanism 64 may be used to pass the rod 60 over the cavity 52 as many times as desired while the cavity 52 is being filled. Preferably, the rod 60 is moved at a speed of less than 200 centimeters per second, more preferably, the rod 60 is moved at a speed of less than 100 centimeters per second. Preferably the rod 60 makes at least one pass over each cavity, and more preferably two passes.

In operation, hopper 54 is filled with fine powder to be delivered to cavity 52 . A vacuum is then drawn through the respective cavities 52 as they align with the openings 56 . Simultaneously, the piezoelectric bending motor 58 is driven to vibrate the rod 60 . While the rod 60 vibrates, the moving mechanism 64 is driven to move the rod 60 back and forth. Vibration of the rod 60 agitates the fine powder to help transport it into the cavity 52 . When cavity 52 is sufficiently filled, rotating member 50 is rotated 180 degrees to place cavity 52 in a downward position. As the rotating member 50 turns, a blade on the bottom edge of the hopper 54 scrapes off any excess powder to ensure that each cavity contains only a unit dose of powder.

In the downward position, a blast of compressed air is forced through each cavity 52 to expel the fine powder into a sachet (not shown). In this way, a convenient method is provided for delivering metered amounts of fine powder from the hopper into the sachet.

Another embodiment of a device 74 for delivering a metered dose of fine powder will now be described with reference to FIG. 7 . Device 74 includes a housing 76 and a piezoelectric base 78 operatively connected to housing 76 . The piezoelectric backplane 78 includes a plurality of holes 80 (or a screen). Positioned above the floor 78 is a hopper 82 having a bed 84 of fine powder. Connected to the base plate 78 are a pair of wires 86 that drive the piezoelectric base plate 78 . When current is alternately applied to the wire 86, the base plate is caused to expand and contract to produce the mode of vibration indicated by arrow 88. Next, the holes 80 are caused to vibrate to help agitate the bed of fine powder to more efficiently lower the powder through the holes 80 into a chamber. The rotatable member described in the previous embodiments having chambers in communication with vacuum and pressure sources may also be used in connection with device 74 to help capture fine powder and expel the captured powder into the sachet.

Another embodiment of a device 100 for delivering metered doses of powder is shown in FIG. 8 . Device 100 operates similarly to device 10 previously described, except that the piezoelectric bending motor is replaced by a motor having a crank 104 that drives a linkage 106 . As link 106 reciprocates, rod 108 vibrates in hopper 110 filled with powder 112 . The agitated powder is thus captured in cavity 114 in a manner similar to that previously described. Also, during vibration, rod 108 can move over cavity 114 in a manner similar to that described above for other embodiments.

Another embodiment of a device 120 for delivering a metered dose of fine powder is shown in FIG. 9 . Device 120 includes a motor 122 that rotates a wire loop 124 . As shown, wire loop 124 is placed within a bed of fine powder 126 directly above cavity 128 . In this manner, as the wire loop 124 is rotated, the powder is fluidized and drawn into the cavity 128 in a manner similar to the previous embodiments. Also, as it rotates, the ring 124 can be moved over the cavity 128 in a similar manner as described for the other embodiments.

Referring now to Figure 10, another embodiment of an apparatus 200 for conveying fine powders is illustrated. The device 200 works in a similar manner to the previous embodiments, ie the fine powder is conveyed from the hopper into the metering chamber of the rotating member. The powder is expelled from the rotatable member into the sachet in unit doses.

The device 200 includes a frame 202 to which a rotatable member 204 is secured such that the rotatable member 204 can be rotated by a motor (not shown) fixed to the frame 202 . The frame 202 also secures a trough or primary hopper 206 above the rotatable member 204 . Positioned above the hopper 206 is a shaker 208 . As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , a vibratable element 210 is connected to the oscillator 208 . The oscillator 208 is connected to the pole 212 by a clamp 214 . The struts 214 are in turn connected to a delivery table 216 . A screw motor 217 is used to move the stage 216 back and forth relative to the frame 202 . In this way the vibratable element 210 can be moved back and forth in the hopper 206 .

Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the apparatus 200 also includes a secondary hopper 218 positioned above the primary hopper 206 . Conveniently, hopper 218 includes flaps 219 enabling it to be removably connected to frame 202 by inserting flaps 219 into slots 220 . Hopper 218 includes a shell 222 and a tubular portion 224 for storing powder. A chute 226 extends from the shell 222 into the hopper 206 when the hopper 218 is attached to the frame 202 . Tubular portion 224 includes an opening 228 that enables powder to fall from tubular portion 224 into chute 226 . Placing a screen 230 over opening 228 generally prevents powder from flowing down into the chute until housing 222 is shaken 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 released from the hopper 218 and the hopper 218 is lifted from the slot 220. In this manner, the hopper 218 can be easily removed for refilling, cleaning, updating, and the like.

To transport the powder from the hopper 218, an arm 234 is placed in contact with the housing 222 to vibrate the housing 222 when shaken or vibrated. Arm 234 is rocked or vibrated by a motor (not shown). As shown in FIG. 12 , shell 222 optionally includes an inner opening 236 containing block 238 . As the housing shakes, mass 238 vibrates within opening 236 . Since block 238 engages the shell 222 wall, it propagates a shock wave with shell 222 to assist in conveying powder from tubular portion 224 through opening 228 and through screen 230 . The powder then slides down the chute 226 until it falls into the hopper 206 . Another advantage of using the chute 226 is that it allows the tubular portion 2224 to be laterally offset from the oscillator 208 so that it does not interfere with the movement of the oscillator 208 . A particular advantage of including the block 238 in the opening 236 is that any particles generated due to the vibration of the block 238 will remain in the opening 236 without contaminating any powder.

The oscillator 208 is configured such that an up and down or vertical motion vibrates the vibratable element 210 . Oscillator 208 preferably comprises any commercially available ultrasonic horn, such as a Branson TMI ultrasonic horn. The vibratable element 210 preferably vibrates in a frequency range of about 1,000 to 180,000 Hz, more preferably in a frequency range of about 1,000 to 40,000 Hz, more preferably in a frequency range of about 15,000 to 25,000 Hz.

As best seen in Figure 12, the vibratable element 210 includes an end piece 240 suitably shaped to optimally agitate the fine powder when the element 210 vibrates. As shown, the outer circumference of the end piece 240 is larger than the outer circumference of the element 210 . Element 210 is preferably cylindrical in geometry and preferably has a diameter in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 millimeters. As shown, end piece 240 is also cylindrical in geometry and preferably has a diameter in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 millimeters. It should be understood, however, that vibratable element 210 and end piece 240 may be configured in any shape and size. For example, vibratable element 210 may be tapered. The end piece 240 may also have a reduced profile to reduce lateral movement of the powder as the shaker 208 is moved through the hopper 206 . End piece 240 is preferably spaced vertically above rotatable member 204 by a distance of from about 0.01 to 10 millimeters, more preferably vertically spaced from rotatable member 204 by a distance of from about 0.5 to 3.0 millimeters.

Oscillator 208 is employed to assist in conveying powder into metering chamber 242 of rotatable member 204 in a manner similar to that described with respect to the other embodiments. More particularly, motor 217 is used to move stage 216 such that vibratable element 210 may be reciprocated laterally along hopper 206 . Simultaneously, when the vibrator element 210 passes above each metering cavity 242 , the vibrator element 210 is vibrated up and down, that is, the vibrator element 210 is vibrated radially to the rotatable element 204 . Preferably, oscillator 208 moves laterally along hopper 206 at a rate of less than about 500 centimeters per second, more preferably less than about 100 centimeters per second.

Within the hopper 206 , there is a tendency when the vibratory element 210 is moved laterally that the vibratory element 210 will push or scrape some powder toward the end of the hopper 206 . This movement of the powder can be mitigated by providing a radiating surface or raised member 244 on the vibratable element 210 within the hopper just above the average powder depth. In this way, powder that has accumulated to a higher than average depth is desirably mobilized and moved to areas of the hopper where the powder is shallower. Preferably, protruding member 244 is spaced from end piece 240 by a distance in the range of about 2 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, more preferably about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. As another option, leveling mechanisms such as rakes can be attached (or separately hinged) to the shaker 208 so that they can scoop the top of the powder to level the powder as the shaker 208 moves along the hopper. As an alternative, a screen-like elongated oscillating element can be placed within the powder bed to help level the powder.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the rotating element 204 is in a fill position with the metering cavity 242 aligned with the hopper 206 . As with the other embodiments described, after filling the metering chamber 242, the rotatable element 204 is rotated 180 degrees at the point where the powder is expelled from the metering chamber 242 into the sachet. Preferably, a Klöckner packaging machine is used to supply the device 200 with the sheet containing the sachets.

Referring now to Figure 13, the structure of the rotatable member 204 will be described in more detail. Rotatable member 204 includes a drum 246 having a front end 248 and a rear end 250 . Bearings 252 and 254 may be inserted through ends 252 and 254 to enable rotation of roller 246 when coupled to frame 202 . . The rotatable member 204 also includes a sleeve 256, a rear slip ring 258 and a front slip ring 259, which are hermetically sealed fitted. Air inlets 260 and 261 are provided in sleeve 256 . The air inlet 260 communicates with a metering chamber 242 pair 242a, and the air inlet 261 communicates with a metering chamber 242 pair 242b. In this way, compressed air or a vacuum may be generated in either chamber pair 242a or chamber pair 242b.

More particularly, air passes from air inlet 260 through slip ring 258 , through hole 264 in the gasket, and into hole 265 in the manifold. The air then passes through manifold 262 and exits manifold 262 through a pair of holes 265a and 265b. Apertures 265c and 265d in bracket 270 provide a pathway for air to enter chamber 242a. In a similar manner, air from air inlet 261 passes through slip ring 259 , through hole 266 in gasket 270 , and into a hole (not shown) in manifold 262 . In a similar manner to that described above for air inlet 260, air passes through the various holes in manifold 262 and gasket 270 until finally through cavity 242b. In this way two separate air circuits are provided. In addition, an air inlet can also be eliminated, so that vacuum or compressed air can be supplied to all metering chambers 242 at the same time.

Also placed above the manifold 262 is a change tool 274 in which the metering cavity 242 is formed and between which a filter 276 is placed forming the bottom end of the metering cavity 242 . Air can be drawn into chamber 242 by connecting a vacuum to air inlet 260 or 261 . Similarly, compressed air can be forced into the metering chamber by connecting a compressed air source at the air inlet 260 or 261. As with other embodiments described herein, drawing a vacuum through the metering chamber 242 assists in drawing powder into the metering chamber 242 . After the drum 246 rotates 180 degrees, compressed air is sent through the metering chamber 242 to discharge the powder from the metering chamber 242 .

Drum 246 includes a bore 278 into which manifold 270, air bracket 272 and change tool 74 are inserted. A cam 280 is also provided which is insertable in the hole 278 . A cam 280 is transferred within the bore 278 to secure various components within the drum 246 . The changing tool 274 can be slid out of the hole 278 when released. In this way, the changing tool 274 can easily be exchanged for another changing tool having a metering cavity of a different size. In this way, the device 200 can be provided with a full range of changing tools, and the user can easily change the size of the metering chamber by simply inserting a new changing tool 274 .

Apparatus 200 also includes means for scraping powder out of metering chamber 242. Such a screed is shown in Figures 14A and 14B and is also referred to as a screed. For ease of illustration, the leveling device 282 is omitted in FIGS. 10-12. The rotatable member is schematically drawn in Figures 14A and 14B. The leveling device 282 has a thin plate 284 with holes 286 that align with the metering chamber 242 when the rotatable member 204 is in the filling position. Orifice 286 preferably has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of metering chamber 242 . In this way, the holes 286 do not hinder the filling of the metering chamber. Plate 284 is preferably constructed of brass and is approximately 0.003 inches (0.0076 cm) in diameter. The plate 284 is spring pressed against the rotatable member 204 so that it is substantially flush with the periphery. In this way, plate 284 is substantially sealed relative to rotatable member 204 , preventing excess powder from escaping between plate 284 and rotatable member 204 . Plate 204 is attached to frame 202 and remains stationary while rotatable member 204 rotates. In this way, after powder is delivered to the metering chamber 242, the rotatable member 204 is turned toward the dispensing position. During rotation, the edge of the aperture 286 scrapes any excess powder from the metering chamber 242, leaving only the unit dose in the metering chamber 242. The structural advantage of the screed mechanism 282 is that it reduces the number of moving parts, thereby reducing the accumulation of static electricity. Also, the removed powder remains in the hopper 206 and can be delivered to the metering chamber 242 after it is emptied.

Another mechanism for scraping excess powder from the metering chamber 242 is shown in FIG. 14C. The mechanism comprises a pair of scraping blades 290 and 292 attached to the hopper 206, it being understood that depending on the direction of rotation of the rotatable member 204 only one blade will be required. Blades 290 and 292 are preferably constructed of thin metal sheets, such as 0.005 inch (0.0127 cm) thick brass, lightly spring loaded against rotatable member 204 . The edges of vanes 290 and 292 generally coincide with the edges of the opening in hopper 206 . After the metering chamber 242 is filled, the rotatable member 204 is turned and any excess powder is scraped from the metering chamber 242 with the blades 290 or 292 (depending on the direction of rotation).

Referring again to Figures 10-12, the operation of the device 200 for filling sachets with unit doses of fine powder is illustrated. Initially, fine powder is placed within the tubular portion 224 of the secondary hopper 218 . Conveniently, the hopper 218 can be removed from the frame 202 while filling. The housing 222 is then shaken or vibrated for sufficient time to transfer the desired amount of powder through the opening 228 , the screen 230 and down the chute 226 to the primary hopper 206 . The rotatable member 204 is placed into the filling position of the metering chamber 242 aligned with the hopper 206 , and vacuum is then applied at the air inlets 260 and 261 (see FIG. 13 ) to pump air through the metering chamber 242 . Under the influence of gravity and aided by the vacuum, the powder falls into the metering cavity 242 and substantially fills the metering cavity 242 . The oscillator 208 is then activated to vibrate the element 210 . At the same time, the motor 217 is activated to move the vibrating element 210 back and forth in the metering chamber 206 . As the element 210 is vibrated, the end piece 240 creates a form of air flow at the bottom of the hopper 206 that agitates the powder. As the end piece 240 passes over each metering chamber 242, an aerosol cloud is created which is drawn into the metering chamber 242 by vacuum and gravity. As the end piece 242 passes over the metering chamber 242, the insonation energy radiates down into the metering chamber, agitating the powder already in the metering chamber. This in turn allows the gas flow within the cavity to remove any density inhomogeneities present in the previous fill. A particular advantage of this feature is that any clumps that may cause voids in the metering chamber can be broken up to more evenly fill the metering chamber.

After one or two passes over each metering chamber 242, the rotatable member 204 is rotated 180 degrees to a dispensing position where the metering chambers 242 are aligned with the capsule (not shown). As previously described, any excess powder is scraped from the metering chamber 242 as the rotatable element 204 rotates. In the dispensing position, compressed air is applied through air inlets 260 and 261 to expel a unit dose of powder from the metering chamber into the sachet.

The present invention also provides a method of adjusting the ultrasonic power supplied to the oscillator 210 to adjust the fill weight as the oscillator 210 passes over the metering chamber 242 . The fill weight of the various metering chambers can be adjusted in this way to compensate for differences in powder weight that may periodically occur. For example, if the fourth metering chamber is consistently producing unit doses that are too low to handle, the power of the oscillator 208 may be increased slightly each time it passes over the fourth metering chamber. In combination with an automatic (or manual) weighing system and a controller, this arrangement can be used to form an automatic (or manual) closed loop weighing system to adjust the oscillator power of each metering chamber to provide more accurate fill weighing.

Referring now to Figure 15, a system 300 for metering and delivering fine powders is illustrated. System 300 works similarly to device 200, but includes multiple oscillators and multiple hoppers that simultaneously fill multiple sachets with unit doses of fine powder. System 300 includes a frame 302 with a plurality of rotatable members 304 rotatably coupled thereto. Rotatable member 304 may be constructed similarly to rotatable member 204 and include a plurality of metering chambers (not shown) containing powder. Depending on the specific application, the number of rotatable members and metering chambers may vary. Primary hoppers 306 holding powder on rotatable members 304 are placed above each rotatable member 304 . The vibrating member 308 is on each hopper 306 and includes a vibratable element 310 similar to that described with respect to device 200 for agitating the powder within the hopper 306 . A secondary hopper similar to secondary hopper 218 of apparatus 200 is placed above each primary hopper 306 to deliver powder into hoppers 306 in a manner similar to that described with respect to apparatus 200 but not shown for brevity.

A motor 312 (only one motor is shown for illustration convenience) is connected to each rotatable member 304 to rotate the rotatable member 304 between the filling position and the dispensing position, similar to the device 200 .

Each oscillator 308 is attached to an arm 314 with a clip 316 . The arm 314 is in turn connected to a common table 318 having a slider 319 movable on a track 321 by a screw 320 of a screw motor 322 . In this way, the vibratable element 310 can be moved back and forth in the hopper simultaneously by operating the screw motor 322 . Alternatively, each oscillator can be connected to a separate motor so that each oscillator can move independently.

Frame 302 is attached to a base 324 including a plurality of elongated slots 326 . The slots 326 are used to accommodate the bottom ends of the plurality of capsules 328 formed on the plate 330 . The sheet 310 is preferably provided by a blister machine, such as a commercially available UHLMANN packaging machine, model 1040. The rotatable member 304 preferably includes a number of metering chambers corresponding to the number of capsules in each row of the plate 330 . In this way, four rows of sachets can be filled in each working cycle. After the four rows are filled, the metering chamber is refilled and the plate 330 is advanced to align the new four rows of capsules with the hopper 306 .

A particular advantage of system 300 is that it can be filled fully automatically. For example, a controller is connected to the packaging machine, vacuum and compressed air source, motor 312 , motor 322 and oscillator 308 . By using such a controller, the plates can be automatically advanced to the proper position where the motor 312 is activated to align the metering chamber with the hopper 306. The vacuum source is then activated to draw a vacuum through the metering chamber and at the same time the oscillator 308 is activated and the motor 322 is used to move the oscillator 308 . Once the metering chamber is filled, the controller activates the motor 312 to rotate the rotatable member 304 until it is aligned with the capsule 328 . The controller then sends a signal to send compressed air through the metering chamber to expel the metered powder into the sachet 328 . After filling, the controller causes the packaging machine to advance the sheet 330 and repeat the cycle. When desired, the controller may be used to activate a motor (not shown) to vibrate the secondary hopper to deliver powder into the primary hopper 306 as previously described.

While an oscillator including an ultrasonic horn is shown, it should be understood that other types of oscillators and vibratable elements may be used, including those previously described. Also, the number of oscillators and the size of channels can vary according to specific needs.

While the foregoing description has been presented by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications will be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (42)

1. method of carrying fine powder comprises:

Fine powder is placed in the hopper that opening wherein arranged;

But, but wherein should vibrate with respect to the fine powder up-and-down movement ground in this hopper by vibrating elements at vibrating elements of fine powder internal vibration; And

The fine powder that at least a portion is discharged from described opening captures the chamber, and wherein, the fine powder of catching is enough loose, can be scattered when therefore taking out from described chamber.

2. the described method of claim 1 is characterized in that, described vibrating elements is from about 1,000Hz to 180, the frequency limit internal vibration of 000Hz.

3. the described method of claim 1 is characterized in that, a plurality of chambeies and described register, but described method further comprises along described opening and moves described vibrating elements with the top by each chamber.

4. the described method of claim 1 is characterized in that, described fine powder contains average-size from about 1 micron medicine that the dispersion powder in 100 micrometer ranges is formed.

5. the described method of claim 1 is characterized in that, catches step and also comprises by the described chamber exhaust under the described opening, and the air of wherein taking out helps fine powder is extracted in the described chamber.

6. the described method of claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the fine powder of catching is transferred to the anther sac from described chamber.

7. the described method of claim 6 is characterized in that, described transfer step comprises in described chamber introduces pressurized air, thereby the fine powder of catching is driven in the described anther sac.

8. the described method of claim 1 is characterized in that, further comprises the size of sending out medicine and the described chamber of change from described chamber.

9. the described method of claim 1 is characterized in that, but wherein said vibrating elements has an end near this opening.

10. the described method of claim 9 is characterized in that, also is included in described element when vibrating, and this element of side travel passes this fine powder.

11. the described method of claim 9 is characterized in that, described vibrating elements is from about 1,000Hz to 180, the frequency limit internal vibration of 000Hz.

12. the described method of claim 9 is characterized in that, further comprises the fine powder in the smooth periodically hopper.

13. the described method of claim 9 is characterized in that, described fine powder comprises the medicine of being made up of less than about 20 microns dispersion powder average-size.

14. the described method of claim 9 is characterized in that, catches step and also comprises by described chamber exhaust, the air of wherein taking out helps the transmission fine powder to pass described opening.

15. the described method of claim 9 is characterized in that, also comprises the fine powder of catching is transferred to the anther sac from described chamber.

16. the described method of claim 9 is characterized in that, the amount of catching fine powder is a unit dose.

17. the described method of claim 9 is characterized in that, described hopper is elementary hopper, and wherein said placement step comprises described fine powder is transferred to this elementary hopper from a secondary hopper.

18. the described method of claim 9 is characterized in that, goes back the fine powder in the secondary hopper of involving vibrations, so that fine powder is transferred in this elementary hopper.

19. a method of carrying fine powder, this method comprises:

Fine powder is placed in the hopper with opening;

But a vibrating elements is set, and this element of side travel passes this hopper and across described opening in this hopper; And

Catch at least a portion from fine powder to a chamber that described opening is discharged.

20. the described method of claim 19 is characterized in that, goes back the described element of involving vibrations.

21. the described method of claim 19 is characterized in that, described fine powder comprises the medicine of being made up of less than about 20 microns dispersion powder average-size.

22. the described method of claim 19 is characterized in that, described fine powder is trapped in a plurality of chambeies, and each chamber all is positioned at below the described hopper.

23. the described method of claim 19 is characterized in that, catches step and also comprises by described opening exhaust, the air of wherein taking out helps to shift fine powder and passes described opening.

24. a method of carrying fine powder, this method comprises:

Fine powder is placed in the hopper with opening;

But vibrate a vibrating elements in this hopper;

Pumping function is set so that help the transmission of at least a portion fine powder to pass described opening; And

The fine powder that at least a portion is passed from described opening captures the chamber, and wherein, the fine powder of catching is enough loose, can be scattered when therefore taking out from described chamber.

25. the described method of claim 24 is characterized in that, the vibration of described element up-and-down movement ground.

26. the described method of claim 24 is characterized in that, also is included in described element when vibrating, this element of side travel passes fine powder.

27. the described method of claim 24 is characterized in that, described fine powder comprises the medicine of being made up of less than about 20 microns dispersion powder average-size.

28. the described method of claim 24 is characterized in that, will be captured in the chamber by the fine powder that described opening extracts.

29. the described method of claim 28 comprises that also the fine powder of will catch transfers to the anther sac from described chamber.

30. a device that is used to carry fine powder, this device comprises:

A hopper that is suitable for holding fine powder, this hopper have an opening;

But vibrating elements that is positioned at this hopper; And

A vibrating motor, but be used for being somebody's turn to do vibrating elements with the mode vibration of motion up and down, to help that this opening is passed in the fine powder transmission.

31. the described device of claim 30 is characterized in that, but but described vibrating elements side travel in hopper.

32. the described device of claim 30 is characterized in that, described vibrating motor is suitable for from about 1, and 000Hz is to about 180, but the described vibrating elements of frequency limit internal vibration of 000Hz.

33. the described device of claim 30 is characterized in that, also comprises a chamber, this chamber can be located with described opening and be aligned, so that catch the fine powder that flows out by this opening.

34. the described device of claim 30 is characterized in that, described chamber is rotating parts.

35. the described device of claim 30 is characterized in that, described chamber can provide the pipeline of pumping function to be connected with one, to help that this opening is passed in the fine powder transmission.

36. the described device of claim 30 is characterized in that described chamber is suitable for catching the medicinal powder of unit dose.

37. a device that is used to carry fine powder, this device comprises:

A hopper that is suitable for holding fine powder, this hopper have an opening;

But a vibrating elements that is positioned at this hopper can be across this opening side travel but be somebody's turn to do vibrating elements; And

But a vibrating motor that is used to vibrate this vibrating elements is to help that this opening is passed in the fine powder transmission.

38. the described device of claim 37 is characterized in that, also comprises a plurality of chambeies, each chamber all can be positioned on below the described hopper, so that catch the fine powder that flows out by described opening.

39. the described device of claim 37 is characterized in that, described chamber can provide the pipeline of pumping function to be connected with one, to help that this opening is passed in the fine powder transmission.

40. a device that is used to carry fine powder, this device comprises:

A hopper that is suitable for holding fine powder, this hopper have an opening;

But vibrating elements that is positioned at this hopper;

But vibrating motor that is used to vibrate this vibrating elements; And

A chamber can be located and described opening aligns, so that catch the fine powder that flows out by this opening, this chamber can provide the pipeline of pumping function to be connected with one, to help that this opening is passed in the fine powder transmission.

41. the described device of claim 40 is characterized in that, also comprises a chamber, this chamber can be located with described opening and be aligned, so that catch the fine powder that flows out by this opening.

42. the described device of claim 40 is characterized in that, described chamber is rotating parts.

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