Powder filling systems, apparatus and methods
AssigneeNektar Therapeutics
InventorsDerrick J. Parks, Michael J. Rocchio, Kyle Naydo, Dennis E. Wightman, Adrian E. Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary method, the fine powder is first fluidized. At least a portion of the fluidized fine powder is then captured. The captured fine powder is then transferred to a receptacle, with the transferred powder being sufficiently uncompacted so that it may be dispersed upon removal from the receptacle.
Claims21
An apparatus for filling a receptacle with powder medicament, the apparatus comprising:
- a supply of powder medicament;
- a chamber;
- and
- a screen between the supply of powder medicament and the chamber, the screen being translatable to fluidize the powder medicament;
- wherein the apparatus is configured such that a vacuum may be applied to the chamber to assist in capturing powder and wherein pressure may be applied to the chamber to eject captured powder from the chamber and into a receptacle.
A method of filling a receptacle with powder medicament, the method comprising:
- providing a chamber and a screen above the chamber;
- translating the screen to fluidize the powder medicament;
- applying a vacuum to the chamber to assist in capturing the powder medicament in the chamber;
- and
- applying pressure to the chamber to eject the powder medicament from the chamber and into a receptacle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.