HRP20000200A2 - Powder filling apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates mainly to the field of fine powder processing, and in particular to the transfer of a measured amount of fine powders. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems, devices and methods for filling unit dose containers of fine powder medicaments which are not liquid but can be dispersed, particularly for subsequent inhalation by the patient.

Effective patient administration is a critical aspect of successful drug therapy. There are different routes of application, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Oral administration of the drug in tablets, capsules, elixirs, and the like is perhaps the most convenient procedure, but many drugs have an unpleasant taste, and the size of the tablets makes swallowing difficult. In addition, such drugs often break down in the digestive tract before they can be absorbed. Such degradation is a particular problem with modern protein drugs, which are rapidly degraded by proteolytic enzymes in the digestive tract. Subcutaneous injection is often an effective route for the administration of systemic drugs, including protein administration, but has poor patient acceptance and generates sharp debris, eg needles, that are difficult to remove. Because the need to administer drugs by injection at more frequent intervals, such as insulin being given several times a day, can be a reason for difficult patient acceptance, a number of different routes of drug administration have been developed, including transdermal, nasal, rectal, and vaginal administration. and pulmonary administration.

Of particular interest to the present invention are the procedures for pulmonary administration of drugs, which rely on inhalation of a drug dispersion or spray by the patient so that the active drug in the dispersion can reach the deeper (alveolar) areas of the lungs. Certain drugs have been found to be readily absorbed through the alveolar regions directly into the blood circulation. Pulmonary administration is particularly promising for the administration of proteins and polypeptides that are difficult to administer for treatment by other routes. Such pulmonary application can be effective for both systemic applications and local applications in the treatment of lung diseases.

Pulmonary administration of drugs (including systemic and topical) can be achieved per se by a variety of approaches, including liquid nebulizers, metered dose inhalers (MDIs), and dry powder nebulizers. Dry powder atomizers are particularly promising for the application of protein and polypeptide drugs that can be easily formulated as dry powders. Many otherwise labile proteins and polypeptides can be stably stored as lyophilized or spray-dried powders, alone or in combination with a suitable powder carrier. A further advantage is that dry powders have a much higher concentration than drugs in liquid form.

The ability to administer proteins or polypeptides as dry powders, however, is problematic in certain circumstances. Dosing of many protein or polypeptide drugs is often critical so that any dry powder delivery system needs to be able to accurately, precisely and repeatedly deliver a certain amount of drug. In addition, many proteins and peptides are quite expensive, typically many times more expensive than conventional drugs on a dose-parity basis. Thus, the success of the effective application of dry powders to the target lung area with minimal drug losses is critical.

For some applications, finely powdered drugs are placed in a dry powder dispenser in small unit dose containers, which often have a perforated lid or other access surface (generally referred to as a blister pack). For example, the spray devices described in US Pat. Nos. 5,785,049 and 5,740,794, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, are designed to accept such containers. After placing the container in the device, the multi-flow ejector assembly, which has a feed tube that penetrates through the cover of the container to provide access to the powdered medicine therein. The multi-flow ejector assembly also creates vents in the cap that allow air to flow through the container to inject and expel the medication. This procedure is carried out by a high-speed air stream that flows past a part of the tube, so that the outer end pulls the powder out of the container, through the tube, and into the air stream, forming a spray for the patient to inhale. The high-velocity air stream transports the powder from the container in a partially atomized state, and finally complete atomization occurs in the mixing volume immediately behind the high-velocity air inlet.

Of special interest for the present invention are the physical properties of low flow powders. Weakly flowable powders are those powders that have physical characteristics, such as flowability, where the dominant forces are the cohesion between the individual units or particles (hereinafter "individual particles") that make up the powder. In such cases, the powder does not flow well because the individual particles cannot move smoothly and independently relative to each other, and instead move in clumps made up of many particles. When such powders are subjected to small forces, the powders will tend not to flow at all. However, as the forces acting on the powder grow to exceed the forces of cohesion, the powder will move in large clumps of "chunks" of individual particles. When the powder settles, the large clumps remain stationary, resulting in uneven powder densities due to voids and low-density regions between the large clumps and regions of local compression.

This type of behavior tends to increase as soon as the dimensions of the individual particles become smaller. This is most likely because, when the particles become smaller, the forces of cohesion, such as Van Der Waals, electrostatic, frictional and other forces, become greater compared to the gravitational and inertial forces that can be applied to individual particles due to their small masses. This is related to the present invention, since gravity and inertial forces produced by acceleration, as well as other derived inducers, are commonly used in the processing, movement and measurement of powders.

For example, when measuring fine powders before placing them in unit dose containers, the powders often clump inconsistently, creating voids and separate areas of increased density, thereby reducing the accuracy of the volume measurement process typically used for high-flow manufacturing measurement. Such agglomeration inconsistency is further undesirable because the powder agglomerates need to be broken up into individual particles, i.e. made capable of dispersing when carried to the lungs. Such aggregate crushing often occurs in dispensing devices due to shear forces created by the air stream used to draw the drug from the unit dose container or other container, or due to other mechanical energy transfer mechanisms (eg, ultrasound, fan/rotor, and the like). However, if the small powder clusters are too compact, the shear forces provided by air currents or other dispersal mechanisms will be insufficient to effectively disperse the drug into individual particles.

Some attempts to prevent clumping of individual particles are to create a mixture of multiphase powders (typically a carrier or diluent) where larger particles (sometimes many times larger in size), eg approximately 50 micrometers, are combined with smaller drug particles, eg 1 micrometer to 5 micrometers. In this case, smaller particles adhere to larger particles so that during processing and filling, the powder will have the characteristics of a 50 micrometer powder. Such a powder has the ability to flow and measure more easily with it. One disadvantage of such a powder, however, is that the separation of smaller particles from larger particles is difficult, and the formulation of the resulting powder is made mostly of the coarse component of the flowing agent that can end up in the device, or in the patient's throat.

Modern methods for filling unit dose containers with powdered drugs include a direct pour process where the granulated powder is directly poured by gravity (sometimes combined with mixing or "rough" mixing) into the metering chamber. When the chamber was filled to the desired level, the drug was then ejected from the chamber and placed in the container. In such a direct casting process, variations in density may occur in the metering chamber, which reduces the effectiveness of the metering chamber and the accuracy of the unit dose amount measurement. Additionally, the powder is in a granular state which may be undesirable for many applications.

Some attempts have been made to minimize density variations by compacting the powder in or before settling in the metering chamber. However, such compaction is undesirable, especially for powders made of only fine particles, as it reduces the dispersibility of the powder, i.e. reduces the likelihood that the compacted powder will be broken up into individual particles during pulmonary administration by a nebulizer.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide systems and procedures for fine powder processing that would overcome or greatly reduce these and other problems. Such systems and procedures would allow accurate and precise metering of the fine powder, when divided into unit doses for placing in unit dose containers, especially for low mass charges. The systems and procedures should further ensure that the fine powder remains sufficiently dispersed during processing so that the fine powder can be used in existing inhalation devices that require the powder to be comminuted into individual particles prior to pulmonary administration. Furthermore, the systems and methods should provide rapid processing with the fine powder so that a large number of unit dose containers can be rapidly filled with unit doses of the fine powder drug to reduce cost.

2. Prior art

US Patent no. 5,765,607 describes a machine for weighing products into containers and includes a measuring unit for putting products into containers.

US Patent no. 4,640,322 describes a machine that applies atmospheric vacuum through a filter to draw material directly from a hopper and laterally into a non-rotating chamber.

US Patent no. 4,509,560 describes a device for processing granular materials that uses rotating paddles to mix granular materials.

US Patent no. 2,540,059 describes a powder filling device which has a rotating mixer in the form of a wire loop for mixing the powder in a funnel before directly ejecting the powder by gravity into the measuring chamber.

German patent DE 3607187 describes a mechanism for transferring measured amounts of fine particles.

The product prospectus, “E-1300 Powder Charger” describes a powder charger available from Perry Industries, Corona, CA.

US Patent no. 3,874,431 describes a machine for filling capsules with powder. The machine uses pipes that are mounted on a tower that can rotate.

British patent no. 1,420,364 describes a membrane assembly for use in a measuring orifice applied to the measurement of the amount of dry powders.

British patent no. 1,309,424 describes a powder loading device having a metering chamber with a piston head used to create a negative pressure in the chamber.

Canadian patent no. 949,786 describes a powder filling machine having metering chambers that are immersed in the powder. A vacuum is then used to fill the chamber with powder.

The essence of invention

The invention includes systems, devices and procedures for transferring a measured amount of fine powder into unit dose containers. In one exemplary process, such fine powder is conveyed by first propelling the fine powder with a vibrating element, and then capturing at least a portion of the fine powder. The affected fine powder is then transferred to a container, provided that the transferred powder is sufficiently uncompacted so that it can be reliably dispersed after removal from the container. Typically, a fine powder will contain a drug with individual particles having a mean size of less than about 100 micrometers, typically less than about 10 micrometers, and most commonly in the range of about 1 micrometer to 5 micrometers.

It is preferable that the fine powder is placed in a funnel that has an opening at the lower end. The element vibrates to set off the fine powder. Vibrating the powder near the orifice helps to carry some of the fine powder through the orifice where it can be captured in the chamber. Vibrating the element also helps break up the powder agglomerates in the metering chamber so that the metering chamber can be filled more uniformly.

The vibrating element preferably vibrates up and down, i.e. in vertical movements relative to the powder in the hopper. In one aspect, an ultrasonic horn is used to vertically vibrate the element. Alternatively, the element may have a rod that vibrates the powder back and forth, i.e. laterally. In another alternative, the vibrating element vibrates in an orbital manner.

In one aspect, the rod is controllably connected to a piezoelectric motor that vibrates the rod. Preferably, the element vibrates vertically at a frequency ranging from about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz, and more preferably from about 10,000 Hz to about 40,000 Hz, and most preferably from about 15,000 Hz to about 25,000 Hz. Preferably, the bar vibrates laterally at a frequency in the range of about 50 Hz to about 50,000 Hz, 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.

In another aspect, the element has a distal end disposed near the opening. Furthermore, the distal end has an end member that vibrates above the chamber to assist in transferring the fine powder from the hopper into the chamber. It is preferable that the end member protrudes laterally outside the element. In one aspect, the end member includes a cylinder, when the member vibrates vertically. In another aspect, the end member includes a cross member when the rod vibrates laterally. Preferably, the end member is vertically spaced from the chamber by a distance of from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. Such spacing helps keep the powder loose when it is transferred to the chamber.

In yet another aspect, it is preferred that the element moves transversely to the opening as it vibrates. For example, the element may be translated along the opening at a speed that is preferably less than about 100 cm/s. However, the individual speed of translation will typically depend on the vibrating frequency of the element. In this way, the element passes over the chamber as it vibrates.

The movement of the element along the opening is especially desirable when multiple chambers are arranged along the opening in a line. In this way, the element can be used to help transfer the fine powder from the hopper to each of the chambers. If necessary, a larger number of elements or rods can vibrate in the funnel near the opening. The rods are preferably aligned with each other and translated along the aperture as they vibrate, although in some cases the rods or elements may remain at rest above each chamber.

To aid in trapping the fine powder in the chamber, air is preferably drawn through the bottom of the chamber and draws the fine powder into the chamber. After capturing the fine powder, it is preferable that the powder be transferred to a container. It is preferable that the transfer of fine powder is carried out by introducing compressed gas into the chamber, which ejects the captured powder into the container.

In another aspect of the process, the powder level in the hopper is periodically leveled. As one example, the powder level can be aligned by placing a member that projects above the remote end of the vibrating member. In this way, the projecting member vibrates together with the vibrating member. As the element is translated along the hopper, the projecting member tends to level the powder in the hopper. In one aspect, the powder transfer is performed in an environment where humidity is maintained.

In yet another aspect, the powder captured in the chamber is adjusted to have a unit dose amount. This can be done by placing a thin plate (or dosing plate) between the funnel and the chamber. The plate has an opening that allows the transfer of powder from the funnel to the chamber. The chamber is then moved relative to the plate, and the plate removes any excess powder from the chamber. Alternatively, an auxiliary vane can be used to remove any excess powder from the chamber as the chamber rotates.

In one particular aspect, the powder is transferred to the hopper from the auxiliary hopper. It is desirable that the auxiliary funnel vibrates and transfers the powder to the chute through which it enters the main funnel. In yet another further aspect, the chamber is periodically removed and replaced with a chamber of a different size. In this way, the invention can produce various unit doses.

The invention also represents an exemplary device for transferring fine powder. The device includes a funnel for holding fine powder. The device further includes at least one chamber that can be moved to allow the chamber to be positioned very close to the opening of the funnel. Also provided is a vibrating member having a proximal end and a distal end, with the member positioned in the funnel such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator is provided to vibrate the element when it is in fine powder. In this way, the element can vibrate to move the fine powder and help transfer it from the hopper to the chamber. Preferably, the vibrator has a single ultrasonic horn that vibrates the element in ververtical movements up and down. Alternatively, a piezoelectric motor can be used to vibrate the element laterally.

In one exemplary aspect, the device further includes a mechanism for translating the element, which may vibrate, or rods above the chamber when the element vibrates. Such a mechanism is particularly advantageous when a plurality of chambers are located in a rotatable member which rotates to align the chambers with the opening. A rectilinear movement mechanism can then be used to rectilinearly move the element so that the vibrating member passes over each chamber and assists in filling each chamber with powder. Preferably, the rectilinear movement mechanism comprises a linear drive mechanism which rectilinearly moves the rod along the opening at a speed of less than about 100 cm/s.

In another aspect, the vibrator is adapted to vibrate the element 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 more preferably in the range of about 15,000 Hz to around 25,000 Hz. When vibrating up and down, it is preferable that the element capable of vibrating has a cylindrical shaft having a diameter in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 10 mm. When vibrating laterally, the element preferably has a rod or wire having a diameter in the range of about 0.01 inch to about 0.04 inch.

Preferably, the end member is operatively connected to the distal end of the element which can vibrate and assist in the initiation of the fine powder. Preferably, the end member is vertically offset from the chamber by a distance in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. In one alternative, the device is provided with a plurality of vibrating elements so that the multiple elements can be vibrated into a fine powder.

In yet another aspect, the chamber is housed in a rotatable member that is placed in a first position when the chamber is aligned with the funnel opening, and a second position when the chamber is aligned with the container. In this way, the chamber can be loaded with powder when it is in the first position. The rotatable member then rotates to another position to allow the powder to be ejected from the chamber into the container. Preferably the chamber has an opening which is connected to a vacuum device to assist in drawing the fine powder from the hopper into the chamber. It is preferable that the filter is placed across the opening to help capture the powder. Preferably, a source of compressed gas is also connected to the opening and ejects the captured powder from the chamber into the container. The control member may be provided to control the actuation of the gas source, the vacuum device and the operation of the vibrator.

The device may also include a mechanism for adjusting the amount of captured powder in the chamber using the volume of the chambers. In this way, the affected amount will have a unit dose amount. Such an adjustment mechanism may include a fine dust removal flange that rises above the chamber. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises a thin plate having an opening that can be aligned with the chamber during loading. As the rotatable member rotates, the rim of the opening rejects excess powder from the chamber.

In one particular aspect, the vibrating member includes a projecting member disposed above the distal end. The projecting member serves as a leveler of the powder level in the hopper when the vibrating element is moved linearly along the hopper.

In another aspect, the auxiliary hopper is provided to store the powder until it is delivered to the main hopper. A shaking mechanism is provided that vibrates the auxiliary funnel when the powder needs to be transferred to the main funnel. It is preferred that the powder is lowered down the chute so that the powder can be conveyed without interfering with the rectilinear movement of the vibrating member along the main hopper.

In yet another aspect, the chamber is made in a replaceable tool. In this way, the chamber size can be easily changed by adding an interchangeable tool with a different chamber size to the rotatable member.

The invention further includes an exemplary system for conveying fine powder. The system comprises a number of rotatable members, each of which includes a series of chambers. A funnel is located above each rotatable member and has an opening that allows the powder to be transferred to the chambers. One vibrating element is placed in each funnel, and the vibrators are designed to vibrate the elements with up and down movements. A rectilinear movement mechanism is provided to rectilinearly move the vibrating members along the hopper and to assist in the transfer of powder from the hopper to the chambers. Conveniently, a control device may be provided to control the operation of the rotatable members, the vibrators and the rectilinear movement mechanism.

Brief description of the drawing

Sl. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary device for transferring fine powder according to the invention.

Sl. 2 is the rear view of the device from Fig. 1.

Sl. 3 is a more detailed view of the chamber of the device of Fig. 1, showing a vibrating rod moving linearly above the chamber according to the invention.

Sl. 4 is a left front perspective view of an exemplary powder transfer system according to the invention.

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

Sl. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the system from Fig. 4.

Sl. 7 is a schematic view of an alternative device for transferring fine powders according to the invention.

Sl. 8 is a schematic view of another alternative device for transferring fine powders according to the invention.

Sl. 9 is a schematic view of another alternative device for transferring fine powders according to the invention.

Sl. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the device for transferring fine powders according to the invention.

Sl. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the device from Fig. 10 taken along lines 11-11.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the device from Fig. 10 made along lines 12-12.

Sl. 13 is an exploded view of the rotatable member of the device of Fig. 10.

Sl. 14A is a schematic view of a stripping mechanism for stripping excess powder from the rotatable member chamber.

Sl. 14B is a view of the removal mechanism of FIG. 14A when mounted above the rotatable member.

Sl. 14C is a perspective view of an alternative mechanism for removing excess powder from the rotatable member chamber according to the invention.

Sl. 15 is a perspective view of a particularly desirable powder transfer system according to the invention.

A detailed description of one of the execution methods

The invention includes methods, systems and devices for transferring measured amounts of fine powder into containers. Fine powders are very fine, typically having a mean size in the range of less than about 20 micrometers, typically less than about 10 micrometers, and most commonly from about 1 micrometer to 5 micrometers, although the invention may in some cases be applicable to larger particles, e.g. .to about 50 micrometers or more. The fine powder can be composed of various ingredients and preferably includes drugs such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, buffer salts, peptides, other small biomolecules and the like. Preferably, containers intended to receive fine powder include unit dose containers. Containers are used to store a unit dose of medication before it is needed for pulmonary administration. An inhaler device, such as those described in US Pat. Nos. 5,785,049 and 5,740,794, previously incorporated herein by reference. However, the methods of the invention are also useful in the preparation of drugs to be used with other inhalation devices that operate on the principle of fine powder dispersion.

Preferably, each container is filled with a precise amount of fine powder to ensure that the correct dose is given to the patient. When measuring and transferring fine powders, the handling of the fine powders must be very delicate and the powder must not be compressed, so that the unit dose amount delivered in the container is sufficiently dispersible to be usefully used in existing inhalation devices. The fine powders prepared according to the invention will be particularly useful, although not limited thereto, in "low-energy" inhalation devices based on manual operation or only the atomization of the powder upon inhalation. With such inhalation devices, it is preferred that the powder has at least 20% (by weight) nebulizable or extractable fraction from the air flow, more preferably 60% nebulizable, and most preferably 90% which can be dispersed, as defined in US patent no. 5,785,049, previously incorporated by reference. Since the cost of producing a drug in fine powder is usually very expensive, it is desirable that the drug be measured and transferred in containers with minimal losses. It is desirable that the containers be rapidly filled with the unit dose amount so that a large number of containers containing a metered amount of drug can be produced economically.

According to the invention, the fine particles are captured in the measuring chamber (which preferably has a size defined by the volume of the unit dose). A preferred entrapment method is to draw air through a chamber so that the air entrainment force acts on small agglomerates or individual particles as described in US Pat. 5,775,320, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this way, the fluidized fine powder fills the chamber without significant condensation and without creating significant voids. Furthermore, the capture in this way allows the fine powder to be accurately and repeatedly measured without excessively reducing the possibility of scattering the fine powder. The air flow through the chamber can be varied to control the density of the entrained powder.

After the amount of fine powder is measured, the fine powder is ejected into the container in the amount of a unit dose, provided that the ejected fine powder has sufficient dispersibility so that it can be introduced and dispersed in the turbulent air flow created by the inhalation or nebulization device. One such ejection process is described in US Pat. No. 5,775,320, previously incorporated by reference.

It is preferred that the actuation of the fine powder is accomplished by vibrating a member capable of vibrating the fine powder near and just above the capture chamber. It is desirable that the element vibrates up and down, i.e. with vertical movements. Alternatively, the element can vibrate laterally. A variety of elements can be used to vibrate the elements including an ultrasonic horn, a piezoelectric rotary motor, a comb or crankshaft rotating motor, an electric coil, and the like. Alternatively, a wire loop can be rotated into the fine powder to fluidize the powder. Although actuation is preferably performed by vibrating the vibrating member in the fine powder, in some cases it may be desirable for the vibrating member to vibrate only above the powder to fluidize the powder.

According to Figures 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of the device 10 for measuring and transferring unit doses of medicine in fine powder will be described. The device 10 comprises a chute or funnel 12 which has an upper end 14 and a lower end 16. At the lower end 16 is an opening 18. In the funnel 12 there is a layer of fine powder 20. Underneath the funnel 12 is a rotatable member 22 which has a number of chambers 24 in its periphery. The rotatable member 22 is rotatable to line up the chamber 24 with the opening 18 to allow the powder 20 to be transferred from the hopper 12 to the chambers 24.

Above the hopper 12 is mounted a piezoelectric rotary motor 26 to which a rod 28 is connected. The piezoelectric motor 26 is positioned above the hopper 12 so that the distal end 29 of the rod 28 is placed in the fine powder layer 20 while it is spaced from the rotatable member 22. The lower end 16, the hopper 12 is located just above the rotatable member 22 so that the powder contained in the hopper 12 will not flow out between the lower portion 16 and the rotatable member 22. The distal end 29 of the rod 28 is a cross member 30 that is generally perpendicular to the rod 28. Preferably is that the cross member 30 is at least as long as the top diameter of the chamber 24 and helps propel the fine powder into the chambers as further described herein.

As best shown in Figure 1, upon actuation of the piezoelectric rotary motor 26, it causes the rod 28 to vibrate back and forth as indicated by arrow 32. Furthermore, as shown by arrow 34, the piezoelectric rotary motor 26 can be rectilinearly moved along its length. a rotatable member 22 to allow the transverse member 30 to vibrate above each of the chambers 24.

Now referring to Fig. 3, the transfer of the powder from the hopper 12 (see Fig. 1) to the chamber 24 will be described in more detail. An upper filter 36 and a return filter 38 are located in the chamber 24. The upper filter 36 is located in a rotatable member 22 on such that the relative distance from the top of the chamber 24 is known. A line 40 is connected to the chamber 24, to provide suction to the chamber 24 during charging, and by compressed gas, when the powder is ejected from the chamber 24 in a manner similar to that described in US to the patent application serial number 08/638, 515, the communication of which is mentioned here in the reference.

When ready to charge, a vacuum is created in line 40 which draws air through chamber 24. Furthermore, rod 28 vibrates as shown by arrows 32 when positioned above chamber 24 to help propel the powder bed 20. Such a process helps transfer the powder from layer 20 into chamber 24. As it vibrates, rod 28 moves linearly above chamber 24 as indicated by arrow 24. Further, linear movement of rod 28 will also move rod 28 above other chambers so that they can be filled in a similar manner.

As shown by arrows 42, the rod 28 is preferably vertically spaced from the rotatable member 22 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. Such a vertical distance is desirable so that the powder is fluidized immediately above the opening and can be drawn into the chamber 24. Now according to Figures 4 - 6, an exemplary embodiment of the powder transfer and measurement system 44 will be described. The system 44 is made on the previously explained principles explained in connection with the device 10 of Figures 1-3. The system 44 includes a base 46 and a frame 48 for rotatably holding the rotatable member 50. The rotatable member 50 comprises a plurality of chambers 52 (see Fig. 6). Preferably, the rotatable member 50, including the chambers 52, is provided with vacuum and compressed gas lines similar to those previously described in US Patent Application Serial No. 08/638,515, previously incorporated by reference. Briefly, a vacuum is created to help draw the powder into the chambers 52. After filling the chambers 52, the rotatable member 50 rotates until the chambers 52 are face down. At that point, compressed air is forced through the chambers 52 to expel the trapped powder. into containers, such as blister packs which are common in the art.

A funnel 54 having an elongated opening 56 (see Fig. 6) is located above a rotatable chamber 50. A number of piezoelectric rotary motors 58 are controllably mounted on the frame 48. A rod 60 is connected to each of the piezoelectric rotary motors 58. Exemplary piezoelectric rotary motors motor is commercially available from Piezo Systems, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts. Such rotary motors contain two layers of piezoceramics, each of which has external electrodes. An electric field is provided by two external electrodes and causes one layer to expand while the other contracts.

Rod 60 preferably has a stainless steel wire rod having a diameter in the range of about 0.005 inches to about 0.10 inches, and more preferably from about 0.02 inches to about 0.04 inches. However, it will be appreciated that other materials and geometries may be used in the manufacture of rod 60. For example, a variety of rigid materials may be used, including other materials and alloys, musical instrument steel wire, carbon fiber, plastics, and the like. The shape of the rod 60 may also be non-round and/or non-uniform in cross-section, with the important property of having the ability to move the powder closer to the distal end of the rod, to fluidize the powder. Preferably, a vertical cross member 62 (see Fig. 6) is connected to the distal end of the rod 60. One or, if desired, more cross members may be placed above the distal cross member to help break up any indentation formed in the powder layer during operation. . When actuated, the rods preferably vibrate 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 rotary motors 58 are connected to a rectilinear movement mechanism 64 which rectilinearly moves the rods 60 along the funnel 54. When rectilinearly moving, the cross member 62 is preferably vertically offset above the chambers 52 by a distance in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm. , and preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. The rectilinear movement mechanism 64 includes a rotary drive pulley 66 that drives a belt 68, which is further coupled to a platform 70. Piezoelectric rotary motors 58 are coupled to the platform 70 which is rectilinearly moved over the shaft 72 when the pulley 66 is driven. In this way, the rods 60 can be rectilinearly moved back and forth in the hopper 54 so that the rods 60 vibrate over each of the chambers 52. The reciprocating mechanism 64 can be used to cause the rod 60 to pass over the chambers 52 as many times as desired when filling the chambers. 52. Rod 60 preferably moves in a straight line at a speed of less than about 200 cm/s, and more preferably less than about 100 cm/s. Preferably the rod passes over each chamber at least once, but preferably twice.

The hopper 54 is operationally filled with fine powder to be transferred to the chambers 52. A vacuum is then drawn through each of the chambers 52 as they are lined up along the opening 56. At the same time, the piezoelectric rotary motors 58 actuate the rods 60 to begin vibrating. The reciprocating mechanism 64 causes the rods 60 to begin reciprocating back and forth in the hopper 54 as the rods 60 vibrate. The vibration of the rods 60 sets the fine powder in motion and helps to transfer it to the chambers 52. When the chambers 52 are sufficiently filled, the rotatable member 50 rotates 180 degrees to place the chambers 52 in a downward facing position. As the rotatable member 50 rotates, vanes on the lower edge of the hopper 54 remove any excess powder to ensure that each chamber contains only a unit dose amount of fine powder.

When in the down position, compressed gas is passed through each of the chambers 52 to expel the fine powder into the containers (not shown). In this way, a suitable procedure for transferring the fine powder from the funnel to the containers in the measured amount is ensured.

According to Fig. 7, one alternative embodiment of the device 74 for transferring a measured dose of fine powder will be described. The device 74 includes a housing 76 and a piezo substrate 78 which is connected to the housing 76 in a driving manner. The piezo substrate 78 contains a number of openings 80 (or screen). A funnel 82, containing a layer of fine powder 84, is placed above the substrate 78. A pair of electrical leads 86 are connected to the substrate 78 to actuate the piezo substrate 78. When electrical current is alternately supplied to the leads 86, the piezo substrate causes expansion and contraction and creates a kind of vibration as shown by arrow 88. Next, the apertures 80 cause vibration which helps propel the powder bed 84 and more efficiently allows the powder to fall through the apertures into the chamber. In connection with device 74, to assist in capturing the fine powder and ejecting the captured powder into containers, a rotatable member having chambers connected to the vacuum device and pressure source as described in the previous embodiment may also be used.

A further embodiment of the device 100 for delivering a metered dose of fine powder is shown in Fig. 8. The device 100 operates similarly to the device 10 as previously described, with the exception that the piezoelectric rotary motor is replaced by a motor 102 having a crankshaft 104 that drives a crank shaft 106 As the shaft 106 reciprocates rectilinearly, the rod 108 vibrates into the hopper 110 which is filled with powder 112. The propelled powder is captured in the chamber 114 in a manner similar to that previously described. Furthermore, rod 108 can be pivoted over chamber 114 while vibrating in a similar manner as described in other embodiments.

Another embodiment of the device 120 for delivering a metered dose of fine powder is shown in Fig. 9. The device 120 includes a motor 122 that rotates a wire loop 124. As shown, the wire loop 124 is placed in a layer of fine powder 126 just above the chamber 128. thus, when the wire loop rotates, the powder will be fluidized and drawn into the chamber 128 in a manner similar to previous embodiments. Further, the loop 124 may be linearly moved above the chamber 128 while rotating in a manner similar to the previously described other embodiments.

Now referring to Fig. 10, another embodiment of the fine powder transfer device 200 will be described. The device 200 operates in a manner similar to the other embodiments previously described in that the powder is transferred from the hopper to the measuring chambers of the rotating member. From the rotating member, the powder is ejected into containers in unit dose amounts.

Apparatus 200 has a frame 202 containing a rotatable member 204 such that the rotatable member 204 is rotated by a motor (not shown) mounted on the frame 202. The frame 202 also has a chute or main funnel 206 above the rotatable member 204. Vibrator 208 is located above the hopper 206. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a vibrating element 210 is connected to a vibrator 208. The vibrator 208 is connected to the handle 212 by means of a clamp 214. The handle is then connected to a linear movement stand 216. Screwed a motor 217 is used to linearly move the rack 216 back and forth relative to the frame 202. In this way, the vibrating element 210 can be linearly moved back and forth in the funnel 206.

Also in Figures 11 and 12, the device 200 further comprises an auxiliary funnel 218 located above the main funnel 206. Conveniently, the funnel 218 has wings 219 which enable it to be detachably attached to the frame 202 by inserting the wings 219 into slots 220. The funnel 218 comprises a housing 222 and tubular part 224 for powder storage. When the hopper 218 is attached to the frame 202, a chute 226 extends from the housing 222 to the hopper 206. The tubular portion 224 includes an opening 228 that allows the powder to flow from the tubular portion 224 and down the chute 226. A screen 230 is located above the opening 228 to generally prevent the flow of powder down chute 226 until housing 222 is shaken or vibrated.

A latch 232 is conveniently used to secure the auxiliary funnel 218 to the frame 202. To remove the auxiliary funnel 218, the latch 232 is released from the funnel 218 and the funnel 218 is lifted out of the slot 220. In this way, the funnel 218 can be conveniently removed for reloading, cleaning, reinsertion or the like.

To transfer the powder from the hopper 218, a lever 234 is positioned to contact the housing 222, which shakes or vibrates to vibrate the housing 222. A small motor (not shown) is used to cherry or vibrate the lever 234. As shown in Fig. 12 , the housing 222 may optionally include an internal opening 236 that contains the block 238. When the housing 222 is shaken, the block 238 vibrates within the opening 236. Because the block 238 is connected to the walls of the housing 222, it sends shock waves through the housing 222 to help conveying the powder from the tubular portion 224, through the opening 228, and through the screen. The powder then slides down the chute 226 until it falls into the hopper 206. The use of the chute 226 also has the advantage of allowing the tubular portion 224 to be laterally offset from the vibrator 208 so as not to interfere with the motion of the vibrator 208. One particular advantage of placing the block 238 in the opening 236 is that any vibration generated at block 238 will be contained within block 236 and will not contaminate the powder.

The vibrator 208 is designed to vibrate the element 210 in an up and down or vertical motion. Preferably, the vibrator 208 includes any of a variety of commercially available horns, such as the Branson TWI ultrasonic horn. Preferably, the vibrating element 210 vibrates at a frequency in the range of about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz, and more preferably from about 10,000 Hz to about 40,000 Hz, and most preferably from about 15,000 Hz to about 25,000 Hz.

As best shown in Fig. 12, the vibrating element 210 includes an end member 240 that is suitably shaped to optimize the movement of fine powder during vibration of the element 210. As shown, the end member 240 has an outer periphery that is larger than element 210. Element 210 preferably has a cylindrical geometric shape and preferably has a diameter in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. As shown, end member 240 also has a cylindrical geometry and preferably has a diameter in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. However, it will be appreciated that the vibrating element 210 and the end member 240 can be made to have various shapes and dimensions. For example, the vibrating element 210 may be conical. The end member 240 may also have a reduced profile to reduce lateral movement of the powder as the vibrator 208 moves linearly through the hopper 206. Preferably, the end member 240 is positioned vertically above the rotatable member 204 with a clearance in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm. , and more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm.

A vibrator 208 is used to assist in the transfer of powder into the metering chamber 242 of the rotatable member 204 in a manner similar to that described in previous embodiments. More specifically, the motor 217 is used to linearly move the rack 216 so that the vibrating member 210 can be laterally moved back and forth along the funnel 206. At the same time, the vibrating member 210 vibrates in an up and down motion, i.e., radially to the member that can rotate 204 so that it passes over each of the metering chambers 242. Preferably, the vibrator 208 moves laterally in a straight line along the funnel 206 at a speed that is less than about 500 cm per second, and more preferably less than about 100 cm per second.

Since the vibrating element 210 moves laterally within the hopper 206, there may be a tendency for the vibrating element 210 to crowd or deposit some of the powder toward the ends of the hopper 206. Such movement of the powder is mitigated by placing a dispersing surface or powder rejecting member 244 on an element that vibrates 210 and is just above the mean depth of the powder in the hopper. In this way, the accumulated powder, which is higher than the average depth, is triggered earlier and moves to an area in the hopper that has a smaller powder depth.

Preferably, the rejection member 244 is located away from the end member 240 by a distance in the range of about 2 mm to about 25 mm, and more preferably from about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Alternatively, various leveling mechanisms, such as rakes, may be attached to the vibrator 208 (or hinged separately) such that they drag on the surface of the powder and assist in leveling the surface of the powder as the vibrator 208 is moved linearly along the hopper. As another alternative, an elongated vibrating element, such as a screen, can be placed in the powder layer to help level the powder surface.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the rotatable member 204 is in the filling position, where the metering chambers 242 are positioned in line with the funnel 206. As in other embodiments described herein, once the metering chambers 242 are filled, the rotatable member 204 rotates 180 degrees and then the powder is ejected from the metering chambers 242 into the containers. Preferably, a Kloekner packaging machine is used which supplies the apparatus 200 with a plate containing the containers.

Now referring to Figure 13, the embodiment of the rotatable member 204 will be described in more detail. The rotatable member 204 includes a drum 246 having a front end 248 and a rear end 250. Bearings 252 and 254 can be inserted into the ends 248 and 250 to allow the drum to rotate when attached to the frame 202. The rotatable member 204 further includes a ring 256, rear sliding ring 258 and front sliding ring 259 which are equipped with gas seals. Air inlets 260 and 261 are provided in ring 256. Air inlet 260 is fluidly connected to pair 242a of measuring chambers 242, while inlet 261 is fluidly connected to pair 242b of measuring chambers 242. In this way, pressurized air or vacuum can be produced in either pair of chambers 242a or 242b.

More specifically, air from inlet 260 passes through slip ring 258, through opening 264 in seal 270, and into opening 265 in manifold 262. Air then passes through manifold 262 and exits manifold 262 through a pair of openings 265a and 265b. Holes 265c and 265d in seal 270 then introduce air into chambers 242a. Similarly, air passes from inlet 261 through slip ring 259, through opening 266 in seal 270, and into an opening (not shown) in manifold 262. Air is introduced through various openings in manifold 262 and seal 270 in a similar manner as previously described from inlet 260 until it passes through chamber 242b. In this way, two separate circles of air are provided. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that one of the air inlets may be eliminated so that a vacuum or pressurized gas may be supplied to all of the metering chambers 242 simultaneously.

Above the manifold 262, there is also an exchangeable tool 274. Measuring chambers 242 are formed in the exchangeable tool 274, and filters 276 are located between the exchangeable tool 274 and the substrate 272 and form the lower end of the measuring chamber 242. Air can be drawn into the chambers 242 by applying a vacuum. to the air inlets 260 or 261. Similarly, compressed gas may be forced through the metering chambers 242 by connecting a source of compressed gas to the air inlets 260 or 261. As described herein for other embodiments, a vacuum is drawn through the metering chambers 242 to assist in drawing air into metering chambers 242. After the drum rotates 180 degrees, compressed gas is forced through metering chambers 242 to expel the powder from metering chambers 242.

The drum 246 includes an opening 278 into which the manifold 262, seal 270, pad 272, and replaceable tool 274 are inserted. Also provided is a comb 280 that can be inserted into the opening 278. The comb 280 rotates in the opening 278 to secure various components within the drum. 246. When released, it is possible to withdraw the interchangeable tool 274 from the opening 278. In this way, the interchangeable tool 274 can be easily replaced with another interchangeable tool having different sizes of measuring chambers. In this way, the apparatus 200 can be supplied with a wide variety of interchangeable tools that allow the user to easily change the sizes of the measuring chambers by simply inserting a new interchangeable tool 274.

The device 200 further includes a mechanism for removing any excess powder from the metering chamber 242. Such a metering mechanism 181 is shown in Figures 14A and 14B and also referred to as a metering plate. For ease of illustration, the dispensing mechanism 282 has been omitted in Figures 10 - 12. In Figures 14A and 14B, the rotatable member 204 is shown schematically. The dispensing mechanism 282 includes a thin plate 284 having apertures 286 that are aligned with the metering chambers 242 when the rotatable member 204 is in the filling position. Preferably, the openings 286 have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the metering chambers 242. That way, the openings will not interfere with the filling of the metering chambers 242. Preferably, the plate 284 is made of brass and has a thickness of approximately 0.003 inches. The plate 284 is projected toward the rotatable member 204 so that it is generally aligned with the outer surface. In this way, the plate 284 is generally 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 rotates. . Thus, after the powder has been transferred to the metering chambers 242, the rotatable member 204 rotates toward the dispensing position. During rotation, the edges of the opening 286 remove any excess powder from the metering chambers 242, so that only the unit dose amount remains in the metering chambers 242. The shape of the metering mechanism is advantageous in that it reduces the amount of moving parts, thereby reducing the generation of static electricity. Furthermore, the removed powder remains in the hopper 206 where it remains available for transfer to the metering chambers 242 after they have been emptied.

14C shows an alternative mechanism for removing or removing excess powder from the metering chambers 242. The mechanism includes a pair of removal vanes 290 and 292, which are connected to the funnel 206 with the understanding that only one vane may be required, depending on direction. of rotation of the rotatable member 204. Preferably, the vanes 290 and 292 are made of a thin flat material, such as 0.005 inch thick brass, and are slightly convex toward the rotatable member 204. The edges of the vanes 290 and 292 approximately coincide with edges of the opening on the hopper 206. After the metering chambers 242 are filled, the rotatable member rotates to pick up the excess powder from the metering chambers 242 with vanes 290 or 292 (depending on the direction of rotation).

Referring now again to Figures 10 - 12, the operation of unit dose fine powder container filling device 200 will be described. First, the fine powder is placed in the tubular portion 224 of the auxiliary hopper 218. Conveniently, the hopper 218 can be removed from the frame 202 during filling. The housing 222 is then shaken or vibrated for a time sufficient to convey the desired amount of powder through the opening 228, through the screen 230 and down the chute 226 where the powder falls into the main hopper 206. The rotatable member 204 is placed in the loading position, where are measuring chambers lined up with the funnel 206. Then, a vacuum is applied to the 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 vacuum, the powder falls into the measuring chambers 242 and generally fills the metering chamber 242. Then the vibrator 208 is activated and vibrates the element 210. At the same time, the motor 217 operates to rectilinearly move the vibrating element 210 back and forth in the chamber 206. As the element 210 vibrates, the end member 240 creates a flow arrangement at the bottom of the funnel 206 and starts the powder. As the end member 240 passes over each metering chamber 242, a spray cloud is created which is drawn into the metering chamber 242 by vacuum and gravity. As the end member 240 passes over the end chambers 242, ultrasonic energy is radiated down into the metering chambers 242 and propels the powder already in the metering chambers. This then allows flow into the cavity and evens out any irregularity in density that may have occurred during previous filling. Such a property has a special advantage in that agglomerates or lumps of powder, which can create voids in the measuring chamber, can be destroyed and fill the measuring chamber more uniformly.

After passing one or more times over each of the metering chambers 242, the rotatable member 204 rotates 180 degrees to an emptying position where the metering chambers 242 are aligned with the containers (not shown). As the rotatable member 204 rotates, any excess powder is removed from the metering chambers 242 as previously described. When in the discharge position, compressed gas is released through air inlets 260 and 261 to expel a unit dose of powder from metering chambers 242 into containers.

The invention also provides a way to adjust the charge weights by adjusting the ultrasonic power applied to the vibrator 210 as it passes over the metering chambers 242. In this way, the charge weights for the different metering chambers can be adjusted to compensate for the variation in powder weight that may occasionally occur. As one example, if the fourth metering chamber was consistently producing a dose amount that was underweight, the power of the vibrator 208 may be slightly increased each time it passes over the fourth metering chamber. Connected to an automated (or manual) weighing system and a control member, such a device can be used to form an automated (or manual) closed-loop weighing control system and to adjust the vibrator power level for each of the weighing chambers and provide more accurate charge weights.

An exemplary embodiment of the fine powder metering and conveying system 300 will now be described with reference to Figure 15. System 300 operates in a manner similar to device 200, but includes multiple vibrators and multiple hoppers for simultaneously filling multiple containers with a unit dose of fine powder. System 300 includes a frame 302 to which it is rotatably attached a plurality of rotatable members 304. The rotatable members 304 may be constructed similarly to the rotatable members 204 and include a plurality of metering chambers (not shown) for receiving the powder. The number of rotatable members and measuring chambers may vary depending on the particular application. Above each rotatable member 304 is a main hopper 306 containing the powder above the rotatable chambers 304. A vibrator 308 is positioned above each hopper 306 and includes a rotatable member 310 to move the powder in the hopper 306 in a manner similar to described in connection with apparatus 200. Although not shown for ease of drawing, an auxiliary hopper, similar to auxiliary hopper 218 of apparatus 200, will be placed above each main hopper 306 to transfer powder to the hoppers 306 in a manner similar to that described in connection with apparatus 200.

A motor 312 (only one shown for ease of drawing) is coupled to each of the rotatable members 304 to rotate the rotatable members 304 between the charging position and the discharging position similar to device 200 .

Each vibrator is connected to one lever 314 by means of a clamp 316. The levers 314 are in turn connected to a common stand 318, which has slopes 319, which can be moved linearly along the rails 321 by means of the screw 320 of the screw motor 322. In this way, the elements that can vibrate 310 can be simultaneously moved back and forth in the hoppers 306 by the action of the screw motor 322. Alternatively, each of the vibrators can be connected to a separate motor, so that each vibrator can be independently linearly moved.

The frame 302 is connected to a base 324 which includes a plurality of elongated openings 326. The openings 326 are adapted to receive the lower ends of a plurality of containers 328 which are placed in the plate 330. Preferably, the plate 330 is made of a blister product, such as are commercially available. Uhlman Packing Machine, model no. 1040. Preferably, the rotatable members 304 include a number of metering chambers corresponding to the number of containers in each row of plates 330. Thus, four rows of containers can be filled during each cycle of operation. Once the four rows are filled, the metering chambers are filled again and the platen 330 is moved forward to place four new rows of containers in line with the hoppers.

One particular advantage of the 300 system is that it can be fully automated. For example, the control member may be connected to the packaging machine, vacuum device and source of compressed gas, motor 312, motor 322, and vibrator 308. Using such control member, the plate 330 may be automatically moved forward to the appropriate position, after which the motors 312 are started. and place the metering chambers in line with the hoppers 306. The vacuum device is then activated to draw a vacuum through the metering chambers while the vibrators 308 are driven and the motor 322 is engaged to linearly move the vibrators 308. Once the metering chambers are filled, the control member is activated to drives the motors 312 which rotate the rotatable members 304 until they line up with the pans 328. The control member then sends a signal to direct compressed gas through the metering chambers to eject the metered powder into the pans 328. Once filled, the control member starts packaging machine to advance plate 330 and repeat the cycle. When necessary, the control member can be used to actuate motors (not shown) that vibrate the auxiliary hoppers to transfer the powder to the main hoppers 306, as previously described.

Although vibrators having ultrasonic horns are shown, it is understood that other types of vibrators and vibrating elements may be used, including those previously described herein. Furthermore, it is understood that the number of vibrators and the size of the openings may vary according to the specific need.

While the said invention has been described in some detail by means of the drawings and examples intended to be clearly understood, it will be understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. A process for transferring fine powder, indicated by the fact that it includes: - placing fine powder in a funnel that has an opening in it; - vibration of an element that can vibrate into a fine powder near the opening; and - capture of at least one part of the fine powder that exits through the opening into the chamber, where the captured powder is sufficiently non-compact, so that it can be dispersed after removal from the chamber. 2. The method as in claim 1, characterized in that the element that can vibrate vibrates with up and down movements relative to the powder in the funnel, and that the fine powder contains a drug composed of individual particles having an average size in the range of about 1 micrometer to 100 micrometers. 3. The method as in claim 1, characterized in that the element that can vibrate is connected to the ultrasonic horn, that the vibrating phase includes starting the ultrasonic horn, and that the element that can vibrate vibrates at a frequency in the range of about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz. 4. The method as in patent claim 1, characterized in that the element that can vibrate has a remote end that is located near the opening, that the remote end has an end member attached to it that vibrates above the chamber, and that the end member is vertically spaced from the chamber for a gap in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm. 5. A method as in claim 1, further comprising moving the element transversely to the opening while the element vibrates at a speed of less than about 100 cm/s, and leveling the powder level in the hopper using a projecting member offset from the distal end element that can vibrate. 6. The method as in claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of chambers are arranged in a line along the opening, and further comprises moving an element that can vibrate along the opening to pass over each chamber. 7. The method as in patent claim 1, characterized in that the capturing phase also includes drawing air through a chamber located below the opening, where the drawn air helps to draw the fine powder into the chamber, and which includes transferring the captured powder from the chamber to the vessel by introducing a compressed of gas into the chamber to eject the captured powder into the container. 8. The method as in patent claim 1, indicated by the fact that it further comprises adjusting the amount of the affected powder to have a unit dose amount, that the adjustment phase includes the existence of a thin plate under the funnel, with a plate having an opening which is placed in line with the chamber, and more involves moving the chamber relative to the plate to remove excess powder from the chamber. 9. The method as in claim 1, characterized in that the funnel is the main funnel, and that the installation phase includes transferring the powder from the auxiliary funnel to the main funnel, and further includes vibrating the auxiliary funnel to transfer the powder to the main funnel. 10. The method as in claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also includes the distribution of the powder from the chamber and changing the size of the chamber. 11. Device for transferring fine powder characterized by the fact that it includes: - a funnel that has an opening in it, a funnel that is adapted to receive fine powder; - at least one chamber that is movable, to enable the chamber to be located near the opening; - a vibrating member having a proximal end and a distal end, the vibrating member placed in the funnel so that the distal end is close to the opening; and - vibration motor to vibrate the member that can vibrate when it is in fine powder. 12. The device as in patent claim 11, characterized by the fact that it also includes a mechanism for rectilinear movement of a member that can vibrate above the chamber, and a member that can rotate and that has a number of chambers on its periphery that can be placed in line with the opening, and which is a rectilinear movement mechanism configured to rectilinearly move the vibrating member along the opening so that the vibrating member passes over each chamber. 13. The device as in claim 11, characterized in that the rectilinear movement mechanism comprises a linear drive mechanism, a mechanism that rectilinearly moves a member that can vibrate along the opening at a speed of less than about 100 cm/s, and that the vibrator motor vibrates the member that it can vibrate at a frequency ranging from about 1,000 Hz to about 180,000 Hz. 14. The device as in patent claim 11, characterized in that the vibrator comprises an ultrasonic horn that vibrates the element with movements up and down in relation to the powder, that the element that can vibrate has a cylindrical geometric shape and has a diameter in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 10 mm, and further comprising an end member at the distal end of the vibrating member and radially projecting from the vibrating member, and a powder leveling member located above the end member. 15. The device as in claim 11, characterized in that the chamber is located in a member that can rotate, which is placed in a first position when it has the chamber aligned in line with the opening, and a second position when it has the chamber aligned in line with the vessel, and it also includes an opening at the bottom of the chamber, a filter placed across the opening, and a vacuum device connected to the opening to help draw the fine powder from the hopper into the chamber. 16. A device as in claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises a source of compressed gas connected to the opening to eject the captured powder from the chamber and into the container, and a control device for controlling the activation of the gas source and the vacuum device. 17. The device as in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of funnels arranged above a plurality of rotatable members, each of which includes a plurality of chambers, and further comprising a plurality of elements and a plurality of vibrators to vibrate the elements. 18. The device as in claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a plate which is located below the funnel, a plate which has an opening which is placed in line with the chamber, and that the chamber is movable relative to the plate to allow excess powder to be removed from the chamber, and that the chamber is formed in an exchangeable tool, and that the exchangeable tool is attached to the rotatable member so that it can be removed. 19. The device as in claim 11, characterized in that the funnel is the main funnel and further comprises an auxiliary funnel located above the main funnel to transfer the powder into the main funnel, and a shaking mechanism to vibrate the auxiliary funnel. 20. A system for transferring fine powder, characterized by the fact that it includes: - a larger number of members who can rotate and each has a row of chambers on its periphery; - a funnel located above each rotatable chamber, where each funnel includes one opening; - a vibrating element, which can be placed in each of the funnels, where each vibrating element has a distal end near the opening; - a vibrator connected to each element that can vibrate to vibrate the elements with up and down movements; and - a mechanism for rectilinear movement of each element that can vibrate along each of the funnels while the element vibrates. 21. The system as in claim 20, further comprising a control device that controls the rotation of the vibrating members, vibrators, and a rectilinear movement mechanism.