Patent ID: 7069963
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: A61M,G01F

Abstract:
1. A volumetric method of consistent metering and filling of doses of finely divided dry powder medicaments into containers, characterized by the steps of forming a filling tool to include at least one powder receptacle having a first opening and a second opening, the receptacle having a volume corresponding to a chosen load mass of a selected medicament powder, the load representing at least a part-dose and preferably representing a dose; applying a stretched woven filter between the second opening of the receptacle and a suction nozzle, using flexible seals at joints to stop air and powder leakage, whereby distortion and variation of the receptacle volume is prevented during a filling operation and where the woven filter eliminates a risk of loose filter fibers getting mixed with the powder load; filling the at least one receptacle with the selected medicament powder from a storage chamber using suction power through the woven filter, whereby a powder load of known mass is formed by the assistance of the woven filter; moving the filling tool to a new position such that the at least one receptacle, now filled with a powder load, is brought in a downward facing, emptying position; applying air pressure to the second opening of the receptacle such that the load is ejected and directed towards a container positioned beneath the receptacle, whereby at least a part-dose or preferably the dose is formed in the container; and repeating the steps of filling the receptacle, moving the filling tool and applying air pressure, whereby doses are produced in a multitude of containers, the doses having a relative dose-to-dose standard deviation below 10% and preferably below 5%.