Powder filling systems, apparatus and methods

US7624771B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Novartis Pharma AG · CH

Inventors

• Derrick J. Parks · Belmont, US
• Michael Rocchio · Hayward, US
• Kyle Naydo · Mountain View, US
• Dennis Wightman · Cupertino, US
• Adrian Edward Smith · Belmont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 18, 2003
• Grant date: Dec 1, 2009
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B9/042
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

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.