Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

UNIT DOSE CARTRIDGE AND DRY POWDER INHALER

A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing having an air intake, an air flow-control/check-valve, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section. 1. A mouthpiece for a dry power inhaler comprising:a swivel joint attachment to the dry powder inhaler; anda transport conduit with an expansion wall having a divergence angle of less than about 8 degrees configured to create a horizontal discharge path with an aspect ratio of about a 3:1.2. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the 3:1 aspect ratio mirrors an aspect ratio of a human throat.3. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the divergence angle is about 3 degrees.4. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece is configured to diverge an air stream of particles to slow down the particles when the dry powder inhaler is in use.5. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece is configured to converge an air stream of particles to collimate the particles when the dry powder inhaler is in use.6. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece is configured to converge an air stream of particles to aim the particles when the dry powder inhaler is in use.7. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the transport conduit is configured to direct an air stream of particles when the dry powder inhaler is in use to the oropharyngeal cavity of a user.8. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the dry powder inhaler includes a housing for a medicament cartridge.9. The mouthpiece of claim 8 , wherein the mouthpiece rests on top of the medicament cartridge when a user inhales.10. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the swivel joint moves the mouthpiece from a cartridge installation position to an inhalation position.11. The mouthpiece of claim 10 , wherein ...

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

POWDER DISPENSING AND SENSING APPARATUS AND METHODS

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges. 1. Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus comprising:a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding an array of cartridges;a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges in the cartridge tray;a sensor module including an array of sensor cells to sense respective fill states of the cartridges in the array of cartridges; anda control system to control the powder dispenser modules to simultaneously fill respective cartridges in response to the respective sensed fill states of the cartridges in the array of cartridges, wherein the sensor cells in the array of sensor cells individually sense the fill states of respective cartridges during simultaneous filling of the cartridges.2. Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the sensor cells comprise weight sensor cells.3. Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the cartridge tray is configured to support the cartridges in a two-dimensional array of rows and columns.4. Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus as defined in claim 1 , further comprising:a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules.5. Powder dispensing and sensing ...

UNIT DOSE CARTRIDGE AND DRY POWDER INHALER

A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing having an air intake, an airflow-control/check-valve, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section. 1. An inhaler comprising:a mixing cavity adapted to mount a medicament-containing cartridge, wherein airflow exiting the medicament-containing cartridge during an inhalation is configured to meet a shearing flow.2. The inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the medicament-containing cartridge includes a drug powder.3. The inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the shearing flow is from airflow that does not flow through the medicament-containing cartridge.4. The inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the shearing flow is from cartridge bypass airflow.5. The inhaler of claim 1 , further comprising a mouthpiece.6. The inhaler of claim 5 , wherein the mouthpiece includes a transport conduit with an expansion wall having a divergence angle configured to create a horizontal discharge path.7. The inhaler of claim 6 , wherein the horizontal discharge path has a 3:1 aspect ratio.8. The inhaler of claim 6 , wherein the divergence angle is about 3 degrees.9. The inhaler of claim 5 , wherein the mouthpiece is configured to diverge an air stream of particles when the inhaler is in use.10. The inhaler of claim 5 , wherein the mouthpiece is configured to converge an air stream of particles when the inhaler is in use.11. The inhaler of claim 5 , wherein the mouthpiece is configured to converge an air stream of particles to aim the particles when the inhaler is in use.12. The inhaler of claim 5 , wherein the mouthpiece is connected to the mixing cavity by a joint.13. An inhaler comprising:an air pathway configured to generate a shearing flow, wherein the shearing flow is directed to meet airflow ...

POWDER DISPENSING AND SENSING APPARATUS AND METHODS

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges. 1. A method for sensing weights of cartridges in an array of cartridges , comprising:providing an array of weight sensor assemblies that matches positions of at least a subset of the cartridges in the array of cartridges;positioning at least a subset of the cartridges in the array of cartridges in contact with respective weight sensor assemblies in the array of weight sensor assemblies; andsensing weights of at least a subset of the cartridges in the array of cartridges.2. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein sensing weights comprises simultaneously sensing weights of at least a subset of the cartridges in the array of cartridges as the cartridges are being filled.3. A method as defined in claim 2 , further comprising providing sensor signals in response to sensing weights of the cartridges claim 2 , the sensor signals controlling filling of respective cartridges in the array of cartridges.4. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein each of the weight sensor assemblies includes at least one weight sensor cell claim 1 , each weight sensor cell including a weight sensor probe configured to interface to a cartridge claim 1 , weight sensing components claim 1 , electronic circuitry below the weight sensing components and an electrical ...

UNIT DOSE CAPSULES AND DRY POWDER INHALER

Described is a dry powder inhaler comprising an intake section; a mixing section, and a mouthpiece. 1. A joint attached to a mouthpiece and configured to move a cartridge keying surface.2. The joint of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge keying surface is a rectangular orifice.3. The joint of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge keying surface is configured to engage with a keying surface on a lower half of a cartridge claim 1 ,4. The joint of claim 3 , wherein the cartridge keying surface is configured to move the lower half of the cartridge relative to an upper half of the cartridge.5. The joint of claim 1 , wherein the joint is located within a housing.6. The joint of claim 3 , wherein the cartridge includes a medicament.7. The joint of claim 6 , wherein the medicament comprises a dry powder.8. The joint of claim 7 , wherein the cartridge includes protrusions on a surface of the upper half claim 7 , the lower half claim 7 , or a combination thereof claim 7 , thereby providing one or more locking positions.9. The joint of claim 7 , wherein the lower half of the cartridge is fixed to the keying surface and the upper half of the cartridge is fixed to a second keying surface.10. A cartridge for a dry powder inhaler claim 7 , the cartridge comprising:an upper half and a bottom half, wherein portions of the upper half and the bottom half are configured to align and form an air inlet including a ratio of long axis to short axis of between 1:1 and 3:1.11. The cartridge of claim 10 , wherein the bottom half has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.12. The cartridge of claim 10 , wherein the bottom half has a circular cross-sectional shape.13. The cartridge of claim 10 , wherein the top half and the bottom half can move relative to each other.14. The cartridge of claim 13 , wherein the top half and the bottom half can move between a locked position and an unlocked position.15. The cartridge of claim 13 , wherein when the top half and the bottom half are in a locked position claim 13 ...

Dry powder dispersion system

A powder dispersion system, including a powder disperser and a control unit, supplies a controlled particle stream to a particle sizing system, instrument, or other processing device. The powder disperser includes a dynamic shear dispersion assembly and may include a fluidization assembly. An impact surface for deagglomeration of particles is located within a rapid acceleration chamber of the dynamic shear dispersion assembly. The particles are accelerated from the impact surface through an annular nozzle. A feedback loop dynamically controls the dynamic shear force applied to the aerosol transport gas, which in turn places reaction forces upon the particles, within the annular nozzle. The fluidization assembly includes a primary chamber for holding a powder sample and a secondary chamber for entraining particles of the powder sample in a transport gas stream. A pulsed gas jet directed into the primary chamber disperses particles of the powder sample into the secondary chamber. Particles are transported from the secondary chamber to the dynamic shear dispersion assembly through a controlled velocity momentum tube.

Apparatus for determining powder flowability

Apparatus for determining flowability of a powder by sensing powder avalanching includes a sample drum having a generally cylindrical sample chamber for holding a powder sample, a support frame including a drum shaft for supporting the sample drum for rotation, a drive motor and a drive mechanism coupled between the drive motor and the drum shaft such that the drum rotates when the drive motor is energized. The apparatus further includes an avalanche sensor for sensing avalanching of the powder sample within the sample chamber as the sample drum rotates. The avalanche sensor may be implemented as a backlash sensor for sensing intermittent reverse angular displacement of the sample drum caused by avalanching of the powder sample. A torque loading sensor may also be used to sense avalanching of the powder sample. A controlled gas may be circulated through the sample chamber by a gas conditioning system. The gas in the sample chamber can be measured and/or controlled. The apparatus may include a vibration mechanism for vibrating the sample drum.

APPARATUS AND PROCEDURES FOR DISPENSATION AND DUST DETECTION.

Un módulo (54) de dispensación de polvo, que comprende: un alojamiento (150) que define una entrada (130) de polvo para recibir polvo, una salida (158) de polvo, y un conducto (152, 254) que conecta la entrada (130) de polvo y la salida (158) de polvo, una varilla (160) de alimentación para mover polvo a través del conducto (152, 154) desde la entrada (130) de polvo hasta la salida (158) de polvo, y un accionador (162) de varilla para rotar la varilla (160) de alimentación en el conducto (152, 154); en el que el conducto (152, 154) incluye una zona (156a) de preparación de lecho de polvo por debajo de la entrada (130) de polvo, una zona (156b) de compresión de lecho de polvo por debajo de la zona (156a) de preparación de lecho de polvo, y una zona (156c) de descarga de polvo por debajo de la zona (156b) de compresión de lecho de polvo, y en el que la varilla (160) de alimentación comprende un árbol (170), un elemento (164) de preparación de lecho de polvo en la zona (156a) de preparación de lecho de polvo, y un elemento (166) de descarga en la zona (156c) de descarga de polvo. A dust dispensing module (54), comprising: a housing (150) defining a dust inlet (130) for receiving dust, a dust outlet (158), and a conduit (152, 254) that connects the dust inlet (130) and dust outlet (158), a feed rod (160) for moving dust through the conduit (152, 154) from the dust inlet (130) to the dust outlet (158) , and a rod actuator (162) for rotating the feed rod (160) in the conduit (152, 154); wherein the conduit (152, 154) includes a powder bed preparation zone (156a) below the dust inlet (130), a powder bed compression zone (156b) below the zone ( 156a) of powder bed preparation, and a dust discharge zone (156c) below the powder bed compression zone (156b), and in which the feed rod (160) comprises a shaft (170 ), a powder bed preparation element (164) in the powder bed preparation zone (156a), and a discharge element (166) in the dust discharge zone (156c).

Dry powder dispersion system

A powder dispersion system, including a powder disperser and a control unit, supplies a controlled particle stream to a particle sizing system, instrument, or other processing device The powder disperser includes a dynamic shear dispersion assembly and may include a fluidization assembly. An impact surface for deagglomeration of particles is located within a rapid acceleration chamber of the dynamic shear dispersion assembly. The particles are accelerated from the impact surface through an annular nozzle. A feedback loop dynamically controls the dynamic shear force applied to the aerosol transport gas, which in turn places reaction forces upon the particles, within the annular nozzle. The fluidization assembly includes a primary chamber for holding a powder sample and a secondary chamber for entraining particles of the powder sample in a transport gas stream. A pulsed gas jet directed into the primary chamber disperses particles of the powder sample into the secondary chamber. Particles are transported from the secondary chamber to the dynamic shear dispersion assembly through a controlled velocity momentum tube.

Non-volatile residue system for monitoring impurities in a liquid

A system for monitoring and analyzing impurities in a liquid by analyzing the non-volatile residue of droplets of the liquid includes a droplet generator (14) for generating a stream of droplets of the liquid, a droplet inspection unit (20), a drop-on-demand unit (22) for removing selected droplets from the stream of droplets, a heat exchanger for drying the droplets to provide non-volatile residue particles, and a particle size measurement unit. The droplet inspection unit determines the diameters of the droplets. A feedback arrangement (16) from the droplet inspection unit controls droplet diameter by varying the droplet generation rate. The drop-on-demand unit removes a selected fraction of droplets from the droplet stream so as to reduce vapor loading in the heat exchanger and prevent agglomeration of droplets. The heat exchanger includes a first section for gradually increasing the temperature of and a second section for maintaining the stream of droplets at the boiling temperature of the liquid. A vortex shedder can be used at the inlet to the heat exchanger to enhance heat transfer to the stream of droplets. The system can include an instrument for analyzing the composition of the particles.

Powder dispenser modules and powder dispenser assemblies

Unit dose capsules and dry powder inhaler

Described are dry powder inhalers composing an intake section, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. The mixing section can accommodate a capsule having a top keying portion and containing a dry powder medicament. The top keying portion of the capsules may fit within complementary keying structures in inhaler mixing sections.

Improved powder dispenser modules and powder dispenser assemblies

A powder dispenser module (54) includes a housing (150) that defines a conduit connecting a powder inlet and a powder outlet, a feed wand (160) to move powder through the conduit from the powder inlet to the powder outlet, the feed wand (200) including a lower feed element (230) coupled to a first drive shaft and an upper feed element (220) coupled to a second drive shaft, a first actuator coupled to the first drive shaft to rotate the lower feed element (230), and a second actuator coupled to the second drive shaft to rotate the upper feed element (220). In other embodiments, the feed wand (200) includes a shaft having a fluidizing element and an actuator produces oscillatory movement of the feed wand during dispensing of powder. Dispenser module arrays include one or a few rows of dispenser modules.

Unit dose cartridge and dry powder inhaler

A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing having an air intake, an air flow-control/check-valve, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section.

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods

Abstract Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support 5 structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as 10 the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges. 42 'bz FiG.

UNIT DOSAGE CYLINDER AMPULA AND DRY POWDER INHALATOR

Unit dose cartridge and dry powder inhaler

A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing (20) having an air intake (15), an air flow-control/check-valve (180), a mixing section (30) and a mouthpiece (40). A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section.

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Unit dose cartridge and dry powder inhaler

A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing having an air intake, an air flow-control/check-valve, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section.

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods

Published without an Abstract

Unit dose cartridge and dry powder inhaler

Pulverdispenserings- and sensing apparatus and method for dispensing and sensing powder

Unit dose cartridge and dry powder inhaler

A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to 5 a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing having an air intake, an air flow-control/check-valve, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section.

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods

Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Trockenpulverdispersionssystem

Non-lethal personal defence device