Apparatus and method for filling containers with discrete solids

Description

[0001] Various filling machines are known for partially or completely filling containers with discrete solid material.

[0002] Some known machines allow the discrete material to fall into a container under gravity from a hopper or other reservoir via a delivery passage until the passage exit is closed, e.g. by a shutter or valve, or by contact with material in or overflowing from the container.

[0003] Machines are also known in which the material to be dispensed is drawn into the container from a reservoir via a vertical delivery tube by aspirating air from the container while its mouth is air-tightly sealed around such tube and the aspirating passage (see United Kingdom specification No. 978799). The aspiration can be regulated for varying the amount of material which is dispensed. Filling machines operating such a vacuum-fill system are capable of high filling rates.

[0004] Problems are often encountered when using a vacuum-fill system in avoiding excess flow of the discrete material. United States specification 3 693 672 is concerned with this problem and describes a vacuum-fill type machine having a second vacuum system which operates after termination of the filling vacuum to inhibit further flow of discrete material to the filling nozzle. For this purpose the filling tube has an air permeable wall portion which is located above its nozzle and is surrounded by a vacuum chamber. Simultaneously with the operation of the second vacuum a blast of air is delivered into the container to pack the discrete material in the container. This air blast is possibly also intended to prevent particles of dispensed material from being aspirated back into the filling tube by the second vacuum.

[0005] The use of a second vacuum system is also proposed in United Kingdom Patent specification No. 1 510 634. In the filling machine described in that specification the second vacuum system is operated after completion of thewacuum fill and at a stage during movement of the filled container away from filling position. The purpose of the second vacuum is to purge residual material from within the filling head so that the amount of material dispensed in the next filling cycle is not affected by this residual material.

[0006] The provision of twin-vacuum systems operating as described in the prior patents must entail complication of the filling machines and add appreciably to their cost.

[0007] The known filling machines hereinbefore referred to are primarily if not exclusively intended for dispensing material in substantial unit quantities, e.g. for dispensing granular food materials and domestic powders, into cartons or jars. Machines operating as above described would not be suitable for cleanly dispensing discrete solid material in very small doses, for example doses of the sizes in which pharmaceutical powders are customarily contained in capsules of gelatin or other orally acceptable material. Even if the complication of a second vacuum system as described in the earlier patents above referred to were accepted, it would be difficult if not impossible to make the machine capable of dispensing the material in the required small doses with sufficient accuracy, and in a clean manner, i.e. without dropping of powder from the filling head. Excess material is liable to be released from the filling head of the known machines. The amount of such excess depends on the cohesiveness of the particulate material and any natural bridging effect in the delivery passage. Even when handling free-flowing material such excess amounts may be considered insignificant when filling ordinary domestic containers but they would be unacceptable when dispensing minute quantities of relatively expensive material or medicines requiring strict dosage control.

[0008] Vacuum-type filling machines are known for filling pharmaceutical capsules, which utilise an indirect filling system according to which a predetermined measured quantity of the pharmaceutical material is drawn into a measuring tube and subsequently released from that tube into a capsule. Direct vacuum filling would be simpler, but so far as is known, no direct vacuum filling machine is available which is capable of accurately and cleanly dispensing such very small quantities of material.

[0009] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a direct filling apparatus and method of vacuum-fill type in which discharge of material is controlled without resort to the use of a second vacuum system.

[0010] A secondary object of the invention, fulfilled by preferred embodiments of the invention is to provide a vacuum-fill type apparatus and method which is capable of cleanly and accurately dispensing free-flowing discrete solid material in minute quantities directly into capsules or other small containers.

[0011] The vacuum-fill type apparatus according to the present invention is defined in claim 1 of this specification. In this apparatus at least part of the length of the delivery passage is so orientated relative to the vertical that in use the passage wall affords a degree of underlying support for material down to or close to the discharge end of the passage. There is no vertical flow path through the passage as a whole. The invention also includes apparatus specifically for filling orally acceptable pharmaceutical capsules, as defined in claim 2.

[0012] This apparatus departs from the established convention of using a straight vertical delivery tube for conducting the discrete solid material from a hopper or other reservoir to the container to be filled. The material delivery passage of apparatus according to the invention has a course in space such that the passage can afford some degree of underlying support for particles in at least part of the length of the passage. A quantity of material of appropriate flow characteristics will remain in the passage awaiting the incidence of suction to initiate its flow, whereas if the passage were a vertical passage of the same size that same material would fall or be liable to fall under gravity. By employment of the invention, flow of material from the delivery passage into the container on termination of the filling vacuum and removal of the container from filling position is avoided or restricted in a very simple manner, without the use of valves or other moving parts and without the use of a second vacuum system.

[0013] The spatial course of the delivery passage is one factor which in practice determines the flow characteristics which a discrete material should have in order to be satisfactorily dispensed by the apparatus. Another factor is the size and particularly the cross-sectional dimensions of the delivery passage. For a passage of a given size, the more the spatial course of the passage departs from the vertical, the more versatile is the apparatus because the more freely-flowing can be the discrete material.

[0014] It will be apparent that for achieving the best advantages from the invention, and in particular for dispensing very free-flowing discrete material, the delivery passage should be at a substantial angle to the vertical over at least a part and preferably over at least the greater part of its length.

[0015] The spatial course of the delivery passage can easily be selected so that when handling discrete material of given flow characteristics none of the material or only a miniscule amount of the material will fall from the delivery passage when the container is moved away from filling position following a complete vacuum fill. Apparatus according to the invention and having its material delivery passage arranged in that manner, can be made to a size suitable for accurately dispensing small doses of discrete material, e.g. doses less than 1 gram in weight and even doses measured in milligrams. Such apparatus is very suitable for filling pharmaceutical capsules.

[0016] Preferably at least a lower end portion of the length of the delivery passage is downwardly inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal. This feature is advantageous for the purpose of avoiding fall of material from the exit end of the delivery channel under gravity.

[0017] In the most preferred embodiments of the invention, the delivery passage is downwardly inclined at a constant acute angle to the horizontal over its entire length.

[0018] The value of the aforesaid acute angle should be selected having regard to the flow characteristics of the material or materials intended to be dispensed by the apparatus. The more free-flowing is the material, the smaller should that angle be. Preferably the said acute angle is less than 40°.

[0019] Although the invention can be embodied in apparatus of any size specifications selected according to the unit quantities of material to be dispensed, the invention is in practice particularly beneficial when using a delivery passage of small size. Preferably the delivery passage has at all positions along its length a cross-sectional area of not more than .05 square inches (approximately 32 square millimetres) this being the approximate cross-sectional area of a circular bore i" (6.35mm) in diameter. Such a passage can easily be kept closed by fine grained solid material within the passage but without causing blockage of the material flow under the filling vacuum. Such closed condition of the delivery passage contributes to direct response of the discrete material to the aspirating force at the commencement of each filling operation, with continuous unidirectional flow of material towards the exit end of the passage over its entire cross-section. Preferably the length of the delivery passage of between 4 inch and 2 inches (i.e. between about 6.00 mm and 50 mm). Passages of that length have been found to be most convenient and satisfactory in operation. If the delivery passage is too long, blockage may occur. These preferred cross-sectional and length dimensions of the delivery passage are very appropriate in apparatus intended for dispensing very fine grained materials into small containers.

[0020] A delivery passage of very small sizes can be. constituted very satisfactorily by a bore or channel within a solid body or combination of bodies e.g. within a solid plate or plate-like structure. In certain apparatus according to the invention the delivery passage is defined by solid material forming a cover for covering the mouth of a container to be filled, such passage extending between opposed faces of such cover.

[0021] Apparatus according to the invention can incorporate any form of container support. The support may in manner known per se be constructed to support a plurality of containers and be associated with mechanism for stepwise displacing such support to bring empty containers successively to a filling station. There may be means at such station for displacing the container or containers into sealing contact with the cover means preparatory to the creation of the filling vacuum.

[0022] When operating apparatus according to the invention it is important to avoid the condition that material in the delivery passage becomes pushed out of the passage by a static head of discrete solid material feeding to the delivery passage. At the same time of course there should be a smooth continuous flow of material into such passage. Preferably the entry end of the delivery passage communicates with a vertical feedway for discrete solid material. Preferably the area of the bottom end of such feedway is not more than four times the area of the entry end of said delivery passage.

[0023] Further features which can be incorporated in apparatus according to the invention with advantages which appear from the description of specific apparatus given later in this specification are defined in claims 8 to 12 hereof.

[0024] The present invention also includes a method of dispensing discrete solid material into a container by placing the container in sealed communication with a material delivery passage through which material can flow from a supply, and with an air exhaust passage, and aspirating air from the container via said exhaust passage to draw material into the container, characterised by the step of providing a said delivery passage into which material can freely descend from said supply but which follows such a spatial course and has such cross-sectional dimensions that following restoration of atmospheric pressure at the exit end of said delivery passage it remains filled over at least part of its length by discrete solid material which has entered said passage and which is held thereby in static condition ready to be sucked into another container.

[0025] A method according to the invention can be used for complete or partial filling of a container.

[0026] Complete filling means that fillinq continues until the mass of particles dispensed into the container reaches the exit end of the material delivery passage. In those circumstances the momentum of material flowing along the delivery passage under the influence of the aspirating force is destroyed by the material in the container.

[0027] Removal of the filled container causes the exit end of the delivery passage to be exposed to atmospheric pressure and the delivery passage therefore remains filled over at least part of its length by discrete material ready to be drawn into another container as above referred to. In preferred embodiments of the invention, performed for complete filling of a container the spatial course and cross-sectional dimensions of the delivery passage are such that on such removal of the filled container the delivery passage remained substantially entirely filled with material. None or substantially none of such retained material discharges under gravity.

[0028] When using a method according to the invention for partial filling, material in the delivery passage may have a slight residual momentum following termination of the aspirating force and consequent restoration of atmospheric pressure in the container. Therefore a further quantum of material may leave the delivery passage, depending on the flow characteristics of the material and the spatial course of such passage. Such further quantum can be allowed for in setting the strength and duration of the suction force.

[0029] In any given process, fall of material from the delivery passage solely under gravity can be avoided even when handling a very free-flowing material, by appropriate selection of the course and size of the passage as herein described.

[0030] Certain embodiments of the invention, selected by way of example only, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of part of a dispensing apparatus according to the invention;

Figs. 2 and 3 show alternative forms of material delivery passage;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of part of a filling machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of certain of the machine components shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a part sectional elevation of the filling head of the machine and of part of an associated feed hopper;

Fig. 7 is a part-sectional elevation of the filling head taken at right angles to Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is an under-plan view of parts of the filling head.

[0031] The dispensing apparatus shown in Fig. 1 comprises a cover plate 1 for covering the mouth of a container to be filled. In this plate there is an inclined delivery passage 2 extending from the top to the bottom face of the plate. Within the plate there is also an air exhaust passage 3 comprising a short vertical section leading upwardly from the bottom face of the plate, and a horizontal section which extends to an edge face of the plate. The plate 1 is surmounted by a hopper 4 which is charged with discrete solid material 5.

[0032] The points at which the passages 2 and 3 open into the bottom of the plate 1 are sufficiently close together to come within the mouth area of a container 6. The container 6 is located in a recess 7 in a carrier 8 which is displaceable for carrying the container to the illustrated position and carrying it away from that position after a quantity of the discrete material has been dispensed into the container. The bottom surface of plate 1 has an annular sealing ring 9. After arrival of the container 6 at the filling station a pin 10 is lifted so that the pin pushes the mouth of the container against such sealing ring.

[0033] The discrete material in the hopper 4 has free access into the delivery passage 2 from the feed path 4' defined by the bottom end portion of the hopper but given the cross-sectional size of the passage, its gradient is insufficient for the discrete material occupying the passage to slide, down the passage under gravity. After positioning a container 6 in the illustrated position ready for receiving a predetermined quantum of the discrete material, air is aspirated from the interior of the container via the exhaust passage 3 and a vacuum pipe 11 which communicates with that passage and is connected to a vacuum pump or other subatmospheric pressure source. In consequence discrete material is sucked into the container.

[0034] The amount of material which enters the container depends on the strength and duration of the suction force propagated into the container. The vacuum system is adjusted to cause a predetermined quantity of material to be drawn into the container 6. The correct adjustment can be established on the basis of simple tests.

[0035] If the vacuum system is set so that the aspirated material completely fills the container and forms a small surface heap which touches the bottom end of the delivery passage 2, any momentum of the material in the delivery passage 2 is thereby destroyed. When the filled container is removed from the filling station the passage 2 remains full of discrete material. A negligible number (if any) of grains fall from the lower end of passage 2 as the filled container is removed. If on the other hand the vacuum system is set for only partially filling the container, there may be a slight discharge of material from delivery passage 2 after restoration of normal pressure in the upper part of the container 6 because of the residual momentum of material in the such passage but the amount of material thus discharged can be very small, particularly if the passage 2 has a shallow gradient and is of very small cross-section as hereinafter exemplified. Such discharge by residual momentum can be allowed for in the setting of the vacuum system, if necessary.

[0036] The termination of suction forces on material in the delivery passage 2 at a predetermined moment can be assisted by abruptly opening a short path of communication between the interior of the container and atmosphere. This can be achieved very conveniently by constructing the vacuum system so that the vacuum pipe 11 is unconnected with the cover plate 1 and moves out of registration with the air exhaust passage 3 at a predetermined moment so that the exhaust passage is instantly placed in communication with the ambient atmosphere.

[0037] The gradient of the delivery passage 2 is open to choice having regard to the minimum angle of friction between the material to be dispensed and the material supporting surface of the passage. It is preferable for the delivery passage to have a true and smooth surface. A very satisfactory form of passage is one constituted by a bore in a body of stainless steel.

[0038] The delivery passage 2 may be at a steeper angle than that shown, for example at 60° to the horizontal, particularly if the passage is of very small cross-section and the material to be dispensed has a slight natural cohesion. In any case the delivery passage is arranged so that there is no vertical flow path through the passage from its entry end to its exit end.

[0039] In preferred embodiments of the invention the apparatus incorporates a straight inclined delivery passage as shown in Fig. 1, the passage being inclined at less than 40° to the horizontal.

[0040] Figs. 2 and 3, in which parts identical with parts in Fig. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, show alternative spatial configurations of the course of the material delivery passage. In Fig. 2 a delivery passage 12 is shown which has a downwardly inclined upper portion, a horizontal medial portion and a very short vertical portion adjacent its exit end. The horizontal portion of the delivery passage gives material in the passage a somewhat higher inertia resistance to flow under suction forces and also a slightly higher resistance to flow under residual momentum. However fall of grains from the bottom end portion of the passage under gravity may occur. With a very small bore any such gravity discharge will be slight. A vacuum tube 13 is shown which is moveable out of registration with the air exhaust passage 3 for instantly placing that passage into communication with atmosphere to terminate filling. There is a slight clearance between the vacuum tube 13 and the plate 1 to avoid problems associated with relatively sliding surfaces.

[0041] The apparatus shown in Fig. 3 corresponds with that shown in Fig. 2 except that its material delivery passage 14, has a substantially vertical portion at its upper end and the remainder of the passage is downwardly inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal. The vertical orientation of the top portion of the passage can facilitate smooth entry of material into the passage from the superimposed hopper.

[0042] Reference will now be made to Figs. 4 to 8. These figures relate to a machine for automatically filling pharmaceutical capsules. The machine embodies dispensing apparatus according to the invention and utilises the new dispensing method herein claimed.

[0043] The capsule filling machine has capsule handling mechanism operative to open the capsules to be filled and to re-unite the capsule parts (the charge-receiving parts and the closure parts) in the same pairs after filling the charge-receiving parts with a pharmaceutical powder.

[0044] The capsule-handling mechanism will be described first, with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. This mechanism comprises a first rotatable carrier 15 in the form of a turntable having a plurality of groups of capsule-receiving apertures 16 arranged at intervals in the margin thereof. In the embodiments shown in the drawing there are four apertures in each group and there are' twenty four groups but the number of groups and apertures in a group may be varied if desired. Each of the apertures extends through the carrier 15, the lower part 17 of each aperture being of reduced dimensions so as to form an annular shoulder 18. The carrier 15 is disposed horizontally and is rotatable about a vertical axis 19.

[0045] A second rotatable carrier 20, also in the form of a turntable, is located adjacent and partly below the first carrier 15, the second carrier also being rotatable about a vertical axis 21 parallel with the axis 19. A series of circular openings 22, (six in the present embodiment), are provided in the carrier 20 at spaced intervals in the margin thereof and each opening 22 accommodates a disc 23 which is rotatable in its associated opening relative to the carrier 20.

[0046] Each disc has four apertures 24 formed therein, that is the same number of apertures as are provided in each group in carrier 15, and each of the apertures 24 is adapted to receive the lower half (the charge-receiving part) of a capsule.

[0047] A cam 25 is located below the carrier 20 but is not rotatable therewith. Cam followers 26 are provided on and below each disc, each cam follower having two oppositely disposed concave surfaces 27, 28 for co-operating with cam 25 and two oppositely disposed pins 29, 30 for co-operating with a cam 31 which is bolted to the cam 25.

[0048] A pillar 32 supports a cantilever arm 33. The free end of this arm supports a filling and vacuum head (to be described in detail with reference to Figs. 6 to 8) in a position for filling the charge-receiving parts of the capsules on their arrival at a filling station FS.

[0049] The capsule handling mechanism operates as follows:

The first and second carriers 15 and 20 are stepped clockwise in synchronism. Capsules are placed in the capsule-receiving apertures 16 of the first carrier by means known per se, at a station upstream of a capsule opening station OS (Fig. 4) where the groups of capsule-receiving apertures first arrive over carrier 20, in register with a group of apertures 24 in one of the discs 23. In the interval between the stepping movements of the carriers, vacuum means, known per se, are applied below the apertures 24 at station OS to draw the charge-receiving parts of the capsules at that station into the apertures 24 in the underlying disc 23. The upper halves (closure parts) of the capsules are retained in apertures 16 by virtue of the shoulders 18.

[0050] The two carriers are then moved clockwise through a further step so that the next group of capsules in carrier 15 moves over carrier 20 and into registration with the apertures in the next disc 23 in carrier 20, at station OS.

[0051] As can be seen from Fig. 4 two clockwise steps of the carrier will bring a group of charge-receiving capsule parts from the station OS where they are transferred to carrier 20, to the filling station FS. During movement of each disc 23, loaded with charge-receiving capsule parts, from station OS to the capsule filling station FS, such disc becomes turned about its axis through a certain angle relative to carrier 20. This turning is effected by co-operation between the cam 31 and the pins 29, 30 on the cam follower 26 which is associated with that disc. During the movement of the disc from station FS to a capsule closing station CS one of the concave surfaces 27, 28 of the cam follower 26 rides on an edge portion of cam 25 which is concentric with carrier 20 so that the orientation of the disc relative to the second carrier 20 remains unchanged during that movement. The arrival of a group of charged capsule parts at the capsule closing station CS coincides with the delivery of their closure parts at that station, by carrier 1 5. The purpose of the described turning movement of each disc 23 relative to carrier 20 is to ensure that when a group of charged capsule parts carried by the disc arrives at the capsule closing station CS each charged capsule part will be in register with the particular closure part from which it was separated at the capsule opening station. Moreover the two capsule parts will be in their original relative orientations about the capsule axis. The preservation of the capsule parts in their original pairs in the same relative orientation is of importance if there may be slight differences between the forms or dimensions of different capsules.

[0052] At the closing station CS, the two halves of each capsule are reunited by upward displacement of plungers (not shown) to cause the charged capsule parts to be pushed upwardly) into mating relationship with their closure parts on the carrier 15.

[0053] Angular adjustment of the carriers 15 and 20 may be effected by pin and a slot means 34, 35.

[0054] Further clockwise movement of the first carrier 15 brings the filled closed capsule to a station (not marked) where they are removed for packaging.

[0055] An inner series of groups of holes 36 may be provided in the carrier 15 at positions such that each such group moves into register with the apertures in a disc 23 after removal of the charged capsules therefrom so that such apertures can be cleaned by means of air-blasts or the like delivered via the said holes.

[0056] The loading of closed empty capsules onto the carrier 15 in correct orientation can be achieved automatically by loading mechanism known per se.

[0057] The capsule filling system will now be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8.

[0058] An aperture 37 is present near the free end of the arm 33. This aperture accommodates the outlet end portion of a hopper 38 and a funnel block 39 in which there are four feedways 40 for the discrete material which descends from the hopper. The outlet end of the hopper is in threaded engagement with a surrounding plate 41 which is secured to the top face of the arm by bolts 42. The funnel block 39 is clamped between the outlet mouth of the hopper and a funnel supporting plate 43 which is secured to the bottom face of the arm by bolts 44. Sealing rings 45 are interposed between the plate 43 and the funnel block to form seals around the feedways in the block.

[0059] A bottom plate 46 is secured to plate 43 by screws 70 (Fig. 8). An end plate 47 is secured to one side edge face of the cantilever arm 33 by screws 48. The bottom plate locates sealing rings 49 for making sealing contact with the mouth of the charge-receiving parts of the capsules when they are raised at the capsule filling station FS (Fig. 4) as hereinbefore described. The sealing rings are secured e.g. glued, to a plate 50 (hereinafter called the "intervening" plate) which is between the funnel supporting plate 43 and the bottom plate 46.

[0060] The plates 43 and 50 are made of stainless steel and they together define the delivery passages for the discrete solid material and associated air exhaust passages of the vacuum system. More specifically: the funnel supporting plate 43 has four parallel rectangular section grooves in its lower face and the mouths of the grooves are closed by the intervening plate 50 to form passages 51. These passages extend obliquely across the width of the cantiliver arm 33 as appears from the under-plan view (Fig. 8). Four branch passageways 52, one to each of the passageways 51, extend vertically from those passageways 51 to the bottom face of the intervening plate 50 at locations within the areas surrounded by the sealing rings 49. Inclined delivery passages 53 extend through the two plates 43 and 50 for conducting discrete solid material from the feedways 40 in the funnel block 39 to positions also within the areas surrounded by the sealing rings 49.

[0061] The four delivery passages 53 are straight passages which are inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal. The vertical planes containing the longitudinal axes of the passages are at an angle to the planes of Figs. 6 and 7 and therefore neither of those figures represents their gradient which is shallower than appears in those figures.

[0062] The side edge face of cantilever arm 33 opposite the end plate 47 and the corresponding side edge faces of the plates 43 and 50 are shaped as shown in Fig. 7 to conform to the cylindrical surface of a vacuum head 54. This vacuum head is mounted for rotation about its horizontal axis. The vacuum head has a central blind bore 55. The end of the vacuum head through which the bore does not extend is connected to one end of a shaft 56 (Fig. 8) which is coupled to a rotary electric solenoid 57 which is also secured to the cantilever arm 33.

[0063] A vacuum pipe 58 from a vacuum source (not shown) projects through a bracket 59 on the cantilever arm 33. On a threaded end portion of this pipe 58 there is screwed a tubular end fitting 60 the bore of which is co-axial with the bore 55 in the vacuum head. The end fitting can be turned to adjust the size of an air gap between its free end and the adjacent end of the vacuum head and locked in position by a lock nut 61. The presence of the air gap avoids problems associated with relatively sliding surfaces.

[0064] There are four radial passages 62 in the vacuum head 54 which extend from the bore 55 to the peripheral surface of the head. The four passages 62 are located so that when the vacuum head occupies the position shown in Fig. 7 each of them registers with one of the air exhaust passages 51. The solenoid 57 operates periodically to oscillate the vacuum head 54 about its axis so that the vacuum passages 62 in the head move into and out of that position of registration with the passages 51. It will be noted that there is a small clearance between the vacuum head 54 on the one hand and the cantilever arm 33 and plates 43 and 50 on the other hand, which avoids sliding friction and surface wear.

[0065] The end of the air exhaust passages 51 remote from the vacuum head communicate with holes 63 in the end plate 47. The holes 63 are accurately formed to obtain the correct aspirating force in the individual exhaust passages 51. But if desired such holes can be partially closed by tapered grub screws which can be turned to adjust such aspirating forces.

[0066] The energising circuit of the solenoid 57 contains a switching device actuation of which is synchronised by cams with the stepwise movements of the capsule carriers 15 and 20 so that the vacuum head 54 moves into the extreme position shown in Fig. 7 determined by a stop (not shown), immediately the charge-receiving capsule parts are in position against the sealing rings 49. The reverse movement of the vacuum head, which is anti-clockwise in the aspect of Fig. 7, takes place after an interval of time determined by an adjustable timer. The periphery of the vacuum head is shaped with a recess 64 so that this reverse movement of the vacuum head brings the exhaust passages 51 almost instantly into free communication with atmosphere. The said reverse movement is through about 25° and is terminated by a second stop (not shown). At one end of that movement the vacuum passages 62 in the vacuum head are still close to the arcuate side edge face of the cantilever arm 33 and there is only a very restricted communication between those passages 62 and atmosphere. The solenoid and associated components of the vacuum head control are of a conventional type and need no detailed description.

[0067] The following are examples of a dispensing method according to the invention, performed in a machine as described with reference to Figs. 4 to 8.

Example 1

[0068] The machine was used for filling gelatin capsules with a pharmaceutical powder 95% by weight of which passes through an 80 mesh per inch (24.4 mm) sieve. The powder had very free-flowing characteristics.

[0069] The inclined delivery passages 53 were cylindrical bores with a diameter of 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) and a length of t inch (12.7 mm) and they were inclined at 30° to the horizontal.

[0070] The machine was operated continuously over a period of 2 hours at a filling rate of 60 cycles per minute, corresponding with a filling rate of 240 capsules per minute.

[0071] The vacuum pipe 58 was connected to a vessel in which 2.5" (64 mm) water gauge vacuum was continuously maintained by means of a vacuum pump acting through a vacuum reservoir tank. The vacuum system was pre-set by trial and error to cause as nearly as possible 260 milligrams of the powder to be drawn into each capsule. The volume of such a dose of the powder is greater than the volume of one of the inclined delivery passages 53.

[0072] The powder was dispensed not only with a high degree of accuracy but also very cleanly. The amount of powder spilled at the filling station during the said period of operation of the machine was negligible.

[0073] The accuracy of filling over the two hour period (over 28000 capsules filled) was assessed by standard calculations known in the pharmaceutical industry and based on weight variation tests on periodic samples of filled capsules. The coefficient of variation was found to range from 2.142 to 0.932 and to average 1.354, which represents a very high dosage accuracy.

[0074] The same apparatus was also used for filling capsules at a similarly high rate with powder of 50 mesh 95% grain size. A coefficient of variation ranging from 1.46 to 0.85 and averaging 1.067 was achieved. This also represents a very high dosage accuracy.

Example 2

[0075] Example 1 was repeated with however the modification that the vacuum system was adjusted to cause a smaller quantity of the powder to be dispensed into capsules of the same size. In consequence the capsules were only partially filled. Following termination of the aspirating force and removal of each group of containers from the filling station the delivery passages 53 remained full of grains. The amount of material falling from the passages under gravity between filling operations was negligible.

Claims

1. A vacuum-type filling apparatus for use in filling containers, such apparatus comprising means (4, 38-39) for holding a supply of discrete solid material for delivery into a container (6) via a delivery passage (2, 12, 14, 53) and air-extraction means (11, 54) associated with an exhaust passage (3, 51-52) for withdrawing air from the container to promote flow of material into the container, characterised in that said holding means (4, 38-39) provides a feed path (4¹, 40) which is of larger cross-section than said delivery passage (3, 51-52), along which feed path discrete material can gravitate freely into the entire cross-section of said delivery passage (2, 12, 14, 53), and in that the spatial course of said delivery passage from its upper inlet end to its bottom outlet end is such that there is no vertical flow path through said passage and such that at least a portion of said passage which includes or reaches close to its discharge end has a non-vertical orientation so that in use the passage wall affords a degree of underlying support for material in the passage.

2. Apparatus for use in dispensing discrete solid material into an orally acceptable pharmaceutical capsule, characterised in that it comprises means for supporting an open- topped container portion (6) of a capsule, cover means (1, 46 + 49) adapted to make air-tight sealing contact with the mouth of such container portion, an air-exhaust passage (3, 51-52) and a material delivery passage (2, 12, 14, 53) extending through said cover means with their bottom discharge orifices located for communication with the interior of a said capsule portion (6) when it is in filling position in relation to said cover, air-extraction means (11, 54) associated with said exhaust passage for establishing a reduced pressure in a said container and means (4, 38-39) defining a feed path (4¹, 40) of larger cross-section than said delivery passage (2, 12, 14, 53), along which feed path discrete solid material can freely gravitate into the entire cross-section of said delivery passage, the spatial course of said delivery passage from its inlet to its outlet end being such that its axis is non-vertical over at least the greater part of its length so that in use material in the passage is afforded underlying support by the passage wall, there being no vertical flow path through such passage.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a lower end portion of the length of said delivery passage is downwardly inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the said delivery passage is downwardly inclined at a constant acute angle to the horizontal over its entire length.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said acute angle is less than 40°.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said delivery passage has at all positions along its length a cross-sectional area of not more than 32 mm².

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said delivery passage is between 6 mm and 50 mm in length.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said delivery passage is formed in a cover (43 + 46 + 50) for covering the mouth of a container to be filled, such passage extending between opposed faces of such cover.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of said material delivery passages (53) and a plurality of associated air-exhaust passages (51-52) extend through said cover at different regions thereof so that a plurality of containers can be simultaneously filled.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein two or more said air-exhaust passages (51-52) are formed in part by a common channel (51) in said cover and in part by branches (52) from such channel.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the air-extraction means include a suction head (54) having at least one suction passage (62) which is connectable to means for exerting suction forces, and wherein there is means for displacing said head through an operating cycle in which the or each said suction passage moves into and out of registration with the or a said air-exhaust passage (51) extending through said cover means.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said suction head is mounted for oscillatory movement about a fixed axis.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein there is a clearance between the said suction head and the adjacent end of the or each said air-exhaust passage.

14. A method of dispensing discrete solid material into a container by placing the container (6) in sealed communication with a material delivery passage (2, 12, 14, 53) through which material can flow from a supply (5), and with an air exhaust passage (3, 51-52), and aspirating air from the container via said exhaust passage to draw material into the container characterised in that use is made of a said delivery passage (2, 12, 14, 53) into which material can freely gravitate from said supply (5) but which is non-vertical over at least part of its length, its spatial course and its cross-sectional dimensions being such that following restoration of atmospheric pressure at the exit end of said delivery passage it remains filled or substantially filled with discrete solid material which has entered said passage and which is held thereby in static condition ready to be sucked into another container.

₁₅. A method of dispensing discrete solid material into the container portion (6) of an orally acceptable pharmaceutical capsule, characterised in that said capsule portion is placed in sealed communication with a material delivery passage (2, 12, 14, 53) into the entire cross-section of the upper entry end of which passage such material is allowed freely to gravitate from a feed path (4¹, 40) of larger cross-sectional area, and said capsule portion (6) is placed in sealed communication with an air exhaust passage (3, 51-52); air is aspirated from said capsule portion via said exhaust passage to draw material into the said capsule portion from said delivery passage; and the spatial course followed by said delivery passage from its inlet to its outlet end and the cross sectional dimensions of said passage are such that following restoration of atmospheric pressure at the outlet end of such delivery passage, it remains filled over at least the greater part of its length by discrete solid material which has entered said passage and which is held thereby in static condition ready to be sucked into another capsule portion.

16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said aspiration of air is continued for a period of time sufficient to cause the material in the container (6) to reach and close the exit of end of said delivery passage (2, 12, 14, 53).

17. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said aspiration of air takes place only for a period of time sufficient to cause partial filling of said container (6), the level of material in the container then being spaced below the exit end of said delivery passage (2, 12, 14, 53).

18. A method according to claims 14 to 17, wherein the amount of material dispensed into the container (6) is less than 1 gram.

19. A method according to any of claims 14 to 18, performed in apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 13.

Ansprüche

1. Vakuumfüllvorrichtung zum Füllen von Behältern, mit einer Aufnahmevorrichtung (4, 38-39) zur Aufnahme von über eine Zufuhrleitung (2, 12, 14, 53) in einen behälter (6) zuzuführendem teilchenförmigen festen Material und mit einer mit einer Absaugleitung (3, 51-52) ausgestatteten Luftabsaugeinrichtung (11, 54) zum Absaugen von Luft aus dem Behälter zwecks Unterstützens des Zuflusses von Material in den Behälter, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Aufnahmevorrichtung (4, 38-39) einen Zufuhrweg (4¹, 40) mit größerem Querschnitt als dem Querschnitt der Zufuhrleitung (3, 51-52) bildet und über diesen Zufuhrweg teilchenförmiges Material unter der Wirkung der Schwerkraft frei in den gesamten Querschnitt des Zufuhrkanals (2, 12, 14, 53) eintreten kann und daß der räumliche Verlauf des Zufuhrkanals von seinem oberen Einlaßende bis zu seinem unteren Auslaßende ein solcher ist, daß kein vertikaler Strömungspfad durch diese Zufuhrleitung vorliegt und weiters ein solcher ist, daß zumindest ein das Austrittsende der Zufuhrleitung umfassender oder bis nahe dahin reichender Teil der zufuhrleitung von der Vertikalen abweichend gerichtet ist, so daß im Betrieb die Wandung der Zufuhrleitung bis zu einem gewissen Ausmaß eine abstützende Auflage für das in der Zufuhrleitung befindliche Material bildet.

2. Vorrichtung zum Abfüllen teilchenförmigen festen Materials in eine oral verträgliche pharmazeutische Kapsel, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Vorrichtung eine Einrichtung zum Abstützen eines oben offenen Behälterteils (6) einer Kapsel, einen mit der Öffnung dieses Behälterteils einen luftdichten Abschluß ergebenden Verschluß (1, 46 + 49), eine Luftabsaugleitung (3, 51-52) und eine sich durch den Verschluß hindurcherstreckende Zufuhrleitung (2, 12, 14, 53) für das Material aufweist, welche sich durch den Verschluß hindurcherstreckt und deren unten gelegene Austrittsöffnung dann, wenn sie sich relativ zum Verschluß in Füllstellung befindet, mit dem Inneren des Kapselteils (6) in Verbindung steht, wobei der Absaugleitung eine Luftabsaugeinrichtung (11, 54) zugeordnet ist, um im Behälter einen verringerten Druck aufbauen zu können, und eine einen Zufuhrweg (4¹, 40) großeren Querschnitts als desjenigen der Zufuhrleitung (2, 12, 14, 53) definierende Einrichtung (4, 38-39) vorgesehen ist und durch den Zufuhrweg teilchenförmiges festes Material unter der Wirkung der Schwerkraft frei in den gesamten Querschnitt der Zufuhrleitung eintreten kann, und wobei der räumliche Verlauf der Zufuhrleitung von ihrem Einlaßende bis zu ihrem Auslaßende ein solcher ist, daß die Achse der Zufuhrleitung über zumindest den größten Teil ihrer Länge von der Vertikalen abweicht, so daß im Betrieb in der Zufuhrleitung befindliches Material durch die Wandung der Zufuhrleitung abgestützt wird und durch die Zufuhrleitung kein vertikaler Strömungsweg führt.

2, Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zumindest der untere Endabschnitt der Länge der Zufuhrleitung mit einem spitzen Winkel gegenüber der Horizontalen nach unten geneigt ist.

4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Zufuhrleitung über ihre gesamte Länge mit einem gleichbleibenden spitzen Winkel gegenüber der Horizontalen geneigt ist.

5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Spitze Winkel kleiner ist als 40°.

6. Vorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Zufuhrleitung an allen Stellen über ihre Länge eine Querschnittsfläche von nicht mehr als 32 mm² besitzt.

7. Vorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Länge der Zufuhrleitung zwischen 6 und 50 mm beträgt.

8. Vorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Zufuhrleitung in einem zum Abdecken der Öffnung des zu füllenden Behälters dienenden Verschluß (43 + 46 + 50) ausgebildet ist und sich zwischen einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten dieses Verschlusses erstreckt.

9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sich durch den Verschluß hindurch mehrere Materialzufuhrleitungen (53) und mehrere zugeordnete Luftabsaugleitungen (51-52) an verschiedenen Bereichen dieses Verschlusses erstrecken, so daß mehrere Behälter gleichzeitig gefüllt werden können.

10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwei oder mehr Luftabsaugleitungen (51-52) zum Teil von einem im Verschluß vorgesehenen gemeinsamen Kanal (51) und zum Teil durch Abzweigungen (52) von diesem Kanal gebildet sind.

11. Vorrichtung nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Luftabsaugeinrichtung einen Saugkopf (54) aufweist, der zumindest eine Saugleitung (62) aufweist, welche an eine Einrichtung zum Ausüben von Saugkräften anschließbar ist, und daß eine Einrichtung zum Verstellen des Saugkopfes während eines Arbeitszyklusses vorgesehen ist, innerhalb desselben die Saugleitung oder jede Saugleitung in eine sich mit der sich durch den Verschluß hindurcherstreckenden Luftabsaugleitung (51) deckende Lage und aus dieser Lage heraus bewegt wird.

12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Saugkopf um eine feststehende Achse verschwenkbar angeordnet ist.

13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwischen dem Saugkopf und dem angrenzenden Ende der Saugleitung oder jeder der Saugleitungen ein Spalt vorgesehen ist.

14. Verfahren zum Abfüllen von teilchenförmigem festen Material in einen Behälter, bei welchem der Behälter (6) dicht mit einer Luftabsaugleitung (3, 51-52) und einer Materialzufuhrleitung (2, 12, 14, 53) verbunden wird, durch welche das Material aus einem Vorrat (5) fließen kann, und aus dem Behälter über die Luftabsauqleitung Luft abgesaugt wird, um teilchenförmiges Material in den Behälter zu ziehen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Matenaizufuhrieitung (2, 12, 14, 53) verwendet wird, in welche teilchenförmiges Material aus dem Vorrat (5) unter dem Einfluß der Schwerkraft ungehindert gelangen kann, welche jedoch über zumindest einen Teil ihrer Länge einen von der Vertikalen abweichenden räumlichen Verlauf besitzt und deren Querschnittsabmessungen solche, sind, daß nach dem anschließenden Wiederherstellen von Atmosphärendruck am Auslaßende dieser Materialzufuhrleitung die Zufuhrleitung mit in die Zufuhrleitung eingetretenem festen teilchenförmigen Material gefüllt oder im wesentlichen gefüllt bleibt, wobei das teilchenförmige Material in einem statischen zustand verbleibt und bereit ist in einen anderen Behälter abgesaugt zu werden.

15. Verfahren zum Abfüllen festen teilchenförmigen Materials in den Behälterabschnitt (6) einer oral annehmbaren pharmazeutischen Kapsel, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß dieser Kapselteil mit einer Materialzufuhrleitung (2, 12, 14, 53) dicht verbunden wird, in deren gesamten Querschnitt des oberen Einlaßendes das teilchenförmige Material unter der Wirkung der Schwerkraft ungehindert aus einem Zufuhrweg (4¹, 40) größerer Querschnittsfläche eintreten gelassen wird, und daß der Kapselteil (6) dicht mit einer Luftabsaugleitung (3, 51-52) verbunden wird und Luft aus diesem Kapselteil über die Luftabsaugleitung abgesaugt wird, um festes Material aus der Zufuhrleitung in diesen Kapselteil zu ziehen, wobei der räumliche Verlauf der Zufuhrleitung von ihrem Einlaßende bis zu ihrem Auslaßende und die Querschnittsabmessungen der Zufuhrleitung solche sind, daß nach Wiederherstellung von Atmosphärendruck am Auslaßende der Zufuhrleitung die Zufuhrleitung zumindest über den größten Teil der länge mit teilchenförmigem festen Material gefüllt bleibt, welches in die Zufuhrleitung gelangt ist und welches durch die Zufuhrleitung in einem statischen Zustand gehalten wird, um in einen anderen Kapselteil gesaugt zu werden.

16. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14 oder 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Luft während einer Zeitspanne angesaugt wird, welche dazu ausreicht, daß das Material innerhalb des Behälters (6) das Auslaßende der Zufuhrleitung (2, 12, 14, 53) erreicht und verschließt.

17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14 oder 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Luft nur während einer Zeitspanne angesaugt wird, die ausreicht den Behälter (6) lediglich teilweise zu füllen, so daß die Füllhöhe des Materials innerhalb des Behälters mit Abstand unter dem Austrittsende der Zufuhrleitung (2, 12, 14, 53) liegt.

18. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 14 bis 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die in den Behälter (6) abgefüllte Menge an Material kleiner ist als 1 g.

19. Verfahren nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 14 bis 18, durchgeführt in einer Vorrichtung gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 3 bis 13.

Revendications

1. Appareil de remplissage par dépression, destiné au remplissage de récipients, et comprenant des moyens (4, 38, 39) pour contenir une réserve de matière solide en vrac, amener dans un récipient (6) par l'intermédiaire d'un passage d'amenée (2, 12, 14, 53), et des moyens d'extraction d'air (11, 54), associés à un passage d'échappement (3, 51, 52) pour extraire de l'air du récipient de manière à faciliter un afflux de matière dans le récipient, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens pour contenir une réserve de matière en vrac (4, 38, 39) définissent une voie d'alimentation (4', 40), qui a une plus grande section que le passage d'amenée (2, 12, 14, 53), et le long de laquelle de la matière en vrac peut tomber librement, par gravité, dans toute la section du passage d'amenée (2, 12, 14, 53), et que l'allure du passage d'amenée dans l'espace, depuis son extrémité supérieure d'entrée jusque'à son extrémité inférieure, de sortie, est telle, d'une part, qu'il n'existe pas de chemin vertical d'écoulement à travers ledit passage, et d'autre part, qu'au moins une partie du passage, qui comprend son extrémité de déversement, ou parvient près de celle-ci, a une orientation non verticale, telle que, en service, la paroi du passage assure un certain soutien, par le dessous, de la matière qui se trouve dans ledit passage.

2. Appareil destiné à distribuer de la matière solide en vrac dans au moins une gélule pharmaceutique, absorbable par la voie orale, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend des moyens pour supporter une partie formant récipient, ouverte en haut, (6), d'une gélule, des moyens formant couvercle (1, 46, 49), conçus pour entrer en contact étanche à l'aire avec l'embouchure de ladite partie formant récipient, un passage d'échappement d'air (3, 51, 52), et un passage d'amenée de matière (2, 12, 14, 53), qui traversent les moyens formant couvercle, leurs orifices inférieurs de déversement étant placés de manière à communiquer avec l'intérieur d'une partie de gélule formant récipient, (6), lorsqu'elle est en position de remplissage relativement au couvercle, des moyens d'extraction d'air, (11, 54), associés au passage d'échappement pour établir une pression réduite dans ladite partie formant récipient, et des moyens (4, 38, 39) définissant une voie d'alimentation, (4', 40), qui a une plus grande section que le passage d'amenée (2, 12, 14, 53), et le long de laquelle de la matière solide en vrac peut tomber librement, par gravité, dans toute la section du passage d'amenée, l'allure dudit passage d'amenée dans l'espace, depuis son extrémité d'entrée jusqu'à son extrémité de sortie, étant telle que son axe est non vertical sur au moins la majeure partie de sa longueur, de telle sorte que, en service, de la matière située dans ledit passage est soutenue par le bas, par la paroi du passage, aucun chemin d'écoulement vertical n'existant à travers ledit passage.

3. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une partie terminale, inférieure, du passage d'amenée est inclinée vers le bas, en faisant un angle aigu avec l'horizontale.

4. Appareil selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le passage d'amenée est incliné vers le bas en faisant un angle aigu constant avec l'horizontale sur toute sa longueur.

5. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 et 4, caractérisé en ce que l'angle aigu est inférieur à 40°.

6. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le passage d'amenée présente, en tous les points de sa longueur, une aire de section ne dépassant pas 32 mm².

7. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le passage d'amenée a une longueur de 6 à 50 mm.

8. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que le passage d'amenée est aménagé dans un couvercle (43, 46, 50) servant à couvrir l'embouchure du récipient à remplir, ce passage s'étendant entre des faces opposées de ce couvercle.

9. Appareil selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que plusieurs des passages d'amenée de matière (53) et plusieurs passages d'échappement d'air associés (51, 52) traversent le couvercle en différentes régions de celui-ci, de telle sortie que plusieurs récipients peuvent être remplis simultanément.

10. Appareil selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que deux ou plusieurs des passages d'echappement d'air (51, 52) sont formés, en partie, par un canal commun (51) aménagé dans le couvercle, et, en partie, par des branches (52) partant de ce canal.

11. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'extraction d'air comprennent une tête d'aspiration (54), présentant au moins un passage d'aspiration (62), qui peut être relié à des moyens servant à exercer des forces d'aspiration, et que des moyens sont prévus pour déplacer la tête en lui faisant parcourir un cycle de fonctionnement dans lequel le ou chaque passage d'aspiration vient en et hors d'alignement avec le ou chaque passage d'échappement d'air, (51), traversant les moyens formant couvercle.

12. Appareil selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la tête d'aspiration est montée de façon à être capable d'un mouvement oscillant autour d'un axe fixe.

13. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 et 12, caractérisé en ce qu'il existe un jeu entre la tête d'aspiration et l'extrémité adjacente du ou de chaque passage d'échappement d'air.

14. Procédé pour distribuer de la matière solide en vrac dans un récipient, en plaçant le récipient (6) en communication étanche avec un passage d'amenée de matière (2, 12, 14, 53), à travers lequel de la matière peut s'écouler depuis une réserve (5), et avec un passage d'échappement d'air (3, 51, 52), et en aspirant de l'air hors du récipient à travers ledit passage d'echappement, pour attirer de la matière dans le récipient, caractérisé par le fait que l'on utilise un passage d'amenée (2, 12, 14, 53) dans lequel la matière peut tomber librement de la réserve (5) par gravité, mais qui est non vertical sur au moins une partie de sa longueur, son allure dans l'espace et les dimensions de sa section étant telles que, après le rétablissement de la pression atmosphérique à l'extrémité de sortie du passage d'amenée, ce dernier reste rempli, ou pratiquement rempli, par la matière solide en vrac, qui est entrée dans ledit passage, et qui est ainsi maintenue au repos, prête à être aspirée dans un autre récipient.

15. Procédé pour distribuer de la matière solide en vrac dans la partie formant récipient (6) d'au moins une gélule pharmaceutique absorbable par la voie orale, caractérisé par le fait que l'on place ladite partie de gélule, formant récipient, en communication étanche avec un passage d'amenée de matière (2, 12, 14, 53), dans toute la section de l'extrémité supérieure, d'entrée, duquel cette matière peut tomber librement, par gravité, depuis une voie d'alimentation (4', 40) à plus grande aire de section, que l'on met ladite partie de gélule (6) en communication étanche avec un passage d'échappement d'air (3, 51, 52), que l'on aspire de l'air hors de ladite partie de gélule par le passage d'échappement, pour attirer de la matière hors du passage d'amenée, dans ladite partie de gélule, et que l'allure dans l'espace du passage d'amenée, depuis son extrémité d'entrée jusque'à son extrémité de sortie, et les dimensions de la section dudit passage, sont telles que, après le rétablissement de la pression atmosphérique à l'extrémité de sortie dudit passage d'amenée, ce dernier reste rempli, sur au moins la majeure partie de sa longueur, par la matière solide en vrac, qui est entrée dans ledit passage, et qui y est ainsi maintenue au repos, prête à être aspirée dans une autre partie de gélule, formant récipient.

16. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 et 15, caractérisé par le fait que l'on poursuit l'aspiration d'air pendant un laps de temps suffisant pour que la matière contenue dans la partie formant récipient (6) atteigne et ferme l'extrémité de sortie du passage d'amenée (2, 12, 14, 53).

17. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 et 15, caractérisé en ce que l'aspiration d'air a lieu seulement pendant un laps de temps suffisant pour produire un remplissage partiel de la partie de gélule formant récipient (6), le niveau de la matière dans ladite partie formant récipient se trouvant alors à une certaine distance en dessous de l'extrémité de sortie du passage d'amenée (2, 12, 14, 53).

18. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 à 17, caractérisé en ce que la quantité de matière distribuée dans la partie de gélule formant récipient (6) est inférieure à 1 g.

19. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 à 18, mis en oeuvre à l'aide d'un appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 13.

Drawing