Dosing device and method for filling a cavity

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dosing device comprising a powder hopper and a plate with a surface, wherein said plate is provided with at least one cavity adapted for receiving a particulate material, and filling means being movable along said surface for moving particulate material into said at least one cavity, wherein said filling means is adapted to exert a compressing force on said particulate material in a direction towards said surface so that said particulate material is forced into said at least one cavity. The present disclosure also relates to a method for filling a cavity provided in a plate of a dosing device with a quantity of particulate material.

1 . A dosing device comprising:
 a powder hopper; and   a plate with a surface, wherein said plate is provided with:
 at least one cavity adapted for receiving a particulate material, and 
 filling means being movable along said surface for moving particulate material into said at least one cavity, wherein said filling means is adapted to exert a compressing force on said particulate material in a direction towards said surface so that said particulate material is forced into said at least one cavity. 
   
     
     
         2 . A dosing device according to  claim 1 , further comprising scraper means, wherein said scraper means is movable along said surface. 
     
     
         3 . A dosing device according to  claim 1 , wherein said filling means is also movable in a substantially perpendicular direction in relation to said surface. 
     
     
         4 . A dosing device according to  claim 1 , wherein said filling means is biased towards said surface. 
     
     
         5 . A dosing device according to  claim 2 , wherein said scraper means is biased towards said surface. 
     
     
         6 . A dosing device according to  claim 5 , wherein said filling means is biased towards said surface with a lower force than said scraper means. 
     
     
         7 . A dosing device according to  claim 1 , wherein said surface has a circular shape and is provided with several cavities, said cavities being arranged in a circular pattern around said surface. 
     
     
         8 . A dosing device according to  claim 7 , wherein said filling means and said scraper means are provided at a common boss. 
     
     
         9 . A dosing device according to  claim 8 , wherein said common boss is arranged in the centre of said circular pattern of cavities. 
     
     
         10 . A dosing device according to  claim 9 , wherein said filling means comprises at least one wheel, said wheel being able to rotate on said surface. 
     
     
         11 . A dosing device according to  claim 10 , wherein the filling means is part of a filling arrangement comprising two wheels and two scrapers being arranged at a common boss. 
     
     
         12 . A method for filling a cavity provided in a plate of a dosing device with a quantity of particulate material, the method comprising:
 providing particulate material to a powder hopper;   moving a filling means along a surface of said plate so that said filling means exerts a compressive force on said particulate material in the direction towards said plate; and   moving the filling means along the surface to move particulate material into said cavity.   
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12 , further comprising the step of loosening the compressed particulate material on said surface by means of scraper means. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 13 , wherein said particulate material comprises pharmaceutical powder for use in dry powder inhalers.