Diane B Brannigan

US Patent:

20040003866, Jan 8, 2004

Filed:

May 5, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/430692

Inventors:

Micheal Rocchio - Hayward CA, US
Gordon Stout - El Cerrito CA, US
Steve Deming - San Jose CA, US
Diane Brannigan - Belmont CA, US
Derrick Parks - Belmont CA, US
Dale Ploeger - Menlo Park CA, US

Assignee:

Nektar Therapeutics - San Carlos CA

International Classification:

B65B001/20

US Classification:

141/073000, 141/284000

Abstract:

An apparatus for filling a receptacle comprises a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of powder pharmaceutical formulation, a holder adapted to hold a receptacle in a position where it may receive powder from the reservoir, an extension extending above the receptacle, and a plunger moveable within the extension, whereby powder from the supply may fill the receptacle and at least a portion of the extension and the plunger may force the powder in the extension into the receptacle. In one version, the plunger may be a portion of the receptacle or may be adapted to install a portion of the receptacle. Alternatively, vibrational or other energy may be used to cause powder in the extension to be filled in the receptacle.

US Patent:

20040060265, Apr 1, 2004

Filed:

Jun 26, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/609132

Inventors:

Andrew Boeckle - Belmont CA, US
Dale Ploeger - Menlo Park CA, US
Derrick Parks - Belmont CA, US
Diane Brannigan - Belmont CA, US

Assignee:

Nektar Therapeutics - San Carlos CA

International Classification:

B65B001/08

US Classification:

053/476000, 053/473000, 141/067000, 141/071000

Abstract:

An apparatus for filling a receptacle with a powder comprises a hopper adapted to contain a powder pharmaceutical formulation, the hopper comprising an outlet. A vibratable member is positioned in, on, or near the hopper so that the vibratable member is spaced from powder in the hopper, and the vibratable member is capable of fluidizing the powder in the hopper. Powder flowing through the outlet under the control of the vibratable member flows into a receptacle or into a transfer chamber for transport to a receptacle.