Title of Invention

A METHOD OF LOADING A BLISTER ON AN ELONGATE BLISTER STRIP WITH A DEFINED QUANTITY OF POWDER

Abstract There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product (30). The method comprises closing off a perforation (12a, 12b) in a perforated plate (10); directing powder (30) into said closed-off perforation by the sweeping action of a first director blade (40) spaced from said perforated plate; and transferring the contents of the perforation to said container. The method is characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate (10) and said first director blade (40). Suitable apparatus is also provided.
Full Text Method and apparatus for loading a container with a product
Field of invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for loading a container with a
defined quantity of product. This invention has particular application to loading a
blister in a blister pack with a defined quantity of medicament in powder form.
Background to the invention
The use of blister packs to hold medicaments for inhalation devices, for example in
bronchodilation therapy, is well known. The blister packs usually consist of a base
sheet in which blisters are formed. The blisters are arranged on the base sheet and
can be filled with medicament to be administered through use of an inhalation
device. A lid sheet is applied to cover the filled blisters and the two sheets are
sealed together to form a blister pack.
There can, however, be problems associated with methods of filling the blisters with
medicament. Powder, particularly the drug component of the powder, can tend to be
attracted to the base sheet surface rather than to the blister pockets. This attraction
of the drug to the base sheet can result in inaccurate filling of the blisters, create
mess and potentially cause problems with adherence of the lid sheet to the base
sheet. Such filling methods may also require a large reservoir of powder, potentially
resulting in waste of the medicament.
In earlier PCT Patent Application No. WO 00/71419, the Applicant described that the
potential problem of powder adherence can be overcome by using a filling method
utilising a perforated plate to mask the base sheet surface during filling to avoid
covering this area with powder and a director (e.g. a director blade) to direct the
powder into the perforations of the plate. The perforated plate is moved into contact
with the appropriate areas of the blister strip during filling and then moved away at
the end of the method and can be reused in each cycle. This filling method can also
be used to fill other types of containers e.g. injection moulded plastic pockets,
capsules or bulk containers.
The Applicant has now found that the above filling method may be improved when
the perforated plate and director blade are moved in a rotary fashion relative to each
other. When such a rotary relationship exists between these two components, faster
methods of filling are enabled including those operable on a continuous rotary basis.
Summary of the invention
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of loading
container with a defined quantity of product which comprises:
a) closing off a perforation in a perforated plate;
b) directing powder into said closed-off perforation by the sweeping action of a first
director blade spaced from said perforated plate; and
c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container,
characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director blade
The present invention requires relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and the fir
director blade. That is to say, the perforated plate and first director blade move relative
each other and the motion is in a rotary sense.
It is not necessary that either the plate or the director blade be configured to rotate abo'
the other. More typically, one component rotates about an axis and the other component
either (a) held static at a defined radial point separate from that axis; or (b) rotates about
second axis. In any case, it may be appreciated that the overall relative rotary motion w
define a relative path (i.e. direction) of motion.
In one aspect, the first director blade is held static and the perforated plate moves in rotable
fashion relative thereto.
In an alternative aspect, the perforated plate is held static and the first director bla
moves in rotary fashion relative thereto.
In a further aspect, both of the first director blade and the perforated plate move in rote
fashion. In other words, both are rotated such as to also result in relative moveme
therebetween. Embodiments are envisaged in which the first (and any other) direect
blade rotates at a different speed from that of the rotating perforated plate, but about
common rotational axis. Other embodiments are envisaged in which the axes of rotational
are different (e.g. perpendicular).
In one aspect, the perforated plate is in the form of a planar disk, particularly one that
mountable for rotation about an axis. Suitably, the disk comprises plural perforations s
out in circular fashion at a defined radial separation from the rotational axis. In one aspect
the disk comprises plural sets of perforations arranged in circular fashion concentric
each other at defined radial separations from the rotational axis.
The method requires closing off a perforation in a perforated plate. That is to say, it
requires closing off open end of a perforation to form a well into which powder may
then be directed.
In one aspect, the closing off is achievable by the use of a blanking plate.
In another aspect, the closing off is achievable by the use of a blanking pin inserted
into the perforation. Preferably the blanking pin is moveable within the perforation to
adjust the volume of the closed-off perforation.
In a further aspect, the closing off is achievable by placing a container in registration
with the perforation.
Suitably, the diameter of the closed-off perforation is between 1.5 and 15mm. The
perforation may be a variety of shapes, such as square, circular, oval or rectangular.
The powder is directable by the action of the first director blade moving relative to
the perforated plate. This relative movement creates a sweeping action, which acts
such as to direct powder into a closed-off perforation.
Preferably, the first director blade (and any other director blade) presents a forward
acute angle to the path of relative motion. The path of motion is defined by the
relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and the first director blade. In this case,
the angle between the direction of the (sweeping) path and the first (and any other)
director blade is less than 90° (i.e. acute). Preferably the forward acute angle is
between 1 and 60°. More preferably the forward acute angle is between 5 and 25°.
In a further aspect, the first (and any subsequent) director blade presents multiple
forward acute angles to the path of relative motion. Such a first (or any subsequent)
director blade is typically articulated or curved.
It is also possible, but less preferred to use a first (and any subsequent) director
blade presenting a perpendicular or forward obtuse angle to the path of relative
motion.
Optionally, the first director blade has plural movements relative to the perforated
plate. The number of plural movements can be varied according to the flow
properties of the powder to help ensure that the powder has a uniform density,
resulting in more accurate dosing. Passing a director blade across the perforated
plate more than once may in some circumstances be more economical than having
multiple blades, although the time taken to fill the closed-off perforations may be
greater than when using multiple blades.
Suitably, a thin layer of powder is left on the perforated plate after movement of the
first director blade. Preferably the depth of said thin layer of powder is from 3 to 20
mm. More preferably the depth of said thin layer of powder is from 4 to 8 mm.
Suitably, the powder is directable by at least one subsequent director blade. Said at
least one subsequent director blade and the perforated plate move in rotary fashion
relative to each other. Preferably, the at least one subsequent director blade moves
along the perforated plate at a lower level than that of the first director blade. This
ensures that the at least one subsequent director blade can move through the thin
layer of powder left by the first director blade and not just along the surface of the
powder.
Suitably, the distance between the level of movement of the first director blade and
the at least one subsequent director blade is 0 to 12 mm. More preferably, the
distance between the level of movement of the first director blade and the at least
one subsequent director blade is 1 to 3 mm. A second subsequent director blade
would move along the perforated plate at a lower level to that of a first subsequent
director blade.
An additional aspect of the present invention comprises removing excess powder
from said perforated plate subsequent to directing powder into the perforation.
Preferably the excess powder is removed by the action of a wiper. It will be
appreciated that typically said wiper and the perforated plate are moving in a relative
rotary sense. The wiper is typically a blade composed of stainless steel and moves
in close proximity to the surface of the perforated plate to ensure that excess powder
is not transferred to the blind cavity.
Suitably, the contents of the perforation are transferable by the action of a transfer
pin. The pin is inserted into the perforation, transferring the powder through to the
container.
Suitably, the direction of powder into the closed-off perforation and transfer into the
blind cavity is a continuous step.
In one aspect, transfer of the contents of the perforation to the container comprises:
a) reopening the perforation;
b) placing the container in registration with the perforation; and
c) transferring the contents of the perforation into the container.
In another aspect, the contents of the perforation are transferable by the action of a
vacuum system. Preferably the vacuum comprises a vacuum head and at least one
vacuum cup.
An additional aspect of the present invention comprises compacting the powder in
the perforation.
Suitably, the powder is compacted to a volume of between 50 and 100%, for
example 70 to 90%, of the original volume of powder in the closed-off perforation.
Suitably, the powder is compactable by the action of a compacting pin. Suitably, the
transfer pin and the compacting pin are integral. More preferably the transfer pin
and the compacting pin are identical.
Suitably, the container is a blind cavity. Preferably, the blind cavity is selected from
the group consisting of a blister pocket, an injection moulded plastic pocket, a
capsule and a bulk container. A blister pocket or injection moulded plastic pocket
may form part of an elongate strip used in inhalation devices.
An additional aspect of the present invention comprises applying a lid to the
container to protect the contents therein. The lid may then be sealed to the
container.
In a particular aspect there is provided, a method of loading each of plural bliste
arranged in series on an elongate blister strip with a defined quantity of product whic
comprises:
a) closing off plural perforations in a perforated plate, said plural perforations being
arranged in series;
b) directing powder into said plural closed-off perforations by the sweeping action of
a first director blade spaced from said perforated plate; and
c) transferring the contents of each of the perforations to a corresponding blister of
said elongate blister strip,
characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director
blade.
Suitably, in the transferring step, each perforation of the perforated plate is serially
brought into registration with the corresponding blister of the blister strip. Preferably,
at the point of registration the perforated plate is rotating and the blister strip is
moving on a linear path.
Suitably, the perforated plate is in the form of a planar disk, particularly one that is
mountable for rotation about an axis. Suitably, the disk comprises plural perforations
set out in circular fashion at a defined radial separation from the rotational axis. In
one aspect, the disk comprises plural sets of perforations arranged in circular fashion
concentric to each other at defined radial separations from the rotational axis.
In one aspect, each blister of the elongate strip is serially brought into registration
with a corresponding perforation on the disk by relative movement of the blister strip
in relation to the circular series of perforations on the disk. Embodiments are
envisaged in which the disk moves and the strip is kept still or in which the disk is
kept still and the strip moves or preferably, in which both the disk and the strip are
moving (e.g. disk rotating and strip moving in linear fashion to bring about the
desired registration).
Suitably, the powder comprises a medicament. Preferably the medicament is
selected from the group consisting of albuterol, salmeterol, fluticasone propionate
and beclomethasone dipropionate and salts or solvates thereof and any mixtures
thereof. A preferred combination comprises salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone
propionate. Optionally, excipient such as lactose or another sugar may be present
together with the medicament.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus
for loading a container with a defined quantity of product, which comprises:
a) a perforated plate;
b) a closure for reversibly closing off a perforation in the perforated plate;
c) a director for directing powder into said closed-off perforation, said director
comprising a first director blade spaced from the perforated plate; and
d) a transferor for transferring the contents of the perforation to said container,
wherein the perforated plate and said first director blade are movable in a relative
rotary fashion.
In one aspect, the first director blade is held static and the perforated plate is movable
rotary fashion relative thereto.
In another aspect, the perforated plate is held static and the first director blade is moval
in rotary fashion relative thereto.
In a further aspect, both of the first director blade and the perforated plate are movable
rotary fashion. Different co-rotatory embodiments are envisaged, as describ
hereinbefore.
The perforated plate forms the basis for a powder reservoir and may have sidewalls
to form a (walled) container suitable for holding powder.
In one aspect, the perforated plate is in the form of a planar disk, particularly one that
is mountable for rotation about an axis. Suitably, the disk comprises plural
perforations set out in circular fashion at a defined radial separation from the
rotational axis. In one aspect, the disk comprises plural sets of perforations arranged
in circular fashion concentric to each other at defined radial separations from the
rotational axis. Circumferential powder-retaining walls may be provided to the disk.
In one aspect, the closure comprises a blanking plate.
In another aspect, the closure comprises a blanking pin inserted into the perforation.
Suitably the blanking pin is moveable within the perforation to adjust the volume of
the perforation.
In a further aspect, the closure comprises the container placed in registration with
the perforation.
Suitably, the diameter of the closed-off perforation is between 1.5 and 15mm. The
perforation may be a variety of shapes, such as square, circular, oval or rectangular.
Suitably, the first (and any subsequent) director blade presents a forward acute
angle to the path of relative motion. Preferably, the forward acute angle is between
1 and 60° such as between 5 and 25°.
Suitably, the first (and any subsequent) director blade presents multiple forward
acute angles to the linear sweeping path.
In one aspect, the first (and any subsequent) director blade is curved in form.
In another aspect, the first (and any subsequent) director blade is articulated in form.
Suitably, the first (and any subsequent) director blade has a flat tail section.
Suitably, the first director blade is positioned to leave a gap of between 3 and 20mm
between the first director blade and the perforated plate. More preferably the first
director blade is positioned to leave a gap of between 4 and 8mm between the first
director blade and the perforated plate.
Suitably, the director comprises at least one subsequent director blade. In use, the
perforated plate and said at least one subsequent director blade are characterized
by rotary relative action. Suitably, the at least one subsequent director blade is
positioned closer to the perforated plate than the first director blade. Preferably, the
at least one subsequent director blade is positioned 0 to 12mm closer to the
perforated plate than the first director blade. More preferably the at least one
subsequent director blade is positioned 1 to 3 mm closer to the perforated plate than
the first director blade. A second subsequent director blade would move along the
perforated plate at a lower level to that of a first subsequent director blade.
In one aspect, the transferor comprises a transferor pin.
In another aspect, the transferor comprises a vacuum system. Suitably the vacuum
system comprises a vacuum head and a series of vacuum cups.
An additional aspect of the present invention comprises a compactor for compacting
the powder in the perforation. Suitably, the compactor comprises a compactor pin.
Suitably, the transferor and compactor are integral. More preferably the transferor
and compactor are identical.
An additional aspect of the present invention comprises registration means for
registering the container (i.e. bringing it into registration) with the perforation.
An additional aspect of the present invention comprises a powder remover for
removing excess powder from the perforated plate subsequent to action of the
powder director. Suitably, the powder remover comprises a wiper. In use, the wiper
and the perforated plate are in rotary relative motion. The wiper is typically a blade
composed of stainless steel and moves in close proximity to the surface of the
perforated plate to ensure that excess powder is not transferred to the blind cavity.
Suitably, the container is a blind cavity. Preferably, the blind cavity is selected from
the group consisting of a blister pocket, an injection moulded plastic pocket, a
capsule and a bulk container. A blister pocket or injection moulded plastic pocket
may form part of an elongate strip used in inhalation devices.
An additional aspect of the present invention comprises a lid applier for applying a lid
to the container to protect the contents (e.g. powder) thereof.
In one aspect, the container comprises a blister pack in laminate form. Suitably, the
laminate comprises material selected from the group consisting of metal foil, organic
polymeric material and paper. Suitable metal foils include aluminium or tin foil having
a thickness of from 5 to 100µm, preferably from 10 to 50µm, such as 20 to 30µm.
Suitable organic polymeric materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl
chloride and polyethylene terephthalate.
Access to the medicament product comprised within the pockets of the elongate strip
form container is by any suitable access means including tearing, piercing or peeling
apart the relevant pockets.
One suitable blister pack form medicament container comprises a peelable blister
strip. Suitably, the peelable blister strip comprises a base sheet in which blisters are
formed to define pockets therein for containing distinct medicament dose portions
and a lid sheet which is hermetically sealed to the base sheet except in the region of
the blisters in such a manner that the lid sheet and the base sheet can be peeled
apart. The base and lid sheets are typically sealed to one another over their whole
width except for the forward end portions where they are typically not sealed to one
another at all. Thus, separate base and lid sheet forward end portions are presented
at the end of the strip. The respective base and lid sheets are peelably separable
from each other to (e.g. separately) release the contents of each pocket.
Suitably, the lid sheet comprises at least the following successive layers: (a) paper;
adhesively bonded to (b) polyester; adhesively bonded to (c) aluminium foil; that is
coated with a heat seal lacquer for bonding to the base sheet. The thickness of each
layer may be selected according to the desired properties but is typically of the order
of from 5 to 200 micron, particularly from 10 to 50 micron.
Suitably, the base sheet comprises at least the following successive layers: (a)
oriented polyamide (OPA); adhesively bonded to (b) aluminium foil; adhesively
bonded to (c) a third layer comprising a polymeric material (e.g. polyvinyl chloride).
Various known techniques can be employed to join the lid and base sheet and hence
to seal the blisters of the peelable blister strip. Such methods include adhesive
bonding, hot metal bonding, hot metal welding, radio frequency welding, laser
welding, ultrasonic welding and hot bar sealing. The lid sheet and base sheet of the
peelable blister strip are particularly sealable by 'cold form' sealing methods, which
are conducted at lower temperatures than conventional heat sealing methods. Such
'cold form' sealing methods are of particular utility where the medicament or
medicament formulation for containment within the blister is heat sensitive (e.g.
degrades or denatures on heating). Suitable 'cold form' sealing methods are
conducted at a temperature in the range of 150-250°C, more preferably, 210-240°C.
According to a particular aspect there is provided an apparatus for loading each of
plural blisters arranged in series on an elongate blister strip with a defined quantity of
product, which comprises:
a) a perforated plate having plural perforations therein, said plural perforations being
arranged in series;
b) a closure for reversibly closing off each of said plural perforations in the perforated
plate;
c) a director for directing powder into each of said closed-off perforations, said
director comprising a first director blade spaced from the perforated plate; and
d) a transferor for transferring the contents of each of the perforations to a
corresponding blister of said elongate blister strip,
wherein the perforated plate and said first director blade are movable in a relative
rotary fashion.
Suitably, the apparatus additionally comprises registration means to serially guide
each perforation of the perforated plate into registration with a corresponding blister
of the blister strip.
Suitably, the apparatus additionally comprises rotational means to rotate the
perforated plate and moving means to move the blister strip in linear fashion. At the
point of registration, the perforations of the plate are therefore rotating serially and
the blisters of the blister strip are moving serially in linear fashion. For good
registration, the linear velocities of the perforations and blisters must be matched.
Suitably, the apparatus further comprises powder. Preferably, the powder comprises
a medicament. Preferably, the medicament is selected from the group consisting of
albuterol, salmeterol, fluticasone propionate and beclomethasone dipropionate and
salts or solvates thereof and any mixtures thereof. A preferred combination
comprises salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate.
The invention also provides a container loaded with powder product obtainable by
the method as herein described.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
Figure 1a, 1b and 1c show the first stage in a filling method in accord with the
present invention;
Figure 2 shows the first stage in an alternative filling method in accord with the
present invention;
Figure 3 shows an optional subsequent compaction stage in the filling method of
Figures 1a, 1b, 1c and 2;
Figure 3A shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 3;
Figure 4 shows a subsequent transfer stage in the filling method of Figures 1a, 1b,
1c and 2;
Figure 4A shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 4;
Figure 5a shows rotary filling apparatus in accord with the present invention; and
Figure 5b shows a schematic (flattened out) side view of the rotary apparatus of
Figure 5a.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
Figures 1a, 1b and 1c show the first stages in a filling method herein. A rotationally
mounted (mounting not visible) perforated plate 10 in contact with a blanking plate
20 creates closed-off perforations 12a, 12b, which (not visible in side view) are in
rotary series (i.e. spaced radially from the axis of rotation of the perforated plate 10).
On the opposite side of the perforated plate 10 to the blanking plate 20 is a reservoir
of powder 30. The powder 30 comprises a suitable medicament formulation.
Situated above the powder reservoir are director blades 40, 42 and wiper blade 50.
The director blades may be seen to have following tail sections.
The director blades 40, 42 (i.e. first director blade 40, and subsequent director blade
42) are shown mounted at an angle of approximately 45° to the perforated plate 10.
It should however be appreciated that the director blades 40, 42 may be mounted at
any angle within a wide range, typically (but not exclusively) at an acute angle and
preferably between 1 and 60°, and may be varied according to the properties of the
powder to optimise powder direction. When the blades are angled at an acute angle
they exert a compressive force on the powder which produces a powder bed with a
more uniform density than using perpendicular blades. It should be appreciated that
curved or articulated blades may alternatively be used. The tail sections of the
director blades 40, 42 are not essential to their action although they may also be
angled and exert a further compressive force on the powder. The wiper blade 50 is
shown mounted at an angle of approximately 90° to the perforated plate 10, however
effective operation of the wiper 50 can be obtained within a wide range of angles.
The powder 30 is directed into the perforations 12a, 12b on rotation of the perforated
plate 10 by the action of static director blades 40,42 which thereby move through the
powder reservoir 30 on a sweeping rotary path, moving the powder 30 along the
rotating perforated plate 10. The first director blade 40 moves through the powder
reservoir 30 leaving a thin layer of excess powder 32 still in contact with the
perforated plate 10. The second director blade 42 moves relative to the perforated
plate 10 at a lower level than the first director blade 40, moving through the thin layer
of excess powder 32 and directing powder 30 into any spaces in the perforations
12a, 12b not filled by the action of the first director blade 40. Additional director
blades may follow the second director blade 42 if required. Alternatively, the director
blades 40,42 may be passed through the powder reservoir 30 more than once if the
powder has poor flow properties. A static wiper 50, typically a blade composed of
stainless steel, mounted in rotary series with the two director blades 40, 42 then
moves through the powder reservoir 30 in close proximity to the surface of the
rotating perforated plate 10, removing the excess powder 32 from the perforated
plate surface 10.
Figure 2 shows the first stage in an alternative filling method herein. Blanking pins
180a, 180b are inserted into a rotatable perforated plate 110 to create closed-off
perforations 112a, 112b. The blanking pins 180a, 180b and closed-off perforations
112a, 112b are each in corresponding rotary series. The volume of the closed-off
perforations 112a, 112b may be varied by varying the insertion depth of the blanking
pins 180a, 180b. On the opposite side of the perforated plate 110 to the blanking
pins 180a, 180b is a reservoir of powder 130. The powder 130 comprises a suitable
medicament formulation. The powder 130 is directed into the perforations 112a,
112b (as shown in Figures 1a and 1b) by the action of a director blade 140 which
moves across the powder reservoir 130 on a rotary path as the perforated plate 110
is rotated and moves the powder 130 along the perforated plate 110, leaving a thin
layer of excess powder 132 still in contact with the perforated plate 110. The director
blade shown illustrates a blade with a longer tail section than the blades shown in
Figures 1a, 1b and 1c and this tail section is shown angled at about 10° to the rotary
path. However it should be appreciated that any blade in accord with the present
invention may be used to fill the perforations closed off by the blanking pins. A wiper
150 follows the director blade 140 (as shown in Figure 1c) and moves radially along
the powder reservoir 130 in close proximity to the surface of the perforated plate
110, removing the excess powder 132 from the perforated plate surface 110.
Figure 3 shows an optional subsequent stage to Figures 1a, 1b 1c and Figure 2 in
which compaction pins 270a, 270b (mounted in rotary series) are inserted into the
closed-off perforations 212a, 212b (also in rotary series) to compact the powder 230
held within the perforation 212a, 212b. The figure shows a blanking plate 220 acting
to close off the perforations as in Figures 1a, 1b and 1c however it should be
appreciated that this stage is also applicable to the situation where blanking pins are
used to close off the perforations as in Figure 2, The blanking plate 220 may then be
removed from its position in contact with the perforated plate 210 or the blanking
pins removed from the closed-off perforations 212a, 212b. The powder 230 generally
has poor flow properties and therefore remains in the perforations 212a, 212b.
Figure 3A shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 3 in which the compaction
pins 270a, 270b (only two labelled for clarity) have piston drive mechanisms, which
enable the pins 270a, 270b to be sequentially lowered in a cascade pattern (e.g.
sinusoidal pattern) as the perforations 212a, 212b are rotated past. Dotted line A-B
shows a snapshot of the cascade pattern wherein the pins cascade in the direction
from A to B, such that at point A the pin is moving down to the plate 210 and at point
B it is moving away from the plate 210.
Figure 4 shows a further stage to Figures 1a, 1b, 1c, 2 and 3 in which a blister strip
360 is moved so that it is positioned with blister pockets 362a, 362b into registration
with the perforations 312a, 312b, which are in rotary series. It will be appreciated that
for a linear blister strip 360 (i.e. having multiple pockets 362a, 362b in linear series)
the registration with the perforations 312a, 312b in rotary series may not be exact at
all points, but that for a rotary series of sufficient radial characteristic approximate
registration is achievable for a certain number (e.g. three or five) of pockets (e.g. see
description of Stage C of Figure 8). The solid sections 314a, 314b of the perforated
plate 310 mask the surface surrounding the pockets 364. The radially mounted
transfer pins 370a, 370b are inserted through the perforated plate 310 and the
powder 330 is transferred to the blister pockets 362a, 362b. The filled blister strip
360 is then lowered and the pins 370a, 370b raised. The blanking plate 320 is
relocated against the underside of the perforated plate 310, creating closed-off
perforations 312a, 312b, which are filled with powder 330 in the next cycle.
It should be appreciated that the powder can also be transferred to other types of
container, for example an injection moulded container, a capsule or other form of
blind cavity.
The blister strip 360 of Figure 4 may be sealed by applying a lid sheet and providing
sealing means so that the powder is contained in a medicament container defined by
the pocket and elongate strip. Suitable methods of sealing the medicament carrier
include the use of adhesives, staples or stamps and welding methods selected from
hot metal welding, radio frequency welding and ultrasonic welding. Such sealing
techniques may be used to form a suitable seal around the periphery of the
medicament pocket which is capable of being peeled away by the patient or by a
suitable trigger release mechanism in a controlled manner when in use.
Figure 4A shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 4 in which the transfer pins
370a, 370b (only two labelled for clarity) have piston drive mechanisms, which
enable the pins 370a, 370b to be sequentially lowered in a cascade pattern (e.g.
sinusoidal pattern) as the perforations 312a, 312b are rotated past. Dotted line A-B
shows a snapshot of the cascade pattern, wherein as in Figure 3A the pins move in
cascade fashion in the direction A to B.
Figure 5a shows in top-view an apparatus suitable for use in the filling method
herein. Figure 5b shows the apparatus of Figure 5a in a schematic, flattened out
view (i.e. the view along the circumference of the apparatus, as if flattened out). The
apparatus comprises a circular stainless steel plate (disk) 710 mounted for rotation
about axis 711. The plate 710 is provided with three angularly spaced sets (only one
labelled for clarity) of dual radial series 712a, 712b of sixty perforations arranged
concentrically at a position spaced from the perimeter of the plate 710. A reservoir of
powder 730 is provided to the plate 710 and guided by guide blades 732, 750 to
adapt a particular configuration on the plate 710 dependent on the stage in the
rotational cycle thereof.
The operation of the apparatus involves three distinct stages labelled A, B and C in
both of Figures 5a and 5b and illustrated in more detail in the corresponding cutaway
drawings of Figure 5a. It will be appreciated that the three stages are sequential
(direction of rotation indicated on both Figures) and dependent on the experienced
stage in the rotational cycle of the plate 710.
At Stage A, the filling stage, blanking pins 720a are brought upwards to close off the
bottom of each perforation 712a of the plate (one closed-off perforation 712a shown
in cutaway). Powder 730 is guided towards the closed off perforations 712a, 712b by
the action of guide blade 732. Subsequent director blades 740, 742 then direct the
powder firmly into the closed off perforations 712a, 712b. It may be seen on Figure
5b that the director blades 740, 742 each present a forward acute angle to the
powder bed 730. Excess powder 730 is removed from the surface of the plate 710
adjacent to the filled closed off perforations 712a, 712b by the wiping action of wiping
guide blade 750. It may be appreciated that Stage A of Figures 5a and 5b
corresponds in essential function to the filling step of Figure 2 and that the filling step
of Figures 1a, 1b and 1c may be used in alternative embodiments.
At Stage B, the compaction stage, the blanking pins 720a at the bottom of each
perforation 712a of the plate (one closed-off perforation 712a shown in cutaway on
Figure 5a) remain in place. Compaction pins 770a are now introduced into the top of
each closed-off perforation 712a to compact the powder therein. The degree (e.g.
force) of compaction will depend on whether the ultimate product is intended to be a
free-flowing powder, or alternatively a more dense powder. It may be appreciated
that Stage B of Figures 5a and 5b is analogous to the compaction steps of Figures 3
and 3A, which detailed features may be used in alternative embodiments herein.
At Stage C, the transfer stage, the blanking pins 720a are first withdrawn to expose
the bottom of each perforation 712a of the plate 710 (one perforation 712a shown in
cutaway on Figure 5a). The dual series of sixty blisters 762a, 762b of blister strip 760
are then sequentially brought into registration with the exposed bottom of the
corresponding series of filled perforations 712a, 712b. It will be appreciated that this
is achieved by moving the blister strip 760 on a linear path as shown. The
compacted powder in the closed off perforations 712a, 712b is then transferred into
the blisters 762a, 762b of the blister strip 760 by the action of transfer pin 770a,
which is inserted deep into the perforation 712a. It may be appreciated that Stage C
of Figures 5a and 5b is analogous to the compaction steps of Figures 4 and 4A,
which detailed features may be used in alternative embodiments herein.
It may also be appreciated that because the linear velocity of the two radial series of
perforations 712a, 712b will differ slightly (although they share the same angular
velocity) care is needed at Stage C in achieving a suitable registration with the
corresponding series of blisters 762a, 762b, which of course, share the same linear
velocity. Variations are envisaged in which the perforations 712a, 712b of the two
radial series are slightly offset from each other to part compensate for this factor.
Other variations are envisaged in which the relative size of the perforations 712a,
712b to the blisters 762a, 762b is selected in order to ensure an acceptable degree
of registration (i.e. that which is sufficient to ensure effect transfer of compacted
powder).
Post-filling, the blister strip 760 of Figures 5a and 5b is sealed by applying a lid sheet
and providing sealing means so that the powder is contained within the strip 760.
Suitable methods of sealing have been described hereinbefore.
The co-ordinated, cascade flowing movement of the blanking pins 720a and
compaction pins 770a through the rotary cycle (i.e. through Stages A to C) may be
appreciated by reference to Figure 5b.
It may be appreciated that any of the parts of the filling apparatus or container that
contact the powdered medicament may be coated with materials such as
fluoropolymer materials (e.g. PTFE or FEP) which reduce the tendency of
medicament to adhere thereto. Any movable parts may also have coatings applied
thereto which enhance their desired movement characteristics. Frictional coatings
may therefore be applied to enhance frictional contact and lubricants (e.g. silicone oil)
used to reduce frictional contact as necessary.
The invention is suitable for filling blister packs, or other suitable containers, with
powdered medicament, particularly for the treatment of respiratory disorders such as
asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis and chest
infections.
Appropriate medicaments may thus be selected from, for example, analgesics, e.g.,
codeine, dihydromorphine, ergotamine, fentanyl or morphine; anginal preparations,
e.g., diltiazem; antiallergics, e.g., cromoglycate (e.g. as the sodium salt), ketotifen or
nedocromil (e.g. as the sodium salt); antiinfectives e.g., cephalosporins, penicillins,
streptomycin, sulphonamides, tetracyclines and pentamidine; antihistamines, e.g.,
methapyrilene; anti- inflammatories, e.g., beclomethasone (e.g. as the dipropionate
ester), fluticasone (e.g. as the propionate ester), flunisolide, budesonide, rofleponide,
mometasone e.g. as the furoate ester), ciclesonide, triamcinolone (e.g. as the
acetonide) or 6a, 9a-difluoro-11ß-hydroxy-16a-methyl-3-oxo-17a-propionyloxy-
androsta-1,4-diene-17ß-carbothioic acid S-(2-oxo-tetrahydro-furan-3-yl) ester;
antitussives, e.g., noscapine; bronchodilators, e.g., albuterol (e.g. as free base or
sulphate), salmeterol (e.g. as xinafoate), ephedrine, adrenaline, fenoterol (e.g. as
hydrobromide), formoterol (e.g. as fumarate), isoprenaline, metaproterenol,
phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pirbuterol (e.g. as acetate), reproterol (e.g. as
hydrochloride), rimiterol, terbutaline (e.g. as sulphate), isoetharine, tulobuterol or 4-
hydroxy-7-[2-[[2-[[3-(2-phenylethoxy)propyl]sulfonyl]ethyl]amino]ethyl-2(3H)-
benzothiazolone; adenosine 2a agonists, e.g. 2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-[6-Amino-2-(1S-
hydroxymethyl-2-phenyl-ethylamino)-purin-9-yl]-5-(2-ethyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-
tetrahydro-furan-3,4-diol (e.g. as maleate); a4 integrin inhibitors e.g. (2S)-3-[4-({[4-
(aminocarbonyl)-1-piperidinyl]carbonyl}oxy)phenyl]-2-[((2S)-4-methyl-2-{[2-(2-
methylphenoxy) acetyl]amino}pentanoyl)amino] propanoic acid (e.g. as free acid or
potassium salt), diuretics, e.g., amiloride; anticholinergics, e.g., ipratropium (e.g. as
bromide), tiotropium, atropine or oxitropium; hormones, e.g., cortisone,
hydrocortisone or prednisolone; xanthines, e.g., aminophylline, choline
theophyllinate, lysine theophyllinate or theophylline; therapeutic proteins and
peptides, e.g., insulin or glucagon; vaccines, diagnostics, and gene therapies. It will
be clear to a person skilled in the art that, where appropriate, the medicaments may
be used in the form of salts, (e.g., as alkali metal or amine salts or as acid addition
salts) or as esters (e.g., lower alkyl esters) or as solvates (e.g., hydrates) to optimise
the activity and/or stability of the medicament.
Preferred medicaments are selected from albuterol, salmeterol, fluticasone
propionate and beclomethasone dipropionate and salts or solvates thereof, e.g., the
sulphate of albuterol and the xinafoate of salmeterol.
Preferred components of combinations of active ingredients contain a bronchodilator
in combination with an anti-inflammatory. The bronchodiiator is suitably a beta-
agonist, particularly a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). Suitable bronchodilators
include salbutamol (e.g., as the free base or the sulphate salt), salmeterol (e.g., as
the xinafoate salt) and formoterol (eg as the fumarate salt). The anti-inflammatory is
suitably an anti-inflammatory steroid. Suitably anti-inflammatory compounds include
a beclomethasone ester (e.g., the dipropionate), a fluticasone ester (e.g., the
propionate) or budesonide or any salt or solvate thereof. One preferred combination
of components comprises fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, or any salt or
solvate thereof (particularly the xinafoate salt). A further combination of components
of particular interest is budesonide and formoterol or any salt or solvate thereof (e.g.
formoterol as the fumarate salt).
Generally, powdered medicament particles suitable for delivery to the bronchial or
alveolar region of the lung have an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10
micrometers, preferably less than 6 micrometers. Other sized particles may be used
if delivery to other portions of the respiratory tract is desired, such as the nasal
cavity, mouth or throat. The medicament may be delivered as pure drug, but more
appropriately, it is preferred that medicaments are delivered together with excipients
(carriers) which are suitable for inhalation. Suitable excipients include organic
excipients such as polysaccharides (i.e. starch, cellulose and the like), lactose,
glucose, mannitol, amino acids, and maltodextrins, and inorganic excipients such as
calcium carbonate or sodium chloride. Lactose is a preferred excipient.
Particles of the powdered medicament and/or excipient may be produced by
conventional techniques, for example by micronisation, milling or sieving.
Additionally, medicament and/or excipient powders may be engineered with
particular densities, size ranges, or characteristics. Particles may comprise active
agents, surfactants, wall forming materials, or omer components considered
desirable by those of ordinary skill.
The excipient may be included with the medicament via well-known methods, such
as by admixing, co-precipitating and the like. Blends of excipients and drugs are
typically formulated to allow the precise metering and dispersion of the blend into
doses. A standard blend, for example, contains 13000 micrograms lactose mixed
with 50 micrograms drug, yielding an excipient to drug ratio of 260:1. Dosage blends
with excipient to drug ratios of from 100:1 to 1:1 may be used. At very low ratios of
excipient to drug, however, the drug dose reproducibility may become more variable.
It will be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only
and the invention extends to modifications, variations and improvements thereto.
The application of which this description and claims form part may be used as a
basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such
subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features
described therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims or may
include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following
claims:
CLAIMS
1. A method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product which comprist
a) closing off a perforation in a perforated plate;
b) directing powder into said closed-off perforation by the sweeping action of a first
director blade spaced from said perforated plate; and
c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container,
characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director blade
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first director blade is held static and t
perforated plate moves in rotary fashion relative thereto.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the perforated plate is held static and tl
first director blade moves in rotary fashion relative thereto.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein both of the first director blade and tr
perforated plate both move in rotary fashion.
5. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the perforated plate is in
the form of a planar disk having plural perforations arranged in circular fashion
thereon.
6. A method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closing off is
achievable by the use of a blanking plate.
7. A method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closing off is
achievable by the use of a blanking pin inserted into the perforation.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the blanking pin is moveable within
the perforation to adjust the volume of the closed-off perforation.
9. A method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closing off is
achievable by placing a container in registration with the perforation.
10. A method according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first director bla
presents a forward acute angle to the path of relative motion.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein said forward acute angle is between
1 and 60°.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the forward acute angle is between
5 and 25°.
13. A method according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first director blade
presents multiple forward acute angles to the path of relative motion.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the first director blade is curved in
form.
15. A method according to claim 13, wherein the first director blade is articulated
in form.
16. A method according to any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the first director blade
has a flat tail section.
17. A method according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein a thin layer of powder is
left on the perforated plate after movement of the first director blade.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the depth of said thin layer of
powder is from 3 to 20 mm.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the depth of said thin layer of
powder is from 4 to 8 mm.
20. A method according to any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the powder is further
directable by at least one subsequent director blade.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the at least one subsequent director
blade moves along the perforated plate at a lower level than that of the first director
blade.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the distance between the level of
movement of the first director blade and the at least one subsequent director blade is
0 to 12 mm.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the distance between the level of
movement of the first director blade and the at least one subsequent director blade is
1 to 3 mm.
24. A method according to either any of claims 1 to 23, additionally comprising
removing excess powder from said perforated plate subsequent to directing powder
into the perforation.
25. A method according to claim 24, comprising removing said excess powder by
the action of a wiper.
26. A method according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the contents of the
perforation are transferable by the action of a transfer pin.
27. A method according to any of claims 1 to 26, wherein directing powder into
the closed-off perforation and transfer into the container is a continuous step.
28. A method according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein transfer of the contents
of the perforation to the container comprises:
a) reopening the perforation;
b) placing the container in registration with the perforation; and
c) transferring the contents of the perforation into the container.
29. A method according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the contents of the
perforation are transferable by the action of a vacuum system.
30. A method according to claim 29, wherein said vacuum system comprises a
vacuum head and at least one vacuum cup.
31. A method according to any of claims 1 to 30, additionally comprising
compacting the powder in the perforation.
32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the powder is compacted to a
volume of between 50 and 100% of the original volume of powder in the closed-off
perforation.
33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the powder is compacted to a
volume of between 70 and 90% of the original volume of powder in the closed-off
perforation.
34. . A method according to any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the powder is
compactable by the action of a compacting pin.
35. A method according to either of claims 26 or 34, wherein the transfer pin and
the compacting pin are integral.
36. A method according to either of claims 26 or 34, wherein the transfer pin and
the compacting pin are identical.
37. A method according to any of claims 1 to 36, wherein the container is a blind
cavity.
38. A method according to claim 37, wherein the blind cavity is selected from the
group consisting of a blister pocket, an injection moulded plastic pocket, a capsule
and a bulk container.
39. A method according to any of claims 1 to 38, additionally comprising applying
a lid to the container to protect the contents therein.
40. A method of loading each of plural blisters arranged in series on an elongate blis
strip with a defined quantity of product, which comprises:
a) closing off plural perforations in a perforated plate, said plural perforations being
arranged in series;
b) directing powder into said plural closed-off perforations by the sweeping action of
a first director blade spaced from said perforated plate; and
c) transferring the contents of each of the perforations to a corresponding blister of
said elongate blister strip,
characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director
blade.
41. A method according to claim 41, wherein in step c) each perforation of the
perforated plate is serially brought into registration with the corresponding blister of
the blister strip.
42. A method according to claim 41, wherein at registration the perforated plate is
rotating and the blister strip is moving on a linear path.
43. A method according to any of claims 1 to 42, wherein the powder comprises a
medicament.
44. A method according to claim 43, wherein the medicament is selected from the
group consisting of albuterol, salmeterol, fluticasone propionate and beclomethasone
dipropionate and salts or solvates thereof and any mixtures thereof.
45. An apparatus for loading a container with a defined quantity of product, which
comprises:
a) a perforated plate;
b) a closure for reversibly closing off a perforation in the perforated plate;
c) a director for directing powder into said closed-off perforation, said director
comprising a first director blade spaced from the perforated plate; and
d) a transferor for transferring the contents of the perforation to said container,
wherein the perforated plate and said first director blade are movable in a relative
rotary fashion.
46. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the first director blade is held state
and the perforated plate is movable in rotary fashion relative thereto.
47. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the perforated plate is held static a
the first director blade is movable in rotary fashion relative thereto.
48. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein both of the first director blade and t
perforated plate are movable in rotary fashion.
49. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 48, wherein the perforated plate is
the form of a planar disk having plural perforations arranged in circular fashion thereon.
50. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 49, wherein the closure
comprises a blanking plate.
51. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 50, wherein the closure
comprises a blanking pin inserted into the perforation.
52. An apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the blanking pin is moveable
within the perforation to adjust the volume of the perforation.
53. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 52, wherein the closure
comprises the container placed in registration with the perforation.
54. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 53, wherein the first director
blade presents a forward acute angle to the path of relative motion.
55. An apparatus according to claim 54, wherein the forward acute angle is
between 1 and 60°.
56. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the forward acute angle is
between 5 and 25°.
57. An apparatus according to any of claims 54 to 56, wherein the first director
blade presents multiple forward acute angles to the path of relative motion.
58. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the first director blade is curved
in form.
59. An apparatus according to claim 58, wherein the first director blade is
articulated in form.
60. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 59, wherein the first director
blade has a flat tail section.
61. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 60, wherein the first director
blade is positioned to leave a gap of between 3 and 20mm between the first director
blade and the perforated plate.
62. An apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the first director blade is
positioned to leave a gap of between 4 and 8 mm between the first director blade
and the perforated plate.
63. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 62, wherein the director further
comprises at least one subsequent director blade.
64. An apparatus according to claim 63, wherein the at least one subsequent
director blade is positioned closer to the perforated plate than the first director blade.
65. An apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the at least one subsequent
director blade is positioned 0 to 12 mm closer to the perforated plate than the first
director blade.
66. An apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the at least one subsequent
director blade is positioned 1 to 3 mm closer to the perforated plate than the first
director blade.
67. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 66, wherein the transferor
comprises a transferor pin.
68. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 66, wherein the transferor
comprises a vacuum system.
69. An apparatus according to claim 68, wherein the vacuum system comprises a
vacuum head and at least one vacuum cup.
70. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 69, additionally comprising a
compactor for compacting the powder in the perforation.
71. An apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the compactor comprises a
compactor pin.
72. An apparatus according to either of claims 70 or 71, wherein the transferor
and compactor are integral.
73. An apparatus according to either of claims 70 or 71, wherein the transferor
and compactor are identical.
74. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 73, additionally comprising
registration means for registering the container with the perforation.
75. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 74, additionally comprising a
powder remover for removing excess powder from the perforated plate subsequent
to action of the powder director.
76. An apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the powder remover comprises a
wiper.
77. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 76, wherein the container is a
blind cavity.
78. An apparatus according to claim 77, wherein the blind cavity is selected from
the group consisting of a blister pocket, an injection moulded plastic pocket, a
capsule and a bulk container.
79. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 78, additionally comprising a lid
applier for applying a lid to the container to protect the contents thereof.
80. An apparatus for loading each of plural blisters arranged in series on an
elongate blister strip with a defined quantity of product, which comprises:
a) a perforated plate having plural perforations therein, said plural perforations being
arranged in series;
b) a closure for reversibly closing off each of said plural perforations in the perforated
plate;
c) a director for directing powder into each of said closed-off perforations, said
director comprising a first director blade spaced from the perforated plate; and
d) a transferor for transferring the contents of each of the perforations to a
corresponding blister of said elongate blister strip,
wherein the perforated plate and said first director blade are movable in a relative
rotary fashion.
81. An apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the perforated plate is in the
form of a planar disk having plural perforations arranged in circular fashion thereon.
82. An apparatus according to either of claims 80 or 81, additionally comprising
registration means to serially bring each perforation of the perforated plate into
registration with a corresponding blister of the blister strip.
83. An apparatus according to claim 82, additionally comprising rotational means
to rotate the perforated plate and moving means to move the blister strip in linear
fashion.
84. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 83, further comprising powder.
85. An apparatus according to claim 84, wherein the powder comprises a
medicament.
86. An apparatus according to claim 85, wherein the medicament is selected from
the group consisting of albuterol, salmeterol, fluticasone propionate and
beclomethasone dipropionate and salts or solvates thereof and any mixtures thereof.
87. A container loaded with a powder product obtainable by the method according
to any of claims 1 to 44.

There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product (30). The method comprises
closing off a perforation (12a, 12b) in a perforated plate (10); directing powder (30) into said closed-off perforation by the sweeping
action of a first director blade (40) spaced from said perforated plate; and transferring the contents of the perforation to said container.
The method is characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate (10) and said first director blade (40). Suitable apparatus
is also provided.

Documents:

1350-KOLNP-2004-(26-09-2011)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-(26-09-2011)-FORM 1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-(26-09-2011)-OTHERS.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-ABSTRACT-1.1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-ABSTRACT-1.2.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-abstract.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-AMANDED CLAIMS-1.1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-AMANDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-ASSIGNMENT.1.3.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-assignment.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-claims.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-CORRESPONDENCE.1.3.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-correspondence.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE)-1.1.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-description (complete).pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-DRAWINGS-1.1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-DRAWINGS-1.2.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-drawings.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-EXAMINATION REPORT.1.3.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-form 1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM 13.1.3.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM 13.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM 18.1.3.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-form 18.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM 2-1.1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM 2.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM 3-1.1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM 3.1.3.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-form 3.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM 5.1.3.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-form 5.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-FORM-27.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-GPA.1.3.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-gpa.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-LETTER PATENT.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-international preliminary examination report.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-international publication.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-international search report.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-others pct form.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-OTHERS-1.1.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-OTHERS.1.3.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-pct priority document notification.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-pct request form.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-PETITION UNDER RULR 137.pdf

1350-KOLNP-2004-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.1.3.pdf

1350-kolnp-2004-specification.pdf


Patent Number 248833
Indian Patent Application Number 1350/KOLNP/2004
PG Journal Number 35/2011
Publication Date 02-Sep-2011
Grant Date 29-Aug-2011
Date of Filing 13-Sep-2004
Name of Patentee GLAXO GROUP LIMITED
Applicant Address GLAXO WELLCOME HOUSE, BERKELEY AVENUE, GREENFORD, MIDDLESEX, UB6 0NN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 SCHERZER RAYMOND HERBERT GLAXOSMITHKLINE, FIVE MOORE DRIVE, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, DURHAM, NC 27709
2 SELF ROGER DON GLAXOSMITHKLINE, PRIORY STREET, WARE HERTFORDSHIRE SG12 0DJ
3 BAILEY THOMAS WILLIAM MOLINS INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, 13 WESTWOOD BUSINESS PARK, COVENTRY, WEST MIDLANDS CV4 8HS
4 BAKER JEREMY KEITH MOLINS INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, 13 WESTWOOD BUSINESS PARK, COVENTRY, WEST MIDLANDS CV4 8HS
PCT International Classification Number B65B 1/36
PCT International Application Number PCT/GB2003/01447
PCT International Filing date 2003-03-04
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 0207769.1 2002-04-04 U.K.