Powder transport system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for dispensing a highly static dry powder with accuracy and consistency. The method for dispensing a highly static dry powder includes inserting the dry powder into a hopper, inserting ionized air into the hopper, the ionized air reducing electrostatic radiation emanating from the dry powder in the hopper, and dispensing the dry powder from the hopper into a filling chamber. A powder dispensing system used for high throughput dispensing with dry powders highly affected by static electricity during dispensing is also disclosed.

Description

TITLE

[0001] Powder Transport SystemCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 624,764 filed January 24, 2024, entitled “Powder Transport System”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a powder dispensing system for feeding and dispensing powders. The powder dispensing device may dispense controlled quantities of powder into cartridges or other containers for pharmaceutical use. In particular, the powder dispensing device may dispense controlled quantities of powders into cartridges or other containers for pharmaceutical use, which powders generate high static electricity during processing. The powders herein can contain a drug, but the disclosure is not limited in this respect.BACKGROUND

[0004] Powders are used in a variety of applications, including medical applications. In one example, dry powders are used to deliver certain types of drugs to patients by inhalation of a powder as a delivery mechanism using inhalers. One particular example of powders uses diketopiperazine microparticles known as TECHNOSPHERE® microparticles. The TECHNOSPHERE® microparticles have a platelet surface structure and can be loaded with a drug by various methods. Commercial use of these microparticles, for example, are in two FDA-approved products for pulmonary drug delivery in the United States, one for the delivery of insulin, Afrezza® (insulin human), and Treprostinil (Tyvaso DPI®) as dry powders for inhalation. An inhaler having a replaceable cartridge or capsule containing the drug powder is used for drug delivery.

[0005] In commercialization of drug delivery for inhalation, a large number of cartridges containing a drug must be produced in an efficient and economical manner. An accurate dose of powder must be delivered to each cartridge or capsule, and the drug dose in each cartridge must be verified. Manufacturing techniques and equipment should be capable of high throughput to meet demand and should be capable of handling powders which are cohesive and thus do notflow freely. In particular, the cartridges must be filled with precisely controlled quantities of the powder. While TECHNOSPHERE® microparticles are highly effective for drug delivery by inhalation, the resultant powders after processing are very cohesive and somewhat difficult to handle.

[0006] One prior art cartridge filling system includes a feed chamber which delivers powder to a dosing wheel. The dosing wheel, in turn, dispenses controlled quantities of powder into cartridges. The prior art system utilizes vibration and a large paddle wheel to facilitate the flow of powder from a hopper through the feed chamber to the dosing wheel. While the prior art system is generally functional, the energy imparted to the TECHNOSPHERE® microparticles causes the powder to compress and performance to be highly variable. The performance of the prior art system depends, at least in part, on the cohesiveness of the powder being handled, which may range from highly cohesive to free flowing.

[0007] Accordingly, to reduce variability of the content of powder being dispensed for pharmaceutical use, there is a need for improved powder feeding methods and apparatus.SUMMARY

[0008] In one embodiment, there is a method of dispensing a dry powder that includes inserting the dry powder into a hopper, inserting ionized air into the hopper, the ionized air reducing electrostatic radiation emanating from the dry powder in the hopper, and dispensing the dry powder from the hopper into a filling chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments, a distal end of the hopper is in fluid communication with the filling chamber for transporting the dry powder and in fluid communication with ambient air for venting at least some of the ionized air from a bottom of the hopper. In some embodiments, the ionized air is inserted into the hopper via at least one ionization device connected to a tube extending into a side of the hopper. In some embodiments, the ionized air is inserted into the hopper via two ionization devices extending through opposing sides of the hopper. In some embodiments, there is a gap between the hopper and the filling chamber that is in fluid communication with the ambient air.

[0010] In some embodiments, the powder dispensing system further includes a gate which communicates with the filling chamber. In some embodiments, the filling chamber includes a stirring bar configured to spread the powder being dispensed onto an outer surface of a drum having predetermined sized cavities.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one ionization device is activated to a flow rate of about 3.5 LPM to about 4 LPM during powder dispensing. In some embodiments, the powder dispensing system is provided with a vacuum source having at least one gate in communication with a powder dispensing area positioned along an acute angle along a wall of the powder dispensing vessel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the dry powder being processed through the hopper comprises 3,6-bis(N-fumaryl-4-aminobutyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, or fumaryl diketopiperazine and a therapeutically effective dose of Treprostinil, an analog thereof or an ester thereof. In some embodiments, the excess dry powder that does not end up in the filling chamber is contained within an open chamber having a side wall.

[0013] In another embodiments, there is a method of dispensing a dry powder that includes inserting the dry powder into a hopper, inserting ionized air into the hopper, the ionized air reducing electrostatic radiation emanating from the dry powder in the hopper, and dispensing the dry powder from the hopper into a filling chamber. In some embodiments, the ionized air is inserted into the hopper via at least one ionization device connected to a tube extending into a side of the hopper. In some embodiments, a distal end of the hopper is in fluid communication with the filling chamber for transporting the dry powder and in fluid communication with ambient air for venting at least some of the ionized air from a bottom of the hopper.

[0014] In another embodiments, there is a dry powder dispensing system that includes a hopper, an ionization device coupled to the hopper and configured to reduce electrostatic radiation emanating from a dry powder being dispensed in the hopper, and a vent located at the distal end of the hopper. In some embodiments, the ionization device inserts ionized air into the hopper via at least one tube extending into a side of the hopper. In some embodiments, the ionization device is a first ionization device and further comprising a second ionization device opposite the first ionization device. In some embodiments, the first ionization device and the second ionization device each include a nozzle attachment. In some embodiments, the nozzle attachment includes a plurality of apertures for directing the ionized air. In some embodiments, a middle aperture on the nozzle attachment on each of the first and second ionization devices is omitted.

[0015] In some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system further includes a filling chamber. In some embodiments, the vent is in fluid communication with the filling chamber for transporting the dry powder and in fluid communication with ambient air for venting at least some of the ionized air from a bottom of the hopper. In some embodiments, there is a gap between the hopper and the filling chamber that is in fluid communication with the ambient air.

[0016] In some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system includes a gate which communicates with the filling chamber, the filling chamber comprising a stirring bar configured to spread the powder being dispensed onto an outer surface of a drum having predetermined sized cavities. In some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system includes a vacuum source having at least one gate in communication with a powder dispensing area positioned along an acute angle along a wall of the powder dispensing vessel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following detailed description of embodiments of the powder transport system will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0018] In the drawings:

[0019] Fig. l is a cross-sectional view of a powder dispensing system, showing an ionizer attached to an exemplary hopper system and drum embodiment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of two ionizers attached to a hopper of Fig. 1.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a top view of the hopper of Fig. 1.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hopper of Fig. 1 showing the ionizers inserting ionized air into the hopper.

[0023] Fig. 5 A is a perspective view of the ionizer of Fig. 1 with a nozzle attachment.

[0024] Fig. 5B is a side view of the ionizer of Fig. 5 A.

[0025] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor of the powder dispensing system of Fig. 1.

[0026] Fig. 7 is a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of the powder dispensing system of Fig. 1 showing a gate and a stir bar upstream of the drum embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 8 is a perspective exterior view of the powder dispensing system of Fig. 1.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a zoomed-in view of the powder dispensing system of Fig. 1 showing a gap formed between the hopper and a powder chamber when a gasket is removed from the hopper.

[0029] Fig. 10 is a zoomed-in view of the powder dispensing system of Fig. 9 showing the gap.

[0030] Figs. 11 A and 1 IB are graphical data representations of dry powders dispensed using various sensor detection methods under various conditions of their mass detected through a sensor system and also gravimetrically measured with and without ionization.

[0031] Figs. 12A and 12B are graphical data representations of dry powders dispensed using various sensor detection methods under various conditions of their mass detected through a sensor system and also gravimetrically measured with ionization and gate system shut down on one side of the hopper.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure provides a system and method for fdling cartridges with a dry powder formulation.

[0033] Dry powder formulations are typically difficult to deal with during the filling process. Dry powders typically present flow property challenges because they have an inherent ability to stick to themselves and are unable to flow freely. Sometimes, a processing aid (e.g., a phospholipid, surfactants, etc.) is added to the dry powder formulation to mitigate the flow challenges during the filling process, but this may add complications to the dry powder formulation, especially with pharmaceutical dry powder formulations.

[0034] Referring to Figs. 1-10, there is provided a dry powder dispensing system, generally designated 100, comprising a funnel-like shaped structure or hopper 102 which has been modified to dispense a dry powder at high speeds for high-yield throughput of cartridges or capsules containing, for example, doses of drug products for pharmaceutical use. The hopper 102 is coupled with a drum dispensing system 108 for the accurate filling of cartridges with a predetermined amount of a pharmaceutical dose for treatment of a subject.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the dry powder dispensing system 100 was designed for dry powders that are difficult to consistently dispense due to the fact that the powders generate high electrostatic forces during processing, which interferes with obtaining accurate amounts of powder in all cartridges filled. In some embodiments, the dry powder is a neat powder formulation such that it includes only an active ingredient and an excipient, and does not include any processing aids that may help dissipate a static charge. Processing aids may be substances that improve the quality and processibility of the dry powder by dissipating a static charge. For example, processing aids may be surfactants, phospholipids, polysorbate, amino acids, or any other suitable compound. The dry powder may not easily flow through the powder hopper 102 and into the fill drum 108 due to the absence of processing aids. The dry powder dispensing system 100 may overcome the static electricity produced in the process by providingthe dry powder delivery system with an ionization device or ionizer that reduces the electrostatic forces generated during the dispensing process.

[0036] Referring to Fig. 1, in some embodiments the dry powder dispensing system 100 comprises the powder hopper 102, a top open area for receiving a powder through a sieve 104, a port 106 for dispensing a powder into an area in communication with a drum 108, a shaker mechanism110 for shaking the sieve 104 , an ionization device 112 to reduce electrostatic radiation emanating from a powder being dispensed in the hopper 102, a gasket 114, and one or more sensors 124 to detect powder being dispensed, to control a rate of powder dispensation, and to activate the shaker mechanism 110.

[0037] In some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system 100 includes a plurality of ionization devices 112 coupled to an inside surface of the powder hopper 102. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system 100 includes two ionization devices 112 coupled to the inside surface of the powder hopper 102 and positioned such that they are facing each other on opposite sides of the powder hopper 102. In some embodiments, the ionization devices 112 are coupled to the hopper 102 by an arm 113. The ionization devices 112 may be coupled to the arm 113 by a bracket 115. In some embodiments, the ionization devices 112 include a port 117 which attaches to a tube to receive ionized air. In some embodiments, the hopper 102 is vibrated and includes one or more shock absorbers 119 to prevent contact between the hopper 102 and the arm 113 while the hopper 102 is vibrating.

[0038] In some embodiments, the ionization device 112 is activated a flow of up to 10 liters per minute (LPM), 15 LPM, 20 LPM or 30 LPM during powder dispensing. In some embodiments, the ionization device 1 12 has a flow rate of about 3.5 LPM to about 4 LPM. In some embodiments, there are multiple ionization devices 112 and the flow rate output is divided evenly between the multiple ionization devices 112. For example, in some embodiments, the powder dispensing system 100 includes two ionization devices 112 with a total flow rate output of 4 LPM so that each ionization device 112 is activated to a flow of 2 LPM. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the ionization device 112 is dependent on the dry powder’s density with a higher flow rate for higher density dry powders.

[0039] Referring to Figs. 5A and 5B, in some embodiments, the ionization device 112 includes a nozzle attachment 121 that directs the ionized air into the hopper 102 as a cloud. In some embodiments, the nozzle attachment 121 includes a plurality of apertures 123 pointing in various directions. As shown in Fig. 4, in some embodiments, the ionization devices 112 inject ionized air111 into the hopper 102 as dry powder 109 cascades through the hopper 102. In some embodiments,when two ionization devices 112 are positioned in the hopper 102 such that they are facing each other on opposite sides of the hopper 102, as shown in Fig. 5A, a middle aperture 125 on the nozzle attachment 121 is plugged or removed to minimize fighting air streams between the two ionization devices 112. In some embodiments the nozzle attachment 121 is tapered.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 6, in some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system 100 is connected to a power source and has a powder transport sensor 124 and a rotary valve. The powder transport sensor 124 may detect the amount of dry powder that travels through a lower transport tube 122 to the sieve 104.

[0041] In some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system 100 is provided with a vacuum source 128 having at least one gate in communication with a powder dispensing area positioned along an acute angle along a wall of the powder dispensing vessel. In some embodiments, the powder dispensing system 100 is in communication with one or more microprocessor(s) in communication with the one or more sensors for activating or deactivating components of the powder dispensing system 100 during the powder dispensing process. In some embodiments, the dry powder being processed through the hopper 102 comprises 3,6-bis(N-fumaryl-4-aminobutyl)-2,5- diketopiperazine, or fumaryl diketopiperazine and a therapeutically effective dose of Treprostinil, an analog thereof or an ester thereof.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 6, in one embodiment, the powder dispensing system may comprise sensors for detecting the amount of powder dispensed from the hopper for quantitating accuracy of the powder being dispensed.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 7, the powder dispensing system comprises a gate 116 which communicates with a chamber 118, the chamber 118 comprising a stirring bar 120 configured to spread the powder being dispensed onto an outer surface of the drum 108 having predetermined sized cavities. In some embodiments, the stirrer bar 120 is positioned in the chamber 118 to move the powder from the chamber 118 to the filling drum 108. In some embodiments, the stirrer bar 120 moves the chamber 118 in a shaking motion about an agitator vertical axis, so that the powder flowing through the chamber 118 is dispensed incrementally or at a predetermined amount into the filling drum 108 with cavities of predetermined size depending on a predetermined amount of powder to be dispensed into a cartridge or a capsule. In some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system includes a scraper 107 to scrape excess dry powder into the chamber 118. In some embodiments, the stirrer distributes the dry powder homogeneously on an outer surface of the drum 108. In some embodiments, the predetermined sized cavities are spaced apart from each other and may be linearly arranged for facilitatingfilling of pharmaceutical powder into cartridges or capsules. In some embodiments, the drum 108 includes a plurality of predetermined sized cavities. In some embodiments, the gate 116 allows the ions to be removed from the chamber 118 during the dispensing process. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing system 100 or hopper 102 is in direct communication upstream from the drum 108 having cavities of predetermined size arranged in linear configuration for holding a predetermined mass of powder being dispensed for filling a pharmaceutical cartridge or a capsule. In some embodiments, the drum 108 is a rotating drum. In some embodiments, the stirrer bar 120 rotates before every rotation of the drum 108 when new, unfilled cavities on the filling drum 108 are shown.

[0044] In one embodiment, the ionization device 112 comprises an ionization detector, or an ionization chamber, which may be a gas-filled detector designed to measure the ionization produced when an incident particle traverses the hopper 102 having an ionizing effect. As shown in Fig. 8, in one embodiment, ionized air, or air that is charged, is inserted into the hopper 102 via at least one tube 144 extending into a side of the hopper 102. The at least one tube 144 may couple to the port 117 of the ionization device 112. In one embodiment, a distal end of the hopper 102 is in fluid communication with the chamber 118 for transporting the dry powder and in fluid communication with ambient air for venting the ionized air from the hopper. In one embodiment, at least one tube 144 includes two tubes extending through opposing sides of the hopper 102.

[0045] Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, when the gasket 114 is removed, a gap 148 is formed at the distal end of the powder hopper 102 between the powder hopper 102 and the powder hopper extension 146 into the chamber 118. In some embodiments, the powder chamber structure hopper extends to the entrance plane or inner volume of the powder chamber. This gap 148 may allow some of the dry powder to escape and not make it into the filling drum 108. The powder dispensing system 100 may also comprise a wall 150 to contain the excess powder that does not make it to the filling drum 108. In some embodiments, the wall 150 could be tapered as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. In some embodiments, the wall 150 could be an enclosure built around the distal end of the hopper 102 (not shown).

[0046] A method for dispensing a dry powder is also disclosed. The method comprising providing a dry powder to a hopper 102 or a powder dispensing apparatus 100 comprising an ionization device 112, wherein the system is devoid of rubber gaskets 114 at a distal end of the hopper 102, wherein said powder is prone to having a high degree of static electricity during dispensing, and wherein powder is dispensed in a continuous flow through said hopper 102 forhigh throughput to a plurality of cartridges or a container, activating the ionization device 112 so that the dry powder static electricity of the powder is reduced while being dispensed at predetermined amounts through the hopper 102 in a consistent manner.

[0047] In one embodiment, the method for using the system for dispensing a powder comprises removing the one or more gaskets 114 between the powder hopper 102 and the chamber, wherein powder is to be dispensed and run through the system. Removal of the gaskets 114 allows the powder to flow through the hopper 102 at predetermined amounts while running an ionizer 112. In one embodiment, the ionizer 112 may be a gaseous ionization detector, which may readily mobilize the movement of electrons and ions in a gas. In one embodiment, a mixture of gases may be used to optimize efficiency of the detector during fast processing of the powders. In some embodiments, the ionizer 1 12 is plumbed in the sidewall of the hopper 102. In some embodiments, the ionizer 112 injects ionized air into the hopper 102 while the dry powder is flowing into the hopper 102 and allows the ionized air to cascade down the hopper which helps the dry powder flow through the hopper 102 to the fill drum 108. In some embodiments, the removal of the one or more gaskets 114, in combination with the ionizer 112, allows the ionized air and dry powder to flow freely through the hopper 102 towards the filling drum 108. In some embodiments, the ionizer 112 dispenses air at a rate of 5 LPM. In some embodiments, the ionizer 102 dispenses air at a rate of about 2 LPM to about 20 LPM. In some embodiments, there is more than one ionizer 112.

[0048] In some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system 100 may fill about 200 cartridges per minute. In some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system 100 may fill 8 cartridges every 2.4 seconds. In some embodiments, the dry powder dispensing system 100 indexes 25 times per minute.

[0049] In some embodiments, the static electricity reduction device is an active static reduction device including, one or more static bars. In an exemplary embodiment, the static reduction device may comprise a gas system which may be run at various air flows, for example, at up to 20 LPM.

[0050] In one embodiment, the static reduction device may be a passive static device, or two or more draft shields that may include an inner draft shield to reduce small pressure and / or airflow changes and an outer draft to reduce large pressure and / or airflow changes.

[0051] The term “about” or “approximately” is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specificallyrecited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number, which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number. It should be appreciated that all numerical values and ranges disclosed herein are approximate values and ranges, whether “about” is used in conjunction therewith. It should also be appreciated that the term “about,” as used herein, in conjunction with a numeral refers to a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±2% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±3% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±5% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±10% (inclusive) of that numeral, or ±15% (inclusive) of that numeral. It should further be appreciated that when a numerical range is disclosed herein, any numerical value falling within the range is also specifically disclosed.

[0052] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

[0053] Specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. Finally, unless specifically set forth herein, a disclosed or claimed method should not be limited to the performance of its steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be performed in any practical order.EXAMPLESExample 1 : Fill Pack Readiness

[0054] In filling cartridges with a dry powder formulation, static is generated within the capsule filling machinery. The static makes it very difficult for the dry powder to flow through the machine to eventually be dispensed into a capsule.

[0055] A sensor is used to achieve highly precise filling of minimum powder quantities combined with a 100% complete inspection. The capacitive measurement using an AMV-Sensor(Advanced Mass Verification) allows an accurate in-process inspection, even at maximum machine speeds.

[0056] Tests were run, including an ionizer in the hopper. The Powder hopper was 33% full. The ionizer needs to run (15 LPM total, half from each end). The sensor called for powder based on custom setting (#4). The shaker initiates at the powder hopper, the shaker initiates at the sieve, and the transport sensor calls for the rotary valve to release. Fig. 1 illustrates the placement of the ionizer in the hopper. A test was also performed with the ionizer at 5-7 LPM total, half from each end. There was improved sensor function and calling.

[0057] Around sample 6, the gasket was removed from the hopper due to the observation of static. The results are shown in Figs. 11A, 1 IB, 12A, and 12B. When the gasket is removed the powder is able to breath. Gasket and hopper extension removed (-400 mbar vac, 15mm gate) creates good gravimetric alignment and good extraneous powder control.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of dispensing a dry powder, comprising the steps: inserting the dry powder into a hopper; inserting ionized air into the hopper, the ionized air reducing electrostatic radiation emanating from the dry powder in the hopper; and dispensing the dry powder from the hopper into a fdling chamber.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the hopper is in fluid communication with the fdling chamber for transporting the dry powder and in fluid communication with ambient air for venting at least some of the ionized air from a bottom of the hopper.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the ionized air is inserted into the hopper via at least one ionization device connected to a tube extending into a side of the hopper.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the ionized air is inserted into the hopper via two ionization devices extending through opposing sides of the hopper.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein there is a gap between the hopper and the fdling chamber that is in fluid communication with the ambient air.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the powder dispensing system comprises: a gate which communicates with the fdling chamber, the fdling chamber comprising a stirring bar configured to spread the powder being dispensed onto an outer surface of a drum having predetermined sized cavities.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one ionization device is activated to a flow rate of about 3.5 LPM to about 4 LPM during powder dispensing.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the powder dispensing system is provided with a vacuum source having at least one gate in communication with a powder dispensing area positioned along an acute angle along a wall of the powder dispensing vessel.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the dry powder being processed through the hopper comprises 3,6-bis(N-fumaryl-4-aminobutyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, or fumaryl diketopiperazine and a therapeutically effective dose of Treprostinil, an analog thereof or an ester thereof.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein excess dry powder that does not end up in the filling chamber is contained within an open chamber having a side wall.

11. A method of dispensing a dry powder, comprising the steps: inserting the dry powder into a hopper; inserting ionized air into the hopper, the ionized air reducing electrostatic radiation emanating from the dry powder in the hopper; and dispensing the dry powder from the hopper into a filling chamber, wherein the ionized air is inserted into the hopper via at least one ionization device connected to a tube extending into a side of the hopper, wherein a distal end of the hopper is in fluid communication with the filling chamber for transporting the dry powder and in fluid communication with ambient air for venting at least some of the ionized air from a bottom of the hopper.

12. A dry powder dispensing system comprising: a hopper; an ionization device coupled to the hopper and configured to reduce electrostatic radiation emanating from a dry powder being dispensed in the hopper; and a vent located at a distal end of the hopper.

13. The dry powder dispensing system of claim 12, wherein the ionization device inserts ionized air into the hopper via at least one tube extending into a side of the hopper.

14. The dry powder dispensing system of claim 13, wherein the ionization device is a first ionization device and further comprising a second ionization device opposite the first ionization device.

15. The dry powder dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the first ionization device and the second ionization device each include a nozzle attachment, wherein the nozzle attachment includes a plurality of holes for directing the ionized air.

16. The dry powder dispensing system of claim 15, wherein a middle hole on the nozzle attachment on each of the first and second ionization devices is omitted.

17. The dry powder dispensing system of claim 13 further comprising: a filling chamber, wherein the vent is in fluid communication with the filling chamber for transporting the dry powder and in fluid communication with ambient air for venting at least some of the ionized air from a bottom of the hopper.

18. The dry powder dispensing system of claim 17, wherein there is a gap between the hopper and the filling chamber that is in fluid communication with the ambient air.

19. The dry powder dispensing system of claim 18 further comprising: a gate which communicates with the filling chamber, the filling chamber comprising a stirring bar configured to spread the powder being dispensed onto an outer surface of a drum having predetermined sized cavities.

20. The dry powder dispensing system of claim 12 further comprising: a vacuum source having at least one gate in communication with a powder dispensing area positioned along an acute angle along a wall of the powder dispensing vessel.