A feeding system for a pharmaceutical processing system, a method for processing pharmaceutical components, a kit of parts for processing pharmaceutical components, and a system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a feeding system (10) for a pharmaceutical processing system (50), the pharmaceutical system comprising an inlet (52), the feeding system comprising a feeder assembly (20) having an outlet (27); a support structure (40) comprising a movable portion (42), wherein the movable portion is configured to support the feeder assembly so that a distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for processing pharmaceutical components, a kit of parts for processing pharmaceutical components, and a system.

Description

[0001] Title of Invention

[0002] A feeding system for a pharmaceutical processing system, a method for processing pharmaceutical components, a kit of parts for processing pharmaceutical components, and a system.

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a feeding system for a pharmaceutical processing system. The invention furthermore relates to a method for processing pharmaceutical components, to a kit of parts for processing pharmaceutical components, and to a system.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] In the processing of pharmaceutical components, the sizing of operational units including the feeding system depends to a large extent on the intended use. Hence, in order to cover sufficient process ranges such feeding systems are typically provided in a variety of different models depending on whether being used in a small- scale R&D environment, or in a production line in which a significantly higher throughput is required.

[0007] As a consequence, customers may need to invest in and make room for parallel set-ups with duplicate operational units, thus not only leading to increased direct investment and maintenance costs but also occupying valuable footprint in the production area. Furthermore, since suppliers need to offer a spectrum of model sizes, manufacturing costs and the demand for resources are increased as well.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned drawbacks, in particular to provide a feeding system by which it is possible to accommodate a broader range of demands to output.

[0010] In a first aspect, this and further objects are achieved by a feeding system for a pharmaceutical processing system, the pharmaceutical system comprising an inlet, the feeding system comprising: a feeder assembly having an outlet, a support structure comprising a movable portion, wherein the movable portion is configured to support the feeder assembly so that a distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion.

[0011] By the support structure being configured to support the feeder(s) or the pharmaceutical processing system and comprising a movable portion, the distance may be adjusted between the inlet of the processing system and the outlet of the feeder(s) so that varying needs within the same feeding system and pharmaceutical processing system may be accommodated. For instance, the distance may be changed to accommodate further components to be arranged in between the outlet of the feeder(s) and the inlet of the processing system. The terms changed, adjusted, adapted, and altered or the like with regard to the distance between the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system and the outlet of the feeder(s) may be used interchangeably throughout this text.

[0012] By a feeder assembly having an outlet may herein be understood that the feeder is in fluid connection with an outlet for outputting material, such as pharmaceutical components, from the feeder, and / or that the feeder comprises an outlet portion for outputting material from the feeder. It is understood that by 'fluid connection' there is meant a connection which is suitable for a connection to move a pharmaceutical component, which may be in a powder, granulate, pellet, or fluid form, or mixtures thereof.

[0013] The feeder assembly may be or may comprise one or more feeder(s). The one or more feeder(s) may have one common outlet and / or a respective outlet of each feeder may be in fluid connection with the outlet of the feeder assembly.

[0014] Alternatively, the movable portion may be configured to support the pharmaceutical processing system. The movable portion may be configured to support the pharmaceutical processing system additionally to supporting the feeder assembly or instead of supporting the feeder assembly. The movable portion may be configured to support the pharmaceutical processing system so that a distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion.

[0015] It will furthermore herein be appreciated that the movable portion may comprise or consist of a part of the support structure or may be the entire support structure, i.e. so that the support structure is movable. In an example, where the movable portion is configured to support the feeder(s), the movable portion may be configured to be movable relative to the pharmaceutical processing system or the inlet thereof. As another example, where the movable portion is configured to support the pharmaceutical processing system, the movable portion may be configured to be movable relative to the feeder(s) or the outlet thereof.

[0016] The support structure may alternatively or additionally be denoted the support structure throughout this disclosure.

[0017] The pharmaceutical processing system may comprise a further feeding apparatus, such as a paddle feeder. In some examples, the pharmaceutical processing system may be configured to receive, via the inlet, a flow or stream of product, such as powder, granulates, and / or pellets from the outlet of the feeder assembly.

[0018] In some examples, the pharmaceutical processing system may comprise or be a rotary tablet press, optionally comprising a turret, in turn comprising any one or more of a die element, a plurality of punches, and a further feeding apparatus, such as a paddle feeder, for providing product received from the input of the pharmaceutical processing system to a die element. Correspondingly, the inlet may be an inlet of a rotary tablet press, such as an inlet for a (further) feeding apparatus of the pharmaceutical processing system.

[0019] The feeder assembly may comprise more than one feeder, such as a plurality of feeders. The feeders, such as each of the feeders, may be configured to provide a feed or product, such as a powder, granulates, and / or pellets, to a common outlet of the feeder assembly.

[0020] The feeder(s) of the feeder assembly, such as each feeder of the feeder assembly, may be a feeder configured to dispense a product, such as a powder, granulates, and / or pellets, at a predetermined mass flow or mass flow rate. Alternatively or additionally, the feeder(s) may be a loss-in-weight feeder, such as a gravitational loss-in-weight feeder. For instance, in some embodiments, the feeder(s), such as each feeder, may be configured to receive an amount of product at respective time intervals and outlet the product at a respective predetermined mass flow or mass flow rate, optionally to the common outlet of the feeder assembly.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the feeder assembly and / or the feeder(s) thereof may be an external feeder system and / or feeder(s), respectively, e.g., a feeder assembly and / or feeder(s) thereof which are external to the pharmaceutical processing system.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outlet of the feeder assembly may be configured to be connected, such as fluidly connected, to the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system by means of a transportation device, such as a blender. The transportation device may, correspondingly, be configured to act as an interconnector and / or to be arranged in between the pharmaceutical processing system and the feeder assembly, at least during operation of the pharmaceutical processing system and the feeder assembly. Where the feeder assembly comprises a common outlet, the transportation device may be configured to be connected to, such as removably connected to, the common outlet and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system.

[0023] A potential transportation device may be configured to transport and / or convey a product from the outlet, e.g. a common outlet, of the feeder assembly to the inlet. The transportation device may comprise a transportation arrangement, optionally comprising a motor, such as an electric motor, or the like. In some embodiments, a transportation arrangement may comprise a conveyor, such as a screw conveyor, or the like, for instance driven by a motor.

[0024] Where a transportation device is provided or where the outlet of the feeder assembly is configured to be connected to the pharmaceutical processing system by means of a transportation device, the inlet may comprise a connecting portion for connecting to the transporting device. The connecting portion may comprise a flange, a receptacle, or the like for connecting to the transportation devices. The connecting portion may be configured to provide a removable connection to the transportation device.

[0025] In an embodiment, the support structure further comprises a non-movable portion, and wherein the movable portion is configured to be moved relative to the non-movable portion.

[0026] In an embodiment, the movable portion is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the outlet of the feeder assembly is positioned at a first distance from the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system, and in the second position, the outlet of the feeder assembly is positioned at a second distance from the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system.

[0027] The configuration of the support structure with the non-movable portion and the movable portion thus entails that the feeder(s) may be moved from the first position to the second position such that it is possible to adapt the distance between the outlet of the feeder(s) and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system. By this configuration, it is made possible to accommodate varying needs within the same feeder system and pharmaceutical processing system.

[0028] A feeder is in this context a container configured to provide a controlled flow of pharmaceutical components into another processing unit such as to the inlet of a blender or to the inlet of a pharmaceutical processing system. The pharmaceutical component is typically in a powder or granulate form but can also be in a variety of other forms such as pellets, fluids, or mixtures thereof.

[0029] A pharmaceutical processing system is in this context any processing unit that receives and processes a mixture of pharmaceutical components. The processing of the mixture of pharmaceutical components may for instance be tablet pressing.

[0030] In an embodiment of the feeding system, there is further provided a plurality of blender assemblies of different length for connection between the feeder assembly output and the pharmaceutical processing system input, one of the plurality being connected according to the distance between the feeder assembly output and the pharmaceutical processing system input. The plurality of blender assemblies may comprise a first blender assembly and a second blender assembly.

[0031] The first blender assembly may have a first length, such as a length in a longitudinal direction of the first blender assembly and / or between an input and an output of the first blender assembly. The second blender assembly may have a second length, such as a length in a longitudinal direction of the second blender assembly and / or between an input and an output of the second blender assembly.

[0032] The first blender assembly may comprise a first blender or a first set of blenders. The first blender assembly may comprise a second blender or a second set of blenders.

[0033] In an embodiment of the feeding system, a vector between the first position and the second position has an angle relative to the direction of gravity.

[0034] In another embodiment of the feeding system, the movable portion is configured to be moved or movable in a linear direction. The linear direction may have an angle relative to the direction of gravity.

[0035] By the vector and / or linear direction having an angle relative to the direction of gravity may herein be understood that the vector and / or the linear direction, respectively, has an angle relative to a directional vector of the direction of gravity. Alternatively or additionally, a direction of the vector and / or the linear direction, respectively, may be different from the direction of gravity.

[0036] The angle may be different from 0° and 180° and / or any multiple, i.e. any integer multiple) thereof, and / or different from any integer multiple of IT radians relative to the direction of gravity. In mathematical terms, this may expressed as an angle, 0, between the vector and / or the linear direction, respectively, between the first and second positions and a directional vector of the direction of gravity, where 6 st nn radians and n G No.

[0037] Thereby less friction, which may (further) decrease the force required to move the movable portion may be provided by the linear movement being provided, e.g., by means of rails or grooves or the like.

[0038] In yet another embodiment of the feeding system, the movable portion may be configured to be moved or movable in a substantially horizontal plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0039] By the movable portion being configured to be moved in a substantially horizontal plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity or at least to form a vector with an angle, such as an angle different from zero and any integer multiple of 180°, relative to the direction of gravity, a lower force may be required to move or slow the movable portion when it is to be moved.

[0040] In another embodiment of the feeding system, the movable portion is configured to move from the first position to the second position in a linear direction. The linear direction may have an angle relative to the direction of gravity.

[0041] In yet another embodiment of the feeding system, the first position and the second position are in a substantially horizontal plane relative to gravity. The movement between the first position and the second position that are on a substantially horizontal plane relative to gravity may be linear.

[0042] By limiting the positions to be substantially in the horizontal plane or at least to form a vector with an angle relative to gravity, a lower force is required to move or slow the movable portion when it is to be moved from the first position to the second position. Also, a linear movement, such as on a linear rail, will provide less friction, which may (further) decrease the force required to move the movable portion from the first position to the second position.

[0043] In an embodiment, the feeding system comprises an auxiliary structure, and the movable portion of the support structure abuts the auxiliary structure or at least a part of the feeder assembly abut(s) the auxiliary structure.

[0044] The auxiliary structure provides dampening of vibrations that occur in the feeding system when the feeding system is operated.

[0045] Where the feeder assembly is or comprises one or more feeder(s), at least one of the one or more feeder(s) may alternatively or additionally abut the auxiliary structure.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary structure is configured to be fixed to a first surface of the room. Where the support structure comprises a non-movable part, the non-movable part of the support structure may be configured to be fixed to a second surface of the room. This provides enhanced dampening of vibrations compared to, e.g., mounting the auxiliary structure on the same surface as the support structure. For instance, the auxiliary structure may be fixed to the floor or a wall of a room housing the feeding system and the support structure may be fixed to the ceiling.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary structure is fixed to the floor of a room housing the feeding system.

[0048] In an embodiment, the feeding system comprises a seal, the seal being configured for sealing a space between the movable portion and the auxiliary structure.

[0049] In another embodiment, the feeding system comprises a seal, and the movable portion of the support structure abuts the auxiliary structure. In a particular version of the same embodiment, the movable portion comprises a first moving means and the auxiliary structure comprises a second moving means, the first moving means being configured to abut the second moving means, so as to facilitate movement between the movable portion and the auxiliary structure. Such first and second moving means may be a wheel and a rail, respectively. It is noted that several alternative solutions to provide movement between the movable portion and the auxiliary structure are conceivable. In a preferred version of the embodiment, the space between the movable portion and the auxiliary structure contains at least the above-mentioned first and second moving means.

[0050] One advantage of the seal is that such a seal may prevent leakage of pharmaceutical components or dust into the space between the movable portion and the auxiliary structure and onto the first and the second moving means. As such, the first and second moving means may require substantially less frequent maintenance.

[0051] In an embodiment, the above-described seal may be an inflatable seal and the feeding system may be configured to adjust the pressure inside the seal. The feeding system may be configured to adjust the pressure inside the seal to a pressure below atmospheric pressure, i.e., a vacuum, and the seal may be configured to have a third state when subjected to the vacuum, wherein in the third state, the seal does not abut the auxiliary structure. Preferably, the feedings system is configured for providing the vacuum in the seal during movement of the movable portion of the support structure.

[0052] In another embodiment, the feeding system may be configured to provide a pressure above atmospheric pressure, i.e., a hyperbaric pressure, and the seal may be configured to have a second state when subjected to the hyperbaric pressure, wherein in the second state, the seal abuts the auxiliary structure and supports the movable portion. Preferably, the feedings system may be configured for providing the hyperbaric pressure to the seal where the movable portion of the support structure is in the first or the second position.

[0053] In an embodiment, the feeding system may be configured to provide a pressure below and / or above atmospheric pressure to a seal, as described in previous embodiments. In a particular version of this embodiment, the seal may further be configured to have a first state, when the seal is subjected to atmospheric pressure. In the first state, the seal abuts the auxiliary structure without providing additional support to the movable portion.

[0054] In an embodiment, the feeder assembly comprises one or more feeders.

[0055] In an embodiment, the feeding system comprises a motor configured for moving the movable portion of the support structure from the first position to the second position.

[0056] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure a method for processing pharmaceutical components is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

[0057] - providing a feeder system according to the first aspect;

[0058] - processing a first batch of pharmaceutical components by means of the feeder assembly;

[0059] - moving the movable portion of the support structure to change a distance between an inlet of a pharmaceutical processing system and the outlet of the feeder assembly; and

[0060] - after the step of moving the movable portion of the support structure, processing a second batch of pharmaceutical components by means of the feeder assembly.

[0061] The second aspect achieves at least the same objects and has at least the same advantages as the first aspect.

[0062] The step of moving the movable portion of the support structure may comprise moving the movable portion of the support structure from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position, the outlet of the feeder assembly is positioned at a first distance from the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system, and in the second position, the outlet of the feeder(s) is positioned at a second distance from the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system.

[0063] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0064] - providing first blender assembly, a second blender assembly, and a pharmaceutical processing system;

[0065] - before the step of processing a first batch of pharmaceutical components, fluidly connecting the first blender assembly to the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system, such that it is in fluid connection with the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system;

[0066] - after the step of processing a first batch of pharmaceutical components, fluidly disconnecting the first blender assembly from the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system;

[0067] - after the step of fluidly disconnecting the blender assembly and after the step of moving the movable portion of the support structure, fluidly connecting the second blender assembly to the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system;

[0068] - processing the second batch of pharmaceutical components.

[0069] The step of processing the second batch of pharmaceutical components may be performed after the step of fluidly disconnecting the first blender assembly, after the step of moving the movable portion of the support structure, and after the step of fluidly connecting the second blender assembly to the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system.

[0070] The processing of the pharmaceutical components may be by means of the pharmaceutical processing system, the respective blender assembly, i.e. the first blender assembly for the first batch and the second blender assembly for the second batch, and the feeder assembly. It will be appreciated that the processing of the pharmaceutical components comprise providing, by the feeder assembly, at least one feed or feed stream, such as a feed or feed stream of pharmaceutical components or ingredients to be processed, via the outlet of the feeder assembly to the respective blender assembly, which in turn blends the feed or feed stream and provides the blended feed or feed stream to the input of the pharmaceutical processing system.

[0071] The first blender assembly may have a first length, such as a length in a longitudinal direction of the first blender assembly and / or between an input and an output of the first blender assembly. The second blender assembly may have a second length, such as a length in a longitudinal direction of the second blender assembly and / or between an input and an output of the second blender assembly.

[0072] The first blender assembly may comprise a first blender or a first set of blenders. The first blender assembly may comprise a second blender or a second set of blenders.

[0073] Such methods may be used to process different pharmaceutical batches. For instance, the first batch of pharmaceutical components may be larger by volume than the second batch of pharmaceutical components. Another example of different batches is where the first batch of pharmaceutical components comprises a different composition of pharmaceutical components than that of the second batch of pharmaceutical components.

[0074] A batch herein, as will be appreciated, may refer to an amount, group, or number of pharmaceutical components used in production.

[0075] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a kit of parts for processing pharmaceutical components, the kit of parts comprising: a feeder assembly having an outlet; a first blender assembly having an inlet and an outlet and having a first predefined length; a second blender assembly having an inlet and an outlet and having a second predefined length; a support structure comprising a movable portion; and a pharmaceutical processing system comprising an inlet, wherein the movable portion is configured to support the feeder assembly so that a distance between the outlet of the one or more feeders and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion between a first position and a second position, wherein: in the first position, the inlet of the first blender assembly is fluidly connected to the outlet of the feeder assembly, and the outlet of the first blender assembly is fluidly connected to the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system, such that a length of the first blender assembly substantially corresponds to a first distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system, in the second position, the inlet of the second blender assembly is fluidly connected to the outlet of the feeder assembly, and the outlet of the second blender assembly is fluidly connected to the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system, such that a length of the second blender assembly substantially corresponds to a second distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system.

[0076] The third aspect achieves at least the same objects and at has at least the same advantages as the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0077] Alternatively, the movable portion may be configured to support the pharmaceutical processing system so that a distance between the outlet of the one or more feeders and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion between a first position and a second position. The movable portion may be configured to support the pharmaceutical processing system additionally to supporting the feeder assembly or instead of supporting the feeder assembly. The movable portion may be configured to support the pharmaceutical processing system so that a distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion.

[0078] In an embodiment of the kit, either or both of the first and second blender assemblies includes a first and a second blender, the inlet and outlet of the respective blender assembly being an inlet of the first blender and an outlet of the second blender, the outlet of the first blender being connected or connectable to the inlet of the second blender and a supplementary feeder assembly.

[0079] In some embodiments, the support structure further comprises a non-mov- able portion, and wherein the movable portion is configured to be moved relative to the non-movable portion.

[0080] The kit may comprise a feeding system according to the first aspect. The feeder assembly and the support structure may be of the feeding system according to the first aspect.

[0081] The kit according to the third aspect may comprise any feature described with respect to the feeding system according to the first aspect and / or the method according to the second aspect. As an example, the support structure may comprise any feature disclosed with respect to the support structure of the feeding system, and / or the method according to any of the previous aspects, such as the feeding system of the first aspect. Alternatively or additionally, the pharmaceutical processing system, any blender assembly, and / or any feeder assembly of the system according to the fourth aspect may comprise any feature disclosed with respect to any of the first through third aspects.

[0082] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a system comprising a pharmaceutical processing system having an inlet, for connection to an outlet of a feeder assembly; a support structure comprising a movable portion, wherein the movable portion is configured to support the pharmaceutical system so that a distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion.

[0083] The system according to the fourth aspect may similarly provide advantages similar or identical to the advantages of any of the first, second, and / or third aspects. In particular, the system according to the fourth aspect may allow for an adjustment of the distance between the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system and the outlet of the feeder assembly. Thereby, the system may allow for various needs for the pharmaceutical processing system, such as the option of easily exchanging blenders of varying length, in turn increasing the flexibility of the system.

[0084] The support structure may comprise any feature disclosed with respect to the support structure of the feeding system, method, and / or kit according to any of the previous aspects, such as the feeding system of the first aspect. Alternatively or additionally, the pharmaceutical processing system and / or the feeder assembly of the system according to the fourth aspect may comprise any feature disclosed with respect to any of the first through third aspects.

[0085] The feeder assembly of system according to the fourth aspect may comprises more than one feeder. The support structure of the fourth aspect may further comprise a non-movable portion, wherein the movable portion is configured to be moved relative to the non-movable portion.

[0086] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a system comprising: a pharmaceutical processing system having an inlet; and a feeding system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0087] The system according to the fourth aspect may similarly provide advantages similar or identical to the advantages of any of the first, second, third, and / or fourth aspects. In particular, the system according to the fifth aspect may allow for an adjustment of the distance between the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system and the outlet of the feeder assembly. Thereby, the system may allow for various needs for the pharmaceutical processing system, such as the option of easily exchanging blenders of varying length, in turn increasing the flexibility of the system.

[0088] The support structure may comprise any feature disclosed with respect to the support structure of the feeding system, method, and / or kit according to any of the previous aspects, such as the feeding system of the first aspect. Alternatively or additionally, the pharmaceutical processing system and / or the feeder assembly of the system according to the fifth aspect may comprise any feature disclosed with respect to any of the first through fourth aspects.

[0089] Presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will be apparent from the subsequent detailed description and drawings. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any one of the above aspects of the disclosure and embodiments thereof may be combined with any one or more aspects of the disclosure and embodiments.

[0090] Brief Description of Drawings

[0091] In the following description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which

[0092] FIG. 1 is a side view of a feeding system in an embodiment of the invention;

[0093] FIG. 2 is a top view of the feeding system of FIG. 1;

[0094] FIG. 3 is a side view of a feeding system in another embodiment of the invention;

[0095] FIG. 4 is a top view of the feeding system of FIG. 3;

[0096] FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic top views corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively;

[0097] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the feeding system of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0098] FIG. 8 is a side view of a feeding system in a further embodiment of the invention;

[0099] FIG. 9 is a top view of details of a feeding system in a still further embodiment of the invention;

[0100] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view substantially along line X-X in FIG. 9;

[0101] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of details of the embodiment of FIGS.

[0102] 9 and 10 marked by XI in FIG. 10; and

[0103] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing details of the embodiment of FIG. 11 in three different states. Detailed description

[0104] The present invention will now be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness.

[0105] Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an embodiment of a feeding system 10 is shown. The feeding system 10 is configured for use with a pharmaceutical processing system generally designated 50, here shown as comprising a rotary tablet press 51.

[0106] The feeding system 10 comprises one or more feeders, in the embodiment shown arranged in the form of a feeder assembly (or feeder apparatus) 20 comprising a plurality of feeders.

[0107] In the embodiment shown, the feeding system 10 forms an operational unit of a kit of parts for processing pharmaceutical components, namely in that the kit of parts in addition to the feeder assembly 20 comprises a blender assembly (or blender apparatus), comprising one or more blenders generally designated 30, in this example a first blender 31 and a second blender 32.

[0108] In the embodiment shown, the feeding system 10 forming the operational unit of the kit of parts further comprises a supplementary feeder assembly (or supplementary feeder apparatus), comprising feeders 29a, 29b.

[0109] Referring now also to the top view of FIG. 2, it is seen how the feeder assembly 20 in the embodiment shown comprises a first feeder 21, a second feeder 22, a third feeder 23, a fourth feeder 24, and a fifth feeder 25 arranged at substantially equal angular distance from each other around a central column 26, starting at the 6 o'clock position and ending at the 12 o'clock position. Further parts typically present in such a feeder assembly are well-known to the skilled person, including for instance inlets to and outlets from the individual feeders via refill systems, receiving containers, storage hoppers, weighing cells etc., which are not shown in detail.

[0110] Outlets of the feeders 21-25 of the feeder assembly 20 are connected to a feeder assembly outlet 27. The feeder assembly outlet 27 is, in the shown set-up, connected to an inlet of the first blender 31. The first blender 31 has an outlet at a junction position 28 at which the supplementary feeder assembly, including supplementary feeders 29a, 29b, is provided. The second blender 32 has an inlet at the junction position 28 and an outlet at an inlet 52 of the rotary tablet press 51 of the pharmaceutical processing system 50. In general there is provided a blender assembly (or blender apparatus) between the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system, which includes one or more blenders.

[0111] The set of blenders 30 establish a fluid connection of pharmaceutical components between the outlet 27 of the feeder assembly 20 and the inlet 52 of the pharmaceutical processing system 50. The pharmaceutical components typically include powder or granulate material.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 1, each blender 31, 32 has an elongate configuration between the inlet and the outlet and is in the embodiment shown arranged at an inclination of about 15° with the horizontal, as seen from the inlet to the outlet. The inclined position allows easy control of the fill level, as the inner bottom side of the blender functions as an overflow means. One or both of the blenders could also be arranged horizontally; however, such an arrangement typically requires the provision of a separate overflow wall in the blender(s).

[0113] The feeder system 10 further comprises an auxiliary structure 43. The auxiliary structure 43 comprises a stationary table 43.1 having an upper surface and is fixed to a first surface of a room housing the feeding system 10, typically a floor surface. The feeder assembly 20 and the auxiliary feeders 29a, 29b are mounted either directly or indirectly on the upper surface of the stationary table 43.1.

[0114] To further support the feeders 21-25 of the feeder assembly 20, a support structure generally designated 40 is provided. The support structure 40 comprises a non-movable portion 41. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the nonmovable portion 41 comprises a frame 41.1. In the embodiment shown, a vertical profile 41.4 extends between the frame 41.1 of the non-movable portion 41 of the support structure 40 and the floor surface. Further such vertical profiles may be provided. The frame 41.1 of the non-movable portion 41 is in a mounted condition of the feeding system 10 fixed to a second surface of the room housing the feeding system 10. Such a second surface may for instance be constituted by a ceiling or wall sections of a manufacturing facility (not shown).

[0115] The support structure 40 also comprises a movable portion. A lower part of the feeders of the feeder assembly 20 are mounted to and / or supported by a movable portion 42 of the support structure 40 in the embodiment shown. The feeder assembly 20 is mounted on the moveable portion 42, which in turn is positioned on the surface of the stationary table 43.1.

[0116] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a set of rails 41.2 is provided at a lower side of the frame 41.1 to interact with a respective roller set 42.2 connected to a support bar 42.1 of the movable portion to which an upper part of the feeders 21-25 of the feeder assembly 20 are mounted. Two such support bars 42.1 and roller sets 42.2 may be provided, for instance one of each at the respective transverse side of the central column 26, shown in FIG. 2.

[0117] As will be described further below, a lower part of the feeders of the feeder assembly 20 are mounted on rails on the surface of the stationary table 43.1, for movement of the movable portion 42.

[0118] Further details indicated in FIG. 1 include a motor 41.3 mounted to a lower side of the stationary table 43.1. The motor 41.3 is configured to be operational in moving the movable portion 42 with the feeders 21-25 of the feeder assembly 20 between the first and second positions. During pharmaceutical processing, the motor 41.3 is non-operational in order to not induce vibrations on the stationary table 43.1.

[0119] The feeder assembly may be moved between positions by movement of the moving part 42 at the underside of feeder assembly 20, powered by the motor 41.3. At the same time, the upper part of the feeder assembly 20 is guided by roller sets 42.2.

[0120] The movable portion 42 is configured to be moved relative to the non-mov- able portion 41 between a first position and a second position. It is noted that several alternative solutions to provide the relative movement between the movable portion 42 and the non-movable portion 41 of the support structure 40 are conceivable.

[0121] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the feeders 21-25 of the feeder assembly 20 are positioned in the first position, in which the outlet 27 is positioned at a first distance from the inlet 52 of the rotary tablet press 51 of the pharmaceutical processing system 50. For each blender 31, 32, a predefined length is stipulated; depending on the set-up, i.e. horizontal or with an inclination as described in the above, the predefined length may substantially be equal to the length between the inlet and outlet of the blender or correspond to a horizontal projection. Referring now briefly to FIG. 5, which shows a schematic top view corresponding to FIG. 2, the first distance is spanned by the combined length of the set blenders, namely here as the sum of a horizontally projected length LI of the first blender 31 and a horizontally projected length L2 of the second blender 32.

[0122] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, showing an embodiment corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the exception that a different set of blenders than in the first set of blenders of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided. In this second set of blenders generally indicated as 30', a first blender 31' and a second blender 32' are provided. It would be conceivable that one of the blenders is the same in the first and second sets, that one or both of the sets comprise(s) only a single blender, or more than two blenders are provided in one or both sets. With the exception of the added ' to the reference numerals of the blenders of the second set, elements having the same or analogous function have the same reference numerals as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. Only differences will be described in detail.

[0123] Comparing FIG. 3 with FIG. 1, it is apparent that the feeder assembly 20 has been moved together with the movable portion 42 of the support structure 40 relative to the non-movable portion 41 and the auxiliary structure 43. The blenders 31', 32' are positioned for providing fluid connection between the feeders 21-25 of the feeder assembly 20 and the pharmaceutical processing system 50.

[0124] Turning now also to FIG. 4, the feeders 21-25 of the feeder assembly 20 are positioned in the second position, in which the outlet 27 is positioned at a second distance from the inlet 52 of the rotary tablet press 51 of the pharmaceutical processing system 50. That is, when the feeders 21-25 are in the second position, the inlet of the first blender 31' is to be connected with the outlet 27, and the outlet of the second blender 32' is to be connected to the inlet 52 of the rotary tablet press 51. It is noted that the connection between the inlet of the first blender 31' and the outlet 27 may have already been established as indicated in FIG. 4.

[0125] Corresponding to the schematic top view of FIG. 5 showing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the schematic top view of FIG. 6 shows that the second distance from the outlet 27 to the inlet 52 of the rotary tablet press 51 is spanned by the sum of a horizontally projected length 11 of the first blender 31' and a horizontally projected length 12 of the second blender 32'.

[0126] An exemplary embodiment of the method for processing pharmaceutical components provides the feeding system 10, a set of blenders, and the pharmaceutical processing system 50. In the first position, the first set of blenders 31, 32 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is included, and in the second position, the second set of blenders 32', 32' of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 is included.

[0127] In the first position, a fluid connection is made from the inlet of the first blender 31 to the outlet 27. A fluid connection is also made between the inlet of the second blender 32 to the outlet of the first blender 31 and between the outlet of the second blender 32 and the inlet 52 of the rotary tablet press 51. A first batch of pharmaceutical components (not shown) is processed by means of the feeders 21-25, the first blender 31 and the second blender 32, and the pharmaceutical processing system 50. Then, the first blender 31 and second blender 32 are fluidly disconnected from the outlet 27 and the inlet 52 of the rotary tablet press 51.

[0128] Once the blenders 31, 32 of the first set have been disconnected, they may be exchanged for the blenders 31', 32' of the second set. As described in the above, one of the blenders may be the same throughout the sets, one or both sets may comprise only one blender, or more than the shown two blenders.

[0129] With one or both of the first blender 31' and the second blender 32' of the second set fluidly disconnected, the movable portion 42 is moved from the first position to the second position. A fluid connection is made from the inlet of the first blender 31' to the outlet 27. A fluid connection is also made between the inlet of the second blender 32' to the outlet of the first blender 31' and between the outlet of the second blender 32' and the inlet 52 of the rotary tablet press 51. A second batch of pharmaceutical components (not shown) is then processed by means of the feeders 21-25, first blender 31', the second blender 32', and the pharmaceutical processing system 50. The replacement of blenders is typically carried out to increase or decrease blending capacity as to accommodate for a larger or smaller batch of pharmaceutical components or to adapt the blending process for a different composition of pharmaceutical components.

[0130] As can be seen from comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 3 and 4, and FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, the movement of the movable portion 42 from the first position to the second position constitutes a vector, which has an angle relative to the direction of gravity. The angle is different from 0° and 180° and, thus, any integer multiple thereof. In the embodiments shown, the movement is linear and substantially in a horizontal plane parallel to the floor surface and / or perpendicular to the direction of gravity. It can also be seen from the comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 3 and 4, and FIGS. 5 and 6 that the movable portion 42 is configured to move from the first position to the second position in a linear direction.

[0131] The feature that the movement is carried out along a linear direction and in a horizontal plane parallel to the floor surface and / or perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is also apparent from the partial perspective view of FIG. 7, in which an arrow A has been introduced to indicate the moving directions.

[0132] It is noted that several other movement patterns between the first and second positions are conceivable. The movement pattern is not limited to a linear movement, or to a movement parallel to the floor surface and / or perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The movement may be any x, y or z direction, and may be nonlinear, for example being a movement on one direction (e.g. the x direction) followed by another movement in a different direction (e.g. the y direction).

[0133] It is further noted that the movement may be between more than two positions. For example, as noted above one or both of the blenders may be changed, and a given blender may be interchanged with more than one other blender. Movement to multiple positions may be accommodated.

[0134] In the shown embodiments there are illustrated two blenders connected between the feeder assembly outlet and the pharmaceutical system input, in other embodiments a single blender may be connected between the feeder assembly outlet and the pharmaceutical system input, in which case supplementary feeders are not provided.

[0135] In the shown embodiments, the feeder assembly 20 is moved between positions, to allow the distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing to be adjusted. In alternatives, the pharmaceutical processing system itself may be moved, whilst the feeder assembly remains fixed in position. In an alternative, the pharmaceutical processing system and the feeder assembly may be both moved.

[0136] In FIG. 7, some details of the connection between the blenders 31', 32' and the outlet of the feeder assembly 20 and the inlet of the rotary tablet press 51 of the pharmaceutical processing system 50 have been omitted for ease of reading.

[0137] FIG. 8 shows the feeding system 10 configured in accordance with the invention, but in which the fluid connection between the feeder assembly 20 and the pharmaceutical processing system 50 has been disconnected. Instead, the rotary tablet press 51 of the pharmaceutical processing system 50 is fed by means of additional feeding system 60 comprising an intermediate bulk container (IBC) and a pipe 62. The intermediate bulk container 61 is here mounted on top of the frame 41.1 of the nonmovable portion 41 of the support structure 40.

[0138] Now referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and FIG. 10, a sealing device 70 is mounted on the lower side of the movable portion 42, arranged between the movable portion 42 and the auxiliary structure 43, and lines a circumferential edge of a plate section 42.3 of the movable portion 42. To guide the movable portion 42 relative to the auxiliary structure 43 during movement along the arrow A between the first and second positions, a set of support rails 44a and 44b are here mounted on the lower side of the plate section 42.3 of the movable portion 42 and interact with respective support rollers 45a and 45b that are configured to move along the support rails 44a and 44b on the upper side of the auxiliary structure 43.

[0139] As shown in more detail in FIG. 11 the sealing device 70 includes an inflatable seal 71 lodged in a housing 72 on the lower side of the plate section 42.3 of the movable portion 42. A socket 73 for supply of pressurizing fluid such as compressed gas or air and a knob 74 for adjusting the state of the inflatable seal 71 are also provided in the sealing device 70.

[0140] Referring now also to FIG. 12, showing the inflatable seal 71 in three different states, the inflatable seal 71 is in FIG. 11 shown in a hyperbaric state S2 in which the inflatable seal 71 is subjected to a hyperbaric pressure, such that it forms a convex shape and abuts the auxiliary structure 43, here the upper side of the stationary table 43.1. In this way, the inflatable seal 71 seals a space 46 between the movable portion 42 and the auxiliary structure 43. The space 46 accommodates the support rails 44a and 44b and the support rollers 45a and 45b. As such, when the inflatable seal 71 is in the hyperbaric state S2, the sealing device 70 seals the support rails 44a and 44b and the support rollers 45a and 45b.

[0141] As indicated in FIG. 9, the space 46 is located below the feeders 21-25 of the feeder assembly 20 and acts as a chamber housing the mechanical parts comprising the support rails 44a and 44b and support rollers 45a and 45b, which is protected from intrusion of any powder or other material present in the surroundings of the feeding system.

[0142] The sealing device 70 functions in such a way that when the inflatable seal 71 is in its hyperbaric state S2, a tight seal is established between the movable portion 42 and the stationary table 43.1 so that any vibrations emanating from other parts of the feeding system 10 will be guided towards the stationary table 43.1 and further through the auxiliary structure 43 and into the floor, hence providing efficient grounding of the feeding system 10.

[0143] In case the sealing device 70 is not provided with compressed air, the inflatable seal 71 will assume an atmospheric state SI where the inflatable seal 71 is exposed to atmospheric pressure. In the embodiment shown, the structural stiffness of the inflatable seal 71 is sufficient to keep the inflatable seal 71 in contact with stationary table 43.1 to still be able prevent powder leakage as shown in FIG. 12.

[0144] Finally, in a vacuum state S3 where the inflatable seal 71 is subjected to a vacuum, the inflatable seal 71 forms a concave shape and does not abut or contact the stationary table 43.1 of the auxiliary structure 43. With the inflatable seal 71 in its vacuum state S3, the movable portion 42 may be moved between the first position and the second position substantially without resistance and allows the movable portion 42 to be move supported by the support rails 44a and 44b and the support rollers 45a and 45b.

[0145] Finally, the sealing device 70 also includes a scraper 75 provided on the side of the inflatable seal 71 opposite the space 46. The scraper 75 is here fastened to the housing 72 accommodating the inflatable seal 71 and provides an additional barrier between the movable part 42 and the auxiliary structure 43.

[0146] Preferred embodiments have been described using specific terms. Such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made.

[0147] Preferred embodiments have been described combining specific features. Again such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that different features may be combined in ways other than those combinations specifically set out and described. List of reference numerals

[0148] 10 feeding system

[0149] 20 feeder assembly

[0150] 21 first feeder

[0151] 22 second feeder

[0152] 23 third feeder

[0153] 24 fourth feeder

[0154] 25 fifth feeder

[0155] 26 central column

[0156] 27 outlet (of feeder assembly)

[0157] 28 junction position

[0158] 29a supplementary feeder

[0159] 29b supplementary feeder

[0160] 30 blender(s)

[0161] 30' blender(s)

[0162] 31 first blender

[0163] 31' first blender

[0164] 32 second blender

[0165] 32' second blender

[0166] 40 support structure

[0167] 41 non-movable portion

[0168] 41.1 frame

[0169] 41.2 rail

[0170] 41.3 motor

[0171] 41.4 vertical profile

[0172] 42 movable portion

[0173] 42.1 support bar

[0174] 42.2 roller set

[0175] 42.3 plate section

[0176] 43 auxiliary structure

[0177] 43.1 stationary table

[0178] 44a support rail

[0179] 44b support rail

[0180] 45a support roller

[0181] 45b support roller

[0182] 46 space

[0183] 50 pharmaceutical processing system

[0184] 51 rotary tablet press

[0185] 52 inlet of rotary tablet press 60 additional feeding system

[0186] 61 intermediate bulk container (IBC)

[0187] 62 pipe

[0188] 70 sealing device

[0189] 71 inflatable seal

[0190] 72 housing

[0191] 73 socket

[0192] 74 knob

[0193] 75 scraper

[0194] A arrow

[0195] LI length of first feeder (first embodiment)

[0196] L2 length of second feeder (first embodiment)

[0197] 11 length of first feeder (second embodiment)

[0198] 12 length of second feeder (second embodiment)

[0199] 51 first state

[0200] 52 second state

[0201] 53 third state

Claims

Claims1. A feeding system for a pharmaceutical processing system, the pharmaceutical system comprising an inlet, the feeding system comprising: a feeder assembly having an outlet, wherein the feeder assembly comprises more than one feeder; and a support structure comprising a movable portion and a non-movable portion, wherein the movable portion is configured to be moved relative to the non-mov- able portion, wherein the movable portion is configured to support the feeder assembly so that a distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion.

2. The feeding system according to claim 1, wherein the outlet of the feeder assembly is a common outlet for the more than one feeder.

3. The feeding system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable portion is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the outlet of the feeder assembly is positioned at a first distance from the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system, and in the second position, the outlet of the feeder assembly is positioned at a second distance from the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system.

4. The feeding system according to any preceding claim, wherein there is further provided a plurality of blender assemblies of different length for connection between the feeder assembly output and the pharmaceutical processing system input, one of the plurality being connected according to the distance between the feeder assembly output and the pharmaceutical processing system input.

5. The feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable portion is configured to be moved in a linear direction.

6. The feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable portion is configured to be moved in a substantially horizontal plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

7. The feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system furthermore comprises an auxiliary structure, and wherein the movable portion of the support structure abuts the auxiliary structure or the feeder assembly abuts the auxiliary structure.

8. The feeding system according to claim 7, wherein the auxiliary structure is configured to be fixed to a first surface of a room housing the feeding system, and / or wherein when claim 7 is dependent on claim 2 or any one of claims 3-6 when dependent on claim 2 the non-movable part of the support structure is configured to be fixed to a second surface of the room.

9. The feeding system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the feeding system furthermore comprises a seal, the seal being configured for sealing a space between the movable portion and the auxiliary structure.

10. The feeding system according to claim 9, wherein the seal is an inflatable seal and wherein the feeding system is configured to adjust the pressure inside the seal.

11. The feeding system according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the feeding system is configured to adjust the pressure, such that a vacuum is provided in the seal, and wherein the seal is configured to have a first state when subjected to the vacuum, wherein in the first state, the seal does not abut the auxiliary structure.

12. The feeding system according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the feeding system is configured for providing a hyperbaric pressure, and wherein the seal is configured to expand when subjected to the hyperbaric pressure.

13. The feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pharmaceutical processing system comprises a rotary tablet press, the rotary tablet press comprising the inlet.

14. The feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding system furthermore comprises a motor configured for moving the movable portion of the support structure from the first position to the second position.

15. A method for processing pharmaceutical components, the methodcomprising the steps of:- providing a feeder system according to any one of the claims 1-14;- processing a first batch of pharmaceutical components by means of the feeder assembly;- moving the movable portion of the support structure to change a distance between an inlet of a pharmaceutical processing system and the outlet of the feeder assembly; and- after the step of moving the movable portion of the support structure, processing a second batch of pharmaceutical components by means of the feeder assembly.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of:- providing a first blender assembly a second blender assembly, and a pharmaceutical processing system;- before the step of processing a first batch of pharmaceutical components, fluidly connecting the first blender assembly to the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system, such that it is in connection with the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system;- after the step of processing a first batch of pharmaceutical components, disconnecting the first blender assembly from the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system;- after the step of fluidly disconnecting the blender assembly and after the step of moving the movable portion of the support structure, fluidly connecting the second blender assembly to the feeder assembly and the pharmaceutical processing system;- processing the second batch of pharmaceutical components.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the first batch of pharmaceutical components is larger by volume than the second batch of pharmaceutical components, or wherein the first batch of pharmaceutical components comprises a different composition of pharmaceutical components than that of the second batch of pharmaceutical components.

18. A kit of parts for processing pharmaceutical components, the kit of parts comprising: a feeder assembly having an outlet; a first blender assembly having an inlet and an outlet and having a first predefined length; a second blender assembly having an inlet and an outlet and having a second predefined length; a support structure comprising a movable portion; and a pharmaceutical processing system comprising an inlet, wherein the movable portion is configured to support the feeder assembly so that a distance between the outlet of the one or more feeders and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion between a first position and a second position, wherein: in the first position, the inlet of the first blender assembly is fluidly connected to the outlet of the feeder assembly, and the outlet of the first blender assembly is fluidly connected to the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system, such that a length of the first blender assembly substantially corresponds to a first distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system, in the second position, the inlet of the second blender assembly is fluidly connected to the outlet of the feeder assembly, and the outlet of the second blender assembly is fluidly connected to the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system, such that a length of the second blender assembly substantially corresponds to a second distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system.

19. The kit according to claim 18 wherein either or both of the first and second blender assemblies includes a first and a second blender, the inlet and outlet of the respective blender assembly being an inlet of the first blender and an outlet of the second blender, the outlet of the first blender being connected to the inlet of the second blender and supplementary feeder assembly.

20. The kit according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the support structure further comprises a non-movable portion, and wherein the movable portion is configured to be moved relative to the non-movable portion.

21. A system comprising: a pharmaceutical processing system having an inlet, for connection to an outlet of a feeder assembly, the feeder assembly comprising more than one feeder; and; a support structure comprising a movable portion and a non-movable portion, wherein the movable portion is configured to be moved relative to the non-mov- able portion, and wherein the movable portion is configured to support the pharmaceutical system so that a distance between the outlet of the feeder assembly and the inlet of the pharmaceutical processing system is changed upon movement of the movable portion.

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