Abstract: A blending system for and a method of providing a continuous supply of a blend, the system comprising: a blending unit operative to blend batches of a blend comprising a plurality of constituent components; a blend feeding unit operative to receive each blended batch from the blending unit and deliver a continuous supply of the blend; and a control unit for controlling operation of the blending unit such as intermittently to blend batches of the blend.

Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product comprising closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; directing powder into the closed-off perforation by the sweeping action of a first director blade spaced from said perforated plate; and transferring the contents of the perforation to said container. The method is characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director blade. Suitable apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method of forming a tablet product. The method comprises closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; directing powder into said closed-off perforation by the sweeping action of a first director blade spaced from said perforated plate; compacting the powder to form a tablet; and transferring the so-formed tablet from the closed-off perforation. The method is characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director blade. Suitable apparatus is also provided.