Abstract: A helical distributing chute conveyor for a receptacle for transferring loose varied fragile chemical and pharmaceutical products, particularly of the granular or pulverulent type. This chute conveyor, placed in a receptacle, comprises helical chute paths developed about a vertical axis; each chute path, whom cross section is straight, is inclined transversely towards the vertical axis, the angle of inclination of the chute path being calculated such that, whatever their size, the particles of material transported deviate towards the vertical axis when the centrifugal force which originally keeps them on the chute path cancels out or drops below a critical value.

Abstract: A helical distributing chute conveyor for a receptacle for transferring loose varied fragile chemical and pharmaceutical products, particularly of the granular or pulverulent type. This chute conveyor, placed in a receptacle, comprises helical chute paths developed about a vertical axis; each chute path, whom cross section is straight, is inclined transversely towards the vertical axis, the angle of inclination of the chute path being calculated such that, whatever their size, the particles of material transported deviate towards the vertical axis when the centrifugal force which originally keeps them on the chute path cancels out or drops below a critical value.

Abstract: An automated and possibly computer-driven installation (10, 600) for transporting containers (210) for products flowing by gravity, which is intended for a multi-story production factory, and a device (290) able to carry a container (210) and move independently. The installation (10, 600) includes stations (110a, b) for contamination-free transfer of the products, in the shape of a parallelepiped, open at its lower and upper parts, able to carry, raise or lower a container, and a handling device (150, 610, 615, 540) able to carry and to transport the satellite unit (290) towards a chosen position. The installation is particularly intended for the pharmaceutical industry in which product transfer has to be carried out while avoiding any contamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for transferring, without the risk of contamination, products flowing out under gravity from an upper receptacle (1) or pipe (43) towards a lower receptacle (1) or pipe (16).The device [according to the invention] includes a hermetic enclosure (19, 45) covering the orifice (18, 44) of one of the receptacles or pipes (16, 43), it being possible for the mouth of the orifice (5, 11) of the other receptacle (1) or pipe to be inserted therein, this other receptacle (1) or pipe [includes closing-off means]including a flange (10, 14) capable of closing the enclosure (19, 45) when the mouth of the other receptacle is inserted therein so that a flow of inert gas can be driven through the inside volume of the hermetic enclosure (19, 14) preventing cross-contamination between the content of the receptacle (1) or pipe (43) and the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved sealing arrangement is provided for a gravity transfer installation of the type in which product is transferred from a container having a sealable opening in its base, downwardly through a chute, and into a receptacle. The arrangement comprises a first plate mounted on guides attached to the chute and for sliding between a position where it covers an upper opening of the chute and a position where it uncovers this opening, and further includes a second plate mounted on guides attached to the container for sliding relative to the latter between a position where it covers a lower opening of the container and a position where it uncovers that opening. The arrangement is constructed such that, in the course of displacement of the container, the movements of the two sliding plates relative to their respective guides are synchronous but in opposite directions.