US3552387A

US3552387A - Combination syringe and vial

Info

Publication number: US3552387A
Authority: US
Inventors: Peter A Stevens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-07-16
Filing date: 1968-07-16
Publication date: 1971-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 1988-01-05

Abstract

The invention relates to a combination syringe and vial, each containing a separate chamber having an individual ingredient therein. The syringe and vial are assembled in interconnected relation to each other with the hub and cannula of the syringe extending within the vial in a manner to simultaneously support and seal the hub of the syringe with respect to a first closure in the vial and the distal portion of the cannula with respect to a second closure supported by the vial and in spaced-apart relation to the first closure, to maintain the respective chambers sealed off from each other. The first closure has a preformed axial bore extending entirely therethrough, and the second closure has a preformed axially extending channel therein. The dispensing of the ingredients occurs by displacing in a longitudinal direction the syringe and vial until the seal between the distal portion of the cannula and second closure is released, permitting movement of the plunger in the syringe to force the ingredient therein into the vial with resultant mixing of the two ingredients.

Description

United States Patent {72] Inventor Peter A. Stevens Bradley Road-Chesham Farm, Middlebury, Conn. 06762 [21] AppLNo. 745,156 22 'Filed July16,l968 [45] Patented Jan S, 1971 [54] COMBINATION SYRINGE AND VlAL 18 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

52 u.s.c| 128/218, 128/272 51 int. Cl .A6lm 05/18, A61m 05/24 [50] Fieldot'Search 128/218, 218M,218R, 272

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,330,281 7/1967 Visser 128/218X(M) 3,376,866 4/1968 Ogle 128/272X FOlQElGN PATENTS 1,167,766 8/1958 France 128/218(M) 1,064,691 9/1959 Germany 128/218(M) 848,081 9/1952 Germany ABSTRACT: The invention relates to a combination syringe and vial, each containing a separate chamber having an individual ingredient therein. The syringe and vial are assembled in interconnected relation to each other with the hub and cannula of the syringe extending within the vial in a manner to simultaneously support and seal the hub of the syringe with respect to a first closure in the vial and the distal portion of the cannula with respect toa second closure supportedby the vial and in spaced-apart relation to the first closure, to maintain the respective chambers sealed off from each other. The first closure has a preformed axial bore extending entirely therethrough, and the second closure has a preformed axially extending channel therein. The dispensing of the ingredients occurs by displacing in a longitudinal direction the syringe and via! until the seal between the distal portion of the cannula and second closure is released, permitting movement of the plunger in the syringe to force the ingredient therein into the vial with resultant mixing of the two ingredients.

sHt 110F- 2 SOURCE has l v 44 I -44 P64 /5 if: /2 26 40 INVENTOR. PETER A. STEVENS ATTORNEY COMBINATIONSYRINGE AND VIAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates'to packaging, mixing and dispensing apparatus, and more particularly.- to such an apparatus, wherein two materials are packaged in individual containers for separate maintenance of the materials prior to their use in combination. 1

' respective chambers containing the powder and diluent sealed from each other. The use of a cap on the cannula has the drawback of not being able to control the closure caps position after it is removed from the cannula, since a certain quantity of the mixture might be entrapped therein. An additional drawback of this device is that a positive pressure has to be applied to the plunger to force the, fluid through the cannula and overcome the frictional resistancebetween the cap and cannula to-remove the cap from the cannula. This'limits the frictional fit between the closure cap and cannula since, if the frictional fit is too great the pressure applied by the plunger may not be sufficient to dislodge the cap. Another way of possibly dislodging the cap is to retract the cannula from the sterilized chamber until the cap engages the closure of the vial and is forced off it. The disadvantage of this is that thecannula is substantially removed from the sterile chamber before the mixing of the ingredients is complete which might lead to contamination thereof. t

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION It is the general object of the present invention to avoid and overcome the foregoing and other difficulties of and objections to prior art practices bythe provision of an improved disposable preloaded hypodermic syringe and vial.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved disposable preloaded hypodermic syringe and via] that is of compact configuration and minimum length.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a syringe and via] package having a positiveseal between the respective chambers thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to maintain the cannula of the syringe assembly at each end thereof in a supported position during shipment and storage thereof.

Other objectsand advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The inventorhas discovered that a simple but unique combination of elements provides for an ideal unit that is capable of being stored for prolonged periods of time and is safe for shipment with a minimal of packaging materials required. By the present device the essential components of a package which contains a syringe and a vial, are combined without the associated other parts presently found in the art today. Therefore extraneous covers or other guards are not required and the proper dimensional relationship of the syringe and vial coact with each other to provide a unitary assembly that may be easily and conveniently placed into operation in a manner presently known by those who are using devices of a similar nature. The simplicity and uniqueness of the coaction between the basic elements is a departure from compartmented devices of the art, which demonstrates the remarkable ingenuity of the present invention which has been able to eliminate all those extraneous parts presently found in prior-art devices.

By being able to do this the inventor is also capable of providing a total assembly essentially not greater in length than the individual syringe, such that minimum packaging space is required, and considering that millions of the same are sold on a yearly basis the volume of space saved in both storage and shipment is also of. an economical magnitude worthy of consideration.

The, device of this inventioncomprises essentially means defining a pair of chambers for containinga first sterile ingredient for injection to which is affixed means defining a mixing chamber for containing a second sterile fluid ingredient for injection. A penetrable first closure seals the open upper end of the mixing chamber. Communication between the mixing and storage chambers is provided by a cannula. mounted on the meansdefining the mixing chamber and extending through the penetrable first closure into a' second closure fixedly mounted within the mixing chamber for sealing off the passageway in the cannula connecting the chambers and retaining the distal portion in a supported position.

In its preferred embodiment the device of this invention comprises a mixing vial containing a second sterile ingredient for injection atop of which is positioned a syringe containing a first sterile fluid ingredient, such as a diluent, for injection. The cannula of the syringe extends into the vial through a penetrable first closure which both seals the neck of the vial and affords rigidity in the connection between the syringe and the vial of the mounted assembly. The second closure member is fixedly mounted and contained within the vial means and is adapted to seal off the distal portion or end of the cannula inside the vial, such that a seal between the respective chambers is obtained and the distal portion of the cannula is radially supported to absorb any shock or other vibrations transmitted to the assembly. The obtainment of a mixture of the ingredients in their respective chambers is obtained by first longitudinally moving them relative to each other such that the distal end is moved and freed from its sealing engagement with the second closure member. At that time the piston of the syringe is moved axially forward such that the ingredient therein,

generally a fluid, moves throughthe hollow cannula into the mixing chamber, causing the fluid ingredient in the syringe to mix with the sterile ingredient in the vial. The entire unit is then inverted, the syringe withdrawn to a low point in the inverted vial and the mixed ingredients drawn into the syringe in the usual manner. The syringe is then'wit hdrawn from the vial and is ready for use.

The inventor has found that by providing a second closure member coupled to the opposite end of the vial, that the entire syringe assembly need only be retracted a preselected distance so as to have the open distal portion of the cannula released from the second closure member thereby permitting a greater degree of frictional resistance between the cannula and being assured of a more positive seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims,.the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in in cross section illustrating another form of the vial of the present invention; and

FIG. 810, illustrate in schematic form the method of packaging and assembling the syringe and vial illustrated in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION Specific reference to the form of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, and referring particularly to FIG. 1, an

assembly generally indicated by the reference numeral 10, includes in combination syringe means 12 and vial means 14 assembled and operative together to obtain the desired end usage of dispensing one or more sterilized ingredients.

The syringe means 12 has a cylindrical barrel 16 which is removably mounted on top of the vial 14. The barrel 16 terminates at its upper end in a finger engageable collar 18 and at its lower end in a hub or boss 20, which is of reduced diameter. The lower end of the barrel 16 has a cannula 22 extending therefrom and rigidly secured thereto in sealing engagement therewith and having a hollow passageway 24 communicating with the first or storage chamber 26 in the barrel l6 and at its opposite end with the distal end or portion 28 of the cannula .22 which has a pointed tip of any desired configuration. The cannula 22 maybe coupled directly to the barrel without the of a hub. Plunger 30 with thumb engageable flange 32 is slidably mounted in barrel 16. One end of the plunger extends beyond the barrell6 and the other end is connected to the piston 34, which is exposed in the barrel 16. Annular grooves ,36 may be provided in piston 34 in the form of annular ridges for slidable and sealing engagementwith the interior surface 38 of the barrel 16. Accordingly, the syringe means 12 is essentially a separate assembly andas hereinafter described will be used for initially storing a first sterilizedingredient 40 contained in the storage chamber 26, and which may be in a liquid or powder form.

The vial means 14in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, includes a receptacle 42 having an interior mixing or second chamber 44 and at one end thereof having a I first neck 46 terminating in a first opening 48and at its opposite end having a second neck 50' terminating in a second opening 52, which openings may be in axial alignment with each other. First penetrable closure means 54 in the form of a closure member is secured in first neck 46, having a body por- -tion 56 extending within the first opening 48 with an integrally formed flange 58 engaged with the upper flange edge 60 of the Overseal 64 provides a tamper-proof protection for thefirst closure member 54 and clamps the flange 58 against the neck 46. There exists a slight frictional interference between the opening diameter of the bore 62 and that of the hub such that a force is required for separation of the two.

The first closure member 54 is provided with an aperture 74 which is in coaxial alignment with bore 62 such that the cannula 22 extends therethrough. In addition a conical depression 76 is provided at the lower end of the first closure member 54 such that a well is formed when the firstingredient 40 and second ingredient 78, which also may be a liquid, powder, or combination thereof, are mixed together and removed from the mixing chamber 44.

The opposite end of the vial 14 is provided with a second closure means in the form of a closure member66 having a body portion 68 extending into the second opening 52, and having a radial fla'nge 70 for engagement with the lower flange end 72 of the neck 50. In like manner an overseal 64 provides {tamper-proof protection for the second closure member 66.

The second closure member may be inserted from the side of the receptacle or the end as shown.

The second closure member 66 is provided with sealing means and second supporting means to both seal off the passageway 24 of the cannula 22 from themixing chamber 44 and simultaneously support the distal end 28 thereof. The sealing means is in the form of anaxially extending channel 80, the axial length of the channel is indicated by the dimension L with the cannula 22 extending therein a dista nc'e C which is less than or equal to the dimens ioh E'fas herei explained. The channel 80 includes a-iapreappemfi sz that in assembly of the syringe means 12'an'd v ial rr tearis l 4 they may be axially directed into eachother Thdsecond Clo sure member 66 also acts as'the's t means by retaining the distal portion 28 of the cannula'2 fixed position such that the distal portion 28 axially'su' when a'ssembled and a seal is formed such that the first ient which is illustrated as a liquid will reri ain in thefstorage chamber 26 and not find its way to the mixihg chamber 44. The sealingeri gagement is provided by thede of the distal portion 28 xtending within the channel sillaiillustrated by the dime i C.. The dimension C may range' jfrom .01 to .50 inches. he degree offrictional interference between the axial channel 80 having a diameter indicated by the dimension'G and the outer diameter D, at the distal portion 28 may be predetermined. To assure greater sealing engagement between the secondcl member 66 and cannula 22 the proper degree of frictionaliii terference is selected.

. An advantage of the present invention'is that the degree of frictional interference may be controlled since a radially applied force in the direction of arrow F may be applied along the axial length characterized by the dimension C since in itS preferred embodiment the dimension A of the second opening 52 is lessthan the dimension B of the body portion of the second closure member 66 such that the degree of frictional interference therebetween does exist 'and maybe controlled, In this manner a minimal degree of frictional'interference may be provided between the distal portion-28 and the channel 80 such that the distal portion 28 may be inserted within the channel 80 without incurring any coring, as by scraping particles of the second closure member 66 as the cannula22 is' inserted therein. Since the closure members maybe made out of a rubber or plastic material coring can take place and possibly clog up the passageway 24. By being able to selectively characterize the dimensions A, B, D and G it is possible'to obtain a seal with respect to all engaging surfaces of the vial, can nula and second closure member to assure maximum protection of both sealing means and support means. For certain applications the channel may be formed by embedding the distal portion within the second closure member. Thus, second supporting means which is illustrated as integrally formed in the second closure member 66 also provides the support vfor the distal portion 28 such that each respective ends of the cannula 22 are supported duringthe entire shipment and storage up to the time of usage. This isolates the cannula and assures the proper support such that any vibrations incurred or transmitted in shipment to the assembled unit 10 will not affect the seal between the cannula 22 and the second closure. member 66, and syringe 'rneans 12 and first closure member 54. By providing this'st'ructirral arrangement it is possible to utilize a cannula having a smaller external diameter from the. same structural mat'erial', 'lwhich is generally metallic, than when same is free at ohe'en'd thereof and can be freely vibrated. v I

In operation the user receives the assembly I in FIG. 1, with the first ingredient 40 in th 26 and the second ingredient 78 in the mixing chamber 44; and to permit the free flow of the material betweenthe respective chambers of the syringe means 12 and vial "means 14 they are moved longitudinally away from eabh other until the tip of the cannula 22'is dislodged from thefirstsupp orting'rpeans of the second closure member 66 by A displaciirg them a preselected distance. when retractedfthe f t mgr t 4() illustrated as a fluid, can be discharged int'qt vial and mixed with theisecond ingredient 78, illustrated as a powder, and the resultant fluent mixture can belwithdra w'ri from said vial means14 into thesyringe means ,12"after,wh c h the first supporting means is released so that the syringe means illustrated is removed from its assembly with the vial means and can be used to inject said mixture.

S ince the axial length of support of the hub 20, as indicated by dimension E, is greater than the axial length of support of the distal portion 28 of the cannula 22, as indicated by dimension C, the hub 20 remains in sealing and supporting engagement with first closure member 54 durin'g'the mixing operation to preserve sterility. In addition the supporting means between the hub 20 and first closure member 54 assures support of the vial 14 on the syringe 12 after the distal portion 28 has been retracted from the sealing means. 'Thus, in accordance with the invention the syringe means 12 is only retracted a minimal distance in the direction of arrow 85 such that the sterility of the cannula is preserved since there is no substantial exposure, if any, of any portion of the cannula that is contained within one of the respective chambers and the atmosphere. This is important since it is not necessary to reinsert the cannula in order to obtain the combined mixture.

An additional important advantage of the present invention, as can now be see after a description thereof, is that the axial length T of the assembly is at a minimum. The total length is kept at a minimum since the distal portion 28 is essentially at the extreme end of vial means 14. In actual practice it has been found that the assembly 10 is not increased in length by morethan to 30 percent of the original length of the syrnumber of units used per year is a-sizable' savings;

FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate one method of assembly of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, and same is accomplished such that the end package 10has within the vial means 14 the second ingredient 78 within the mixing chamber 44 while the distal portion 28 of the cannula.22, which has a passageway 24 extending therethrough is packaged free of the second ingredient 78. To accomplish the assembly, the vial means 14 is supplied having the first closure member 54 and the associated overseal 64 in assembled relation to each other and the syringe means 12 is inserted through the aperture 74, and bore 62 in the first closure member 54 such that the distal portion 28 of the cannula 22 is contained within the mixing chamber 44, as illustrated in FIG. 2. A'cc'ordingly, the syringe means 12 is inserted through the first closure member 54 such that the distal portion 28 thereof extends within the mixing chamber 44 and in coaxial alignment with the second opening 52 of the second neck portion 50 at the opposite end of the vial 14.

-The distal portion 28 of the cannula 22 is then covered as by providing a cover member 94 having radial flanges96 which are secured to a chute 98 in the shape of .a funnel having a conical portion 100 and a cylindrical portion 102, which latter portion is inserted in the second opening 52 such that the supply of the second ingredient 78 from a supply source 104 may be permitted to flow into the vial means 14 by gravity, or if desired under pressure. The supply source 104 is synchronized such that a predetermined amount of ingredient 78 is automatically placed therein. The ingredient may be means 14. Accordingly, once the second closure member 66 is inserted over the tip of the cannula 22 it is then moved axially relative to the vial 14 until it reaches the position shown in FIG. 3. The body portion 68 of the second closure member 66 is selected to have a cross-sectional area which is generally cylindrical and complementary to the opening 52 such that there is a degree of frictional resistance, as by a slight interference between the two. Accordingly, the static force supplied in the direction of arrow 108 is'sufficient to overcome this frictional resistance such that the second closure member 66 is seated therein. In like manner the channel 80 in the second closure member may be of a circular cross section and dimensioned to provide an interference fit with the outer sur.- face of the cannula 22 such that frictional interference exists. in the same mannerthe static force as applied-in the direction of arrow 108 should also be sufficient to overcome this static forcev so as to obtain a double seal formedby the relativecompressed surface areas of engagement-of the second closure member 66with both the vial means 14 and cannula 22.

Thus, the assembly formed in FIG. 2, is obtained by moving the vial means 14 and supported second closure member 66 axially relative to each other until the distal end 28 of the cannula 22 is positioned within the channel 80 in the form of an axial bore, and the second closure member 66 is contained within the second opening 52 whereby the seal between the two is obtained. The overseal 64 is then applied by capping means 112 which 'is adapted to' actually force it over the second closure member 66 and the neck of the vial 14 to pro vide a tamper-proof assembly. by applying a static force in the direction of 108.

While the axial movement of the second closure member 66 and vial means 14 towards each other occurs a frictional resistance or interference between the syringe assembly 12 and first closure member 54 is not always sufficient to prevent axial movement therebetween and accordingly retention means (not shown) for the syringe 12 and vial 14 may be utilized to maintain them in fixed relation to each other as the second closure member 66 is positioned within the second opening 52. 1

H0. 5, illustrates another form of the invention in which'the second closure member 66a is similarto that illustrated in FIG. 1, and has an overseal-64a that secures it to the neck of the vial means 14a. Extending from the body portion 680 is a shoulder portion 840 having the axial channel 80a extending therein a distance L. ln this form of the invention the axially applied pressure present in H68. 1 and 4,-by the interference fit between the vial opening and body member is not available, and the degree of frictional interference between the axial channel 80a and the diameter atthe distal portion 28a of the cannula 22a is relied upon to obtain the sealing engagement between the respective surfaces and the holding of the cannula in a fixed position against longitudinal or lateral movement.

either in a powder, liquid, or other forms such as a'combination of the two. Once the chute 98 and the associated closure 94 is positioned in place then the vial 14 is filled with the preselected quantity of the ingredient through the opening 52. Subsequent thereto the cover member 94 is removed from over the distal portion 28 of the cannula 22 such that the second closure member 66 may be positioned in place as seen in FIG. 3. v

The second closure member 66 is initially supported by support means 106 which either by friction or other means retains it in fixed position and the support means 106 by mechanical conventional means is moved axially in the direction of arrow 108, relative to the vial means 14, which may also be supported by securement means 110 in engagement with the vial FIG. 6, illustrates another form of the invention in which the second closure member 66b is again similar to that illustrated in FIG. I, and includes an overseal 64b which secures the second closure member 66b to the neck portion 50b of the vial means 14b. The second closure member 66b includes an axially extending channel b which terminates in opening or FIG. 7, illustrates another form of the invention which is similar to FIG. 1, except that the second opening 520 in the second neck 50c of vial 140 has a closed bottom 920 to form a closure seat therein. The second closure member 660 includes a body portion 680 having a diameter less than the internal diameter of the opening 520 and a flange portion 70c having a diameter designed to provide a frictional interference with the opening 520 in the mixing chamber 44c with which it I length, as discussed with respect to FIG. 1.

The form of th e invention illustrated in FIG. 7, has the advantage of not requiring the assembly of an additional overseal and in this manner the second closure member 66c is inserted through the first opening 480 and the syringe means 12c is retained in fixed position to the vial means 14c in the same manner as described with respect to FIG; 1.

FIGS. 8 through 10, illustrate the method of filling and packaging the assembly 100, consisting of a syringe means 12c and vial means 14c in accordance with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7. In this embodiment the second closure member 660 is adapted to be inserted through the first opening 480 of the vial 14c and is initially supported by a support member 1141: in axial alignment with the closure seat 90c which is formed by the second opening 52c and bottom 92c of the vial 140. The second closure member 66c is inserted through the first opening 48c and moved axially relative to the vial 140 until the second closure member 660 is contained within the closure seat 900 as illustrated in FIG. 8, and is in seated position therein. To prevent the removal during shipment of the second closure member 660 there exists a degree of frictional interference between the diameter of the closure seat 900 and the second closure member 66c which interference is overcome by the axial force in the direction of arrow 1086 as the second closure member 660 and vial 140 is moved towards each other until the position shown in FIG. 8 is reached. The vial 140 is then filled with a preselected quantity of the ingredient 780 through said first opening-48c which ingredient may be of a liquid, powder or combination thereof.

The vial is filled by inserting in the first opening 48c the chute 98c which has in communication therewith the supply source 1046' which is adapted to automatically dispense predetermined quantities of the'ingredient thereint- The axial channel 800 is preferably covered during the filling of the vial 140 to prevent the ingredient 780 from entering therein. This may be accomplished by retaining the support member 1140 therein. Once the vial 14c is filled the first closure member 540 is inserted and said first opening 48c is dimensioned in a manner to seal off said opening from the atmosphere. Thereafter or simultaneously therewith the overseal64c may be applied by capping means 112c to retain the first closure member and vial in position. The capping means 1120 is hollow to permit the removal of the support means 1146 after the vial 14c is tilted to a position in which the ingredient cannot clog up the channel 800 or aperture 74c. This may be accomplished by angularly displacing or positioning the vial as seen in respect to FIG. 10, such that the ingredient 780, shown as a powder, is in a corner of the vial permitting the removal of the support member 1140 and the assembly of the syringe 120.

The assembled unit which has the cannula 22c extending therefrom is then inserted through the opening 740 in the first closure member 54c until the distal end 280 thereof extends within the axial channel 80c of the second closure member 66c and is both axially supported and a seal is formed therebetween.

Substantially the same method of assembly as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, maybe used to assemble the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, in that the second closure member is first inserted-in the vial, then the channel is covered and the vial filled, with the vial then being rotated leaving the channel free of the ingredients to permit the first closure member to be inserted in the first opening and the syringe thereafter positioned as seen in FIG. 1.

CONCLUSION A particularly desirable feature of the present invention is the ease in which it can be utilized such that the sterilized ingredient portions thereof remain free of exposure from possible contamination prior to the obtainment of the mixture of the ingredients therein. In operation the vial is retracted a minimal amount generally in the range of .01 to .5 inches such that the distal end is retracted from the second closure and is free such that the plunger may be manually manipulated to dispense the ingredients from'the storage chamber into the mixing chamber to have a mixture of the two materials occur. It is most important that the cannula does not have to be substantially removed from the vialto perform this mixing operation, thereby minimizing any contamination that could possibly occur. v

Additionally, it is now possible to axially or longitudinally and laterally support the cannula'at each end thereof so as to be assured, irrespective of the transportation, storage and handling associated with the final assembly, that there is a minimum chance of any fracture occurring either in the can'- nula or at its seal with the syringe. It can be appreciated that the cannula acts asa flexible member and due to vibrations transmitted to the assembly it is possible to affect a flexure thereof and a possible fracture at one or more points or particularly the seal with the syringe. If this occurs the danger of an injury resulting when the syringe isused is easily foreseeable. By being able to support the cannula at both ends thereof the degree of assurance that the package will be in usable condition is materially increased.

Considering the total number of units used per year the volume of each package becomes an important matter in the transportation, storage and the cost of manufacturing materials for packaging same. Accordingly, the present invention permits a condensed assembly since essentially the distal portion of the cannula is almost adjacent the bottom of the vial such that the longitudinal length of the assembly is substantially equal to the longitudinal length of the syringe. In priorart practices, this is generally not the case since there is a substantial distance between the distal portion of the cannula, and the end of the components associated therewith.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that many changes and modifications may be made, and his, therefore, intended by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Iclaimr Y 1. A device for both maintaining separately and thereafter mixing ingredients, comprising in combination:

A. syringe means having a cannula extending therefrom and communicating with a storage chamber for containing an ingredient, said syringe means having plunger means in said storage chamber;

B. vial means having a mixing chamber for containing an ingredient, and a first opening and a second opening in spaced-apart relation, each communicating with said mixing chamber;

C. supporting means comprising first and second closure means inserted respectively in said first and second openings and having a preformed axial bore extending entirely through said first closure means and a preformed axially extending channel in said second closure means communicating with said chamber and in coaxial alignment with saidaxial bore for receiving said syringe means and the proximate portion of the cannula in said axial bore and the distal portion of the cannulain the axially extending channel for mounting said syringe means on said vial means to provide support at spaced-apart positions for said syringe means and said cannula, with said cannula extending into and being supported in said mixing chamber, so as to releasably connect and firmly retain said syringe means and said cannula relative to said vial means; and

D. said first and second closure means each having at least one portion thereof comprising sealing means for frictionally engaging said syringe means and said cannula distal portion in said mixing chamber, said sealing portion in said axial bore being of a diameter relative to the outer diameter of the syringe to provide sealing engagement therebetween, and said sealing portion in said axially extending channel being of a diameter relative to the outer diameter of said cannula to providesealing engagement therebetween, such that said cannula distal portion is dislodged from said sealing means in said mixing chamber by longitudinally displacing said vial means and syringe means a preselected distance until said distal portion is removed from said sealing means, so as to permit said syringe ingredient to be discharged into said vial means and mixed with said vial ingredient, and the resultant fluent mixture can be withdrawn from said vial means into said syringe means.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal length of said sealing means between said syringe means and said vial means is greater than the longitudinal length of said sealing means between the distal portion of said cannula and said vial means, so as to permit the withdrawal of said cannula from sealing engagement in said mixing chamber while said vial means remains in sealing engagement with said syringe means to maintain sterility in said mixing chamber.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal length of said supporting means between said syringe means and said vial means is greater than the longitudinal length of said supporting means between the distal portion of said cannula and said vial means, so as to permit the withdrawal of said cannula from supporting engagement within said mixing chamber while said vial remains in supported relation with said syringe means to permit the mixture to be obtained.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting means retains the distal portion of said cannula in a fixed position to prevent lateral movement thereof.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein said distal portion is supported a length at least equal to .01 inches.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the total longitudinal length of said device is not increased more than 20 percent of said individual syringe means, so as to obtain a compact assembly thereof.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second closure means is dimensioned with respect to said second opening in said vial means such that when positioned therein a radially inwardly directed force is applied to compress said sealing portion of said axially extending channel againstsaid cannula to further maintain fluidtight sealing engagement therebetween.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the longitudinal length of said channel is at least equal to the diameter of said cannula.

9. A device according to claim 7, wherein said second closure means includes a body portion extending within said second opening and a radial flange integrally formed therewith and extending exteriorly of said vial and an overseal secured to said vial means and said radial flange said channel extending substantially the length of said body portion.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second opening extends through said vial and said second closure means is sealingly inserted therein.

11. A device according to claim 1, further including overseals retaining said first and second closure means relative to said vial means.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second opening terminates in said mixing chamber and forms a seat 14. A device according to claim l,wherein said channel terminates in an enlarged pocket contained in said second closure into which the tip of said cannula'extends.

15. A device for both maintaining separately and thereafter mixing ingredients, comprising in combination:

A. syringe means having a cannula'extending therefrom and communicating with a storage chamber for containing a sterile ingredient, said syringe means having plunger means in said storage chamber;

B. vial means having a mixing chamber for containing a sterile ingredient with a first opening and a second opening-in spaced-apart relation, each communicating with the mixing chamber;

C. first closure means sealingly inserted in the first opening of said vial means; D. second closure means inserted in the second opening of said vial means and fixedly secured thereto; E. first supporting means integral with said first closure means in the form of a preformed axial bore extending entirely therethrough mounting said syringe means on said vial means so as to releasably connect and firmly hold said syringe means and the proximate end of the cannula with respect to said vial means, in said axial bore, with said cannula extending through said first closure means and into said mixing chamber;

F. second supporting means integral with said second closure means in the form of a preformed axially extending channel extending therein and communicating with said mixing chamber, so as to releasably connect and firmly hold the distal portion of said cannula within said mixing chamber relative to said vial means, such that the resistance of said respective supporting means must be overcome before longitudinally displacing said vial means I and syringe means;

G. first sealing means integral with said first closure means for functioning as a seal by having at least a portion of said axial bore relative to the syringe means extending therethrough of a diameter to provide for frictionally engaging said syringe and sealing'said mixing chamber from the atmosphere; and

H. second sealing means integral with said second closure means and communicating with said mixing chamber for functioning as a seal by having at least a portion of said axially extending channel in said second closure means of a diameter relative to the outer diameter of said cannula for frictionally engaging said cannula distal portion in said mixing chamber, such that it is dislodged from said sealing means by longitudinally displacing said vial means and syringe means a preselected distance until said distal portion is removed from said sealing means, so as to permit said syringe ingredient to be discharged into said vial means and mixed with said vvial ingredient, and the resultant fluent mixture can be withdrawn from said vial means into said syringe means after which said supporting means is released so that said syringe means can be used to inject said mixture.

16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the longitudinal length of said first sealing means between said syringe means and said vial means in said first closure means is greater than the longitudinal length of said second sealing means between the distal portion of said cannula and said vial means in said second closure means, so as to permit the withdrawal of said cannula from sealing engagement with said second closure means while said vial means is simultaneously in sealing engagement with said syringe means to maintain sterility in said mixing chamber.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein said second sealing means further includes said second closure means dimensioned with respect to said second opening in said vial such that when positioned therein a radially inwardly directed force is applied to compress said channel against said cannula to further maintain fluidtight sealing engagement therebetween.

18. A device for both maintaining separately and thereafter mixing sterile ingredients and for injecting the mixture, comprising in combination:

A. syringe means having a cannula extending therefrom and communicating with a storage chamber for containing a sterile ingredient, said syringe means having plunger means in said storage chamber;

B. vial means having a mixing chamber for containing a sterile ingredient with first and second openings in spaced-apart relation, each communicating with the mix- -ing chamber;

C. first closure means sealingly inserted in the first opening of said vial;

D. second closure means inserted in the second opening of said vial;

E. first supporting means integral with said first closure means in the form of a preformed axial bore extending entirely therethrough for mounting said syringe means and the proximate portion of said cannula on said vial means so as to releasably connect and firmly hold said syringe means and cannula with respect to said vial means in said axial bore with said cannula extending into said mixing chamber;

F. second supporting means integral with said second closure means in the form of a preformed axially extending channel extending therein and communicating with said mixing chamber, so as to releasably connect and firmly hold the distal portion of said cannula within said mixing chamber relative to said vial means, such that the resistance of said respective supporting means must be overcome before longitudinally displacing said vial means and syringe means;

G. first sealing means integral with said first closure means for functioning as a seal by having at least a portion of said axial bore relative to the syringe means extending therethrough of a diameter to provide for frictionally engaging said syringe and sealing said mixing chamberfrom the atmosphere;

l-l. second sealing means integral with said second closure means and communicating with said mixing chamber for functioning as a sea] by having at least a portion of said axially extending channel in said second closure means of a diameter relative to the outer diameter of said cannula for frictionally engaging said cannula distal portion in said mixing chamber and sealing said mixing chamber from said storage chamber, such that said cannula is dislodged from said closure means by longitudinally displacing said vial means and syringe means a preselected distance until said distal portion is removed from said second sealing means, so as to permit said syringe ingredient to be discharged into said vial means and mixed with said vial ingredient, and the resultant fluent mixture can be withdrawn from said vial means into said syringe means after which said first supporting means is released so that said syringe means can be used to inject said mixture;

1. said first sealing means being greater in length than said second sealing means, so as to permit the withdrawal of 1 said cannula distal portion from sealing engagement with said second closure means while said syringe simultane-.

ously remainsin sealing engagement with said vial means to maintain sterility in said mixing chamber; and

. said first supporting means being greater in length than

Claims

1. A device for both maintaining separately and thereafter mixing ingredients, comprising in combination: A. syringe means having a cannula extending therefrom and communicating with a storage chamber for containing an ingredient, said syringe means having plunger means in said storage chamber; B. vial means having a mixing chamber for containing an ingredient, and a first opening and a second opening in spacedapart relation, each communicating with said mixing chamber; C. supporting means comprising first and second closure means inserted respectively in said first and second openings and having a preformed axial bore extending entirely through said first closure means and a preformed axially extending channel in said second closure means communicating with said chamber and in coaxial alignment with said axial bore for receiving said syringe means and the proximate portion of the cannula in said axial bore and the distal portion of the cannula in the axially extending channel for mounting said syringe means on said vial means to provide support at spaced-apart positions for said syringe means and said cannula, with said cannula extending into and being supported in said mixing chamber, so as to releasably connect and firmly retain said syringe means and said cannula relative to said vial means; and D. said first and second closure means each having at least one portion thereof comprising sealing means for frictionally engaging said syringe means and said cannula distal portion in said mixing chamber, said sealing portion in said axial bore being of a diameter relative to the outer diameter of the syringe to provide sealing engagement therebetween, and said sealing portion in said axially extending channel being of a diameter relative to the outer diameter of said cannula to provide sealing engagement therebetween, such that said cannula distal portion is dislodged from said sealing means in said mixing chamber by longituDinally displacing said vial means and syringe means a preselected distance until said distal portion is removed from said sealing means, so as to permit said syringe ingredient to be discharged into said vial means and mixed with said vial ingredient, and the resultant fluent mixture can be withdrawn from said vial means into said syringe means.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second closure means is dimensioned with respect to said second opening in said vial means such that when positioned therein a radially inwardly directed force is applied to compress said sealing portion of said axially extending channel against said cannula to further maintain fluidtight sealing engagement therebetween.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second opening terminates in said mixing chamber and forms a seat for retaining said second closure therein.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second openings are of a circular configuration and said first opening is of a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of said second opening to permit the displacement of said second closure through said first opening.

14. A device according to claim 1, wherein said channel terminates in an enlarged pocket contained in said second closure into which the tip of said cannula extends.

15. A device for both maintaining separately and thereafter mixing ingredients, comprising in combination: A. syringe means having a cannula extending therefrom and communicating with a storage chamber for containing a sterile ingredient, said syringe means having plunger means in said storage chamber; B. vial means having a mixing chamber for containing a sterile ingredient with a first opening and a second opening in spaced-apart relaTion, each communicating with the mixing chamber; C. first closure means sealingly inserted in the first opening of said vial means; D. second closure means inserted in the second opening of said vial means and fixedly secured thereto; E. first supporting means integral with said first closure means in the form of a preformed axial bore extending entirely therethrough mounting said syringe means on said vial means so as to releasably connect and firmly hold said syringe means and the proximate end of the cannula with respect to said vial means, in said axial bore, with said cannula extending through said first closure means and into said mixing chamber; F. second supporting means integral with said second closure means in the form of a preformed axially extending channel extending therein and communicating with said mixing chamber, so as to releasably connect and firmly hold the distal portion of said cannula within said mixing chamber relative to said vial means, such that the resistance of said respective supporting means must be overcome before longitudinally displacing said vial means and syringe means; G. first sealing means integral with said first closure means for functioning as a seal by having at least a portion of said axial bore relative to the syringe means extending therethrough of a diameter to provide for frictionally engaging said syringe and sealing said mixing chamber from the atmosphere; and H. second sealing means integral with said second closure means and communicating with said mixing chamber for functioning as a seal by having at least a portion of said axially extending channel in said second closure means of a diameter relative to the outer diameter of said cannula for frictionally engaging said cannula distal portion in said mixing chamber, such that it is dislodged from said sealing means by longitudinally displacing said vial means and syringe means a preselected distance until said distal portion is removed from said sealing means, so as to permit said syringe ingredient to be discharged into said vial means and mixed with said vial ingredient, and the resultant fluent mixture can be withdrawn from said vial means into said syringe means after which said supporting means is released so that said syringe means can be used to inject said mixture.

18. A device for both maintaining separately and thereafter mixing sterile ingredients and for injecting the mixture, comprising in combination: A. syringe means having a cannula extending therefrom and communicating with a storage chamber for containing a sterile ingredient, said syringe means having plunger means in said storage chamber; B. vial means having a mixing chamber for containing a sterile ingredient with first and second openings in spaced-apart relation, each communicating with the mixing chamber; C. first closure means sealingly inserted in the first opening of said vial; D. second closure means inserted in the second opening of said vial; E. first supporting means integral with said first closure Means in the form of a preformed axial bore extending entirely therethrough for mounting said syringe means and the proximate portion of said cannula on said vial means so as to releasably connect and firmly hold said syringe means and cannula with respect to said vial means in said axial bore with said cannula extending into said mixing chamber; F. second supporting means integral with said second closure means in the form of a preformed axially extending channel extending therein and communicating with said mixing chamber, so as to releasably connect and firmly hold the distal portion of said cannula within said mixing chamber relative to said vial means, such that the resistance of said respective supporting means must be overcome before longitudinally displacing said vial means and syringe means; G. first sealing means integral with said first closure means for functioning as a seal by having at least a portion of said axial bore relative to the syringe means extending therethrough of a diameter to provide for frictionally engaging said syringe and sealing said mixing chamber from the atmosphere; H. second sealing means integral with said second closure means and communicating with said mixing chamber for functioning as a seal by having at least a portion of said axially extending channel in said second closure means of a diameter relative to the outer diameter of said cannula for frictionally engaging said cannula distal portion in said mixing chamber and sealing said mixing chamber from said storage chamber, such that said cannula is dislodged from said closure means by longitudinally displacing said vial means and syringe means a preselected distance until said distal portion is removed from said second sealing means, so as to permit said syringe ingredient to be discharged into said vial means and mixed with said vial ingredient, and the resultant fluent mixture can be withdrawn from said vial means into said syringe means after which said first supporting means is released so that said syringe means can be used to inject said mixture; I. said first sealing means being greater in length than said second sealing means, so as to permit the withdrawal of said cannula distal portion from sealing engagement with said second closure means while said syringe simultaneously remains in sealing engagement with said vial means to maintain sterility in said mixing chamber; and J. said first supporting means being greater in length than said second supporting means, so as to retain said syringe means in supported position relative to said vial means by said second supporting means after said cannula is withdrawn from said first supporting means.