Abstract: A medical device, such as a vascular access device, is disclosed for providing access to a medical fluid flow path for the introduction or withdrawal of medical fluids to and from the flow path. The access device includes an indicator for providing a visual indication when the access device has been exposed to an antiseptic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved dispenser suitable for quickly and easily setting up and dispensing multi-part tissue sealants or other multi-part compositions requiring separation of the components until just prior to application on the tissue surface. The invention may further include an applicator having a handle and a blade attached to a first end of the handle. The invention may also include a dispensing tip having a blade attached to the distal end of the dispensing tip.

Abstract: A safety needle-bearing device for mixing and injecting medication from a two-chambered cartridge is provided. The device includes a needle that extends through the forward end of a barrel. A two-chambered cartridge is attached to the barrel and contains components of a medication stored separately in the chambers. A plunger in the rearward end of the cartridge can be advanced into the cartridge to combine the separate components and prepare the medication. As the cartridge is advanced forwardly into the barrel, the medication is injected through the needle and into a patient. At the completion of the injection stroke, the cartridge engages a needle retainer to actuate needle retraction. The needle is subsequently retracted to shield the contaminated needle.

Abstract: An injector for liquid medicine comprises a cylindrical body 1, first and second gasket 2, 3 contained in a lumen of cylindrical body 1. The cylindrical body 1 is provided with a fluid inlet 13 and a fluid outlet 14 in opposite sides of the cylindrical body 1 with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. Second gasket 3 is spaced from the first gasket 2 to form a fluid chamber 4 between them. The first gasket 2 is adapted to be moved by sliding along the inner wall of the cylindrical body 1 from a first position to the distal end 11 of cylindrical body 1 via a second position. The fluid inlet 13 is opened at a position closer to the distal end 11 of the cylindrical body 1 than the outlet 14 is. The first gasket 2 is stopped at a second position where the fluid chamber 4 is communicated with the fluid outlet 14 but prevented from fluid-communication with the fluid inlet 13.

Abstract: A safety syringe for taking blood has a hollow barrel, a seal, a tube and a needle hub. The hollow barrel has an outside surface, a proximal open end and a distal closed end. The seal with an inner needle is mounted inside the hollow barrel. The tube has a proximal open end and a distal open end and is attached longitudinally to the outside surface of the hollow barrel. The needle hub is mounted inside the tube, and the needle can extend out of the distal open end of the tube. A first through hole defined in the hollow barrel and a second through hole is defined in the tube align with the first through hole. When taking blood, the needle is extended out from the distal end of the tube to take a blood sample and a vacutainer is inserted into the hollow barrel to collect a blood sample. The used needle is retracted into the tube after use to keep people from getting injured or infected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The device has a first sleeve member having a first and a second end, the first sleeve member having at the first end a first attaching member adapted to attach to the first container. The device further has a second sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the second sleeve member being associated with the first sleeve member and movable with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position, the second sleeve member having at the second end a second attaching member adapted to attach the second sleeve member to the second container. First and second piercing members project from one of the first and second sleeve members for providing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container, and the first and second piercing members are independently hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A drug delivery system stores a beneficial agent and mixes the beneficial agent with a component in a reservoir, the mixture to be delivered to a patient. A plunger in the drug delivery system delivers the beneficial agent to a reservoir containing a component, such as diluent. The beneficial agent and component are mixed in the reservoir and the mixture flows from the reservoir to an access port in the drug delivery device to an administration set or other device to be delivered to a patient.

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge, comprises an injection component (1) defining a void (17) therein for receiving medicament, and having an injection discharge orifice communicating with the void. The cartridge further comprises a transfer device (2) comprising a liquid-containing reservoir (4), and transfer means for causing the liquid (5) to flow from the reservoir, through a reservoir outlet, into the void in the injection component.

Abstract: Axially activated vial access adapter allowing repeated withdrawal of a medical fluid contained in the container by the use of a needleless device such as a syringe barrel or IV set having a luer connector. The axially activated vial access adapter includes: an elastomeric stopper having a cavity extending from its distal end to its proximal end; a bottom insert positioned in the cavity of the elastomeric stopper; and a top insert of tube-like configuration slideably positioned in the bottom insert. The top insert contains a plug on its proximal end, and a male luer connector on its distal end for attachment to a syringe barrel or an IV set having a female luer connector. Moving the top insert distally or proximally, the plug on the proximal end of the top insert opens or closes the cavity in the elastomeric stopper thereby opening or closing fluid communication between the medical fluid contained in the container and the syringe barrel or IV set having a luer connector.

Abstract: A septum penetrable by a member and which maintains a seal following member penetration in an axial direction and withdrawal. The septum includes a first layer of resilient material having first and second opposed surfaces, and a second layer extending across the first surface of the first layer and which is in radial tension. A third layer under tension may extend across the second surface. Septum assemblies and methods of fabricating the septa are also provided.

Abstract: A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The device has a first sleeve member having a first and a second end, the first sleeve member having at the first end a first attaching member adapted to attach to the first container. The device further has a second sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the second sleeve member being associated with the first sleeve member and movable with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position, the second sleeve member having at the second end a second attaching member adapted to attach the second sleeve member to the second container. First and second piercing members project from one of the first and second sleeve members for providing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container, and the first and second piercing members are independently hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A method and a needleless injection system for administering a medication. In order to simplify as far as possible the handling necessary for loading the injector with medication and thereby eliminate risks caused by a complex handling the method and system according to the invention provide loading of medication into a needleless injector device by means of a syringe prefilled with a medication, this loading step preferably including connecting the syringe to the injector device by means of a suitable coupling member or adapter and operating the syringe for transferring medication prefilled therein into the injector device. After this transfer the syringe and/or the coupling member or adapter are detached from the injector device, which is then ready to be operated for ejecting the loaded dosage of said medication from the injector device and thereby pass the selected dosage through the skin of an injection receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a closure-cap and a container in the form of a two-chamber cartridge in which an active ingredient and a solvent can be stored separately until the apparatus is used in a nebuliser, as well as an active substance concentrate in which the active substance is present as a solution or suspension for storage purposes.

Abstract: Fibrin sealant applicator systems are provided for dispensing a first and a second protein solution to form a biological adhesive which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. The fibril sealant applicator system according to the present disclosure includes two piston-type sub-assemblies coupled to two vials storing a fibrinogen and a thrombin via a coupling unit. The piston-type sub-assemblies store sterilized water within reservoirs which are in fluid communication with the vials via the coupling unit. The water is forced into the vials to form a fibrinogen and a thrombin solution. The solutions are then drawn into the reservoirs and a Y-coupler is attached to the distal end of the piston-type sub-assemblies. The Y-coupler provides fluid communication between the reservoirs and a nozzle body for dispensing the solutions when distal pressure is created within the reservoirs to force the solutions towards the nozzle body.

Abstract: The hollow cannula is made with a smooth tip to avoid sharp corners on the inside diameter or outside diameter in order to avoid scraping or scoring of a slit or pre-pre-pierced septum during passage through the septum. The cannula may be employed in various types of embodiments including swabable valve connectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing device, or mixing device for mixing, in a continuous process, a flowing primary liquid with one or more added secondary liquids of a smaller quantity for obtaining a flowing liquid mixture at a permanent uniform mixing ratio of the mixed liquids.

Abstract: A syringe is modified to permit gradual administration of its contents with reduced problems due to seizing or stiction of its piston by dividing its piston axially into two parts, a front detached part and rear part which is the only part having provision for attachment to a syringe actuator. The rear part has a passage through which fluid can be gradually introduced from an actuator into a chamber between the parts so as to force the front part forward while the rear part is restrained against rearward movement. The passage may be initially closed by a septum which is penetrated by a cannula on the actuator. If the syringe actuator is a plunger, the syringe can be used conventionally.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The device has a first sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the first sleeve member having at the first end a first attaching member adapted to attach to the first container; and a second sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the second sleeve member being associated with the first sleeve member and movable axially with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position. A second attaching member is provided on the second end of the second sleeve and adapted to fixedly attach the second sleeve member to the second container. First and second piercing members are also provided projecting from one of the first and second sleeve members for providing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The device has a first sleeve member having a first end and a second end and a sidewall defining a chamber, the first sleeve member having at the first end a first attaching member adapted to attach to the first container. The device further has a second sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the second sleeve member being associated with the first sleeve member and is movable axially with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position. A second attaching member is positioned on the second end of the second sleeve and adapted to attach the second sleeve member to the second container. A piercing member positioned in the chamber and projecting from one of the first and second sleeve members is provided for establishing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container. The piercing member is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A portable syringe dispenser system capable of holding one or more syringes containing different types of fluid medicine therein. Filled syringes, holding enough fluid medicine for multiple injections, are placed into syringe holders in the dispenser and inserted into a sterile mixing chamber. The dosage of each type of fluid medicine in each syringe is independently adjusted employing a dose adjusting indicator system. An activation system allows all doses of the fluid medicine to be simultaneously injected through a replaceable sterile needle. The sterile needle can remain on the dispenser system. The sterile needle maintains its sterility by sealing it with a sealing cap. This allows the needle to be reused. In addition, a dosage/time recording unit can be attached to the portable syringe dispensing system to accurately record at least the time, date and amount of fluid medicine injected. A plurality of these recordings can be made.

Abstract: A syringe device for mixing two compounds is provided. The syringe device includes a vial having an opening and a centrally perforable stopper. The syringe device also includes a guide tube for guiding the injection end of the syringe between a withdrawn or storage position and an inserted position. The guide tube includes a second end for receiving the injection end of the syringe, which also includes a seal between the body of the syringe and the guide tube.

Abstract: A disposable seal is provided at the connection between an insertion needle and associated VACUTAINER holder when drawing blood from a patient during a phlebotomy procedure. The seal comprises an outer absorbent layer, and successive layers of sealing plastic film, an adhesive layer, and a removable inner layer of film for exposing the adhesive layer for attachment to the VACUTAINER holder. Prior to use, the disposable seal is mounted on the VACUTAINER holder along the adhesive layer and the insertion needle is pierced through the sealing portion of the plastic film and threaded into the VACUTAINER holder. A portion of the sealing plastic layer of film is partially detached by the insertion needle and wraps around the threaded portion of the VACUTAINER holder to improve the seal between the needle, and any small amount of blood leakage will be absorbed by the outer absorbent layer of the seal. The VACUTAINER holder can then be reused, using standard sterilization procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piercing member adapted for use with a flow channel. The piercing member has a penetrating member for piercing a solid closure, and is retained to the flow channel, but still allows fluid to flow through the flow channel while retained to the flow channel.

Abstract: Small compression type injection site in the form of a self-sealing septum-like member that is self-sealing for hypodermic needle punctures and the like and a method of manufacture. Compressive stresses are introduced into a stretched elastomeric rod, whereby the decreased diameter cross section is maintained by placing a wrapping around and about the stretched rod and adhesively sealing it thereto. Sliced cross-sectional pieces of the rod then provide injection sites to be incorporated into the wall of an implantable prosthesis as by bonding or the like.

Abstract: The female luer connector is constructed with a floating hollow needle. The needle is mounted within a collapsible tubular member with the distal end of the needle fitted into a recess of a septum integral with the collapsible member. The hollow needle is free to move transversely relative to the housing and a rigid tubular part of the connector. Eccentricity of the septum relative to the rigid tubular part is avoided and insertion of a male connector automatically aligns the septum and needle with the longitudinal axis of the rigid tubular part. Various arrangements are provided for anchoring the flange of the collapsible tubular part between the housing and rigid part in seal-tight manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refillable dispenser for separately dispensing each of two biological fluids contained therein for intermixing at a site outside of the dispenser to produce hemostasis or a tissue adhesive. The dispenser is compact, contains integrally formed internal reservoirs for the two biological fluids, an injection port on each reservoir for refilling the reservoir, and is designed for efficient filling without compromising the integrity of the sterile field. The dispenser is capable of dispensing the biological fluids, such as fibrinogen and thrombin, at either a focused point or in an aerosol mist. In addition, spray elements are disclosed for uniformly distributing the two biological fluids along either the interior surface or the exterior surface of an implantable vascular graft.

Abstract: Improved elastomeric materials useful for medical and therapeutic device applications, such as penetrable septa, are described. In one aspect, the materials are deeply cleaned with solvent to significantly lower levels of undesirable organics. In another aspect, internally lubricated elastomer compositions compatible for use in medical and therapeutic device applications are provided. The lubricating fluid is present in the composition from about 0.5% to 50% by weight, and is initially substantially homogeneously dispersed in the elastomer. The fluid can be integrated into the elastomer by a solvent infusion method. In another aspect an internally lubricated thermoplastic septum, having an appropriate hardness for resealability with multiple penetrations, is provided.

Abstract: The exposed surface of the bung closing off the glass vial of medicament is provided with a permanent contact bactericide coating to prevent microbial growth. The coating is applied by a vapor deposition process. Upon removal of a pull tab on a cap securing the bung to the glass vial, the exposed bactericide containing surface of the bung can be pierced by a needle in order to obtain access to the medicament in the vial.

Abstract: A prefilled, two-constituent system is provided with a syringe barrel having a dispensing end with an inwardly directed, stationary, piercing cannula. Within the syringe barrel is a first, sealed, collapsible container holding a first constituent at subatmospheric pressure. The first container is slidably disposed within the syringe barrel adjacent the piercing cannula. A second, sealed, collapsible container holding a liquid second constituent is slidably disposed within the syringe barrel spaced from the first container. A carrier is slidably disposed within the syringe barrel between the first and second containers. The carrier has a double-ended, hollow, piercing needle with oppositely extending first and second ends for piercing the first and second containers, respectively. A plunger is slidably mounted within the syringe barrel for applying a force to the second container.

Abstract: A needle connector assembly for attachment to an IV receptacle which includes a needle hub with a cannula or needle attached thereto and a housing to which the needle hub is mounted. The hub has a plurality of equi-spaced splines thereon and the housing has an aperture in the rear portion thereof defining a plurality of equi-spaced slots therein which mate with the splines when the hub and the housing are secured together. Along the length of the interchangeable splines and slots, an inwardly projecting, one-way barb is provided which has an inclined or cam surface at its leading edge. When the hub is inserted into the housing, the needle is completely surrounded by the housing and the barbs bite into the adjacent material to preclude withdrawal of the hub from the housing. The housing and the receptacle may interlock with each other at a patient IV site to secure the housing to the receptacle.

Abstract: A body waste fluids collecting container is used in the disposal of waste fluids drained from a body cavity of a patient. The collecting container has inlet and outlet ports, a collecting compartment for collecting body waste fluids drained from a patient, and a retaining compartment located within the collecting container. A composition for treating body waste fluids is located within the retaining compartment. At least one wall is located on the retaining compartment. The wall separates the composition from the collecting compartment. An actuator opens the wall and permits release of the composition from the retaining compartment upon actuation. A composition consists of a disinfectant, a xerogel, or combination thereof. A waste treatment material dispensing device is also used with a closed waste fluid disposal vessel. The device contains waste treatment material and a container defining a storage volume for holding the waste treatment material.

Abstract: A valve which can be used to facilitate needleless transfer of medication from the container to a patient. A slidable actuator is engaged by the nozzle portion of a syringe and the tapered lead portion of the slide is forced into the container through a pre-slit elastomeric membrane. The membrane is relatively thick, preferably between 25 and 75% the width dimension of the membrane and, more preferably, between 40 and 50% of that dimension. The thick membrane is durable enough to withstand repeated usage and damage resistant enough to permit use with needled syringes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pointed adapter which enables a blunt entry device such as a blunt cannula to readily penetrate an elastomeric closure such as a conventional vial stopper. The adapter includes a breakaway collar which initially protects the adapter point from touch contamination and from accidental stick to the user.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the preparation of a medicinal solution from two components, one of which is in powder, lyophilisate or liquid form and the other a dilutant or a liquid solvent. These components respectively are charged in a rear container (11) and a front container (13), each of which has an opening closed off by a stopper-piston-dish, which is axially movable. Both these stopper-piston-dishes (19, 24) are connected by a conveyance shaft (15) adapted to ensure a rigid, tight and sterile coupling between the two stopper-piston-dishes (19, 24) when the device (10) is in a charging position, and to define a channel between both these containers (11, 13) when the device is in a position of use.

Abstract: A device for intermixing a first component, such as a parenteral fluid with a second component, such as an immobilized drug carried by a scaffold to form a beneficial agent which, following the mixing step, can be dispensed directly from the device for infusion into a patient. The device includes novel mechanisms for mateably interconnecting a container, such as a glass vial containing the first component with a housing having a fluid outlet which houses a sealed container containing the second component, and then for controllably mixing the components under sterile conditions to form an injectable solution which is automatically dispensed through the fluid outlet of the device.

Abstract: This invention refers to a device for the administration of aqueous solutions or suspensions of drugs or diagnostic agents including, for instance, contrast media for X-ray, magnetic resonance and ultrasound procedures. In particular this invention refers to a two-component device, substantially constituted by: a) a piston-container, which is prefilled with an injectable solution/suspension, and sealed by a stopper-plunger, b) a housing-barrel, provided with collecting and administration systems. Said components a) and b) are combined together only when used, ensuring the preparation sterility.

Abstract: A female luer connector for intravascular or urological use is provided with a needle having a closed distal end with an opening in the side of the needle. In addition, the needle is sealingly received within a recess of a rubber septum with an interference fit between the distal end of the needle and the septum. A slit may be formed in the septum to facilitate penetration of the needle through the septum when in use. In one embodiment, the septum has an elongated recess so that the needle may be received under compression in one portion for storage purposes and in a second portion when in use.

Abstract: A female luer connector for intravascular or urological use is provided with a needle having a closed distal end with an opening in the side of the needle. In addition, the needle is sealingly received within a recess of a rubber septum with an interference fit between the distal end of the needle and the septum. A slit may be formed in the septum to facilitate penetration of the needle through the septum when in use. In one embodiment, the septum has an elongated recess so that the needle may be received under compression in one portion for storage purposes and in a second portion when in use.

Abstract: A syringe for sequentially injecting a plurality of liquids into an intravenous (IV) infusion component that has a connector fitting includes a syringe vessel having a preferably needleless injection port that is engageable with the connector fitting of the IV component. A syringe plunger is slidably disposed in the syringe vessel, and at least one barrier plunger is slidably disposed in the syringe vessel between the injection port and the syringe plunger. The barrier plunger is formed with a pathway for fluid communication therethrough, and a fluid-tight membrane is positioned in the pathway of the barrier plunger to block fluid communication through the pathway. A non-sharp nipple extends inwardly from the injection port for breaking the membrane of the barrier plunge when the barrier plunger is urged against the nipple. A first liquid is disposed in the syringe vessel between the barrier plunger and the injection port and a second liquid is disposed in the syringe vessel between the two plungers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pointed adapter which enables a blunt entry device such as a blunt cannula to readily penetrate an elastomeric closure such as a conventional vial stopper. The adapter also includes a collar which initially protects the adapter point from touch contamination and from accidental stick to the user.

Abstract: A blood aspiration assembly and method has proximal, intermediate and distal tubing, an adjustable volume reservoir and an aspirator receiver. The receiver has a housing with a rigid casing and a resilient plug, and a liquid flow chamber. The resilient plug has a slit or perforation to allow passage of a blunt needle therethrough. The plug can have two parts of different compliance, which aligned slits or perforations. The blunt needle tip can be rounded or flat, with a side opening for the needle bore. The contour of the needle tip and the design of the plug are correlated such that the working force required to penetrate the needle tip into the plug perforation is considerably less than the force required for said needle tip to penetrate normal intact human skin of the hands or arms.

Abstract: A flexible, sterile container is provided for sterile storing and mixing of medicaments and liquids which includes a shell with at least one compartment. At least one sterile liquid-containing pouch is in one of the compartments, and a medicament is in the compartment with the pouch or is in a different compartment. The liquid and medicament are mixed together by squeezing the shell and pouch to rupture the pouch to release the liquid for mixing with the medicament just prior to dispensing the mixture.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for holding a lyophilized product, forming a disposable portion of a pen injector includes a cylindrical glass cartridge adapted to receive the product, a closure cap, a cartridge case, and a plunger mechanism. The closure cap is adapted to retain an elastomeric disc seal during lyophilization and includes diametrically opposed ledges. The closure cap and seal are adapted to cover a neck portion of the ampule, the neck portion having on its end a radially extending circumferential flange. The ledges of the closure cap and the flange of the neck portion allow the closure cap to remain open during lyophilization, oxygen purge and nitrogen overlay. An oval-shaped indentation formed on the inside of the closure cap aids in snapping the closure cap about the flange without crimping to retain the closure cap underneath the flange.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system including a vial having an opening for containing a dry medicament, a container having an opening for containing a solution, upper and lower, pierceable plugs for hermetically sealing the openings of the vial and the container, respectively, a capsule having upper and lower ends, and a sliding member slidably disposed in the capsule and having a double-pointed cannula providing with upper and lower needles. The container is slidably inserted into the capsule from the upper open end of the capsule and the vial can be detachably and fixedly connected to the lower open end of the capsule. When container is pushed downward, the lower needle of the cannula is firstly pierced and inserted into the plug of the vial so that the cannula is communicated with the medicament vial and then the upper needle of the cannula is pierced and inserted into the plug of the container so that the vial and the container are communicated to each other through the cannula.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly is provided for locking a hypodermic syringe to a fitting of an intravenous set. The assembly includes a shield with a needle cannula mounted therein. A latch is pivotably mounted to the needle shield for rotation about an axis extending generally orthogonal to the needle cannula. The latch includes a locking flange having a slot for engagement with the fitting of the intravenous set. The latch can be lockingly engaged into a position for securely retaining the safety needle assembly to the fitting, and includes a resiliently deflectable finger for urging the latch into a fully opened condition in response to disengagement of the lock.

Abstract: An improved drug delivery system and method for reconstituting drugs are provided. The system allows the delivery of a medicament from a drug vial (40) directly into an intravenous line to a patient. The system provides a method and an apparatus that insures that the drug vial (40) is properly pierced and the vial (40) is locked into an activated position when it is desired to use the same. To this end, a vial retaining member (50) for coupling the vial (40) to a cartridge (12) including a cannula (22) is provided. The retaining member (50) includes a cannula centering member extending from an end thereof.

Abstract: A two-compartment syringe assembly (10) is composed of a first, outer cylindrical barrel (12), a second, inner cylindrical barrel (14). in which a material (66) is enclosed within a capsule part or ampulla (16) which is received and protected within the second cylindrical barrel, a plunger (18) and a liquid (20), which is enclosed within a first compartment defined within the first cylindrical barrel (12). As the material is concealed within the second cylindrical barrel, any risk of leakage of the material to the environment or atmosphere in case the two-compartment syringe assembly is exposed to shocks, such as mechanical blows, is radically reduced as compared to conventional two-compartment syringe assemblies.

Abstract: A cannula assembly adapted to pierce a solid or unslit closure is disclosed and includes a blunt cannula and a piercing member held in cooperation with or contained within the flow channel of the cannula. Generally, the piercing member includes a tip capable of piercing an unslit stopper or closure and a means to temporarily retain the piercing member from the cannula and prevent inadvertent disengagement of the piercing member from the blunt cannula.

Abstract: An automatic injector is provided having at least two chambers containing different ingredients of a medicament separated by .?.an impermeable membrane. A lance is movable independently of a plunger to cut or pierce the membrane before a spring-loaded drive member for the plunger is released to drive a needle out of the body of the injector and discharge the medicament through the needle. A removable safety clip is provided for preventing movement of art actuating cap into an operative position for advancing the lance, and release of the drive member is preventable by a removable safety pin until the injector is to be used..!. .Iadd.a sealing structure. One of the chambers has a needle disposed therein. The sealing structure is conditionable to permit the ingredients to mix in the injector in response to a predetermined actuating procedure before the ingredients are injected.