Mixing vial

• US 20040228208A1
• Filed: 06/22/2004
• Published: 11/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Creare Incorporated, The Government of United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of The Department of Health And Human Services, Centers For Disease Control And Prevention
• Original Assignee: Government of the United States of America, Department of Health and Human Services (State of Victoria)
• Inventors: Barry, James J., Bagley, Mark C., Papania, Mark James
• Application Number:
  US10/874,780
• Publication Number:
  US 20040228208A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 366/197
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/2814 the additional article or materials being released by piercing, cutting or tearing an element enclosing it
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/2878 the element being a lid or cover seated on a passage between the auxiliary container and the main container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/2885 the element being the auxiliary container falling into the main container; the additional article or materials in solid block form falling into the main container

Abstract

A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components includes a mixing container for holding one of the components, and a supplemental container received within the mixing container for holding the other of the components separated from the first component. Manually operable release mechanism is actuatable to produce opening of the supplemental container within the mixing container to permit mixing of the previously segregated components to form a combined mixture in the mixing container.

Claims

1. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components, at least one of which components is a liquid, said mixing vial comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a septum sealing said first end,

a liquid impermeable supplemental container received within said mixing container for holding the second component separated from said first component, said supplemental container having an open first end,

sealing mechanism closing said first end of the supplemental container preventing mixing of said first and second components, and

manually operable release mechanism movable between a non-operating first position wherein said sealing mechanism maintains closure of said first end of the supplemental container and an operating second position producing opening of said first end of the supplemental container to permit mixing of said first and second components to form a combined mixture in said mixing container.

2. The mixing vial of claim 1, wherein said septum comprises a puncturable seal to permit entry of a needle to said mixing container to withdraw a quantity of said combined mixture.

3. The mixing vial of claim 1, wherein said septum comprises an elastomeric member.

4. The mixing vial of claim 1, wherein said sealing mechanism comprises means for releasably holding the first end of said supplemental container in sealing relationship adjacent said septum.

5. The mixing vial of claim 1, wherein said supplemental container has a neck portion of selected configuration adjacent its first end and said sealing mechanism comprises a sealing member having a configuration complementary to said configuration of said neck portion operable to sealingly engage said neck portion.

6. The mixing vial of claim 5, wherein said sealing member comprises a sealing ring extending from said septum into said mixing container and releasably holding the neck portion of the supplemental container.

7. The mixing vial of claim 6, wherein said sealing ring comprises an elastomeric member encircling and frictionally gripping said neck portion.

8. The mixing vial of claim 6, wherein said septum is flexible inwardly toward said mixing container and said release mechanism comprises an operator member interposed between said septum and said supplemental container operable to shift said supplemental container from its position held by said sealing ring upon flexing of said septum.

9. The mixing vial of claim 8, wherein said supplemental container has a closed second end opposite said first end and said operator member comprises an elongate rigid member extending between said second end of the supplemental container and said septum which is operable to transmit force from inward flexing of said septum to said supplemental container to shift said supplemental container out of said sealing ring.

10. The mixing vial of claim 5, wherein said release mechanism comprises an elongate release member extending sealingly through said septum, said release member being manually shiftable between a first position in which the supplemental container remains in sealing engagement with said sealing member and a second position engaging the supplemental container and shifting it away from sealing engagement with the sealing member.

11. The mixing vial of claim 1, wherein said supplemental container has a neck portion of selected configuration adjacent its first end, said sealing mechanism comprises a sealing member having a configuration complementary to said neck portion configuration operable to sealingly engage said neck portion, said septum is flexible inwardly toward said mixing container, and said release mechanism comprises on operator member interposed between said septum and supplemental container operable to shift the neck portion of said supplemental container from sealing engagement with said sealing member upon inward flexing of said septum.

12. The mixing vial of claim 11, wherein said supplemental container and said operator member are substantially rigid.

13. The mixing vial of claim 11, wherein said sealing member comprises an elastomeric sealing ring encircling and frictionally gripping said neck portion.

14. The mixing vial of claim 11, wherein said septum has a normally outwardly bowed configuration and is capable of being flexed to an inwardly bowed configuration to produce maximum travel for said release member.

15. The mixing vial of claim 14, wherein said supplemental container has a closed second end opposite said first end and said operator member comprises an elongate member extending between said second end of the supplemental container and said septum operable to transmit force from inward flexing of said septum to said supplemental container to shift said supplemental container out of said sealing relationship.

16. The mixing vial of claim 11, wherein said release mechanism comprises an actuator cap overlying said septum and manually shiftable between a non-operating first position and an operating second position engaging said septum and flexing it inwardly.

17. The mixing vial of claim 16, wherein said actuator cap is mounted on said mixing container for movement in one direction for pressing inwardly on said septum and which has a protrusion on a portion thereof facing said septum operable to engage the septum and flex it inwardly on movement of said actuator cap in said one direction.

18. The mixing vial of claim 16, which further comprises a safety member shiftable between a safety position and a release position operable in said safety position to inhibit movement of said actuator cap from said first position to said second position, and in said release position permits such movement of said actuator cap.

19. The mixing vial of claim 1, wherein said supplemental container has an open mouth at a first end thereof with a surrounding rim configured to rest in sealing engagement with an inwardly facing surface of said septum, and said sealing mechanism comprises biasing mechanism in said mixing container engaging and yieldably biasing said supplemental container toward said septum with said rim held in sealing engagement with the septum.

20. The mixing vial of claim 19, wherein said biasing mechanism comprises a spring interposed between said second end of the mixing container and the supplemental container.

21. The mixing vial of claim 20, wherein said supplemental container has a shoulder formed thereon facing in the direction of said second end of the mixing container and said spring engages said shoulder.

22. The mixing vial of claim 19, wherein said release mechanism comprises an elongate release member which is manually shiftable between a first position in which the supplementary container remains in sealing contact with said septum and a second position engaging the supplementary container and shifting it away from sealing engagement with the septum against the biasing force of the biasing mechanism.

23. The mixing vial of claim 22, wherein said release member extends into said supplemental container, engages the second end of the supplemental container and on shifting of the release member from its first to its second positions moves the supplemental container to an open position.

24. The mixing vial of claim 19, wherein said release mechanism comprises an elongate release member extending sealingly through said septum, said release member being manually shiftable between a first position in which the supplemental container remains in sealing engagement with said septum and a second position engaging the supplemental container and shifting it away from sealing engagement with the septum against the biasing force of the biasing mechanism.

25. The mixing vial of claim 24, wherein said release member extends into said supplemental container, engages the second end of the supplemental container and on shifting of the release member from its first to its second positions moves the supplemental container to an open position.

26. The mixing vial of claim 25, wherein said release member comprises an elongate hollow rigid rod having an inner end disposed within said mixing container and an outer end disposed outside the mixing container and a manually engagable actuator member is connected to the outer end of said rod, said actuator member being manually shiftable from a normally at rest position spaced from said septum toward said septum to move said rod from its first toward its second positions.

27. The mixing vial of claim 26, which further comprises a hollow fluid withdrawing member which is shorter than said rod, said withdrawing member extending sealingly through said septum and into said mixing container, said withdrawing member permitting withdrawal of a quantity of combined mixture from said mixing container.

28. The mixing vial of claim 1, wherein said first end of said supplemental container faces into said mixing container, and said sealing mechanism comprises a closure member releasably connected to and closing said first end of the supplemental container.

29. The mixing vial of claim 28, wherein said release mechanism comprises an elongate actuator rod extending sealingly through said septum, said rod being mounted for shifting between a non-actuating first position wherein said closure member maintains a closure position on said first end of said supplemental container and a second position engaging and forcing said closure member from said closure position.

30. The mixing vial of claim 28, wherein said supplemental container has a neck portion adjacent its open first end and said closure member comprises a rim portion encircling and frictionally engaging said neck portion.

31. The mixing vial of claim 30, wherein said rim portion comprises a ring of elastomeric material.

32. The mixing vial of claim 30, wherein said neck portion has a radially outwardly projecting first shoulder and said rim portion has a radially inwardly projecting second shoulder positioned to engage and grip said first shoulder when said closure member is in its closure position.

33. The mixing vial of claim 28, wherein said supplemental container has an open second end opposite said first end of the supplemental container, said second end of the supplemental container being sealingly closed by said septum.

34. The mixing vial of claim 28, wherein said release mechanism comprises an elongate manually operable actuator rod extending into said supplemental container, said rod being mounted for longitudinal shifting between a non-actuating first position wherein said closure member maintains a closure position on said first end of said supplemental container and a second position engaging and forcing said closure member from said closure position.

35. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components said mixing vial comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a septum sealing said first end, said septum comprising an elastomeric member having a normally outwardly bowed configuration and capable of being manually flexed inwardly toward said mixing container,

a supplemental container received within said mixing container for holding the second component, said supplemental container having an open first end, a closed second end opposite said first end, and a neck portion of a selected configuration adjacent its said first end,

sealing mechanism closing said first end of the supplemental container preventing mixing of said first and second components, said sealing mechanism comprising an elastomeric sealing ring extending inwardly from said septum into said mixing container having a configuration complementary to said configuration of the neck of the supplemental container and encircling and frictionally gripping said neck portion to releasably and sealingly hold the supplemental container adjacent said septum,

manually operable release mechanism movable between a non-operating first position wherein said sealing mechanism maintains closure of said first end of the supplemental container and an operating second position producing opening of said first end of the supplemental container to permit mixing of said first and second components to form a combined mixture, said release mechanism comprising an elongate rigid member extending between said second end of said supplemental container and said septum operable to transmit force from inward flexing of said septum to said supplemental container to force said supplemental container out of said sealing ring,

an actuator cap overlying said septum and manually shiftable between a non-operating position and an operating position engaging said septum and flexing it inwardly, and

a safety member shiftable between a safety position and a release position, said safety member operable in said safety position to inhibit movement of said actuator cap from said first position to said second position, and in said release position permits such movement of the actuator cap.

36. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components, said mixing vial comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a septum sealing said first end,

a supplemental container for holding the second component, said supplemental container being received within said mixing container having an open first end facing into said mixing container and a second end facing and sealed by said septum, said supplemental container having a neck portion adjacent its said first end,

sealing mechanism comprising a closure member releasably connected to and closing said first end of the supplemental container to prevent mixing of said first and second components, said closure member having an elastomeric rim portion configured to encircle and frictionally engage said neck portion, and

manually operable release mechanism movable between a non-operating first position wherein said sealing mechanism maintains closure of said first end of the supplemental container and an operating second position in which it forces at least a portion of said closure member to release from said supplemental container to open said first end of the supplemental container to permit mixing of said first and second components to form a combined mixture.

37. The mixing vial of claim 36, wherein said release mechanism comprises an elongate actuator rod extending sealingly through said septum, said rod being mounted for shifting between a non-actuating first position wherein said closure member maintains a closure position on said first end of said supplemental container and a second position engaging and forcing said closure member from said closure position.

38. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components, said mixing vial comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a septum sealing said first end,

a supplemental container received within said mixing container for holding the second component, said supplemental container having an open first end with a surrounding rim configured to rest in sealing engagement with an inwardly facing surface of said septum and a shoulder facing in the direction of the second end of said mixing container,

sealing mechanism comprising biasing mechanism in said mixing container engaging said shoulder on said supplemental container and yieldably biasing said supplemental container toward said septum with said rim held in sealing engagement with the septum to close said first end of the supplemental container preventing mixing of said first and second components, and

manually operable release mechanism movable between a non-operating first position wherein said sealing mechanism maintains closure of said first end of the supplemental container and an operating second position producing opening said first end of the supplemental container to permit mixing of said first and second components to form a combined mixture.

39. The mixing vial of claim 38, wherein said release mechanism comprises an elongate rigid release member manually shiftable between a non-operating first position which allows the supplemental container to remain in sealing contact with said septum and a second position engaging said supplemental container and shifting the supplemental container away from such sealing contact against the force of the biasing mechanism.

40. The mixing vial of claim 39, wherein said release member extends sealingly through said septum, into said supplemental container and on being shifted to its second position engages said supplemental container to move it to an open position.

41. The mixing vial of claim 40, wherein said release member comprises an elongate rigid rod having an inner end disposed within said mixing container and an outer end disposed outside the mixing container and a manually engagable actuator member is connected to the outer end of said rod, said actuator member being manually shiftable from a normally at rest position spaced from said septum toward said septum to move said rod from its first toward its second positions.

42. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components, at least one of which components is a liquid, said mixing vial comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a septum sealing said first end,

a liquid impermeable supplemental container received in said mixing container for holding the second component, said supplemental container having a rupturable portion, and

manually operable release mechanism movable between a non-operating first position wherein said supplemental container remains intact and a second position operable to break said rupturable portion of said supplemental container to permit mixing of said first and second components to form a combined mixture.

43. The mixing vial of claim 42, wherein said supplemental container is held in said mixing container with a first end adjacent said septum and a second end opposite said first end directed into said mixing container, said septum is flexible inwardly toward said mixing container, and said release mechanism comprises rupturing means interposed between said septum and said second end of said supplemental container operable to transmit force against and break said rupturable portion of said supplemental container upon inward flexing of said septum.

44. The mixing vial of claim 43, wherein said rupturing means comprises a member releasably held in said supplemental container with said second component and operable to enter said mixing container with said second component upon breaking of said supplemental container to act as an agitation device to assist mixing of said first and second components.

45. The mixing vial of claim 43, wherein said rupturing means comprises said second component held in said supplemental container positioned to be acted upon by flexing of said septum to transmit rupturing force to said rupturable portion of said supplemental container.

46. The mixing vial of claim 43, wherein said rupturing means comprises an elongate rigid rod extending between said septum and said second end of the supplemental container.

47. The mixing vial of claim 43, wherein said release mechanism comprises an actuator cap overlying said septum manually shiftable between a non-operating first position and an operating second position engaging said septum and flexing it inwardly.

48. The mixing vial of claim 47, wherein said actuator cap is mounted on said mixing container for movement in one direction for pressing inwardly on said septum and which has a protrusion on a portion thereof facing said septum operable to engage the septum and flex it inwardly on movement of said actuator cap in said one direction.

49. The mixing vial of claim 47, which further comprises a safety member shiftable between a safety position and a release position, said safety member being operable in said safety position to inhibit movement of said actuator cap from said first position to said second position and in said release position permits such movement of said actuator cap.

50. The mixing vial of claim 42, wherein said release mechanism comprises an elongate actuator rod extending sealingly through said septum, said rod being mounted for shifting between said first and second positions.

51. The mixing vial of claim 50, wherein said supplemental container is held in said mixing container with a first end adjacent said septum and a second end opposite said first end directed into said mixing container, and said rod in its second position transmits force against and breaks said rupturable portion of said supplemental container.

52. The mixing vial of claim 50, wherein said release mechanism comprises an actuator cap overlying said actuator rod, said actuator cap being manually shiftable between a non-operating first position and an operating second position engaging said actuator rod and shifting if from its first toward its second positions.

53. The mixing vial of claim 52, wherein said actuator cap is mounted on said mixing container for movement in one direction for pressing inwardly on said actuator rod.

54. The mixing vial of claim 53, which further comprises a safety member shiftable between a safety position and a release position operable in said safety position to inhibit-movement of said actuator cap from said first position to said second position, and in said release position permits such movement of said actuator cap.

55. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components, at least one of which components is a liquid, said mixing vial comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a septum sealing said first end and being manually flexible inwardly toward said mixing container,

a liquid impermeable supplemental container for holding the second component, said supplemental container being received in said mixing container with a first end adjacent said septum and a second end opposite said first end directed into said mixing container and having a rupturable portion directed into said mixing container, and

manually operable release mechanism movable between a non-operating first position which allows said supplemental container to remain intact and a second position operable to break said rupturable portion of said supplemental container to permit mixing of said first and second components to form a combined mixture, said release mechanism interposed between said septum and said second end of said supplemental container comprising said second component and a member releasably held in said supplemental container positioned to be acted upon by flexing of said septum to transmit rupturing force to said rupturable portion of said supplemental container, said member operable to enter said mixing container with said second component on breaking of said supplemental container to act as an agitation device to assist mixing of said first and second components.

56. The mixing vial of claim 55, wherein said release mechanism comprises an actuator cap overlying said septum manually shiftable between a non-operating first position and an operating second position engaging said septum and flexing it inwardly.

57. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components, at least one of which components is a liquid, said mixing vial comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a septum sealing said first end and being manually flexible inwardly toward said mixing container,

a liquid impermeable supplemental container for holding the second component, said supplemental container being received in said mixing container with a first end adjacent said septum and a second end opposite said first and having a rupturable portion directed into said mixing container, and

manually operable release mechanism movable between a non-operating first position which allows said supplemental container to remain intact and a second position operable to break said rupturable portion of said supplemental container to permit mixing of said first and second components to form a combined mixture, said release mechanism comprising an elongate rigid member releasably held in said supplemental container and extending between said septum and said second end of the supplemental container to be acted upon by flexing of said septum to transmit rupturing force to said rupturable portion of said supplemental container, said member operable to enter said mixing container with said second component on breaking of said supplemental container to act as an agitation device to assist mixing of said first and second components.

58. The mixing vial of claim 57, wherein said release mechanism comprises an actuator cap overlying said septum manually shiftable between a non-operating first position and an operating second position engaging said septum and flexing it inwardly.

59. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components, at least one of which components is a liquid, said mixing vial comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a septum sealing said first end,

a liquid impermeable supplemental container for holding the second component, said supplemental container being received in said mixing container with a first end adjacent said septum, a second end opposite said first end, and having a rupturable portion directed into said mixing container, and

manually operable release mechanism comprising an elongate actuator member extending sealingly through said septum and mounted for movement through said septum between a non-operating first position which allows said supplemental container to remain intact and a second position operable to transmit force against said second end of said supplemental container to break said rupturable portion to permit mixing of said first and second components to form a combined mixture.

60. The mixing vial of claim 59, wherein said release mechanism comprises an actuator cap overlying said actuator rod, said actuator cap being manually shiftable between a non-operating first position and an operating second position engaging said actuator rod

61. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having a manually flexible side portion, and

a frangible supplemental container received within said mixing container for holding the second component, said supplemental container being positioned within said mixing container to be acted upon and broken by flexing of said side portion of said mixing container to permit mixing of said first and second components,

62. The mixing vial of claim 61, wherein said mixing container is elongate, having opposed first and second end portions, and said flexible side portion is disposed intermediate said first and second end portions.

63. The mixing vial of claim 62, wherein first and second end portions are disposed at a selected first angular position relative to each other when at rest and a central portion of said mixing container is flexible permitting bending of said end portions to a second angular position relative to each other.

64. The mixing vial of claim 63, wherein said supplemental container comprises an elongate ampoule positioned in said mixing container to be engaged by said mixing container end portions and broken when said end portions are bent from their first angular position to their second angular position.

65. The mixing vial of claim 64, wherein said ampoule has a weakened section intermediate opposed ends of the ampoule at which weakened section said ampoule breaks when said mixing container end portions are bent to their second angular position.

66. The mixing vial of claim 61, wherein said mixing container has a central portion intermediate opposed ends of the mixing container which is formed of a flexible material.

67. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having a first portion and a second portion operatively connected for shifting relative to each other between an at rest first position and an operating second position, and

a supplemental container within said mixing container for holding the second component separated from said first component, said supplemental container being breakable to release said second component into said mixing container and being operatively mounted in said mixing chamber to remain intact when said first and second portions of said mixing container are in said first position and to be broken when said first and second portions are shifted to said second position.

68. The mixing vial of claim 67, wherein said supplemental container comprises separable first and second portions joined by a weakened section.

69. A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, the mixing container having a first portion and a second portion operatively connected for shifting relative to each other between an at rest first position and an operating second position, and

a supplemental container within said mixing container for holding the second component separated from said first component, said supplemental container comprising separable first and second portions which when intact hold said second component and when separated release said second component into said mixing container, said supplemental container being operatively mounted in said mixing chamber to remain intact when said first and second portions of said mixing container are in said first position and to be separated when said first and second portions are shifted to said second position.

70. Mixing apparatus for storing and mixing first and second components, said apparatus comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component,

a supplemental container received within said mixing container for holding the second component separated from said first component, said supplemental container having an open first end,

sealing mechanism operable to releasably hold said supplemental container in sealing engagement to seal said first end of the supplemental container to prevent mixing of said first and second components,

manually operable release mechanism operable to release said supplemental container from said sealing mechanism to permit mixing of said first and second components, and

restraining mechanism operable to inhibit return of said supplemental container to said sealing mechanism following release.

71. The mixing apparatus of claim 70, wherein said restraining mechanism comprises at least one restraining member connected to said supplemental container having a portion which is movable between a non-deployed position closely adjacent said supplement container when the supplemental container is held by said sealing mechanism and a deployed position spaced outwardly from said supplemental container.

72. The mixing apparatus of claim 71, wherein said member is yieldably biased to move from said non-deployed to said deployed position when said supplemental container is released from said sealing mechanism.

73. The mixing apparatus of claim 72, wherein a shoulder is formed in said mixing container and said restraining member in said deployed position is oriented to engage said shoulder to inhibit return of said supplemental container.

74. The mixing apparatus of claim 71, wherein said restraining mechanism comprises a plurality of restraining members connected to and arrayed circumferentially about said supplemental container and so oriented in their deployed positions as to engage an interior portion of said mixing container to inhibit engagement of said supplemental container with the mixing container upon shaking of the mixing container to mix the first and second components.

75. The mixing apparatus of claim 70, wherein said restraining mechanism comprises a base attached to said supplemental container and at least one elongate restraining member projecting from said base along one side of said supplemental container and movable between a non-deployed position closely adjacent said supplement container when the supplemental container is held by said sealing mechanism and a deployed position spaced outwardly from said supplemental container and said restraining member is yieldably biased toward said deployed position.

76. The mixing apparatus of claim 75, wherein said release mechanism is operable to shift said supplemental container in one direction within said mixing container away from said sealing mechanism and said restraining member extends from said base in the direction opposite said one direction.

77. The mixing apparatus of claim 76, wherein a shoulder is formed in said mixing container and said restraining member in its said deployed position is oriented to engage said shoulder to inhibit return of said supplemental container.

78. The mixing apparatus of claim 70, wherein said sealing mechanism comprises means releasably holding said first end of said supplemental container in sealing relationship.

79. The mixing apparatus of claim 70, wherein said supplemental container has a neck portion of selected configuration adjacent its first end and said sealing mechanism comprises a sealing member having a configuration complementary to said configuration of said neck portion operable to sealingly and releasably engage said neck portion.

80. The mixing apparatus of claim 79, wherein said mixing container has an opening at a first end thereof, and a cap seals said opening of said mixing container, said cap is flexible inwardly toward said mixing container and said release mechanism comprises an operator member interposed between said cap and supplemental container operable to shift said supplemental container from its position held by said sealing member upon flexing of said cap.

81. The mixing apparatus of claim 70, wherein said mixing container has an opening at a first end thereof, a cap seals said opening of said mixing container, said cap is flexible inwardly toward said mixing container, said sealing mechanism comprises means for releasably holding the first end of the supplemental container in sealing relationship, and said release mechanism comprises an operator member interposed between said cap and supplemental container operable to shift said supplemental container from its position held by said sealing member upon flexing of said cap.

82. The mixing apparatus of claim 81, wherein said cap comprises a septum which may be punctured to withdraw mixed component material from said mixing container and said operator member comprises a ring underlying said septum through which material may flow.

83. The mixing apparatus of claim 70, wherein said mixing container has an opening at a first end thereof, and a cap seals said opening of said mixing container, said cap comprises an elastomeric member having a normally outwardly projecting configuration and capable of being manually flexed inwardly toward said mixing container with such inward flexing resulting in release of said supplemental container from said sealing mechanism.

84. The mixing apparatus of claim 83, which further comprises an actuator overlying said cap and manually shiftable between a non-operating position and an operating position engaging said cap and flexing it inwardly.

85. The mixing apparatus of claim 84, which further comprises a safety member shiftable between a safety position and a release position, said safety member in said safety position operable to inhibit movement of said actuator from its said first position to said second position, and in said release position permits such movement of the actuator.

86. Mixing apparatus for storing and mixing first and second components, said apparatus comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a supplemental container received within said mixing container for holding the second component separated from said first component, said supplemental container having an open first end,

sealing mechanism operable to releasably hold said supplemental container in sealing engagement to seal said first end of the supplemental container to prevent mixing of said first and second components,

a cap sealing at least a portion of said first end of the mixing container, said cap comprises an elastomeric member having a normally outwardly projecting configuration and capable of being manually flexed inwardly toward said mixing container with such inward flexing resulting in release of said supplemental container from said sealing mechanism, and

an actuator overlying said cap, said actuator being manually shiftable between a non-operating position permitting said cap to retain its outwardly projecting configuration and an operating position engaging said cap and flexing it inwardly.

87. The mixing apparatus of claim 86, which further comprises a safety member shiftable between a safety position and a release position, said safety member in said safety position operable to inhibit movement of said actuator from its said first position to said second position, and in said release position permits such movement of the actuator.

88. The mixing apparatus of claim 86, which further comprises an operator member interposed between said cap and supplemental container operable to shift said supplemental container from its position held by said sealing mechanism upon flexing of said cap.

89. The mixing apparatus of claim 88, wherein said operator member comprises a substantially rigid ring.

90. Mixing apparatus for storing and mixing first and second components, said apparatus comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component, said mixing container having first and second ends with an opening at its first end,

a cap sealing at least a portion of said first end of the mixing container, said cap comprises an elastomeric member having a normally outwardly projecting first position and capable of being manually flexed inwardly toward said mixing container to a second position,

a supplemental container received within said mixing container for holding the second component separated from said first component, said supplemental container having an open first end and a neck portion of selected configuration adjacent its first end,

sealing mechanism operable to hold said supplemental container in sealing engagement to seal said first end of the supplemental container to prevent mixing of said first and second components, said sealing mechanism comprising a pocket in said cap having a configuration complementary to said configuration of said neck portion operable to releasably engage said neck portion, and

a releasable crimp member on said cap tightened radially inward thereon to impart a radially inwardly directed force to produce a greater holding force on said supplemental container in said pocket.

91. The mixing apparatus of claim 90, wherein said crimp member comprises a holding portion inhibiting flexing of said cap from its first position to its second position;

said holding portion being releasable to permit flexing of said cap toward its second position resulting in release of said supplemental container from said sealing mechanism.

92. The mixing apparatus of claim 91, wherein said crimp member comprises a tear-away element which may be manually removed from said cap to remove said radially inwardly directed force.

93. Mixing apparatus for storing and mixing first and second components, said apparatus comprising

a mixing container for holding said first component,

a supplemental container received in said mixing container for holding said second component separated from said first component, said supplemental container having an open first end,

sealing mechanism operable to releasably hold said supplemental container in sealing engagement to seal said first end to prevent mixing of the first and second components,

manually operable release mechanism operable to release said supplemental container from said sealing mechanism to permit mixing of said first and second components, and

restraining mechanism operable to inhibit return of said supplemental container to said sealing mechanism following release, said restraining mechanism comprising at least one restraining member coupled to said mixing container operable to engage said supplemental container when said supplemental container is released.

94. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein said supplemental container is movable along a release path on moving from its sealing position toward its release position and said restraining member has an engaging portion which is yieldably biased toward said path.

95. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein said restraining member extends into said release path and may be forced outwardly from said path by said supplemental container as the supplemental container moves from its sealing positions toward its release position.

96. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein said engaging portion is mounted for return movement into said path as said supplemental container passes said engaging portion on moving toward its release position.

97. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein said restraining mechanism comprises a plurality of restraining members coupled to said mixing container and arrayed circumferentially about said supplemental container when held in sealing engagement, said restraining members having engaging portions yieldably biased radially inwardly toward said supplemental container.

98. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein said restraining members are mounted to permit radially outward movement to allow said supplemental container to pass therebetween on moving along a release path from sealing engagement to release, and radially inward movement into said release path upon said supplemental container moving therepast to inhibit return of said supplemental container toward sealing engagement.

99. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein said mixing container has an open first end and an opposed second end, and which further comprises a septum sealing said first end, said septum comprising a puncturable seal to permit entry of a needle to withdraw a quantity of mixture resulting from mixing of said first and second components.

100. The apparatus of claim 99, wherein said septum comprises an elastomeric member.

101. The apparatus of claim 99, wherein said sealing mechanism comprises means for releasably holding the first end of said supplemental container in sealing relationship adjacent said septum.

102. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein said mixing container has a first open end and an opposed end and said restraining member is connected to said mixing container adjacent said first end and extends toward said second end.

103. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein said restraining member has a portion which is movable between a non-deployed position spaced laterally outwardly from a release path along which the supplemental container moves from its sealing position to its release position and a deployed position in said release path when the supplemental container is in its release position to inhibit return of said supplemental container to its sealing position.

104. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein said restraining member is yieldably biased to move from its non-deployed position to its deployed position.

105. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein said restraining mechanism comprises a base attached to a neck portion of said mixing container adjacent said one end and said restraining member is connected at one of its ends to said base and extends from said base toward said second end of the mixing container.

106. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein a plurality of elongate restraining members are connected adjacent one set of their ends to said base and are arrayed circumferentially about said supplemental container, with remainder portions of said restraining members extending from said base toward said second end of the mixing container.

107. The apparatus of claim 106, wherein said restraining members each have a portion which is movable between a non-deployed position spaced laterally outwardly from a release path along which the supplemental container moves from its sealing position to its release position and a deployed position in said release path when the supplemental container is in its release position to inhibit return of said supplemental container to its sealing position.