EP2700393A2 - Container for at least largely separated storage and dispensing of substances, in particular for storage and delivery in space - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (10) has discharge opening (22), storage chamber (12) for storage of materials, and movable separator (24,24',24''). The separator is arranged to divide storage chamber into sub-chambers (14,16,18,20). The overflow conduit (26) transports materials from sub-chambers along direction of discharge opening provided in front of sub-chamber. The overflow conduit and the separator are trained to perform delivery of materials and flatting of stored solid by liquid. An independent claim is included for method for delivering material from chamber.

Description

The invention relates to a container according to the preamble of claim 1.

For chemical, especially biochemical analysis methods, such as immunoassays, a variety of different reagents and excipients are needed. To carry out an immunoassay, for example, as reagents so-called capture (cAB) and detection antibodies (dAB) and markers, such as fluorescent dyes, chromogenic or chemiluminescent compounds, enzymes and adjuvants such as washing solutions, adjuvants and excipients, acidic or basic solutions and possibly solvent needed to dissolve dried stored substances. These materials are usually stored separately in storage containers and must be added to perform an analysis in the correct order and with specific volumes. The necessary separate removal of the individual substances from individual storage containers and respective separate addition of the substances for analysis is a source of error for a variety of errors, such as a confusion of storage containers, a removal and addition of an incorrect volume of a substance or release of hazardous substances, such as toxic, aggressive or cytostatic substances, during removal from a storage container.

A similar task with regard to a need for the addition of required substances in exactly required amount and a corresponding storage as individual portions arises with respect to medical applications.

To avoid these sources of error as far as possible and to a large extent reduce potential releases of hazardous substances, so-called multi-compartment syringes are already known, in which all the substances required for medical administration can be stored, mixed and / or injected together with the correct volumes.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on a container, in particular in syringe form, for at least largely separate storage of substances, in particular for storage and delivery in outer space, with an outflow opening, a storage chamber for storing the substances and with at least one displaceable separator element, which supports the storage chamber Divided sub-chambers and having at least one shaped overflow channel, which is provided for transporting substances from a sub-chamber in a direction towards the outflow to the front seen partial chamber and / or in the outflow opening. In particular, the separator element is intended to be displaced by a pressure exerted on one end of the container, on a specially shaped Endseparatorelement as a final element of a last partial chamber, and / or on a last separator. In principle, however, the separator element can also be specially provided displacement means, such as a built-in magnet, which has a force for displacement by means of an external magnet on the separator element, or a displacement handle which runs in a specially provided groove of the container and moves to a displacement of the separator element can be. Under a "storage and Outer Space Delivery "shall be understood to mean that storage and delivery are off-ground, for example in a spacecraft, such as a spacecraft, or in an earth orbit or at a Lagrange point, during a spaceflight or orbit around another planet or spacecraft In particular, the conditions of storage and release in space under conditions of reduced gravity may be understood as "conditions of reduced gravitational force" to which a maximum effect of 0.9 g, advantageously at most 1 × 10 ^-3 g, preferably at most 1 ^× 10 ^-6 g and particularly preferably at most 1 ^× 10 ^-8 g, is effective, with "g" being the value of the gravitational acceleration earth of 9.81 m / s ^2, respectively. by an "overflow" is to be understood, in particular a recess and / or conduit intended i St, at least after exceeding a predetermined effective force in a direction toward the outflow opening to allow mass transfer through the recess and / or conduit in the direction of the outflow opening. In particular, elements may be arranged in the overflow channel which prevent mass transfer through the overflow channel when the effective force falls below in the direction of the outflow opening. An "effective force" is to be understood, in particular, as meaning a force acting on an element in a direction which results from the sum of all forces acting on the element. A "shaped overflow channel" is to be understood, in particular, as an overflow channel which is already formed on the container prior to filling of the container and prior to commencement of a dispensing process. In particular, the overflow channel is formed directly during production of a main body of the container and / or production of the separator element. Furthermore, in particular a number of the separator elements arranged in the main chamber can vary. The container may in particular also have a different basic shape than that of a syringe, for example as a tube with a screw cap or with a closure for crimp caps with an inserted septum.

It is proposed that the overflow channel and the separator element are designed for an at least substantially sequential release of substances and / or a leaching of a stored solid by a liquid. By "at least substantially sequential delivery of substances and / or a leaching of a stored solid by a liquid" should be understood in particular that a release of substances from different sub-chambers at least substantially free of mix and the substances at least substantially separately in an order their arrangement in sub-chambers, as viewed from a direction from the discharge port to a side facing away from the discharge port side of the container are discharged, wherein stored solids before passing through the discharge port of a solvent suitable for the solid liquid from a, from the discharge port seen rear partial chamber be brought into solution. By "at least substantially free from mixtures" should be understood in particular that during a dispensing and / or storage, apart from a solution of a stored solid by a solvent, a stored substance within the container with another substance a mixture with a maximum volume fraction of further substance of a maximum of five percent by volume, advantageously at most one percent by volume, and preferably at most half a volume percent formed. In particular, an at least substantially mixture-free delivery of substances is different from a delivery, in which the substances from different sub-chambers are successively introduced into a foremost region of the container and mixed there and discharged from the container in a mixed state. Preferably, the overflow channel and the separator element are so formed to an at least substantially sequential release of substances and / or a leaching of a stored solid by a liquid that the sequential Delivery can take place under conditions of reduced gravity. In particular, a storage of substances to a reaction with a required volume and in a correct order can be achieved and a faulty delivery of the substances with inappropriate volumes and / or an incorrect sequence can be avoided.

It is also proposed that the separator element has the overflow channel. In particular, at least substantially any desired number and size of partial chambers can be achieved by using a corresponding number of separator elements in a container, and furthermore, in particular, a basic body of the container with the main chamber can be designed as a conventional syringe body.

It is also proposed that the overflow channel is arranged on an outer side of the separator. In particular, a structurally simple production of the overflow channel can be achieved.

Furthermore, at least a second overflow channel is proposed, wherein the overflow channels are arranged symmetrically to one another. In particular, the overflow channels are arranged symmetrically to one another on an outer side of the separator. The separator element preferably has on its outer side a multiplicity, in particular four, advantageously six and preferably eight, of overflow channels arranged symmetrically to one another. In particular, it is possible to achieve an advantageous distribution of a substance via a partial chamber and / or the outflow opening in the case of mass transport and uniform material delivery.

It is also proposed that the separator element has at least one sealing element which is provided for sealing a partial chamber. In particular, the sealing element is arranged on an outer side of the separator. Preferably, the sealing element is formed by a circumferential sealing lamella. In particular, a probability of mixing-free storage can be increased and a force to be expended for a displacement of the separator element can be reduced.

Furthermore, at least one overpressure element which is arranged in the overflow channel is proposed. An "overpressure element" is to be understood in particular to mean an element which, when a predetermined effective force, in particular an effective compressive force, is reached or exceeded, allows the element to be transported through the element and, if it falls below the predetermined effective force, mass transfer to prevent. In particular, the overpressure element has a pressure-movable sub-element, which releases an opening for mass transfer by movement, for example by a Umklappund / or displacement movement, and / or the pressure element is intended to form upon reaching the predetermined effective force by damaging the opening. In particular, a mixture of stored substances can be prevented by the overflow channels.

It is also proposed that the overpressure element has a predetermined crack location. A "predetermined crack point" is to be understood in particular as an area of the overpressure element which is intended to form an opening upon reaching the predetermined effective force by damaging the overpressure element. In particular, a structurally simple overpressure element can be achieved.

It is also proposed that the overpressure element is provided for mechanical deformation. By "provided for a mechanical deformation" is to be understood in particular that the overpressure element is specially designed to, upon reaching a predetermined effective force by a damage-free deformation, for example, an elastic deformation, a folding or everting to release a portion of the overflow. In particular, a structurally simple overpressure element can be achieved.

Furthermore, at least one transverse distribution channel, which is provided for a distribution of substances along a transverse direction of the storage chamber, is proposed. Preferably, the transverse distribution channel is arranged on the separator. A "transverse distribution channel" is to be understood in particular as a formed and at least one overflow channel fluidly connected channel which extends at least in an assembled state along a transverse direction of the main chamber and is intended to distribute transported through the overflow channel materials along the transverse direction. Preferably, the separator element has a plurality of converging transverse distributor channels, which are each connected to an overflow channel. Alternatively, a plurality of transverse distribution channels may be formed, for example, such that in each case a transverse distribution channel connects two overflow channels with each other and extends parallel to them. In particular, an advantageous distribution of transported substances over an overall diameter in the transverse direction and a uniform volume flow can be achieved.

It is also proposed that the separator element has at least one elastic subregion formed as a puncture membrane. A "puncture membrane" is to be understood in particular as meaning an elastic subarea which is impermeable in an undamaged state and intended for a separation of substances and which is intended to be pierced by a hollow needle and, after withdrawal of the hollow needle, further impermeable be. In particular, a simple filling possibility of the sub-chambers can be achieved.

In particular, at least one functional coating can be provided on at least one region of a surface of the storage chamber and / or of the separator element be upset. A "functional coating" is to be understood in particular as meaning a layer applied to a surface with a thickness of at most 1 mm, advantageously not more than 0.1 mm and preferably not more than 0.01 mm, which additionally has an additional function, for example a non-stick Friction reduction function or a function for reducing non-specific bonds of stored substances to a material of the surface. In particular, the functional coating may be formed by a nano-coating. A "nano-coating" is to be understood in particular as meaning a coating with a thickness of a few atomic layers. Preferably, a nano-coating is formed by a monomolecular layer. For example, a functional coating may be coated with BSA (bovine serum albumin) to reduce non-specific binding, with polyethylene glycol, with poloxamers, such as the poloxamer available under the trade name Pluronic®, or with polysorbates, such as the polysorbate available under the tradename Tween®, or a Teflon or silicone coating for friction reduction can be achieved. Alternatively, instead of a functional coating, functionalization of a surface can be achieved by surface treatment such as corona treatment or low pressure plasma treatment to produce specific functional groups, preferably OH groups, on the surface. In particular, an improved storage function can be achieved.

In particular, the container according to the invention comprises at least one Endseparatorelement, which is provided to a conclusion of a rearmost part of the chamber. A "Endseparatorelement" is to be understood in particular a separator that is free of overflow and at least one circumferential layer has sealing elements. A "circumferential layer of sealing elements" is to be understood in particular as meaning that the end-separator element has at least one sealing element extending around an entire circumference and / or a large number of sealing elements which surround the entire circumference Extend circumferentially adjacent. Preferably, the Endseparatorelement a plurality of circumferential layers sealing elements, for example, three layers of sealing elements. In particular, the Endseparatorelement is intended to complete the rearmost part of the chamber to the rear and in particular to prevent mass transport from the sub-chamber in a direction away from an outflow. The Endseparatorelement may in particular be integrated in a movable piston of the container. Preferably, the Endseparatorelement, except for a freedom of overflow, formed analogous to the separator. A "rearmost partial chamber" is to be understood in particular as meaning a last partial chamber, as viewed from a direction from the outflow opening. In particular, a secure closure of a rearmost partial chamber can be achieved.

Furthermore, a method for at least substantially sequential delivery of substances from a container according to the invention is proposed in which the sequential delivery takes place under conditions of reduced gravity. In particular, disturbance conditions, such as gravitational sedimentation of stored substances, can be reduced.

It is also proposed that in at least one further method step between two method steps for dispensing a material portion, the separator element be free from the action of a force. In particular, a rest period for the reaction of released substances can be achieved before the addition of further substances.

In a possible variant of the invention, a delivery can be effected by an external, controllable technical delivery device. A "technical delivery device" is to be understood in particular as a technical device that has at least one input unit for inputting control commands and / or a control unit with a memory for executing a stored one Control program and a dispensing unit which causes by means of a pressure or suction process, a discharge of substance portions from the container. Preferably, the external, controllable technical delivery device is provided for an automated or semi-automated delivery. In principle, a delivery can also be effected by manual operation or by means of an auxiliary tool or an auxiliary device, instead of by an external, controllable technical delivery device. In particular, a high-precision delivery of substance portions and a high process efficiency can be achieved.

The container according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, in order to fulfill a mode of operation described herein, the container according to the invention may have a number deviating from a number of individual elements, components and units mentioned herein.

drawings

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Fig. 1

einen erfindungsgemäßen Lagerbehälter mit vier Separatorelementen,

Fig. 2

ein erfindungsgemäßes Separatorelement in einer detaillierten Darstellung,

Fig. 3

eine sequentielle Abgabe von Stoffen aus einem erfindungsgemäßen Behälter,

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung eines verschlossenen erfindungsgemäßen Behälters und ein Prozessgefäß, das zu einer Verbindung mit dem Behälter vorgesehen ist und

Fig. 5

einen Verbindungsvorgang eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters mit einem Prozessgefäß, das ein Schlitzseptum aufweist.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a storage container according to the invention with four separator elements,

Fig. 2

a separator element according to the invention in a detailed representation,

Fig. 3

a sequential release of substances from a container according to the invention,

Fig. 4

a representation of a sealed container according to the invention and a process vessel, which is provided for connection to the container and

Fig. 5

a connecting operation of a container according to the invention with a process vessel having a Schlitzseptum.

Description of the embodiments

Fig. 1 1 shows a container 10 according to the invention in syringe form for the at least largely separate storage of substances with an outflow opening 22, a storage chamber 12 for storing the substances and three displaceable separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 ", the storage chamber 12 in sub-chambers 14, 16, 18, In particular, the container 10 can also have a different basic shape than that of a syringe, for example as a tube with a screw cap or with a closure for crimp caps, as well as with an end separator element 25. The separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 "have outer transfer channels 26 which are arranged on outer sides and which lead to a transport of substances from one of the subchambers 14, 16, 18, 20 in a direction towards the outflow opening 22 seen in front partial chamber 14, 16, 18 and / or are provided in the outflow opening 22. The outflow opening 22 is formed by a cone-shaped nozzle at a tapered end of a base body of the container 10. In an alternative embodiment, the outflow opening 22 may also be cylindrical, for example. The Endseparatorelement 25 is of an identical diameter as the separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 "and differs therefrom mainly in that it is free of overflow channels 26 and has three circumferential layers of sealing elements The end separator element 25 is provided for a secure closure of the rearmost sub-chamber 20. In alternative embodiments, the Endseparatorelement 25 in a movable piston of the container 10. Hereinafter, a directional indication "forward" refers to a direction that leads to the outflow opening 22 and a directional indication "rearward" to a direction leading away from the outflow opening 22. The overflow channels 26 and the separator elements 24 , 24 ', 24 "are formed for an at least substantially sequential discharge of substances and / or for a leaching of a stored solid by a liquid. In the sub-chambers 14, 16, 18, 20 are each a cloth portion 32, 34, 36, 38 stored. The fabric portions 32, 34, 36, 38 are each formed of different liquid substances, but in principle more of the fabric portions 32, 34, 36, 38 may be formed of identical materials and / or at least one of the fabric portions 32, 34, 36 of a be formed to be dissolved solid. The solid is preferably formed from dried present antibodies, chromogenic or fluorophore dyes or enzymes. A size of the partial chambers 14, 16, 18, 20 is given by a distance of the separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 "from each other or from the distance of the foremost separator element 24 to the outflow opening 22 and the distance of the rearmost separator element 24" to the Endseparatorelement 25 , In an alternative embodiment, instead of the end separator element 25, an element identical to the separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 "can be used, which also has overflow channels 26. The end separator element 25 can be embodied as part of a piston, by means of which a pressure on the rearmost Cloth portion 38 and the preceding separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 "and cloth portions 32, 34, 36 exercised and a sequential dispensing operation of the fabric portions 32, 34, 36, 38 can be effected.

The main body, which forms the storage chamber 12 and the outflow opening 22, is surrounded by an additional coating layer 48, which is formed by a Teflon shrink tubing. The additional coating layer 48 is intended to protect a user of the container 10 when handling hazardous materials stored in the container 10, such as toxic or carcinogenic substances. For this purpose, the additional coating layer 48 lies in the manner of an onion dish around the basic body. Instead of a Teflon shrink tube and adhesive tapes and / or adhesive labels or coatings can be used with an elastic material. Instead of a single additional cladding layer 48, a plurality, for example three, of additional cladding layers 48 may envelop the container 10. The main body is preferably made of a biocompatible plastic with low nonspecific binding ability, such as a COC (cyclo-olefin copolymer) or PEEK (polyetheretherketone). In principle, however, the basic body may also be made of other plastics, such as, for example, polystyrene, polyethylene, polycarbonate or polypropylene, or of another material, for example of a metal or of glass. Preferably, the base body is made transparent.

The separator element 24 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) has in each case a hard core 44, which is arranged centrally in an upper region, which faces the discharge opening 22 in an assembled state of the separator element 24, and extends over one half of a longitudinal extent of the separator element 24. The separator elements 24 'and 24 "are identically designed for this purpose Furthermore, the separator element 24 has an elastic portion 42 formed as a puncture membrane which surrounds the hard core 44. The elastic portion 42 is impermeable in an undamaged state and provided for a separation of substances The elastic subregion 42 can be pierced by a hollow needle to fill a subchamber 16, 18, 20 lying behind it with a cloth portion 32, 34, 36 and, after a retraction, can be pierced Hollow needle still formed impermeable. The hard core 44 is made of a material having a higher rigidity than the elastic portion 42. In particular, the hard core 44 is made of a hard plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene. In principle, other elastic materials, biocompatible plastics, such as COP or PEEK, or other materials, such as a metal, can also be used to manufacture the hard core. In principle, the hard core 44 can be dispensed with and the separator element 24 can consist only of the elastic subregion 42. The elastic portion 42 of the separator member 24 is preferably made of an elastic material that is softer than a plastic material of the hard core 44, alternatively made of silicone or rubber. On an entire surface, the separator element 24 has a transparent functional coating 46 of BSA (bovine serum albumin) for reducing unspecific binding of the stored substances to the separator element 24. Alternatively, only areas of the surface of the separator element 24 may include the functional coating 46, for example an upper and lower side of the separator element 24. Also alternatively or additionally, a surface of the base body of the container 10 forming the storage chamber 12 may have the functional coating 46. Also, a functional coating 46 of other materials, such as a poloxamer such as Pluronic® or a polysorbate such as Tween®, can be used.

The separator element 24 has six overflow channels 26. The overflow channels 26 are arranged symmetrically to each other on an outer side of the separator 24. In principle, the separator elements 24 can also have a different number of overflow channels 26, wherein the separator elements 24 preferably have an overflow channel 26 and at least one second overflow channel 26, wherein the overflow channels 26 are arranged symmetrically to one another. In each of the overflow channels 26, three overpressure elements 28 are arranged, of which in each case one overpressure element 28 is arranged at one end of the overflow channel 26 and one in each case in a center of the overflow channel 26 is. The overpressure elements 28 are designed as sealing lamellae and each have a predetermined tear point, which is provided for exceeding a predetermined effective pressure in the direction of an upper side of the separator 24, which faces in the mounted state of the outflow opening 22 to a tearing. In an alternative embodiment, the overpressure elements can be provided for a mechanical deformation and, for example, elastically deform or fold over when the predetermined effective pressure is exceeded. The overpressure elements 28 are provided, in a storage state and during a delivery of a in a front part of the chamber 14, 16, 18 in front of the respective Separatorelement 24 overlapping cloth portion 32, 34, 36 a mixture of the rear part of the chamber 16, 18, 20 stored substance with the stored in the front part of the chamber 14, 16, 18 material and a discharge of the stored in the rear part of chamber 16, 18, 20 material in the front part of the chamber 14, 16, 18 after emptying of the front part of the chamber 14, 16, 18th to allow.

The separator element 24 further has, in regions between the overflow channels 26, three superimposed sealing elements 30, which are provided for sealing a partial chamber 14, 16, 18, 20. In principle, in alternative embodiments, the separator element 24 may have a different number of sealing elements 30 arranged one above the other in regions between the overflow channels 26. The sealing elements 30 are designed as sealing lamellae. The sealing elements 30 also cause a lower force to a displacement of the separator 24, since only one frictional resistance of the sealing elements 30 must be overcome with the material of the body during the displacement, instead of a frictional resistance of an entire outer side of the separator 24 with the material of the body.

A transverse distribution channel 40, which is provided for a distribution of substances along a transverse direction of the storage chamber 12, is at the top of the separator 24 arranged. The transverse distribution channel 40 connects star-shaped ends of the overflow channels 26 with one another and effects a uniform distribution of transported substances over an entire transverse extent of the storage chamber 12.

Fig. 3 FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary sequence of a method for the at least substantially sequential delivery of substances from the container 10. The container 10 may in principle comprise one or more additional coating layers 48. In the illustrated method, the sequential delivery is under conditions of reduced gravity, for example aboard a spacecraft in space or in low Earth orbit. Dispensing is effected by an external, controllable technical dispenser 50. The external, controllable technical delivery device 50 is only indicated schematically and can be designed, for example, as a controlled by a computer electro-mechanical piston device. Alternatively, the external, controllable, technical dispenser 50 may also be manually controlled or hand-held by a user in manual operation or by means of an auxiliary tool or auxiliary device. The delivery by the external, controllable technical delivery device 50 is preferably designed to be automated or semi-automated. The external, controllable technical dispenser 50 may include a robotic arm for movement of the container 10 during transportation and / or dispensing of fabric portions 32, 34, 36, 38. In a first method step 52, by means of the external, controllable technical delivery device 50, a force 70 is exerted on the end separator element 25 which acts as pressure on the material portion 38 in the preceding sub-chamber 20 and on the separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 "and substance portions 32 , 34, 36. The foremost material portion 32 is discharged due to the pressure through the outflow opening 22 and the foremost sub-chamber 14 is emptied By emptying the foremost sub-chamber 14, the separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 ", the end-separator element 25, the further fabric portions 34, 36, 38 and the sub-chambers 16, 18, 20 are displaced in the direction of the outflow opening 22 accordingly. A displacement of the separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 "and the Endseparatorelements 25 occurs simultaneously with the emptying of the foremost sub-chamber 14. The Sollrissstellen the overpressure elements 28 are designed and designed to a pressure acting on them, that the pressure elements 28 intact during a sliding operation remain and thus a mass transfer of one of the rear sub-chambers 16, 18, 20 in the sub-chambers 14, 16, 18 is omitted.

In a following method step 54, the foremost material portion 32 has been completely discharged and the foremost separator element 24 has been displaced as far as a region of the base body of the container 10 that tapers toward the outflow opening 22, which prevents a further displacement of the separator element 24 as a blocking element. The external, controllable technical delivery device 50 further brings a force 70 which acts as a pressure on the foremost separator element 24 and is now free of a partial compensation by a hydrostatic pressure of the foremost material portion 32, so that tear the predetermined cracks of the overpressure elements 28 of the separator 24 and a mass transport through the overflow channels 26 of the separator 24 is possible. The substance portion 34 stored in the subchamber 16 located behind it can thus flow and be discharged into the outflow opening 22 via the overflow channels 26. The sub-chamber 16 is thus emptied and the underlying Separatorelemente 24 ', 24 ", the Endseparatorelement 25 and the sub-chambers 18, 20 with the stored material portions 36, 38 are moved to the front in the direction of the discharge opening 22.

In a further method step 56, the partial chamber 16 has been completely emptied and the separator chamber 24 ', which delimits the partial chamber 16 to the rear, has been displaced as far as the foremost separator element 24, which prevents a further displacement of the separator element 24' as a blocking element. By the Furthermore, pressure applied via the force 70 ruptures the predetermined rupture points of the overpressure elements 28 in the separator element 24 'and the substance portion 36 in the subchamber 18 is discharged via the overflow channels 26 of the front separator elements 24. A displacement of the rear separator element 24 "and the Endseparatorelements 25 is analogous to the shifts in the previous method steps 52, 54th

In a further method step 58 between two method steps 56, 60 for dispensing substance portions 32, 34, 36, 38, the end separator element 25 is free of an action of the force 70. A freedom of force is brought about by a control of the external, controllable technical dispensing device 50. By the further method step 58, a pause in the delivery is inserted, which is required for a complete reaction of the fabric portions 32, 34, 36 before an addition of the fabric portion 38.

In a further method step 60, the partial chamber 20 is emptied analogously to the previous method steps 52, 54, 56 and the substance portion 38 is dispensed.

In a last method step 62, the material portion 38 is completely dispensed and an application of a force 70 has been set by the external, controllable dispensing device 50.

As an alternative to the delivery of substance portions 32, 34, 36, 38 by means of pressure, sequential delivery can also be achieved by a suction process, through which the foremost sub-chamber 14 empties and the separator elements 24, 24 ', 24 "and the end separator element 25 are created Vacuum in the foremost sub-chamber 14 are shifted analogously to the method steps 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62.

For storage, the discharge opening 22 of the container 10 may be provided with a closure cap 64 to which a septum insert may be disposed adjacent within the discharge opening 22, or alternatively be closed with an elastic sealing insert ( Fig. 4 ). At the beginning of a dispensing process, the closure cap 64 can be removed or pierced by means of a cannula 66 of a process vessel 68 for an opening process of the container 10. Alternatively, after removal of the closure cap 64, the septum insert may be punctured by the cannula 66 or the elastic sealing insert may be punctured. Alternatively, it is further conceivable that the container 10 and the process vessel 68 can be connected to one another as a Luer lock and only the closure cap 64 of the container 10 has to be removed before the start of a dispensing process. In an alternative embodiment, a container 10 'has a cylindrical rather than cone-shaped discharge opening 22' and is closed with a closure cap 64 'with an inserted septum.

In a further alternative embodiment ( Fig. 5 ), the process vessel 68 may be closed with a Schlitzseptum 72. The slot septum 72 is divisible along a preformed slot. For a dispensing process, the cap 64 of the container 10 is removed and the container 10 is inserted into the slot septum 72 at the discharge port. The container 10 divides the slot septum 72 along the slot and is laterally surrounded by the slot septum 72 at the outflow opening 22. Schlitzseptum 72 and container 10 form a positive Luer-lock connection. Through the Schlitzseptum 72, the Luer-lock connection is covered sterile. reference numeral 10 container 46 functional coating 10 ' container 48 additional coating layer 12 storage chamber 50 dispenser 14 member chamber 52 step 16 member chamber 54 step 18 member chamber 56 step 20 member chamber 58 step 22 outflow 60 step 22 ' outflow 62 step 24 separator 64 cap 24 ' separator 64 ' cap 24 " separator 66 cannula 25 Endseparatorelement 66 ' cannula 26 overflow 68 process vessel 28 Overpressure element 68 ' process vessel 30 sealing element 70 force 32 fabric portion 72 Schlitzseptum 34 fabric portion 36 fabric portion 38 fabric portion 40 Cross distribution channel 42 elastic part area 44 hard core

Claims (14)

Container, in particular in syringe form, for at least substantially separate storage and dispensing of substances, in particular for storage and dispensing in outer space, with an outflow opening (22), a storage chamber (12) for storing the substances, with at least one displaceable separator element (24 , 24 ', 24 "), which divides the storage chamber (12) into partial chambers (14, 16, 18, 20), and with at least one molded overflow channel (26), which is used to transport substances from a partial chamber (14, 16 , 18, 20) is provided in a partial chamber (14, 16, 18) located at the front in the direction of the outflow opening (22) and / or in the outflow opening (22),
characterized in that
the overflow channel (26) and the separator element (24, 24 ', 24 ") are designed for at least substantially sequential release of substances and / or leaching of a stored solid by a liquid. Container according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the separator element (24, 24 ', 24 ") has the overflow channel (26). Container according to claim 2,
characterized in that
the overflow channel (26) is arranged on an outer side of the separator element (24, 24 ', 24 "). Container according to one of the preceding claims,
marked by
at least one second overflow channel (26), wherein the overflow channels (26) are arranged symmetrically to each other. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the separator element (24, 24 ', 24 ") has at least one sealing element (30) which is provided for sealing a partial chamber (14, 16, 18, 20). Container according to one of the preceding claims,
marked by
at least one overpressure element (28), which is arranged in the overflow channel (26). Container according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the overpressure element (28) has a predetermined crack location. Container according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the overpressure element (28) is provided for mechanical deformation. Container according to one of the preceding claims,
marked by
at least one transverse distribution channel (40), which is provided for a distribution of substances along a transverse direction of the storage chamber (12). Container according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the separator element (24, 24 ', 24 ") has at least one elastic subregion (42) formed as a puncture membrane. Separator element of a container (10) according to any one of claims 1-10. A method for at least substantially sequential delivery of substances from a container (10) according to any one of claims 1-10. Method according to claim 12,
characterized in that
sequential delivery occurs under conditions of reduced gravity. Method according to claim 12 or 13,
characterized in that
in at least one method step (58) between two method steps (56, 60) for dispensing a substance portion (36, 38), the separator element (24, 24 ', 24 ") is free from the action of a force (70).

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