Patent Publication Number: US-2020297582-A1

Title: Transfer device

Description:
This application is a divisional of Application No. 15/125,687, filed Sept. 13, 2016, which is a 371 of PCT/EP2015/055,922, filed on Mar. 20, 2015, which claims priority to German patent application number 10 2014 104 281.6, filed Mar. 27, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     The invention relates to a transfer device for the withdrawal or delivery of a medium out of or into a bottle with a neck, which is sealable by a closure, comprising
         a first adapter component that can be positioned at the bottle, and   a second adapter component, which interacts with the first adapter component, is moveable along the longitudinal direction of the bottle, with a needle as puncture needle, cannula, spike, or perforation device, for piercing the closure.       

     Many medicinal products for infusion, injection, or instillation are supplied as dry substances to be blended only briefly before administration with water or another solvent to form a solution or suspension. Other liquid preparations must be diluted prior to use. 
     In this, the dry substance is generally supplied in an injection bottle, a so-called vial. Primarily liquid medical agents are also offered in vials. In order to connect this bottle to another container or an infusion device, one may use a connector (transfer device), into which the head of the vial is pushed and the membrane of the vial is perforated. In this, the other container can be, for example, another injection bottle, an infusion bag, a solvent bag, or a syringe. 
     According to the state of technology, these connectors, which are also referred to as adapters and are composed of adapter components, can possess a steel cannula or a plastic dome in their centre, which is surrounded by a collar that forms a hollow-cylindrical body, which snaps onto the flange-like edge of the vial, in particular an aluminum crimped lid. From the bottom wall of the collar originates the puncture needle, in particular in form of a steel cannula, and extends along the longitudinal direction of the hollow-cylindrical body. 
     For several reasons, adapters of this type no longer meet today&#39;s requirements for vial adapters. 
     According to regulations such as the  Technische Regeln für Gefahrstoffe (Technical Regulations for Hazardous Materials) (TRGS 525) of the  Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin und Zytostatika im Gesundheitsdienst (M620) published by the  Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege , a release of hazardous material such as for example medical agents is to be prevented or to be reduced. This particularly applies to the preparation of hazardous or medical substances. 
     Such a release leads to exposition of personnel, patients, and the environment. This facilitates an intake of the release substances via inhalation, skin absorption, or oral means. The release itself can for example take place via the formation of aerosols, splashes during preparation, leakage of the adapter during disconnection of the adapter, or possibly as a result of glass breakage, as well as after injury from a contaminated cannula. 
     On the one hand, the vial adapters known in the state of technology in principle do not offer aerosol or leak-proofness. 
     On the other hand, no protection against injury from contaminated needles, as required by Accident Prevention Regulation TRBA 25, is provided. Also, an exposition during the removal of the adapter is not being prevented. 
     The second reason is that the seal must be pierced by the puncture needle in its centre to ensure a leak-tight connection of the vial. When using state of technology vial adapters one risks tilting the vial when snapping it into the collar. This results in a primarily eccentric puncture of the seal. When subsequently the vial is pushed in completely, the cannula is forced into a centric position. This results in tension stress on the seal of the vial, which can result in leakages next to the cannula. If toxic substances are employed, such as for example cytostatic agents, then this can present a hazard for personnel and patients. 
     Irrespective hereof, the relevant adapters generally do not offer any aerosol or leak-proofness. 
     A transfer device in accordance with EP 1 430 864 B1 consists of a cap-like outer guide component and a tubular inner guide component, which are moveable relative to each other in a telescoping manner. In the unused state, the origins of the inner guiding component snap into recesses extending inside the outer guiding component. When the transfer device is pushed onto a vial, tongue-like elements originating from the inner guiding component are bent outward with the result that the outer guiding component is adjusted outward in the area of the recesses, so that the interlocking between the inner and the outer guiding components is released. Another disadvantage is that the transfer device can easily be pulled off the vial after use, which again creates the risk of injury for the user. 
     Known from DE 10 2005 006 771 A1 is a transfer device that comprises a needle holder with transfer needle, which are axially adjustable in a hollow-cylindrical structure. The structure contains a wall-like limit stop, which can be fit onto the opening of a storage container that is to be pierced and during operation of the transfer device is pierced by the transfer needle. 
     A transfer device in accordance with DE 698 08 432 T2 comprises an actuator, to be able to use rotation to axially adjust a first component that comprises a dome relative to a second component that encloses the closure of a bottle. 
     DE 10 2005 006 771 A1 discloses a fluid transfer device that comprises a sleeve-like guide structure which surrounds a needle holder with puncture needle. The sleeve-like guide structure of one embodiment example comprises axially extending and moveable sleeve strips, which comprise clamping elements for engaging a collar-like rim of a vial. 
     A transfer device in accordance with WO 2009/029390 A1 comprises an inner and an outer adapter component, which are joined in the flange-like edge region by ultrasonic welding. The transfer device surrounds a vial, which in turn is surrounded by an enveloping structure relative to which the transfer device engages. 
     These designs also have the disadvantage that after use of the transfer device the vials can very easily be detached. 
     Moreover, the separability of vial and connector also results in the disadvantageous risk of contamination, for example by inhalation, skin absorption, or the formation of aerosols during the removal of the needle from the vial. 
     One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a transfer device, i.e. a vial connector or vial adapter, that offers increased exposure safety. 
     According to a further aspect it is to be ensured that an aerosol-proofness is possibly already given when the vial, i.e. the bottle, is being pierced. 
     One aspect aims to prevent any leakage after penetration of the closure that would result in a hazard. 
     A further aspect to be emphasized is that since the adapter remains at the vial or around the vial, aerosols that are generated in the separation process can not escape. Moreover, the adapter should be seal-tight for aerosols already during its use. 
     Another aspect of the invention is to ensure that any injury by way of the delivery element such as needle, cannula, spike, or penetration device is ruled out after the use of the transfer device. 
     To provide solutions of one or several aspects, the invention intends that the first adapter component, after the second adapter component has been moved along the first adapter component in the direction of the closure and the two adapter components have been interlocked, is inseparably fixed in position at the bottle or around the bottle. 
     Originating from the first adapter component for this purpose may in particular be radially adjustable position-securing elements, by which the first adapter component, after the second adapter component has been moved along the first adapter component in the direction of the closure and has been locked in place, is inseparably fixed in position on/at the bottle during proper use of the transfer device. 
     The invention is in particular characterized in that the first and the second adapter component surround the bottle in such a manner that a closed envelope is formed, so that both leak-proofness for aerosol and leakage safety are provided. For this purpose, in particular the first adapter component, which accommodates the bottle body, is embodied with a cup-shaped geometry. The second adapter component, from which originates the delivery element, also possesses a hood- or cup-shaped geometry and can be interlocked with the first adapter component. In addition, a sealing element may originate from the second adapter component to seal the first and the second adapter components with respect to the bottle. 
     The invention makes available a transfer device, which after its use, i.e. after penetration of the closure seal, can no longer be detached from the bottle, which hereinafter predominantly is referred to as vial. In this regard, it can be intended that prior to the use of the transfer device, an inadvertent touching of the tip of the delivery element is ruled out to prevent any risk of injury. 
     With respect to the delivery element it should be noted that it may for example be a needle, a cannula, a spike or another type of perforation device. In this respect the invention is not restricted. Rather, the term delivery element should encompass every suitable element that facilitates a medium transfer. For this reason, various terms are employed here, in particular puncture needle or cannula, without this restricting the scope of the invention&#39;s teaching. 
     The invention in particular is characterized by the first adapter component comprising a casing section, also referred to as a casing wall, which has a hollow-cylindrical geometry, possesses a front edge extending on the bottle closure side, and which surrounds the bottle along its circumference, a bottom section that at least partially, preferably completely covers the bottom of the bottle, as well a holding section extending on the front edge side, from which originate the position-securing elements, which may be embodied tongue-like or ledge-like, and which are tiltable, bendable, or spreadable in the radial direction of the first adapter component, and which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the first adapter component. 
     Consequently, after the vial has been introduced into the first adapter component, the position-securing elements can be braced against the transition between the neck and the body of the bottle, as a result of which the first adapter component no longer is detachable from the vial. 
     Preferably it is intended that the holding section is embodied as an annular section that extends in the front end region of the casing section that for example can be fastened, such as clamped or glued to the edge of the casing wall, extends at least in sections along the inside of the casing section, and comprises deformable first projections that extend beyond the front edge along the axial direction. These projections create the option of locking the first and the second adapter components to each other. For this purpose, in an alternative design, second projections originate from the outside of the casing wall and, when the adapter components are interlocked, are latchable or lockable in guides, guide slots, of the second adapter component. Subsequently, the second projections are no longer removable from the guides during normal handling of the transfer device. 
     As a further development the invention proposes that the second adapter component comprises an outer hollow-cylindrical section and a boundary wall, which extends across the longitudinal axis of that section, and from which originates the puncture needle, i.e. the delivery element, or through which passes the puncture needle. 
     Every guide is intended for one projection and comprises a first section, which originates from the free front edge of the outer cylinder section, extends in the latter&#39;s longitudinal direction, merges with a second section, which extends obliquely to the first section on the boundary wall side, and in which the second projection guided therein can be fixed in position, i.e. locked, and which protrudes radially from the outside of the casing wall of the holding section of the first adapter component. 
     In particular it is intended that the second section of the guide possesses a reduction in cross section along the axial direction, with an axial extent that is smaller than the axial extent of the maximum distance between the first and the second projection. In front of and behind the reduction in axial cross section, the axial extent between the boundary wall and the averted edge of the second section of the guide should be at least equal to the maximum distance between distantly-situated sections of the first and the second projections in the axial direction. Consequently the second adapter component must at first be guided in the axial direction, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the vial in the first section of the guidance, i.e. moved in the direction of the first adapter component, so that a subsequent rotation can insert the second projections into the end section of the second section of the guide that is bordered by the reduction in cross-section, where they are secured in position, which results in an inseparability between the first and the second adapter component. 
     In this, at least the limit of the second section of the guide—which faces away from the boundary wall, i.e. extends on the bottle side, and forms the inner edge—should in the direction of the boundary wall at least in sections extend inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the first adapter component and thus of the transfer device, and enclose with the longitudinal axis an obtuse angle. 
     In order to facilitate a tilt-free guidance of the first adapter component relative to the second adapter component, one proposal of the invention intends that the interior cross section of the hollow-cylindrical section of the second adapter component corresponds to the exterior cross section of the mantel section of the first adapter component. 
     A secure guidance is also guaranteed by the overlap of the adapter components, or by the previously explained axially extending guides, such as guide slots, or by for example longitudinal ribs, which originate from one of the adapter components, or from a sealing element connected with the adapter component, in particular from the second adapter component. 
     As a further development of the invention it is intended that coaxially to the outer hollow-cylindrical section of the second adapter component extends an inner hollow-cylindrical section, whereby preferably the protective element referred to as first protective element is in particular slidingly arranged, whereby when there is no connection between the first adapter component with the second adapter component, the tip of the puncture needle extends between the protective element and the boundary wall of the outer hollow-cylindrical section. This measure ensures that injuries from the puncture needle are ruled out when the first adapter component is not connected to the second adapter component. 
     To facilitate secure fastening, i.e. to ensure inseparability between the adapter components, the invention further intends that the second projection, projected onto the outside of the casing section, possesses a rectangular or trapezoidal geometry, with one corner, which, when the first and the second adapter components have been fixed in their relative positions, interacts with a step that effects a reduction in cross section of the second section of the guide, to prevent a detachment. 
     In a further embodiment of a transfer device according to the invention, which after piercing the seal is no longer detachable from the vial, it is intended that the first adapter component of the transfer device comprises a first outer hollow-cylindrical section extending on the bottle side, and originating from the latter section, a first inner hollow-cylindrical section of a smaller cross section, that the first outer hollow-cylindrical section comprises axially extending tongue-shaped sections that form the position-securing elements, with radially inward protruding projections in their respect free end regions for gripping a section of the bottle, in particular its collar-like rim, and that the second adapter component comprises a second outer hollow-cylindrical section that is moveable along the outside of the first outer hollow-cylindrical section of the first adapter component, that when the second outer hollow-cylindrical section surrounds the first outer hollow-cylindrical section of the first adapter component, an outwardly directed radial adjustment of the tongue-shaped sections is prevented or largely prevented, and that from the second outer hollow-cylindrical section of the second adapter component originates a third outer hollow-cylindrical section of smaller cross-section, within which a second inner hollow-cylindrical section, from which originates the puncture needle, is moveable as the second part of the second adapter component. 
     The invention presents a transfer device that consists of the first adapter component, which holds in place a bottle or rather its neck, and a second adapter component that consists of two parts, which are axially moveable relative to each other and relative to the first adapter component. In this, the effect of the outer part of the second adapter component is that when the hollow-cylindrical section of greater cross section covers the first outer hollow-cylindrical section of the first adapter component over a set axial length, the tongue-shaped sections that in particular engage behind the collar-like rim of the bottle can no longer be adjusted outward, so that a detachment from the bottle is ruled out. Simultaneously the adapter components interlock to prevent a retraction of the second adapter component. 
     In particular it is intended that the outer part of the second adapter component interlocks with the first adapter component. Preferably a projection such as a rib protruding radially inward from the second outer hollow-cylindrical section of the second adapter component interacts with a recess, or step, or geometrical modification with the same effect, of the first hollow-cylindrical section of the first adapter component in such a way that an axial movement of the second adapter component relative to the first adapter component against the penetration direction is prevented. 
     As a further development of the invention it is suggested that an axial adjustment of the second adapter component relative to the first adapter component is prevented by a first removable safety and that an axial adjustment of the second inner section relative to the third outer section of the second adapter component is prevented by a second removable safety. 
     Consequently, when the safeties are in place, seen along the axial direction, the first and the second adapter components form a rigid unit. When the first safety is removed after the transfer device has been pushed onto a vial, the second adapter component can be moved as a subunit in the penetration direction, which as a result produces the desired relative locking between the first and the second adapter component, which in turn has the result that the tongue-shaped position-securing elements, which comprise the radially inwardly protruding projections, can no longer be adjusted outwardly, so that a detachment from the bottle is ruled out. 
     However, when the first safety is removed and the second safety is still in place, the penetration needle is not adjustable relative to the outer part of the second component. Once the transfer device is set in position on the bottle by adjusting the second adapter component, i.e. after removing the first safety, the second safety is removed, so that the second inner section now can be shifted axially towards the bottle relative to the outer part of the second adapter component, which comprises the second and third outer hollow-cylindrical sections, so that the cannula originating from the inner part of the second adapter component can pierce the closure. 
     In order to rule out the risk of injury from the penetration tip when the transfer device is not connected to a bottle, a further development intends that from the first inner section of the first adapter component originates a protective element that is referred to as second protective element, between which and the second inner section of the second adapter component extends the tip of the penetration needle when the transfer device is not in use. 
     The geometries of the adapter components and their sections should be such that during an axial movement of the second adapter component relative to the first adapter component, the third outer section of the second adapter component is guided along the outside, whereas the second inner section is guided along the inside of the first inner section of the first adapter component. 
     In particular, the first safety should possess the geometry of an annular section, which when the transfer device is not in use passes through a slot present in the third outer section of the second adapter component and engages in a recess such as groove that is aligned with that slot in the outer wall of the first inner section of the first adapter component. 
     Preferably it is intended that the second inner section of the second adapter component on the side facing the puncture needle tip comprises a bottom wall through which the puncture needle passes and on the side facing away from the puncture needle tip comprises a preferably circumferential flange section that is facing radially outward and originates from the adapter component&#39;s circumferential wall, in particular from the outer front region of the second section of the second adapter component, and possesses an effective radial extent that is at least equal, but preferably greater than the outer cross section of the third outer section of the second adapter component. This flanged section serves as a handle to facilitate axial shifting of the second adapter component relative to the first adapter component, or of the inner section of the second adapter component relative to the latter&#39;s outer section. 
     It is further intended that the second safety can also possess the geometry of a second annular section, which, when the first adapter component is non-displaceable relative to the second adapter component, is retained in position between the free front edge of the third outer section and the flanged section of the second inner section of the second adapter component. 
     As a further development it is intended that the first and/or second the protective element, which protect against inadvertent touching of the puncture needle tip when the transfer device is not in use, is a disk element, whereby the first, and preferably also the second protective element, are arranged axially adjustable in the first or second adapter component. 
     Moreover, undercuts or snap connections can be employed to ensure that when the first and the second adapter component have been assembled, these are not separable during regular use, even when they have not been secured in position on a bottle yet. These measures serve to form a closed system. Injuries by the puncture needle are ruled out. 
     A further development of the invention intends that when in the operation position of the transfer device the second outer hollow-cylindrical section of the second adapter component is interlocked with the first outer hollow-cylindrical section of the first adapter component, an intermediate wall extending between the second and the third outer hollow-cylindrical sections of the second adapter component is in contact with an intermediate wall extending between the first outer hollow-cylindrical section and the first inner hollow-cylindrical section of the first adapter component. 
     In order to be able to axially shift the second adapter component for locking in place the first adapter component, after the latter surrounds to the necessary degree the bottle, i.e. in particular the collar-like rim originating from the bottle neck, the second safety element remains between the third outer section and the second inner section of the second adapter component. 
     In a further development of the invention it is intended that when the second safety element is present between the third outer section and the second inner section of the second adapter component, the third outer section and the second inner section are locked in place in such a manner that an axial adjustment against the penetration direction of the penetration needle is prevented. 
     Irrespective hereof, the invention demonstrates novelty and inventiveness in that during movement of the second part in the penetration direction of the puncture needle, the second adapter component interacts with the first adapter component in such a manner that a movement of the second adapter component relative to the first adapter component against the penetration direction is prevented. 
     Novel and inventive is also the feature that the first and the second adapter component are embodied in such a manner that when they surround the bottle they form a closed container, which rules out the escape of aerosol or, after piercing of the seal, the escape of the medium present in the bottle, to the surroundings, so that any contamination, e.g. through aspiration or skin contact, or possibly orally, is prevented. In this, also a novel and inventive feature, the element that comprises the delivery element may also comprise a sealing element, which serves to seal the second adapter component with respect to the bottle, in particular both with respect to the bottle and the first adapter component. 
     In other words, the invention is also distinguished by a transfer device for withdrawal or delivery of a medium from or into a bottle with a neck, which is sealable by a closure, comprising a first adapter component that can be positioned at the bottle, and, interacting with the first adapter component and moveable in the longitudinal direction of the bottle, a second adapter component with a delivery element for piercing the seal, whereby when the first and the second adapter components have been telescoped together, they form a closed container that envelopes the bottle. In this, the second adapter component preferably comprises a sealing element that provides a seal of the second adapter component relative to the bottle and/or relative to the first adapter component. Preferably also provided is an inseparability of the adapter components. 
     As a further development of the invention it is intended that the inseparability of the adapter components is achieved via projections that engage in recesses, which only can be shifted relative to each other in the penetration direction of the delivery element, e.g. cannula, and can not be separated in the reverse direction. This interlocking can be accomplished via tongue-like elements, which comprise latching hooks, which in turn interact with corresponding elements. The tongue-like elements may possess different lengths. The invention also encompasses sealing elements that prevent the escape of liquids, dust, aerosols, or similar from an enclosed space. In this, the sealing elements can seal the adapter components against each other or within themselves. A possible configuration includes sealing elements that comprise recesses, depressions, projections, which can be circumferential or annular, or similar elements to seal the space relative to the surroundings. The sealing elements can be situated between the outer parts of the adapters, or between the inner parts, or the inner and outer parts of the adapters. It is also possible for the sealing elements to provide a seal directly against the bottle. 
     The sealing elements can also be embodied with guidance grooves so that the telescoping movement of the adapter components or the movement of bottles into the adapter components is made easier. 
     Further configurations are contained in the claims. 
     One of the advantages provided by the invention&#39;s teaching is that a seal-tightness for aerosols is already provided at the time when the vial, i.e. the bottle, is pierced. 
     The invention also makes it possible to prevent any hazardous leakages after the seal has been pierced. 
     Since the adapter remains on the vial or around the vial, no aerosols can develop during a detaching process. In addition, leak-proofness for aerosols is provided during use. 
     A further advantage of the invention that is to be emphasized is that injuries after the use of the transfer device caused by the delivery element such as needle, cannula, spike, or perforation device are ruled out. 
     A subject matter of the invention is also a kit, consisting of a container with a medical agent, a bag with solvent to dissolve the medical agent, as well as a transfer device for mixing the solvent with the medical agent. 
     Further details, advantages, or features of the invention are not only found in the claims, the characteristic features disclosed therein, individually and/or in combination, but also in the following description of preferred embodiment examples shown in the figures. 
    
    
     
       The figures show: 
         FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a transfer device, 
         FIG. 2  shows a first adapter component of the transfer device of  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  shows a second adapter component of the transfer device of  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 4 a   ),  4   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 1 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line C-C, 
         FIG. 5 a   ),  5   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 1 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line D-D, 
         FIG. 6 a   ),  6   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 1 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line E-E, 
         FIG. 7 a   ),  7   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 1 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line F-F, 
         FIG. 8  shows a lateral view of a second embodiment of a transfer device, 
         FIG. 9  shows a top view onto the transfer device of  FIG. 8 , 
         FIG. 10  shows a sectional view of the transfer device of  FIGS. 8 and 9  along the line A-A, 
         FIG. 11 a   ),  11   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 8  with associated vial, in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line B-B, 
         FIG. 12 a   ),  12   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 8 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line C-C, 
         FIG. 13 a   ),  13   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 8 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line D-D, 
         FIG. 14 a   ),  14   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 8 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line E-E, 
         FIG. 15 a   ),  15   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 8 , in a top view, and along the line F-F, 
         FIG. 16 a   ),  16   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 8 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line G-G, 
         FIG. 17 a   ),  17   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 8 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line H-H, 
         FIG. 18  shows a top view of an alternative to the configuration of the embodiment of the transfer device of  FIGS. 1 to 7 , 
         FIG. 19  shows a lateral view of the transfer device of  FIG. 18 , 
         FIG. 20  shows a sectional view along the line A-A of  FIG. 18 , 
         FIG. 20 a   ),  20   b ) shows a variant of the transfer device of  FIG. 18 , in a sectional view, and a detailed view, 
         FIG. 21 . shows a detail of  FIG. 20 , 
         FIG. 22  shows an exploded view of the transfer device of  FIGS. 18 to 21 , 
         FIG. 23 a   ),  23   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 22 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line B-B, 
         FIG. 24 a   ),  24   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 22 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line C-C, 
         FIG. 25 a   ),  25   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 22 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line D-D, 
         FIG. 26 a   ),  26   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 22 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line E-E, 
         FIG. 27 a   ),  27   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 22 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line F-F, 
         FIG. 28 a   ),  28   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIG. 22 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line G-G, 
         FIG. 29  shows a top view of a further embodiment of a transfer device as an alternative to the one of  FIGS. 18 to 28   b ), 
         FIG. 30  shows a lateral view of the transfer device of  FIG. 29 , 
         FIG. 31  shows a sectional view along the line A-A of  FIG. 29 , 
         FIG. 32  shows a detail of  FIG. 31 , 
         FIG. 33 a   ),  33   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIGS. 29 to 32 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line C-C, 
         FIG. 34 a   ),  34   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIGS. 29 to 32 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line D-D, 
         FIG. 35 a   ),  35   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIGS. 29 to 32 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line E-E, 
         FIG. 36 a   ),  36   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIGS. 29 to 32 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line F-F, 
         FIG. 37 a   ),  37   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIGS. 29 to 32 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line G-G, 
         FIG. 38 a   ),  38   b ) shows the transfer device of  FIGS. 29 to 32 , in a top view, and in a sectional view along the line H-H, and 
         FIG. 39  shows an exploded view of the transfer device of  FIGS. 29 to 32 . 
     
    
    
     The figures, in which identical elements always have the same reference labels, show transfer devices, by means of which fluids as well as dry substances or liquids such as water or solvents, which for infusion or injection purposes are blended prior to their use or administration, are delivered from a bottle or a small bottle, a so-called vial. Use for the purpose of instillation or for solvent bags is also possible. Apart from that, the possible applications are purely exemplary. Transfer devices of this type are also referred to as connectors or adapters. In order to connect the bottle to another container or an infusion device, a corresponding transfer device is needed to perforate the seal of the small bottle by means of a puncture needle, such as a steel cannula, to subsequently be able to deliver the fluid to be withdrawn from the small bottle via the transfer device for example to an injection bottle, an infusion bag, a solving agent bag, or to a syringe. 
     The transfer devices shown in the figures possess components, which are arranged telescopically and are adjustable relative to each other, and which are referred to as the first and the second adapter components. For simplicity&#39;s sake, the transfer device will be referred to as a connector and the small bottle to be connected to the former will be referred to as a vial hereinafter. The first adapter component may also be referred to as a vial holder and the second adapter component as a cannula holder. 
     Further, the delivery element creating the connection to the interior of the vial will be referred to as a cannula hereinafter, without this representing a limitation with respect to function or design. 
     With respect to the specified geometries of the components it should be noted that these should be understood to be purely provided as examples and that variations are possible if the basic principles of the invention can still be realized. Apart from that, the figures are self-explanatory and show the characteristic features of the invention in an easily discernable manner. 
     The connector  10  of  FIGS. 1 to 7  comprises a first adapter component  12  and a second adapter component  14  as fundamental elements. The first adapter component  12  has a cup-like geometry with a circumferential wall  16  referred to as a casing wall and a bottom wall  18 , to accommodate a small bottle, i.e. vial  20 , which can be inserted into the first adapter component  12 . The bottom wall  18  ensures that the vial  20  remains in the first adapter component  12 . For this, the bottom wall  18  does not have to be entirely closed. But preferably a closed bottom wall  18  is provided to provide an enclosed system that offers the option of a leak-proofness for aerosols and leakages, as is described in the following. 
     As can be seen in the detailed representation of  FIG. 2 , in the open edge region of the circumferential wall  16 , which also is referred to as casing section, is provided with a holding element, also referred to as annular element or annular section  22 , which on its front edge side comprises elastic first projections, which are compressible in the axial direction, and some of which are marked by the reference labels  24 ,  26 . As the detailed representation of  FIG. 2  illustrates, the annular element  22  in sections encompasses the front edge of the circumferential wall  16 , to ensure a proper securing in place. 
     From the region of the ring element  22  that extends in the interior of the casing wall  16  originate ledge- or tongue-shaped elements that extend in the axial direction and are also referred to as position-securing elements, some of which are marked with the reference labels  28 ,  30 . As is particularly evident in the exploded view of  FIG. 1  as well as  FIGS. 4 to 7 , the tongue-shaped elements  28 ,  30  extend inclined relative to the longitudinal axis  32  of the first adapter component  12  and thus of the vial  20 , which secures the first adapter component  12  on the vial  20 , since as is shown in  FIGS. 4 to 7 , when the vial  20  is positioned within the first adapter component  12 , the tongue-shaped elements  28 ,  30  support themselves on the connecting wall  38 , also to be referred to as transition, that extends obliquely between the bottle neck  34  of the vial  20  and its cylindrical body  36 . Consequently, the vial  20  can no longer be withdrawn from the first adapter component  12 . Thus, the first adapter component  12  is the vial holder. 
     With respect to the vial  20  it should also be noted that the bottle neck  34  in the area of its opening comprises a circumferential collar  40 . The opening of the vial  20  is closed by a plug  42 . Further it should be noted that typically after sealing the vial  20  with the sealing plug  42 , an aluminum crimp cap is applied. On top of this may be located a plastic flip-off cap. This flip-off cap is pulled off the aluminum crimp cap, creating an opening in the centre of the aluminum crimp cap, through which the closure plug  42  is visible. 
     The second adapter component  14 , also referred to as upper adapter component or outer component, comprises a hollow-cylindrical section  44 , which on the side opposite the vial is delimited by a wall  46 , which extends across the longitudinal axis  32  and is also referred to as a boundary wall, which centrically comprises a cylindrical extension  48 , from which not only originates the penetration needle  50  that is also referred to as cannula but onto which is also attached a snap-off connector  52  on its outside. Consequently, the second adapter component  14  is the cannula holder. 
     Embodied in the inner wall  54  of the hollow-cylindrical section  44  of the second adapter component  14  are recesses  56 ,  58  that form guides ( FIG. 3 ), each of which consists of an axially extending section  60  and, extending crosswise to the latter and along the wall  46 , a section  62 . Associated with each guide  56 ,  58  is a second projection  64 ,  66 , which protrudes radially outward from the circumferential wall  16  of the first adapter component  12  ( FIG. 2 ), in order to be able to interlock the first adapter component  12  with the second adapter component  14  in the manner described in the following. 
     An inner hollow-cylindrical section  68  extends coaxial relative to the outer hollow-cylindrical section  44  and within the former extends the cannula  50 , but the latter does not protrude beyond the former&#39;s front edge  70 , as is evident in particular in  FIGS. 4 to 7 . In accordance with the graphic representations of the embodiment example, the inner hollow-cylindrical section  68  accepts in a clamping manner a disk-shaped protective element  72 , which is adjustable along the axial direction of the inner hollow-cylindrical section  68 . However, when the connector  10  is not in use, the tip  74  of the cannula  50  extends between the protective element  72  and the wall  46 , and consequently is covered towards the outside, so that the user is protected against injuries. The protective element  72  represents a configuration that is not absolutely necessary. 
     But it is also possible that instead of for example the disk shaped protective element  72 , a membrane, for example, originates from the front edge  70  of the inner hollow-cylindrical section  68 , whereby the membrane is destroyed when the adapter components  12 ,  14  are assembled or during an axial displacement of the second adapter component  14  towards the vial  20  and thus towards the first adapter component  12 . 
     As is evident in the graphic representations of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the inner section  62  of the guide  56 ,  58  that extends across the longitudinal axis  32  possesses along its axial direction a reduction in cross section formed by a step  76 . The step  76  results in a ‘restriction’ of the section  62 , i.e. the distance between the free edge or corner  78  of the respective second projection  64 ,  66  and the apex area of the first projections  24 ,  26  is greater than the distance between the crest of the step  76  and the opposing edge of the section  62 . Consequently, the first projections  24 ,  26  must compressed to overcome the step  76 . Once the projection  64 ,  66  is situated within the end section  80  of the section  62  of the guide  56 ,  56  that extends along the wall  46 , the projections  24 ,  26  are free to expand again with the result that when the first adapter component  12  is rotated relative to the second adapter component  14  in the direction of the step  76 , the projection  64 ,  66  protruding from the outside of the casing wall  16  interacts with the step  76  to prevent a further rotation. Thus the first and the second adapter components  12 ,  14  are connected inseparably. A removal of the vial  20  is not possible either. 
     In order to support an axial guidance between the adapter components  12 ,  14  when they are telescoped together, ribs  17 ,  19  extending in the longitudinal direction over the casing wall  16  can serve as guide rails. 
     Connecting the cannula  50  to the interior of the vial  20  is shown in  FIGS. 4 to 7  in a self-explanatory fashion.  FIG. 4  shows the position in which the second adapter component  14  has been attached to the first adapter component  12 . In this, the second adapter component  14  with its outer hollow-cylindrical section  44  surrounds the casing wall  16  and is guided by the latter. To prevent tilting, the inner diameter of the hollow-cylindrical section  44  and the outer diameter of the casing wall  16  are matched accordingly. The guidance ensures that the cannula is moveable along the longitudinal axis  32  of the vial  20 , when the first and the second adapter components  12 ,  14  are telescoped together. But the ribs  17 ,  19  extending along the longitudinal axis direction in particular serve to align the adapter components  12 ,  14  to a proper relative position to be moved relative to each other. Movements are facilitated by the resulting linear contact area between the adapter components  12 ,  14 . Moreover, the ribs  17 ,  19  prevent tilting. 
       FIG. 5  shows the position when the cannula  50  has penetrated the plug  42  and the cannula tip  74  is connected to the interior of the vial  20 . In this position, the projections  64 ,  66 , which protrude from the outside of the casing wall  16  and preferably possess an irregular trapezoidal geometry, are positioned at the transition between the axially extending sections  60  of the guides  56 ,  58  and the sections  62  that extend crosswise thereto. Subsequently, the upper adapter component or second adapter component  12  is rotated ( FIG. 6 ) so that the second projections  64 ,  66  are moved along the sections  62  of the guides  56 ,  58  that extend along the wall  46 . The first and the second adapter component  12 ,  14  interlock when the second projections  64 ,  66  have overcome the steps  76  in the sections  62  of the guides  56 ,  58 , and are situated in the respective end section  80  of the guides  56 ,  58 . In order to overcome the steps  76  it is necessary beforehand that the first projections  24 ,  26  protruding axially from the front edge of the annular element  22  are compressed to the required extent. 
     In this, the interlocking is achieved so that it can only be released with an additional tool or with a pulling force of at least for example 300 N. 
     After the connection to the vial  20  has been ensured, the snap-off connector  52  can be destroyed and the mixing procedure between the medicinal product present in the vial  20  and a liquid, present in a bag that was previously connected to the snap-off connector  52 , may proceed. In principle, it is also possible to employ a Luer fitting or similar device. Connected to the snap-off connector, or similar device such as a Luer fitting, may also be a syringe, bottle, or similar container. The corresponding applies to all embodiments. 
       FIGS. 8 to 17  show a second embodiment of a connector  100 , which also consists of a first adapter component  112  as the vial holder extending on the vial side and a second adapter component  114  comprising the cannula  50  as the cannula holder. In this, the connector  100  is also embodied in such a manner that after it is connected to the vial  20 , an inadvertent or uncontrolled detachment from the vial  20  is no longer possible, as will be explained in the following. 
     The first or inner adapter component  112  comprises a first outer hollow-cylindrical section  116  that during correct usage surrounds the collar  40  of the vial  20 , and an inner hollow-cylindrical section  118 , which has a smaller diameter than the outer hollow-cylindrical section  116 . Between the hollow-cylindrical sections  116 ,  118  extends an intermediate wall  120 , which extends across, in particular perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis  32  of the connector  100 , and thus, when the vial  20  is connected, to the longitudinal axis of the vial  20 . 
     The outer hollow-cylindrical section  116  comprises tongue-shaped sections, which are separated by axially extending slits  122 , and which are resilient to the required degree, two of which are marked by the reference labels  124 ,  126  in an exemplary manner. On their end side, the tongue-shaped sections  124 ,  126  comprise projections that protrude inward (compare projection  128 ), and which engage behind the collar-like rim  40  of the vial neck when the first adapter component  112  has been properly connected to the vial  20 , as is illustrated in the figures below. 
     The second or outer adapter component  114  consists of two parts that are adjustable relative to each other in a telescopic manner, in particular of an outer part  130  and an inner part  132 , from which originates the puncture needle  50 . The outer part  130  comprises a section  134 , also referred to as second outer hollow-cylindrical section, and a section  136  that is designates as third outer hollow-cylindrical section, which possess different diameters. In this, the cross-section of the third outer hollow-cylindrical section  136  is smaller than that of the second outer hollow-cylindrical section  134 , which has an interior diameter that is adapted to the exterior diameter of the first outer hollow-cylindrical section  116  of the first adapter component  112 , which facilitates an axial guidance. Moreover, the inner diameter of the third outer hollow-cylindrical section  136  is adapted to fit the outer diameter of the first hollow-cylindrical section  118  of the first adapter component  112 , which also results in an axial guidance. 
     For placing the connector  100  onto the vial  20 , the first and second adapter components  112 ,  114  are secured against an axial movement relative to each other by a first safety  138 , which preferably possesses the geometry of an annular section. The safety  138  extends along a further intermediate wall  140 , which extends between the second and the third hollow-cylindrical sections  134 ,  136  and in parallel to the intermediate wall  120 , passes through a slot in the third outer hollow-cylindrical section  136 , and extends partially in a recess or groove, which is aligned with the slot, in the first inner hollow-cylindrical section  118  of the first adapter component  112  . A second safety  146  extends between the front edge  142  of the third outer cylinder section  136  and a flange-like widening originating from the inner or second part  132  of the second adapter component  112  . 
     The inner part  132  of the second adapter component  114  has a hollow-cylindrical shape, with an outer diameter that is adapted to fit the inner diameter of the first inner hollow-cylindrical section  118  of the first adapter component  112 , which facilitates an axial guidance. Moreover, the second part  132  of the second adapter component  114  is secured relative to the first inner hollow-cylindrical section  118  by inter-engaging sections, in particular by a preferably circumferential rib  133 , which protrudes above the circumferential wall of the hollow-cylindrical inner or second part  132  of the second adapter component  114 , and engages in a correspondingly matched recess  153  in the inner side of the first inner hollow-cylindrical section  118  of the first adapter component  112 . 
     It is also apparent in the drawing that from the inner side of the second outer hollow-cylindrical section  134  of the second adapter component  114  protrudes a projection such as a clamping rib  147 , which engages in a matched recess  148  of the first outer hollow-cylindrical section  116  of the first adapter component  112  in such a way that a disconnection of the adapter components  112 ,  114  against the penetration direction is no longer possible. Thus prior to attaching the connector  100  to the vial  20 , one is handling a unit that consists of the first and the second adapter components  112 ,  114 . 
     To prevent a user from coming in contact with the tip  74  of the cannula  50 , in an optional configuration otherwise in accordance with the embodiment example of  FIGS. 1 to 7 , the first inner hollow-cylindrical section  118  of the first adapter component  112  can accept in a clamping manner a disk-shaped protective element  172  that can have a centric opening in order not to impede the passage of the cannula  50  during the penetration of the plug  42 . Instead of the disk element, it is possible that a membrane is provided that is destroyed in the process. 
       FIGS. 11-17  illustrate how the connector  100  is connected with the vial  20  and the latter&#39;s plug  42  is penetrated. In this respect the figures are self-explanatory. 
     In the illustration of  FIG. 11  the connector  100  is aligned with the bottle neck  34  of the vial  20  in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the connector  100  is aligned with the longitudinal axis  32  of the vial  20 . Due to the safeties mechanisms  138 ,  146  and the interlocking projections and clamping ribs, the second adapter component  114  is arranged relative to the first adapter component  112  in such a manner that the first adapter component  112  can overcome the collar  40  of the bottle neck  34 , i.e. so that the tongue-shaped sections  124 ,  126  can be spread outward, to subsequently spring back as soon as the collar  40  has been overcome and consequently the projections  128  of the tongues  124 ,  126  can engage behind the collar  40 . The positioning of the connector  100 after it engages behind the collar  40  is shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Subsequently, the first safety  138 , which extends along the intermediate wall  140  and secures the first and the second adapter components  112 ,  114 , against an axial movement, is removed ( FIG. 14 ), so that a continued application of an axial force results in an axial displacement of the second adapter component  114 . But prior to that it is necessary to overcome the retention force that is generated by the projections  133  and the clamping rib that is also referred to as rib, which connect the inner or second part  132  of the second adapter component  114  with the first inner hollow-cylindrical section  118  of the first adapter component  112 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates the position in which the second outer hollow-cylindrical section  134  encloses the first outer hollow-cylindrical section  116  of the first adapter component  112  to such a degree that bending the tongue-shaped elements  124 ,  126 , also referred to as sections, outward is no longer possible. At the same time, the projection  147 , which previously prevented the second adapter component  114  from being pulled back relative to the first adapter component  112 , engages behind a recess, configured with a stepped cut-out  148 , in the free edge region of the tongue-shaped elements  124 ,  126 , which ensures that pulling back the second adapter component  114 , i.e. an axial adjustment against the penetration direction, is no longer possible. 
     Thus, the second outer hollow-cylindrical section  134  acts on the end side as a clamping ring for the first outer hollow-cylindrical section  116 , also to be referred to as bell, of the first adapter component  112 , which prevents the tongue-shaped elements  124 ,  126  to be adjusted radially outward. This creates a closed space prior to the plug being pierced, so that no aerosols being generated by the opening of the vial can reach the surroundings. 
     The locking provided in this manner is realized so that it can only be released by an additional tool or pull-off forces of for example 300 N. This ensures that the connector  100  remains connected to the vial  20  after use. 
     Subsequently the second safety  146  is removed, so that the inner part  132  of the second adapter component  114 , which contains the cannula  50 , can be moved in the penetration direction by an axial application of force onto the flange-like handle  144  in order to penetrate the plug  42 , as a comparison of  FIGS. 15 to 17  illustrates. During the final axial adjustment of the inner part  132  of the second adapter component  114 , the disk-shaped protective element  172  is pushed through the transverse wall  150 , which extends on the inside and through which the cannula  50  passes, of the inner part  132  to come into contact with the outside of the plug  42  or the aluminum cap covering the outside of the plug. In addition, the projection or clamping rib  133  radially protruding from the outer wall of the hollow-cylindrical section of the inner part  132  of the second adapter component  114  snaps into a recess present in the inside wall of the first inner hollow-cylindrical section  118  of the first adapter component  112  or engages behind a step  152 , to rule out a withdrawal of the inner part  132  of the second adapter component  114 . 
     After the second adapter component  114  has been properly secured in place, the snap-off connector  52 , onto which a bag has been attached prior to this, can be destroyed to carry out the desired mixing process. 
       FIGS. 18 to 28  show an alternative version of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 7 , so that the same reference labels are used for identical elements. The illustrations of the transfer device  200  also to be referred to as connector are self-explanatory. 
     In the transfer device or connector  200  the inseparability of the adapter components is achieved by interlocking an outer or second adapter component  214  with the first adapter component  212  that surrounds the vial  20 . This results in the advantage, that when the adapter components  212 ,  214  have been assembled, they enclose a contained space, in which the perforated closure plug  42  of the vial  20  is located. 
     The first adapter component  212  possesses a cup-like geometry with a circumferential wall  216  and a bottom wall  218  to accommodate the vial  20 . Likewise, in the open edge area of the circumferential wall  216  is provided an annular element  222 , from which originate ledge-shaped or tongue-shaped elements extending in the axial direction, which as an example are labelled  228  and  230 . As is most evident in  FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 , the tongue-shaped elements  228 ,  230  extend inclined relative to the longitudinal axis  232  of the connector  200  and thus of the vial  20 , as a result of which the first adapter component  212  and the vial form a rigid unit when the vial  20  has been accepted properly by the first adapter component  212  because then, when the vial  20  is positioned within the first adapter component  212 , the tongue shaped elements  228 ,  230 , rest upon the connecting wall  38  that extends between the bottle neck  34  of the vial  20  and its cylindrical body  36 . Consequently, the vial  20  can no longer be pulled out of the first adapter component  212 . 
     From the ring element  222 , which is joined, such as glued or welded, to the front edge of the cup-shaped first adapter component  212 , additionally originate inward protruding further tongue-shaped elements  223 ,  231 , which in accordance with the illustration of  FIG. 25  are in contact with the circumferential surface, i.e. the cylindrical body  36  of the vial  20 . The tongue-shaped second elements  223 ,  231 , which are longer than the tongue-shaped first elements  228 ,  230 , that serve as safeties, serve as positioning aid for the first adapter component  212 , so that the latter surrounds the vial  20  concentrically. 
     The first adapter component  212  comprises along its circumference latching depressions that are bordered by ridges, as is shown in the sectional view of  FIG. 20 . As example, two latching depressions have been labelled  310 ,  312 . The projections that border the latching depressions  310 ,  312  possess a tooth-like geometry of such a nature, that the one of their flanks that is located on the insertion side relative to the second adapter component  214 , i.e., the respective upper border in the graphic representation, extend ramp-like in such a manner that it becomes easily possible to push the second adapter component  214  onto the first adapter component  212  or rather push the first adapter component  212  into the second adapter component  214 , since projections  322 ,  324  of tongue-shaped elements  314 ,  316 ,  318 ,  320 , which extend in the axial direction of the second adapter component  214 , slide along the corresponding flanks. The opposing flanks possess a correspondingly inclined shape, so that when the projections  322 ,  324  that originate from the tongue-shaped element  314 ,  316  engage in a latching depression  310 ,  312 , an ordinary application of force is no longer sufficient to pull the adapter components  312 ,  314  apart. 
     The axially extending tongue-like elements  314 ,  316 ,  318 ,  320 , with the inward facing projections  322 ,  324  at their ends, originate from an annular element  326 , which is fixed in position, e.g. welded, in the opening region of the second adapter component  214 . In this area, the second adapter component  214  possesses a bell-shaped geometry, as is most evident in the sectional view of  FIG. 20 . Accordingly, the annular element  326  possesses a collar-like rim  328  that is bonded, e.g. welded, to the bell-like widening  330  of the second adapter component  214 . The tongue-like elements  314 ,  316 ,  318 ,  320  are inclined towards the interior of the second adapter component  214  and are embodied springingly in such a way that it is easily possible to push the first and second adapter components  212 ,  214  together, but that they can not be pulled apart, as explained above. In this, the interlocking is realized in such a way that it can only be released with an additional tool or with pulling force of at least for example 300 N. 
     In addition, the interior wall of the cylindrical section of the second adapter component  214  is lined with a sealing element  332 , which, when the adapter components  212 ,  214  have been connected, is in sealing contact with the casing wall  216  of the first adapter component  212 . This creates an enclosed space. If the bottom wall  218  of the first adapter component  212  is also closed, the vial  20  is isolated from the surroundings on all sides. This is the preferred configuration. 
       FIG. 22  further illustrates that the sealing element  332  may possess annular ridges  333  that extend along the circumference. 
     As above in the embodiment example of  FIGS. 1 to 7 , concentric with respect to a hollow-cylindrical circumferential wall  244  of the second adapter component  214  that merges into a boundary or bottom wall  245  extends an inner hollow-cylindrical section  268  that at its end side comprises an inward directed preferably circumferential projection  270 , which, when the first and the second adapter components  212 ,  214  are connected, engages behind the collar-like rim  40  of the vial  20 , as is clarified for example in the detailed representation of  FIG. 21 . This provides an additional safety against a separation of the adapter components  212 ,  214 . 
     In addition, from the casing wall  216  originates an end stop that preferably is embodied as a circumferential ring or ledge  217 , and consequently extends radially from the circumferential wall. The free outer edge of the second adapter component  214  is in contact with the end stop when the adapter components  212 ,  214  have been connected properly and thus the cannula  50  has penetrated the vial  20  to the required degree. 
       FIGS. 23 a   ) to  28   b ) show the connecting of the cannula  50  to the interior of the vial  20  in a self-explanatory manner.  FIGS. 23 a   ) and  b ) show how the adapter component  212 , which surrounds the vial  20 , is connected to the second adapter component  214 .  FIG. 24 a   ) and  b ) show the connecting.  FIG. 25 a   ) and  b ) show a position in which the projections  322 ,  324 , which protrude from the end region of the tongue-like elements  314 ,  316 ,  318 ,  320 , already are engaged in a latching recess or depression  310 , so that an interlocking has been completed in this position, but the plug  42  has not been entirely pierced. 
       FIGS. 26 a   ) and  b ) represent a position in which the first adapter component  212  has been pushed further into the second adapter component  214 . An even deeper engagement is shown in  FIGS. 27 a   ) and  b ).  FIGS. 28 a   ) and  b ) illustrate the final position, in which the free edge of the second adapter component  214  is in contact with the annular projection  217  of the first adapter component that serves as end stop. Simultaneously the projection  270 , which originates from the edge area of the inner hollow-cylindrical section  268  of the second adapter component  214 , is directed inward, and preferably extends circumferentially at least in sections, engages behind the collar-like widening  40  of the vial  20 . When the adapter components  212 ,  214  have been pushed together and the second adapter component  214  is in contact with the end stop formed by the projection  217 , the plug  42  has been completely penetrated by the cannula  50 . 
     Naturally the end stop is not an absolutely required feature. An optical display such as a colour mark can also serve to signal to the user that the adapter components  212 ,  214  have been pushed together to such a degree that the plug  42  has been pierced by the cannula  50  to the required degree. 
     After the adapter components  212 ,  214  have been pushed together properly, the snap-off connector  52  originating from the bottom wall  245  of the second adapter component can be removed. 
     With respect to the latching recesses or depressions  310 ,  312  and the latching projections  322 ,  324  it should be noted that according to an alternative configuration a connection between the adapter components  212 ,  214  can also be realized if the latching recesses  310 ,  312  are sections of threads into which the projections  322 ,  324  engage, so that the first adapter component  212  is connected to the second adapter component  214  in a kind of screw connection. However, inseparability is also provided, since in the final state at least the one projection  270  protruding inward from the inner cylindrical section  268  will engage behind the collar-like rim  40  of the vial  20 . Naturally it is also possible for several projections or a circumferential projection to be provided. 
       FIGS. 20 a  and 20 b    show an elaboration on the transfer device  200  of  FIGS. 28 to 28 . Since the structure is the same in principle, the same reference labels are used for identical elements. The embodiment of the transfer device shown in  FIGS. 20 a  and 20 b    is different from that of the  FIGS. 18 to 28  in that the inward directed projection that engaged behind the collar-like rim  40  of the vial  20  and originated from the inner hollow-cylindrical section  268  is omitted now. Apart from that, the design is the same. The figures in particular also show that when the adapter components  212 ,  214  have been joined, the circumferential or casing wall  216  of the first adapter component  212  with the annular element  222  extends in the annular gap  269  extending between the inner hollow-cylindrical section  268  and the circumferential wall  244 . 
     Thus the annular gap  269  represents a guidance when the adapter components  212 ,  214  are being pushed together. Simultaneously a seal is formed between the annular element  222  and the annular gap  269  and consequently between the adapter components  212 ,  214 . 
     An embodiment of a transfer device to be referred to as connector that is an alternative to that of  FIGS. 18 to 28  is shown in  FIGS. 29 to 39 . Identical elements on principle carry the same reference labels. The transfer device  400  also provides an essential inseparability between a first adapter component  412  that surrounds the vial  20  with the closure plug  42  and a second adapter component  412  with a cap- or cup-like geometry as soon as the first and the second adapter components  412 ,  414  haven been connected by interlocking. Furthermore, the first and second adapter components  412 ,  414  surround an enclosed space that encompasses the vial  20 , whereby the space is already sealed before the cannula  50  originating from the second adapter component  414  penetrates into the closure plug  42 . 
     Essentially inseparable is to be understood to mean that a disengagement is not possible without tools or without a pulling force of less than 300 N. 
     The first adapter component  412  possesses a cup-like geometry with a circumferential wall  216  and a bottom wall  218 , to accommodate the vial  20 . From the circumferential wall  216 , also referred to as casing wall, originate latching depressions bordered by ridges, two of which have been marked with the labels  310  and  312  as an example. The projections that border the latching depressions  310 ,  312  possess a tooth-like geometry of such a nature so that their flanks that extend on the insertion side with respect to the second adapter component  414 , i.e. the respective upper borders in the drawings, extend in a ramp-like manner. This facilitates pushing the second adapter component  414  onto the first adapter component  412 , or pushing the first adapter component  412  into the second adapter component  414  without problems, as will be explained below. The structure of the latching depressions  310 ,  312  and the projections that border them are easily discernable in  FIG. 32 . 
     In order to prevent a separation of the assembled first and second adapter components  412 ,  414 , i.e. the components being pulled apart against the penetration direction of the cannula  50 , the latching depressions  310 ,  312  interact with radially inward protruding projections  423 ,  425  of axially extending tongue-shaped elements of the second adapter component  414 , some of which are marked by the reference labels  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  424  as an example. The tongue-shaped elements  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  424 , which with their radially inward protruding projections  423 ,  425  form latching hooks, originate from an annular element  430  that is firmly bonded with the second or outer adapter component  414 , in particular by welding or adhesive bonding. Other methods of attachment are also feasible. 
     In this, the annular element  430  is fixed in position in the interior area of preferably a bell-shaped widening  432  of the second adapter component  414 , as is illustrated in particular in  FIG. 31 . The tongue-shaped elements  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  424 , which extend from the annular element  430  in the direction of the bottom wall  434  that extends across the longitudinal axis of the adapter component  414 , span a circumferential edge, i.e. an envelope, that is adapted to the exterior circumference of the first adapter component  41 , so that during the insertion of the first adapter component  412  with the vial  20  into the second or outer adapter component  414  no canting can take place, i.e. a secure axial guidance is provided. 
     For the purpose of sealing the first adapter component  412  against the second adapter component  414  during the interlocking, a sealing element  436  originates from the inside of the second adapter component  414 . The sealing element consists of an inner section  438  that extends in the longitudinal direction of the adapter component  414  and a parallel outer section  446 , whereby a gap exists between the sections. The sealing element  436  possesses a cross section with the geometry of a non-isosceles U, with the shorter leg extending on the outside. In the gap extends the edge section  440  of an inner hollow-cylindrical section  444  that extends coaxially to the circumferential wall  442  of the second adapter component  414 , as is also clearly shown in  FIG. 32 . The sealing element  436  is glued to the hollow-cylindrical section  444  or bonded in any other suitable manner or attached such as clamped. In this, the exterior side of the outer section  446  of the sealing element  436  extends flush with respect to the outer surface of the hollow-cylindrical section  444 , as is also shown in  FIG. 32 . When the first and the second adapter components  412 ,  414  are being pushed together, the outer section  446  of the sealing element  436  slides along the inner side of the circumferential wall  216  of the first adapter component  412  and thus seals the outer adapter component  414  against the first or inner adapter component  412 . 
     As is shown in  FIG. 39 , the inner surface of the inner section  438  of the sealing element  436  comprises longitudinal ribs  439  that serve to guide the vial  20 . Furthermore, the inner section  438  on its inside extends obliquely, starting from its rim (line  441 ), as is shown in  FIG. 32 . This also provides guidance for the vial  20 . Simultaneously a seal is provided against the vial  20 , as is illustrated in  FIG. 32 . Furthermore, projections  447  are present at the outside of the outer section  446  of the sealing element  436 , which provides a seal between the first adapter component  412  and the second adapter component  414  in the area of the latching depressions  310 ,  312 . This ensures sealing between the first and the second adapter components  412 ,  414 . As mentioned before, the sealing element also is in contact with the vial  20 , or rather the latter&#39;s obliquely extending neck section (connecting wall  38 ). 
     In the interaction of the latching projections  423 ,  425  of the tongue-shaped latching elements  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  424  with the latching depressions  310 ,  312 , their respective geometries ensure that after the latching projections  423 ,  425  have engaged in one of the depressions  310 ,  312  it is no longer possible to pull the adapter components  412 ,  414  apart, rather that before the plug  42  has been penetrated, only a pushing together in the penetration direction is possible. This creates a sealed space prior to the piercing of the plug, so that no aerosols created during the opening of the vial can escape to the surroundings. 
     Penetration is achieved by continued pushing together to such an extent that the cannula  50  is pushed through the plug  42 , whereby the cannula  50  penetrates through the plug  42  completely. In this, a pushing together of the adapter components  412 ,  414  is possible until the lower edge of the second adapter component  414 , or rather the annular element  430  extending in this area, comes into contact with a radially circumferential ledge  217 , which protrudes from the circumferential wall  216  of the first adapter component  412 , as is also the case in connection with the embodiment example of  FIGS. 18 to 28 . 
     The interaction between the first and the second adapter components  412 ,  414  up to the time when the cannula  50  has completely penetrated the closure plug  42  is shown in a self-explanatory fashion in  FIGS. 33 to 38 . 
       FIG. 33  illustrates how the upper or second adapter component  414  is placed onto the lower or inner or first adapter component  412 , after the vial  20  has been inserted into the lower adapter component  412 . 
       FIG 34 . shows that the lower adapter component  412  has been pushed into the outer adapter component  414  to such an extent that the cannula does not yet penetrate the closure plug  42 . However, irrespective hereof, the latching hooks formed by the projections  423 ,  425  that protrude radially inward from the tongue-shaped elements  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  424  already engage in the first latching depressions  310 . 
     The further figures illustrate the continued pushing together of the adapter components  412 ,  414 , whereby in  FIG. 38  the first adapter component  412  has been pushed into the outer adapter component  414  to such an extent that the latter is in contact with the circumferential end stop  217 , i.e. no further pushing together is possible. In this position, the cannula  50  has pushed through the closure plug  42  to the necessary extent. Subsequently, the connector  52  can be snapped off, in order to initiate the mixing process, e.g. via the tube of a solvent bag. Naturally, the end-stop  217  is not absolutely required. Rather, an optical marker, such as a circumferential ring, can also be used to signal to the user that the adapter components  412 ,  414  have been pushed into each other to the necessary extent and that the cannula  50  has pierced the plug  42  to a sufficient degree. 
     But we also have to emphasize another configuration of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 29 to 39 . It is also possible for the first or inner adapter component  412 , for example in the delivered state without a vial attached, to be attached to the second or outer adapter component  414  in such a manner that the bottom side of the first adapter component  412  has been pushed into the outer or second adapter component  414 , which ensures that the tip of the cannula  50  can not be touched. The insertion is limited by the latching hooks, i.e. by the latching elements  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  424  with their latching projections  423 ,  425 . This ensures that the cannula  50  can not penetrate into the base of the first adapter component  412 . In this, the latching hooks have different lengths, so that the bottom of the adapter component  412  rests upon the shorter hooks. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 10 
                 Connector/transfer device 
               
               
                 12 
                 First adapter component 
               
               
                 14 
                 Second adapter component 
               
               
                 16 
                 Circumferential wall/Casing wall 
               
               
                 17, 19 
                 Ribs 
               
               
                 18 
                 Bottom wall or section 
               
               
                 20 
                 Vial/Small bottle 
               
               
                 22 
                 Holding element/Annular element/section 
               
               
                 24 
                 Projections 
               
               
                 26 
                 Projections 
               
               
                 28 
                 Element/Position-securing element 
               
               
                 30 
                 Element/Position-securing element 
               
               
                 32 
                 Longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 34 
                 Bottle neck 
               
               
                 36 
                 Cylindrical body 
               
               
                 38 
                 Connecting wall/transition 
               
               
                 40 
                 Collar 
               
               
                 42 
                 Plug/closure plug 
               
               
                 44 
                 Hollow-cylindrical section 
               
               
                 46 
                 Wall/boundary wall 
               
               
                 48 
                 Extension 
               
               
                 50 
                 Penetration needle/cannula 
               
               
                 52 
                 Snap-off connector 
               
               
                 54 
                 Inner wall 
               
               
                 56 
                 Depression/guide 
               
               
                 58 
                 Depression/guide 
               
               
                 60 
                 Section 
               
               
                 62 
                 Section 
               
               
                 64 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 66 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 68 
                 Inner hollow-cylindrical section 
               
               
                 70 
                 Front edge 
               
               
                 72 
                 Protective element 
               
               
                 74 
                 Cannula tip/tip 
               
               
                 76 
                 Step 
               
               
                 78 
                 Edge/corner 
               
               
                 80 
                 End section 
               
               
                 100 
                 Connector/transfer device 
               
               
                 112 
                 First adapter component 
               
               
                 114 
                 Second adapter component 
               
               
                 116 
                 Outer hollow-cylindrical section 
               
               
                 118 
                 Inner hollow-cylindrical section 
               
               
                 120 
                 Intermediate wall 
               
               
                 122 
                 Slots 
               
               
                 124 
                 Tongue-shaped section/element 
               
               
                 126 
                 Tongue-shaped section/element 
               
               
                 128 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 130 
                 Outer adapter component 
               
               
                 132 
                 Inner hollow-cylindrical section 
               
               
                 133 
                 Rib/Projection/Clamping rib 
               
               
                 134 
                 Second outer hollow-cylindrical section 
               
               
                 136 
                 Third outer hollow-cylindrical section 
               
               
                 138 
                 First safety 
               
               
                 140 
                 Intermediate wall 
               
               
                 147 
                 Projection/Clamping rib 
               
               
                 150 
                 Transverse wall 
               
               
                 152 
                 Step 
               
               
                 142 
                 Front edge 
               
               
                 144 
                 Section 
               
               
                 146 
                 Safety 
               
               
                 148 
                 Cut-out 
               
               
                 153 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 172 
                 Protective element 
               
               
                 200 
                 Connector/transfer device 
               
               
                 212 
                 Adapter component 
               
               
                 214 
                 Adapter component 
               
               
                 216 
                 Casing wall 
               
               
                 217 
                 Ledge/projection 
               
               
                 218 
                 Bottom wall/section 
               
               
                 222 
                 Annular element/section 
               
               
                 223 
                 Tongue-shaped element 
               
               
                 228 
                 Element/position-securing element 
               
               
                 230 
                 Element/position-securing element 
               
               
                 231 
                 Further tongue-shaped element 
               
               
                 244 
                 Circumferential wall 
               
               
                 245 
                 Boundary/bottom wall 
               
               
                 268 
                 Inner hollow-cylindrical section 
               
               
                 269 
                 Annular gap 
               
               
                 270 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 310 
                 Latching depression/recess 
               
               
                 312 
                 Latching depression/recess 
               
               
                 314 
                 Element 
               
               
                 316 
                 Element 
               
               
                 318 
                 Element 
               
               
                 320 
                 Element 
               
               
                 322 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 324 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 326 
                 Annular element 
               
               
                 328 
                 Edge 
               
               
                 330 
                 Widening 
               
               
                 332 
                 Sealing element 
               
               
                 333 
                 Annular ridges 
               
               
                 400 
                 Connector/transfer device 
               
               
                 412 
                 Adapter component 
               
               
                 414 
                 Adapter component 
               
               
                 416 
                 Tongue-shaped element 
               
               
                 418 
                 Tongue-shaped element 
               
               
                 420 
                 Tongue-shaped element 
               
               
                 423 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 424 
                 Tongue-shaped element 
               
               
                 425 
                 Projection 
               
               
                 430 
                 Annular element 
               
               
                 432 
                 Widening 
               
               
                 434 
                 Bottom wall 
               
               
                 436 
                 Sealing element 
               
               
                 438 
                 Inner section 
               
               
                 439 
                 Longitudinal ribs 
               
               
                 440 
                 Edge section 
               
               
                 441 
                 Line 
               
               
                 442 
                 Circumferential wall 
               
               
                 444 
                 Hollow-cylindrical section 
               
               
                 446 
                 Outer section 
               
               
                 447 
                 Projections