Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for removing a fluid from at least one container ( 300 ), for example, from a vial, that has a seal that can be punctured. The device comprises a base body ( 210 ), in which a fluid channel is formed. In order to reduce the lost volume, a pin-shaped insertion element ( 250 ) that reduces the cross-section of the fluid channel is inserted into the fluid channel through an insertion opening. Locking structures ( 262, 263 ) that retain the container on the device in a removal position and in a storage position different therefrom can be provided so that the container can be stored on the device without the seal being punctured accidentally. Such a device can be used in particular to fill an applicator ( 100 ) having one or more fluid reservoirs from one or more vials.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a device for removing a fluid from at least one container, more particularly from a container closed by means of a seal that can be punctured, e.g. a vial with a septum seal. In particular the invention relates to a device for filling an applicator with at least one fluid reservoir from one or more vials. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    In many applications a mixture of two or more flowable components has to be produced and delivered at a predetermined mixing ratio. An example is the production of an adhesive for technical or medical applications, e.g. a fibrin-based medical adhesive. Another example is the production of a bone cement from several components using a monomer. There are also medicinal products, for example, which are produced by mixing two or more components, but are not storable when mixed. In this case it is desirable to initially store the components separately and only to mix them immediately before their administration. Similar problems are posed in other pharmaceutical or chemical systems comprising two or more components which are not stable in the mixed state. 
         [0003]    With regard to this, from the prior art it is known to store the components to be mixed in two reservoirs of an applicator, e.g. in the form of a double syringe and to deliver them through a suitable mixing device. However, it is often problematical to store flowable substances for a longer period in plastic applicators, as on the one hand the substances can chemically react with the plastic, and on the other hand there is a risk that gas, in particular oxygen from the air, can diffuse though the walls of the applicator or through seals and chemically modify the content. This applies in particular to applications in the field of medicine where chemical purity is of special relevance. 
         [0004]    It is therefore known to store the components to be mixed separately in vials, more particularly glass vials with a septum seal, i.e. in sterilisable glass bottles which are sealed at one end with a self-sealing membrane (a septum seal) that can be punctured in order to remove the components to be mixed from the vials only shortly before application into two separate reservoirs. For this, adapter-like devices are proposed in the prior art which enable the simultaneous filling of two reservoirs from two vials. 
         [0005]    Thus, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,033 a filling system with a vial holder for the parallel holding of two vials and a syringe holder for the parallel holding of two syringes is disclosed. In order to remove material from the vial, the syringes directly puncture the septa of the vials with a puncture adapter. The drawback of this is that the syringes have to be fitted with such an adapter or needles and necessarily require a certain distance which is predetermined by the diameter and distance of the vials. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,650 discloses several forms of embodiment of a filling device allowing a double syringe-like applicator with two reservoirs to be filled from two vials. The device has a connection area on which two connections for the reservoirs are formed. On the opposite side is a hood for holding the vials. When the vials are pushed into the hood the septa of the vials are punctured by hollow needles, which communicate via fluid channels with the connections for the reservoirs. The fluid channels divert the fluids between the vials and the connections for the reservoirs so that the distance of the connections for the reservoirs can be chosen to be smaller than the distance of the hollow needles. 
         [0007]    However, the design of such a filling device is relative complicated: the device comprises two separately designed housing halves, which have to be connected to each other in order to form the connection area and the hood. Before connecting the two halves the fluid channels with the connections for the reservoirs and with the hollow needles are inserted into the housing halves. This results in a relative complicated manufacturing process and corresponding increased costs. In addition the dead volume of such a device is relatively large. 
         [0008]    Further filling devices for an applicator with two reservoirs from vials are also disclosed in document WO 99/17833, more particularly in  FIGS. 26-27A  of that document. The document fails to disclose the precise design of the fluid channels. As far as can be seen from  FIG. 27  of the document two housing sections appear to connected to each other in a fluid-tight manner, whereby a recess if formed on the front of one housing section which forms the fluid channel. This design requires a very precise fit and alignment of the two housing sections and is susceptible to defects. 
         [0009]    In  FIGS. 8-14  of WO 2009/144085 a device for filling a double-syringe applicator from vials is disclosed. This filling device has a disk-like basic body with an underside and an upper side. On the upper side there are two inlet openings at a distance from one another which are connected to puncture elements in beaker-like vial holders. On the underside there are two outlet openings at a smaller distance to which the applicator can be connected. One inlet opening and one outlet opening are connected to each other by means of a fluid channel running perpendicularly to these openings. This filling device also has a relative large dead volume. 
         [0010]    In such devices the vials are generally simply pushed into the device in order to puncture the septa. In some of these devices the vial are then, after being fully pushed into the device and puncturing of the septa, fixed to the device by means of a snap connection. However, known devices are generally not suitable for storing the vials directly on the device, as the accidental puncturing of the septum of a vial during transportation or handling cannot be ruled out. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In accordance with a first aspect the present invention provides an adapter-like device which allows a fluid to be removed from a container, wherein the fluid is diverted in the device, e.g. in order to fill a reservoir of an applicator with a fluid from at least one container, the device having a reduced dead volume. 
         [0012]    Such a device is set out in claim  1 . Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims. 
         [0013]    A device for removing a fluid from at least one container is thus set out. The device comprises a basic body with an upper side and an underside, in which a fluid channel with a constant or variable cross-section is formed along a longitudinal direction. On the upper side of the basic body there is at least one inlet opening, running at an angle (i.e. an angle not equal to 0°, preferred angle &gt;30°, particularly preferred perpendicular) to the fluid channel and opening into the fluid channel, and on the underside of the basic body there is at least one outlet opening, running at an angle (preferred angle &gt;30°, particularly preferred perpendicular) to the fluid channel and also opening into the fluid channel. In relation to the longitudinal direction the outlet opening is arranged offset to the inlet opening, i.e. the outlet opening and the inlet opening open out at different points along the fluid channel. The device also comprises a container connector for connecting a container with the inlet opening, which can be done in any desired manner. In order to reduce the dead volume, in the basic body an insert opening running in the longitudinal direction is formed which opens into the fluid channel, and an insert element is inserted through the insert opening into the fluid channel. This insert element extends along the fluid channel in such a way that in the area between the inlet opening and outlet opening it reduces the cross-section of the fluid channel. 
         [0014]    More particularly the insert element can be in the form of a peg which extends into the fluid channel in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0015]    The insert element is preferably positioned in the fluid channel in a sealing manner, i.e. it preferably has a circumferential surface (mantle surface) which between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is essentially in sealing contact with a defining wall of the fluid channel and alone or together with the defining wall of the fluid channel forms a fluid connection with a reduced cross-section. In order to be able to use the insert element in more than just one orientation in terms of rotation about the longitudinal axis and still ensure a reliable fluid connection, a first annular groove can be provided in the circumferential area of the insert element close to the inlet opening which at least partially (preferably fully) extends round the insert element, and in the area of the outlet opening a second annular groove can be provided in the circumferential surface close to the outlet opening which also at least partially (preferably fully) extends around the insert element. Between the first annular groove and the second annular groove said fluid connection is then formed. This can, for example, be in the form of a connection groove which connects the two annular grooves, or, for example, it can be in the form of a hole drilled through the insert element. A connection groove is preferred. Alternatively or in addition, a flattened area can be formed in the circumferential surface of the insert element (i.e. on its outer circumference) which defines a gap between the defining wall of the fluid channel and the insert element. In this case the gap forms at least one part of said fluid connection. 
         [0016]    Such a connection grove or flattened area can also be advantageously used if there are no annular grooves, e.g. because the insert element is not rotationally symmetrical and can therefore only be inserted in one fixed orientation with regard to rotation about the longitudinal axis. The connection groove or flattened area can run parallel to the longitudinal direction or also oblique to it, e.g. in a helical or meandering manner, while, however, as short a design as possible is preferred in order to keep the dead volume low. 
         [0017]    In the sections outside the area between the inlet opening and outlet opening the insert element is preferably arranged in a sealing manner in the basic body so that fluids cannot reach these sections. 
         [0018]    In order to hold the insert element in the basic body, a first catch structure can be formed on the insert element, with a complementary second catch structure being formed on the basic body. These catch structures then interact to hold the insert element in the basic body. More particularly the first catch structure can comprise an annular bulge on the insert element, while the second catch structure is a complementary annular groove on a jacket wall of the fluid channel or the insert opening. 
         [0019]    In a preferred embodiment the fluid channel and the insert element are of complementary shape and conically widen at least in sections (preferably at least in the section between the inlet opening and the outlet opening) towards the insert opening. This very easily achieves the desired sealing effect between the circumferential surface of the insert element and the defining wall of the fluid channel, even in the presence of dimensional tolerances. 
         [0020]    The device can be used in particular as a filling device or adaptor for filling at least one reservoir of an applicator from at least one container, more particularly a vial. The applicator can be, in particular, a syringe-like applicator in which the reservoir is defined by a movable plunger, so that the reservoir can be filled in a proximal direction by retracting the plunger from a distal end position. For this the device preferably has an applicator connector for connecting the reservoir of the applicator to the outlet opening. The applicator connector can be provided with a holding device, more particularly a releasable catch connection, for the applicator. It can be produced in one piece with the basic body or separately from it. In the simplest case the applicator connector is, for example, formed by a female Luer cone; preferred however is a special design in which the dead volume is less than in a normal standardised Luer connection, e.g. a designs in accordance with the examples of embodiment described below. 
         [0021]    If the device is used for removing the fluid from at least one vial or another container with a seal that can be punctured, in the area of the seal it preferably has a hollow needle-like puncturing element connected to the inlet opening in order to puncture the seal of the container. In the area of the container connector the device also preferably has a container holder designed to hold the container on the device. 
         [0022]    Instead of being used as filling device for filling an applicator from a container, such as, for example, a vial, the device can also be used for other purposes, e.g. as an adaptor for connecting a container to an accessory, e.g. a mixer or atomiser. In such applications too it may be desirable to divert a fluid between the container and accessory and at the same time to minimise the dead volume. The container can for example be a carpule (i.e. a container with a seal that can be punctured and a movable plunger) or a single or multiple syringe, and the container connector can be designed accordingly. Equally, instead of an applicator connector a suitably designed connector for the accessory may be present. 
         [0023]    More particularly the device can be designed for the simultaneous removal of fluids from at least two containers. For this the above features are each at least doubly present. In the case of two containers the two fluid channels preferably run collinearly behind one another in the longitudinal direction, and the insert elements are inserted into the two fluid channels from two opposite sides. In other words, in such cases, in the basic body a second longitudinally running fluid channel with a constant or variable cross-section is provided, on the upper side of the basic body a second inlet opening is formed running at an angle to the second fluid channel and opening into the second fluid channel, and on the underside of the basic body a second outlet opening is formed running at an angle to the second fluid channel and opening into the second fluid channel offset in the longitudinal direction to the second inlet opening. The device then has a second container connector to connect a second container to the second inlet opening. In the basic body, running in the longitudinal direction, the second inlet opening is provided facing away from the first inlet opening and opening into the second fluid channel, and the filling device has a second insert element, which is inserted through the second insert opening into the second fluid channel and reduces the cross section of the second fluid channel between the second inlet opening and the second outlet opening. 
         [0024]    In accordance with a further aspect the present invention provides an adapter-like device for removing a fluid from at least one container sealed with a seal that can be punctured that allows the container to be stored on the device without accidentally opening the container. Such a device is set out in claim  12 . The two aspects of the invention can be used separately or combined with each other. 
         [0025]    In accordance with this aspect a device for removing a fluid from at least one container, more particularly a vial, sealed with a seal that can be punctured, is provided, which comprises: 
         [0026]    a basic body in which an inlet opening and an outlet opening are formed which are connected by a fluid channel; 
         [0027]    a hollow-needle like puncturing element connected to the inlet opening for puncturing the seal of the container, more particularly a septum seal, in a removal position of the container, and a container holder connected with the basic body in order to hold the container on the body. 
         [0028]    In order to hold the container securely on the device before puncturing the seal and to avoid accidental puncturing, the container holder has a first catch structure for fixing the container in a storage position, in which the container is at a greater distance from the basic body than in the removal position (and in that the seal is not therefore punctured yet) by way of a detachable catch connection on the container holder. 
         [0029]    Preferably the container is also fixed in the removal position, and for this the container holder also has a second catch structure in order to fix the container in the removal position by way of a catch connection on the container holder. 
         [0030]    The catch structures can interact directly or indirectly with the container. Thus, for example, the container can be inserted directly into the container holder, whereby the catch structures directly grip a corresponding retention structure, e.g. a taper, of the container, or the container can be held on a separate mount which can be pushed into or onto the container holder, whereby the catch structure of the container holder interacts with a corresponding retention structure of the mount. It is also conceivable that the container holder only has one single catch structure, while the container or the mount has two retention structures, whereby in the storage position the first of these retention structures interacts with the (single) catch structure, while in the removal position the second of these retention structures interacts with the catch structure. 
         [0031]    Each of the catch structures is preferably designed as follows: the container holder has a preferably at least partially cylindrical jacket wall. The first catch structure and the second catch structure each have a spring arm formed in the jacket wall, at the free end of which a catch lug is formed extending into the interior of the jacket wall. This allows very simple and cost-effective production. The catch structures are preferably offset, more particularly offset by approx. 180° with regard to the circumferential direction of the jacket wall, i.e. they are diametrically opposite each other in order to take up as little space as possible with as great stability of the container holder as possible. 
         [0032]    Specifically the container holder can be constructed as follows: it has a base from which a peg extends into the inlet opening of the basic body. Through the peg and the base there is a through opening and the puncturing element is held in the through opening. 
         [0033]    A device in accordance with this aspect of the invention can also be designed as a filling device for an applicator with an applicator connector of the above type. It can however also be used, for example, to remove fluid from a carpule. More particularly this device can also be designed for the simultaneous removal of fluids from at least two containers. Here the catch structures can be designed so that they fix two or more containers in the storage position or in the removal position simultaneously. 
         [0034]    If such a container holder is used together with an insert element of the above type the container holder can have a cover, e.g. an apron extending from the base down and covering the insert opening for the insert element. This additionally secures the insert element in the basic body. 
         [0035]    The basic body, the container holder and the applicator container are preferably made of a thermoplastic material in an injection moulding process. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]    Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are only for explanatory purpose and should not be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings: 
           [0037]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a filling device in accordance with the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  shows the filling device in  FIG. 1  with an inserted vial; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  shows a central longitudinal section through the filling device in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  shows a detailed view of area A in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  shows an enlarged perspective view of an insert element; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a filling device in accordance with the invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  shows a partial view of a central longitudinal section through the filling device in  FIG. 6  and 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  shows a detailed view of area B in  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0045]    In  FIGS. 1 to 5  a first exemplary embodiment of a filling device in accordance with the invention is illustrated. The filling device  200  has a basic body  210  which is of an elongated, essentially disk-shaped form. Formed on the basic body  210  is a central, cylindrical thickening  211 , to which the two halves of a flat carrier plate  212  are connected. With its cylindrical axis the thickening  211  defines a longitudinal direction. 
         [0046]    Along this longitudinal direction from each of the two ends of the cylindrical thickening  211  a blind-type longitudinal bore is formed, which each ends just before the middle of the thickening ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Each of these bores widens slightly conically towards its open end and forms a fluid channel. The two bores are collinear to each other, i.e. they are on the same axis one behind the other. 
         [0047]    Toward the upper side of the basic body  210  in the area of the thickening there is an inlet opening  213  for each of the bores ( FIG. 4 ). This inlet opening  213  connects the relevant bore to a beaker-like container holder  220 . The container holder  220  has a circumferential cylindrical jacket wall, which from its upper edge has multiple slits so that each section of the jacket wall interrupted by a slit forms a spring arm. On the free ends of these sections acting as spring arms retaining lugs project inwards in order to hold a container  300  in a removal position on the container holder. 
         [0048]    The containers  300  are in the form of so-called vials with a septum seal. Each container comprises a container body  310  which is preferably made of glass, but can also be made of special plastic. Adjoining a flat bottom  311  is a circumferential cylindrical jacket wall  312  which close to the end away from the bottom has a tapered section  313 . Adjoining this tapered section the jacket wall widens slightly again and defines a container opening. The appurtenant seal  320  comprises a septum  321  (a self-sealing membrane that can be punctured, see  FIG. 4 ), which is held on the container opening by a crimped metal covering which leaves a central part of the septum free. 
         [0049]    In order to puncture the septum  321 , a puncturing element  230  of relatively hard plastic and terminating in a tip  231  at its upper end is inserted into the inlet opening  213 . Laterally on the tip  231  there is a removal opening  232  which is connected to a central removal channel  233  which in turn opens into the inlet opening  213  of the basic body  210 . 
         [0050]    In the area of the closed end of each longitudinal bore in the basic body  210  there is an outlet opening  214  leading to an applicator connector  240 . In the present example the applicator connector  240  is formed in one piece with the basic body  210 , but can also be separate from the basic body  210  and connected to the basic body  210  in a suitable manner, e.g. through adhesion or welded. 
         [0051]    A double-syringe-like applicator  100  can be connected and detachably fastened to the applicator connector. The applicator has an applicator body  110  with two cylindrical, parallel, proximally open reservoirs  111 ,  112  of the same or (in this case) different volume. At their distal ends the reservoirs open into outlets  116 ,  117 . A plunger  121 ,  122  is inserted into the open proximal ends of the reservoirs. The two plungers are connected to each other at their proximal ends to form a plunger unit. In this area an operating surface  123  for the thumb of an operator is provided. A holding flange  113  is for holding the applicator between the index finger and middle finger. To this extent the applicator can be used like a commercial double syringe. 
         [0052]    Functionally the connection between the applicator  100  and the filling device  200  essentially corresponds with the connection between a syringe/cartridge and an accessory described in WO 2007/109915. More particularly, the applicator  100  and the filling device  200  have retention means designed in accordance with said document. Specifically the applicator connector is designed as follows: each of the outlet openings  214  of the two fluid channels opens into a conically widening insert area for the outlets  116 ,  117  of the applicator  100 . These outlets are designed complementary to the insert area and can be inserted into these insert areas. In order to hold the applicator  100  securely on the filling device  200  the applicator has on two opposite sides, close to its distal end, adjacent to the outlets, two webs with catches  115 . The applicator connector  240  has a cylindrical holding area  241  which surrounds the insert areas and the webs with the catches and on which two opposite snap-in openings are formed. The catches  115  click into the snap-in openings of the holder area  241  when the applicator is inserted. 
         [0053]    In order to release the applicator  100  from the filling device  200 , the holder area  241  is so elastically deformable that the snap connection between the catches  115  and the corresponding snap-in openings can be released through pressing on a wall area of the holder area  241  offset from the snap-in openings by approximately 90 degrees in relation to the cylinder axis of the holder area. Through such pressure the holder area  241  is deformed in such a way that the snap-in openings are pressed away radially outwards from the catches  115  and are therefore no longer in engagement with the catches. For further details and further possible embodiments of the connection between the applicator and the filling device reference is made to the already mentioned WO 2007/109915, the content of which is included herein through reference. 
         [0054]    In order to be able to exert this pressure specifically and simply, two press wings  243  are formed on the carrier plate  212 . The lateral compression of the two press wings  243  is transmitted to the snap-in openings on the cylindrical holder area  241  of the applicator connector  240  and thereby results in the release of the snap-type connection between the applicator  100  and filling device  200 . 
         [0055]    A coding wing  114  on the applicator  100  and a corresponding coding wing  242  on the filling device  200  show the correct orientation of the applicator  100  when connecting it to the filling device  200 . In addition, the connectors themselves are different in order to ensure that the applicator  100  can only be connected to the filling device  200  correctly orientated. 
         [0056]    In order to reduce the dead volume of the filling device a peg or needle-shaped insert element  250 , shown only in  FIG. 5 , is inserted into each of the two longitudinal bores of the basic body  210 . The insert element  250  serves to reduce the cross-section of the fluid channel formed by the hole between the inlet opening  213  and the outlet opening  214 . For this the design of the insert element  250  essentially complements the bore in the basic body  210  and also widens slightly towards the free end of the bore so that its circumferential surface essentially adjoins the defining wall of the bore in a sealing manner. In the area of the inlet opening  213  a first annular groove  251  is provided in the circumferential surface of the insert element  250 , while in the area of the outlet opening  214  a second annular groove  252  is formed. These annular grooves are connected to each other by a connecting groove running in the longitudinal direction. Together, between the inlet opening  213  and outlet opening  214 , the annular grooves  251 ,  252  and the connecting grove  253  form a fluid connection jointly delimited by the grooves and the defining wall of the fluid channel. Instead of a straight connection another shape can also be selected. Alternatively or additionally, a flattened area can be provided on the circumferential surface, or the connecting grove can be replaced with a fine bore which may run, e.g., diagonally. 
         [0057]    The insert element  250  can be simply pushed in any orientation longitudinally into the open end of the bore, the open end of the bore forming an insert opening  216  for the insert element. Because of the circumferential annular grooves  251 ,  252  the precise orientation of the insert element with regard to rotation of the insert element about the longitudinal axis does not matter. In order to secure the insert element  250  in the bore in the area of the insert opening it has an annular bulge  254  which engages in an annular groove  215  of the basic body  210 . In this manner, further securing of the insert element  250  in the basic body  210 , e.g. through adhesion or welding, can be dispensed with. 
         [0058]    To fill the two reservoirs  111 ,  112  the applicator  100  is attached to the filling device  200  with plungers  121 ,  122  fully pressed in. The containers  300  are inserted into the corresponding container holders until they reach the removal position in which the septa of the containers  300  are punctured and the containers have engaged with the container holders. The plunger unit  120  is then retracted in order to remove the fluids from the two containers separately and simultaneously and transfer them into the reservoirs  111 ,  112 . During this only a small quantity of each fluid is lost in the filling device. By pressing on the press wings  243  the applicator  100  is released from the filling device  200 . Subsequently an accessory component, e.g. a mixer or sprayer can be connected to the applicator and the fluids can be discharged from the applicator through the accessory component. 
         [0059]    In  FIGS. 6 and 8  a second embodiment of a filling device in accordance with the invention is shown. This embodiment mainly differs from the first embodiment through the design of the container holders. The container holders  260  are here chimney-like, cylindrical structures which are of sufficient length to hold the entire container in terms of length. Whereas the container holders of the first embodiment were produced in one piece with the basic body  210 , the container holders  260  of the second embodiment are produced separately from the basic body  210  and connected to it by way of a suitable connection, e.g. a welded connection. 
         [0060]    In this embodiment each inlet opening  213  in the basic body  210  has a larger diameter than in the first embodiment. The container holder  260  has a base  264  from which a peg  265  extends into the inlet opening  213 . A through opening  266  through the base  264  and peg  265  forms a connection between the removal channel of the puncturing element  230  and the fluid channel in the basic body  210 , the puncturing element  230  being inserted into an area of the outlet opening  266  with increased diameter and rests with its lower margin on an edge stop  267 . 
         [0061]    From the outer margin of the base  264  a cylindrical jacket wall  261  extends upwards. In addition, a partially cylindrical, apron-like cover extends from the base  264  downwards partially laterally surrounding the basic body  210  and, more particularly, covering the insert opening  216  for the insert element  250 . 
         [0062]    In the jacket wall  261  a catch structure  262 ,  263  is formed on each of two opposite sides. The first catch structure  262  is arranged further away from the basic body  210  than the second catch structure  263 . Each of the catch structures has a spring arm, on the free end of which a catch lug is provided which extends into the interior of the container holder  260 . The second catch structure  263  is arranged so that through a snap connection it fixes the container  300  in a fully inserted removal position in which the puncturing element  230  has punctured the seal  220 . For this the catch lug of the second catch structure  263  engages in the tapered area  313  of the container body and thus prevents the container from being pulled out of the container holder. The first catch structure  262  fixes the container onto the container holder when the container is in a storage position in which the seal  320  is at a certain distance from the tip of the puncturing element  230 . On the one hand the first catch structure  262  therefore prevents the container  300  from being pulled out, and on the other hand this catch structure prevents further movement of the container  300  in the direction of the puncturing element  230 . In order to advance the container further in the direction of the puncturing element  230  and thereby puncture the seal, increased force must be applied. Via an oblique surface facing way from the basic body, the catch lug is pushed outwards by this increased force and releases the container for further movement. 
         [0063]    In this way it is possible to store the containers on the filling device without the container seals being punctured or the containers falling out of the device. 
         [0064]    A large number of variations are of course possible. The container holders can also be designed differently from the manner shown here. More particularly it is conceivable that one single container holder holds two containers jointly, e.g. in the form of a joint hood for both containers. It is also conceivable for the containers to be held in a holding structure and the holding structure with the containers inserted in it being pushed completely into a corresponding container holder, as is the case, for example, in some embodiments of previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,650. It is of course also conceivable that interlocking does not take place directly between the container holder and the container, but between the container holder and the inserted holding structure. 
         [0065]    Instead of an applicator of the type set out here other types of applicators can of course be used, more particularly applicators as illustrated in WO 2009/144085 or WO 2007/109915. Conventional double syringes, or single syringes combined into a unit can also be used. Accordingly it is also possible to design the applicator connector differently. More particularly the distance between the outlet openings can be selected differently, as required, especially to be greater than in the exemplary embodiments shown here. While the type of fastening of the applicator to the filling device shown here is advantageous, another type of connection between the filling device and applicator can be chosen, e.g. a conventional Luer connection. 
         [0066]    A filling device of this type can also be used for filling other types of reservoirs from containers with a seal that can be punctured. It is conceivable in particular to use carpules (containers with septum seal and moveable plunger) in place of the vials illustrated above. In this case, instead of an applicator another type of accessory component can be connected, e.g. a mixer to mix the contents of two carpules. In this case too it is advantageous if the dead volume is reduced by using an insert element of the said type and/or if the carpules can be held at a distance from the puncturing elements through the use of suitable catch structures. 
         [0067]    A number of further variations are possible and the invention is not restricted in any way to the exemplary embodiments described above.