Abstract Method and apparatus for the intermixing of substances using a capsule formed by a receptacle with an internal sack and a movable, desirably hollow plunger that acts tangentially against the sack. The receptacle, illustratively of plastic, contains a first substance, such as a powder, and the sack, which is metallized to prevent loss of its contents, contains a second substance, such as a liquid. Illustratively, the liquid is monomer and the powder is a resin constituent. When the two substances are mixed, they produce a composite resin which may be used, for example, for dental fillings. When the plunger, also of plastic, is depressed into the receptacle, it engages and squeezes the sack, expelling its contents into the receptacle, and thereafter sandwiches the sack between the plunger and a sidewall of the receptacle.
A mixing capsule as defined in claim 1 wherein said plunger is cylindrical with a contoured tip end and is circumferentially spaced from the interior sidewall of said receptacle and said sealed enclosure is a sack with the major portion thereof positioned within the space between said interior sidewall and the path of movement of said plunger.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
12 words
expelling the contents of said enclosure into said receptacle by said plunger;
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
trapping said enclosure between said receptacle and said plunger; and
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A mixing capsule as defined in claim 2 wherein said sack is affixed to said interior sidewall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A mixing capsule as defined in claim 2 wherein the tip end of said plunger includes means for penetrating said enclosure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
agitating said capsule to mix said first substance with said second substance.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A mixing capsule as defined in claim 4 wherein the penetrating means on the tip end of said plunger comprises a cutting blade.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A mixing capsule as defined in claim 2 wherein said sack is elongated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A mixing capsule as defined in claim 6 wherein the elongated sack is suspended in said receptacle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A mixing capsule as defined in claim 2 wherein said plunger has an axial groove in the outer surface thereof and said enclosure comprises a sack with a stem that lies in said groove of said plunger.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A mixing capsule as defined in claim 2 wherein said sack is of metal foil with a plastic coating on interior and exterior surfaces to facilitate the sealing thereof.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
9 words
The method of mixing substances comprising the steps of: