Patent ID: 7874129
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A method comprising the following steps: (a) providing at least one barrier enclosure defining at least one aseptic chamber; at least one mold including within at least one aseptic chamber at least one first mold cavity shaped to form at least one of a device body and a device closure; and at least one tool including a tool engaging portion located within at least one aseptic chamber and movable relative to the at least one mold; (b) molding in the at least one first mold cavity at least one of a device body and device closure; (c) opening the mold to de-mold the at least one of a molded device body and device closure; (d) maintaining at least one first surface of the mold extending about the first mold cavity substantially sterile at least during opening of the mold to prevent any contaminants from contacting the at least one of a molded device body and device closure during de-molding thereof; (e) directing a flow of sterile air into the at least one aseptic chamber, including into a space formed between opposing surfaces of the mold during opening thereof, and across the at least one first surface of the mold and any exposed surface of the at least one of a device body and device closure; (f) moving the tool engaging portion of the tool into the space formed between opposing surfaces of the mold, engaging with the tool engaging portion the at least one of a molded device body and device closure and de-molding same with the tool engaging portion, and directing a flow of sterile air over at least the tool engaging portion and at least one of a molded device body and device closure during de-molding thereof; (g) providing at least one first flexible barrier coupled to the mold between the at least one first sterile surface and a molding machine and substantially preventing the passage of contaminants from the molding machine therethrough; (h) providing at least one second flexible barrier coupled to the tool between the at least one engaging portion and a base portion of the tool and substantially preventing the passage of contaminants from the base portion of the tool therethrough; and (i) assembling at least one of a sterile device body and device closure to the other into a sealed, empty sterile device.