Patent ID: 8550799

Claim:
An apparatus for molding sterile parts, the apparatus comprising: a first mold portion and a second mold portion, wherein at least one of the first and second mold portions defines a mold cavity configured to receive a molten plastic and form therefrom at least one molded part, and at least one of the first and second mold portions is movable relative to the other between a closed position for sealing the at least one mold cavity and molding the at least one molded part therein, and an at least partially open position defining a fluid passageway between the first and second mold portions and permitting the passage of a fluid therein; and a fluid source containing a fluid sterilant that is connectable in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and adapted for introducing the fluid sterilant into the fluid passageway in the at least partially open position, and in turn, contacting with the fluid sterilant at least one surface of the first and second mold portions located adjacent to the at least one mold cavity, but not in contact with an interior surface of a molded part within the mold cavity, to sterilize said at least one surface of the first and second mold portions and thereby prevent contamination of the at least one molded part.