Patent ID: 8071009

Claim:
A method of molding sterile parts, the method comprising: providing 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; introducing a molten plastic into the at least one mold cavity with the first and second mold portions in a closed position and forming at least one molded part therein; moving at least one of the first and second mold portions from the closed position to an open position defining a fluid passageway between the first and second mold portions and permitting the passage of fluid therein; introducing a fluid sterilant into the fluid passageway and into contact with 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 formed within the mold cavity, and in turn sterilizing the at least one surface of the first and second mold portions and preventing contamination of the respective molded part; and de-molding from the at least one mold cavity the at least one molded part.