Patent ID: 8511045

Claim:
An apparatus for the sterile filling of containers comprising: a filler wheel having at least one gripper adapted to receive a container, and a first filler wheel e-beam unit, wherein the first filler wheel e-beam unit is directed at the at least one gripper such that the gripper receives e-beam treatment and the e-beam treatment aids in sterilizing the filler wheel gripper prior to receiving a container, wherein the filler wheel is configured to fill a container with a product; a transfer wheel having at least one gripper adapted to receive a container, and a transfer wheel e-beam unit, wherein the transfer wheel e-beam unit is directed at the at least one gripper such that the gripper receives e-beam treatment and the e-beam treatment aids in sterilizing the transfer wheel gripper prior to receiving a container; and a capper wheel having a capper chuck, and a first capper e-beam unit; wherein the capper e-beam unit is directed at the capper chuck such that a cap loaded in the capper chuck receives e-beam treatment prior to the capper wheel placing the cap onto the container and the e-beam treatment aids in sterilizing the capper chuck.