Sterile de-molding apparatus and method

US7490453B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medical Instill Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Daniel Py · Short Hills, US
• Benoit Adamo · Mount Kisco, US
• John Guthy · Stamford, US
• Nathaniel Houle · Hebron, US
• Jeffrey Willey · Brookfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 2006
• Grant date: Feb 17, 2009
• Expiry date: Feb 2, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B3/022
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for molding and filling a container having a container body defining an opening in communication with an interior chamber for receiving a substance therein, and a container closure including stopper receivable within the opening for sealing the opening and substance received in the container. A mold includes within the aseptic chamber plural mold cavities shaped to form the container closure and container body, and substantially sterile surfaces extending about and contiguous to the peripheries of the mold cavities. An assembly device including end-of-arm tooling having an engaging portion engageable with each of the container body and container closure is movable relative to the mold to engage and de-mold the substantially sterile container closure and container bodies from the mold cavities. Flexible barriers are coupled to the mold and the tool to substantially prevent the passage of contaminants from the molding machine and tool therethrough.