摘要 |
An apparatus and method for aseptic, particle-free production of articles. A shroud is placed around at least a portion of the device which produces the articles to substantially isolate that portion from the external environment. The device for producing the articles and the shroud are sterilized and the air inside the shroud is filtered and sterilized. A laminar or other type of flow of filtered, sterilized air is imparted through the shroud over the articles being produced. A secondary shroud encloses the corridor or work area adjacent the shroud and device which produces the articles. The corridor and secondary shroud are sterilized, and sterilized and filtered air is continually introduced therein. The articles therefore are particle-free and sterilized for further use. The apparatus and method can be used for any component production process employing high temperatures and/or pressures, including, but not limited to, blow molding, injection molding, and production of semiconductor electronic components. In the case of blow molding, sterilization of the interior of the article being blow molded is accomplished by blowing the article with filtered and sterilized air.
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