Abstract: A first support structure disposes articles relative to a radiation beam, preferably x-rays, to obtain an irradiation of the articles. A second support structure disposes articles relative to the beam and to the articles on the first structure to obtain an irradiation of the articles by radiation passing from the accelerator through the articles on the first structure. A mechanism transfers the particles on the first structure to the second structure, after the irradiation of the articles on the first structure, to obtain the irradiation of the articles on the second structure. Each of the first and second structures may provide for an irradiation of articles initially through first sides of the articles and subsequently through second sides of the articles opposite to first sides. The irradiation of the first sides of the articles on the first and second support structures are preferably synchronous from a time standpoint as are the irradiation of the second sides of the articles on the structures.

Abstract: An article irradiation system includes (1) a radiation source for scanning a target region with radiation, (2) a conveyor system including a process conveyor positioned for transporting articles in a given direction through the target region, and (3) radiation shielding material defining the walls of a chamber containing the radiation source, the target region and a position of the conveyor system. The radiation source is disposed inside a loop defined by a portion of the conveyor system and is adapted to scan the articles in the chamber in a plane transverse to the given direction of the transport by the process conveyor. A shield (e.g., an intermediate wall) of radiation shielding material positioned within the loop supports a radiation shielding ceiling of the chamber, inhibits photons emitted from a beam stop in one of the chamber walls from impinging on the outer walls of the chamber and restricts flow in the chamber of ozone derived in the target region from the radiation source.

Abstract: Articles are transported by a conveyor system in a loop from a loading area past a target region to an unloading area adjacent the loading area. A first side of the article is irradiated by a radiation source in the target region during the article movement through the target region. The radiation source may be substantially parallel or perpendicular to the conveyor system. The loop has curved portions and straight portions between the curved portions. Radiation shielding material substantially fills the space within the loop. The conveyor system and the radiation source are disposed within a chamber made from a radiation shielding material (e.g. concrete). The shielding material inside and outside the loop defines a radiation-free loop portion having straight portions with a relatively close spacing. A bridge having no radiation shielding and a relatively short length is disposed in this radiation-free area as are the loading and unloading areas.

Abstract: An article irradiation system includes a radiation source for scanning a target region with radiation; a conveyor system including a process conveyor positioned for transporting articles in a given direction through the target region; radiation shielding material defining a chamber containing the radiation source, the target region and a portion of the conveyor system; wherein the radiation source is disposed along an approximately horizontal axis inside a loop defined by a portion of the conveyor system and is adapted for scanning the articles being transported through the target region with radiation scanned in a plane transverse to the given direction of transport by the process conveyor; and an intermediate wall of radiation shielding material positioned within the loop and transverse to the approximately horizontal axis.

Abstract: An article irradiation system includes a radiation source for scanning a target region with radiation; a conveyor system including a process conveyor positioned for transporting articles in a given direction through the target region; radiation shielding material defining a chamber containing the radiation source, the target region and a portion of the conveyor system; wherein the radiation source is disposed along an approximately horizontal axis inside a loop defined by a portion of the conveyor system and is adapted for scanning the articles being transported through the target region with radiation scanned in a plane transverse to the given direction of transport by the process conveyor; and an intermediate wall of radiation shielding material positioned within the loop and transverse to the approximately horizontal axis.

Abstract: An article irradiation system includes a radiation source for scanning a target region with radiation; a first conveyor system for transporting articles from a loading area though the target region to an unloading area; and radiation shielding material defining a tunnel closely encompassing portions of the conveyor system extending away from the target region toward the loading and unloading areas for shielding the loading and unloading areas from radiation derived from the radiation source. The first conveyor system is disposed in a path having curved turns of such degree between the target region and the loading and unloading areas that the closely encompassing radiation shielding material precludes a direct line of sight between the target region and the loading and unloading areas and thereby facilitates a compact embodiment in which the first conveyor system may be included in an assembly line.