Abstract: A filter device with a UVC lamp for filtering fluids, with a lamp housing, which is installed in a flow of the fluid to be filtered and has a principal axis, is characterized by the fact that at least one cleaning element is arranged in contact with a fluid-side surface of the lamp housing and can rotate about an axis of rotation that coincides with the principal axis.

Abstract: A cognitive stimulating sterilizing device for providing visual, tactile and, or audible stimulation for infants while selectively sterilize select items and the surrounding ambient, including a housing adapted for removable connection to cribs, changing tables and similar furniture, ultraviolet light generating source in the housing for sanitizing items in the housing when closed and the ambient when opened, audio source and compartments for holding and storing select items. The housing may include reflective and, or transparent surfaces for directing, reflecting and, or passing ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for irradiating a product or product stack with a relatively even radiation dose distribution is provided. The apparatus comprises a radiation source, an adjustable collimator, a turn-table capable of receiving a product stack and a control system capable of adjusting the adjustable collimator to vary the geometry of the radiation beam as the product stack is rotated in the radiation beam. Also disclosed is the modulation of the radiation beam energy and power and varying the angular rotational velocity of the product stack in a radiation beam to achieve a low dose uniformity ratio in the product stack.

Abstract: A bulk material irradiation system includes an input for inserting bulk material. A bulk material tube is connected to the input, forming a path for bulk material flow. A pressurizing assembly is connected to the bulk material tube for forcing the bulk material to flow through the bulk material tube. An irradiation assembly provides ionizing radiation to irradiate the bulk material passing adjacent to the irradiation assembly in the bulk material tube. Irradiated bulk material exits the bulk material tube through an output.

Abstract: A carousel and first and second members have common axes in a first direction. The carousel, preferably cylindrical, has a ring-shaped configuration defined by inner and outer diameters. The first member has an outer diameter preferably contiguous to the carousel inner diameter. The second member has an inner diameter preferably contiguous to the carousel outer diameter. The carousel is divided into compartments by vanes. The carousel rotates at a substantially constant speed past radiation directed by an accelerator in the first direction. When a fault occurs in the system operation, (1) the carousel and radiation stop and (2) the carousel reverses in direction. When the fault is resolved, the carousel moves in the forward direction at the substantially constant speed and the radiation resumes at the position where the article was being irradiated at the time that the fault occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a radiation shielding container for one or more radioactive sources. One or more of the one or more radioactive sources are containable within one or more cartridges. The radiation shielding container comprises a support component that restrains movement within the radiation shielding container of one or more of the one or more cartridges. The radiation shielding container comprises one or more vents for movement of a sterilant therethrough.

Abstract: An article has irregular characteristics such as an irregular geometrical configuration. Radiation from a radiation source is directed in a particular direction toward the article. The radiation energy passing from the source to the article at different positions in the article is absorbed in accordance with the irregularities in the characteristics of the article at the different positions to maintain the radiant energy at the different positions in the article within particular limits. For irregularities of a geometrical configuration in the article, the absorption may be provided by a fixture having a geometrical configuration which constitutes the difference at every position between a substantially constant value and the geometrical configuration of the article at this position. The absorption may be provided by conveying the article and the fixture past the radiation source in a direction substantially perpendicular to the particular direction.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for sanitizing and recovering mail and other materials is disclosed. The apparatus is employed after a known or suspected biological attack or contamination event, such as anthrax. Multiple X-ray sources penetrate mail and other materials, and destroy the biological agents. The apparatus is taken to the location of the biological problem, as opposed to shipping contaminated materials to a fixed facility for recovery. Many safety and practical advantages result from this approach to bio-terrorism or to biological contamination events. The design of this apparatus leads to a self-cleaning feature. Airflow control prevents escape of toxic biological materials into the environment.

Abstract: A heat controlled ultraviolet light apparatus includes a source of ultraviolet light, a cover, and a heating or cooling element that heats/cools the space or gap between the ultraviolet light source and the cover. Accordingly, the ultraviolet light source may be maintained at an optimal temperature thereby maximizing the efficiency of the ultraviolet light source in producing ultraviolet radiation. The apparatus may further include a temperature sensor and a control circuit to automatically control production of heat/cooling by the element based upon the ambient temperatures experienced by the ultraviolet light source during use. Methods are also provided for sanitizing heating and cooling coils of various devices such as an HVAC system, and cooling systems such as a refrigeration unit and an evaporative cooler.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a decorative surface element, which element comprises a base layer and a decorative upper surface. A radiation curing lacquer is printed in a predetermined pattern as an uppermost layer on the decorative upper surface. The radiation curing lacquer covers only parts of the decorative upper surface whereby the lacquer is exposed to radiation whereby it cures. A surface structure is hereby achieved.

Abstract: A cutting machine equipped with a cassette placing unit having a cassette table for placing a cassette storing a workpiece supported to an annular support frame via an adhesive tape. The cassette placing unit comprises an ultraviolet light irradiation unit which is disposed below the cassette table, stores a workpiece supported to the support frame by the adhesive tape and irradiates the adhesive tape with ultraviolet rays and an ascending and descending mechanism which positions the cassette placed on the cassette table at a first workpiece carrying-in/carrying-out position which is located in the carrying-in/carrying-out area for the workpiece carrying-in/carrying-out means and the ultraviolet light irradiation unit at a second workpiece carrying-in/carrying-out position which is located in the carrying-in/carrying-out area for the workpiece carrying-in/carrying-out means.

Abstract: A vacuum-sealable hatch that is vacuum sealed to a surface of a passthrough light sterilization device, and related methods of use, consists of a hatch body having at least a portion adapted to fit within an opening of the treatment chamber and a flexible piece attached to the hatch body. The flexible piece extends peripherally from the hatch body and includes a seating portion which is adapted to be vacuum sealed to a seating region of an interior surface of the treatment chamber. The hatch body and the flexible piece seal the treatment chamber from the outside environment, thereby preventing the free flow of microorganisms to and from the treatment chamber and the outside environment. In some variations, at least the seating portion of the flexible piece is transmissive to the light treatment such that surfaces underneath the seating region are treated by the light treatment.

Abstract: An accelerator directs an electron beam to a scanner which operates under microprocessor control to convert the beam into two (2) sets of spaced electron beamlets. A magnetic lens deflects the sets of beamlets to a spaced and substantially parallel relationship. A first dipole directs the first set of beamlets in a first direction to a first side of an article. A second dipole directs the second set of beamlets, in a second direction opposite to the first direction, to a second side of the article opposite to the first side of the article. In this way, a single accelerator irradiates two (2) opposite sides of the article with an enhanced precision, simplified controls, a significantly reduced number of components and reduced costs relative to the systems of the prior art. The electron beam may be converted to an x-ray beam which is then processed in the manner described above.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to an article irradiation facility that comprises, within a cell, an accelerator for generating a radiation beam and a beam pass conveyor. In order to better control the dose delivered to articles treated at the facility, the current of the radiation beam is slaved to the speed of the beam pass conveyor. The actual (versus requested) speed of the beam pass conveyor is continuously monitored using a variable frequency drive. The drive infers the speed of the beam pass conveyor from changes in the induction, resistance, flux current and/or inertia off the motor for the beam pass conveyor. The drive is positioned outside the cell and eliminates the need for speed sensors within the cell that are susceptible to radiation damage.

Abstract: An equipment and method for inline infrared (IR) ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of recording media is disclosed. The components of the equipment include a saddle for holding a recording medium such as a disc, a conveyor that travels the saddle through a tunnel in which one or more IR and UV lamps are positioned to direct IR and UV light on the recording media traveling through the tunnel. The efficacy of the bonding of the lubricant to the recording medium by UV light is substantially enhanced by exposing the recording medium to IR light prior to exposure to UV light.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing substantially two-dimensionally uniform irradiation of a relatively large planar target surface. Each of at least two substantially identical sources of radiation irradiate the target surface. The longitudinal axes of the sources of radiation are substantially parallel with each other, defining a plane substantially parallel to the target surface. Each of the sources of radiation is within a respective elongated elliptical reflecting trough and is spaced from the focal axis of the respective trough. Each trough terminates in an opening defining a rectangular plane substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the trough and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bulb.

Abstract: A stage assembly (10) for moving and positioning a device (26) includes a guide base (12), a stage (14), a stage bearing assembly (18), a control system (22), and a Y mover (68). The stage (14) retains the device (26). The stage bearing assembly (18) supports the stage (14) spaced apart from the guide base (12). More specifically, the stage bearing assembly (18) generates an electrostatic force that urges the stage (14) towards the guide base (12). The housing mover (68) moves the stage (14) relative to the guide base (12). The Y mover (68) includes a plurality of magnets and a conductor. The magnets have a magnet length (86) and the conductors have a conductor length (88). Preferably, the magnet length (86) is at least as long as the conductor length (88) plus an X stroke (87) of the stage assembly (10). This design allows the Y mover (68) to provide a force along the Y axis over the range of the positions of the Y mover (68).

Abstract: An electron beam system for treating filamentary workpieces includes an electron beam irradiation chamber having openings through which passes a filamentary workpiece, an electron beam generator including means for generating, accelerating and focusing electrons, and a communicating section which connects the electron beam generator with the electron beam irradiation chamber. The system also has a differential evacuating means for holding the pressure within the electron beam generator below that within the electron beam irradiation chamber. Electrons are generated, accelerated, and focused by the electron beam generator into a beam which passes from the generator through the communicating section to the electron beam irradiation chamber where the beam is directed at a filamentary workpiece. The system is able to uniformly, efficiently, and continuously apply electron beam irradiation to a traveling filamentary workpiece.

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus emits radiation on curable adhesives to bond things together under different ambient conditions. An insulating housing has a cylindrical section and a disc-shaped section defining an interior. A plurality of batteries and an LED array are separated in the interior by an insulating spacer to prevent shorting of batteries. A switch relay in the interior connects power from the batteries to the LED array when a switching mechanism on the outside of the housing is displaced. This displacement closes the switch relay and connects power to the LED array that emits high-intensity radiation. A cover connected to the cylindrical-shaped section seals the interior from ambient and transmits the high-intensity radiation to cure an adhesive. A modular envelope of transparent disc, adhesive, and removable foil can be releasable connected to the housing to secure mounting structure to a surface.

Abstract: In order for a unit for irradiating a workpiece with ultraviolet radiation, with at least one UV radiation source and at least one transporting device, it being possible by means of the transporting device for the workpiece to be fed from a charging location of the unit to an irradiating zone and to be transported from the latter to a removal location of the unit, to be developed in such a way that the unit can be operated more easily, it is proposed according to the invention that the unit has a common charging and removal location and the workpiece can be moved back and forth between the common charging and removal location and the irradiating zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush case, the toothbrush case comprising a lower case having a projection portion for projecting at a given height (T) on a supporting surface, a ultraviolet radiation source supported by the supporting surface in the lower case, a receiving member having a portion for receiving the toothbrush so that it can sanitize the toothbrush with ultraviolet light, and an upper case being hinge coupled with the lower case for opening and closing the receiving member, the toothbrush case further comprising: a spaced supporting portion being provided in the lower surface of the supporting surface in the lowercase and being projected at the given height (T) so that moisture in the ground such as a bathroom's ground are not in contact with the supporting surface and that outside air flows into the bottom of the supporting surface in the case that the lower case is placed on the ground, a lower air flow path being formed on the surface of the supporting surface in the lower case so tha

Abstract: An ion implanter having means for scanning an ion beam on a wafer is provided, wherein the scanning means, on which the wafer is mounted, moves the wafer in a region where the ion beam is irradiated. A detecting means, which is fixedly mounted adjacent to the scanning means, detects the ion beam that is overly scanned out of the scanning means. The detecting means has an inclined surface so that a portion of the detecting means adjacent to the scanning means is positioned below a surface of the wafer that is disposed on the scanning means. Accordingly, the ion implanter may prevent the wafer in the scanning means from being polluted with sputtering particles generated from a surface of the scanning means.

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: A bulk material irradiation system includes an input for inserting bulk material. A bulk material tube is connected to the input, forming a path for bulk material flow. A pressurizing assembly is connected to the bulk material tube for forcing the bulk material to flow through the bulk material tube. An irradiation assembly provides ionizing radiation to irradiate the bulk material passing adjacent to the irradiation assembly in the bulk material tube. Irradiated bulk material exits the bulk material tube through an output.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods that employ electromagnetic radiation to move a droplet of fluid on a fluid-transporting surface of a substrate. Typically, radiation of a particular wavelength is directed through a substantially transparent material, and the radiation imparts an optical trapping force to move the droplet. In addition, a means for reducing evaporative loss from the droplet may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus emits radiation on curable adhesives to bond objects or surfaces together under a variety of ambient conditions. An insulating housing has a cylindrical section and a disc-shaped section defining an interior. A plurality of batteries and an LED array are separated in the interior by an insulating spacer to prevent shorting of the batteries. A switch relay in the interior connects power from the batteries to the LED array when a switching mechanism mounted on the outside of the housing is displaced. This displacement closes the switch relay and connects power to the LED array that emits high-intensity radiation. A cover connected to the cylindrical-shaped section seals the interior from ambient and transmits the high-intensity radiation to cure an adhesive.

Abstract: An irradiation system includes a radiation source for providing a radiation beam at a controlled power level. A product location system provides product so that the radiation beam impinges on the product. A sensor system measures an intensity of the radiation beam that passes through the product, and a control system adjusts the power level of the radiation beam based on the intensity of the radiation beam that passes through the product.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a magnet yoke (10a, 10b) and a carrier member (2) movable relative to the magnet yoke. The magnet yoke (10a, 10b) has at least one permanent magnet (14) and the carrier member (20) is positioned in the magnetic field produced by this magnet. The carrier member (20) has an auxiliary magnetic member (28) that produces a relative bias force between the carrier member (20) and the magnet yoke (10a, 10b). The bias force will be used to compensate for a weight applied to the device and acts as a bearing with a very large compliance. The carrier member (2) also comprises a coil (26). Passing current through the coil (26) produces a Lorentz force for further control of the actuator; alternatively, the device provides a velocity transducer by sensing the EMF generated in the coil by relative motion of the carrier member (20) and magnet yoke (10a, 10b).

Abstract: An irradiation system includes a radiation source providing radiation in a localized radiation exposure area and a shielding structure around the radiation source. A conveyance system transports product into the shielding structure, through the radiation exposure region and out of the shielding structure. The conveyance system includes an input portion for carrying the product into the shielding structure at a first elevation. A first elevator moves the product from the first elevation to a second elevation different from the first elevation. A processing portion of the conveyance system carries the product at the second elevation through the radiation exposure region. A second elevator moves the product from the second elevation to a third elevation different from the second elevation. An output portion of the conveyance system carries the product out of the shielding structure at the third elevation.

Abstract: A beam handling system that switches between two beam distribution systems (irradiation areas). When the first product has passed the beam, the second product starts to be irradiated in the second beam. This may be the same beam but directed in a different direction, or two separate beams, and the switching of direction is synchronized to occur as one product irradiation is completed and the second comes into position.

Abstract: A device for detecting, isolating and exterminating hazardous microbiological agents contained inside delicate objects such as envelopes and packages commonly used in worldwide mail and transport systems which may be safely used in houses, is very economic and which can be easily produced.

Abstract: This system consists of a static device (1) provided with ultraviolet ray lamps (12), fixed permanently inside the air duct (2) near the inlet in the circuit, to disinfect the incoming air flow. The system also includes a mobile device (3) to be periodically inserted inside the duct (2) and moved inside in order to fully disinfect the duct. This device consists of an axle (31), on which ultraviolet ray lamps (34) are assembled, end discs (32 and 33) provided with wheels (35 and 36) on the edge, and traction and retention cables (38 and 39).

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: A sample changer for transferring radioactive samples between a hot cell (12) and a measuring apparatus (10), as e.g. a hybrid K-edge densitometer, comprises a transfer channel (28) axially extending through a tubular containment (22) between the charging/discharging port and the measuring window section D. A recipient (24), with at least one compartment (100) for receiving therein a radioactive sample, is arranged in the transfer channel (28) so as to be movable therethrough. A threaded spindle (44) is rotatably housed in a spindle channel (42) below the transfer channel (28). A coupling (46) passing in a sealed manner through the closed rear end section connects a stepping motor (34) to the threaded spindle (44). A longitudinally guided support carriage supports the magazine (24) and engages the threaded spindle (44), so as to be subjected to a translational movement upon rotation of the spindle (44).

Abstract: A rotary accelerator (10) accelerates electrons and discharges them through each of a plurality of discharge ports, electrons discharge from each port having a different energy. The electron beams are channeled to scan horns disposed to irradiate products (14) traveling on conveyers (12). More specifically, some of the scan horns are positioned in pairs with an upper scan horn (18) on one side of the product, and a lower scan horn (20) on an opposite side of the product. A beam splitter splits the electron beam alternately between the two scan horns. Alternately, two scan horns (18, 20) are both disposed on the same side of the product. As yet another alternative, a scan horn (60) is disposed horizontally to irradiate the product from the side. Optionally, one or more of the scan horns includes a x-ray target (26) for converting the electrons into x-rays.

Abstract: Apparatus (10), systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container (206) of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber (40) where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources (60, 70) in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber (40). A light sensing system (650) senses the intensity of illumination of the light. A radiometer (460) may be inserted into fluid treatment chamber (40) to calibrate the light sensing system (650). An electronic control system (600) utilizes an interface circuit board (606) to interface a computer circuit board (602) to a display panel (37), a user interface panel (39, 39a), a relay circuit board (640), light sensors 404 and various other sensors (649). A detector (385) senses agitating movement of a tray (90) that contains biological fluids.

Abstract: A beam handling system that switches between two beam distribution systems (irradiation areas). When the first product has passed the beam, the second product starts to be irradiated in the second beam. This may be the same beam but directed in a different direction, or two separate beams, and the switching of direction is synchronized to occur as one product irradiation is completed and the second comes into position.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for measuring water current direction and magnitude. A plurality of beams of radiation are transmitted radially outward from a location above a body of water. Each beam is incident on the water's surface at an angle with respect thereto. Each beam experiences a Doppler shift as a result of being incident on the water's surface such that a plurality of Doppler shifts are generated. Each Doppler shift is measured with the largest one thereof being indicative of water current direction and magnitude.

Abstract: A system for irradiating articles is disclosed. The system has multiple beam paths and is capable of irradiating articles with x-rays or electron beams (e-beams). The system is comprised of a single radiation source producing multiple beam paths. At least one of the beam paths is configured to irradiate articles with x-rays and at least one other beam path is configured to irradiate articles with e-beams. The beam paths are each positioned to scan product carried on conveyors. The x-ray beam paths and e-beam have separate conveyor systems that operates independently from each other.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber. A drawer for holding containers of biological fluid introduces the containers into the chamber. Containers for holding the biological fluid are marked by the apparatus to indicate the status of the treatment.

Abstract: An approach for sterilizing microorganisms at a target object employs a flashlamp system including means for generating pulses of light, and for deactivating microorganisms within the target object by illuminating the target object with the pulses of light having been generated; a photo-sensitive detector positioned so as to receive a portion of each of the pulses of light as a measure of an amount of light illuminating the target object, for generating an output signal in response thereto; and a control system, coupled to the flashlamp system and the photo-sensitive detector, for determining, in response to the output signal, whether the pulses of light are sufficient to effect a prescribed level of deactivation of microorganisms at the target object.

Abstract: An accelerator provides radiant energy in a first direction A carousel and first and second members have a common axis in the first direction. The carousel, preferably cylindrical, has a ring-shaped configuration defined by inner and outer diameters. The first member has an outer diameter preferably contiguous to the carousel inner diameter. The second member has an inner diameter preferably contiguous to the carousel outer diameter. The first and second members provide shielding against the radiant energy from the accelerator. A single motor (e.g., stepping motor) rotates the carousel past the radiant energy continuously at a substantially constant speed in successive revolutions. Vanes made from a shielding material are disposed at spaced positions in the carousel to divide the carousel into compartments for receiving the articles and to isolate each compartment from the radiant energy in other compartments.

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: A first robotic assembly transfers articles from carriers on a transport mechanism at a loading area to a first load conveyor. The conveyor transfers the articles to a process conveyor which moves the articles through a target region at a substantially constant speed. The process conveyor then transfers the articles to a second load conveyor. A second robotic assembly then transfers the articles to article carriers on the transport mechanism at an unloading area.

Abstract: A first robotic assembly transfers articles from carriers on a transport mechanism at a loading area to a first load conveyor. The conveyor transfers the articles to a process conveyor which moves the articles through a target region at a substantially constant speed. The process conveyor then transfers the articles to a second load conveyor. A second robotic assembly then transfers the articles to article carriers on the transport mechanism at an unloading area. The load and process conveyors may be divided into two tracks. First and second radiation sources respectively disposed at first and second gaps in the process conveyor in the target region respectively irradiate the articles in both tracks in opposite directions from positions above and below the articles. Articles on the tracks may be (a) diverged on the first load conveyor to separate the articles from the dividers, (b) converged on the process conveyor to minimize the width of the radiation sources and (c) diverged on the second load conveyor.

Abstract: A device for use in carrying and supporting a work piece before, during, and after a treatment process. The device can be used for both shipping and treating the work piece, and the device will not adversely affect the work piece during the treatment process. The device comprises at least one plate which has at least one relieved region for holding a work piece. The plate has a density the same as or very similar to the density of the work piece, so that the plate and work piece together have a substantially uniform density.

Abstract: Opposite sides of an article are irradiated to sterilize the article. The cumulative irradiation should be above a first value, and below a second value greater than the first value, at all of the positions in the article to provide the article with desired radiation benefits. Any amount of cumulative radiation between the first and second values is considered as optimal values. For a first range of article thicknesses, the cumulative radiation in the article is at the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a second range greater than in the first range, the cumulative radiation at positions in the article is greater than the optimal values. For article thicknesses in a third range greater than the second range, the cumulative radiation at the different positions in the article is at the optimal values. For the thicknesses in the second range, a member disposed in the radiation path weakens the radiation passing to the article, thereby reducing the cumulative radiation to an optimal value.

Abstract: A particle accelerator (10) is disposed between a first shielded processing chamber (12)and a second shielded processing chamber (14). The accelerator selectively feeds a higher energy (e.g., 10 MeV) electron beam to the first processing chamber and selectively feeds a lower energy (e.g., 5 MeV) electron beam to the second processing chamber. A conveying system (16) transports article carriers to and through the first processing chamber. At a processing table (18), the articles are conveyed at a closely controlled speed through the electron beam for uniform dosing of an article to be irradiated. A loading station (20) and an unloading station (22) supply and remove articles from the first processing chamber. Beam bending magnets (44) change the direction of an electron beam between the first processing chamber and the second processing chamber.