Patent ID: 6285030
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: A61L,G21K

Abstract:
An article irradiation system, comprising,a target region,a radiation source positioned for scanning the target region,a loading area,an unloading area,a conveyor system for transporting articles in a loop from the loading area through the target region to the unloading area, the conveyor system having curved portions,there being space within the loop and space outside of the loop,radiation shielding material disposed in the space within the loop and in the space outside of the loop to define a tunnel through which the conveyor system extends between the loading and unloading areas,the tunnel defined by the radiation shielding material at positions displaced from the target region in directions toward the loading area, and toward the unloading area, being curved to preclude a direct line of sight between the target region and each of the loading and unloading areas and thereby shield the loading and unloading areas from radiation derived from the radiation source,the space within the loop being substantially filled by the radiation shielding material.