Patent Number: 
Section: claims

1. A method of irradiating samples using an irradiation system, the method comprising:releasing at least a first sample container from an initial position:receiving the first sample container in an irradiation position, the irradiation position being disposed below the initial position, wherein the initial position and the irradiation position are linked together by a substantially vertical conduit, and wherein the first sample container moves from the initial position to the irradiation position through the conduit;exposing the first sample container to a radiation source, thereby irradiating the first sample container; androtating the first sample container while the first sample container is being irradiated. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising releasing a second sample container from the initial position. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:releasing a second sample container from the initial position; andmoving a first gate into a first slit, the first slit being formed in a first portion of the conduit, the first gate blocking the passage of the second sample container through the first portion of the conduit. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising removing the first gate from the first slit, thereby permitting the second sample container passage through the first portion of the conduit. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising moving a second gate into a second slit, the second slit being formed in a second portion of the conduit, the second portion being disposed below the first portion, the second gate blocking the passage of the second sample container through the second portion of the conduit. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising removing the second gate from the second slit, thereby permitting the second sample container passage through the second portion of the conduit. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:releasing the irradiated sample container from the irradiation position; andreceiving the irradiated sample container in a sample storage area, the sample storage area being disposed lower relative to the irradiation position. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising using a controller associated with the irradiation system to adjust a number of sample containers to be received by the irradiation position. 9. A sample transfer system for nuclear irradiation, the sample transfer system comprising:a conduit defining a passage for transfer of at least a first sample container from at least an initial position to an irradiation position;an input assembly configured to allow the first sample container to pass through the conduit in a predefined order; andan exposure assembly configured to receive the first sample container via the conduit and rotate the sample containers during exposure to a radiation source, the first sample container attached to an engagement member, the exposure assembly comprising a first mechanism configured to engage and rotate the sample container, the first mechanism including a first motor and at least one gear coupled to the first motor, wherein the at least one gear is configured to engage with the engagement member of the sample container. 10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising a control system configured to close and open a first portion of the passage in the conduit. 11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the input assembly includes:a first gate configured to open and close the conduit; anda second gate disposed above the first gate, the second gate being configured to hold one or more sample containers while the first gate is opened. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the input assembly further includes:a motor;an actuator coupled to the motor, wherein the actuator is configured to convert a rotational motion of the motor to a linear motion of the first gate; anda mechanism connected to the actuator, wherein the mechanism is configured to transfer motion of the actuator to the second gate and thereby close the conduit while the first gate is opened. 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the mechanism is further configured to transfer motion of the actuator to the second gate and thereby open the conduit while the first gate closes. 14. The system according to claim 9, wherein the exposure assembly rotates each received sample container for a predetermined amount of time. 15. The system according to claim 9, wherein the exposure assembly further comprises a second mechanism configured to displace the first mechanism, the second mechanism including a second motor and an actuator coupled to the second motor, wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the first mechanism to be displaced thereby to be engaged with the engagement member. 16. The system according to claim 9, further comprising a sample storage area, wherein the sample storage area comprises a lead-coated chamber.