Patent Number: 
Section: description

A product irradiation device according to the present invention is illustrated at 10 in FIG. 1. The product irradiation device 10 includes a transportable or mobile enclosure 12 and an irradiator shell 14, illustrated in FIG. 2, disposed in enclosure 12. The enclosure 12 includes a top wall or roof 15, a bottom wall or floor 16, opposing side walls 17 and 17xe2x80x2, a forward wall 18 and a rearward wall 19. In the case of enclosure 12, the walls 15, 16, 17, 17xe2x80x2, 18 and 19 are flat or planar with top wall 15 parallel to bottom wall 16, side walls 17 and 17xe2x80x2 parallel to one another and forward wall 18 parallel to rearward wall 19. A plurality of doors 20 are provided on enclosure 12, the doors 20 being selectively closeable to close the enclosure 12 and being selectively openable to present access openings communicating with the interior of enclosure 12. As shown in FIG. 1, two pairs of doors 20 are hingedly mounted on side wall 17 with the doors 20 of each pair disposed next to one another or in side by side relation. Accordingly, each pair of doors 20, when open, presents an access opening on the side wall 17 corresponding or substantially corresponding in size to the height and the combined widths of the doors 20. The pairs of doors 20 are disposed at spaced locations along side wall 17 such that the access openings presented thereby are also spaced from one another. Another pair of doors 20 defines the rearward wall 19, the doors of the another pair being hingedly mounted to side walls 17 and 17xe2x80x2, respectively, at a rearward end of the enclosure 12 as shown in FIG. 1. When the another pair of doors 20 defining rearward wall 19 are open, an access opening circumscribed by the top, bottom and side walls is presented at the rearward end of the enclosure 12. At least one additional pair of doors 20 (not visible in FIG. 1) is provided on side wall 17xe2x80x2, the at least one additional pair of doors 20 being aligned with one of the pairs of doors 20 on side wall 17. In the case of enclosure 12, the rearwardmost pair of doors 20 on side wall 17 is aligned, in a direction transverse or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of enclosure 12, with the at least one additional pair of doors 20 on side wall 17xe2x80x2. The access opening presented when the rearwardmost pair of doors 20 on side wall 17xe2x80x2 are open serves as an exit or discharge opening for exit or discharge of irradiated products from the product irradiation device 10. The access opening presented when the at least one additional pair of doors on side wall 17 are open serves as an entry opening for introduction or entry of non-irradiated products into the product irradiation device 10. The doors 20 may be mounted on the enclosure 12 singly or in pairs depending on the sizes of the doors and the sizes desired for the access openings. Preferably, at least some of the access openings are of a size to permit human access and the introduction of necessary equipment into the interior of the enclosure. Doors 20, arranged singly or in pairs, may be provided on any or all walls of the enclosure. The doors 20 may be provided with latches or locks for locking the doors in a closed position, and such latches or locks may be conventional. Although the doors are disclosed herein as being hingedly mounted on the enclosure, it should be appreciated that the doors can be mounted on the enclosure in various other ways, such as being slidably mounted on the enclosure. The enclosure 12 is mounted or supported on a plurality of wheels 22 by which the enclosure 12 can be transported along the ground or other surface. The enclosure 12 is mounted on six sets of wheels 22 as shown in FIG. 1. Three sets of wheels 22 are disposed adjacent or proximate the rearward end of the enclosure 12 while another three sets of wheels 22 are disposed intermediate the rearward end and a forward end of the enclosure 12. The three sets of wheels 22 disposed adjacent or proximate the rearward end are rearwardly spaced from the three sets of wheels 22 disposed intermediate the forward and rearward ends. No wheels 22 are provided at, adjacent or proximate the forward end since the forward end of enclosure 12 is adapted to be removably coupled to a powered wheeled vehicle (not shown) by which the enclosure 12 is transported along the ground or other surface. Apparatus and/or structure for coupling the enclosure 12 to a powered wheeled vehicle may be conventional in nature, such as that employed in conventional truck trailer design whereby the forward end of the enclosure 12 is supported upon one or more sets of wheels of the powered wheeled vehicle. The enclosure 12 is provided with a selectively extendable, selectively retractable rigid brace or support 24 for supporting the forward end of the enclosure when the enclosure is not coupled to the powered wheeled vehicle. FIG. 1 shows the support 24, which is located at, adjacent or proximate the forward end of enclosure 12, extended beneath the bottom wall 16 in a direction perpendicular thereto. When the support 24 is thusly extended, a pair of feet 25 of the support 24 engage the ground or other surface upon which the wheels 22 are disposed, only one foot 25 being visible in FIG. 1. The support 24 supports the forward end of the enclosure 12 so that the enclosure 12 is in a level, horizontal position and prevents movement of the enclosure 12 upon the ground or other surface. Of course, the enclosure 12 may also be provided with a suitable brake for preventing movement of the enclosure 12 upon the ground or other surfaces. When the support 24 is retracted, the feet 25 do not engage the ground or other surface and movement of the enclosure 12 thereupon via the wheels 22 is permitted. Preferably, the enclosure 12 is a standard truck trailer, as shown in FIG. 1, capable of being coupled to a truck by which the truck trailer is transported. It should be appreciated, however, that other standard enclosures, such as a rail car or a transportable container, may be used for enclosure 12. The enclosure 12 is capable of being transported or delivered to a loading dock or other suitable location at a manufacturing or processing facility or other source of products to be irradiated with the product irradiation device 10. Once delivered to the desired location, the enclosure 12 is detached from the truck and is parked, as shown in FIG. 1, without requiring any foundation work or other onsite construction or fabrication. The enclosure 12 can be provided with a plurality of braces 24 at various locations along the floor 16 thereof. Accordingly, once the enclosure 12 has been delivered to the desired location, the wheels 22 can be removed therefrom and the enclosure can be supported entirely by the plurality of braces 24. Of course, the braces 24 should be considered illustrative in that various support structure can be used to support the enclosure, with or without removal of the wheels 22. The product irradiation device 10 is entirely self-contained in that all systems needed to operate the product irradiation device, as well as auxiliary equipment therefor, and to accomplish irradiation of products therewith are provided in or on the product irradiation device and do not require any integration with or supply of power from the manufacturing or processing facility or other source of the products to be irradiated. Equipment for various purposes, such as electricity generation, refrigeration, heating, ventilation and/or cooling (HVAC) and any other necessary or optional service, and the systems for operating such equipment, are provided in or on the enclosure 12. FIG. 1 illustrates enclosure 12 provided with a generator module 26 and an HVAC module 28, both of which are mounted or supported on the top wall 15 of the enclosure 12. The generator module 26 is used to generate electricity for various purposes, while the HVAC module 28 is used for heating, ventilation and/or cooling of the shell 14 and/or the enclosure 12 as well as for removing heat from an irradiation source disposed in shell 14 as explained further below. The HVAC module 28 can include a suitable compressor or other equipment capable of refrigerating the interior of the shell 14 and/or the interior of enclosure 12 where the products to be irradiated require refrigeration, as in the case of frozen products. The irradiator shell 14 is disposed entirely within the interior of enclosure 12. The external size of irradiator shell 14 is smaller in size than the interior of enclosure 12, and the portion of the interior of enclosure 12 not occupied by irradiator shell 14 is used to accommodate equipment necessary or useful for operation of the product irradiation device 10. In the case of product irradiation device 10, the irradiator shell 14 has an external configuration and size to fit within the interior of a standard truck trailer, i.e. enclosure 12. The irradiator shell 14 is shielded to minimize or prevent exposure of operating personnel, the public and the environment to ionizing radiation. Accordingly, it is preferred that the irradiator shell 14 be at least partly made of radiation impenetrable or absorbable material, such as steel or lead, forming a wall or walls enclosing an irradiation source and a product transport channel circumscribed or defined by an interior surface or surfaces of the wall or walls of the irradiator shell. The interior surface or surfaces defining the product transport channel are preferably made of stainless steel, as are exterior or visible surfaces of the shell 14, while the bulk of the shell 14 is made of less costly carbon steel or lead. The irradiator shell 14 has a generally T-shaped external configuration with a longitudinal shell section 30 and a transverse shell section 32 joined to and extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal shell section 30. Preferably, the longitudinal and transverse shell sections each have a square or rectangular external cross-sectional configuration, although other external cross-sectional configurations are possible. As shown in FIG. 2, the longitudinal shell section 30 has a square external cross-sectional configuration, and the transverse shell section has a rectangular external cross-sectional configuration. The longitudinal shell section 30 is defined by a planar upperwall 34, a planar lower wall 35 parallel to upper wall 34, a pair of planar, parallel side walls 36 and 36xe2x80x2 extending between upper wall 34 and lower wall 35 and a planar end wall 37. The transverse shell section 32 is defined by the planar upper wall 34, the planar lower wall 35, a planar side wall 38 extending between upper wall 34 and lower wall 35, a pair of planar side wall segments 39 and 39xe2x80x2 parallel to side wall 38 and a pair of planar end walls 40 and 40xe2x80x2. The side wall segments 39 and 39xe2x80x2, one of which is disposed on each side of the longitudinal shell section 30, extend between upper wall 34 and lower wall 35 and also extend between side walls 36 and 36xe2x80x2 and end walls 40 and 40xe2x80x2, respectively. The end wall 37 is parallel to the side wall 38 and the side wall segments 39 and 39xe2x80x2. The side walls 36 and 36xe2x80x2 are parallel to the end walls 40 and 40xe2x80x2. As best shown in FIG. 3, a product transport passage or channel 41 is defined within the irradiator shell 14 and is made up of inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2, outer transverse channel sections 43 and 43xe2x80x2 disposed at first ends of the inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2, respectively, an inner transverse channel section 44 disposed at opposite or second ends of the inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2, respectively, and outer longitudinal channel sections 45 and 45xe2x80x2 disposed at outer ends of the outer transverse channel sections 43 and 43xe2x80x2, respectively. The outer longitudinal channel sections 45 and 45xe2x80x2 extend from the outer ends of the outer transverse channel sections 43 and 43xe2x80x2, respectively, to openings or ports 46 and 46xe2x80x2, respectively, in the transverse shell section 32. The openings or ports 46 and 46xe2x80x2 are disposed on planar exterior surfaces of side wall segments 39 and 39xe2x80x2, respectively, and establish communication with the product transport channel 41 from externally of the shell 14. The openings or ports 46 and 46xe2x80x2 are disposed adjacent planar exterior surfaces of the side walls 36 and 36xe2x80x2, respectively. The inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2 are parallel to one another and extend longitudinally in the longitudinal shell section 30 and part way into the transverse shell section 32. The outer transverse channel sections 43 and 43xe2x80x2, which are disposed within the transverse shell section 32, are perpendicular to the inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2 and the outer longitudinal channel sections 45 and 45xe2x80x2. The outer transverse channel sections 43 and 43xe2x80x2 have inner ends communicating with the first ends of the inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2, respectively, and have the outer ends thereof communicating with the outer longitudinal channel sections 45 and 45xe2x80x2, respectively. The inner transverse channel section 44 is perpendicular to the inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2. The inner transverse channel section 44 is disposed in the longitudinal shell section 30 and extends between the opposite or second ends of the inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2, respectively. The outer longitudinal channel sections 45 and 45xe2x80x2 are disposed in the transverse shell section 32 and are parallel to the inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2. The outer longitudinal channel sections 45 and 45xe2x80x2 extend between the outer ends of the outer transverse channel sections 43 and 43xe2x80x2, respectively, and the openings or ports 46 and 46xe2x80x2, respectively. The product transport channel 41 and the ports 46 and 46xe2x80x2 have a cross-sectional configuration and size large enough to accommodate and facilitate the passage therethrough of products, such as products 47 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Preferably, the cross-section of the product transport channel 41 and the ports 46 and 46xe2x80x2 corresponds as close as possible in size and configuration to the external cross-section of the individual products 47, or to containers such as bins or baskets holding one or more products, while allowing the products 47 or the containers for the products to freely pass therethrough. The products 47 are moved in a longitudinal direction through the inner and outer longitudinal channel sections 42, 42xe2x80x2, 45 and 45xe2x80x2 and are moved in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, through the inner and outer transverse channel sections 43, 43xe2x80x2 and 44. Although the direction of movement for the products 47 through the channel 41 thusly changes, the orientation or position of the products 47 does not change as the products are introduced in, moved through and discharged from channel 41. When the products 47 are moved in channel 41 in the longitudinal direction, an external dimension D1 of the products 47 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of movement. When the products 47 are moved in channel 41 in the transverse direction, an external dimension D2 of the products 47 is aligned with the transverse direction of movement. In the instance of products 47, the external dimension D1 is a major or maximum external dimension defining a major axis of the products while the external dimension D2 is a minor external dimension defining a minor axis of the products. Where the external dimensions D1 and D2 are equal or the same, the channel 41 may be of uniform or constant cross-section from port 46 to port 46xe2x80x2. Where external dimensions D1 and D2 are not the same, as shown for products 47, the channel 41 can be of non-uniform or non-constant cross-section from port 46 to port 46xe2x80x2. In particular, longitudinal channel sections 42, 42xe2x80x2, 45 and 45xe2x80x2 can have a cross-section corresponding in size and shape to the cross-section of external dimension D2 while the transverse channel sections 43, 43xe2x80x2 and 44 can have a cross-section corresponding in size and shape to the cross-section of external dimension D1. It should be appreciated, therefore, that the cross-section of channel 41 may be uniform and constant or non-uniform and non-constant depending on the cross-sectional dimensions of the products and the direction of movement of the products in the channel 41. The cross-section of the channel 41 and the ports 46 and 46xe2x80x2 is defined or circumscribed by a planar interior surface or surfaces of the wall or walls of the irradiator shell 14, such interior surface or surfaces preferably being made of stainless steel as described above. The planar interior surface 48 of lower wall 35 is a transport surface 48 upon which the products 47 are directly supported and are moved through the irradiator shell 14. The transport surface 48, which is non-moving, may be finished, such as by polishing or other treatment, to minimize friction when the products are moved thereupon. Any or all of the other interior surfaces of the walls of the irradiator shell 14 defining the channel 41 may be finished, such as by polishing or other treatment, to minimize friction and promote passage of the products through the channel 41. The walls of irradiator shell 14 are of sufficient thickness to prevent the emission of unsafe levels of radiation externally of shell 14 from an irradiation source disposed within the shell 14. An irradiation source 49, shown in FIG. 3, is disposed in shell 14 and includes an array of elongate rods 50 made of radioactive material, such as Cobalt 60. Rods 50 extend vertically in shell 14 with their central longitudinal axes, respectively, disposed in a plane P1 perpendicular to upper and lower walls 34 and 35. A shield plug 51 is provided above the upper end of each rod 50, and each rod 50 is disposed in an outer tube or jacket 52 to form a rod assembly as shown in FIG. 4. Tubes 52 containing rods 50 are disposed close to one another in parallel, side by side relation to be arranged in shell 14 linearly or in series with the central longitudinal axes of rods 50 disposed in the plane P1, which contains the central longitudinal axis of longitudinal shell section 30 and is perpendicular to the transport surface 48 and parallel to the side walls 36 and 36xe2x80x2 and the end walls 40 and 40xe2x80x2. Rods 50, with their outer tubes 52, are disposed in a shell insert 53 disposed between inner longitudinal channel section 42 and inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2. The shell insert 53 has spaced, planar, parallel side faces 54 and 54xe2x80x2 between which the tubes 52 containing rods 50 are disposed, the side faces 54 and 54xe2x80x2 being parallel to plane P1. The side faces 54 and 54xe2x80x2 extend vertically in the shell 14 between a planar interior surface of the upper wall 34 and the planar interior surface of the lower wall 35, i.e. the transport surface 48. The side faces 54 and 54xe2x80x2 extend longitudinally in the shell 14 from a planar interior surface of side wall 38 up to the inner transverse channel section 44, whereat the side faces 54 and 54xe2x80x2 are joined to one another by a transverse end face 55. The rods 50 are serially or linearly arranged between the side faces 54 and 54xe2x80x2 to extend therebetween a linear distance corresponding or substantially corresponding to the linear distance between the end face 55 and a plane P2 containing planar exterior surfaces of side wall segments 39 and 39xe2x80x2 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The linear distance that the rods 50 occupy within the shell 14 defines an active length for the irradiation source 49. The number of and spacing for the rods in shell 14 may vary depending on the radiation strength or intensity of the individual rods 50, the total or cumulative radiation strength or intensity desired for the source 49 and/or the desired active length. The radiation strength or intensity of the individual rods 50 can vary depending on the number of and spacing for the rods 50, the total radiation strength or intensity desired for the irradiation source and/or the desired active length. The rods 50 have diameters concentrically received within the tubes 52, respectively. The perpendicular distance between side faces 54 and 54xe2x80x2 is sufficient to accommodate the tubes 52 therebetween. The rods 50 and tubes 52 have a length extending perpendicularly between the upperwall 34 and the lower wall 35, such length being at least as great as the perpendicular distance between the interior surface of upper wall 34 and the interior surface of lower wall 35, i.e. the transport surface 48. The shield plugs 51 have a stepped configuration for reception in correspondingly configured openings or holes, respectively, in the upper wall 34 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The shield plugs 51 are removably disposed in the upper wall 34 allowing the rods 50 to be removed and/or replaced via withdrawal through the openings or holes in upper wall 34. In particular, the rods 50 can be individually installed and/or removed at the same time that product irradiation is taking place. The irradiation source, i.e. rods 50, is not transported with the enclosure 12 or shell 14. Rather, the enclosure 12 and shell 14 are transported and delivered to the source of the products separately from the irradiation source. It is contemplated that the irradiation source would be purchased from suppliers equipped with licensed transport casks and from whom disposal services would also be obtained. The shell insert 53 partitions or divides the shell 14 into an inlet or entry side disposed on one side of insert 53 and, therefore, plane P1, and an outlet or exit side disposed on the other or opposite side of insert 53 and, therefore, plane P1. The side wall segment 39 is disposed on the one side of plane P1 while the side wall segment 39xe2x80x2 is disposed on the opposite side of plane P1. Accordingly, the port 46 constitutes an inlet or entry port, disposed on the one side of plane P1, while the port 46xe2x80x2 constitutes an outlet or exit port, disposed on the opposite side of plane P1, the inlet and outlet ports being disposed in plane P2, which is perpendicular to plane P1. A prescribed path is defined in shell 14 between the inlet port 46 and the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 and along which the products 47 are moved through the shell 14. The prescribed path, which corresponds to the transport channel 41, begins at the inlet port 46 and includes, in sequence, the outer longitudinal channel section 45, the outer transverse channel section 43, the inner longitudinal channel section 42, the inner transverse channel section 44, by which the inlet side and the outlet side are in communication, the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2, the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 and the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2, the prescribed path terminating at the outlet port 46xe2x80x2. Hence, the transport surface 48 extends from the inlet port to the outlet port, which is spaced or remote from or disposed at a different location than the inlet port. A portion of the prescribed path is in a high radiation zone of the transport channel 41, the high radiation zone corresponding to the active length of the irradiation source 49. Accordingly, the high radiation zone is defined between plane P2 and the inner transverse channel section 44 and thusly includes the inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2. The shell 14 can be introduced in the interior of enclosure 12 via the access opening presented when the doors 20 forming rearward wall 19 are open. The lower wall 35 of shell 14 is supported upon the bottom wall or floor 16 of enclosure 12. The shell 14 is positioned in the interior of enclosure 12 so that the inlet port 46 and the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 are aligned with the entry and exit openings, respectively, of the enclosure, the entry and exit openings being presented when the rearwardmost doors 20 on side walls 17 and 17xe2x80x2, respectively, are open. Subsequent to introduction and proper positioning of shell 14 in the interior of enclosure 12, the doors 20 forming rearward wall 19 will normally remain closed and locked. The doors 20 defining the entry and exit openings, respectively, will be open during operation of the product irradiation device 10 and will normally be closed and locked when the product irradiation device 10 is not in operation. Products 47, prior to being irradiated, are presented at the inlet port 46 via a delivery member 60 extending through the entry opening of enclosure 12 and establishing communication between the inlet port 46 and the source of the products 47. The delivery member 60 may be supplied as part of the product irradiation device 10 or as a separate component provided by the user of the product irradiation device, in which case the product irradiation device may be supplied without a delivery member. In the case of product irradiation device 10, the delivery member 60 is supplied as part of the product irradiation device and includes a roller ramp 61 extending through the entry opening of enclosure 12 and having a first end positioned in front of the inlet port 46, adjacent or in abutment with the planar exterior surface of the side wall 36, and a second end disposed at or proximate the source of the products 47. The first end of the roller ramp 61 is located directly in front of the inlet port 46 so that a product 47 supported on the first end is aligned with the inlet port 46 and is ready to be passed therethrough into the transport channel 41. The second end of the roller ramp 61 is disposed, externally of enclosure 12, at a convenient location at the source of the products 47. For example, the second end of the roller ramp 61 may be disposed at a loading dock or other location of the manufacturing or processing facility for the products 47. The second end of roller ramp 61 is elevated or disposed higher than the first end thereof so that the products 47 are conveyed by gravity from the second end to the first end. Accordingly, the roller ramp 61 will be disposed at an obtuse angle to the ground or other surface upon which the enclosure 12 is supported. As shown in FIG. 2, the first end of the roller ramp 61 may be angled relative to the remainder thereof so that the first end of the roller ramp 61 is disposed in the same or substantially the same plane as the transport surface 48. Products 47 positioned upon the second end of the roller ramp 61 are automatically conveyed by gravity from the second end to the first end of the roller ramp 61, as facilitated by rollers of the roller ramp, the products 47 being guided or directed by upstanding, parallel side rails 62 of the roller ramp 61. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the perpendicular distance between side rails 62 corresponds to the external dimension D1 of the products 47. The products 47 are conveyed along the delivery member 60 in a transverse direction perpendicular to plane P1 with the minor axis or external dimension D2 of the products 47 longitudinally or axially aligned with the transverse direction of conveyance of the products along the delivery member and with the major axis or external dimension D1 of the products parallel with plane P1. Accordingly, products are presented at the first end of the delivery member with the major axis longitudinally or axially aligned with inlet port 46 and outer longitudinal channel section 45. The exterior surface of side wall 36 serves as a stop or abutment for the products 47 at the first end of the delivery member 60 and facilitates alignment of the products 47 with the inlet port 46 and with the outer longitudinal channel section 45. Products 47, subsequent to being irradiated, exit the shell 14 through the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 and are discharged onto a discharge member 64 extending through the exit opening of enclosure 12. The discharge member 64 may be supplied as part of the product irradiation device 10 or as a separate component provided by the user, in which case the product irradiation device can be supplied without a discharge member. In the case of product irradiation device 10, the discharge member 64 is supplied as part of the product irradiation device and includes a roller ramp 65, similar to the roller ramp 61. The roller ramp 65 extends through the exit opening of enclosure 12 and has a first end positioned in front of the outlet port 46xe2x80x2, adjacent or in abutment with a planar exterior surface of the side wall 36xe2x80x2, and a second end disposed at or proximate the source of the products 47. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first end of the roller ramp 65 is located directly in front of the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 so that a product 47 discharged through the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 is delivered onto the first end of the roller ramp 65. The second end of the roller ramp 65 is disposed, externally of enclosure 12, at a convenient location at the source of the products 47. For example, the second end of the roller ramp 65 may be disposed at another loading dock or location of the manufacturing or processing facility for the products 47. The second end of roller ramp 65 is disposed lower than the first end thereof so that the products 47 are conveyed by gravity from the first end to the second thereof. Accordingly, the roller ramp 65 will be disposed at an acute angle to the ground or surface upon which the enclosure 12 is supported. As shown in FIG. 2, the first end of the roller ramp 65 may be angled relative to the remainder thereof so that the first end of the roller ramp 65 is disposed in the same or substantially the same plane as the transport surface 48. Products 47 discharged through the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 onto the first end of roller ramp 65 are automatically conveyed from the first end to the second end thereof as facilitated by rollers of the roller ramp 65, and the products 47 are guided by upstanding, parallel side rails 62 of the roller ramp 65. The products 47 are discharged from the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 with their major axis or external dimension D1 parallel to plane P1. The products 47 are conveyed along the discharge member 64 in a transverse direction perpendicular to plane P1 with the minor axis or external dimension D2 of the products 47 longitudinally or axially aligned with the transverse direction of conveyance of the products along the discharge member and with the major axis or external dimension D1 parallel with plane P1. It should be appreciated that the delivery member, the discharge member, the shell and/or the enclosure may be provided with a mechanism or mechanisms for securing the first ends of the delivery member and the discharge member, respectively, adjacent the inlet port and the outlet port, respectively. It should be further appreciated that the mechanism or mechanisms used to secure the first ends of the delivery member and/or the discharge member, respectively, adjacent the inlet port and outlet port, respectively, can be designed to allow the delivery member and/or discharge member to be detached or released from the shell and/or the enclosure. Accordingly, the delivery member and/or the discharge member can be detached or removed from the enclosure and/or the shell when the product irradiation device is not in use. The delivery member and/or the discharge member can be designed for movement between a deployed position, wherein the delivery member and/or the discharge member extends externally from the enclosure, and a nondeployed position, wherein the delivery member and/or the discharge member is disposed within the enclosure. For example, the delivery member and/or the discharge member may be pivotably, hingedly or rotatably mounted to the enclosure and/or the shell so that the delivery member and/or the discharge member may be pivotably, rotatably or hingedly moved into the enclosure to assume the non-deployed position and may be pivotably, hingedly or rotatably moved out from the enclosure to assume the deployed position. It should also be appreciated that the angular orientations of the delivery member and the discharge member, respectively, including the first ends thereof, can be selected, adjusted or varied in accordance with the conveying speed desired for the products therealong. A plurality of hydraulic or pneumatic actuators 66 are provided in or on the product irradiation device 10 for moving or advancing the products 47 incrementally into, through and out of the shell 14 in the prescribed path. The actuators 66 serve to push and/or pull the products 47, in fixed increments, into, through and out of the shell 14, and each includes a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 68 and a piston 70 slidably disposed in the cylinder 68. Seven actuators 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, 66e, 66f and 66g are provided for product irradiation device 10 as best shown in FIG.3. The actuator 66a serves to push a product 47 disposed at the first end of the delivery member 60 through the inlet port 46 and into the outer longitudinal channel section 45. The actuator 66a is disposed externally of shell 14 in its entirety with its cylinder 68a and piston 70a longitudinally or axially aligned with the inlet port 46 and the outer longitudinal channel section 45. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cylinder 68a is secured to or mounted on the exterior surface of side wall 36 via a mounting block secured to the side wall 36. The piston 70a, which has a longitudinal axis parallel with plane P1 and perpendicular to plane P2, is longitudinally, slidably movable within the cylinder 68a in response to variation in fluidic pressure within the cylinder 68a. The piston 70a is slidably movable relative to cylinder 68a between a retracted position wherein a product engaging end 74a of the piston 68a is disposed adjacent, close to or in abutment with the cylinder 68a and an extended position wherein the product engaging end 74a is disposed further away from the cylinder 68a and, in particular, is adjacent or aligned with the plane P2 and, therefore, with the inlet port 46 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3. In the retracted position for piston 70a, the product engaging end 74a is spaced from the plane P2, and the distance that the end 74a is spaced from plane P2, i.e. the stroke of piston 70a, is at least as large as the external dimension D1 of the products 47. A product 47, when disposed at the first end of the delivery member 60, thusly has its external dimension D1 disposed between the inlet port 46 and the product engaging end 74a when the piston 70a is in the retracted position. In this manner, the major or maximum external dimension D1 will be disposed parallel to plane P1 and perpendicular to plane P2 when the product 47 is disposed at the first end of the delivery member 60 between the inlet port 46 and the product engaging end 74a.  The product engaging end 74a engages the product 47 disposed at the first end of the delivery member 60 as the piston 70a is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. The product engaging end 74a engages the product from behind, such that a pushing force is applied to a rearward end 80xe2x80x2 of the product in the direction of its major axis. The product engaging end 74a can be formed as or provided with structure or a surface having a size and configuration to facilitate application of the pushing force on the product 47 as the piston 70a is moved toward the extended position. In the case of piston 70a, the product engaging end 74a is formed as a plate having a flat or planar surface for contacting or engaging a flat or planar surface of the product 47. When the piston 70a is in the extended position, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, the product 47 pushed thereby will have passed through the inlet port 46 and will be disposed in the outer longitudinal channel section 45. When the piston 70a is thereafter moved from the extended position to the retracted position, a next subsequent product 47 is automatically presented, due to gravity, at the first end of the delivery member 60 and is ready to be pushed by the piston 70a through the inlet port 46 and into the outer longitudinal channel section 45 in response to movement of the piston 70a from the retracted position to the extended position. Movement of the next subsequent product 47 through the inlet port 46 and into the outer longitudinal channel section 45 by the piston 70a causes the next subsequent product to engage, in end to end relation, the next preceding product, i.e. the product 47 previously moved into the outer longitudinal channel section 45 by the piston 70a. Accordingly, each time the piston 70a is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, a product 47 disposed at the first end of the delivery member 60 is moved through the inlet port 46 into the outer longitudinal channel section 45, causing corresponding movement of all preceding products in the outer longitudinal channel section 45 due to end to end contact or abutment between the products. In this manner, the product at the first end of the delivery member and preceding products in the outer longitudinal channel section 45 are each moved or advanced a single position or increment corresponding to external dimension D1. The products 47 moved by actuator 66a are moved in a longitudinal direction parallel to plane P1 with the major axis or external dimension D1 disposed parallel to plane P1 and in longitudinal or axial alignment with the longitudinal direction of movement. Each time the piston 70a is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, another product is presented at the first end of the delivery member 60 in alignment with the actuator 66a and the inlet port 46. In the case of product irradiation device 10, the outer longitudinal channel section 45 has a length, parallel to plane P1, corresponding to external dimension D1. Accordingly, only one product 47 can be disposed entirely within the outer longitudinal channel section 45 at a time. A product 47 disposed entirely in the outer longitudinal channel section 45 will be pushed, moved or advanced by a next subsequent product, acted upon by the piston 70a, into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43, which is aligned and continuous with the outer longitudinal channel section 45. As shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, a product moved into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 is in end to end contact or abutment with the next subsequent product disposed in the outer longitudinal channel section 45. It should be appreciated that the length of the outer longitudinal channel section can be increased to accommodate more than one product. The actuator 66b serves to push a product located at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 such that the product and all preceding products disposed in the outer transverse channel section 43 is/are advanced or moved a single position or increment. The actuator 66b is similar to actuator 66a and has its cylinder 68b and piston 70b longitudinally or axially aligned with the outer transverse channel section 43. As shown in FIG. 3, the cylinder 68b is secured within, on or to the end wall 40 externally of channel 41, with a longitudinal axis of piston 70b perpendicular to plane P1 and parallel to plane P2. When the piston 70b of actuator 66b is in the retracted position, the product engaging end 74b thereof is aligned or flush with or is disposed within a recess of the interior surface of end wall 40. Accordingly, a product 47 is capable of being moved, in response to actuation of actuator 66a, from the outer longitudinal channel section 45 into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 as described above. The thusly moved product 47 will have its major axis or external dimension D1 longitudinally aligned with the outer longitudinal channel section 45 and will also have its minor axis or external dimension D2 longitudinally or axially aligned with the outer transverse channel section 43. When the piston 70b is thereafter moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the product disposed at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 is engaged, from behind, by the product engaging end 74b, such that a pushing force is applied to an outer side 78 of the product in the direction of its minor axis. The product 47 disposed at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 is thusly pushed, moved or advanced one position or increment, the product being moved in a transverse direction perpendicular to plane P1 while its major axis or external dimension D1 remains parallel to plane P1. When the piston 70b is thereafter moved from the extended position to the retracted position, a next subsequent product 47 is able to be moved into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 in response to actuation of actuator 66a. When the piston 70b is moved to the extended position after a subsequent product 47 has been moved into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43, the piston 70b moves the subsequent product 47, which engages the outer side 78 of the next preceding product 47, in the transverse direction. Accordingly, the product at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 as well as preceding products in the outer transverse channel section 43 are each advanced a single position or increment. In the case of product irradiation device 10, the outer transverse channel section 43 has a length, between the planar interior surface of end wall 40 and the side face 54, slightly greater than three times the external dimension D2. Accordingly, there is a gap or space 76 between a product at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 and a next preceding product within the outer transverse channel section 43. The distance that the product engaging end 74b is extended perpendicularly beyond the interior surface of end wall 40 when the piston 70b is in the extended position defines the stroke for piston 70b and corresponds to the external dimension D2 plus the width of the gap or space 76. In this manner, a product at the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43 is advanced by piston 70b a single position or increment corresponding to the external dimension D2 plus the width of gap 76 while the next preceding product within the outer transverse channel section 43 is advanced, due to side to side contact or abutment between the products, a single position or increment corresponding to the external dimension D2. Subsequent to being so advanced, the next preceding product is disposed at an inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, with its major axis or external dimension D1 longitudinally or axially aligned with the inner longitudinal channel section 42, the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43 being longitudinally aligned and continuous with the inner longitudinal channel section 42. The products 47 are moved, via actuation of actuator 66b, in the transverse direction perpendicular to plane P1 with the minor axis or external dimension D2 longitudinally or axially aligned with the transverse direction of movement. The actuator 66c serves to push a product 47 at the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43 into the inner longitudinal channel section 42. The actuator 66c is similar to actuators 66a and 66b and has its cylinder 68c and piston 70c longitudinally or axially aligned with the inner longitudinal channel section 42. The cylinder 68c is secured within, on or to the side wall 38 externally of channel 41 with a longitudinal axis of piston 70c parallel to plane P1. When the piston 70c is in the retracted position, the product engaging end 74c thereof is aligned or flush with or disposed within a recess in the interior surface of side wall 38 such that a product 47 is capable of being moved, in response to actuation of actuator 66b, into the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43 as described above. When the piston 70c is thereafter moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the product 47 disposed at the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43 is engaged, from behind, by the product engaging end 74c, which applies a pushing force against a forward end 80 of the product in the direction of its major axis, and is moved in a longitudinal direction parallel to plane P1 into the inner longitudinal channel section 42 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3. The product 47 at the inner end of the transverse channel section 42 is thusly moved or advanced a single position or increment while its major axis or external dimension D1 remains parallel to plane P1. Thereafter, when the piston 70c is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, a next subsequent product 47 is able to be moved into the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43. When the piston 70c is moved from the retracted position to the extended position after a subsequent product 47 has been moved into the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43, the subsequent product as well as preceding products in the inner longitudinal channel section 42 are each advanced, due to end to end contact or abutment of the products, a single position or increment corresponding to the external dimension D1. When a sufficient number of products 47 are disposed in the inner longitudinal channel section 42, operation of actuator 66c causes a most preceding product 47 in the inner longitudinal channel section 42 to be moved into an outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, the outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 being longitudinally aligned and continuous with the inner, longitudinal channel section 42. The products 47 are moved, via actuation of actuator 66c, in the longitudinal direction with the major axis or external dimension D l thereof longitudinally or axially aligned with the longitudinal direction of movement. Since the pushing force of piston 70c is applied to forward ends 80 of the products while the pushing force of piston 70a is applied to rearward ends 80xe2x80x2 of the products, the longitudinal direction of movement for products advanced by actuator 66a is opposite the longitudinal direction of movement for products advanced by actuator 66c.  In the case of product irradiation device 10, the distance that product engaging end 74c is extended perpendicularly beyond the interior surface of side wall 38 when the piston 70c is in the extended position defines the stroke for piston 70c and corresponds to the external dimension D1. Accordingly, when piston 70c moves a product at the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43, the product and all preceding products disposed in the inner longitudinal channel section 42 are each advanced a single position or increment corresponding to the external dimension D1. The inner longitudinal channel section 42 has a length between the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43 and the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 corresponding to the combined external dimensions D1 of six products 47. Therefore, six products 47 are disposed in the inner longitudinal channel section 42 during normal operation of the product irradiation device 10 with such products in contact or abutment with one another in end to end relation. In addition, the most preceding product in inner longitudinal channel section 42 contacts or abuts the product, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, at the outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 in end to end relation, and the most subsequent product in the inner longitudinal channel section 42 contacts or abuts the product, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, at the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43 in end to end relation. Of course, the length of inner longitudinal channel section 42 can be increased or decreased to accommodate more or fewer products therein. The actuator 66d serves to push a product at the outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 so as to advance the product in the inner transverse channel section 44 a single position or increment. The actuator 66d is similar to actuators 66a, 66b and 66c. Actuator 66d has its cylinder 68d and piston 70d longitudinally or axially aligned with the inner transverse channel section 43. The cylinder 68d is secured within, on or to the side wall 36, externally of channel 41, with a longitudinal axis of piston 70d perpendicular to plane P1. When the piston 70d is in the retracted position, the product engaging end 74d thereof is aligned or flush with or is disposed within a recess in the interior surface of side wall 36. Accordingly, a product 47 is capable of being moved, in response to actuation of actuator 66c, from the inner longitudinal channel section 42 into the outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 as described above. The thusly moved product will have its major axis or external dimension longitudinally or axially aligned with the inner longitudinal channel section 42 and will have its minor axis or external dimension D2 longitudinally or axially aligned with the inner transverse channel section 44, with its major axis or external dimension D1 remaining parallel to plane P1. When the piston 70d is thereafter moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the product 47 disposed at the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 is engaged, from behind, by product engaging end 74d such that a pushing force is applied to the outer side 78 of the product in the direction of its minor axis. The product disposed at the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 is thusly moved or advanced a single position or increment in the transverse direction perpendicular to plane P1. When the piston 70d is moved back to the retracted position, a next subsequent product 47 is able to be moved from the inner longitudinal channel section 42 into the outer end of transverse channel section 44 in response to actuation of actuator 66c. When the piston 70d is moved to the extended position after a subsequent product has been moved into the outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44, the subsequent product is advanced in the inner transverse channel section 44. Products 47 are moved, via actuation of actuator 66d, in the transverse direction perpendicular to plane P1 with the minor axis or external dimension D2 longitudinally or axially aligned with the transverse direction of movement and the major axis or external dimension D1 parallel to plane P1. The transverse direction of movement for products advanced by actuator 66d is in the same direction as the transverse direction of movement for products advanced by actuator 66b.  In the case of product irradiation device 10, the inner transverse channel section 44 has a length defined between interior surfaces of side walls 36 and 36xe2x80x2, respectively, and the length of inner transverse channel section 44 is greater than the combined external dimensions D2 of two products 47. Accordingly, the distance that the product engaging end 74d of piston 70d is extended perpendicularly beyond the interior surface of side wall 36, when the piston 70d is in the extended position, defines the stroke of piston 70d and is greater than the external dimension D2. In particular, the stroke of piston 70d is equal to the length of the inner transverse channel section 44 minus the external dimension D2. In this manner, a product 47 is moved by piston 70d from the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 to the opposite, outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 in a single stroke, the opposite, outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 being longitudinally aligned and continuous with the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2. Accordingly, the product 47 moved by piston 70d does not advance any preceding products in the inner transverse channel section 44 since no preceding products can be accommodated in inner transverse channel section 44. Since the product moved by piston 70d, in a single stroke, is moved from the outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 to the opposite, outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44, such product is moved from the inlet side to the outlet side of the shell 14. The actuator 66e serves to push the product 47 disposed at the opposite, outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 into the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 such that it and preceding products disposed in the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 is/are advanced a single position. The actuator 66e is similar to actuators 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d and has its cylinder 68e and piston 70e longitudinally or axially aligned with the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2. The cylinder 68e is secured in, on or to the end wall 37, externally of channel 41, with a longitudinal axis of piston 70e parallel to plane P1. When the piston 70e is in the retracted position, the product engaging end 74e thereof is aligned or flush with or disposed within a recess in the interior surface of end wall 37 such that a product 47 is capable of being moved, in response to actuation of actuator 66d, from the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 to the opposite, outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 as described above. The thusly moved product 47 will have its major axis or external dimension D1 longitudinally or axially aligned with the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 and, therefore, parallel to plane P1. When the piston 70e is thereafter moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the product 47 disposed at the opposite, outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 is engaged, from behind, by the product engaging end 74e, which applies a pushing force against the rearward end 80xe2x80x2 of the product in the direction of its major axis. As shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, the product disposed at the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 is moved in the longitudinal direction, parallel to plane P1, into the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 and is advanced a single position or increment while its major axis or external dimension D1 remains parallel to plane P1. Thereafter, when the piston 70e is moved back to the retracted position, a subsequent product 47 is able to be moved into the opposite, outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44 via actuator 66d. When the piston 70e is moved from the retracted position to the extended position after a subsequent product has been moved into the opposite, outer end of inner transverse channel section 44, the subsequent product as well as preceding products in the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 are each advanced a single position or increment, corresponding to the external dimension D l, due to end to end abutment or contact between the products in the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2. When a sufficient number of products are disposed in the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2, operation of actuator 66e causes a most preceding product in the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 to be moved into an inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2, the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 being longitudinally aligned and continuous with the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2. Products 47 are moved, via actuation of actuator 66e, in the longitudinal direction with the major axis or external dimension D1 longitudinally or axially aligned with the longitudinal direction of movement. The longitudinal direction of movement for products advanced by actuator 66e is in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of movement for products advanced by actuator 66a, which is opposite the longitudinal direction of movement for products advanced by actuator 66c.  In the case of product irradiation device 10, the distance that the product engaging end 74e is disposed beyond the interior surface of end wall 37 when the piston 70e is in the extended position defines the stroke for piston 70e and is equal to external dimension D1. The length of inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 is the same as the length of inner longitudinal channel section 42 such that six products 47 are accommodated in the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 in end to end contact or abutment. The most subsequent product in the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 is in end to end contact or abutment with the product at the opposite, outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3. The most preceding product in the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 is in end to end contact or abutment with the product at the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. Of course, the length of the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 can be modified in order to accommodate a greater or fewer number of products therein, and the length of the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 does not have to be the same as the length of inner longitudinal channel section 42 so that different numbers of products can be accommodated therein. The actuator 66f serves to pull a product 47 at the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 to advance the product a single position or increment in the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. The actuator 66f has a cylinder 68f mounted in, on or to the end wall 40xe2x80x2, externally of channel 41, and a piston 70f slidably disposed in the cylinder 68f for movement between extended and retracted positions in response to variation in fluidic pressure in the cylinder 68f. The cylinder 68f and piston 70f are aligned with the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 with a longitudinal axis of piston 70f perpendicular to plane P1 such that the piston 70f is slidable within a space between an upper side of the product or products 47 in outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 and the top wall 34 of shell 14 or within a recess formed in the top wall 34 of shell 14. The piston 70f has a product engaging end 74f depending therefrom and disposed in abutment with the side face 54xe2x80x2 or within a recess of side face 54xe2x80x2 in the extended position so as not to block or obstruct movement of a product, in response to actuation of actuator 66e, from the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 into the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. The product engaging end 74f is formed as a flat plate or is otherwise configured to engage the product disposed at the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. In the extended position for piston 70f, the product engaging end 74f is in a position to engage the outer side 78 of the product at the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2, and such product will be disposed between the end 74f and the interior surface of end wall 40xe2x80x2. The product engaging end 74f engages the outer side 78 of the product at the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 such that a pushing force is applied to the outer side 78 of the product in the direction of its minor axis when the piston 70f is moved to the retracted position. The product at the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is moved by piston 70f in a transverse direction, perpendicular to plane P1, toward the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. As the product at the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is moved by piston 70f, a preceding product or products 47 in outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is/are moved or advanced in the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 due to side to side contact or abutment between the products. The products 47 are moved, in response to actuation of actuator 66f, in the transverse direction with the minor axis or external dimension D2 longitudinally or axially aligned with the transverse direction of movement and with the major axis or external dimension D1 parallel to plane P1. The transverse direction of movement for the products advanced by actuator 66f is in the same direction as the transverse direction of movement for products advanced by actuators 66b and 66d.  In the case of product irradiation device 10, the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 has a length between side face 54xe2x80x2 and the interior surface of end wall 40xe2x80x2, and the length of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is the same or substantially the same as the length of outer transverse channel section 43. When the product 47 at the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is pulled by piston 70f, a single next preceding product is moved, in response thereto, into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 44xe2x80x2 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 being longitudinally aligned and continuous with the outer longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2. There is a gap or space 77 between the product 47 disposed at the inner end of the transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 and the next preceding product in the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. Depending on the design of actuator 66f, the stroke of piston 70f, i.e. the distance that the piston 70f moves between the extended and retracted positions, may correspond or substantially correspond to the external dimension D2 plus the width of the gap or space 77, which is the case for actuator 66f. Accordingly, in the retracted position, the product engaging end 74f will have moved from the extended position a distance equivalent or substantially equivalent to the dimension D2 plus the width of gap 77. It should be appreciated that the piston 70f does not have to extend into the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 in the extended position or in the retracted position such as, for example, when the piston 70f is slidably disposed in a passageway or recess formed in the interior surface of upper wall 34 with only the end 74f protruding into the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. When the piston 70f is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the product at the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is pulled thereby. The next preceding product in the outer transverse channel section has its outer side 78 spaced, by the width of gap 77, from the inner side 78xe2x80x2 of the product disposed at the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. As the product at the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is pulled by piston 70f, the inner side 78xe2x80x2 thereof engages the outer side 78 of the next preceding product such that the next preceding product is advanced therewith. Accordingly, products in outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 are moved or advanced by actuator 66f a single position or increment corresponding or substantially corresponding to the external dimension D2 plus the width of gap 77. The next preceding product is thusly moved into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, and the product pulled by end 74f becomes a next preceding product for the next product to be moved from the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 into the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 following return of piston 70f to the extended position. It should be appreciated that, depending on the length of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2, no gap need be present between the products therein, in which case the stroke of piston 70f can be equivalent to the dimension D2 so that the product or products is/are pulled or moved by piston 7Of an increment equivalent to one product width. Actuator 66g serves to push a product 47 at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 into the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2. The actuator 66g is similar to actuators 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d and 66e and includes cylinder 68g mounted within, on or to the side wall 38, externally of channel 41, with its piston 70g longitudinally or axially aligned with the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2. The longitudinal axis of piston 70g is parallel to plane P1; and, when the piston 70g is in the retracted position, the product engaging end 74g thereof is aligned or flush with or is disposed within a recess in the interior surface of side wall 38. Accordingly, a product 47 is capable of being moved into the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 in response to actuation of actuator 66f as described above. The thusly moved product 47 will have its major axis or external dimension D1 longitudinally or axially aligned with the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2 and will have its minor axis or external dimension D2 longitudinally or axially aligned with the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2, the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 being longitudinally aligned and continuous with the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2. When the piston 70g is thereafter moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the product 47 disposed at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is engaged, from behind, by product engaging end 74g such that a pushing force is applied to the forward end 80 of the product in the direction of its major axis. The product disposed at the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is thusly moved or advanced a single position or increment in the longitudinal direction parallel to plane P1 as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the product disposed at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is moved into the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2 causing products 47 in the outer longitudinal channel 45xe2x80x2 to be correspondingly moved or advanced a single position or increment. The products 47 moved by actuator 66g are moved in the longitudinal direction, parallel to plane P1, with the major axis or external dimension D1 longitudinally or axially aligned with the longitudinal direction of movement. The longitudinal direction of movement for products advanced by actuator 66g is in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of movement for products 47 advanced by actuator 66c. The major axis or external dimension D1 of the products moved by actuator 66g remains parallel to plane P1. When the piston 70g is moved back to the retracted position, a next subsequent product 47 is able to be moved into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 in response to actuation of actuator 66f. When the piston 70g is moved to the extended position after a subsequent product has been moved into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2, the subsequent product and preceding products are advanced a single position due to end to end contact or abutment between the products. In the case of product irradiation device 10, the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2 has a length that is the same as the length of the outer longitudinal channel section 45, and the stroke for piston 70g is the same as that for piston 70a. When a product at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is pushed by actuator 66g, a single next preceding product in outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2 is thereby pushed through the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 and is discharged onto the first end of the discharge member 64. The product 47 that is discharged onto the first end of the discharge member 64 is automatically conveyed, by gravity, toward the second end of the discharge member allowing a next subsequent product 47 to be discharged onto the first end thereof the next time that piston 70g is moved to the extended position. Products 47 are conveyed along the discharge member 64 in a transverse direction perpendicular to plane P1 while the major axis or external dimension D1 of the products remains parallel to plane P1. The transverse direction of movement for products 47 along the discharge member 64 is in the same direction as the transverse direction of movement for products 47 along the delivery member 60 and within the outer transverse channel sections 43 and 43xe2x80x2 and the inner transverse channel section 44. The fluid used to operate the actuators may comprise a liquid or a gas, such as compressed air. A fluid supply system (not shown) including a fluid source, conduits for supplying fluid to the cylinders from the fluid source and valves for controlling the pressure of fluid in the cylinders is disposed externally of the shell 14 and, preferably, is disposed within the interior of enclosure 12. A control system (not shown) for effecting automatic, timed extension and retraction of the pistons, individually or in selective unison, is also disposed externally of shell 14 and, preferably, within the interior of enclosure 12. In particular, the control system is adapted, via an appropriate software program, to effect automatic, simultaneous extension and retraction of pistons 70a, 70c, 70e and 70g in alternating sequence with simultaneous extension and retraction of pistons 70b, 70d and 70f. The control system preferably includes computer software and a control panel by which extension and retraction of particular pistons can be selected and by which the timing for extension and retraction of the pistons can be selected and adjusted as desired to control the speed with which the products 47 are moved through the transport channel 41. The excess space in enclosure 12 may be used to store additional rods 50 as well as machinery for removing and inserting the rods 50 in transport containers and for removing and replacing rods 50 within the shell 14. In particular, the enclosure 12 will have a storage container therein, capable of storing the rods 50 after receipt from the supplier. The delivery and discharge members 60 and 64 may also be stored in the interior of enclosure 12 when the product irradiation device 10 is not in use. Preferably, the control system is adapted to provide verification of piston movement and, therefore, proper operation or actuation of the actuators. The control system can include an indicator, such as an alarm, to provide an indication of malfunction of the actuators. For example, the indicator can be responsive to failure of one or more of the pistons to properly extend and/or retract. The control system can also be adapted to identify the location or locations of a malfunction or malfunctions, such as identification of a particular piston or pistons that does/do not properly extend and/or retract. According to a preferred embodiment of the product irradiation device 10, the enclosure 12 has an interior length of approximately 52.5 feet, an interior width of approximately 99 inches and an interior height of approximately 110 inches. The shell 14 has an overall length, between exterior surfaces of end wall 37 and side wall 38, of approximately 5 feet, 4xc2xc inches, a major width, between exterior surfaces of end walls 40 and 40xe2x80x2, of approximately 7 feet, 4xc2xd inches, a minor width, between exterior surfaces of side walls 36 and 36xe2x80x2, of approximately 3 feet, 10xc2xd inches and a height, between exterior surfaces of upper and lower walls 34 and 35, of approximately 45 inches. The active length for irradiation source 49 is approximately 8 feet, 3 inches. An interior width of shell 14, between interior surfaces of side walls 36 and 36xe2x80x2 is approximately 22xc2xd inches. Rods 50 may be conventional, such as the Cobalt 60 rods supplied by MDS Nordian of Canada and Reviss/Puridec of the United Kingdom. Typical rods have a diameter of 0.380 inch and an active length of 16.0 inches. In the preferred embodiment, each rod 50 has a radiation strength or intensity of 10,000 curies, and one hundred twenty rods 50 are linearly arranged in the shell insert. The tubes 51 are preferably made of stainless steel and have an outer diameter of 0.5 inch. The faces of shell insert 53 are made of stainless steel, and the shell insert has an inner width, defined between interior surfaces of side faces 54 and 54xe2x80x2 of 0.5 inch. The shield plugs 55 are preferably made of stainless steel. It should be appreciated that the specific dimensions of the enclosure, the shell, the irradiation source, the tubes and the shell insert can vary and that the specific dimensions described herein for a preferred embodiment should be considered exemplary. Similarly, the various dimensions of the transport channel can vary, and greater or fewer numbers of products can be accommodated in the various transport channel sections than those illustrated herein by way of example. Furthermore, corresponding sections of the transport channel do not have to accommodate the same number of products. The products 47 are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 as boxed products, each comprising a box made of a radiation penetrable material and a product, object, substance or material, such as food, to be irradiated disposed within the box. As an example, each product 47 may comprise a plurality of preformed hamburgers enclosed in a sealed box. The boxes of products 47 have a rectangular configuration including a pair of planar, parallel, outer and inner sides 78 and 78xe2x80x2, respectively, a pair of planar, parallel, upper and lower sides 79 and 79xe2x80x2, respectively, and a pair of planar, parallel, forward and rearward ends 80 and 80xe2x80x2, respectively, connecting sides 78, 78xe2x80x2, 79 and 79xe2x80x2 as shown in FIG. 2. However, it should be appreciated that the product irradiation device 10 can be used to irradiate various types of naturally and artificially produced or created products including boxed products and non-boxed products as well as products having different sizes and configurations. As a further example, the products to be irradiated may comprise flowers or other plant material, the irradiation of which results in relatively longer shelf/vase life and increased freshness. In the case of products 47, the boxes thereof are irradiated in order to enhance the quality of the products, substances or materials disposed within the boxes. However, it should be appreciated that products, substances or materials to be irradiated can be irradiated using the product irradiation device 10 without being disposed or enclosed in boxes or other containers. FIG. 5 illustrates a modification of products to be irradiated in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a basket 147 containing a plurality of smaller, individual packages or objects 157 to be irradiated. A plurality of baskets 147 can be supplied for use with the product irradiation device, and the packages or objects 157 are placed in the baskets 147 prior to passage of the baskets 147 through the product irradiation device. Each basket has a bottom 181 to be disposed upon and in contact with the transport surface when the baskets 147 are moved through the transport channel. The baskets 147 are continuously moved into, through and out of the product irradiation device in the same manner as described herein for boxes 47. The objects 157 can be of variable sizes or can be the same size. In FIG. 5, the objects 157 are shown as packages of different, variable sizes. As shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2, the products 47 can be provided with a radiation monitoring or indicating device 82. The radiation monitoring or indicating device 82 is disposed on an outer surface of the box of a product 47, such as being disposed on the outer surface of inner side 78xe2x80x2. The radiation monitoring or indicating device 82 is capable of providing a visual indication, for example a color change, of exposure of product 47 to the proper dose of radiation. In the case of products 47, the products, substances or materials to be irradiated are normally placed and sealed in the boxes as part of their manufacturing or processing procedures. Accordingly, the products 47 may be irradiated subsequent to manufacture or processing without any additional handling, exposure to the environment or other interference with the products, materials or substances disposed inside the boxes. The length of sides 78, 78xe2x80x2, 79 and 79xe2x80x2 between ends 80 and 80xe2x80x2 corresponds to the external dimension D1 of the products 47. The distance between outer and inner sides 78 and 78xe2x80x2 corresponds to the external dimension D2 of the products 47. The external dimensions D1 and D2 correspond to the length and width, respectively, of products 47. The distance between upper and lower sides 79 and 79xe2x80x2 corresponds to the height of products 47, which is smaller than D1 but larger than D2. In a method of irradiating products, such as products 47, according to the present invention, the pair of doors 20 defining the entry and discharge openings, respectively, of enclosure 12 are opened. The delivery member 60 is positioned to extend through the entry opening with the first end of the delivery member positioned directly in front of the inlet port 46 and the second end of the delivery member positioned at a location at or proximate the source, such as a manufacturing or processing facility, of the products 47. Similarly, the discharge member 64 is positioned to extend through the discharge opening with the first end of the discharge member positioned directly in front of the outlet port 46 xe2x80x2 and the second end of the discharge member positioned at a different location at or proximate the source. The products 47 are supplied sequentially to the second end of the delivery member 60 manually or mechanically via suitable machinery. Each product 47 is positioned on the delivery member with one of its lower sides 79xe2x80x2 disposed upon and in contact with the rollers of the delivery member 60. The products 47 are automatically conveyed or moved, due to gravity, in sequence along the delivery member 60 such that the most preceding product 47 on the delivery member 60 arrives at the first end thereof, the products being guided along the delivery member by the side rails 62. The products 47 are positioned on and conveyed along the delivery member 60 with the major axis or external dimension D1 parallel to plane P1. The products 47 are moved along the delivery member 60 in the transverse direction perpendicular to plane P1, and the exterior surface of the side wall 36 serves as a stop or abutment for a product when it arrives at the first end of the delivery member, whereby a product disposed at the first end of the delivery member 60 is longitudinally or axially aligned with the inlet port 46 and the outer longitudinal channel section 45. When operation of the product irradiation device 10 is initially commenced or started up, the most preceding product 47 on the delivery member will be a lead product. The actuator 66a is operated as described above, individually or simultaneously with actuators 66c, 66e and 66g, to push the product 47 disposed at the first end of the delivery member 60 through the inlet port 46 into the outer longitudinal channel section 45 such that the product is advanced a single increment or position. Where the product 47 at the first end of the delivery member 60 is the lead product, as during initial start up, no preceding products 47 are disposed in channel 41 to be moved by the lead product or by the actuators 66c, 66e and 66g. It should be appreciated, therefore, that actuator 66a can be actuated individually during start up without actuation of actuators 66c, 66e and 66g. When the actuators 66b, 66d and 66f are actuated subsequent to actuation of actuators 66a, 66c, 66e and 66g, i.e, following retraction of pistons 70a, 70c, 70e and 70g, no preceding products are disposed in channel 41 to be moved or advanced thereby where the product previously moved into the channel 41 through the inlet port 46 is the lead product. It should be appreciated, therefore, that the actuator 66a can be actuated individually or simultaneously with actuators 66c, 66e and 66g in sequential repetition during initial start up, without actuation of actuators 66b, 66d and 66f, until the lead product has arrived at the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43. Once the lead product 47 has been pushed through the inlet port 46 into the outer longitudinal channel section 45, the next successive or subsequent product 47 arrives at the first end of the delivery member 60 and is longitudinally or axially aligned with the inlet port 46. When the actuator 66a is thereafter actuated, individually or simultaneously with actuators 66c, 66e and 66g, the next subsequent product 47 now disposed on the first end of the delivery member 60 is pushed through the inlet port 46 into the outer longitudinal channel section 45, correspondingly moving the next preceding product, i.e. the lead product 47, into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43. Accordingly, each time a product 47 is pushed by piston 70a through the inlet port 46 from the first end of the delivery member, the next subsequent product 47 on the delivery member is automatically conveyed to the first end thereof, following retraction of the piston 70a, and is ready to be moved through the inlet port into the shell 14. Similarly, each time a product 47 is pushed by piston 70a through the inlet port 46 into the outer longitudinal channel section 45, the forward end 80 of that product engages, abuts or contacts the rearward end 80xe2x80x2 of the next preceding product and thereby pushes the next preceding product into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43. Once the lead product 47 has arrived at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43, the actuator 66b is actuated, individually or simultaneously with actuators 66d and 66f, to push the lead product toward the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43 whereby the lead product is advanced to the next position in channel 41. The next time that the actuator 66a is actuated following retraction of piston 70b, the product that is next subsequent to the lead product is moved from the outer longitudinal channel section 45 into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43. When the actuator 66b is thereafter actuated individually or simultaneously with actuators 66d and 66f, following retraction of piston 70a and piston 70c (if previously extended), the next subsequent product disposed at the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43 is pushed by piston 70b. The inner side 78xe2x80x2 of the next subsequent product engages, abuts or contacts the outer side 78 of the lead product and moves the lead product into the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43. Following retraction of piston 70b, the actuators 66a and 66c are actuated simultaneously, with or without simultaneous actuation of actuators 66e and 66g, to push another subsequent product from the first end of the delivery member 60 through the inlet port 46 into the outer longitudinal channel section 45 and to simultaneously push the lead product disposed at the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43 into the first end of the inner longitudinal channel section 42. As the another subsequent product is moved through the inlet port into the outer longitudinal channel section 45, the product next preceding thereto is moved from the outer longitudinal channel section 45 into the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43 via abutment of the forward end of the another subsequent product with the rearward end of the product next preceding thereto. The actuator 66b is actuated, individually or simultaneously with actuators 66d and 66f, following retraction of pistons 70a and 70c. As a result thereof, the product disposed at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 is pushed by piston 70b and is advanced a single increment. As the product disposed at the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43 is advanced by piston 70b, its inner side 78xe2x80x2 engages, contacts or abuts the outer side 78 of the next preceding product, which is next subsequent to the lead product. Accordingly, the product that is next subsequent to the lead product is moved into the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43. The actuators 66a and 66c continue to be actuated simultaneously, with or without simultaneous actuation of actuators 66e and 66g, in alternating sequence with actuation of actuator 66b, with or without simultaneous actuation of actuators 66d and 66f. In this manner, products 47 continue to be advanced a single position or increment in channel 41. Once six products 47 are disposed in inner longitudinal channel section 42, the lead product disposed at the second end thereof is moved into the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 the next time the actuators 66a and 66c are simultaneously actuated, with or without simultaneous actuation of actuators 66e and 66g.  Once the lead product has been moved from the second end of the inner longitudinal channel section 42 into the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44, actuator 66d is actuated simultaneously with actuator 66b, with or without simultaneous actuation of actuator 66f, following retraction of pistons 70a and 70c. Actuation of actuator 66d causes the product at the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44, i.e. the lead product, to be moved into the opposite, outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44. Simultaneous actuation of actuator 66b therewith causes a most preceding product in the outer transverse channel section 43 to be moved into the inner end thereof. Following return of pistons 70b and 70d to the retracted position, actuator 66e is actuated simultaneously with actuators 66a and 66c, with or without simultaneous actuation of actuator 66g. The lead product is moved by actuator 66e from the opposite, outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 into the second end of the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2. Simultaneously therewith, a new subsequent product is pushed by actuator 66a through the inlet port 46 into the outer longitudinal channel section 45 causing the product next preceding thereto to be moved into the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43. In addition, a product disposed at the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43 is simultaneously pushed by actuator 66c into the first end of inner longitudinal channel section 42 causing a product disposed at the second end of the inner longitudinal channel section, i.e. the product next subsequent to the lead product, to be moved into the outer end of the inner transverse channel section 44. The actuators 66b and 66d are actuated simultaneously, with or without actuation of actuator 66f, in alternating sequence with simultaneous actuation of actuators 66a, 66c and 66e, with or without actuation of actuator 66g, such that six products will be disposed in inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 in end to end relation, with the lead product 47 disposed at the first end of the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2. The next time actuators 66a, 66c and 66e are simultaneously actuated, the lead product 47 is moved into the inner end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. Once the lead product 47 has been moved from the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 into the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2, the actuator 66f is actuated simultaneously or in unison with actuators 66b and 66d. The lead product 47 disposed at the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is pulled by piston 70f toward the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2. Simultaneously therewith, the product at the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43 is advanced a single increment by piston 70b and the product at the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 is moved to the opposite, outer end thereof by piston 70d. When the actuators 66a, 66c and 66e are thereafter actuated simultaneously, the product that is next subsequent to the lead product is moved from the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 into the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2, the product at the second end of inner longitudinal channel section 42 is moved into the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 and the product in the outer longitudinal channel section 45 is moved into the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43. The next time actuators 66b, 66d and 66f are simultaneously actuated, the lead product 47 disposed in outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is moved into the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43, the product next subsequent to the lead product is pulled by piston 70f a single increment, the product at the outer end of inner transverse channel section 44 is pushed by piston 70d to the opposite, outer end thereof, the product at the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43 is pushed by piston 70d a single increment and the product next preceding thereto is moved into the inner end of outer transverse channel section 43. The actuators 66a, 66c, 66e and 66g are thereafter actuated simultaneously or in unison. As a result thereof, the lead product 47 at the outer end of outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is pushed by piston 70g into the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2. In addition, the products in outer longitudinal channel section 45 and inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2 are each advanced a single position or increment as previously described. The actuators 66b, 66d and 66f are thereafter simultaneously actuated to advance the products in the outer transverse channel sections 43 and 43xe2x80x2 and the inner transverse channel section 44 as described above. The next time actuators 66a, 66c, 66e and 66g are actuated simultaneously, the product that is disposed in the outer end of the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 is moved therefrom into the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2 causing movement of the next preceding product, i.e. the lead product 47, through the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 for discharge onto the first end of the discharge member 64. Simultaneously therewith, the products within the outer longitudinal channel section 45 and the inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2 are incrementally advanced as described above. The lead product 47 discharged onto the first end of the discharge member 64 is automatically conveyed, by gravity, toward the second end of the discharge member 64 for removal therefrom. As a result of continuous supply of products to the delivery member and continuous actuation or operation of actuators 66a, 66c, 66e and 66g in alternation with actuators 66b, 66d and 66f, the products 47 are continuously introduced in, advanced through and discharged from the product irradiation device 10. Once the lead product has been discharged from the product irradiation device, initial start up will be completed. The transport channel will be filled to capacity with products to be irradiated, and normal operation of the product irradiation device will ensue. When the product irradiation device is to be shut down following establishment of normal operation, dummy products, similar in size and shape to the actual products 47, are sequentially introduced and advanced in the transport channel in place of the actual products 47 until the last actual product 47 has been discharged therefrom. The transport channel will then be filled to capacity with dummy products, such as empty boxes, and the product irradiation device will be ready for shut down, which would typically occur during the third daily operating shift. When the product irradiation device is thereafter restarted, typically at the beginning of the first daily operating shift, actual products 47 are introduced in and advanced through the transport channel, and the dummy products discharged from the device are retrieved. The retrieved dummy products can be saved for reuse. Once the last dummy product has been discharged from the product irradiation device, normal operation of the product irradiation device will ensue. As the products 47 are moved through the transport channel 41, they are moved past the irradiation source 49. In particular, the products 47 are moved past the irradiation source 49 as they are moved through inner longitudinal channel sections 42 and 42xe2x80x2, i.e. the high radiation zone. The products 47 have their external dimension D1 disposed parallel to plane P1 and, therefore, the irradiation source 49, as they enter, move through and are discharged from the shell 14. The inner side 78xe2x80x2 of the products 47 faces the irradiation source 49 as the products move through the inner longitudinal channel section 42, and the outer side 78 of the products faces the irradiation source 49 as the products move through the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2. The outer and inner sides 78 and 78xe2x80x2 that face the irradiation source 49 during movement of the products 47 through the shell 14 constitute the major external dimension for the products 47 such that a major or maximum area or part of the products is exposed to the maximum radiation. Each product 47 has its lower side 79xe2x80x2 in direct contact with the transport surface 48, i.e. the interior surface of lower wall 35. As the products 47 enter, move through and are discharged from the transport channel 41, the lower sides 79xe2x80x2 remain in contact with the transport surface 48. The parallel orientation of the major axis or external dimension D1 with the plane P1 as the products enter, move through and are discharged from the shell 14 is maintained by the close correspondence of the cross-sectional size and configuration of the transport channel 41 to the external cross-sectional sizes and configurations of the products. Accordingly, as the products are moved through the shell, opposite sides of the products are irradiated without requiring rotation of the products or other undesired displacement of the products from their parallel orientation with plane P1. The products 47 enter the shell 14 on one side of the enclosure 12 and are discharged from the shell 14 on an opposite side of the enclosure 12. In particular, the products 47 enter the enclosure 12 at a location disposed on side wall 17 and exit the enclosure 12 at a location disposed on the side wall 17xe2x80x2. Accordingly, the products 47 enter and exit the product irradiation device 10 at different, remote locations such that nonirradiated products entering the product irradiation device 10 should not become confused or intermingled with irradiated products exiting the product irradiation device 10. In the preferred method of irradiating products, the actuators 66a, 66c, 66e and 66g are actuated simultaneously in alternating sequence with simultaneous actuation of actuators 66b, 66d and 66f in ten second intervals. Accordingly, ten seconds after the pistons 70a, 70c, 70e and 70g are simultaneously extended, the pistons 70b and 70d are simultaneously extended and the piston 70f is retracted simultaneously with extension of pistons 70b and 70d. The pistons 70a, 70c, 70e and 70g are again simultaneously extended ten seconds after simultaneous extension of pistons 70b and 70d and retraction of piston 70f, and so on. A new product 47 will enter the shell 14 every ten seconds, and each product will spend approximately three minutes in the shell 14 passing through the transport channel 41. It should be appreciated, however, that the speed of movement of the products through the transport channel can be adjusted by adjusting the intervals at which new products are introduced in the transport channel and by adjusting the timing for extension and retraction of the pistons. For example, it may be desirable to decrease the speed of the products through the transport channel to increase the dosage of radiation imparted to the products. The speed of the products may also be adjusted to account for decay of the irradiation source. For example, the speed of products through the shell may be decreased to offset radioactive decay of rods 50. In an alternative embodiment, the shell 14 can be rotated, as shown by the arrow 84 in FIG. 2, 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG. 2. The upper and lower walls 34 and 35, respectively, will then define side walls for the shell 4, the side wall 36, side wall segment 39 and end wall 40 will define an upper wall for the shell 14, and the side wall 36xe2x80x2, side wall segment 39xe2x80x2 and end wall 40xe2x80x2 will define a lower wall for the shell 14. In this orientation, the inlet port 46 will be disposed along a top of the shell 14, and the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 will be disposed along a bottom of the shell 14. Of course, the delivery and discharge members can be modified, as necessary, to permit gravity conveyance of products to the inlet port 46 and gravity conveyance of products away from the outlet port 46xe2x80x2. Where the shell 14 is rotated 90 degrees, a suitable enclosure for the shell can be provided, the enclosure having entry and exit openings establishing communication with the inlet and outlet ports, respectively, from externally of the enclosure. By rotating the shell 90xc2x0, the plane P1 of the irradiation source will be oriented horizontally rather than vertically as in the case of shell 14. In this manner, products will pass above and below the irradiation source rather than passing the irradiation source on opposite sides thereof as in the case of product irradiation device 10. In order to illustrate this arrangement, FIG. 3 can be considered representative of a side view of a modified shell that has been rotated 90xc2x0 and, in particular, a side view of shell 14 rotated 90xc2x0. When thusly rotated, the shell 14 can be modified so that the inlet port 46 and the outlet port 46xe2x80x2 are not located at the top and bottom, respectively, of the shell. For example, it may be desirable for the inlet and outlet ports 46 and 46xe2x80x2 to be disposed on opposite sides of or on the same side of the shell. Accordingly, as an example, the outer longitudinal channel section 45 and the outer transverse channel section 43 can be disposed in the same plane or at the same elevation as the inner longitudinal channel section 42 so that the transport surfaces of the outer longitudinal channel section 45, the outer transverse channel section 43 and the inner longitudinal channel section 42 are all disposed in the same plane, such plane being parallel to the plane P1 of the irradiation source. Similarly, the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2 and the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 can be disposed in the same plane or at the same elevation as the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 so that the transport surfaces of the outer longitudinal channel section 45xe2x80x2, the outer transverse channel section 43xe2x80x2 and the inner longitudinal channel section 42xe2x80x2 are all disposed in the same plane, such plane being parallel to the plane P1 of the irradiation source and the plane containing the transport surfaces of channel sections 42, 43 and 45. With this approach, vertical lowering of the products is needed at only one location in that the products would only need to be vertically lowered from the outer end to the inner end of the inner transverse channel section 44, the outer and inner ends of channel section 44 now being upper and lower ends thereof since the channel section 44 is oriented vertically due to rotation of the shell 14 by 90xc2x0. The modified shell design discussed above is particularly amenable to irradiating relatively small objects or packages contained in baskets. The modified shell design allows products to be transported through the shell with bottoms, rather than sides, of the products, such as bottoms of the baskets, disposed and supported on the transport surface, thusly minimizing concerns with product shifting within containers, boxes or baskets as could occur when the containers, boxes or baskets are supported or placed on their sides when passing through the transport channel. In the modified shell design, the inlet and outlet ports may be located on the same side of the shell in order to minimize total width of the device. No moving mechanical parts are disposed in the high radiation zone of the shell 14 which would require access to the interior of the shell 14 in order to perform maintenance and/or repair. The pistons 70 are disposed outside of or beyond the high radiation zone. Each of the cylinders 68 is mounted externally of the transport channel 41, either on, to or within the walls of the shell, allowing the actuators to be accessed externally of the shell interior in order to perform maintenance and/or repair. The actuators are simple linear devices that are easily removable and replaceable for maintenance without removing the irradiation source from the device. The transport surface 48, upon and along which the products are moved, is formed by an interior surface or surfaces of the shell 14 without requiring any moving support surfaces or parts. The products are irradiated at the processing or manufacturing facility or other source thereof and are ready for transport or distribution immediately upon discharge from the irradiation device. The prescribed path for the products through the shell is uncomplicated and eliminates or reduces the risk of malfunction and/or damage to the products being irradiated. Human operation or intervention is greatly minimized in that irradiation is accomplished automatically once the control system has been set to select a desired automatic, timed operation for the actuators. Various natural or artificially created products can be irradiated with the product irradiation device. The irradiator shell 14 and the arrangement of the prescribed path therethrough allow the size of the irradiator shell to be minimized for reduced cost and material needs. The actuators are simple and uncomplicated and are compatible for use with various types of products to be irradiated. The strokes or extensions of the pistons can vary in accordance with the dimensions of the products and the distance that the products must be moved in the transport channel. The size and configuration of the inlet and outlet ports may closely correspond to the size and configuration of the products to minimize excess space or gaps at the inlet and outlet ports. The size and configuration of the inlet and outlet ports as well as the cross-sectional size and configuration of the transport channel are preferably no larger than necessary to accommodate the products therein so as to eliminate or greatly reduce the risk of inadvertent human access to the interior of the shell. Accordingly, the inlet and outlet ports are sized to prevent or preclude human access passively, without any interlocks and/or opening/closing mechanisms. The product engaging ends of the actuators can have various configurations in accordance with the characteristics of the products to be engaged thereby, and the product engaging ends may have planar or non-planar surfaces. Depending on the cross-sectional size of the transport channel, the product engaging ends do not have to be aligned or flush with or disposed within the walls of the shell in the retracted position but, rather, can protrude into the transport channel. The pistons of the actuators can be mounted for movement within the wall or walls of the shell with only the product engaging ends thereof protruding into the transport channel in the extended position to engage the products to be moved thereby. The product irradiation device is intended to be fabricated offsite and can be assembled and tested prior to shipment to the site at which product irradiation is to take place. The product irradiation device can be shipped as two or more subassemblies, which are reassembled on site. It should be appreciated that the subject invention is subject to various modifications, variations and changes in detail. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments should be considered illustrative only and should not be taken in a limiting sense.