Patent Number: 
Section: abstract

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