Patent Publication Number: US-10762999-B2

Title: Irradiator apparatus and system and method for irradiating a sample using x-rays

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/569,450, filed on Oct. 6, 2017, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to an irradiator apparatus and system utilizing a single radiation source, such as X-rays to irradiate materials. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In the irradiation of materials, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,255 to Kirk (Rad Source Technologies) discloses an irradiator having two X-ray sources located in opposing directions to allow sample irradiation from top and bottom simultaneously to provide dose coverage of the sample. A two X-ray source irradiator can be advantageous, such as in promoting alleviating X-ray absorption and attenuation typically associated with using a single radiation source X-ray irradiator. However, a two radiation source X-ray irradiator having two X-ray tubes can be disadvantageous in certain respects, such as its relative size as to suitability for confined locations, more shielding requirements are typically needed for radiation emitted, and the relative complexity of the powering and cooling systems used to operate the two tubes. 
     Also, a two-source irradiator typically has an irradiator configuration that can limit the effectiveness of an irradiation reflector, as it can be typically be located to the sides of the irradiated product, such as a collar mounted around the sample canister to reflect the X-rays, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,876 to Kirk. In addition, an X-ray beam from a two-source irradiator can exhibit a profile asymmetry and dose non-uniformity in irradiated samples, and precise sample irradiation typically requires a high dose uniformity throughout the irradiated sample, for example. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,099 to Gueorguiev an irradiation system is disclosed that uses a single X-ray source and a radiation reflector comprised of low Z material, high density material, with the reflector being positioned to receive radiation penetrating and exiting the product sample to reflect the radiation back to the product sample. Such disclosed single source irradiation system can promote addressing irradiator complexity typical with plural radiation sources and can advantageously use the reflector to allow X-ray radiation to be reflected back to the product sample being irradiated, such as can help compensate partly for the radiation attenuated from the top of the product sample. However, such single source irradiation system is believed to not fully address providing dose uniformity in the irradiated sample in that, for example, X-ray beam profile asymmetry may exist, such as an anode heel effect, typically at the sample edges and the efficiency of the X-ray reflection may be not as efficient for deeper product sample containers, such as can result in a lack of dose coverage at the bottom of the product sample. 
     Therefore, an irradiator apparatus or system utilizing a single radiation source would be desirable, such as having a single X-ray source, to irradiate materials. It would further be desirable to have a single X-ray source irradiator apparatus or system that has a radiation reflector in conjunction with a moving mechanism to allow product sample container rotation and reflector movement to facilitate radiation distribution. In addition, it would be desirable for an irradiator apparatus or system to have a radiation filter associated with the X-ray source to facilitate allowing optimal dose distribution throughout the irradiated product sample. 
     It is also desirable to provide an irradiator apparatus or system that can provide a relatively better dose uniformity throughout the irradiated material, while enabling the irradiator apparatus or system to be compact and portable. 
     Thus, a single radiation source irradiator apparatus and system to deliver radiation to a product sample addressing the aforementioned needs is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention include an irradiator apparatus or system having a single radiation source, such as a single X-ray source, to deliver radiation to a product sample to be irradiated, a reflector assembly to reflect radiation delivered by the single radiation source to the product sample back to the product sample, a sample holder associated with the reflector assembly configured to hold a product sample container or canister that receives the product sample to be irradiated, and a rotation device associated with the sample holder and configured to rotate, flip or orient the product sample container to a plurality of positions or orientations to deliver radiation to the product sample at each of the plurality of positions or orientations to facilitate a substantially uniform irradiation of the product sample and a substantially uniform radiation exposure delivered to the product sample providing a substantial dose profile uniformity in the irradiated product sample. The rotation device in embodiments of the irradiator apparatus or system can be configured with the reflector assembly to flip, orient or rotate the rotatable product sample container to facilitate delivery of radiation to the product sample at different positions or orientations of the rotatable sample container. 
     Embodiments provide methods for product sample irradiation including providing a plurality of radiation deliveries to a product sample delivered at each of a plurality of positions or orientations of the product sample in an irradiator apparatus or system. The method includes providing a plurality of irradiation deliveries from a single radiation source to a product sample, such as desirably a two-step radiation delivery to the product sample. The plurality of radiation deliveries includes initially positioning a product sample to be irradiated in a product sample container or canister, positioning the product sample container or canister positioned in association with a sample holder at an initial position or orientation in the irradiator apparatus or system, irradiating the product sample by delivering radiation from a single radiation source, such as a single X-ray source, to the product sample positioned at the initial position or orientation, reflecting the radiation delivered to the product sample at the initial position or orientation by a reflector assembly back to the product sample, successively positioning the product sample in the product sample container or canister in the sample holder at a predetermined one or more other positions or orientations in the irradiator apparatus or system by flipping, rotating or orienting the product sample container to a corresponding one other position or orientation, successively delivering to the product sample at each other position or orientation of the plurality of positions or orientations radiation from the single radiation source, such as an X-ray source, to the product sample positioned at a corresponding one of each other position or orientation, and reflecting by the reflector assembly the radiation delivered to the product sample positioned at the corresponding one of each other position or orientation of the plurality of positions or orientations back to the product sample, the plurality of radiation deliveries to the product sample positioned at the initial position or orientation and at the one or more other positions or orientations of the plurality of positions or orientations delivering radiation to the product sample facilitating a substantially uniform irradiation of the product sample and a substantially uniform radiation exposure delivered to the product sample providing a substantial dose profile uniformity in the irradiated product sample. Hence, beam profile asymmetry and the lack of dose profile uniformity can be better resolved by employing embodiments of the methods for irradiating a product sample including a plurality of radiation deliveries at each of a plurality of positions or orientations of the product sample in an irradiator apparatus or system. 
     In embodiments of methods for irradiating a product sample, the methods can also desirably include moving at least a part of or all of the reflector assembly away from the product sample container or canister to enable positioning or orienting the product sample container or canister, such as by rotating or orienting the product sample container or canister including the product sample to the initial orientation or position or to a corresponding other one of a predetermined plurality of positions or orientations for irradiation of the product sample. Hence, the beam profile asymmetry and the lack of dose profile uniformity can be better resolved by embodiments of methods for sample irradiation including a plurality of radiation deliveries. 
     Also, embodiments of methods can include desirably include associating the sample holder with a rotation device and rotating the sample holder by the rotation device to flip, orient or rotate the rotatable product sample container to position or orient the product sample to facilitate delivery of radiation to the product sample at different positions or orientations. Also, embodiments of methods can desirably include providing the sample holder for the product sample container as a part of the reflector assembly to flip, orient or rotate the product sample container to facilitate delivery of radiation to the product sample at different positions or orientations of the rotatable product sample container. 
     Also, embodiments of the irradiator apparatus can desirably include a reflector assembly to reflect the delivered radiation, the reflector assembly including or formed of material having a low-Z number, Z being the atomic number of the material, and can desirably include the reflector assembly being formed of or including material having high density, d, for efficient X-ray reflection. Such materials of a low or a relatively low Z number and having a high or relatively high density can facilitate a scattered radiation beam to be reflected towards the product sample, and can therefore promote reducing the time of radiation exposure of the product sample. Examples of low Z materials include but are not limited to beryllium, boron, carbon or some combination thereof, and higher density forms of these materials are desirable, but other factors to consider in material selection can include, for example, availability, cost, safety, etc. of the material, and as can depend on the use or application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Embodiments of a reflector assembly in embodiments of an irradiator system and apparatus can desirably include a reflector assembly that is movable in full or in part for the irradiation to allow the product sample container or canister and the product sample positioned in a product sample container or canister to rotate or move to position or orient the product sample for irradiation. For example, the product sample container or canister can be placed inside a reflector assembly and irradiated from one side, then the irradiation cycle is paused while the reflector assembly is moved out of the way for rotation or orientation of the product sample container or canister including the product sample, and then the reflector assembly is moved back and positioned over or in a surrounding relation to the product sample container or canister including the product sample to then be irradiated from the other side. 
     Embodiments of an irradiator apparatus or system can desirably include an X-ray filter positioned at the X-ray source output to facilitate better dose uniformity in the irradiated product sample. The X-ray filter is desirably formed of, for example, copper or other suitable material that can provide the desired filtering and, desirably, the X-ray filter has a suitable configuration or profile, such as flat, stepped or domed configuration or profile, as can depend on the irradiation application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. For example, a metallic X-ray filter in embodiments of irradiation apparatuses and systems can desirably have a step profile or configuration at the filter&#39;s center, as can allow for better dose uniformity in the irradiated product sample. 
     Embodiments also include methods for controlling irradiation of a product sample in an irradiator system or apparatus, the methods including providing a controlled workflow to control a radiation amount to be delivered to a product sample at each of a plurality of radiation deliveries by a single radiation source, such as a single X-ray source, to provide a total radiation amount delivered to the product sample for the plurality of radiation deliveries having a substantial dose profile uniformity in the irradiated product sample, determining a beam on-time in the controlled workflow for each of the plurality of radiation deliveries corresponding to a radiation amount to be delivered to a product sample at each of a plurality of radiation deliveries by a single radiation source, determining in the controlled workflow a position or orientation of the product sample for each of the plurality of radiation deliveries, synchronizing in the controlled workflow movements of a sample holder configured to hold the product sample to be irradiated, movements of at least a portion of a reflector assembly, the reflector assembly configured to reflect radiation delivered by the single radiation source to the product sample back to the product sample, and the determined beam on-time for each of the plurality of radiation deliveries to deliver radiation to the product sample at each corresponding one or the plurality of radiation deliveries, and controlling the single radiation source in the controlled workflow to deliver radiation to the product sample for each corresponding determined beam on-time for each of the plurality of radiation deliveries at each corresponding determined position or orientation of the product sample to provide a substantially uniform irradiation of the product sample and a substantially uniform radiation exposure delivered to the product sample to provide a substantial dose profile uniformity in the irradiated product sample. 
     Embodiments of methods including a controlled workflow to control a radiation amount to be delivered to a product sample desirably include on-time control and synchronization of radiation delivery with sample holder and reflector assembly movement. Embodiments of the controlled workflow to control a radiation amount to be delivered to a product sample can also include timer setting and irradiator and radiation dose data recording, data transfer or the radiation delivery through a network, and data printing and reporting of the radiation delivery. 
     These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an embodiment of a schematic illustration of an irradiator apparatus or system incorporating a single radiation source, such as an X-ray tube, and a filter, positioned in facing relation to a product sample positioned within a moveable reflector assembly, in conjunction with an embodiment of a controlled workflow network, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is an embodiment of a schematic illustration of an irradiator apparatus or system incorporating a single radiation source incorporating an X-ray tube with a product sample positioned inside the reflector assembly and a front side of the product sample being irradiated by radiation from the X-ray-tube, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 1C  is an embodiment of a schematic illustration of an irradiator apparatus or system incorporating a single radiation source incorporating an X-ray tube with a product sample being positioned outside of the reflector assembly and the product sample being rotated by one hundred eighty (180) degrees from the front side position of the product sample, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 1D  is an embodiment of a schematic illustration of an irradiator apparatus or system incorporating a single radiation source incorporating an X-ray tube with a product sample positioned inside the reflector assembly and a back side of the product sample being irradiated by radiation from the X-ray-tube, according to the present invention. 
       FIG.  1 E 1 , FIG.  1 E 2 , FIG.  1 E 3 , FIG.  1 E 4  and FIG.  1 E 5  are schematic top view illustrations of an embodiment of an a irradiator apparatus or system illustrating an exemplary plurality of delivery positions or orientations, radiation deliveries at these positions or orientations and rotations or orientations of the product sample in relation to an X, Y and Z coordinate axis system to position or orient the product sample at a plurality of radiation positions or orientations for irradiation of the product sample to provide a substantially uniform dose distribution throughout the volume or the product sample, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a multi-part reflector assembly of an irradiator apparatus or system illustrating reflector assembly components of a reflector assembly having a first part configured to provide or be integrated or associated with a sample holder for a product sample container or canister configured to include a product sample to be the irradiated in communication with a rotation device to selectively rotate or orient the product sample to corresponding ones of a plurality of positions or orientations, and the reflector assembly having a second part configured for selective free linear movement towards or away from the product sample, such as by using a motor, to enable and facilitate rotation of the product sample container or canister including the product sample to position or orient the product sample in a plurality of positions or orientations for radiation delivery, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a multi-part reflector assembly of an irradiator apparatus or system illustrating reflector assembly components of a reflector assembly having a first part configured to provide or be integrated or associated with a sample holder for a product sample container or canister configured to include a product sample, and the reflector assembly having a second part including an aperture located in the second part reflector assembly wall to receive and support product samples in product sample containers of a suitable configuration, such as of a of cylindrical profile or configuration, as can receive syringes, and the second part of the reflector assembly being configured for selective free linear movement towards or away from the product sample containers or canisters, such as the product sample containers or canisters with latched lids to be positioned in association with the first part of the reflector assembly, to enable and facilitate rotation of the product sample container or canister including the product sample to position or orient the product sample in a plurality of positions or orientations for radiation delivery, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is an embodiment of a schematic illustration of a reflector assembly having an aperture located in the reflector assembly wall to receive and support product sample containers of a suitable configuration to position a product sample therein in a sample receiving space formed within the reflector assembly, the aperture being of a suitable configuration, such as a cylindrical shape or configuration as can receive syringes, to be positioned or placed in the aperture in the reflector assembly wall, and the product sample supported or positioned in the reflector assembly can selectively be rotated or oriented to a plurality of positions or orientations or can remain in a single predetermined stationary position for irradiation of the product sample, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2D  is an embodiment of a schematic illustration of a reflector assembly having a U-shaped notch located in the reflector assembly wall to receive and support product sample containers of a suitable configuration to position a product sample therein in a sample receiving space formed within the reflector assembly, the aperture being of a suitable U-shaped configuration, such as can receive syringes, to be positioned or placed in the aperture in the reflector assembly wall, and the product sample supported or positioned in the reflector assembly can selectively be rotated or oriented to a plurality of positions or orientations or can remain in a single predetermined stationary position for irradiation of the product sample, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a schematic, perspective top view illustration of an embodiment of an X-ray filter of embodiments of an irradiator apparatus or system illustrating the X-ray filter having a flat filter shape, profile or configuration, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an X-ray filter of embodiments of an irradiator apparatus or system illustrating the X-ray filter desirably having a step-filter shape, profile or configuration, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3C  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an X-ray filter of embodiments of an irradiator apparatus or system illustrating the X-ray filter having a bell-filter shape, profile or configuration, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a graphic illustration of a lateral dose profile of irradiation in a plastic block delivered using an embodiment of an irradiator apparatus or system having a single X-ray tube and an X-ray filter of a flat filter shape, profile or configuration, illustrating a dose higher at center and lower at edges of the irradiated plastic block, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a graphic illustration of a theoretical lateral dose profile of irradiation in a plastic block as delivered using an embodiment of an irradiator apparatus or system having a single X-ray tube and an X-ray filter of a step-filter shape, profile or configuration, illustrating a relatively improved dose uniformity in the irradiated plastic block over that using an X-ray filter of a flat filter shape, profile or configuration, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary process flow diagram of a method for irradiation a product sample in conjunction with an embodiment of a method for controlling irradiation of a product sample in an irradiator system or apparatus including a controlled workflow to control a radiation amount to be delivered to a product sample, illustrating embodiments of operation methods of the irradiator apparatus or system for product samples irradiated in a controlled workflow, desirably including beam On-time control, synchronization with sample holder and reflector assembly movement, and dose data recording and processing through a network, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of an irradiator apparatus or system of embodiments of the irradiator apparatus and system of  FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrating a relatively compact system design, according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Unless otherwise indicated, similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses and/or systems described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the systems, apparatuses, and/or methods described herein will likely suggest themselves to those of ordinary skilled in the art. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted to increase clarity and conciseness. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates schematically an exemplary construction of an embodiment of an irradiator apparatus or system  100  and various components of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 . In the embodiment of a schematic illustration of an irradiator apparatus or system  100  of  FIG. 1A  there is included a single radiation source  1 , such as an X-ray tube  1 , and a radiation filter  30 , such as an X-ray filter  30 , positioned in facing relation to a product sample  2  to be irradiated, such as positioned in a product sample canister or product sample container  2   a , illustrated as being positioned within a moveable reflector or reflector assembly  3 . A suitable cooling system  10  is in communication with the single radiation source  1  to cool the single radiation source  1  for radiation delivery, with a suitable power source  9  being in communication with the single radiation source  1  and other components of the irradiation apparatus or system  100  to provide operating power to the single radiation source  1  for radiation delivery and to operate other components of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 . 
     In  FIG. 1A , the power source  9 , for example, powers a suitable motor  14  for movement of at least a part of the reflector assembly  3 , the motor  14  being in communication with a suitable driver, such as a suitable shaft assembly  7  to drive movement of at least a part of the reflector assembly  3 , such as toward or away from the product sample container or canister  2   a  that includes the product sample  2 . Also, for example, the power source  9  desirably provides power to a suitable motor  13  that is communicatively connected to or associated with a sample holder  5 , such as through a shaft assembly  6 , communicatively associated with a rotation device  5   a  to rotate, flip or orient the product sample canister or container  2   a  and the product sample  2  to a plurality of positions or orientations to deliver radiation to the product sample  2  selectively positioned at corresponding ones of the plurality of positions or orientations to facilitate a substantially uniform irradiation of the product sample  2  and a substantially uniform radiation exposure delivered to the product sample  2  to provide a substantial dose profile uniformity in the irradiated product sample  2 . 
     The irradiator apparatus or system  100  desirably also includes a suitable controller/processor  15  that is communicatively associated with a suitable memory  16  for operation and control of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  and recording and monitoring of the radiation delivery process to the product sample  2 , the controller/processor  15  and the suitable memory  16  can be powered by a suitable power source, such as the power source  9 . The controller/processor  15  that is communicatively associated with the memory  16  can be associated with or a part of a network N for providing a controlled workflow for radiation delivery by embodiments of irradiator apparatus or systems, such as the irradiator apparatus or system  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the network N can include the controller/processor  15  and the memory  16 , and a suitable interface  17  as can include one or more of a suitable display, keyboard or touchpad, for example, for communication and control of the radiation delivery. The network N can include one or more of an external or an internal network  18 , communicating with the controller/processor  15  and the memory  16  though the interface  17 . The external or internal network  18  can include one or more networks  18  as can include a data storage/memory  18   a  as can communicate with one or more controllers/processors  18   c  through one or more suitable interfaces  18   b , as can include one or more of a suitable display, keyboard or touchpad, for example. The controlled workflow as can be implemented through the network N to control a radiation amount to be delivered to the product sample  2 , desirably including beam on-time control, synchronization with sample holder and reflector assembly movement, and dose data recording and processing through the network  18 , for example, is discussed further herein with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The controller/processor  15 , the memory  16 , the internal and external network  18  including the data storage/memory  18   a  as can communicate with one or more controller/processors  18   c  through one or more suitable interfaces  18   b  for a controlled workflow for the radiation delivery by the irradiator apparatus or system  100 , can represent, for example, a stand-alone computer, computer terminal, portable computing device, networked computer or computer terminal, or networked portable device, such as a cell phone, tablet, pad or other wireless communication device. Data and control information for the radiation delivery, monitoring and recording can be entered into the network N for radiation delivery by the irradiator apparatus or system  100  by a user or operator of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  or the associated network N via any suitable type of user interface  17 ,  18   b , and can be stored in computer readable memories, such as the memory  16  and the data storage/memory  18   a , which may be any suitable type of computer readable and programmable memory. Calculations, processing and analysis are performed by the controller/processor  15  or the controller/processor  18   c  or other processors of system components of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  and the associated network N, which can be any suitable type of computer processor, and can be displayed to the user on the interface display of the interface  17 ,  18   b , either of which can be any suitable type of computer/processor or networked portable device, as can have a suitable display, for example. 
     The controller/processor components of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  and of the associated network N including the controller/processor  15 , the controller/processor  18   c  and other controllers/processors of the network N can be associated with, or incorporated into, any suitable type of computing device, for example, a personal computer or a programmable logic controller (PLC) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) as can include hardware, software and firmware for the radiation delivery, monitoring and recording process. The interface/display  17 ,  18   b , the controller/processor components of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  as can include the associated network N, including the controller/processor  15 , the controller/processor  18   c , the memory  16  and the data storage/memory  18   a  of the network  18 , and any associated computer readable media are in communication with one another by any suitable type of data bus or other wired or wireless communication, as is well known in the art. 
     Examples of computer readable media include a magnetic recording apparatus, non-transitory computer readable storage memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and/or a semiconductor memory (for example, RAM, ROM, etc.). Examples of magnetic recording apparatus that may be used as or in addition to memory  16 , the data storage/memory  18   a  and other data storage components of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  and the associated network N, include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), and a magnetic tape (MT). Examples of the optical disk include a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and a CD-R (Recordable)/RW. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates is an embodiment of a schematic illustration of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  incorporating a single radiation source  1 , such as incorporating an X-ray tube  1 , with a product sample  2  in the product sample container or canister  2   a  positioned inside the reflector assembly  3  being irradiated by radiation from the single radiation source  1 , such as the X-ray-tube  1 . In  FIG. 1B , the X-ray tube  1  is facing a front side  11  of the product sample container and the product sample  2  to deliver radiation to the product sample  2  through the front side  11  to irradiate the product sample  2 , the radiation passing though the radiation filter  30 , such as the X-ray filter  30 . The reflector assembly  3  reflects X-rays, or other suitable radiation, that has been provided in a beam  8  delivered by the single radiation source  1 , that has been filtered by the radiation filter  30 , such as the X-ray filter  30 , and provided to the product sample  2  through its front side  11 , for example, back to the product sample  2 . The sample holder  5  associated with the reflector assembly  3  is configured to hold a product sample canister or container  2   a  that receives the product sample  2  to be irradiated. The X-ray beam  8  is partly absorbed by product sample  2  at the front side  11  and the remaining delivered radiation is partly scattered and reaches the reflector assembly  3  which results in a reflected X-ray beam  4  being delivered to the product sample  2  from a rear side  12  of the product sample container  2   a  that includes the product sample  2 . 
     After a first of a plurality of irradiations of the product sample  2 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , at a first position or orientation, such as a position or orientation having the front side  11  of the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  being positioned in facing relation to the single radiation source  1 , it is desirable to rotate the product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2  to other of a plurality of positions for radiation delivery to the product sample  2 . In this regard, a rotation device  5   a  is associated with the sample holder  5  and configured to selectively rotate, flip or orient the product sample canister or container  2   a  and the product sample  2  to a plurality of positions or orientations to deliver radiation to the product sample  2  positioned at each of the plurality of positions or orientations to facilitate a substantially uniform irradiation of the product sample  2  and a substantially uniform radiation exposure delivered to the product sample  2  providing a substantial dose profile uniformity in the irradiated product sample  2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1C , there is shown an embodiment of a schematic illustration of an irradiator apparatus or system  100  incorporating the single radiation source  1 , such as incorporating an X-ray tube  1 , with the product sample  2  in the product sample canister or container  2   a  being positioned outside of the reflector assembly  3  to enable the product sample  2  in the product sample canister or container  2   a  to be positioned or oriented an another one of a plurality of positions or orientations for irradiation of the product sample  2 . In this example of  FIG. 1C , the product sample and the product sample canister or container  2   a  are being rotated by one hundred eighty (180) degrees from the front side  11  position of the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  to the rear side  12  of the product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2 . The rotation device  5   a  in embodiments of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  can be configured with the reflector assembly  3  to flip, orient or rotate the product sample container  2   a  to facilitate delivery of radiation to the product sample  2  at different positions or orientations of the rotatable product sample canister or container  2   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the sample holder  5  to position or orient the product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2  for delivery of radiation is rotated or oriented by the rotation device  5   a . The rotation device  5   a  is associated with the shaft assembly  6  and the rotation or orientation movement of the rotation device  5   a  is powered by the motor  13 , such as a stepper motor  13 , desirably, in this case for a rotation of the product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2  one hundred eighty (180) degrees so that the rear side  12  of product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2  is now positioned in facing relation to the radiation beam  8  generated by the single radiation source  1 , for example. In  FIG. 1C , to enable rotation of the product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2 , the reflector assembly  3  is moved by shaft assembly  7  powered by the motor  14 , such as using a stepper motor  14 , to move at least a first part or portion of the reflector assembly  3  away from the product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2 . Moving at least a portion of the reflector assembly  3  away from the product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2  provides a space or area within the irradiator apparatus or system  100  to enable the rotation device  5   a  associated with the sample holder  5  that holds the product sample canister or container  2   a  or the product sample  2 , to rotate, flip or orient the product sample canister or container  2   a  and the product sample  2  to another of a plurality of radiation delivery positions or orientations, such as to rotate the product sample  2  by one hundred eighty (180) degrees in this case, such that the rear side  12  of the product sample container  2   a  and the product sample  2  is positioned in facing relation to the single radiation source  1  for radiation delivery at this another of a plurality of radiation delivery positions or orientations. 
     Also, it is desirable that the described motor movement of the reflector assembly  3  through the shaft assembly  7  by the motor  14  and the described motor movement of the rotation device  5   a  associated with the sample holder  5  though the shaft assembly  6  by the motor  13  be implemented in an automated systems of the Network N, such as under control of the controller/processor  15 , or other suitable automated control, for example, as such automated control can enhance the radiation throughput delivered to the product sample  2 . However, manual movement of the rotation device  5   a  associated with the sample holder  5  though the shaft assembly  6  and manual movement of the reflector assembly  3  through the shaft assembly  7  can also be performed, either with or without the use of the motors  13  and  14 , as can be desirable for certain uses or applications, and, therefore, the manner of movement of the reflector assembly  3  and the rotation device  5   a  associated with the sample holder  5  should not be construed in a limiting sense. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1D , there is illustrated a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an irradiator apparatus or system  100  incorporating the single radiation source  1 , such as incorporating an X-ray tube  1 , and illustrates the product sample  2 , after being rotated as described in  FIG. 1C , then being irradiated by radiation from the X-ray-tube  1 , with the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  positioned inside the reflector assembly  3  and the back or rear side  12  of the product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2  positioned in facing relation to the radiation source  1  for radiation delivery to the product sample  2  through the back or rear side  12 . Prior to radiation delivery by the single radiation source  1  at the radiation delivery position having the back or rear side  12  of the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  positioned in facing relation to the single radiation source  1 , the reflector assembly  3  is returned to its initial position or radiation delivery position, as illustrated in  FIG. 1D , the reflector assembly  3  covering or being positioned in surrounding relation to the fully rotated product sample container  2   a  including the product sample  2 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 1D , the radiation beam  8 , such as the X-ray beam  8 , is applied to the product sample  2  from the back or rear side  12  allowing back irradiation of the product sample  2 . In  FIG. 1D , the X-ray tube  1  is facing the back or rear side  12  of the product sample container  2   a  and the product sample  2  to deliver radiation to the product sample  2  to irradiate the product sample  2 , the radiation passing though the radiation filter  30 , such as the X-ray filter  30 . The reflector assembly  3  reflects X-rays providing the radiation in the beam  8  delivered by the single radiation source  1 , filtered by the radiation filter  30 , such as the X-ray filter  30 , to the product sample  2  back to the product sample  2 . The sample holder  5  associated with, as can be integrated with, the reflector assembly  3  is configured to hold a product sample canister or container  2   a  that receives the product sample  2  to be irradiated and the product sample  2 . 
     In the irradiation of the product sample  2  in a second radiation delivery position of  FIG. 1D , the X-ray beam  8  is partly absorbed by the product sample  2  at the back or rear side  12  and the remaining delivered radiation is partly scattered and reaches the reflector assembly  3  which results in a reflected X-ray beam  4  being delivered to the product sample  2  in a direction toward the front side  11  of the product sample container  2   a  and the product sample  2 , in that the product sample container  2   a  and the product sample  2  in  FIG. 1D  has been rotated or oriented from the initial or first radiation delivery position or orientation of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  one hundred eighty (180) degrees to a second radiation delivery position or orientation of  FIG. 1D  of a plurality of radiation delivery positions or orientations, for example. Irradiation of the product sample  2  by the single radiation source  1  at a plurality of radiation delivery positions or orientations, such as the first radiation delivery position or orientation illustrated in  FIG. 1B  and at the second radiation delivery position or orientation illustrated in  FIG. 1D , facilitates a substantially uniform irradiation from the front side  11  to the back or rear side  12  of the product sample  2 , and compensates for the product sample  2  attenuation of X-ray beam  8  after a short depth penetration. 
     Referring to FIG.  1 E 1 , FIG.  1 E 2 , FIG.  1 E 3 , FIG.  1 E 4  and FIG.  1 E 5  there are illustrated top views of schematic illustrations of an embodiment of an irradiator apparatus or system  100  illustrating a plurality of delivery positions or orientations of the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  and positioning or orienting the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  at corresponding positions or orientations for radiation delivery, with reference to an X, Y and Z coordinate axis system, to provide a substantially uniform dose distribution throughout the volume of the product sample  2 . 
     Continuing with reference to FIG.  1 E 1 , the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  in FIG.  1 E 1  is in a first position or orientation and radiation is delivered to the product sample  2  in this first position or orientation, such as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  for example. Then, in FIG.  1 E 2 , the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  is rotated or oriented one hundred eighty (180) degrees from the first position or orientation to a second position or orientation for radiation delivery, such as described with reference  FIG. 1C , for example. After the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  is placed in this second position or orientation, such as by being rotated or oriented in a Z axis direction, radiation is delivered to the product sample  2  in this second position or orientation as illustrated in FIG.  1 E 3 , such as described with reference to  FIG. 1D , for example. 
     FIG.  1 E 4  and FIG.  1 E 5  further illustrate that, depending on the use or application, the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2 , can be rotated or oriented in other axes or orientations, such as with reference to the X, Y and Z coordinate axis system, so as to be positioned or oriented in other suitable positions or orientations within the X, Y and Z coordinate axis system for radiation delivery. For example, FIG.  1 E 4  illustrates the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2   a  being rotated or oriented with respect to the Y axis to another orientation or position for radiation delivery and the radiation being delivered to the product sample  2  in the another orientation or position, such as illustrated in FIG.  1 E 5 , for example. 
     As is evident from FIGS.  1 E 1 - 1 E 5 , in embodiments of the irradiator apparatus or system, such as irradiator apparatus or system  100 , and in embodiments of methods of product sample irradiation, the product sample  2  can be irradiated after being rotated or oriented to any of various suitable positions or orientations for radiation delivery, such as various suitable rotations or orientations in reference to the X, Y and Z coordinate axis system by same or similar suitable mechanisms to those described, as can depend on the use or application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. It is however desirable to rotate or orient the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  in or about the Z axis direction, with reference to the X, Y and Z coordinate axis system, which can facilitate a relatively more uniform dose distribution throughout the volume of the product sample  2 , for example. 
       FIG. 2A  provides an expanded view of a desirable embodiment of the reflector assembly  3  in embodiments of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 .  FIG. 2A  shows the reflector assembly  3  formed in two parts, with a first part, a cradle  21 , attached to a turntable assembly forming the sample holder  5 , and a second part, a mobile reflector  22 , of the reflector assembly  3  is sliding laterally away from or toward the cradle  21  using the shaft assembly  7 , controlled by the motor  14  in a linear motion, to allow rotation or orientation of the product sample  2 . Shaft assembly  7  can desirably have screw indents and slides precisely and desirably using the stepper motor  14  and suitable bearings as known in the art on a linear guide, with a limit switch detect to ensure that the right distance of opening and closing is achieved or facilitated for the second part mobile reflector  22 . 
     The reflector assembly  3  can include a metal holder  23  that attaches to the mobile reflector  22  and to a moving bearing of the shaft assembly  7  to ensure substantially full movement of the mobile reflector  22 . Mobile reflector  22  when closed with the cradle  21  constitutes a closed hollow cylinder cover with walls having a suitable thickness, such as a one inch thickness or more, for example, to provide a relatively effective reflector assembly  3 . The cradle  21  is rotated or oriented, such as by using a bearing mounted to the rotation device  5   a  driven by shaft assembly  6  and the motor  13 . The rotation device  5   a  desirably can be a worm gear and worm. However, spur gears, miter gears, bevel gears, a chain and sprocket or direct drive could be used for or included in the rotation device  5   a , for example, as can depend on the use or application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an embodiment of a reflector assembly  3   a  having the cradle  21   a  including cradle sides  24  each respectively attached on both sides of the cradle  21   a  to maintain a product sample canister or container  26  that receives or includes the product sample  2  in position during rotation or orientation of the sample holder  5  to position the product sample  2  in one or more positions for radiation delivery, as described. The cradle sides  24  are desirably made of thin materials (of a 1 mm thickness, for example), such as polystyrene or acrylic (Polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA), or fiberglass to allow sturdiness while having a lower X-ray absorption. The product sample canister or container  26  desirably includes an aperture  26   a  of a generally U-Shaped configuration, which generally U-Shaped configuration can extend into a lid  27  of the product sample canister or container  26 . The aperture  26   a  is configured to receive a cylindrical shaped product sample container  25 , such as a can be a syringe full of blood or blood products as the product sample  2 , for irradiation by the irradiator apparatus or system  100 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 2B , the product sample canister or container  26  can also have other types of product samples  2  placed inside the product sample canister or container  26 , such as by removing the lid to place the product sample  2  in the product sample container or canister  26  and then reinstalling the lid  27  after the product sample  2  is placed inside the product sample canister or container  26 , and then placing the product sample canister or container  26  with the sample holder  5 , for example. Also, the mobile reflector  22   a  of the reflector assembly  3   a  can have a corresponding aperture  22   p  that aligns with the aperture  26   a  when the mobile reflector  22   a  is moved to a position aligned with the cradle  21   a . The arrows in  FIG. 2B  illustrating exemplary directions of movement of the various components of the reflector assembly  3   a , the product sample canister or container  26 , and the cylindrical shaped product sample container  25  when assembled for radiation delivery, for example. 
     Also, it is desirable for the product sample canister or container  26  and the lid  27  to be secured to each other with a suitable locking mechanism or latches to keep product samples  2  in place during rotation or orientation of the product sample canister or container  26 . Also, the product sample canister or container  26  can, in addition to having a generally cylindrical shape or configuration, can also have an oval or ellipsoidal shape or configuration, or other suitable configuration, and such latches can be designed to fit, for example, in a disc shape, to allow or facilitate relatively easy sliding of the product sample canister or container  26  into the cradle  21   a  and to be surrounded by the mobile reflector  22   a  of reflector assembly  3   a . The product sample canister or container  26  can hold liquid specimens or bags of liquids such as blood products, or live laboratory animals such as mice, or biological samples such as tissue or bone, etc. as the product sample  2 , for example. Also, what constitutes the product sample  2  can be any of various suitable product samples, as can be various materials, liquids, objects, compositions, organisms, etc., as can depend on the use or application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. One application, among others, is use of embodiments of irradiator apparatus and systems, such as the irradiator apparatus or system  100 , to irradiate blood for the prevention of Transfusion Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease (TA-GvHD), for example. 
       FIG. 2C  is an embodiment of a schematic illustration of a reflector assembly  3   b  having a first reflector portion  21   c  that engages with a second reflector portion  22   c  to form the reflector assembly  3   b , the second reflector portion  22   c  can be configured to be movable, such as described for the movable reflector  22 . The second reflector portion  22   c  includes a generally cylindrical, or other suitable shaped, aperture  22   s , such as can be formed by drilling, located in the reflector assembly wall W of the second reflector portion  22   c  to receive and support a product sample container  25   c , such as a syringe like or a syringe product sample container  25   c , of a suitable configuration to position a product sample  2  therein in a sample receiving space SP formed within the reflector assembly  3   b.    
     In  FIG. 2C , the product sample  2  in the product sample container  25   c  is supported or positioned in the reflector assembly  3   b  and can selectively be rotated or oriented to a plurality of positions or orientations, as described, or can remain in a single predetermined stationary position for irradiation of the product sample  2 , such as can be desirable for smaller product sample volumes, such as a blood sample as the product sample  2  placed in a syringe as the product sample container  25   c , where rotation of the product sample  2  may not be needed, but could be desirable, when irradiating the product sample  2  by the irradiator system or apparatus  100 , for example. 
       FIG. 2D  is an embodiment of a schematic illustration of a reflector assembly  3   c  having a first reflector portion  21   d  that engages with a second reflector portion  22   d  to form the reflector assembly  3   c , the second reflector portion  22   d  can be configured to be movable, such as described for the movable reflector  22 . The second reflector portion  22   d  includes a generally U-shaped notch, or other suitable open side shaped, aperture  22   t , such as can be formed by drilling, located in the reflector assembly wall W of the second reflector portion  22   d  to receive and support product sample containers  25   d , such as of a generally tubular or cylindrical shape, of a suitable configuration, as can include various syringes to position a product sample  2  therein in a sample receiving space SP formed within the reflector assembly  3   c , for example. 
     In  FIG. 2D , the product sample  2  in the product sample container  25   d  is supported or positioned in the reflector assembly  3   c  and can selectively be rotated or oriented to a plurality of positions or orientations, as described, or can remain in a single predetermined stationary position for irradiation of the product sample  2 , such as can be desirable for smaller product sample volumes, such as a blood sample as the product sample  2  placed in a syringe as the product sample container  25   d , where rotation of the product sample  2  may not be needed, but could be desirable, when irradiating the product sample  2  by the irradiator system or apparatus  100 , for example. 
     The material used for reflector assemblies  3 ,  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  can be formed of any of various suitable materials, desirably a sintered graphite, manufactured as cylindrical rods, and machined for various desirable shapes or configurations, such as those described in  FIGS. 2A-2D . Other suitable materials, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,099B1 incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, of a low or relatively low Z atomic number and a high density such as boron carbide, boron and carbon, as well as a diamond form of carbon, and combinations thereof, for example, can be used to machine or form the reflector assembly, such as the reflector assemblies  3 ,  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c . Other desirable features of the material surface of the reflector assembly, such as the reflector assemblies  3 ,  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , are a good lateral homogeneity in density, to facilitate optimal X-ray reflection for the irradiation. 
     In the irradiator apparatus or system  100 , unwanted and residual radiation scattering from the irradiated material and reflector assembly, such as the reflector assemblies  3 ,  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , can be substantially stopped and absorbed using lead protective sheets or shielding in surrounding relation to the irradiator apparatus or system  100 , appropriate to the X-ray energy used. Desirably, the shielding material typically has a 1 inch range thickness or other suitable range of thickness, and is attached to the X-ray irradiator apparatus or system outer walls or in the reflector assembly vicinity, or both, and such shielding can facilitate providing protection from radiation to users of the irradiator apparatus or system, such as the irradiator apparatus or system.  100 . Also, the irradiator apparatus or system design, such as described herein in relation to the irradiator apparatus or system  100 , facilitates providing a self-contained compact irradiator design, construction and configuration, such an in comparison to a two X-ray source irradiator, for example. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  which includes an X-ray filter  30  made of a suitable material or a suitable configuration, such as of a copper sheet, to filter radiation generated by the radiation source, such as low energy X-rays of the 160 keV spectrum obtained using an X-ray tube powered at 160 kVp, for example, kVp referring to the maximum output (peak voltage) of the X-ray tube. For example, the x-rays produced by a 160 kVp tube can typically have energies of 160 keV and lower. Filtration of the generated radiation is considered important, such as for low-energy X-rays, as the low energy X-rays typically do not penetrate relatively deep inside the irradiated sample  2 , as well as the low energy X-rays can create inhomogeneous dose distribution at penetration depth. Desirably, the filter  30  is a copper filter  30  having a configuration of a flat sheet, desirably 75 microns to 130 microns (3 to 5 thousandth of an inch) thickness to facilitate achieving an effective X-ray beam  8  filtration and good depth penetration (up to few cm) in irradiated product sample  2 . Also the filter  30  can be on any of various suitable materials, such as copper or aluminum, and of various suitable shapes, profiles and configurations, as can depend on the use and application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. For example, different metals can be used for the filter depending upon different portions of the x-ray or radiation spectrum desired to be blocked by the filter. 
       FIG. 3B  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an X-ray filter  33  of embodiments of an irradiator apparatus or system  100  illustrating the X-ray filter  33  desirably having a step-filter shape, profile or configuration. In a desirable embodiment of the filter  33  of  FIG. 3B , the filter  33  takes a shape of a step-filter  33 , which includes, for example, two attached filters  33   a  and  33   b  of different surface sizes and thicknesses, a top filter  33   b  of the filter  33  being of smaller surface dimensions or area than a surface or dimensions of the bottom filter  33   a  of the filter  33 . 
     Also,  FIG. 3C  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an X-ray filter  32  of embodiments of an irradiator apparatus or system  100  illustrating the X-ray filter  32  having a bell-filter shape, profile or configuration. In the embodiment of the filter  32  in an embodiment of  FIG. 3C , the filter  32  takes a shape, configuration or profile of a gradient distribution, which includes, for example, a base filter portion  32   b  and a gradient filter portion  32   a  extending from the base filter portion  32   b.    
     In embodiments of filters, such as the filter  33  of  FIG. 3B  and the filter  32  of  FIG. 3C , several combination of filter thicknesses can be obtained from 75 microns to 130 microns from the edges to the center of the filter, either in a gradient distribution, such as the filter  32  in  FIG. 3C , or in a step configuration, such as the desired embodiment of the filter  33  in  FIG. 3B . Also, a filter set-up in a step-shape configuration, such as the filter  33  in  FIG. 3B , can allow a selective spatial filtration of the X-ray beam  8  so as to desirably facilitate providing a relatively important attenuation at the beam  8  center and less attenuation at the edges of the beam  8 . Also, in this regard, for example, a step filter, such as the filter  33 , can include a 50 micron or a 130 micron thick copper disk, having a 3 cm in radius, centered on the x-ray beam  8 , forming the top filter  33   b  surrounded by a ring of 80 micron thick copper forming the bottom filter  33   a , such as by being bonded to each other, for example. Also, chemical etching or sputtering processes with suitable masking can also be desirably used on a single sheet of suitable material, such as of copper or aluminum, in forming the step shape of the step filter, such as the filter  33 , for example. 
     In embodiments of filters, such as the filters  30 ,  32  and  33 , for use with irradiator apparatus and systems, such as the irradiator apparatus and system  100 , various other suitable combinations of filter thicknesses, such as typically up to 400 microns, can provide a relatively practical beam filtration, as well as can facilitate providing desirable dose rates and desirable dose distributions throughout the product sample, such as the product sample  2 . Various suitable materials, such as copper or aluminum, and various suitable compositions, thicknesses, shapes, configurations and profiles for embodiments of radiation filters can be used, as can depend on the use or application, and should not be construed n a limiting sense. 
       FIG. 4A  is a graphic illustration of an exemplary lateral dose profile of irradiation in a plastic block, as the product sample  2 , delivered using an embodiment of an irradiator apparatus or system, such as the irradiator apparatus or system  100 , having a single X-ray tube and an X-ray filter of a flat filter shape, profile or configuration similar to the filter  30  of  FIG. 3A . The graph in  FIG. 4A  illustrates a dose higher at a center of the irradiated plastic block and dose lower at edges of the irradiated plastic block using a single X-ray tube with a flat 80 micron ( 3/1000 inch thick) copper filter, similar to the filter  30 . The x-axis in the graph of  FIG. 4A  represents a position along the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  (the plastic block) from one side to the other, with the “0” position on the X axis being the center of the product sample canister or container  2   a , and the y axis in the graph of  FIG. 4A  represents a relative amount of dose being delivered at each measurement point relative to what is delivered to the product sample  2  (the plastic block) at the center of the product sample canister or container  2   a  (i.e., it is a normalized representation). 
       FIG. 4B  is a graphic illustration of a theoretical lateral dose profile of irradiation in a plastic block as delivered using an embodiment of an irradiator apparatus or system, such as the irradiator apparatus or system  100 , as having a single X-ray tube and an X-ray filter of a step-filter shape, profile or configuration, similar to the filter  33  of  FIG. 3B . The theoretical representation of the radiation dose in the graph of  FIG. 4B  illustrates relatively improved dose uniformity over that using an X-ray filter of a flat filter shape, profile or configuration, such as the filter  30 , having a dose at the center attenuated so as to provide a relatively good substantial uniformity of the dose throughout the lateral direction of the plastic block product sample, according to the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 4B , the use of the step-filter  33  can result in a better dose uniformity at the same depth of the irradiated sample  2 . Indeed the ratio of the minimum dose to the center dose is improved from a ratio of 1.34 to a ratio of 1.19. The 130 micron copper filter  33  can allow targeted beam attenuation at the desired beam profile zone (central zone) while the 80 micron copper step can allow beam transmission with less attenuation at the beam edges. 
     The x-axis in the graph of  FIG. 4B  represents a position along the product sample canister or container  2   a  including the product sample  2  (the plastic block) from one side to the other, with the “0” position on the X axis being the center of the product sample canister or container  2   a . The y axis in the graph of  FIG. 4B  represents a relative amount of dose being delivered at each measurement point relative to what is delivered to the product sample  2  (the plastic block) at the center of the product sample canister or container  2   a  for the flat filter configuration (i.e., it is a normalized representation). In this regard, the dose uniformity within irradiated samples of blood or bone marrow is typically considered very critical for the activation or treatment of a blood or a bone marrow specimen, as a product sample to be treated, which specimen can show relatively strong sensitivity starting at defined radiation dose thresholds for which use of a filter, such as the step filter  33 , in an irradiator apparatus or system, such as the irradiator apparatus or system  100 , can be beneficial. 
     Also, the filter  33  could be manufactured using two thin sheets of copper of different areas and thicknesses that can be bonded each other using glue (bonding polymers or metallic glue, etc.). For example a step filter, such as the step filter  33 , can be formed of a 50 micron ( 1/1000 inch) thick copper disk, 3 cm in radius, centered on the x-ray beam, bonded to a full sheet of 80 micron ( 3/1000 inch) thick copper, with the center of the filter being a 5/1000 inch thick sheet of copper with the edges of the filter remaining a 3/1000 inch thick sheet of copper, for example. Also, for relatively precise filter manufacturing of the step filter, various processes can be used in forming the step shape filter, such as chemical etching or sputtering with proper masking can be desirable using a single sheet of material such as copper, to achieve the step shape of the filter, for example. Also, as described, other suitable materials, such as Aluminum, Tungsten, and other metals, for example, can be used optimally in single or combined material sheets in forming the filter, such as the step shape filter  33 , to shape the radiation beam to facilitate creating an optimal or desirable lateral beam distribution, such as that shown in the graph of  FIG. 4B , for example. 
     Before discussing embodiments of an exemplary process flow diagram of methods for irradiation a product sample of  FIG. 5 , continuing,  FIG. 6  is a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of an irradiator apparatus or system  600  of embodiments of the irradiator apparatus and system  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrating a relatively compact irradiator apparatus or system design. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective exploded view of an exemplary construction of an embodiment of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  and its various components that are similar to apparatus and components described with reference to the irradiator apparatus or system  100 , such as apparatus and components illustrated and described in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2D and 3A-3C . In the embodiment of the schematic illustration of an irradiator apparatus or system  600  of  FIG. 6 , there is included a single radiation source  601 , such as an X-ray tube  601 , and a radiation filter  630 , such as an X-ray filter  630 , positioned in facing relation to a product sample  602  to be irradiated, such as positioned in a product sample canister or product sample container  602   a , illustrated as being positioned within a moveable reflector or reflector assembly  603 . A suitable cooling system  610  is in communication with the single radiation source  601  to cool the single radiation source  601  for radiation delivery, with a suitable power source  609  being in communication with the single radiation source  601  and other components of the irradiation apparatus or system  600  to provide operating power to the single radiation source  601  for radiation delivery and to operate other components of the irradiator apparatus or system  600 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , the power source  609 , for example, powers a suitable motor  614  for movement of at least a part of the reflector assembly  603 , the motor  614  being in communication with a suitable driver, such as a suitable shaft assembly  607  to drive movement of at least a part of the reflector assembly  603 , such as toward or away from product sample container or canister  602   a  that includes the product sample  602 . Also, for example, the power source  609  desirably provides power to a suitable motor  613  that is communicatively connected to or associated with a sample holder  605 , such as through a shaft assembly  606 , communicatively associated with a rotation device  605   a  to rotate, flip or orient the product sample canister or container  602   a  and the product sample  602  to a plurality of positions or orientations to deliver radiation to the product sample  602  selectively positioned at corresponding ones of the plurality of positions or orientations to facilitate a substantially uniform irradiation of the product sample  602  and a substantially uniform radiation exposure delivered to the product sample  602  to provide a substantial dose profile uniformity in the irradiated product sample  602 . Also, a shielding material is desirably added to the irradiator apparatus or system  600  walls, outwardly, in a self-contained configuration to shield against radiation leakage and exposure to users of the irradiator apparatus or system  600 , and a sliding door or other suitable removable cover facilitating access to and removal from the irradiator apparatus or system  600  the product sample canister or container  602   a  or the product sample  602  is also typically provided for the irradiator apparatus or system  600 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , the X-ray tube  601  is facing a front side  611  of the product sample canister or container  602   a  and the product sample  602  to deliver radiation to the product sample  602  through the front side  611  to irradiate the product sample  602 , the radiation passing though the radiation filter  630 , such as the X-ray filter  30 ,  32 ,  33 . The reflector assembly  603  reflects X-rays, or other suitable radiation, that has been provided in a radiation beam, such as the previously described beam  8 , delivered by the single radiation source  601 , that has been filtered by the radiation filter  630 , such as the X-ray filter  30 ,  32 ,  33 , and provided to the product sample  602  through its front side  611 , for example, back to the product sample  602 . The sample holder  605  associated with the reflector assembly  603  is configured to hold the product sample canister or container  602   a  that receives the product sample  602  to be irradiated. The X-ray beam, such as the beam  8 , is partly absorbed by product sample  602  at the front side  611  and the remaining delivered radiation is partly scattered and reaches the reflector assembly  603  which results in a reflected X-ray beam, such as the previously described reflected X-ray beam  4 , being delivered to the product sample  602  from a rear side  612  of the product sample canister or container  602   a  that includes the product sample  602 . 
     After a first of a plurality of irradiations of the product sample  2 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , at a first position or orientation, such as a position or orientation having the front side  611  of the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602  being positioned in facing relation to the single radiation source  601 , it is desirable to rotate the product sample container  602   a  including the product sample  602  to other of a plurality of positions or orientations for radiation delivery to the product sample  602 . In this regard, the rotation device  605   a , such as a worm gear and worm arrangement, is associated with the sample holder  605  and configured to selectively rotate, flip or orient the product sample canister or container  602   a  and the product sample  602  to a plurality of positions or orientations to deliver radiation to the product sample  602  positioned at each of the plurality of positions or orientations to facilitate a substantially uniform irradiation of the product sample  602  and a substantially uniform radiation exposure delivered to the product sample  602  providing a substantial dose profile uniformity in the irradiated product sample  602 . 
       FIG. 6 , similar to  FIG. 1C , illustrates the irradiator apparatus or system  600  having the product sample  602  in the product sample canister or container  602   a  being positioned outside of the reflector assembly  603  to enable the product sample  602  in the product sample canister or container  602   a  to be positioned or oriented an another one of a plurality of positions or orientations for irradiation of the product sample  602 . Similar to the description and illustration of  FIG. 1C , the product sample  602  and the product sample canister or container  602   a  can similarly be rotated by one hundred eighty (180) degrees by the rotation device  605   a  associated with the sample holder  605  from the front side  611  position of the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602  to the rear side  612  of the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602 . The rotation device  605   a  in embodiments of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  can be configured with the reflector assembly  603  to flip, orient or rotate the product sample canister or container  602   a  to facilitate delivery of radiation to the product sample  602  at different positions or orientations of the rotatable product sample canister or container  602   a.    
     Similar to that described in relation to  FIG. 1C , the sample holder  605  to position or orient the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602  for delivery of radiation is rotated or oriented by the rotation device  605   a . The rotation device  605   a  is associated with the shaft assembly  606  and a gear arrangement  606   a  and the rotation or orientation movement of the rotation device  605   a  is powered by the motor  613 , such as desirably a stepper motor  613 , the motor  613  driving the gear arrangement  606   a  in communication with the shaft assembly  606  to drive the rotation device  605   a  to rotate the sample holder  605  to then rotate the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602  one hundred eighty (180) degrees so that the rear side  612  of product sample container  602   a  including the product sample  602  is now positioned in facing relation to the single radiation source  601  and the generated radiation beam, such as the radiation beam  8 , generated by the single radiation source  601 , for example. Similar to that described in  FIG. 1C , to enable rotation of the product sample container  602   a  including the product sample  602 , the reflector assembly  603  is moved by a shaft assembly  607  powered by the motor  614 , such as using a stepper motor  614 , the shaft assembly  607  communicating with a gear arrangement  607   a  that communicates with the motor  614  to move at least a second part or portion  622  of the reflector assembly  603  away from a first part or portion  621  of the reflector assembly  603  that is in communication with the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602  and, therefore, moved away from the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602 . Moving at least the second part or portion  622  of the reflector assembly  603  away from the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602  provides a space or area within the irradiator apparatus or system  600  to enable the rotation device  605   a  associated with the sample holder  605  that holds or supports the product sample canister or container  602   a  or the product sample  602 , to rotate, flip or orient the product sample container  602   a  and the product sample  602  to another of a plurality of radiation delivery positions or orientations, such as to rotate the product sample  602  by one hundred eighty (180) degrees in this case, such that the rear side  612  of the product sample canister or container  602   a  and the product sample  602  is positioned in facing relation to the single radiation source  601  for radiation delivery at this another of a plurality of radiation delivery positions or orientations. The shaft assembly  607  is communicatively associated with a lead screw arrangement  668  that is associated with a linear rail carriage  664  to selectively move the linear rail carriage  664  on an opposing pair of linear rails  666  to selectively move the second part or portion  622  of the reflector assembly  603  to and from engaging relation with the first part or portion  621  of the reflector assembly  603  to selectively cover or expose the product sample canister or container  602   a  and the product sample  602 , for example. 
     Also, it is desirable that the described motor movement of the reflector assembly  603  through the shaft assembly  607  by the motor  614  and the described motor movement of the rotation device  605   a  associated with the sample holder  605  though the shaft assembly  606  by the motor  613  be implemented in an automated system of the Network N, such as under control of a controller/processor  615 , or other suitable automated control, for example, as such automated control can enhance the radiation throughput delivered to the product sample  602 . However, manual movement of the rotation device  605   a  associated with the sample holder  605  though the shaft assembly  606  and manual movement of the second part or portion  622  of the reflector assembly  603  through the shaft assembly  607  can also be performed, either with or without the use of the motors  613  and  614 , as can be desirable for certain uses or applications, and, therefore, the manner of movement of the reflector assembly  603  and the rotation device  605   a  associated with the sample holder  605  should not be construed in a limiting sense. 
     Similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 1D , the product sample  602 , after being rotated, such as described, then is irradiated by radiation from the X-ray-tube  601 , with the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602  positioned inside the reflector assembly  603  and the back or rear side  612  of the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602  positioned in facing relation to the radiation source  601  for radiation delivery to the product sample  602  through the back or rear side  612 . Prior to radiation delivery by the single radiation source  601  at the radiation delivery position or orientation having the back or rear side  612  of the product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602  positioned in facing relation to the single radiation source  601 , the reflector assembly  603  is returned to the radiation delivery position, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1D , the reflector assembly  603  covering or being positioned in surrounding relation to the fully rotated product sample canister or container  602   a  including the product sample  602 . 
     The radiation beam generated by the single radiation source  601 , such as the X-ray beam  8 , is applied to the product sample  602  from the back or rear side  612  allowing back irradiation of the product sample  602 . The X-ray tube  601  is now facing the back or rear side  612  of the product sample canister or container  602   a  and the product sample  602  to deliver radiation to the product sample  602  to irradiate the product sample  602 , the radiation passing though the radiation filter  630 , such as the X-ray filter  30 ,  32 ,  33 . The reflector assembly  603  reflects X-rays providing the radiation in the beam, such as the X-ray beam  8 , delivered by the single radiation source  601 , filtered by the radiation filter  630 , such as the X-ray filter  30 ,  32 ,  33 , to the product sample  602  back to the product sample  602 . The sample holder  605  associated with the reflector assembly  603  is configured to hold the product sample canister or container  602   a  that receives the product sample  602  to be irradiated and the product sample  602 . 
     In the irradiation of the product sample  602  in a second radiation delivery position or orientation, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1D , the X-ray beam, such as the X-ray beam  8 , is partly absorbed by the product sample  602  at the back or rear side  612  and the remaining delivered radiation is partly scattered and reaches the reflector assembly  603  which results in a reflected X-ray beam, such as the X-ray beam  4 , being delivered to the product sample  602  in a direction toward the front side  611  of the product sample canister or container  602   a  and the product sample  602 , in that the product sample canister or container  602   a  and the product sample  602  has been rotated or oriented from the initial or first radiation delivery position or orientation, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C , one hundred eighty (180) degrees to a second radiation delivery position or orientation, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1D , of a plurality of radiation delivery positions or orientations, for example. Irradiation of the product sample  602  by the single radiation source  601  at a plurality of radiation delivery positions or orientations, such as the first radiation delivery position or orientation, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , and at the second radiation delivery position or orientation, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1D , facilitates a substantially uniform irradiation from the front side  611  to the back or rear side  612  of the product sample  602 , and compensates for the product sample  602  attenuation of X-ray beam, such as the X-ray beam  8 , after a short depth penetration. 
     In embodiments of the irradiator apparatus or system  600 , as described, the reflector assembly  603  can be formed in two parts, with the first part or portion  621 , such as a cradle  621 , attached to a turntable assembly forming the sample holder  605 , and the second part or portion  622 , a mobile reflector  622 , of the reflector assembly  603  configured to selectively slide laterally away from and toward the cradle  621  driven by the shaft assembly  607  associated with the lead screw assembly  668  on the linear rail carriage  664  positioned in sliding relation on the pair of linear rails  666 , controlled and driven by the motor  614  in a linear motion, to allow space for rotation or orientation of the product sample  602 . Shaft assembly  607  can desirably have screw indents and slides precisely and desirably using the stepper motor  614  and suitable bearings as known in the art on a linear guide, with a limit switch detect, such as a limit switch  660  to detect the product sample container  602   a  or a limit switch  662  to detect a syringe or similar configured product sample container, to ensure that a correct or acceptable distance or position of the opening and closing of the second part or portion  622  is achieved or facilitated for the second part or portion mobile reflector  622 . 
     The reflector assembly  603  can include a metal holder  623  that attaches to the mobile reflector  622  and to a moving bearing of the shaft assembly  607  associated with the lead screw arrangement  668  to ensure substantially full movement of the mobile reflector  622 . Mobile reflector  622  when closed with the cradle  621  constitutes a closed hollow cylinder cover with walls having a suitable thickness, such as a one inch thickness or more, for example, to provide a relatively effective reflector assembly  603 . The cradle  621  is rotated or oriented, such as by using a bearing mounted to the rotation device  605   a  driven by the shaft assembly  606  and the motor  613 . The rotation device  605   a  desirably can be a worm gear and worm. However, spur gears, miter gears, bevel gears, a chain and sprocket or direct drive could be used for or included in the rotation device  605   a , for example, as can depend on the use or application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. 
     Similar to embodiments of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  of  FIG. 2B , embodiments of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  include the reflector assembly  603  having the cradle  621  including cradle sides  624  each respectively attached on both sides of the cradle  621  to maintain a product sample canister or container  626 , generically referred to as the product sample canister or container  602   a , that receives or includes the product sample  602  in position during rotation or orientation of the sample holder  605  to position the product sample  602  in one or more positions or orientations for radiation delivery, as described. The cradle sides  624  are desirably made of thin materials (of a 1 mm thickness, for example), such as polystyrene or acrylic (Polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA), or fiberglass to allow sturdiness while having a lower X-ray absorption. The product sample canister or container  626  desirably can include an aperture  626   a , such as of a generally U-Shaped configuration, which generally U-Shaped configuration can extend into a lid  627  of the product sample canister or container  626 . The aperture  626   a  is configured to receive a cylindrical shaped product sample container, such as can be a syringe full of blood or blood products as the product sample  602 , for irradiation by the irradiator apparatus or system  600 . 
     Also, the product sample canister or container  626  can also have other types of product samples  602  placed inside the product sample canister or container  626 , such as by removing the lid  627  and then placing the product sample canister or container  626  in association with the sample holder  605 , for example. Also, the mobile reflector  622  of the reflector assembly  603  can have a corresponding aperture  622   a  that aligns with the aperture  626   a , when included in the product sample canister or container  626   a , when the mobile reflector  622  is moved to a position aligned with the cradle  621 , for example. Also, the mobile reflector  603  can be configured similar to the mobile reflector  22  of the reflector assembly  3  and the cradle  621  can be constructed similar to the cradle  21 , similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 2A , for example. 
     Also, it is desirable for the product sample canister or container  626  and the lid  627  to be secured to each other with a suitable locking mechanism  627   a , such as latches or a latch mechanism  627   a , to keep product samples  602  in place during rotation or orientation of the product sample canister or container  626 . Also, the product sample canister or container  626  can, in addition to having a generally cylindrical shape or configuration, can also have an oval or ellipsoidal shape or configuration, or other suitable configuration, and such latches  627   a  can be designed to fit, for example, in a disc shape, to allow or facilitate relatively easy sliding of the product sample canister or container  626  into the cradle  621  and to be surrounded by the mobile reflector  622  of reflector assembly  603 . The product sample canister or container  626  can hold liquid specimens or bags of liquids such as blood products, or live laboratory animals such as mice, or biological samples such as tissue or bone, etc. as the product sample  602 , for example. Also, what constitutes the product sample  602  can be any of various suitable samples, as can be various materials, liquids, objects, compositions, organisms, etc., as can depend on the use or application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. One application, among others, is use of embodiments of irradiator apparatus and systems, such as the irradiator apparatus or system  600 , to irradiate blood for the prevention of Transfusion Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease (TA-GvHD), for example. 
     The irradiator apparatus or system  600  desirably also includes a suitable controller/processor  615  that is communicatively associated with a suitable memory  616  for operation and control of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  and recording and monitoring of the radiation delivery process to the product sample  602 , the controller/processor  615  and the suitable memory  616  can be powered by a suitable power source, such as the power source  609 . The controller/processor  615  that is communicatively associated with the memory  616  can be associated with or a part of the network N for providing a controlled workflow for radiation delivery by embodiments of irradiator apparatus or systems, such as the irradiator apparatus or system  600 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , similar to  FIG. 1A , the network N can include the controller/processor  615  and the memory  616 , and a suitable interface  617  as can include one or more of a suitable display, keyboard or touchpad, for example, for communication and control of the radiation delivery. The network N can include one or more of an external or an internal network  618 , similar to the network  18 , communicating with the controller/processor  615  and the memory  616  though the interface  617 . The external or internal network  618  can include one or more networks  618  as can include a data storage/memory  618   a , similar to the memory  18   a , as can communicate with one or more controllers/processors  618   c , similar to the controllers/processor  18   c , through one or more suitable interfaces  618   b , similar to the interface  18   b , as can include one or more of a suitable display, keyboard or touchpad, for example. The controlled workflow as can be implemented through the network N to control a radiation amount to be delivered to the product sample  602 , desirably including beam on-time control, synchronization with sample holder and reflector assembly movement, and dose data recording and processing through the network  618 , for example, is discussed further herein with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The controller/processor  615 , the memory  616 , the internal/external network  618  including the data storage/memory  618   a  as can communicate with one or more controller/processors  618   c  through one or more suitable interfaces  618   b  for a controlled workflow for the radiation delivery by the irradiator apparatus or system  600 , can represent, for example, a stand-alone computer, computer terminal, portable computing device, networked computer or computer terminal, or networked portable device, such as a cell phone, tablet, pad or other wireless communication device. Data and control information for the radiation delivery, monitoring and recording can be entered into the network N for radiation delivery by the irradiator apparatus or system  600  by a user or operator of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  or the associated network N via any suitable type of user interface  617 ,  618   b , and can be stored in computer readable memories, such as the memory  616 ,  618   a , which may be any suitable type of computer readable and programmable memory. Calculations, processing and analysis are performed by the controller/processor  615 ,  618   c , or other processors of system components of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  and the associated network N, which can be any suitable type of computer processor, and can be displayed to the user on the interface display of the interface  617 ,  618   b , either of which can be any suitable type of computer/processor or networked portable device, as can have a suitable display, for example. 
     The controller/processor components of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  and of the associated network N including the controller/processor  615 ,  618   c , and other controllers/processors of the network N can be associated with, or incorporated into, any suitable type of computing device, for example, a personal computer or a programmable logic controller (PLC) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) as can include hardware, software and firmware for the radiation delivery, monitoring and recording process. The interface/display  617 ,  618   b , the controller/processor components of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  as can include the associated network N, including the controller/processor  615 , the memory  616  and the data storage/memory  618   a  and the controller/processor  618   c  of the network  618 , and any associated computer readable media are in communication with one another by any suitable type of data bus or other wired or wireless communication, as is well known in the art. 
     Examples of computer readable media include a magnetic recording apparatus, non-transitory computer readable storage memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and/or a semiconductor memory (for example, RAM, ROM, etc.). Examples of magnetic recording apparatus that may be used as or in addition to memory  616 , the data storage/memory  618   a  and other data storage components of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  and the associated network N, include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), and a magnetic tape (MT). Examples of the optical disk include a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and a CD-R (Recordable)/RW. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated a process flow diagram  500  of embodiments of irradiation processes and methods for irradiation of the product sample  2 ,  602  using an embodiment of the irradiator apparatus or system  600  of  FIG. 6 , corresponding to embodiments of the irradiator apparatus or system  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1D , and using the irradiator apparatus or system  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1D . The process flow  500  includes a controlled workflow to control a radiation amount to be delivered to a product sample  2 ,  602  illustrating embodiments of operation methods of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600 , wherein a product sample  2 ,  602  is desirably irradiated in a controlled workflow, including beam On-time control, synchronization with sample holder and reflector movement, and dose data recording and processing through a network, such as the network N. The workflow desirably can also incorporate or include timer setting and irradiator and radiation dose data recording, transfer through a network, such as the network N, and data printing and reporting, for example. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2D, 3A-3C, 5 and 6 , embodiments of the process  500  for irradiation of the product sample  2 ,  602  and for a controlled workflow to control a radiation amount to be delivered to the product sample  2 ,  602  begins at step  502 . At step  502 , the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c  initiates opening an irradiation session from a computer controlled console and selecting and entering irradiation parameters for radiation delivery to the product sample  2 ,  602 , such irradiation parameters can include, for example, a delivered dose or an irradiation time, as well as a dose rate or high voltage X-ray tube settings, such as setting a current and voltage, can be entered. 
     The process  500  then proceeds to step  504  of placing the product sample  2 ,  602  into an irradiation canister or container, such as the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626 . The process  500  then proceeds to step  506  of placing the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602  into the sample holder  5 ,  605 , as can be associated with the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  inside an irradiation chamber (the interior of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600 ) of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600 , such as by opening the sliding door or cover of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600 , and positioning the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602  in association with the sample holder  5 ,  605 . The process  500  then proceeds to step  508  of closing the sliding door or cover of the irradiation chamber of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600  and automatically moving, such as under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , a movable reflector  22 ,  622  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  to fully surround the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602 , such as by moving the second part or portion  22 ,  622  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  toward the first part or portion  21 ,  621  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  that is in communication with the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602 . 
     The process  500  then proceeds to step  510  of verifying, such as under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , the presence of the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602  in the sample holder  5 ,  605 , as can be associated with the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  inside an irradiation chamber (the interior of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600 ) of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600 , such as by the limit switches  660 ,  662  and then turning on the X-ray tube or source  1 ,  601 , such as under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , to generate radiation to irradiate the product sample  2 ,  602 . 
     The process  500  then proceeds to step  512  of irradiating the product sample  2 ,  602 , such as under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , for a predetermined time, such as for a half set time of a total irradiation time, by the generated radiation that has passed through the filter  30 ,  32 ,  33 ,  630 , and then through the front side  11 ,  611  of the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602 . 
     The process  500  then proceeds to step  514  of automatically turning off the radiation source  1 ,  601 , such as the X-ray tube  1 ,  601 , and automatically sliding of the second part or portion  22 ,  622  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  away from the first part or portion  21 ,  621  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  that is in communication with the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602  until the limit switches  660 ,  662  detect the second part or portion  22 ,  622  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  is positioned away from the first part or portion  21 ,  621  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  and away from the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602 . 
     The process  500  then proceeds to step  516  of automatically rotating or orienting by the rotation device  5   a ,  605   a , such as under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , the sample holder  5 ,  605  to selectively rotate, flip or orient the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  and the product sample  2 ,  602  by one hundred eighty (180) degrees from the front side  11 ,  611  position or orientation of the product sample canister or container  2 ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602  to the rear side  12 ,  612  position or orientation of the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602  so that the rear side  12 ,  612  of product sample container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602  is now positioned in facing relation to the radiation beam, such as the radiation beam  8 , generated by the single radiation source  1 ,  601 , for example. 
     The process  500  then proceeds to step  518  of automatically sliding of the second part or portion  22 ,  622  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  again toward the first part or portion  21 ,  621  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  that is in communication with the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602  until the limit switches  660 ,  662  detect the second part or portion  22 ,  622  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  is in a position over or in communication with the first part or portion  21 ,  621  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  and over or in surrounding relation to the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602 , such as under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , for example. 
     The process  500  then proceeds to step  520  of again automatically continuing irradiating the product sample  2 ,  602 , such as under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , for a predetermined another time, such as for a remaining half set time of a total irradiation time, by the generated radiation that has passed through the filter  30 ,  32 ,  33 ,  630 , and then through the rear side  12 ,  612  of the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602 , for example. 
     The process  500  then proceeds to step  522  of automatically turning off the radiation source  1 ,  601 , such as the X-ray tube  1 ,  601 , and automatically sliding of the second part or portion  22 ,  622  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  away from the first part or portion  21 ,  621  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  that is in communication with the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602  until the limit switches  660 ,  662  detect the second part or portion  22 ,  622  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  is positioned away from the first part or portion  21 ,  621  of the reflector assembly  3 ,  603  and away from the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the product sample  2 ,  602 , such as under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , for example. 
     The process  500  then proceeds to step  524  of opening the sliding door or cover of the irradiation chamber of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600 , such as can be under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , and removing the product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626  including the now irradiated product sample  2 ,  602  from the irradiator chamber of and from the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600 , for example. 
     The process can then desirably proceed to step  526  of displaying or providing, such as under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , the final machine session parameters, such as can be stored in the memory  16 ,  18   a ,  616 ,  618   a , for the radiation delivery, such as being displayed or provided on a control console screen, such as on the interface  17 ,  18   b ,  617 ,  618   b , such parameters as can include confirmation of successful completion of the irradiation, the irradiation set time, the actual irradiation time and the radiation beam or X-ray beam parameters as set during opening of the irradiation session for irradiation the product sample  2 ,  602  by the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600 , for example. 
     The process can then also desirably proceed to step  528  of logging the session parameters in an internal data base of the irradiator apparatus or system  100 ,  600  or of the network N, such as can be provided by the memory  16 ,  18   a ,  616 ,  618   a  under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , and such parameters can also desirably be one or more of printed, such as by a printer, and transferred through the network N to a remote LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), for example, such as thorough the interface  17 ,  18   b ,  617 ,  618   b , to suitable data storage, such as stored in the memory  16 ,  18   a ,  616 ,  618   a , under control of the controller/processor  15 ,  18   c ,  615 ,  618   c , for later review, record-keeping and analysis, for example. Also, in step  528 , the irradiation session parameters can be optionally printed so as to provide a printout of the irradiation session parameters on a label to be attached to the irradiated product sample  2 ,  602  or its product sample canister or container  2   a ,  602   a ,  626 , for example. The process  500  then proceeds to step  530  to end the irradiation cycle and can then selectively return to step  502  for a new product sample irradiation session. 
     Embodiments of the described irradiator apparatus and systems, such as irradiator apparatuses and systems  100  and  600 , can be desirable and advantageous in their use of a single radiation source, such as an X-ray tube. Such irradiator apparatuses and systems by using a single radiation source, such as a single X-ray tube for radiation delivery for irradiation of the product sample, can desirably have a relatively more compact design and relatively increased portability for use in smaller rooms, as compared to known two X-ray source irradiators, such as a Raycell MK2 model irradiator, which includes two X-ray tubes for delivery of radiation to a product sample, for example. 
     Also, embodiments of the described irradiator apparatus and systems, such as the irradiator apparatuses and systems  100  and  600 , can desirably simplify cooling system requirements for the irradiator apparatus or system, such as in relation to external cooling using a continuous water supply or an external refrigeration system, for example. Also, by using only a single radiation source, such as a single X-ray tube, for irradiation of the product sample, embodiments of the irradiator apparatuses and systems, such as the irradiator apparatuses and systems  100  and  600 , desirably can consume relatively less power and can use a relatively small and efficient integrated cooling system, such as a closed loop liquid circulating system with or without air ventilation to facilitate achieving the required cooling and heat transfer to operate the single irradiation source, such as a single X-ray tube, at relatively high power and at room temperature, for example. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.