Compact self-shielded irradiation system and method

Abstract

An accelerator provides radiant energy in a first direction A carousel and first and second members have a common axis in the first direction. The carousel, preferably cylindrical, has a ring-shaped configuration defined by inner and outer diameters. The first member has an outer diameter preferably contiguous to the carousel inner diameter. The second member has an inner diameter preferably contiguous to the carousel outer diameter. The first and second members provide shielding against the radiant energy from the accelerator. A single motor (e.g., stepping motor) rotates the carousel past the radiant energy continuously at a substantially constant speed in successive revolutions. Vanes made from a shielding material are disposed at spaced positions in the carousel to divide the carousel into compartments for receiving the articles and to isolate each compartment from the radiant energy in other compartments. A loader loads the articles into compartments before the movement of the articles in the compartments past the radiant energy. An unloader unloads the articles from the compartments after the movement of the articles in the compartments past the radiant energy. The resultant system is simplified, is manufactured at a minimal cost and is operative in a minimal space for irradiating products without any significant sacrifice in the quality of the irradiation. It is especially utilized by companies of small or medium size where the irradiation of products is only sporadic.