ARTICLE INSPECTION APPARATUS WITH PROTECTIVE CHAMBER HAVING ARTICLE - LOADING FACILITY

An article inspection apparatus comprising chamber defining means that are substantially impermeable to x-rays. The chamber defining means comprise a first portion comprising entry and exit portions and a second portion located between the entry and exit portions. Also included is an x-ray source for directing x-rays to the chamber at said second portion and flexible x-ray shielding means disposed at the entry and exit portions, the entry and exit portions both comprise respective first and second regions, the first regions being removed from the chamber second portion and the second regions being located between the second portion and their respective said first regions. The second regions comprise completely enclosed tunnels communicating with the second portion and with the first regions. The first regions comprise top and partial side wall members, which side wall members have a cutaway at the end thereof more remote from the second portion. The apparatus also contains an article transport system having a first part thereof disposed at the chamber second portion and at least a second part thereof disposed at the first chamber portion, which article transport system serves to carry the article through the chamber second portion. Also included are means for converting the x-rays passing through the chamber first portion and the article, into a visual image.