System and method of detecting, neutralizing, and containing suspected contaminated articles

A system for rendering mail items safe for handling, the system comprising:

• a neutralizing sub-system capable of rendering the mail items substantially neutralized and safe for handling before entering a transport sub-system;
• a neutralizing sub-system capable of exposing outer surfaces of at least one of mail items to neutralizing radiation while the mail items are being transported by the transport sub-system;
• an analyzing sub-system capable of obtaining, while the mail items are being transported by the transport sub-system, an indication of whether the at least one of the mail items contains potentially hazardous materials;
• said analyzing sub-system comprising:
• a light source operatively positioned to illuminate the mail items while being transported;
• and
• a detector capable of detecting light transmitted through the mail items;
• a diverting mechanism capable of diverting mail items.

An neutralizing system for rendering mail pieces substantially safe for handling, the neutralizing system comprising:

• a structure capable of receiving an incoming tray and capable of movement;
• said structure comprising a frame, said frame being capable of receiving and holding the incoming tray and capable of movement with respect to another section of said structure;
• an actuator device operably connected to the frame;
• and,
• a neutralizing radiation source in operational relationship to the incoming tray.

A neutralizing system for exposing outer surfaces of at least one mail item while the at least one mail item is being transported by a transport system, the neutralizing system comprising:

• a housing having a first open end, a second open end;
• at least one radiation source substantially located within said housing and capable of substantially illuminating the outer surfaces of the at least one mail item;
• a first radiation blocking component disposed in the interior of said housing, in proximity to the first open end and substantially across a transport path;
• said first radiation blocking component being capable of preventing radiation from emanating from the first open end;
• a second radiation blocking component disposed in the interior of said housing, in proximity to the second open end and substantially across a transport path;
• said second radiation blocking component being capable of radiation from emanating from the second open end;
• an interlock system capable of preventing operation of the at least one radiation source under preselected conditions.

A method for exposing outer surfaces of the at least one mail item, the method comprising the steps of:

• exposing the outer surfaces of the at least one mail item to neutralizing radiation while the at least one mail item is being transported under a housing to substantially avoid escape of neutralizing radiation;
• providing radiation blocking components located substantially across a path of transport under the housing;
• and
• substantially blocking escape of radiation from inlet and outlet sides of the housing.