A plurality of vessel holder means 14 are mounted around a revolving body
12 at an equal circumferential spacing. Each vessel holder means 14
includes two holders 26, 26 for carrying two vessels 4, 4 in vertical
alignment. A path along which the revolving body 12 revolves contains an
inversion interval C-D and an upright transfer interval D-B and A-C.
Inversion means 16 which inverts the vessel holder means 14 about a
tangential axis O1 is located within the inversion interval C-D while an
electron beam irradiator 24 is located within the upright transfer
interval A-C. Vessels which are fed at a vessel feed position A and
carried by the holders 26 are subject to the irradiation of the electron
beam at an electron beam irradiation position E, then inverted, and when
it reaches the electron beam irradiation position E again, the opposite
surface is subject to the irradiation of the electron beam. Vessels 4 are
inverted again and then discharged at a vessel discharge position B.
Using a single electron beam irradiator 24, the entire surface of the
vessel 4 being conveyed can be sterilized by irradiation of the electron
beam.