Abstract: A system and method for preparing and delivering samples for analyte testing. The system can include a sample preparation system and a sample delivery system coupled to the sample preparation system. The sample preparation system can include a deformable self-supporting receptacle comprising a reservoir adapted to contain a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent. The sample delivery system can include a valve positioned in fluid communication with the reservoir and adapted to control the removal of a sample from the sample preparation system. The method can include applying pressure to the deformable self-supporting receptacle to remove a sample from the sample preparation system via the sample delivery system.

Abstract: Packaging for an ICSI pipette (50) has a base (10) and a slider (20) on which the pipette is retained by clips (29) and (36). The base (10) has a transparent rod (16) projecting above the thin end (52) of the pipette (50), acting as a lens to enable the tip of the pipette to be viewed. A grip portion (26) on the slider (20) projects above the pipette (50) and the rod (16) to enable the slider to be moved relative to the base such that the thick end (52) of the pipette projects beyond the end of the base for access and removal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an apparatus for transporting a vessel and to a sorting apparatus. The apparatus has at least one support device adapted to support the vessel in a reclined orientation, and a pushing mechanism adapted to transport the vessel along the support device. Advantageously, the apparatus is relatively simple and does not require vessels to contact an endless conveyor. Thus, vessels can be more readily rotated, weighed, etc. This disclosure also relates to a method of sorting vessels. One application of the apparatus and method is in the sorting of test tubes containing blood samples for testing.

Abstract: An organ transportation device includes a fluid-tight organ container and structure within the organ container for engaging an organ within the organ container. A base assembly is provided, and structure for rotating the organ engaging structure and the organ relative to the base assembly. The base assembly can have a motor and a battery to provide for rotation of the organ container during shipping.

Abstract: A method of arranging a large number of living bodies, such as cells, embryos, or organisms rapidly, individually, and one by one, a holding sheet for the method, and a device for processing the living bodies. The method of holding living bodies includes using a sheet in which multiple through-holes with a size capable of holding one of the target living bodies, but not capable of holding two or more of the living bodies, are provided, to thereby arrange and hold the living bodies one by one in the multiple through-holes in the sheet together with a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for storing and preserving previously sectioned, snap-frozen, and desiccated biological tissue samples at ambient conditions. Also disclosed are devices and systems for ambient storage of biological tissue sections, and methods for forming said devices.

Abstract: In systems and methods for freezing and subsequently thawing liquid samples containing biological components, a sample is fractioned into a very large number of small drops (10) having surface area to volume ratios of 1000 m-1 or greater. The drops are projected at a liquid cryogen (40) or at the solid surface of a highly thermally conducting metal cup or plate, where they rapidly freeze. The cold gas layer that develops above any cold surface is replaced with a dry gas stream (75). The environmental temperature experienced by the sample then abruptly changes from the warm ambient to the temperature of the cryogenic liquid or solid surface. To thaw drops with the highest warming rates, the frozen drops may be projected into warm liquids. The sample is projected with cold gas to the warm liquid, so that again there is an abrupt transition in the environmental temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides sample collection, shipping, and storage devices and methods of using the same. These devices and methods are useful, for example, for collecting, shipping, and storing biological samples, such as blood, serum, buccal samples, tissue homogenates, or cell lysates in a dry state. The devices and methods facilitate the rapid drying of biological samples collected on the devices, thereby improving the quality of the stored sample, particularly the protein and small molecule components of the stored sample. The present invention further provides methods of recovering biological samples from such devices.

Abstract: An ear tag for identifying animals, enables a sample of biological tissue to be taken when the tag is applied to the animal. The tag includes a male part and a female part which are assembled by irreversible socketing. The stem of the male part includes a detachable head having a hollow distal part provided with a cutting edge for cutting out a biological sample when the head perforates the ear of the animal. The female part includes a central tube for receiving the head and at least partially receiving the stem when the ear tag is applied, the tube being associated with a detachable sample container arranged in the axial extension of the tube. The proximal end of the container has a first opening for receiving the head of the stem when the ear tag is applied, and the distal end of the container has a second opening enabling the inside of the sample container to be reached.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer surfaces whose level of protein binding is less than about 50-80 ng/cm2 are achieved by: (1) applying a coating solution composed of a solvent and a non-ionic surfactant having a HLB number of less than 5 to the surface; and (2) drying the surface to remove the solvent and thereby bring the surfactant into direct contact with the hydrophobic polymer. The combination of a low HLB number and the drying step have been found to produce low binding surfaces which can withstand multiple washes with water and/or protein-containing solutions Alternatively, the low binding surfaces can be produced by applying the non-ionic surfactant to the mold surfaces which contact molten polymer and form the polymer into a desired shape, e.g., into a multi-well plate, a pipette tip, or the like. Further, the low binding surfaces may be produced by incorporating non-soluble, non-ionic surfactants having an HLB number of less than or equal to 10 into a polymer blend prior to molding the article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembleable unit of cassettes for containing specimens for histological examination. The cassettes are each designed for stacking relation one to another by snap locking means which are preferably configured to provide an audible sound and “click” feeling when stacked. A cover is provided to complete a stack, thereby providing an integral unit for case management. The unit is so integrated that it can be handled and will not disengage the stacked cassettes in the usual handling process in the laboratory. It is also readily processed in a paraffin bath for preparing the contained specimens for microtomy. Thus, a stabilized unit is provided for multiple specimens from a single source and maintaining them in sequential order without individual handling.

Abstract: An apparatus for culturing and/or transporting embryos, oocytes or other cellular structures, comprising a housing (12) having a gas space (28) and a media space (18) for a liquid medium separated from one another by a barrier (16) having one or more gas permeable regions to allow gas diffusion from the gas space to the media space, and an essentially gas-tight gas closure means (14) adapted to restrict the passage of gas into the container from the exterior environment, and liquid closure means (14, 16) adapted to engage with the housing to form a liquid-tight seal for retaining liquid in the media space. The barrier preferably comprises an at least partly gas-permeable insert (16) that when inserted into the housing forms together with the housing a gas space (28) and a liquid media space (18) in gas communication with one another via diffusion through the insert. The insert may be at least partly porous, the pores of the insert comprising at least part of the gas space.

Abstract: A fluid sample vessel includes inlet and vent tube fittings formed at one end of a container with an opposite open end closed by a needle septum. A support cap is removably engaged to the container to support the container and protect terminal ends of inlet and vent tubular branches coupled to the fittings. The support cap includes a pair of opposite legs with outwardly directed tabs for mounting within a centrifuge while supporting the cryopreservation container.

Abstract: This is a straw that comprises a tube (11) equipped with a plug (12) comprising a filtering element that is apart of the end (16) of the plug facing towards the end (15) of the tube furthest from the plug. Such a straw is used for storing a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, in particular a biological substance.

Abstract: A method and system for describing a cell tray are described. The method and system includes providing a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is of an optically transparent substrate material. The second layer is on top of the first layer, the second layer includes a plurality of cell wells, each of the plurality of cell wells being formed by penetrating the second layer to a preselected depth.

Abstract: Tissue orientation devices include a perforated tissue support with at least one perforated channel for receiving a tissue sample, and a plurality of tabs configured to extend along and into the channel to retain the tissue sample during processing and embedding. Tissue orientation devices include elongated legs coupled together for holding one or more biopsy tissue samples therebetween. Associated methods include using the cassettes and orientation devices to hold and orient tissue samples for processing, embedding and microtome sectioning.

Abstract: A container assembly comprises a vessel for containing a biological medium, gametes and/or one or more embryo(s). The vessel has a CO2 permeable seal and a closure valve device for selective access. A buffer chamber for a CO2 enriched atmosphere cooperates with the vessel and is in communication with the CO2 permeable wall. Such a container assembly is particularly adapted for intravaginal use in which case the permeable seal prevents ingress of vaginal secretions. The buffer chamber mediates the aqueous pH in the vessel after the container assembly is removed from a CO2 enriched environment.

Abstract: The carrying device comprises a carrying mechanism carrying a fluid vessel containing liquid, a detection device detecting depth information changing with depth of the liquid in the fluid vessel, and a control device controlling the carrying mechanism. The control device comprises: an information acquisition unit acquiring the depth information detected by the detection device; a computing unit calculating a maximum value of an acceleration which can be given to the fluid vessel when carried based on the depth information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and a carry command unit giving the carrying mechanism a command for carrying the fluid vessel at acceleration of the maximum value or smaller. The computing unit calculates a greater value as the maximum value of the acceleration as the depth of the liquid in the fluid vessel increases, and a smaller value as the maximum value of the acceleration as the depth of the liquid in the fluid vessel decreases.

Abstract: Provided are methods for stabilizing mean platelet component and/or platelets in a sample comprising combining said sample with EDTA, a second anticoagulant, and one or more kinase inhibitors. Also provided are compositions for stabilizing a sample comprising platelets, and kits for storing a platelet sample.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having active features such as valves, peristaltic pumps, and mixing portions are fabricated to have a thin elastomeric membrane over the active features. The active features are activated by a tactile actuator external to the membrane, for example, a commercial Braille display. The display may be computer controlled, for example by simple text editor software, to activate individual Braille protrusions or a plurality of protrusions to actuate the active portions of the microfluidic device. Integral devices can incorporate the tactile actuators in a single device, but still external to the membrane.

Abstract: Sample vials and methods of processing the sample vials are provided. The sample vial comprises a vial container, a sample collection chamber within the vial container, a vial cap configured to be mated with the vial container to enclose the collection chamber, an aliquot chamber, which may be carried by the vial cap or the vial container, and a valve mechanism for selectively sealing and unsealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber. The method may comprise flowing an aliquot of the sample from the collection chamber while the sample within the collection chamber is isolated from an environment exterior to the vial, sealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber to isolate the aliquot sample from the remaining sample portion, and transferring at least some of the remaining sample portion from the collection chamber to a microscope slide while the aliquot chamber is sealed from the collection chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for vitrifying a biological specimen includes a cap member, a tubular plunger, and a specimen chamber. The cap member includes a stem portion integrally formed with a receiving portion. The receiving portion has a disc-like shape and includes an outer surface. The outer surface includes a first skirt member comprised of a heat-sealable material. The first skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface. The specimen chamber has an open first end portion, a closed second end portion, and a cavity extending between the first and second end portions. The cavity is defined by oppositely disposed inner and outer surfaces. The specimen chamber further includes a second skirt member comprised of heat-sealable material. The second skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface.

Abstract: An apheresis tubing set comprises a cryocyte bag for collecting cells separated during apheresis. The cryocyte bag may comprise a mixing compartment in fluid communication with a cell storage compartment, wherein the mixing compartment comprises a cryoprotectant port and a cell sample port and wherein the storage and mixing compartments are in fluid communication via a mix conduit.

Abstract: A method for storing a water-soluble undissolved silica-based material, optionally with an incorporated functional agent. The method includes immersing the material in an aqueous liquid phase which is initially saturated with a water-soluble silica-based material which is the same or different than the undissolved silica-based material, such that the undissolved silica-based material does not essentially dissolve into the liquid phase during storage, or the proportion of the amount of the initially undissolved silica-based material to the amount of the liquid phase is such that the liquid phase will be saturated or essentially saturated by a dissolved portion of the water-soluble undissolved silica-based material during storage, which dissolved portion of said water soluble undissolved silica-based material is less than 20%. Also disclosed is a storage package which may preferably be used to store functional agents, delivery devices or implants.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for generating autologous tissue grafts, the apparatus including a point of care SVF isolation unit that includes a tissue digestion chamber in fluid communication with a lipid separating chamber, whereby SVF cells are isolated without centrifugation; and a cell seeding chamber in fluid communication with the SVF isolation unit, said cell seeding chamber adapted to support a cell scaffold. Methods and materials for cell seeding, including through the provision of micro rough scaffold surfaces, are also provided.

Abstract: A cap for a container is described that is configured to retain a gynecological sample collected with a sampling device. The cap includes a peripheral wall extending between a base and a flange opposite the base, and a diaphragm extending from the base of the peripheral wall. The flange projects beyond the peripheral wall and is configured to seat against a rim of the container. The diaphragm defines a first open area communicating with a second open area that is smaller than the first open area and includes a boundary spaced from the peripheral wall that is configured to detach the distally located sampler from the sampling device.

Abstract: A sample holder for fixing and transporting a sample vial (1) within an NMR configuration comprising an outer shell (4) and a continuous hollow space disposed inside the outer shell (4) and extending along its axis for receiving the sample vial, is characterized in that a clamping device that can be switched on and off and a switching element (6) are provided inside the hollow space, wherein, in the activated state, the clamping device fixes a sample vial (1) that is introduced into the sample holder, the switching element (6) can be operated from the outside, and the clamping device can be deactivated using the switching element (6) such that, in the deactivated state, the sample vial (1) inserted into- or removed from the sample holder is not fixed. Such a sample holder may be used to realize an automatic supply device for changing NMR sample vials which has a very compact structure and can be mounted using little space.

Abstract: A collection device and methods for stimulating and stabilizing a biological sample are provided. Aspects of the device include an evacuated sample collection container having stimulating and stabilizing additives contained in separate internal chambers of the container. The internal chambers are arranged to facilitate stimulation upon collection of a sample, followed by stabilization of the sample after a desired period of time in the same sealed container. Also provided are methods for use of the subject device. The device and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including the collection and analysis of clinically relevant samples, such as whole blood and other body fluids, obtained directly from a patient.

Abstract: A device for use in handling a sample, the device including a number of deformable cavities provided on a surface of a substrate, at least one of the cavities being a sample cavity for receiving a sample and a number of fluid channels connecting the cavities such that in use, selective deformation of the cavities causes the sample to be selectively combined with one or more substances.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: A self-contained cell culture apparatus and method of use in which a cell culture may be stored frozen for an extended period, then thawed, incubated and grown in a closed system without additional processing or added constituents. The apparatus and method readily lend themselves to automated handling and analysis by MEMS devices, and find particular application in micro gravity and/or high radiation environments. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette.

Abstract: A container or dish used for the micro manipulation, micro injection, biopsy and fertilization of oocyte and embryo culture. The dish allows the user to more readily perform procedures used to fertilize oocyte, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), biopsy embryos and perform additional procedures in used in assisted reproductive techniques (ART), human reproduction and in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques. The invention will allow ease in use, the reduction in the number of micro tools used in the procedure, as opposed to conventonal dishes and procedures, and will allow the user to more readily locate the oocytes and embryos to be handled and worked on. The inventon will add repetitiveness, consistency and may result in better results and outcome of the procedures. The invention will also give the user a more ergonomically correct dish for these types of procedures and related protocols.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

Abstract: A thin multiwell plate for use in the transportation of microbes, animal cells, DNA, etc. The multiwell plate of the present invention comprises a sheet laminate, wherein the laminate has multiple hollow parts in which a water adsorbent material is retained. A multiplicity of microbe samples, etc. can be transported conveniently and safely by causing the water adsorbent material to retain a microbe-containing solution, a DNA sample solution, etc. In particular, an ultrathin multiwell plate can be provided due to construction with a sheet laminate, thereby rendering the transportation thereof extremely easy.

Abstract: A droplet actuator and method of providing a droplet comprising an target substance on the droplet actuator, and including discrete flow and continuous flow functionality. Discrete flow function is controlled by electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations on a substrate surface. The continuous flow function includes a fluid path arranged for flowing a fluid therethrough. The discrete flow and continuous flow functions may be by a barrier, including a second fluid path through the barrier. The continuous flow function may include a capture surface comprising a component having an affinity for the target substance. Methods of the invention may include flowing a fluid comprising the target substance through the fluid path; capturing the target substance on the capture surface; and forming a droplet in the discrete flow region via the second fluid path and the electrodes comprising the captured target substance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sample sorter system adapted to receive and sort samples according to predetermined criteria. The sample sorter system comprises a receptacle that is adapted to receive and retain fluid and samples. The receptacle is operatively coupled with a drive and with a power source such that actuation of the drive causes the rotation of at least one circular component, which in turn causes the development of a flow regime in the receptacle such that the samples suspended in the fluid are conveyable along a closed path to at least one sample handling site that are positioned along said closed path.

Abstract: A method of providing suspended cells (10) for carrying out biological assays, comprising the steps of: a) providing a frozen cell suspension, b) bringing the frozen cell suspension into direct contact with an excess volume of thawing buffer (12), and c) incubating the solution of step b) at room temperature in order to thaw the cell suspension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deposition apparatus (100) which is designed to deposit frozen biological material (1) in a target substrate (2) and includes a charging device (10) and a driving device (20). The charging device (10) is designed to supply the biological material (1) to the driving device (20) while the driving device (20) is designed to apply a driving force to the biological material (1). In order to apply the driving force, the driving device (20) is formed such that the biological material (1) can penetrate into the target substrate (2) under the effect of the driving force. Also disclosed are an injector cartridge which is designed to provide frozen biological material in a deposition apparatus as well as a method for depositing biological material (1) in a target substrate (2).

Abstract: A pipette includes a tubular body having an internal passage, a first end and a second end. The tubular body is deformed inward to create a narrow constriction or slit within the internal passage of the pipette. When vacuum is applied to the pipette and a solution is drawn into the pipette, the slit increases the velocity of the solution while gently deforming and separating clumps of matter (e.g., colonies of bacteria) contained in the solution. As the deformed bacterial colony passes through the slit, the bacteria solution is mixed due to turbulent flow within the pipette created by the increase in velocity. Bacteria colony size is further reduced by alternating the pipette flow direction to cycle the bacteria through the slit two or more times. A sloped entrance to the slit also prevents the oily bacteria from clogging the slit during cycle reversals.

Abstract: A transfer device for a culture vessel for transferring a culture vessel for culturing a cell, a culture device including the transfer device for a culture vessel, and a holder for a culture vessel for holding a culture vessel, in which the transfer device for a culture vessel includes a transferring unit transferring a culture vessel for culturing a cell, an inputting unit inputting a kind of the culture vessel, a speed setting unit setting a transfer speed of the culture vessel based on a kind of the culture vessel inputted to the inputting unit, and a controlling unit controlling a transfer speed of the transferring unit to be the transfer speed set by the speed setting unit.

Abstract: A mobile intra-operative microscopic diagnosis laboratory capable of analyzing fresh tissue specimens and providing intra-operative consultation within 20 minutes is described. The mobile laboratory is preferably a van and contains a cryostat for freezing the fresh tissue specimens and a means for cutting the specimens. In addition, it also contains the means for reading the slides to make microscopic diagnosis and a means for handling for fresh tissue and a means for indicating various locations in the specimen, preferably by inking them. It preferably contains a stainer for staining the samples and an intercom for communicating the microscopic diagnosis back to the operating room.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid holder mechanism (10) which is designed to form a liquid environment at a capillary tip (22) of a patch clamp pipette (20) and includes a holding element (11.2) for retaining a liquid drop (1) and at least one rod (12.2, 12.3) for positioning the holding element (11.2) on the capillary tip (22). The at least one rod (12.2, 12.3) is designed such that the holding element (11.2) can be separated from the capillary (21) in a state in which the liquid holder mechanism (10) is connected to the patch clamp pipette (20). Also disclosed are a measuring instrument that is equipped with said liquid holder mechanism (10) as well as a method for electrophysically analyzing a biological cell with the help of the liquid holder mechanism (10).

Abstract: A fixture and method is provided for in vitro storage of a cornea. The fixture includes a platform having a corneal-sceral rim receiving surface, a clamp having a mating surface for the cornel-scleral rim and handles. A locking mechanism is provided to secure a donor cornea between the clamp and platform. The combination cornea, platform and clamp are placed in a storage unit having a fluid preservation media. In one embodiment, the storage unit includes a vial having an optically clear closed end and an opened end. A lid is secured to the open end of the vial and engages the handles in order to stabilize the clamped cornea within the vial.

Abstract: A holding structure for holding a plurality of culture plates in a stacked arrangement includes a feature for de-nesting the bottom culture plate from the plate above it. The de-nesting feature is preferably a structure which urges a plate to move laterally relative to the plate above it. The de-nesting of the bottom culture plate from the adjacent culture plate facilitates withdrawal of the bottom culture plate from the base via a robotic plate transfer mechanism. The de-nesting feature can be entirely passive, such as ramps formed in the base of the holding structure.

Abstract: A method and a device for improved freezing of biological containing living cells is disclosed. Directional cooling coupled with agitation, preferably rotation, of the vessel containing the biological sample allows for the freezing of large volume samples at much greater rates than before. Whether a sample is large or not, the greater thermal homogeneity during the freezing process as well as the resulting crystal morphology yield a frozen sample which is exceptionally suited for lyophilization.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic manipulation device is formed using a plastic material or glass. There is at least one well in the device. The well has a base and a side wall and is dimensioned to receive a cell. There is at least one base fluid port in the base of the well and side fluid ports in the side wall. Each of the base fluid port and the side fluid ports are of a cross sectional area to prevent a cell passing therethrough. Selected flow of fluid through the base port in use assists in supporting a cell in the well and selected flow of fluid through the base port and the side ports in use assists in rotating the cell in the well. The well can have a retention section and a loading section, the loading section being above and larger than the retention section. The loading section can have a loading channel extending to it or alternatively an access hatch. The side fluid ports open into a lower region of the loading section.

Abstract: A system for depositing cells on an analysis plate, the cells being contained in a cell suspension including a fixing agent and the cells, included, for receiving the suspension, a chamber (5) which is positioned above the analysis plate and whose base is open and extends opposite a cell depositing zone of the plate and a material for absorbing the fixing agent placed around the chamber and the depositing zone of the plate. The chamber is mounted so as to be able to be moved between a first position in abutment against the analysis plate in order to allow the cells to be deposited on the depositing zone of the plate via decantation and a second position remote from this analysis plate in order to place the chamber in a fluid relationship with the absorption material in order to allow this material to absorb the fixing agent.

Abstract: Devices, instruments, systems and methods are provided in which a primary line that receives a biological fluid is selectively sampled by a plurality of collection chambers. Selective sampling occurs by selectively accessing the primary line and selective engagement of a sampling pump under control of a microprocessor. Further, the instrument housing reversibly houses a drive assembly and sample collection housing to permit the interchangeability of drive assemblies and collection housings and thus enhance sterility or reduction of cost.

Abstract: A device for transporting at least one cellular entity during culture or maturation, the device comprising a substrate having one or more wells, said one or more wells being adapted to hold a cellular entity in a fluid, lid means for preventing entry or exit of the cellular entity from the one or more wells and fluid transport means connecting the one or more wells to enable flow of fluid or diffusion of chemical species. The apparatus alternatively or in addition comprise a module for transporting a payload at a controlled temperature, the module comprising an outer housing, an outer thermally insulating region, an inner thermally insulating region, and a heat sinking region located between the inner and outer thermally insulating regions, the inner thermally insulating region defining a cavity for receiving a payload, and heating means.