"Container" - what is it, definition of the term
The term denotes a sealed receptacle designed to hold objects, protect them from external influences, and enable handling, transport, or processing; such enclosures are commonly fabricated from metal, plastic, or comparable durable materials and adhere to standardized dimensions to ensure compatibility with handling equipment, while in computing the concept describes an isolated execution environment that packages code together with its required libraries and runtime dependencies, providing a consistent, portable unit across diverse systems.
Detailed information
A receptacle designed for the collection, transport, and temporary storage of arthropod specimens must meet strict criteria to preserve integrity and prevent escape. The enclosure typically features a secure, screw‑top lid with a sealing gasket made of silicone or rubber, ensuring an airtight environment that limits dehydration and contamination. Transparent walls, often fabricated from polycarbonate or acrylic, allow visual inspection without opening the unit, reducing handling risk.
Materials selected for the body must resist corrosion from ethanol or other preservative fluids commonly used to fix ticks, bugs, lice, and fleas. Stainless steel or high‑density polyethylene provide durability and chemical compatibility. Interior surfaces are smooth to avoid damage to delicate exoskeletons and to facilitate cleaning between uses.
Labeling space is integral to each unit. A flat, writable surface near the lid accommodates handwritten or printed information, including species identification, collection date, geographic coordinates, and preservation medium concentration. Bar‑code or QR‑code stickers can be affixed for integration with digital tracking systems.
Safety features include:
- A lock‑out mechanism that prevents accidental opening during transport.
- A secondary containment barrier, such as a sealed inner tray, for high‑risk specimens.
- Compatibility with standard laboratory racks and incubators, allowing stable stacking and temperature control.
When used in field studies, portable versions incorporate insulated walls and a foam insert to maintain temperature stability. Some models provide a vented filter with a mesh size of 0.2 mm, allowing gas exchange while retaining the insects.
Proper handling protocol dictates that each unit be inspected for cracks, worn seals, or residual chemicals before use. After specimen removal, the enclosure should be decontaminated with a 10 % bleach solution, rinsed thoroughly, and dried before storage or reuse.
By adhering to these specifications, the storage device ensures reliable preservation of tick, bug, louse, and flea samples for subsequent morphological examination, molecular analysis, or archival documentation.