| abstract |
The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, methods and devices relating to processing a sample. In one embodiment, the sample vessel includes a portion flexible enough to deform mondestructively (e.g., without experiencing cracking, tearing, ripping or other degradation in structural integrity), or in some embodiments susbtantially nondestructively, in response to a mechanical impact sufficient to fragment the particular sample contained within the sample vessel. According to one feature, subsequent to the mechanical impact, the sample vessel continues to maintain sufficient structural integrity to continue to separate the sample from the external environment. |