Patent ID: 8371039

Claim:
A device for supporting at least one vessel containing a target material to be lyophilized within a chamber of a freeze drying machine, the device comprising: a support panel having a support surface; a central region defined by the support panel for supporting the at least one vessel; a perimeter region defined by the support panel and surrounding the central region; a thermal shield positioned about the perimeter region and extending transverse to the support surface of the support panel such that the thermal shield and the support panel define a storage space for accommodating the at least one vessel; and at least one shielding cavity defined by the thermal shield and containing a shielding material during a lyophilization process, the shielding material being distinct from the target material, wherein the device is adapted to be removably supported within the chamber of the freeze-drying machine such that the thermal shield inhibits thermal radiation emitted by chamber walls defining the chamber.