#$%^&*AU2012227267B120130117.pdf#####ABSTRACT: The present invention relates to time capsules, vessels or containers, in particular but not limited to a permanently sealable non-reusable time capsule, vessel or container for storing 5 a biological sample containing DNA for a prolonged period of time. The time capsule comprising a thick-walled vessel or container having a void or chamber with a tapered entry adapted to house glass vials containing the item of interest, a plug having a complementary external tapered configuration corresponding to the tapered entry, the tapered plug and entry having opposed peripheral grooves that are aligned when the plug is positioned in the 10 vessel and a hard setting compound used to seal the plug forms a keyed ring in the opposing grooves to permanently and hermetically seal the plug in the vessel. -14-