The gray axis of an input apparatus is shifted so as to match the gray axis of an output apparatus. The body portion and the release portion together define a container structure shaped to facilitate manual throwing andor catching of the container andor rolling of the container along the ground while liquid is accommodated within the container. The cannula holder is provided for receiving at least a portion of the cannula. The composite wrap is separated from the gas port. The arrangement makes possible simultaneous analysis of several optical lines with little retroreflection as well as uninterrupted calibration of the measuring process. In addition, the warming system further includes for each compartment a display and a tray or drawer with individual receptacles and corresponding monitoring assemblies in order to indicate the temperature and residence time of each item heated within that compartment.