Abstract: A peristaltic pump (2) for use in a sterilization apparatus (10) comprises: a flexible pump hose (44) having an outlet end and an inlet end, and an electrically conductive fitting (53) at each end; a motor-driven impeller (46) disposed in relation to the pump hose (44) such that when the impeller (46) is driven it will intermittently bear against the pump hose (44) so as to bring the internal walls of the pump hose together (62); a first electrode (52a) in contact with the conductive fitting (53a) at the outlet end of the pump hose (44), and a second electrode (52b) in contact with the conductive fitting (53b) at the inlet end of the pump hose (44); means (70) for applying a voltage across the first and second electrodes (52); and means (70) for measuring an electrical property between the conductive fittings (53). Other aspects of the invention provide a sterilization apparatus including the pump, and a method of using the sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: An analysis device for mass discrimination is disclosed. The analysis device comprises: a sample chamber for holding a gaseous sample; an analysis chamber arranged to receive sample gas from the sample chamber; a mass discriminator arranged to discriminate in the analysis chamber between ion species generated from the sample gas; and a wall separating the sample chamber from the analysis chamber, the wall comprising a rupture zone controllable to rupture and thereby release sample gas from the sample chamber into the analysis chamber. In one embodiment the rupture zone is adapted to rupture on application of an electric current or mechanical force. The wall may be micromachined. A method of mass discrimination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump (2) for use in a sterilisation apparatus (10) comprises: a flexible pump hose (44) having an outlet end and an inlet end, and an electrically conductive fitting (53) at each end; a motor-driven impeller (46) disposed in relation to the pump hose (44) such that when the impeller (46) is driven it will intermittently bear against the pump hose (44) so as to bring the internal walls of the pump hose together (62); a first electrode (52a) in contact with the conductive fitting (53a) at the outlet end of the pump hose (44), and a second electrode (52b) in contact with the conductive fitting (53b) at the inlet end of the pump hose (44); means (70) for applying a voltage across the first and second electrodes (52); and means (70) for measuring an electrical property between the conductive fittings (53). Other aspects of the invention provide a sterilisation apparatus including the pump, and a method of using the sterilisation apparatus.

Abstract: An analysis device for mass discrimination is disclosed. The analysis device comprises: a sample chamber for holding a gaseous sample; an analysis chamber arranged to receive sample gas from the sample chamber; a mass discriminator arranged to discriminate in the analysis chamber between ion species generated from the sample gas; and a wall separating the sample chamber from the analysis chamber, the wall comprising a rupture zone controllable to rupture and thereby release sample gas from the sample chamber into the analysis chamber. In one embodiment the rupture zone is adapted to rupture on application of an electric current or mechanical force. The wall may be micromachined. A method of mass discrimination is also disclosed.