Abstract: Disclosed herein are various methods and apparatus for performing charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS). In particular, techniques are disclosed for monitoring a detector signal from a CDMS device to determine how many ions are present in the ion trap (10) of the CDMS device. For example, if no ions are present the measurement can then be terminated early. Similarly, if more than one ion is present, the measurement can be terminated early, or ions can be removed from the trap (10) until only a single ion remains. Techniques are also provided for increasing the probability of there being a single ion in the trap (10). A technique for attenuating an ion beam is also provided.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer comprising: a multi-reflecting time of flight (MRTOF) mass analyser or mass separator having two gridless ion mirrors 2 that are elongated in a first dimension (Z-dimension) and configured to reflect ions multiple times in a second orthogonal dimension (X-dimension) as the ions travel in the first dimension; the spectrometer configured to operate in: (i) a first mode for ions having a first rate of interaction with background gas molecules in the mass analyser or separator, such that the ions are reflected a first number of times between the ion mirrors 2; and (ii) a second mode for ions having a second, higher rate of interaction with background gas molecules in the mass analyser or separator, such that ions are reflected a second, lower number of times between the ion mirrors 2.

Abstract: A MALDI ion source is disclosed comprising: a target plate (2) having a front surface (4), a rear surface (6), and at least one sample receiving well (9) for receiving a liquid sample or at least one sample receiving channel (8) extending from an opening (12) in the rear surface (6) to an opening (14) in the front surface (4) for receiving a liquid sample (10), wherein each well (9) or channel (8) has a volume of ?1 ?L. The ion source also comprise a laser (16) for ionising a liquid sample (10) on or in the target plate (2), wherein the laser (16) is a pulsed laser set up and configured to have a pulsed repetition rate of ?20 Hz, or is a continuous laser.

Abstract: A steering actuator comprising a shaft having an input coaxial with an output, wherein the output is in drivable communication with one or more wheels of a vehicle, and a locking mechanism configured to enable the shaft to rotate in both a first direction and a second direction in response to torque provided at the input, and prevent the shaft from rotating in both the first direction and the second direction in response to torque provided at the output.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the efficient disaggregation of tissue samples, separating the tissue into individual intact cells or small aggregates of cells for analysis. A device may include a chamber to receive fluid and a tissue specimen containing more than one cell to be disaggregated. The chamber may include an opening and an agitator in fluid contact with the fluid and the tissue specimen. The agitator may include a micromotor which provides rotational motion to a shaft and an impeller fixed to the shaft such that the impeller and the shaft rotate together upon provision of the rotational motion by the micromotor. The device may include an electrical energy source electrically coupled to the micromotor to rotate the impeller sufficient to disaggregate the one or more individual cells from the tissue specimen and in a manner which does not lyse the one or more individual cells.

Abstract: A method for inspecting and cleaning an inner surface of a medical device may involve advancing a distal end of a flexible, elongate inspection device into the medical device, visualizing the inner surface of the medical device with a visualization member at or near the distal end of the inspection device, and emitting an ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light emitter at or near the distal end of the inspection device, to clean the inner surface. The ultraviolet light emitter is configured to emit a uniform beam of ultraviolet light onto the inner surface.

Abstract: Application integration for contactless payments is described. In an example, a payment making platform can provide a transaction code to a payment processing platform. The transaction code can be presented at a point-of-sale of a transaction between a customer and a merchant associated with the payment processing platform. Upon detecting an interaction between the transaction code and a computing device of the customer, the payment making platform and the payment processing platform can exchange data to enable the customer to participate in the transaction via the computing device of the customer. In some examples, the payment making platform and the payment processing platform can process a contactless payment for the transaction by transferring funds associated with an account of the customer from the payment making platform to the payment processing platform for depositing into an account of the merchant.

Abstract: A bonded multilayer article including: (a) at least one first layer of a silicone-containing rubber substrate material bonded to (b) at least one second layer of a substrate material bondable to the first layer; wherein at least a portion of the surface of the first layer is activated for adhesion to increase the bond strength of the first layer to a second layer such that the bond strength of the first layer bonded to the second layer is increased; and a process for producing the above bonded multilayer article.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an adaptable disc golf basket designed to enable users to easily set up and take down disc golf targets on a tree, pole, flagpole, or other upright structures as per the desires of the players. The adaptable disc golf basket features a basket made of chains that help to deflect the discs into the target. Additionally, the disc golf basket comprises a hinge and clasp system and a flexible support structure, that allows the system to easily wrap around a tree, a flagpole or other structures. The adaptable disc golf basket is light-weight and can be repeatedly set-up, taken down, and transferred from one place to another with minimal effort.

Abstract: An ambient or atmospheric pressure ion source is disclosed that comprises a laser source (1) that generates ions and/or neutral particles from a target (2). A transfer device (10) causes the ions and/or neutral particles to pass along a first path or axis within the transfer device (10), while a secondary activation device (6) directs laser radiation or photons along, across or over at least a portion of the first path or axis to cause secondary activation of the ions and/or neutral particles.

Abstract: A method of ionising a sample is disclosed comprising nebulising a sample which includes first biomolecules such as bovine insulin comprising one or more disulphide (S—S) bonds. A stream of droplet or charged droplets comprising one or more disulphide (S—S) bonds is directed so as to impact upon a target (106) or electrode so as to cause the breaking of a portion of the disulphide bonds. Alternatively, charged droplets may pass through an electric field region determined by an electrode (106) arranged downstream of a nebuliser or electrospray probe and an ion inlet (104) of a mass spectrometer so as to cause the breaking of a portion of the disulphide bonds.

Abstract: An ion source is provided comprising a nebuliser or electrospray probe (1) for nebulising a sample and an impact surface or target electrode (5). The impact surface or target electrode (5) comprises a tarnishable or oxidisable metal or an alloy comprising tarnishable or oxidisable metal. Also provided is an ion source comprising a nebuliser or electrospray probe with a central wire comprising a tarnishable or oxidisable metal or an alloy comprising a tarnishable or oxidisable metal or an alloy comprising a tarnishable or oxidisable metal. Adducts with relatively heavy metals result in simplified multiply-charged mass spectra that are easier to interpret.

Abstract: Application integration for contactless payments is described. In an example, a payment making platform can provide a transaction code to a payment processing platform. The transaction code can be presented at a point-of-sale of a transaction between a customer and a merchant associated with the payment processing platform. Upon detecting an interaction between the transaction code and a computing device of the customer, the payment making platform and the payment processing platform can exchange data to enable the customer to participate in the transaction via the computing device of the customer. In some examples, the payment making platform and the payment processing platform can process a contactless payment for the transaction by transferring funds associated with an account of the customer from the payment making platform to the payment processing platform for depositing into an account of the merchant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ion analysis instrument comprising a Time of Flight (“TOF”) mass analyser comprising a reflectron. The instrument is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode, wherein in said first mode ions are caused to turn around at a first point in the reflectron and wherein in said second mode ions are caused to turn around at a second point in the reflectron such that the distance traveled by ions within the Time of Flight mass analyser is greater in the second mode than the distance traveled by ions within the Time of Flight mass analyser in the first mode. In this way, the operating modes can be selectively optimised for the analysis of ions of different masses.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the efficient disaggregation of tissue samples, separating the tissue into individual intact cells or small aggregates of cells for analysis. A device may include a chamber to receive fluid and a tissue specimen containing more than one cell to be disaggregated. The chamber may include an opening and an agitator in fluid contact with the fluid and the tissue specimen. The agitator may include a micromotor which provides rotational motion to a shaft and an impeller fixed to the shaft such that the impeller and the shaft rotate together upon provision of the rotational motion by the micromotor. The device may include an electrical energy source electrically coupled to the micromotor to rotate the impeller sufficient to disaggregate the one or more individual cells from the tissue specimen and in a manner which does not lyse the one or more individual cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of managing operation of a point-of-use fluid treatment arrangement for providing treated fluid to at least one end user. The point-of-use fluid treatment arrangement comprises a fluid supply source provided by an operator, at least one fluid outlet for providing fluid to an end user, in which the at least one fluid outlet is in fluid communication with and spaced downstream from a point of supply of the fluid supply source, at least one point-of-use or point-of-entry fluid treatment device located at or adjacent a corresponding fluid outlet, and at least one communication unit.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer comprising: a multi-reflecting time of flight (MRTOF) mass analyser or mass separator having two gridless ion mirrors 2 that are elongated in a first dimension (Z-dimension) and configured to reflect ions multiple times in a second orthogonal dimension (X-dimension) as the ions travel in the first dimension; the spectrometer configured to operate in: (i) a first mode for ions having a first rate of interaction with background gas molecules in the mass analyser or separator, such that the ions are reflected a first number of times between the ion mirrors 2; and (ii) a second mode for ions having a second, higher rate of interaction with background gas molecules in the mass analyser or separator, such that ions are reflected a second, lower number of times between the ion mirrors 2.

Abstract: A MALDI ion source is disclosed comprising: a target plate (2) having a front surface (4), a rear surface (6), and at least one sample receiving well (9) for receiving a liquid sample or at least one sample receiving channel (8) extending from an opening (12) in the rear surface (6) to an opening (14) in the front surface (4) for receiving a liquid sample (10), wherein each well (9) or channel (8) has a volume of ?1 ?L. The ion source also comprise a laser (16) for ionising a liquid sample (10) on or in the target plate (2), wherein the laser (16) is a pulsed laser set up and configured to have a pulsed repetition rate of ?20 Hz, or is a continuous laser.

Abstract: A method of mass or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed that uses the Leidenfrost effect to cause a liquid to be repelled away from a heated surface so as to levitate above there-above. The repelled liquid is urged so as to move along the surface in a predetermined direction, for example, by the geometric configuration of the heated surface.

Abstract: A method of producing ions from a sample is disclosed. The method comprises directing a spray of droplets onto a sample, and causing droplets comprising analyte from the sample to impact upon a surface so as to generate analyte ions.