Abstract: A method of measuring fluorescence from a location, the method comprising applying to the location a first fluorescence excitation signal having a first duty cycle, accumulating as a first result fluorescence that emanates from the location in response to the first excitation signal, applying to the location a second fluorescence excitation signal having a second duty cycle, accumulating as a second result fluorescence that emanates from the location in response to the second excitation signal, and comparing the first and second results to provide a comparison result for the location. The invention also relates to apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: An edge-emitter semiconductor laser crystal having a receptacle for sample material which can influence the crystal's laser operation. There may be separate zones of laser action within the crystal, creating respective sensing zones in the receptacle. Detection may be achieved by providing photo-diode regions within the crystal, for example.

Abstract: A MEMS actuator 1 comprising an actuator member 2 operably engaged by at least one actuator beam 4 and heating means 12 for heating the or each beam 4. The heating may cause expansion of the or each beam4, wherein the or each beam 4 has two ends A, A′ and the or each beam 4 is fixed at only one end A and wherein the expansion effects movement of the actuator member 2. The heating may cause thermal expansion of the beam 4 in one direction and longitudinal displacement of the beam 4 in the direction of thermal expansion, which longitudinal displacement effects movement of the actuator member 2. The beam 4 may act on the member 2 at a position in relation to a pivot point P so as to produce a torque which effects pivoting of the member 2 about the pivot point P. The actuator may have at least two actuator beams 4 and heating the at least two beams 4 may cause simultaneous expansion of the at least two beams 4, which simultaneous expansion effects movement of the actuator member 2.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a decoder to an audio/visual display remote monitor having a screen comprises a cable conforming to CAT5 protocol and a junction box at one end portion thereof for connecting to an electrical input, an audio/video input and an infrared input whereby control of the decoder can be effected by a remote controller directing infrared signals to a receptor of the monitor.

Abstract: A system for connecting a controlling station (10) to a viewing station (13) in accordance with CAT 5/6 protocol comprises a single conductor (30) which carries audio and video signals.

Abstract: Solid materials are separated from micro organisms by a process which comprises growing them at a fermentation temperature, conditioning them by cooling them without freezing and then heating to above the fermentation temperature without permitting substantial recovery from the conditioning stage.