Abstract: A selective agent comprising a triclosan derivative for use in selective inhibition of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells. Preferably the triclosan derivative is a glycoside derivative, more preferably a pyranoside derivative. Suitably a selective medium comprising said selective agent and methods of culturing cells using the selective agent are provided.

Abstract: A utilities pod (10) for a vehicle, especially a caravan. The pod is removably mounted underneath the cabin structure and contains utilities apparatus such as a water heater, space heater (62), battery and water tank (60). The pod is connected to the cabin of the vehicle by an interface unit having multiple ports (18) by which said respective utility services are provided to the cabin. The interface unit is configured for installation in the floor of said cabin such that the ports are exposed to the interior of the cabin structure.

Abstract: A straining device for a drainage pump, the straining device comprising a body defining an inner chamber; at least one straining element by which liquid may enter the chamber; and at least one outlet by which liquid may leave the chamber. The straining device further includes a liquid level sensor arranged to detect the level of a liquid in which said straining device is located during use and, upon determining that said liquid level exceeds a threshold, to cause an activation signal to be sent to said pump. The liquid level sensor comprises non-contact sensing means such as an electric field sensor. The sensor is located at the top of the straining device and arranged to project its sensing field upwardly.

Abstract: A selective agent comprising a triclosan derivative for use in selective inhibition of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells. Preferably the triclosan derivative is a glycoside derivative, more preferably a pyranoside derivative. Suitably a selective medium comprising said selective agent and methods of culturing cells using the selective agent are provided.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system for a sanitary installation has a liquid level sensor for detecting the level of liquid in a drainage receptacle. The sensor employs non-contact sensing, for example an electric field, to detect the liquid level and controls the operating of a drainage pump depending on the detected liquid level. The drainage receptacle may for example be the gulley of a shower tray, or a manifold connected to two or more sinks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selectively inhibiting growth of non-target cells in a mixed population of target and non-target cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the mixed population with a selective agent which comprises a carrier moiety linked by a scissile linkage to a toxic moiety; wherein the selective agent is able to enter non-target cells in which the scissile linkage is cleaved, releasing the toxic moiety to exert a toxic effect on the non-target cells causing inhibition of the growth of the non-target cells, whereas the selective agent is unable to enter target cells and/or the scissile linkage is not cleaved in target cells and/or toxic moiety, if released from the selective agent, does not exert a toxic effect on the target cell; and (b) culturing the cells in conditions which allow for growth of non-inhibited cells.

Abstract: A utilities pod (10) for a vehicle, especially a caravan. The pod is removably mounted underneath the cabin structure and contains utilities apparatus such as a water heater, space heater (62), battery and water tank (60). The pod is connected to the cabin of the vehicle by an interface unit having multiple ports (18) by which said respective utility services are provided to the cabin. The interface unit is configured for installation in the floor of said cabin such that the ports are exposed to the interior of the cabin structure.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system for a sanitary installation has a liquid level sensor for detecting the level of liquid in a drainage receptacle. The sensor employs non-contact sensing means, for example an electric field, to detect the liquid level and controls the operating of a drainage pump depending on the detected liquid level. The drainage receptacle may for example be the gulley of a shower tray, or a manifold connected to two or more sinks.

Abstract: A straining device for a drainage pump, the straining device comprising a body defining an inner chamber; at least one straining element by which liquid may enter the chamber; and at least one outlet by which liquid may leave the chamber. The straining device further includes a liquid level sensor arranged to detect the level of a liquid in which said straining device is located during use and, upon determining that said liquid level exceeds a threshold, to cause an activation signal to be sent to said pump. The liquid level sensor comprises non-contact sensing means such as an electric field sensor. The sensor is located at the top of the straining device and arranged to project its sensing field upwardly.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a diaphragm pump, which diaphragm is asymmetrical about its longitudinal axis wherein the diaphragm has a central portion and a surrounding annular convolute portion. The convolute portion has a minimum depth and a maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions of the annular convolute. The convolute depth gradually increases from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute. The invention also provides a diaphragm pump with the asymmetrical diaphragm.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a diaphragm pump, which diaphragm is asymmetrical about its longitudinal axis wherein the diaphragm has a central portion and a surrounding annular convolute portion. The convolute portion has a minimum depth and a maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions of the annular convolute. The convolute depth gradually increases from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute. The invention also provides a diaphragm pump with the asymmetrical diaphragm.