Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of antibiotic resistance of a microorganism in a sample. A modified recombinant phage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of infectious agents allows a specific microorganism to be targeted, and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: A support structure for a chain vise has portions for engaging a support surface and includes a mechanism for tilting the chain vise relative to the support surface.

Abstract: A plasma mass spectrometer has a plasma ion source (1). The source has associated with it an electromagnetic excitation means (2), which may be one or more induction coils. The excitation means is powered by an RF generator (3). Ions are sampled from the plasma ion source through an interface (15) into a vacuum chamber (16). The stream of ions is directed by an ion optics element (4) through a mass analyser (5) to an ion detector (6). The excitation means may include means (7) for altering the axial component of the electromagnetic field sustaining the plasma. Alternatively or additionally, the spectrometer may include signal detecting means (11,17) to provide feedback enabling optimisation of parameters.

Abstract: A small bore expansion plug having an inner wedge pin and a plug body with an outer hard surface with small, peripheral V-shaped grooves, a partly hemispherical end wall at its inner end and a tapered coaxial bore for receiving the wedge pin. To provide a radial expansion force within an acceptable tolerance between the plug body and the wall of its mounting bore, the wedge pin has a coaxial bore to form a high-strength spring and the plug body has a base material with a yield strength providing the desired plug body resistance to deformation.

Abstract: A relief valve comprises a stationary valve seat and a poppet member which has a valve surface sealingly engageable with the stationary valve seat. The poppet member has an axially extending wall in the vicinity of the valve surface. When the poppet valve is displaced from the stationary valve seat, the low pressure which is exerted against the poppet valve in the vicinity of the poppet valve surface resulting from fluid flowing between the stationary valve seat and the poppet valve surface is generally substantially exerted in a radial direction against the axial wall to thereby prevent reseating of the poppet member at the initial opening conditions for the relief valve.