Abstract: A method of detection of microbial growth which comprises preparing a culture of an organism, analysing a portion taken from the whole culture in a pyrolysis mass spectrometer, and monitoring the relative height of the peak in the mass spectrum corresponding to mass of 60 daltons, an increased height of the said peak relative to the remainder of the spectrum being indicative of growth of the microorganism.

Abstract: The introduction of a sample into a mass spectrometer providing in one aspect a method which comprises placing the sample in a tube (16) open at only one end, placing around the tube (16) an O-ring (30), placing the sample tube (16) with its open end adjacent an aperture (12) of the inlet system of the mass spectrometer and compressing the O-ring (3) about the tube whereby to seal sample tube (16) against the aperture (12), the sample tube upon evacuation by the inlet system of the mass spectrometer forming part of the vacuum retaining wall. The invention also relates to a sample tube surrounded by an O-ring and preferably containing a boat for receiving the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inlet system for use in a mass spectrometer which comprises a capillary tube 10 for introducing ions for analysis into the ion source of the spectrometer. An expansion chamber 14 arranged at the end of the capillary tube 10 has an aperture sealingly connectable to a tube 16 containing a sample to be analyzed. A piston 18 disposed within the expansion chamber 14 acts as a closure member for opening and closing the said aperture. A pumping line 25 is provided for evacuating the expansion chamber 14 to low vacuum after communication is established between the expansion chamber and the sample tube 16 and the piston 18 seals off the pumping line from the expansion chamber 14 after a low vacuum has been achieved in the latter chamber to permit evacuation of the expansion chamber to 14 a higher vacuum by way of the capillary tube 10 to a diffusion pump evacuating the space within the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method of applying liquid toner to a predetermined part (4,5) of an electrophotographic film (1) is disclosed. The film is supported at a predetermined distance from an electrode (25) having a toner supply orifice (7). A predetermined quantity of liquid toner (13) is delivered, preferably by a metering cylinder (10) and piston (19) disposed between two valves (9,11), to the orifice (7). The quantity is such that surface tension forces retain the liquid toner in the desired region (24).A method of processing an electrostatic image is also disclosed, as well as an assembly for applying liquid toner. The latter is preferably electrode (25) positioned in a recess in a support surface (3) for the film (1) to be processed.