Abstract: A system for containing a sample for analysis by a spectrometer, comprising a sample receptacle unit with a well for containment of the sample, the well comprising a well inner wall and well floor, a floor aperture in the well floor, and comprising a first spectroscopy element, the first spectroscopy element spanning the opening of floor aperture, wherein the well further comprises a sealing material at the interface of the inner wall with the first spectroscopy element, wherein radiation is free to pass through the floor aperture to the first spectroscopy element.

Abstract: A performance monitor for determining the error density of a digitally transmitted signal in which the magnitude of a d-c offset voltage applied to one regenerator is controlled in a feedback loop so as to maintain a constant error rate between the output of it and another regenerator; the magnitude of the voltage being a measure of the degradation of the received signal and hence its error density.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring discrete loads to or from a pallet, comprising pallet infeed means for moving a pallet to a loading station, first and second load conveying means adapted to move numbers of discrete loads to or from respective first and second loading positions arranged on opposite sides of the loading station, load transfer means adapted to transfer loads simultaneously between each load conveying means at its loading position and a pallet at the loading station, and pallet discharge means for discharging the pallet from the apparatus. Two forms of the apparatus are described, one for loading cylindrical articles, such as kegs, on to a pallet, the other for removing such articles from a loaded pallet.