Abstract: The invention provides a photometric method of determining courses of reaction in a specimen, in which method the intensities of the transmitted light and of the stray light are measured, wherein the two intensities are measured simultaneously and the electrical signals corresponding to the transmitted light and to the stray light are combined to form one signal. The invention makes it possible to perform reliable measurement even with low levels of transmitted and stray light.The method is preferably used in determining the coagulation times of blood. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flow velocity meter is described suitable for measuring the mean flow velocity of a medium flowing along a duct using optical means which generates first and second beams of light each in the form of a relatively shallow wide band which traverse the duct across first and second spaced apart transverse planes which are arranged substantially at right angles to the mean flow direction. Light beams emerging from the duct are received on respective photoelectric detectors the output signals of which are essentially identical but relatively displaced because of the time required for the medium to flow between the two planes. By processing the signals in a correlation circuit this time is established and is used to produce an output proportional to the mean flow velocity of the medium between the two planes. The correlation circuit used is based on digital techniques.

Abstract: The flanks of faults present in a surface produce abnormal reflection of a laser beam during linewise scanning of the surface by a laser beam. This apparatus deflects the angles of reflection from the surface, to indicate the presence of a flank, by a light conducting rod arranged parallel to the direction of linewise scanning for receiving reflected light on its surface and for conducting this light to its end face. The various light rays spread out transversely to the direction of scanning during their passage through the light conducting rod and are detected as they pass through a series of concentric annular apertures spaced from the end face of the light conducting rod. Each aperture is associated with a particular range of angles of incidence irrespective of the point on incidence along the surface of the rod and photoelectric detectors are used to sense the light passing through each aperture to provide the necessary indication of the presence or non-presence of a fault.

Abstract: A photo electric light detection device comprising an array of photodiodes is disposed at an end face of a light conducting rod in order to produce an output signal proportional to light incident on the surface of the rod and transmitted to the end face by total internal reflection. The array of photodiodes is subdivided into high and low pass frequency sub-arrays and the output signals from the sub-arrays are summed and processed to compensate for stray light. The device is useful in connection with a line scanner for detecting anomalies in a moving band.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-dispersive optical determination of gas and smoke components in a mixture by reflection and detection of radiation, of a different wavelength for each component, through the mixture, wherein the radiation is periodically intercepted before it enters the mixture and reflected direct to the photo-receiver and the measurement signals are divided by the stored direct signals.