Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electro-optic sensor that performs well in a wide range of temperatures. The sensors of the present disclosure can be used in high temperature applications. In some embodiments, the sensor can detect the presence or absence of fluid as well as measure temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems for in-fluid testing of electro optic liquid sensors are provided. The electro optic sensor has a light source and a light detector such that a first power state is applied to the light source to generate a first light for determining whether liquid is present within the electro optic sensor. Based on a determination that liquid is present within the electro optic sensor, a second power state is applied to the light source for generating a second light. The second power state having higher power over a shorter period of time than the first power state. The second light generated from the light source is reflected and the reflected second light is received at the light detector. The reflected second light is compared to a pulse current threshold value to determine whether the electro optic sensor is functioning properly.

Abstract: A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level.

Abstract: A first component, such as an electrical connector, can be mechanically connected to a second component, such as a surface, and separately electrically bonded to the second component using a third component, such as foil. The third component can be ultrasonically welded to the first component and separately ultrasonically welded to the second component. In some cases, multiple third components can be utilized to cover a seam between the first and second components.

Abstract: A debris detection system includes a chamber configured to permit particles to pass through the chamber; an optical fiber or fiber optic cable providing a light path; a collimator configured to channel light from the light path into the chamber; and a reflector configured to reflect light back to the collimator for signal detection. In embodiments, the reflector may include a mirror. Methods for detecting particles and information and/or parameters associated with particles, including that associated with reflected light, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level. An electro-optic sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electro-optic fluid level sensor includes a body having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. A light source is disposed at the first end portion of the body. A first light detector is disposed at the second end portion of the body. A second light detector is disposed at the second end portion of the body. The second light detector is axially offset from the first light detector.

Abstract: A debris detection system includes a chamber configured to permit particles to pass through the chamber; an optical fiber or fiber optic cable providing a light path; a collimator configured to channel light from the light path into the chamber; and a reflector configured to reflect light back to the collimator for signal detection. In embodiments, the reflector may include a mirror. Methods for detecting particles and information and/or parameters associated with particles, including that associated with reflected light, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level.

Abstract: A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electro-optic sensor that performs well in a wide range of temperatures. The sensors of the present disclosure can be used in high temperature applications. In some embodiments, the sensor can detect the presence or absence of fluid as well as measure temperature.

Abstract: A first component, such as an electrical connector, can be mechanically connected to a second component, such as a surface, and separately electrically bonded to the second component using a third component, such as foil. The third component can be ultrasonically welded to the first component and separately ultrasonically welded to the second component. In some cases, multiple third components can be utilized to cover a seam between the first and second components.

Abstract: A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level. An electro-optic sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A debris detection system includes a chamber configured to permit particles to pass through the chamber; an optical fiber or fiber optic cable providing a light path; a collimator configured to channel light from the light path into the chamber; and a reflector configured to reflect light back to the collimator for signal detection. In embodiments, the reflector may include a mirror. Methods for detecting particles and information and/or parameters associated with particles, including that associated with reflected light, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level.

Abstract: An electro-optic liquid sensor may include a light source, a light detector, a prism, and a reflective optical member. The optical member may be arranged to reflect light emitted by the light source to the light detector when a liquid is disposed between the light source and the optical member. The electro-optic sensor may enable assessment of its operational state in the presence of liquid, thus improving on known electro-optic liquid sensors. A method of operating a sensor to assess the presence of liquid is disclosed.

Abstract: An electro-optic fluid level sensor includes a body having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. A light source is disposed at the first end portion of the body. A first light detector is disposed at the second end portion of the body. A second light detector is disposed at the second end portion of the body. The second light detector is axially offset from the first light detector.

Abstract: A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level.

Abstract: An electro-optic liquid sensor may include a light source, a light detector, a prism, and a reflective optical member. The optical member may be arranged to reflect light emitted by the light source to the light detector when a liquid is disposed between the light source and the optical member. The electro-optic sensor may enable assessment of its operational state in the presence of liquid, thus improving on known electro-optic liquid sensors. A method of operating a sensor to assess the presence of liquid is disclosed.

Abstract: An electro-optic liquid sensor may include a light source, an light detector, a prism, and a reflective optical member. The optical member may be arranged to reflect light emitted by the light source to the light detector when a liquid is disposed between the light source and the optical member. The electro-optic sensor may enable assessment of its operational state in the presence of liquid, thus improving on known electro-optic liquid sensors.