Abstract: A sensor system for sensing contaminants within a fluid stream of a fluid system includes a sensor body and an arm extending from the sensor body to a distal end of the arm, a laser light source configured to direct a laser beam outwardly from an outlet of the sensor body, and a light sensor. A fiber optic light guide is disposed in the sensor body and extends from the light sensor to an inlet of the sensor body for directing light to the light sensor. A beam dump is positioned at the distal end opposite the laser light source to absorb at least a portion of the laser beam directed towards the distal end. A blocking member of the arm is disposed intermediate between the sensor body and the distal end and is configured to partially restrict a field of intake of light at the inlet.

Abstract: A filter system with flow regulation includes a filter interposed along the fluid passageway and a differential valve in fluid series therewith. The valve may use the upstream reference hydraulic pressure at the filter inlet and a downstream hydraulic pressure thereof to generate a valve position that regulates fluid flow along the fluid passageway. This can partially restrict flow and reduce pressure differential across the filter system and effectively closes off flow through the system when pressure differential is high. This may be used in aircraft or other fueling applications to limit flow and cause the operator to change the fuel filter once fuel flow slows to a trickle when the differential valve effectively closes due to higher differential pressure. The valve is also capable of a fully closed position at high pressure differential state.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing contaminants within a fluid stream of a fluid system includes a sensor body and an arm extending from the sensor body to a distal end of the arm, a laser light source configured to direct a laser beam outwardly from an outlet of the sensor body, and a light sensor. A fiber optic light guide is disposed in the sensor body and extends from the light sensor to an inlet of the sensor body for directing light to the light sensor. A beam dump is positioned at the distal end opposite the laser light source to absorb at least a portion of the laser beam directed towards the distal end. A blocking member of the arm is disposed intermediate between the sensor body and the distal end and is configured to partially restrict a field of intake of light at the inlet.

Abstract: A fusion-welded thermoplastic assembly and a method of fabricating the same includes first and second thermoplastic members fusion-welded together using a third thermoplastic fusion element. The first and second thermoplastic members and the thermoplastic fusion element are heated to a molten state using an infrared heater, and the molten fusion element is fused to each of the first and second thermoplastic elements. Prior to being connected by the fusion element, the first and second thermoplastic members are either brought into contact with one another or is held in such a way that they can be connected to each other using the third thermoplastic fusion element.