Patent ID: 6331704
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
Apparatus for detecting particulate debris in hydraulic fluid flowing in a fluid flow system of operating equipment comprising(a) a fluid flow line for directing the flow of hydraulic fluid, said fluid flow line having a section permitting the transmission of light therethrough;(b) a source of light directed toward said section for transmission through said section and through hydraulic fluid or oil flowing through said section;(c) a light detector positioned to receive light from said light source passing through said flow line section and hydraulic fluid flowing therethrough while said equipment is operating;(d) a trap located outside of said flow line section positioned between said flow line section and said detector, said trap having a size preventing the direct passage of said light to said detector while permitting scattered portions of said light to reach said detector; and(e) an alarm responsive to a decrease in the amount of light reaching said detector.