The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 30, 1999
Filed:
Apr. 22, 1996
Ashraf A Ismail, Westmount, CA;
Frederick R Van De Voort, Baie D'urfe, CA;
David Pinchuk, Montreal West, CA;
Other;
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for controlling and extending the performance of lubricating fluids, such as lubricating oils. The method comprises simultaneous detection of multiple additives and contaminant levels in the lubricating fluids and measured input of selected additives to the lubricating fluids. The additive and contaminants levels are simultaneously and quantitatively determined using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, and any drop in additive levels below pre-specified limits automatically triggers corrective action whereby a computer-controlled delivery system is employed to replenish the depleted additives. The system can also be employed to detect irreversible degradation of the lubricating fluids and direct the degraded fluids to a holding area where they may undergo treatment or disposal and add new fresh lubricating fluids. A data management station is programmed for monitoring the quality of the fluid and ensuring that the threshold values of additive levels are maintained at all times of operation.