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:
May. 09, 2006
Filed:
Dec. 19, 2002
Alan D. Phillips, Trenton, NJ (US);
William J. Eggers, Knoxville, TN (US);
Robert S. Rodgers, Hightstown, NJ (US);
Dean Pappas, Hamilton Square, NJ (US);
Alan D. Phillips, Trenton, NJ (US);
William J. Eggers, Knoxville, TN (US);
Robert S. Rodgers, Hightstown, NJ (US);
Dean Pappas, Hamilton Square, NJ (US);
The Precision Instrument Corp., Trenton, NJ (US);
Abstract
An on-line sensing system and method for monitoring in real-time thermal-oxidative breakdown, water contamination, and/or fuel dilution conditions in operational engine lubricating oils. The method of the invention includes an electrochemical impedance analysis technique specific to the particular oil to be monitored. Sensing devices having of at least two electrodes are configured for direct installation in an existing access port, or drain port, of a lubricating oil reservoir. An AC voltage waveform is applied to the sensing device (preferably less than 100 Hz) to produce voltage and current responses between the appropriate electrodes contacting the oil. The magnitude impedance |Z| and phase angle components of the complex impedance are used to characterize the quality and/or condition of the engine oil under test. The system also provides an electrical indication indicative of the percentage remaining useful life of the oil.