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:
Oct. 31, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 30, 2002
Shinichi Hayashi, Mizunami, JP;
Hisashi Sasaki, Komaki, JP;
Shinichi Hayashi, Mizunami, JP;
Hisashi Sasaki, Komaki, JP;
NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd., Aichi, JP;
Abstract
An engine oil deterioration detection apparatus includes a sensing capacitor CS formed of paired electrodes dipped into engine oil whose deterioration is to be detected, the engine oil deterioration detection apparatus detecting deterioration of the engine oil on the basis of a change in electrostatic capacitance of the sensing capacitor CS. A measurement signal generation circuit generates a measurement signal to be supplied to the sensing capacitor CS. A detection signal output circuit outputs a detection signal on the basis of a response wave signal produced from the sensing capacitor CS in response to supply of the measurement signal thereto, the detection signal reflecting the electrostatic capacitance of the sensing capacitor CS. A temperature compensation mechanism is provided to compensate for a level change of the detection signal stemming from a temperature characteristic and/or a time-course deterioration of the detection signal output circuit.