Abstract: A method for measuring fuel contamination in oil that uses a material in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only.

Abstract: Two pump oil level system and method for exchange of a fluid between an apparatus reservoir and a reserve reservoir. A first pump is connected to an apparatus reservoir to withdraw fluid to maintain a fluid level and to deliver fluid to a reserve reservoir. A second pump returns oil to the apparatus reservoir from the reserve reservoir. The first pump transfers fluid at a volume relatively larger than the second pump. The first and second pump flow conduits may have sensors installed to identify the fluid being pumped, such as air or oil, and a data processing device in communication with the sensors may evaluate fluid to determine system operation, and to estimate pump operating conditions and fluid viscosity in order to enhance pump flow by operation of heaters, and to verify correct maintenance of oil levels and that the reserve reservoir has oil. Data is suitable for transmitting.

Abstract: A method for measuring fuel contamination in oil that uses a material in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only.

Abstract: A method for measuring fuel contamination in oil that uses a material in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only.

Abstract: The remote monitoring of oil samples is disclosed. Monitoring may be achieved through the use of a computer, phone, mobile device, or any other networked computing device in contact with a sensing element at the remote location. Such remote monitoring may be beneficial when equipment such as pumps, generators, engines, compressors, and transformers are located in remote locations that are not always easily accessible to maintenance personnel. Contact may be achieved using any number of wireless transmission techniques.

Abstract: A method for measuring fuel contamination in oil that uses a material in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides for a sensing element comprising a non-conductive housing with three chambers for detecting oil conductivity, additive depletion and oxidation, and water contamination, respectively. Through the monitoring of an array of oil sensors, an early warning of oil degradation due to oxidation is provided. The monitoring system further detects excess soot, water and other contaminants in the oil. The oil sensor array and related monitoring system decrease the likelihood of catastrophic engine failure through the early detection and warning of a decrease in oil quality thereby reducing vehicle owner outlays for servicing and disposal fees while further aiding in the satisfaction of environmental protection regulations.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides for a sensing element comprising a non-conductive housing with three chambers for detecting oil conductivity, additive depletion and oxidation, and water contamination, respectively. Through the monitoring of an array of oil sensors, an early warning of oil degradation due to oxidation is provided. The monitoring system further detects excess soot, water and other contaminants in the oil. The oil sensor array and related monitoring system decrease the likelihood of catastrophic engine failure through the early detection and warning of a decrease in oil quality thereby reducing vehicle owner outlays for servicing and disposal fees while further aiding in the satisfaction of environmental protection regulations.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides for a sensing element comprising a non-conductive housing with three chambers for detecting oil conductivity, additive depletion and oxidation, and water contamination, respectively. Through the monitoring of an array of oil sensors, an early warning of oil degradation due to oxidation is provided. The monitoring system further detects excess soot, water and other contaminants in the oil. The oil sensor array and related monitoring system decrease the likelihood of catastrophic engine failure through the early detection and warning of a decrease in oil quality thereby reducing vehicle owner outlays for servicing and disposal fees while further aiding in the satisfaction of environmental protection regulations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining deterioration of e.g. lubricating oil by measuring the electrical properties of a polymeric matrix (support) holding charged ionic groups. The dynamic range of the device is increased by creating a local polar environment formed around the charged groups of the polymeric matrix and by exploiting bead shrinkage with increasing degradation (or solvent polarity). Both approaches can be further employed in a single sensor by the use of multiple chambers containing a combination of the above. Also, contaminant detection is improved by detecting changes in amplitude and/or frequency of noise output. The sensor can also be used to detect a level of oil for instance in an engine oil pan.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining deterioration of e.g. lubricating oil by measuring the contraction of a polymeric matrix (support) holding charged ionic groups. The support contracts due to oil quality degradation. The expansion/contraction is detected e.g. electrically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the quality of a lubricant by its solvating effect on an insoluble (resin) matrix to which charged groups have been covalently bound. The solvating effects are measured electronically as a variation in conductivity or capacitance of the resin matrix with respect to temperature. The apparatus includes a metal mesh housing containing e.g. milligram amounts of charged resin beads. A metal probe is fitted in the containing mesh and makes contact only with the resin beads. The entire device is immersed in the lubricant and the electrical conductivity or capacitance is measured from the probe to the mesh through the resin beads. Lubricant degradation is measured as e.g. a decrease in electrical conductivity through the resin beads with respect to an increase in the lubricant's solvent polarity.