Abstract: A fluid contamination analyzer employs one or more micro-miniature sensors which provide for a substantial reduction in sensor dimensions form prior art dimensions of approximately 2 in.×2 in. to approximately 1 mm×1 mm. The sensors are incorporated into probes for easy lubricant fluid accessibility or alternatively may be employed in an on-line analyzer residing in the fluid flow path. The sensors sense an impedance of the fluid which is a function of its contamination and communicates the impedance to analysis circuitry via either a hard-wired or RF data link. An array of sensors may also be utilized in conjunction with a magnetic field intensity gradient to obtain a particulate distribution across the array. Impedance information, which is indicative of the particulate distribution, is communicated to analysis circuitry individually or in a multiplexed format for fluid contamination analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid screening device, comprising: an impedance sensor including a cavity for holding a fluid to be screened, an impedance of the impedance sensor being affected by conditions of the fluid; an impedance measuring circuit for measuring the impedance of the impedance sensor with respect to at least one frequency; a processor for processing impedance data taken by the impedance measuring circuit for purposes of determining a condition of the fluid; and a connector which operatively couples the impedance sensor to the impedance measuring circuit, the connector allowing the impedance sensor to be selectively detached from the impedance measuring circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing particles collected from a fluid and deposited on a substrate along a given direction, the apparatus including holding structure for supporting the substrate; a radiation source for directing radiation toward the particles on the substrate; and a radiation detector for receiving radiation incident upon the particles on the substrate and for providing an output based on the concentration of the particles, the radiation detector being cooperative with the radiation source to output substantially continuous profile data indicative of the concentration of said particles along the given direction.