Abstract: An electronic device for controlling a power supply is provided. The electronic device includes a power unit configured to supply power, a power management unit configured to receive a supply of power from the power unit and to distribute the supplied power, a flood sensing unit connected to the power unit and located in a part of the electronic device most subject to flooding or fluid penetration, and a power control switch configured to, if a voltage level of the flood sensing unit is a first level indicating no detected flooding or fluid penetration, electrically connect the power unit and the power management unit to each other, and if the voltage level of the flood sensing unit is a second level indicating a detected flooding or fluid penetration, interrupt an electrical connection between the power unit and the power management unit.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying engine wear based on engine oil debris is provided. The provided system and method utilize metallic debris data provided in summary reports. For each object of metallic debris, a zap count, an initial (pre-zap) impedance and an impedance change (post zap) are processed with configurable reference variables. Alerts (suggesting potential engine wear) are generated responsive to the impedance values of the objects of metallic debris and the reference variables.

Abstract: A fluid level monitoring system for a container defining a chamber includes first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors located at first and second ends of the chamber and disposed about a longitudinal axis of the chamber. The first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors are configured to be immersed, at least in part, within a fluid contained in the chamber. The fluid level monitoring system further includes a controller disposed in operative communication with the first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors, to determine a level of the fluid in the chamber based, at least in part, on an average of measure of parameters received from the first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an oil pan that includes an oil pan having a reservoir configured to hold oil and defined by one or more oil pan walls and an oil pan bottom. The oil pan includes one or more capacitance sensors coupled to a portion of the oil pan walls and configured to sense a capacitance. The oil pan includes a capacitance measuring unit electrically connected to the one or more sensors via one or more conductors and configured to receive each of the sensed capacitances via the one or more conductors and determine capacitance values for each of the sensed capacitances. The oil pan also includes a processor configured to receive the capacitance values and determine the oil level in the oil pan based on the capacitance values.

Abstract: Described is a dispensing device for a liquid product filling machine comprising a plurality of the dispensing devices. Each dispensing device comprises a dispensing conduit having a product outlet opening, a shutter for the outlet opening, an actuating unit adapted to move the shutter from a closed position to an open position of the outlet opening and vice versa, a flexible membrane which separates the dispensing conduit from the actuating unit, a product presence detector, indicating when the flexible membrane is broken and connected to a control unit which each dispensing device is equipped with in such a way as to stop dispensing the product from the dispensing device whose flexible membrane is broken.

Abstract: An oil monitoring system includes a level module, a limit module and an remedial action module. The level module is configured to determine N oil levels of an engine of a vehicle, where N is an integer greater than 1. The limit module is configured to determine an oil level trend based on the N oil levels and estimate when a level of oil in the engine is to be outside the predetermined range based on the oil level trend. The remedial action module is configured to perform a remedial action based on the estimate of when the level of the oil is to be outside the predetermined range.

Abstract: A method controlling operation of an engine utilizing a number of preset operating parameters is provided. An operating mode of the engine is determined. An operating state of the engine is determined. A first plurality of engine parameter settings are retrieved from a memory in response to the determined operating mode and the determined operating state of the engine. The first plurality of engine parameter settings are applied to at least one control algorithm of the engine. A rate of soot accumulation from the engine is monitored. The rate of soot accumulation is compared to a predetermined soot accumulation rate threshold. A second plurality of engine parameter settings are retrieved from a memory in response to the monitored rate of soot accumulation exceeding the predetermined soot accumulation rate threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are for indicating oil level in an outboard motor to an operator. An outboard motor has an internal combustion engine that drains oil to a sump; a sensor that senses oil level in the sump; and an input device and an indicator on the outboard motor. Actuation of the input device causes the sensor to determine the oil level, and then the indicator to indicate to the oil level to the operator.

Abstract: A system for inspecting an oil level in each part of a railroad car truck includes: an imaging unit that obtains an image of an oil level gauge; an oil level inspection unit that inspects whether or not the oil level in each part of the railroad car truck is within a predetermined range based on the image of the oil level gauge obtained by the imaging unit; a voice input unit adapted for an inspector to input, via voice, an inspection result; a voice processing unit that determines whether or not the inspection result inputted via the voice input unit is good based on the inputted inspection result, and converts a determination result into displayable data; a display unit that displays an oil level inspection result and the determination result; and a storage unit that stores, as data, the oil level inspection result and the determination result.

Abstract: A fluid level monitoring system may include a control panel having a plurality of input devices, each corresponding to a monitored fluid of a machine, and a plurality of indicators, each corresponding to one of the input devices. The indicators may provide visual displays of fluid level statuses for the monitored fluids. The fluid level monitoring system may further include a message display device that may display a fluid level status message for one of the monitored fluids based on the actuation of the corresponding input device of the control panel.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a plurality of vehicle consumables includes a storage unit configured to store a consumable maintenance list according to an engine type and a transmission type of a vehicle; a control unit configured to control recommendation of when to change the consumable by calculating a change interval of each consumable and an actual consumption distance in the consumable maintenance list; and a display unit configured to display a screen that recommends when to change a particular consumable.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining an engine oil change frequency at an engine control unit includes the steps of determining an amount of fuel used per oil change, and calculating an amount of fuel remaining from the fuel used per oil change. The method also includes the steps of comparing the amount of fuel remaining to a predetermined amount of fuel remaining, and actuating an oil change indicator if the fuel remaining is less than the predetermined amount of fuel.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.

Abstract: A method for diagnosis of oil quality within an internal combustion engine includes analyzing input data from an oil level sensor and generating a warning if the input data includes an oil level change indicative of a sub-standard oil quality condition.

Abstract: To determine a failure of a float switch for detecting whether or not the oil level is less than or equal to a predetermined oil level. A predetermined oil level OLth is set between a normal oil level and a minimum oil level in view of the fact that when the oil level in an oil pan is normal, the oil level is decreased from the normal oil level to the minimum oil level during a predetermined time period just after starting an engine. When a float switch is not changed from an OFF position to an ON position during the predetermined time period after starting the engine, it is determined that the float switch suffers a failure or the oil level is excessive.

Abstract: An oil level detecting device for detecting an oil level in an oil storing chamber formed in a crankcase of an engine includes a fan, a power generator and an oil level determination unit. The fan is rotated by an oil flow produced by dipping up oil for lubricating the engine. In response to rotation of the fan, the generator generates a corresponding amount of electric power on the basis of which the oil level determination unit determines the oil level.

Abstract: An oil exchange timing indicating apparatus for vehicles capable of informing a user of an exchange timing of oil on the basis of the degree of degradation of oil as quickly as possible. An oil exchange timing indicating apparatus includes an odometer for integrating vehicle travel distances, an operation time integrator for integrating operation times of an engine mounted on the vehicle, an oil exchange informing device for informing a user of an exchange timing of oil, and a controlling device for starting, when either an integrated value of the travel distances or an integrated value of the operation times, based on signals from the odometer and the operation time integrator exceeds a preset value, the oil exchange informing device to inform the user of the exchange timing of oil.

Abstract: In an engine, an oil level sensor (47) provided in a bottom part of an oil pan (15) storing engine oil so as to stand vertically upright is placed between a mutually parallel pair of balancer shafts (27, 28) housed in a balancer housing (21) provided between a lower face of a cylinder block and the oil pan (15). This not only enables the oil level sensor (47) to be placed compactly by utilizing effectively dead space formed between the pair of balancer shafts (27, 28), but also enables agitation of engine oil to be suppressed by the pair of balancer shafts (27, 28) and any degradation in detection precision due to engine oil splashing over the oil level sensor (47) to be prevented.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine in which at least one secondary fuel injection is carried out, and a device for implementing the method. The level of the motor oil of the internal combustion engine is ascertained, which is compared to a first threshold value for the maximum possible oil level. If a threshold is exceeded, a warning signal is provided. Preferably an oil-dilution signal, which is a measure for the quantity and/or the volume of the oil dilution input into the motor oil of the internal combustion engine by the at least one secondary fuel injection, is taken into account when ascertaining the oil level.

Abstract: An oil level detection device for an internal combustion engine, which comprises: a housing permitting entry therein of oil; a float provided within the housing and vertically movable with the oil entered in the housing; a switch for performing switching operation in response to the vertical movement of the float within the housing; protrusions provided, on the upper surface of the float, for preventing the float from sticking to the ceiling of the housing due to viscosity of the oil; and protrusions provided, on the bottom of the housing, for preventing the float from sticking to the bottom of the housing due to viscosity of the oil.

Abstract: A float-type oil-level detection apparatus is provided for detecting the surface of engine oil. A housing (81) for housing a float (82) has a through-hole (136) in the sidewall of the side opposite from the sidewall that faces the movement of the oil dipper (69).

Abstract: One aspect is a device for displaying an indication of a system parameter. The device includes an input circuit, an optical sense circuit, a control circuit, and an output circuit. The input circuit is configured to receive input signals that are indicative of a measured system parameter. The optical sense circuit is configured to receive sense signals indicative of a sensed level of light and to receive programming signals related to a system parameter. The control circuit is configured to correlate the input and programming signals and to produce control signals dependant thereon. The output circuit is configured to display an indication of a system parameter that is based upon the control signals.

Abstract: A multipurpose engine controller comprises a control unit for switching between supplying and stopping power supplied from an ignition circuit to a spark plug on the basis of two states, i.e., the operating state of the multipurpose engine determined based on a detection signal from the engine speed sensor, and the state of the level of the oil inside the crankcase determined based on a detection signal from the float-type oil level sensor.

Abstract: To determine a failure of a float switch for detecting whether or not the oil level is less than or equal to a predetermined oil level. A predetermined oil level OLth is set between a normal oil level and a minimum oil level in view of the fact that when the oil level in an oil pan is normal, the oil level is decreased from the normal oil level to the minimum oil level during a predetermined time period just after starting an engine. When a float switch is not changed from an OFF position to an ON position during the predetermined time period after starting the engine, it is determined that the float switch suffers a failure or the oil level is excessive.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in a working device comprises an oil reservoir near a crankcase to hold oil. An oil measurement device is used to recognize the existence of oil in the oil reservoir and to produce a corresponding signal that is evaluated in an evaluation device to produce an oil level reading. The oil level reading is preferred to be produced only during the starting of the internal combustion engine or within a specific time period after starting the internal combustion engine. When the internal combustion engine has reached its operating RPM, no further oil level monitoring is performed.

Abstract: A low fluid sensor for an internal combustion engine. The sensor includes a base with helically threaded post and a float slidably mounted on the post. The float rotates about the post as it moves longitudinally along it. In the preferred embodiment, eccentric mounting of the assembly along with its lobe shape act in concert with the pitch of the screw threads and fluid viscosity to dampen the buoyant movement of the float against fluid turbulence. At a predetermined level a latch spring on the float contacts an ignition circuit terminal and grounds the engine ignition circuit. A catch holds the float at the pre-determined level, preventing engine starting, so that the sensor may only be reset by addition of fluid and re-insertion of the dipstick.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor comprises a parallel plate capacitor coupled to an integrated circuit located in the bottom of an oil pan or other receptacle in which fluid level is being sensed. The sensor is preferably mounted on a drain plug for the receptacle. It includes an integrated circuit board encapsulated in a potting material disposed within the drain plug and a probe extending upwardly from the integrated circuit with its lower end also encapsulated with a resin such that its leads are protected by the resin encapsulating the integrated circuit. The probe may include one or more slotted plates in which capacitance bridges are formed within the slots or a plurality of parallel plates in which capacitance bridges are formed between adjacent plates. The sensor can be used to control operation of a gauge and/or an ignition control circuit for the machine's engine.

Abstract: An indicator device used in a vehicle to inform the user when or how many miles are left until said vehicle requires an oil change. Comprising the present invention is an interface having a trip reset button to be installed to a vehicle's dashboard having a display to indicate the amount of miles remaining for the effective life left in the oil, and a second colored indicator that lights up one default color (typically green) while the oil is good, and then also flashes a different color (typically red) when the oil has reached it's expiration.

Abstract: An oil condition and level sensor is provided that includes a solenoid body, a coil, an armature and a pole piece. The solenoid body defines an armature chamber between the armature and the pole piece. The armature is movable in the armature chamber in response to energizing of the coil. In an oil condition sensing system, the coil is operatively connected to a controller which can determine at least one of an oil temperature, oil viscosity, oil level, and an oil change occurrence. In one embodiment, four oil levels, including an overfill oil level and an excessively low oil level may be detected. The sensor is referred to as an integrated oil condition and level sensor as multiple sensing functions are integrated into one sensor.

Abstract: An oil level sensor for detecting an oil level is arranged in an engine oil pan. The oil level sensor includes a mounting section and a sensing section. An air hole is formed at an upper end of a cover member of the sensing section. The air hole is surrounded by a tubular portion of a shield member attached to a baffle plate of the oil pan. Therefore, any splashed engine oil in the oil pan is restricted from entering the cover member of the sensing section through the air hole. Also, a clearance (?) for venting air is formed between the tubular portion and the baffle plate.

Abstract: Sensorless fuel level and oil change indicators are provided in a range extender for an electric vehicle. The range extender includes an engine, and an electric generating device driven by the engine to generate electric power supplied to the vehicle. The fuel level is calculated based on the generated power. The oil change indicator indicates that the oil should be changed when the number of engine rotor revolutions exceeds a threshold value. The electric generating device may be a dynamoelectric machine coupled to the engine by a shaft to operate as a motor for starting the engine. In response to prescribed engine conditions, the dynamoelectric machine is switched to operate as a generator driven by the engine to generate the electric energy.

Abstract: A method and system for contact potential sensing of dielectric properties of a fluid. The method and system include a contact potential sensor, an open or closed loop for passing a fluid past the sensor, measuring a contact potential to characterize dielectric properties of the fluid and outputting the dielectric property information for analysis and response thereto.

Abstract: The fluid life monitoring system of the present invention includes a pressure monitor coupled to an engine. The pressure monitor is configured to detect a change in the amount of time it takes the engine's lubricating fluid to reach a pre-determined fluid pressure and, based on a detected change, reset the fluid life monitoring system.

Abstract: A fluid condition indicating system and method using visual and audible devices. The system includes a circuit having visual and audible indicators, a power supply, and a plurality of switches or sensors. A start switch is coupled to the power supply, the visual indicator, and the audible indicator, and an enable switch is responsive to an ignition signal. During engine starting, the circuit enables the visual indicator in response to a condition of the start switch and a low fluid sensor, and disables the audible indicator. The audible indicator is enabled in response to the condition of the enable switch after engine starting, and may include a transistor or an output of a controller such as a microprocessor. The system may be integrated into a single wiring harness that can be easily replaced or retrofit onto existing outdoor power equipment.

Abstract: There is provided an engine oil degradation-determining system which is capable of accurately detecting whether or not engine oil has been replenished, to thereby enhance accuracy of determination as to a degradation level of engine oil in use, at a low cost. A crankshaft angle sensor detects the engine rotational speed of an internal combustion engine. An ECU calculates a cumulative revolution number indicative of a degradation level of engine oil. An oil level sensor detects an oil level of the engine oil. When the detected oil level, which was equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit level before stoppage of the engine, is equal to or higher than a predetermined higher limit level after start operation following the stoppage, the calculated cumulative revolution number is corrected in the direction of indicating a lower degradation level.

Abstract: A sensor system is provided configured to communicate data to a processing module of a vehicle, the processing module configured to perform computational analysis based on the data received from the sensor system, the sensor system including a means for determining a condition of an ignition switch for cranking an engine of the vehicle and a means for determining a running condition of the engine. Computational analysis of the received operational parameter data may be used to detect a catastrophic lubricant loss. Other computational analysis associated with the vehicle may be performed based on the operational parameter data. A method is provided for determining a condition of at least one operational parameter associated with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle and performing computational analysis associated with the vehicle based on the condition of the at least one operational parameter.

Abstract: A sensor system is provided configured to communicate data to a processing module of a vehicle, the processing module configured to perform computational analysis based on the data received from the sensor system, the sensor system including a means for determining a condition of an ignition switch for cranking an engine of the vehicle and a means for determining a running condition of the engine. Computational analysis of the received operational parameter data may be used to detect a catastrophic lubricant loss. Other computational analysis associated with the vehicle may be performed based on the operational parameter data. A method is provided for determining a condition of at least one operational parameter associated with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle and performing computational analysis associated with the vehicle based on the condition of the at least one operational parameter.

Abstract: A system for measuring oil condition in large engines includes a bypass valve that is installed in a lubrication system along a fluid line between an oil pan and an engine. The bypass valve communicates with a measurement chamber and when energized by a control module, the bypass valve diverts oil from the lubrication system to the measurement chamber. An oil condition sensor is disposed within the measurement chamber and is used to determine the condition of the oil that is diverted to the chamber. After the condition of the oil is determined, the bypass valve is energized to release the oil from the measurement chamber back into the lubrication system.

Abstract: A vehicle having a power assist device and an engine protecting apparatus is capable of steering and braking after any abnormality of the engine is detected. The engine protecting apparatus includes a battery, a key switch, a condition switch, a timer and a timer-operative switch. The battery supplies an electric current to the ignition circuit of the engine. The key switch is disposed between the battery and the ignition circuit and has an ignition terminal. The condition switch turns on and off based on engine conditions. The condition switch is connected to the ignition terminal of the key switch. The timer is connected to the ignition terminal of the key switch and has a predetermined period of time. The timer measures a time period from when the condition switch is turned on. The timer-operative switch is actuated by the timer. The timer-operative switch interrupts the electric current flowing to the ignition circuit when the timer measures the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A novel arrangement of a capacitive oil level and temperature sensor specifically provided to be mounted to a drive axle housing of a motor vehicle, is disclosed. The sensor comprises an L-shaped hollow body allowing for a simple fit in current production axles. The L-shaped hollow housing of the oil level sensor comprises a pair of mutually perpendicular legs. A substantially vertically oriented first leg includes an oil level detecting capacitor and adapted to be at least partially immersed in an oil reservoir of the axle housing. An oil temperature detecting thermistor is also disposed within the sensor housing. A second leg is substantially horizontally extending from the axle housing and contains an electronic sensor circuitry electrically coupled to the oil level detecting capacitor and to the thermistor, and is adapted to generate oil level and temperature output signals.

Abstract: An oil pressure warning system for an outboard motor for detecting and alarming an abnormal oil pressure of an internal combustion engine, the system including a first oil pressure switch which generates an ON signal when the oil pressure is less than or equal to a first predetermined oil pressure, and a second oil pressure switch which generates an ON signal the oil pressure is less than or equal to a second predetermined oil pressure set higher than the first predetermined oil pressure. The abnormality of oil pressure is detected and alarmed based on the ON signal of the switches. The first and second predetermined oil pressures are determined based on an oil pressure characteristic of a (possible) maximum oil temperature (under which the engine has been warmed up) set relative to the engine speed, thereby ensuring to detect and alarm the abnormality of oil pressure under any engine speed and any oil temperature.

Abstract: A limit-level sensor for measuring level of a liquid has a resistance element which has an electric resistance which suddenly varies a transition temperature which lies above the maximum liquid temperature. The resistance element is first of all heated by electric current. Thereupon, the electric resistance of the resistance element is measured. When the resistance element is covered with liquid, the heat generated by the electric current is led away so that the temperature of the resistance element is less than its transition temperature. If the resistance element is not covered by liquid, this heat is scarcely led away, so that the temperature of the resistance element remains above the transition temperature.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for evaluating the chemical deterioration of automotive engine oil over time. A change in oil quantity is detected and measured by an oil quantity sensor. Based on the change in quantity of oil, the level of chemical deterioration of the oil is inferred.

Abstract: An oil proper amount informing apparatus for engines capable of simply checking whether or not a remaining amount or level of oil is proper even if the period of time of warming-up varies. An oil level gauge mounted to an oil reservoir unit, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of oil, and temperature indicating means for indicating the temperature on the basis of a detected signal of the temperature sensor are provided. The temperature indicating means indicates the temperature of oil in either of a plurality of divided regions H, M, and L, each of which has a predetermined width or range of temperature. The oil level gauge is provided with the indicating regions H, M, and L, each of which indicates an proper amount of oil at a position corresponding to the proper amount of oil in each of the temperature regions H, M, and L.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the level and temperature of a liquid, in particular in a motor vehicle, has an elongate housing (1), in which all the components required for temperature measurement and level measurement are accommodated. This housing (1) consists of two half shells (2, 3) which rest one on the other and of which one half shell (3) has all the components required for level measurement and the wiring and resistance wire (21) necessary for this purpose and the other half shell (2) has all the components required for temperature measurement and the wiring necessary for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention provides a monitoring system for monitoring an internal combustion engine. The monitoring system includes a power source having a winding and a magnet that magnetically interacts with the winding to generate a winding signal. The monitoring system further includes a conditioner that conditions the winding signal to generate a conditioned signal, a counter circuit powered by the conditioned signal that outputs an indication signal, and a visual or audible indicator that provides indication to the user upon receiving the indication signal.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting a charging system fault in a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes an existing warning indicator driven by a first signal for indicating when one aspect of the motor vehicle performance is faulty. The method includes detecting a charge system fault, determining if the one aspect of the motor vehicle's performance is faulty and, if so, driving the existing warning indicator with the first signal. If the one aspect is not faulty and a charge system fault has been detected, the method includes driving the existing warning indicator with a second signal corresponding to the detected charge system fault. The second signal provides a different visual indication than the first signal.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the condition of lubricating oil in an oil-utilizing mechanism, said system comprising: sensor means for sensing the chemical composition of oil vapor in the head space of the oil reservoir, or a holding reservoir; temperature probes for sensing the temperature of the oil and of the sensor means; microprocessor means connected to the sensor means and temperature probes for creating a vapor signature by means of a pattern recognition algorithm representing the chemical composition of the vapor in the head space; and display means for producing a discernable indication to an operator if the processor means determines that the vapor signature deviates from predetermined baseline parameters. The system is initiated when the oil-utilizing mechanism is shut off, or when a sample of oil is taken from the oil reservoir and placed in the holding reservoir, and senses conditions periodically during cool-down of the oil.

Abstract: A real-time maintenance alert system and method for use in a heavy-duty truck having an engine controller with memory are provided. The system includes a sensor operative to indicate an engine condition from the group consisting of: oil filter restriction, air filter restriction, fuel filter restriction, oil level, and coolant reserve tank fluid level. Control logic at the engine controller processes the sensor signal to determine a real-time fault condition, when appropriate.