Maintenance monitor system
First Claim
1. An apparatus to controllably monitor data associated with preselected operational characteristics of an engine, said engine having a preselected engine oil sump capacity, comprising:
- a programmable logic device;
a plurality of transducers respectively connectable to said programmable logic device and each adapted to produce parameter signals responsive to respective preselected engine and vehicle parameters;
a storage device connected to said programmable logic device;
wherein said parameter signals are received by said programmable logic device and controllably manipulated by said programmable logic device to produce responsive information signals, and wherein said programmable logic device produces a maintenance due signal having a value responsive to the oil capacity of said engine oil sump, the average of one of the actual distance and time per unit of fuel attained by said engine during a preceding predetermined time interval, and a preselected constant ratio of engine fuel to engine oil, said maintenance due signal being delivered by said programmable logic device to said storage means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The system is provided for controllably monitoring data associated with operational characteristics of an engine. The system determines a maintenance activity requirement based on such characteristics. The system includes a plurality of transducers associated with the engine and connected to a programmable logic device. Signals from the transducers are continuously monitored and stored in an associated storage device. In response to predetermined sets of operational characteristics, an indication of when maintenance is due on the engine is produced by the logic device.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. An apparatus to controllably monitor data associated with preselected operational characteristics of an engine, said engine having a preselected engine oil sump capacity, comprising:
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a programmable logic device; a plurality of transducers respectively connectable to said programmable logic device and each adapted to produce parameter signals responsive to respective preselected engine and vehicle parameters; a storage device connected to said programmable logic device; wherein said parameter signals are received by said programmable logic device and controllably manipulated by said programmable logic device to produce responsive information signals, and wherein said programmable logic device produces a maintenance due signal having a value responsive to the oil capacity of said engine oil sump, the average of one of the actual distance and time per unit of fuel attained by said engine during a preceding predetermined time interval, and a preselected constant ratio of engine fuel to engine oil, said maintenance due signal being delivered by said programmable logic device to said storage means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for controllably monitoring data associated with preselected operational characteristics of an engine, said engine having a preselected engine oil sump capacity, a plurality of transducers respectively connectable to a programmable logic device and each adapted to produce parameter signals responsive to respective preselected engine and vehicle parameters, and a storage device connected to said programmable logic device, comprising the steps of:
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producing information signals in response to said operational characteristics of said engine; producing a maintenance due signal having a value responsive to the oil capacity of said engine oil sump, the average of one of the actual distance and time per unit of fuel attained by said engine during a preceding predetermined time interval, and a preselected constant ratio of engine fuel to engine oil; and
,delivering said maintenance due signal to said storage means. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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Specification