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High-sensitivity capacitive oil deterioration and level sensor

  • US 5,929,754 A
  • Filed: 12/03/1997
  • Issued: 07/27/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/03/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A high-sensitivity capacitive oil deterioration and level sensor comprising:

  • a conductive housing member including a cylindrical portion with an inner surface defining a ground electrode, said housing member including a threaded outer surface adapted to be threaded into an oil container of an internal combustion engine, said housing member being formed with at least one port sized to allow oil within the oil container to enter into said cylindrical portion of said housing member;

    a conductive inner member including a cylindrical portion with an outer surface defining a measuring electrode, said inner member being secured within said housing member such that said ground electrode and said measuring electrode define an oil deterioration and level sensor capacitor;

    an electrical connector adapted to provide an electrical interface;

    a reference capacitor positioned within said housing member; and

    electronics positioned within said housing member, said electronics being electrically connected to said oil deterioration and level sensor capacitor, said reference capacitor, and said electrical connector, said electronics being adapted to generate an oil deterioration output signal and an oil level output signal employing said oil deterioration and level sensor capacitor and said reference capacitor and to provide said signals to said electrical connector.

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