Fluid level measuring system for machines

• US 6,577,959 B1
• Filed: 03/17/2000
• Issued: 06/10/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Davco Technology, LLC (Truck-Lite Holdings 2 Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Power Plus Corp.
• Inventors: Nelson, Steven D., Nelson, Eric A., OʼBrien, Kevin C., Chajec, Zdzislaw W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barlow, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): LE, JOHN H
• Application Number:
  US09/527,643
• Time in Patent Office: 1,180 Days
• Field of Search: 702/50, 702/51, 702/52, 702/53, 702/54, 702/55, 73/40, 73/492, 732/90.V, 732/92, 733/04.C, 701/29, 701/101, 340/605, 184/1.5, 123/73.AD, 123/196.R
• US Class Current: 702/50
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/04 by dip members, e.g. dip-sticks
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/80 Arrangements for signal processing

Abstract

A fluid level measuring system for machines which utilizes fluids and has rotating and/or reciprocating elements. The system receives data from sensors as to the measured fluid level and measured fluid temperature. Optionally, data is received from other sensors such as to the angle of inclination of the machine, gear setting (for a transmission), idle speed (for an engine or transmission), and dielectric constant of the fluid. The measured data is stored in a first data storage device. A second data storage device contains data as to the recommended fluid level and acceptable deviations thereof based upon a variety of possible sensor readings, which can be obtained from sources such as the manufacturer of the machine or by controlled dynamic measurements. A processor compares the stored sensor readings to the data stored in the second memory to arrive at the operational fluid level. The processor controls a display to identify the operational fluid level to the operator. Optionally, the processor may determine whether or not to initiate a change in the fluid level and/or activate an alarm. One application of the fluid measurement system is identified for a transmission.

Claims

1. A fluid level measuring system for machines comprising:

a) a fluid level sensor for transmitting a fluid level signal corresponding to a measured fluid level;

b) a temperature sensor for transmitting a temperature signal corresponding to the measured fluid temperature;

c) a first data storage device for retaining data directed to the measured fluid temperature and the measured fluid level;

d) a second data storage device for retaining data directed to a recommended fluid level as a function of fluid level and fluid temperature;

e) processing means for determining the operational fluid level by evaluating the data in the first data storage device with the data in the second data storage device; and

f) a computer processor for triggering an adjustment of said operational fluid level when said operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

2. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 1, wherein the machine is a transmission.

3. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 1, wherein the machine is an internal combustion engine.

4. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 1, wherein the machine is a gearbox.

5. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 1, wherein the machine is hydraulic.

6. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 5, further comprising:

display means for indicating the operational fluid level as determined by the processing means.

7. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 6, further comprising:

a) a data storage device for retaining data directed to the conditions for initiating an alarm; and

b) alarm means for indicating an operational fluid level operating within conditions for initiating an alarm.

8. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 7, further comprising:

a) fluid level adjustment means for changing the fluid level to a level determined by the processing means.

9. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 1, wherein the first and second data storage devices are an EPROM and the data is in tabular form.

10. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 1, wherein the first and second data storage devices are an EPROM and the data is in the form of constants.

11. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 1, wherein the processing means for measuring the measured fluid level incorporates an algorithm for determining the capacitance of the fluid as a factor of temperature.

12. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 11, wherein the processing means compares the operational fluid level with the measured characteristics of the machine stored in the data storage device to determine whether the fluid level is operating within acceptable limits.

13. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 1, wherein the machine is carried by a frame and further comprising a level meter or inclinometer disposed on the frame and adapted for transmitting a machine level signal corresponding to the machine orientation with respect to the horizontal.

14. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 1, further comprising a machine operation sensor system adapted for transmitting a variety of machine operation signals corresponding to the machine state of operation.

16. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 14, wherein the machine operation sensor system includes a gear setting sensor adapted for use with a gear assembly having a variety of settings for transmitting a gear assembly setting signal.

17. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 14, wherein the machine operation sensor system includes an idle speed sensor adapted for use with a machine for transmitting an idle speed signal.

18. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 14, wherein the machine is equipped with a throttle for controlling speed and wherein the machine operation sensor system includes a throttle sensor adapted for use with a throttle for transmitting a throttle position signal.

19. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 14, wherein:

a) the second data storage device retains data directed to the nominal responses of the machine operation sensor system signals; and

b) the processing means incorporates the sensor signals received from the machine operation sensor system and the data directed

to the nominal response of the machine operation sensor system signals in determining the operational fluid level.

20. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 14, further comprising a dielectric sensor disposed within the machine and adapted for transmitting a signal corresponding to the dielectric value of the fluid.

21. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 20, wherein:

a) a data storage device is arranged to retain data directed to the dielectric value of the fluid;

b) the processing means is arranged to compare the dielectric sensor signal to the dielectric value of the fluid represented by the data storage device; and

c) the processor means is arranged to determine if the fluid level requires adjustment based upon the comparison between. the data directed to the dielectric value of the fluid and the dielectric sensor signal.

22. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 21, further comprising a display for displaying the level of dielectric deterioration.

15. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim wherein the machine operation sensor system includes a speed sensor for transmitting a speed signal respective of a speed of operation of the machine.

23. A fluid level measuring system for machines comprising:

a) a fluid level sensor disposed within the machine and adapted for transmitting a fluid level signal corresponding to a measured fluid level;

b) a temperature sensor disposed within the machine and adapted for transmitting a temperature signal corresponding to a measured fluid temperature;

c) a first data storage device for retaining data directed to the measured of fluid temperature and the measured fluid level;

d) a second data storage device for retaining data directed to the operation characteristics of the machine and conditions for initiating an alarm;

e) processing means for determining an operational fluid level by evaluating the data in the first data storage device with the data in the second data storage device;

f) processing means for initiating a change in the fluid level;

g) oil level adjustment means for changing the fluid level to a level determined by the processing means;

h) alarm means for indicating an operational fluid level operating within the condition or initiating an alarm;

i) display means for indicating the operational fluid level as determined by the processing means; and

j) computer processor for triggering an adjustment of said operational fluid level when said operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

24. A method for measuring the fluid level of a machine comprising the steps of:

a) receiving sensor inputs as to a measured fluid temperature and a measured fluid level;

b) retaining data directed to a recommended fluid level as a function of the measured fluid level and the measured fluid temperature;

c) comparing the sensor inputs to the retained data to arrive at an operational fluid level; and

d) computerized triggering of an adjustment to the fluid level if the operational fluid level is not operating, within acceptable limit.

25. A method for measuring the fluid level of a machine as in claim 24, further comprising the steps of:

a) storing measured characteristics for the machine which characteristics determine recommended levels of fluid as a function of fluid temperatures and fluid levels;

b) comparing the measured fluid level and measured fluid temperature to the stored measured characteristics for the machine; and

c) determining if the operational fluid level is operating within acceptable limits.

26. A method for measuring the fluid level of a machine as in claim 25, further comprising the step of activating an alarm if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

27. A method for measuring the fluid level of the machine as in claim 25, further comprising the steps of:

a) receiving sensor inputs as to a fluid dielectric value;

b) storing fluid dielectric information;

c) comparing the stored fluid dielectric information with the sensor data of the fluid dielectric value; and

d) initiating a change in the fluid level if the sensor fluid dielectric value is not within acceptable limits.

28. A fluid level measurement computer based system comprising:

a) sensors for providing a measured fluid level signal and a measured temperature signal;

b) a computer memory for retaining data directed to a recommended fluid level based upon a variety of fluid leave signals and temperature signals;

c) a computer processor for comparing the measured fluid level signal and the measured temperature signal to the data in the computer memory to arrive at the operational fluid level; and

d) a second computer processor for triggering an adjustment to the fluid level if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

29. A fluid level measurement computer based system as in claim 28, wherein:

a) the computer memory retains data directed to acceptable operational fluid levels;

b) the computer processor compares the operational fluid level to the acceptable operational fluid levels retained in the computer memory; and

c) the computer processor initiates an alarm when the operational fluid level is beyond the acceptable operational fluid levels.

30. A fluid level measurement computer based system as in claim 29, further comprising:

a) a display for indicating the operational fluid level, and wherein;

b) the processor for controlling the display and providing the operational fluid level to said display.

31. A fluid level measurement computer based system as in claim 30, further comprising means for removing or adding fluid to the machine and wherein the processing means is arranged to actuate the addition or removal of fluid.

32. A computer based method for determining the fluid level of a machine, comprising the steps of:

a) storing a variety of recommended fluid level data in a second computer memory based upon a range of parameters which affect the operational fluid level within the machine;

b) receiving sensor inputs directed to measure said parameters;

c) storing the sensor inputs in a first computer memory;

d) comparing the data in the first computer memory to the data in the second computer memory;

e) the measured parameters include the level of fluid within the machine during operation;

f) the measured parameters include the temperature of the fluid;

g) determining an operational fluid level;

h) comparing the operational fluid level to the stored recommended fluid level;

i) determining if the operational fluid level is operating within acceptable limits;

j) initiating an alarm if the operational fluid is beyond an acceptable range;

k) triggering an adjustment of the fluid level if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits; and

l) displaying the operational fluid level.

33. A fluid level measurement computer program comprising:

a) means for retrieving recommended fluid level data based upon a range of fluid levels and fluid temperature levels;

b) means for reading a measured fluid level on a measured fluid temperature;

c) means for initiating a time delay in reading the measured fluid level and measured fluid temperature;

d) means for comparing the measured transmission fluid level and the measured fluid temperature to arrange the fluid levels and fluid temperatures to arrive at the operational fluid level;

e) means for determining if the operational fluid level is within acceptable limits;

f) means for initiating an alarm if the operational fluid level is beyond acceptable limits;

g) means for displaying the operational fluid level;

h) computerized means for triggering an adjustment to the fluid level if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

34. A fluid level measuring system for machines comprising:

a) a fluid level sensor disposed within the machine and adapted for transmitting a fluid level signal corresponding to a measured fluid level;

b) a temperature sensor disposed within the machine and adapted for transmitting a temperature signal corresponding to the measured fluid temperature;

c) a first data storage device for retaining data directed to the measured fluid temperature and the measured fluid levels;

d) a second data storage device for retaining data to a recommended fluid level as a function of fluid level and fluid temperature;

e) processing means for comparing the data from the first data storage device to the data in the second data storage device;

f) processing means for utilizing the comparison of the data in the first data storage device to the data in the second data storage device to arrive at the operational fluid level;

g) processing means for determining if the operational fluid level is below the recommended fluid level;

h) processing means for determining if the operational fluid level is above the recommended fluid level;

i) processing means for controlling the display to indicate the operational fluid level;

j) display means for displaying the operational fluid level; and

k) computerized means for triggering an adjustment to the fluid level if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

35. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 34, further comprising:

a) processing means for initiating an alarm;

b) processing means for initiating an adjustment in the fluid level, and;

c) processing means for reevaluating the operational fluid level.

36. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 35, further comprising:

a) memory means for retaining data directed to the rate of removal of fluid flora fluid removal system;

b) sensor means for sensing data as to the time of operation of the fluid removal system;

c) processing means for estimating the amount of fluid removed based upon the data retained in the memory and the sensor data as to the time of operation of the fluid removal system; and

d) processing means for determining the requirement for removing fluid based upon the estimated amount of fluid removed.

37. A fluid level measuring system for machines as in claim 36, further comprising:

a) memory means for retaining data directed to the rate of addition of fluid for a fluid addition system;

b) sensor means for sensing data as to the time of operation of the fluid addition system;

c) processing means for estimating the amount of fluid removed based upon the data retained in the memory and the sensor data as to the time of operation of the fluid addition system; and

d) processing means for determining the requirement for adding fluid based upon the estimated amount of fluid removed.

38. A computer based method for determining a fluid level, comprising the steps of:

storing a single recommended fluid level data point in a second computer memory based upon a range of fluid level signals and fluid temperature signals;

receiving sensor inputs directed to a measured fluid temperature and a measured fluid level;

storing the sensor inputs in a first computer memory;

utilizing a time delay to sample the sensor inputs;

comparing the data in the first computer memory to the data in the second computer memory;

determining an operational fluid level;

comparing the operational fluid to the stored recommended fluid level;

determining if the operational fluid is operating within acceptable limits;

initiating an alarm if the operational fluid level is beyond an acceptable range; and

triggering an adjustment of the fluid level if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

39. A transmission fluid measurement system comprising:

a) a fluid level sensor for transmitting a fluid level signal corresponding to a measured transmission fluid level;

b) a temperature sensor for transmitting a temperature signal corresponding to the measured transmission fluid temperature;

c) a first data storage device for retaining data directed to the measured transmission fluid temperature and the measured transmission fluid level;

d) a second data storage device for retaining data directed to a recommended transmission fluid level as a function of transmission fluid level and transmission fluid temperature;

e) processing means for determining the operational transmission fluid level by evaluating the data in the first data storage device with the data in the second data storage device; and

f) computerized means for triggering an adjustment of the transmission fluid level if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

40. A transmission fluid level measurement system as in claim 39, further comprising:

display means for indicating the operational transmission fluid level as determined by the processing means.

41. A transmission fluid level measurement system as in claim 40, further comprising:

a) a data storage device for retaining data directed to the conditions for initiating an alarm; and

b) alarm means for indicating an operational transmission fluid level operating within conditions for initiating an alarm.

42. A transmission fluid level measurement system as in claim 41, further comprising:

a) processing means for initiating a change in the transmission fluid level; and

b) oil level adjustment means for changing the transmission fluid level to a level determined by the processing means.

43. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 40, wherein the transmission is carried by a vehicle frame and further comprising a level meter or inclinometer disposed on the frame and adapted for transmitting a transmission level signal corresponding to the transmission orientation with respect to the horizontal.

44. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 40, further comprising a transmission operation sensor system adapted for transmitting a variety of transmission operation signals corresponding to the transmission state of operation.

45. A transmission fluid level, measurement and displaying system as in claim 44, wherein the transmission operation sensor system includes a speed sensor adapted for use with a transmission gear mechanism for transmitting a transmission gear mechanism speed signal.

46. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 44, wherein the transmission operation sensor system includes a gear setting sensor adapted for use with a transmission gear assembly having a variety of settings for transmitting a transmission gear assembly setting signal.

47. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 44, wherein the transmission operation sensor system includes an idle speed sensor adapted for use with a transmission for transmitting an idle speed signal.

48. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 44, wherein the transmission is coupled to an engine equipped with a throttle for controlling the engine speed and wherein the transmission operation sensor system includes a throttle sensor adapted for use with a throttle for transmitting a throttle position signal.

49. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 44, wherein:

a) the second data storage device retains data directed to the nominal responses of the transmission operation sensor system signals; and

b) the processing means incorporates the sensor signals received from the transmission operation sensor system and the data directed to the nominal response of the transmission operation sensor system signals in determining the operational transmission fluid level.

50. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 44, further comprising a dielectric sensor disposed within the transmission and adapted for transmitting a signal corresponding to the dielectric value of the fluid.

51. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 44, wherein:

a) a data storage device is arranged to retain data directed to the dielectric value of the fluid;

b) the processing means is arranged to compare the dielectric sensor signal to the dielectric value of the fluid represented by the data storage device; and

c) the processor means is arranged to determine if the fluid level requires adjustment based upon the comparison between the data directed to the dielectric value of the fluid and the dielectric sensor signal.

52. A method for measuring the transmission fluid level as in claim 51, further comprising a display for displaying the level of dielectric deterioration.

53. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 39, wherein the processing means for measuring the measured transmission fluid level incorporates an algorithm for determining the capacitance of the transmission fluid as a factor of temperature.

54. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 53, wherein the processing means compares the operational transmission fluid level with the measured characteristics of the transmission stored in the data storage device to determine whether the transmission fluid level is operating within acceptable limits.

57. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 51, wherein the first and second data storage devices are an EPROM and the data is in the form of constants.

55. A transmission fluid level measurement system comprising:

a) a fluid level sensor disposed within the transmission and adapted for transmitting a fluid level signal corresponding to a measured transmission fluid level;

b) a temperature sensor disposed within the transmission and adapted for transmitting a temperature signal corresponding to a measured transmission fluid temperature;

c) a first data storage for retaining data directed to the measured transmission fluid temperature and the measured transmission fluid level;

d) a second data storage device for retaining data directed to the operational characteristics of the transmission and conditions for initiating an alarm;

e) processing means for determining an operational transmission fluid level by evaluating the data in the first data storage device with the data in the second data storage device;

f) processing means for initiating a change in the transmission level fluid;

g) oil level adjustment means for changing the transmission fluid level to a level determined by the processing means;

h) alarm means for indicating an operational transmission fluid level operating within the condition for initiating an alarm;

i) display means for indicating the operational transmission fluid level as determined by the processing means; and

j) computerized means for triggering an adjustment of the transmission fluid level if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

56. A transmission fluid level measurement and displaying system as in claim 55, wherein the first and second data storage devices are an EPROM and the data is in tabular form.

58. A method for measuring the transmission fluid level comprising the steps of:

a) receiving sensor inputs as to a measured transmission fluid temperature and a measured transmission fluid level;

b) retaining data directed to a recommended transmission fluid level as a function of the measured transmission fluid level and the measured transmission temperatures;

c) comparing the sensor inputs to the retained data to arrive at an operational transmission fluid level;

d) storing measured characteristics for the transmission which characteristics determine recommended levels of transmission fluid as a function of transmission fluid temperatures and transmission fluid levels;

e) comparing the measured transmission fluid level and measured transmission fluid temperature to the stored measured characteristics for the transmission;

f) determining if the operational transmission fluid level is operating within acceptable limits;

g) activating an alarm if the operational transmission fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits; and

h) triggering an adjustment of the transmission fluid if the operational transmission fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

59. A method for measuring the transmission fluid level as in claim 58, further comprising the steps of:

a) receiving sensor inputs as to a transmission fluid dielectric value;

b) storing transmission fluid dielectric information;

c) comparing the stored transmission fluid dielectric information with the sensor data of the transmission fluid dielectric value; and

d) initiating a change in the transmission fluid level if the sensor fluid dielectric value is not within acceptable limits.

60. A transmission fluid level measurement computer based system comprising:

a) means for retrieving a measured transmission fluid level signal and a measured transmission temperature signal;

b) computer memory means for retaining data directed to a recommended transmission fluid level based upon a variety of transmission fluid level signals and transmission temperature signals;

c) computer processor means for comparing the measured transmission fluid level signal and the measured transmission temperature signal to the data in the computer memory to arrive at the operational transmission fluid level and

d) computerized means for triggering an adjustment of the transmission fluid level if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

61. A transmission fluid level measurement computer based system as in claim 60, wherein:

a) the computer memory means retains data directed to acceptable operational transmission fluid levels;

b) the computer processor means compares the operational transmission fluid level to the acceptable operational transmission fluid levels retained in the computer memory; and

c) the computer processor means initiates an alarm when the operational transmission fluid level is beyond the acceptable operational transmission fluid levels.

62. A transmission fluid level measurement computer based system as in claim 61, further comprising:

a) display means for indicating the operational transmission fluid level; and

b) processor means for controlling the display and providing the operational transmission fluid level to said display.

63. A transmission fluid level measurement computer based system as in claim 60, further comprising means for removing or adding fluid to the transmission and wherein the processing means is arranged to actuate the addition or removal of transmission fluid.

64. A computer based method for determining a transmission fluid level, comprising the steps:

storing a variety of recommended transmission fluid level data and a second computer memory based upon a range of transmission fluid level signals and transmission temperature signals;

receiving sensor inputs directed to a measured transmission fluid temperature and a measured transmission fluid level;

storing the sensor inputs in a first computer memory;

comparing the data in the first computer memory to the data in the second computer memory;

determining an operational transmission fluid level;

comparing the operational transmission to the stored recommended transmission fluid level;

determining if the operational transmission fluid level is operating within acceptable limits;

initiating an alarm if the operational transmission fluid level is beyond an acceptable range; and

triggering an adjustment of the transmission fluid level if the operational transmission fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits; and

displaying the operational transmission fluid level.

65. A transmission fluid measurement computer program comprising:

a) means for retrieving recommended transmission fluid level data based upon a range of transmission fluid levels and transmission temperature levels;

b) means for reading a measured transmission fluid level and a measured transmission temperature;

c) means for initiating a time delay in reading the measured transmission fluid level and measured transmission temperature;

d) means for comparing the measured transmission fluid leveland the measured transmission temperature to a range of transmission fluid levels and transmission fluid temperatures to arrive at the operational transmission fluid levels,

e) means for determining if the operational transmission fluid level is within acceptable limits;

f) means for initiating an alarm if the operational transmission fluid level;

is beyond acceptable limits;

g) means for displaying the operational transmission fluid level;

computerized means for triggering an adjustment of the measured transmission fluid level if the operational transmission fluid level is beyond acceptable limits.

66. A transmission fluid level measurement system comprising:

a) a fluid level sensor disposed within the transmission and adapted for transmitting a fluid level signal corresponding to a measured transmission fluid level;

b) a temperature sensor disposed within the transmission and adapted for transmitting a temperature signal corresponding to the measured transmission fluid temperature;

c) a first data storage device for retaining data directed to the measured transmission fluid temperature and the measured transmission fluid level;

d) a second data storage device for retaining data directed to a recommended transmission fluid level as a function of transmission fluid level and transmission fluid temperature;

e) processing means for comparing the data in the first data storage device to the data in the second data storage device;

f) processing means for utilizing the comparison of the data in the first data storage device to the data in the second data storage device to arrive at the operational transmission fluid level;

g) processing means for determining if the operational transmission fluid level is below the recommended transmission fluid level;

h) processing means for determining if the operational transmission fluid level is above the recommended transmission fluid level;

i) processing means for controlling a display to indicate the operational transmission fluid level;

j) display means for displaying the operational transmission fluid level; and

k) computerized means for triggering an adjustment of the transmission level if the operational fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.

67. A transmission fluid level measurement system as in claim 66, further comprising:

a) processing means for initiating an alarm;

b) processing means for initiating an adjustment in the transmission fluid level; and

c) processing means for reevaluating the operational transmission fluid level.

68. A transmission fluid level measurement system as in claim 67, further comprising:

a) memory means for retaining data directed to the rate of removal of transmission fluid for a transmission fluid removal system;

b) sensor means for sensing data as to the time of operation of the transmission fluid removal system;

c) processing means for estimating the amount of transmission fluid removed based upon the data retained in the memory and the sensor data as to the time of operation of the transmission fluid removal system;

d) processing means for determining the requirement for removing transmission fluid based upon the estimated amount of retransmission fluid removed.

69. A transmission fluid level measurement system as in claim 68, further comprising:

a) memory means for retaining data directed to the rate of addition of transmission fluid for a transmission fluid addition system;

b) sensor means for sensing data as to the time of operation of the transmission fluid addition system;

c) processing means for estimating the, amount of transmission fluid removed based upon the data retained in the memory and the sensor data as to the time of operation of the trasmissison fluid addition system; and

d) processing means for determining the requirement for adding transmission fluid based upon the estimated amount of transmission fluid removed.

70. A computer based method for determining a transmission fluid level comprising the steps of:

storing a single recommended transmission fluid level data point in a second jog, computer memory based upon a range of transmission fluid level signals and transmission temperature signals;

receiving sensor inputs directed to a measured transmission fluid temperature and a measured transmission fluid level;

storing the sensor inputs in a first computer memory;

utilizing a time delay to sample the sensor input;

comparing the data in the first computer memory to the data in the second computer memory;

determining an operational transmission fluid level;

comparing the operational transmission fluid level to the stored recommended transmission fluid level;

determining if the operational transmission fluid level is operating within acceptable limits;

initiating an alarm if the operational transmission fluid level is beyond an acceptable range; and

triggering an adjustment of the transmission fluid level if the operational transmission fluid level is not operating within acceptable limits.