Petroleum viscosity measurement and communication system and method
US8191403B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N11/16
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The disclosure presents an apparatus and method for measuring viscosity of a lubricating oil. The apparatus has a piezo-resistive cantilever sensor for sensing a first oil viscosity parameter. The sensor has a cantilever having a pressure receiving portion for receiving pressure exerted by the lubricating oil as the lubricating oil comes into contact with the pressure receiving portion. The cantilever also has first and second resistive portions in electrical communication with a first lead and a second lead, respectively, which are in electrical communication with an electrical circuit amplification element, for creating an output signal indicative of a change in the resistive characteristics of the first and second resistive portions of the cantilever as the lubricating oil comes into contact with the pressure receiving portion. The output signal can be used for determining oil viscosity. A processor and memory compare the output signal value with a stored resistance value to provide information relating to the quality of the lubricating oil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.