Patent ID: 6535001
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: F01M

Abstract:
A processor for generating a signal representative of engine oil condition, comprising:means for receiving input from at least one oil condition sensor sensing oil condition in an engine; means for, based on the input, determining that the engine is experiencing a first stage of oil degradation characterized by a first sensor output signal trend; means for, based on the input, determining that the engine is experiencing a second stage of oil degradation characterized by a second sensor output signal trend different from the first sensor output signal trend; means for, based on the input, determining that the engine is experiencing a third stage of oil degradation characterized by a third sensor output signal trend different from the first sensor output signal trend and second sensor output signal trend; and means responsive to the means for determining for generating a signal representative of at least one of: an approach of an end of the first stage of oil degradation, an entry into the second stage of oil degradation, and an entry into the third stage of oil degradation.