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A high-sensitivity capacitive oil deterioration and level sensor includes a conductive housing member with an inner surface defining a ground electrode and conductive inner member with an outer surface defining a measuring electrode. The housing member is adapted to provide a fluidic connection betw

A high-sensitivity capacitive oil deterioration and level sensor includes a conductive housing member with an inner surface defining a ground electrode and conductive inner member with an outer surface defining a measuring electrode. The housing member is adapted to provide a fluidic connection between an oil container and a gap between the ground electrode and the measuring electrode. The sensor also includes electronics adapted to employ this capacitor geometry to generate signals indicative of a degree of deterioration and a level of the oil within the gap.

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[ What is claimed is:] [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

[ What is claimed is:] [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; andelectronics 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.