Joe D Hedges

US Patent:

7521945, Apr 21, 2009

Filed:

Feb 20, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/676738

Inventors:

Joe D. Hedges - Portola Valley CA, US
Paul J. Voelker - Fremont CA, US

Assignee:

Voelker Sensors Inc. - Pal Alto CA

International Classification:

G01R 27/08
G01N 33/26

US Classification:

324698, 73 5305

Abstract:

An embodiment of the present invention provides for a sensing element comprising a non-conductive housing with three chambers for detecting oil conductivity, additive depletion and oxidation, and water contamination, respectively. Through the monitoring of an array of oil sensors, an early warning of oil degradation due to oxidation is provided. The monitoring system further detects excess soot, water and other contaminants in the oil. The oil sensor array and related monitoring system decrease the likelihood of catastrophic engine failure through the early detection and warning of a decrease in oil quality thereby reducing vehicle owner outlays for servicing and disposal fees while further aiding in the satisfaction of environmental protection regulations.

US Patent:

7928741, Apr 19, 2011

Filed:

Apr 20, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/426956

Inventors:

Joe D. Hedges - Portola Valley CA, US
Paul J. Voelker - Fremont CA, US

Assignee:

Voelker Senors, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G01R 27/26
G01N 33/26

US Classification:

324698, 73 5305

Abstract:

An embodiment of the present invention provides for a sensing element comprising a non-conductive housing with three chambers for detecting oil conductivity, additive depletion and oxidation, and water contamination, respectively. Through the monitoring of an array of oil sensors, an early warning of oil degradation due to oxidation is provided. The monitoring system further detects excess soot, water and other contaminants in the oil. The oil sensor array and related monitoring system decrease the likelihood of catastrophic engine failure through the early detection and warning of a decrease in oil quality thereby reducing vehicle owner outlays for servicing and disposal fees while further aiding in the satisfaction of environmental protection regulations.

US Patent:

8614588, Dec 24, 2013

Filed:

Aug 17, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/212174

Inventors:

Joe Hedges - Portola Valley CA, US

Assignee:

Voelker Sensors, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G01N 33/28

US Classification:

324698, 73 5305

Abstract:

Fuel contamination in oil is measured by using a sensor in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only. The oil quality sensor provides real-time feedback so that an oil monitoring system can actively remove contaminates and/or increase an additive package as necessary.

US Patent:

8643388, Feb 4, 2014

Filed:

Aug 17, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/857747

Inventors:

Joe D. Hedges - Portola Valley CA, US

Assignee:

Voelker Sensors, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G01R 27/08

US Classification:

324698, 324 711

Abstract:

A method for measuring fuel contamination in oil that uses a material in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only.

US Patent:

20110267080, Nov 3, 2011

Filed:

Nov 23, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/953377

Inventors:

Joe D. Hedges - Portola Valley CA, US

International Classification:

G01N 33/28
G01R 27/08

US Classification:

324698

Abstract:

The remote monitoring of oil samples is disclosed. Monitoring may be achieved through the use of a computer, phone, mobile device, or any other networked computing device in contact with a sensing element at the remote location. Such remote monitoring may be beneficial when equipment such as pumps, generators, engines, compressors, and transformers are located in remote locations that are not always easily accessible to maintenance personnel. Contact may be achieved using any number of wireless transmission techniques.

US Patent:

57772100, Jul 7, 1998

Filed:

Oct 15, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/730109

Inventors:

Paul J. Voelker - Fremont CA
Joe D. Hedges - Portola Valley CA

Assignee:

Voelker Sensors, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G01N 2726
G01N 3330

US Classification:

673 5305

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for determining deterioration of e. g. lubricating oil by measuring the contraction of a polymeric matrix (support) holding charged ionic groups. The support contracts due to oil quality degradation. The expansion/contraction is detected e. g. electrically.

US Patent:

57896658, Aug 4, 1998

Filed:

Apr 25, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/637878

Inventors:

Paul J. Voelker - Fremont CA
Joe D. Hedges - Portola Valley CA

Assignee:

Voelker Sensors, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

G01N 2726
G01N 3330

US Classification:

73 5305

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for determining deterioration of e. g. lubricating oil by measuring the electrical properties of a polymeric matrix (support) holding charged ionic groups. The dynamic range of the device is increased by creating a local polar environment formed around the charged groups of the polymeric matrix and by exploiting bead shrinkage with increasing degradation (or solvent polarity). Both approaches can be further employed in a single sensor by the use of multiple chambers containing a combination of the above. Also, contaminant detection is improved by detecting changes in amplitude and/or frequency of noise output. The sensor can also be used to detect a level of oil for instance in an engine oil pan.

US Patent:

54351707, Jul 25, 1995

Filed:

Dec 30, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/176393

Inventors:

Paul J. Voelker - Fremont CA
Joe D. Hedges - Portola Valley CA

International Classification:

G01N 2726
G01N 3330

US Classification:

73 5305

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining the quality of a lubricant by its solvating effect on an insoluble (resin) matrix to which charged groups have been covalently bound. The solvating effects are measured electronically as a variation in conductivity or capacitance of the resin matrix with respect to temperature. The apparatus includes a metal mesh housing containing e. g. milligram amounts of charged resin beads. A metal probe is fitted in the containing mesh and makes contact only with the resin beads. The entire device is immersed in the lubricant and the electrical conductivity or capacitance is measured from the probe to the mesh through the resin beads. Lubricant degradation is measured as e. g. a decrease in electrical conductivity through the resin beads with respect to an increase in the lubricant's solvent polarity.