YPSILANTI, MI--(MARKET WIRE)--Jun 21, 2006 -- Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISSYS) announced that the U.S. Patent Office has granted it a utility patent (US 7,059,176) entitled “Resonant Tube Viscosity Sensing Device.” This patent covers a method and device for assessing the viscosity of a fluid using a microfluidic chip. Its 39 granted claims include methods of fabricating, designing and packaging the new sensor and combining its output with the other sensory outputs such as mass flow rate, density and temperature. The patent also covers the integration of this sensor directly onto an engine to monitor the oil or lubricant quality for vehicle applications (both automotive and military usage). This application offers a smaller more cost effective means of sensing automotive oil quality, which can reduce oil consumption and prevent engine wear. The patent builds on ISSYS’ previous microfluidic patents in this area such as US Patents 6,477,901, 6,647,778 and 6,935,010.
