Matthew B Brinkman

US Patent:

6606582, Aug 12, 2003

Filed:

Mar 27, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/536506

Inventors:

Matthew James Brinkman - Brush Prairie WA
Joel Wayne Mietzner - Vancouver WA
Marshall Rowe - Chicago IL

Assignee:

SEH America, Inc. - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

G06F 1900

US Classification:

702188, 438 14, 340500

Abstract:

A universal system and method are provided for collecting a plurality of different types of process data, including particle measurement data, from remote locations without requiring manual intervention. The universal system includes a plurality of particle measurement instruments disposed at respective locations distributed about a facility in order to collect particle data. The universal system also includes a process data collection device for providing process data other than particle data, such as temperature, pressure, humidity level, switch position or the like. The universal system further includes a central computer that is located remote from the plurality of particle measurement instruments and from the process data collection device and that is interconnected with the plurality of particle measurement instruments and the process data collection device by means of a computer network. As such, the particle data collected by the respective particle measurement instruments and the other process data collected by the process data collection device can be transmitted across the computer network and received by the central computer that is located remote from the respective locations at which the process data is collected. Advantageously, however, the process data collection device provides the particle data to the central computer in a manner that is independent of the plurality of particle measurement instruments, thereby greatly increasing the flexibility of the system and method.

US Patent:

6398382, Jun 4, 2002

Filed:

Jun 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/591863

Inventors:

Allen R. Boyce - Portland OR
Matthew J. Brinkman - Brush Prairie WA

Assignee:

SEH America, Inc. - Vancouver WA

International Classification:

F21V 3103

US Classification:

362101, 362373

Abstract:

An illumination apparatus for indicating the liquid level in a chemical storage tank is provided. The apparatus includes a transparent globe surrounding a light bulb mounted by flanges to upper portions of a storage tank, and being illuminated by an external electrical supply. Optionally the light bulb may be cooled by either allowing gas or air contained in the storage tank pass through a hole in the globe to interact with and cool the light bulb, or supplying a gas to the globe and circulating it around the light bulb. A shadow line is cast at the surface level of the liquid in the tank, and can be visibly seen through the translucent walls of the tank from some distance away.