Thomas L Pottberg

Title: Innovations by Thomas L Pottberg

Introduction

Thomas L Pottberg is an accomplished inventor based in Grants Pass, Oregon. He holds three patents that showcase his expertise in developing advanced monitoring instruments and air sampling technologies. His work significantly contributes to the field of environmental monitoring and air quality assessment.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is the "Twin-spot light absorbing particulate monitoring instrument." This apparatus comprises one or more pairs of analyzers that measure light-absorbing particulates, including black, brown, and ultraviolet light-absorbing organic aerosols suspended in gaseous samples, such as air. One analyzer receives an ambient gas sample, while the other analyzer is coupled to a dilution inlet that mixes ambient gas with a proportion of clean gas. This setup allows for different particulate concentrations in the two received samples. Filters with identical areas accumulate particulates as the respective samples flow through with equal flow rate and velocity. An optical source and detector for each filter measure a changing property, such as attenuation at one or more wavelengths, as particulates accumulate. A computer uses the differential particulate accumulation from the ambient and diluted samples to compensate for filter loading effects, providing an accurate indication of particulate concentration in the ambient sample.

Another significant patent is the "Pulsation suppressing air flow system for an air sampling instrument." This invention features a pulsation and particle suppressing continuous air flow system for air sampling instruments, particularly particle counters. An air pump occupies a portion of a sealed vacuum housing, with the other portion forming a surge chamber that dampens surges as the air pump attempts to pump air towards an outflow port. The unoccupied volume of the surge chamber dampens or dilutes the surges at the air inflow port associated with the air sampling instrument. The air outflow port is linked to a filter that traps particles originating inside the air pump and associated motor, while the interior of the housing itself traps particles from outside sources.

Career Highlights

Thomas L Pottberg is currently employed at Met One Instruments, Inc., where he continues to innovate and develop new technologies. His contributions to the field have been recognized through his patents and the impact of his work on air quality monitoring.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Thomas has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Richard K DeFreez and Michael A Potter. These collaborations have further enhanced the development of innovative solutions in air sampling