Patents by Inventor Lee J. Monsrud

Lee J. Monsrud has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9139800
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to concentrated warewashing compositions and methods of using the same. In some aspects, the invention uses concentrated compositions in methods of warewashing where the concentrate is applied directly to the article to be cleaned, rather than dispensed into a sump and applied to the article as a ready-to-use composition. In additional aspects, the methods of using highly concentrated alkaline and/or acid compositions in an alternating pattern of alkaline-acid-alkaline or acid-alkaline-acid, or the like, provide substantially similar or superior cleaning efficacy while reducing the overall consumption of the alkaline and/or acid compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Steven J. Lange, Altony J. Miralles, Michael S. Rischmiller
  • Publication number: 20140202500
    Abstract: Methods of acidic warewashing are disclosed. The compositions can include other materials including surfactants and chelating agents, and are preferably phosphorous free. Methods of using the acidic compositions in combination with alkaline compositions are also disclosed. Exemplary methods include using the acidic compositions together with other compositions, including alkaline compositions and rinse aids employed in an alternating alkaline/acid/alkaline manner. The methods also include acidic compositions that serve multiple roles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Michael S. Rischmiller, Daniel Osterberg, John Mansergh
  • Patent number: 8758520
    Abstract: Methods of acidic warewashing are disclosed. The compositions can include other materials including surfactants and chelating agents, and are preferably phosphorous free. Methods of using the acidic compositions are also disclosed. Exemplary methods include using the acidic compositions together with other compositions, including alkaline compositions and rinse aids employed in an alternating alkaline/acid/alkaline manner. The methods also include acidic compositions that serve multiple roles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Michael S. Rischmiller, Daniel Osterberg, John Mansergh
  • Publication number: 20130146102
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to concentrated warewashing compositions and methods of using the same. In some aspects, the invention uses concentrated compositions in methods of warewashing where the concentrate is applied directly to the article to be cleaned, rather than dispensed into a sump and applied to the article as a ready-to-use composition. In additional aspects, the methods of using highly concentrated alkaline and/or acid compositions in an alternating pattern of alkaline-acid-alkaline or acid-alkaline-acid, or the like, provide substantially similar or superior cleaning efficacy while reducing the overall consumption of the alkaline and/or acid compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Steven J. Lange, Altony J. Miralles, Michael S. Rischmiller
  • Publication number: 20120291818
    Abstract: A method of warewashing for the optimization of cleaning is obtained, excess detergent usage is minimized and further where deposit of film on ware is reduced in an alternating acidic and alkaline cleaning method. According to the invention, the type of acid and alkalinity used, or acid salt formed upon application of the acidic and alkaline washes is important to cleaning performance and phosphate or silicates should be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Michael S. Rischmiller, John Mansergh, Daniel Osterberg
  • Publication number: 20120291815
    Abstract: Methods of acidic warewashing are disclosed. The compositions can include other materials including surfactants and chelating agents, and are preferably phosphorous free. Methods of using the acidic compositions are also disclosed. Exemplary methods include using the acidic compositions together with other compositions, including alkaline compositions and rinse aids employed in an alternating alkaline/acid/alkaline manner. The methods also include acidic compositions that serve multiple roles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Michael S. Rischmiller, Daniel Osterberg, John Mansergh
  • Publication number: 20120291808
    Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for cleaning articles by direct application of concentrated product to a soiled surface of the article is disclosed. The article type is identified and a product dispensing sequence is activated to control the type of product dispensed onto the articles based on the article type and/or soil type on the article. Product, duration, and other parameters are tailored according to the article type and/or soil type during each sequence of the wash cycle. Product, wash and rinse liquids are applied at specific locations and from specific directions from within the cleaning apparatus based upon the article type and/or soil type on the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: LEE J. MONSRUD, PAUL J. MATTIA
  • Patent number: 8313650
    Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater. A reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. A concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receive the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. A concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream from their respective storage tank. An institutional dishmachine receives the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream during a rinse cycle of the institutional dishmachine. A control system is operatively connected to the concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve and control flow of the rinse streams into the institutional dishmachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Adrian E. Hartz
  • Patent number: 8202373
    Abstract: A warewash machine includes a rinse sump and a wash sump. A controllable deflector, under control of a control module, directs wash agent dispensed during a wash phase to the wash sump, directs rinse agent to the wash sump for a predetermined period of time after initiation of an auxiliary rinse phase, and directs the rinse agent to the rinse sump after the predetermined period of time and for a remaining duration of the auxiliary rinse phase. The controllable deflector directs water dispensed during a final rinse phase to the rinse sump such that the water combines with the rinse agent therein. The rinse agent is re-used during at least one subsequent auxiliary rinse phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Louis M. Holzman, Adrian Hartz, Eddie D. Sowle, Lee J. Monsrud
  • Publication number: 20120103364
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a combination dishwashing machine and sink that utilizes a first use solution includes a dishwashing machine, a sump, a pump, a sink, a first fluid passageway, and a controller. The sump is in fluid communication with the dishwashing machine and is configured and arranged to contain the first use solution utilized in the dishwashing machine. The pump is in fluid communication with the sump, and the first fluid passageway interconnects the pump and the sink. The controller is operatively connected to the pump and is programmed to signal the pump to direct the first use solution from the sump, through the first fluid passageway, and into the sink. The controller automates the filling of the sink with the first use solution from the sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Daniel F. Brady, Darryl C. Bowling, Eddie D. Sowle, Matthew C. Porter
  • Patent number: 8071528
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising conversion agents and methods of using them. The conversion agents of the present invention comprise water insoluble compounds such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof. The compositions can be substantially free of a builder, e.g., a chelating agent, sequestrant, and/or threshold agent, while still achieving effective soil removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Kristen A. Mills, Lee J. Monsrud, Michael Rischmiller
  • Publication number: 20110180115
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for cleaning articles within a chamber of a warewash machine. The warewash machine has a rinse sump for collecting a rinse agent dispensed into the chamber and a wash sump for collecting a wash agent dispensed into the chamber. The method includes a wash phase during which the wash agent is dispensed into the chamber during and an auxiliary rinse phase during which the rinse agent is dispensed into the chamber. The wash machine includes a controllable deflector for directing the wash agent to the wash sump during the wash phase and the rinse agent to the rinse sump during the auxiliary rinse phase. The method also includes a final rinse phase during which water from an external source is dispensed into the chamber. The controllable deflector direct the water dispensed during the final rinse phase to the rinse sump such that the water combines with the rinse agent therein. The rinse agent is re-used during at least one subsequent auxiliary rinse phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Louis M. Holzman, Adrian Hartz, Eddie D. Sowle, Lee J. Monsrud
  • Patent number: 7942978
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for cleaning articles within a chamber of a warewash machine. The warewash machine has a rinse sump for collecting a rinse agent dispensed into the chamber and a wash sump for collecting a wash agent dispensed into the chamber. The method includes a wash phase during which the wash agent is dispensed into the chamber during and an auxiliary rinse phase during which the rinse agent is dispensed into the chamber. The wash machine includes a controllable deflector for directing the wash agent to the wash sump during the wash phase and the rinse agent to the rinse sump during the auxiliary rinse phase. The method also includes a final rinse phase during which water from an external source is dispensed into the chamber. The controllable deflector direct the water dispensed during the final rinse phase to the rinse sump such that the water combines with the rinse agent therein. The rinse agent is re-used during at least one subsequent auxiliary rinse phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Louis M. Holzman, Adrian Hartz, Eddie D. Sowle, Lee J. Monsrud
  • Publication number: 20110083698
    Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater. A reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. A concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receive the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. A concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream from their respective storage tank. An institutional dishmachine receives the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream during a rinse cycle of the institutional dishmachine. A control system is operatively connected to the concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve and control flow of the rinse streams into the institutional dishmachine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Adrian E. Hartz
  • Patent number: 7871521
    Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater includes a fresh water supply, a reverse osmosis apparatus, a concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank, a concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve, a permeate heater, an institutional dishmachine and a control system. The reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. The concentrate storage tank and the permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receiving the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. The concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively, from their respective storage tank. The permeate heater heats the permeate rinse stream to a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Adrian E. Hartz
  • Publication number: 20100263689
    Abstract: The present invention is related to methods, apparatuses, and compositions for controlling water hardness. The methods, apparatuses and compositions also reduce scale formation. The present invention includes substantially water insoluble resin materials. The resin materials may be loaded with a plurality of cations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Xin Sun, Kristen A. Mills, Douglas J. Prideaux, Beth E. Benson, Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson
  • Publication number: 20100263688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for treating water. The methods, apparatuses and systems reduce solubilized water hardness using various water treatment agents bound to a supporting material. The present invention also includes methods of employing treated water, for example, in cleaning or food processing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Douglas J. Prideaux, Keith E. Olson, Kim R. Smith, Paul F. Schacht, Eric V. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20100084340
    Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater includes a fresh water supply, a reverse osmosis apparatus, a concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank, a concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve, a permeate heater, an institutional dishmachine and a control system. The reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. The concentrate storage tank and the permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receiving the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. The concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively, from their respective storage tank. The permeate heater heats the permeate rinse stream to a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Adrian E. Hartz
  • Publication number: 20090054287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising conversion agents and methods of using them. The conversion agents of the present invention comprise water insoluble compounds such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof. The compositions can be substantially free of a builder, e.g., a chelating agent, sequestrant, and/or threshold agent, while still achieving effective soil removal, and reduced spotting, scaling or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Kristen A. Mills, Lee J. Monsrud, Michael Rischmiller
  • Publication number: 20080280800
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising conversion agents and methods of using them. The conversion agents of the present invention comprise water insoluble compounds such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof. The compositions can be substantially free of a builder, e.g., a chelating agent, sequestrant, and/or threshold agent, while still achieving effective soil removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Kristen A. Mills, Lee J. Monsrud, Michael Rischmiller