Daniel L Brady

US Patent:

20120103364, May 3, 2012

Filed:

Nov 2, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/917839

Inventors:

Lee J. Monsrud - Inver Grove Heights MN, US
Daniel F. Brady - High Point NC, US
Darryl C. Bowling - Madison NC, US
Eddie D. Sowle - Woodbury MN, US
Matthew C. Porter - West St. Paul MN, US

International Classification:

A47L 15/42

US Classification:

134 18, 134 56 D

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.

US Patent:

56814003, Oct 28, 1997

Filed:

Mar 21, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/408560

Inventors:

Daniel F. Brady - Eagan MN
John E. McCall - West St. Paul MN
Clyde A. Bailey - Hastings MN
James L. Copeland - Burnsville MN

Assignee:

Ecolab Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B08B 704

US Classification:

134 18

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for programming a controller to vary the concentration set-point of an additive as a function of time. The present invention insures that the additive is injected to the machine at proper times to allow for optimum efficiency and lowest cost. To vary the set-point according to the input parameters, the invention combines the features of a data entry device, a microprocessor, a clock, a controller, and sensors into one unit. The user may enter a time setting and set point into the controller, along with control parameters which allow the machine to control the additive injection based on different user-defined scenarios. The microprocessor then reads the settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller. Thus, the user can manually or automatically change the response function if and when conditions change.

US Patent:

48459658, Jul 11, 1989

Filed:

Dec 23, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/945908

Inventors:

James L. Copeland - Burnsville MN
Daniel F. Brady - Eagan MN

Assignee:

Ecolab Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

D06F 3902

US Classification:

68 17R

Abstract:

A dispenser suitable for dispensing multiple solutions to, preferably, multiple utilization points. A laundry washing system (18) according to the invention includes a dispenser (20) which dispenses a plurality of cleaning solution to a plurality of washing machines (72) through a single common conduit (25). Conduit (25) is flushed after dispensing one solution but before dispensing a second chemically incompatible solution. A preferred dispenser (20) is capable of servicing multiple laundry machines (72) using a first-in first-out approach wherein the machines request service from a control system (74) which temporarily disables any "late-comers" until the appropriate solution can be dispensed to the machine (72) making the first, or highest priority, request.

US Patent:

55564780, Sep 17, 1996

Filed:

Jan 12, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/372052

Inventors:

Daniel F. Brady - Eagan MN
John E. McCall - West St. Paul MN
Clyde A. Bailey - Hastings MN
James L. Copeland - Burnsville MN

Assignee:

Ecolab Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B08B 704

US Classification:

134 18

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for programming a detergent controller to vary the detergent concentration set-point according to the time of day and to achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot. Thus, the present invention insures that the warewashing machine is operated at optimum efficiency and cost. To vary the set-point according to the time of day, the invention combines the features of a microprocessor, a clock and a controller into one unit. The user enters the time setting and set point into the controller. The microprocessor then compares the real-time clock signal with the user time settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller. To achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot, the controller senses the detergent concentration and dispenses the proper detergent level to the warewashing machine according to a predetermined detergent feed time based on the previous response time and the programmed set-point. Thus, the controller can change the response function if and when conditions change.

US Patent:

57462380, May 5, 1998

Filed:

Mar 31, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/414635

Inventors:

Daniel F. Brady - Eagan MN
John E. McCall - West St. Paul MN
Paul J. Mattia - Prior Lake MN
John M. Lavorata - Burnsville MN
Matthew D. PeKarna - Bloomington MN
Robert David Stokes - East Bethel MN
Clyde Arthur Bailey - Hastings MN

Assignee:

Ecolab, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G05D 706

US Classification:

137 3

Abstract:

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for diluting a chemical concentrate. More particularly, dilution control is achieved by monitoring two flow meters, comparing the flow rate information, and adjusting the diluent flow to achieve a predetermined dilution of the chemical concentrate. An air push is preferably used to deliver the chemicals to the utilization points. Also a controller is used to prioritize requests from the utilization points in a hierarchal fashion.

US Patent:

54048931, Apr 11, 1995

Filed:

Mar 12, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/849750

Inventors:

Daniel F. Brady - Eagan MN
John E. McCall - West St. Paul MN
Clyde A. Bailey - Hastings MN
James L. Copeland - Burnsville MN

Assignee:

Ecolab Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B08B 704

US Classification:

134 18

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for programming a detergent controller to vary the detergent concentration set-point according to the time of day and to achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot. Thus, the present invention insures that the warewashing machine is operated at optimum efficiency and cost. To vary the set-point according to the time of day, the invention combines the features of a microprocessor, a clock and a controller into one unit. The user enters the time setting and set point into the controller. The microprocessor then compares the real-time clock signal with the user time settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller. To achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot, the controller senses the detergent concentration and dispenses the proper detergent level to the warewashing machine according to a predetermined detergent feed time based on the previous response time and the programmed set-point. Thus, the controller can change the response function if and when conditions change.

US Patent:

47337982, Mar 29, 1988

Filed:

Feb 5, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/826205

Inventors:

Daniel F. Brady - Eagan MN
Spencer B. Larson - Cottage Grove MN
David B. Ziegler - Eden Prairie MN
Charles B. Johnson - Eagan MN

Assignee:

Ecolab Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B67D 508

US Classification:

222 23

Abstract:

The invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the concentration of wash water in a ware washing machine. A preferred ware washing machine (10) includes a reservoir (11) for holding wash water, a normally closed valve (17) for directing clean water to a dry detergent supply (13), an electrodeless conductivity cell (12) for monitoring the conductivity of the ware washing solution, and a controller for activating the normally closed valve (15) in response to the difference between the measured concentration and the actual concentration. A preferred concentration controller includes an adjustable amplifier (48) which provides an amplified concentration signal which is equal to a reference signal when the concentration of the solution is equal to the desired concentration. In addition, a preferred conductivity cell (12) includes a thermistor (46) which, in effect, increases or decreases the voltage of the signal produced by the secondary coil to remove the apparent concentration changes solely associated with changes in temperature of the washing solution.

US Patent:

55059155, Apr 9, 1996

Filed:

Feb 14, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/389129

Inventors:

James L. Copeland - Burnsville MN
John E. Thomas - River Falls MN
Daniel K. Boche - Eagan MN
Daniel F. Brady - Eagan MN

Assignee:

Ecolab Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B01D 1102
B08B 308

US Classification:

422264

Abstract:

Disclosed is a dispenser 10 for a solid chemical 13 and a method of dispensing the chemical 13. Water enters via an inlet line 22 and is sprayed from a spray nozzle 21, so that the solid chemical 13 is dispensed in the form of an aqueous chemical solution via outlet line 17. The solution's concentration is adjustable by varying the distance between the spray nozzle 21 and the exposed dissolving surface of the chemical 13. The spray nozzle's position is adjusted by means of a screw jack 68, a push-pull cable 93, a solenoid 100, or a lever 117.