The master of invention

In the lower level of the school district’s TASSEL building on the south side of Bryant Lake, Bob Albertson is showing his sanitizing gun prototype to members of the Eden Prairie chapter of 1 Million Cups. He says the device is 99.9% effective at killing harmful pathogens in seconds.

The Albertson PhotonWash uses far-UVC light to penetrate and destroy bacteria and viruses, making it ideal for quickly and effectively cleaning hospitals, clinics and offices. The concept is supported by several scientific studies, and Albertson is eager to see his prototype in action someday.

At 88, Albertson has more than seven decades of innovation in his back pocket. His résumé is a grab bag of intriguing inventions – from a coffee-making vending machine and an electric trolling motor to a pulsating showerhead and string trimmer.

In total, Albertson holds more than 300 patents and has more than 40 products on the market. “I’ve never had a product not on the market still,” he said.

And Albertson continues to add to that list. From the depths of his jacket pocket, the Orono resident retrieves another of his newest inventions, the Zero Drive gearless socket wrench, and demonstrates how it works especially well in tight spaces.

“All my inventing comes from upstairs,” he said as he twists and turns the wrench in his hand. 

Intuitive invention

Albertson grew up with a penchant for invention. His father was the chief engineer at Moline.

“He invented many things,” Albertson said. “He was the first to figure out how to put rubber tires on tractors. And he was the first to design hydraulics for tractors.”  

Having a front-row seat to the art of invention was one thing. Being open to receiving answers to a perceived problem was another. Albertson said he learned how to open his mind from Ruben Youngdahl, a minister at Mt. Olivet Church who taught his confirmation class about the concept of “going upstairs” when Albertson was just 13.

“We learned how to go upstairs and see things,” he said. “It’s about intuition.”

Albertson said the technique taps into the governing forces of the universe to “gain insights and inspiration from dreams,” and added that it has been notably used by well-known individuals such as Google co-founder Larry Page, Walmart founder Sam Walton and Nikola Tesla.

“You meditate and ask for an answer,” Albertson offered. “It doesn’t always come to me right away. I’ve still got ones I’m waiting on. They’ll let me know when they’re ready.”

Portfolio of products

With a natural curiosity and an open mind, Albertson developed one of his best-known inventions at just 15. After visiting his mother at Lipton Tea and seeing the tea packets, he came up with the idea for a coffee vending machine that would pour hot water over packets of ground coffee. The idea earned him a $2,500 paycheck and helped kick-start his career.

“People know me for Mr. Coffee,” he said. “That was my best invention.”

But Albertson was just getting started. He went on to invent an ice-making machine that served as a precursor to soda machines and refrigerator ice dispensers. He also counts among his accomplishments the development of the car cassette tape player, the invention of a strobe flash like those used in modern cellphone cameras, the creation of the mini gyroscope for missiles, and the perfection of a non-drying glue for the Post-it.

“The more I do it, the better I get at it,” he said. “The more you believe, the more it comes to you.” 

Seeking solutions

Along the way, Albertson has started five companies to market his inventions: Zeal Products, Albertson’s Sales, Albertson Industries, Zeal Industries and Albertson Enterprises. He said he isn’t a rich man but insists he lives comfortably – always keeping an eye out for the next problem that needs solving.

Being around other entrepreneurs and inventors also keeps his wheels turning. Albertson said he has been a member of Eden Prairie’s 1 Million Cups for the past four years.

“I love this place because it’s so progressive,” he said. “The people are so interesting. They’re trying to bring to light the future of innovation.” 

As he continues adding to his portfolio of patents and products, he encourages fellow inventors to keep an open mind. “It’s all there for the asking,” he said. “You just have to go get it.” 

Well beyond retirement age, Albertson said he has no plans to slow down or stop inventing anytime soon.

“I’ll be 89 in November,” he said. “I’m still having fun.”