Patents Represented by Attorney Andrew D. Sorensen

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  • Floor stripper/cleaner containing organic acid-base pair
    Patent number: 7674760
    Abstract: Floor finishes are stripped or deep scrubbed using a floor stripper/cleaner composition containing sparingly water-soluble floor finish solvent; water; sulfonic acid, sulfate acid, phosphonic acid, phosphate acid or aromatic acid coupler in an amount sufficient to provide a homogenous aqueous liquid phase and no or low foaming during shaking; and sufficient organic amine so that the composition pH is about 2 to about 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Brian R. Leafblad, Minyu Li, Lauren K. Carlson, Nicola Kriens, Christian Franz Liko
  • Multiple enzyme cleaner for surgical instruments and endoscopes
    Patent number: 7670549
    Abstract: The liquid composition is based on surfactants and enzymes, and is particularly useful for manual cleaning of instruments. In manual and ultrasonic application the composition in use concentration shows low foaming and gives a cleaning solution which is not cloudy at least at a temperature in the range from 16° C. to 40° C. In addition, the composition has good cleaning efficacy over a broad temperature range (20 to 55° C.) and shows good material compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence Geret, Carola Stingl, Silke Denzin
  • Deodorizing and sanitizing employing a wicking device
    Patent number: 7670551
    Abstract: A device and method for sanitizing and deodorizing including the selective transportation of a sanitizing composition by the capillary action of a wick to an acidic composition which may be held in a reservoir, or which also may be selectively transported through the capillary action of a wick to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Kadlec, Daniel Tallman, Patrick Kilawee
  • Rucksack applicator device
    Patent number: 7670073
    Abstract: A device, for applying a flowable medium to a surface, includes a container, equipment to be worn on a back, a hose and a hose adapter, which can attach the hose to an outlet opening of the container, and which includes a ventilating element. The device further includes a handle having an end to which a wiping or applying device is mounted. The equipment includes a mounting plate attached to supporting straps to hold the container; and the container includes coupling elements for coupling the container to the mounting plate. A duct of the device extends from a first end of the hose, such that, when the hose is attached to the container, at the first end thereof, by the hose adapter, the duct conducts the flowable medium, from the container, to an outlet of the handle, which outlet is spaced apart from the wiping or applying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Hans-Leo Fernschild, Heiko Faubel, Karl-Heinz Rogmann, Ulrike Scheuvens
  • Polyurethane coating cure enhancement using zinc carbonate initiators
    Patent number: 7655718
    Abstract: Zinc carbonates such as carbonic acid zinc salt, zinc carbonate hydroxide monohydrate, zinc bicarbonate, zinc tetraamine carbonate, zinc ammonium carbonate, carbamic acid zinc salt and zinc carbamate can initiate hardening of polyurethane coatings and decrease the coating tack-free time. The decreased tack-free times facilitate earlier application of additional polyurethane layers and earlier return of a coated article to service, and can provide improved floor finishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Lauren K. Carlson, Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Hepatitis a viricide
    Patent number: 7638504
    Abstract: The invention relates to agents which combat the hepatitis A virus, containing only minimal amounts of chlorine-containing and/or chlorine cleaving active ingredients, or none of said substances. The inventions also relates to the use of these agents and to a method for their production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Friedrich Von Rheinbaben, Holger Biering, Klaus-Peter Bansemir, Sabine Glaeser
  • Food processing effluent refurbishing system and method
    Patent number: 7638067
    Abstract: A food processing effluent refurbishing system of the present invention refurbishes effluent water in a first and a second food processing loop. The system includes first and second circulation systems, first and second balance tanks, and a side stream. The first circulation system circulates water through the first food processing loop. The first balance tank connected to the first circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the first food processing loop. The second circulation system circulates water through the second food processing loop. The second balance tank connected to the second circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the second food processing loop. The side stream connects the first and second circulation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Roger J. Tippett, Scott L. Burnett
  • Warewashing composition for use in automatic dishwashing machines, and methods for manufacturing and using
    Patent number: 7638473
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes a cleaning agent, an alkaline source, and a corrosion inhibitor. The cleaning agent comprises a detersive amount of a surfactant. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8. The corrosion inhibitor includes a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. The relative amounts of the source of zinc ion and the source of aluminum ion can be controlled to reduce visible filming when the warewashing detergent composition is used in the presence of hard water. Methods for using and manufacturing a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Howie Kestell, Michael J. Bartelme, Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Burton M. Baum, Terence P. Everson
  • Method and apparatus for in-room glass washing
    Patent number: 7635002
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus of cleaning glassware, for example, in a hotel room or a motel room. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method and apparatus for cleaning, rinsing, and sanitizing glassware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff W. Peterson, Mary M. Dawson, John E. Thomas
  • Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions with reduced odor
    Patent number: 7622606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of peroxycarboxylic acid that have reduced odor compared to conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions, methods employing these reduced-odor compositions, and methods of making these compositions. Typically, the reduced-odor compositions include an amine oxide surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Polyalkylene glycol based solutions with enhanced high temperature stability
    Patent number: 7612024
    Abstract: This invention pertains to polyalkylene glycol based polymers with enhanced high temperature stability. More particularly, the invention pertains to compositions with enhanced high temperature stability comprising a polyalkylene glycol based polymer and an anionic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kimberly Person Hei, Amy McBroom
  • Rescue underlay for mattresses
    Patent number: 7610640
    Abstract: A rescue underlay for mattresses (1), comprising a substantially rectangular underlay mat (4) consisting of a plastic flat material which has a high tensile strength, the dimensions of which approximately correspond with the dimensions of the mattress (1), pull loops (5) or the like, patient securing belts (6) and, optionally, mattress retaining bands (7) or the like, all attached to the underlay mat (4). This particular rescue underlay has an underlay mat 4 which has a flat material that itself is providing a spring travel. In a preferred embodiment the plastic flat material of the underlay mat 4 is a spacer woven fabric or, in particular, a spacer knitted fabric. A mattress can be separately combined with such rescue underlay or can even be integrated with a rescue underlay to form a rescue mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Harald Post
  • Methods and compositions for removing metal oxides
    Patent number: 7611588
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for removing metal oxide soils from surfaces. The compositions include an anionic surfactant and a pH adjuster at an acidic pH. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method of removing a metal oxide soil from a surface by (1) applying a use composition to the surface, the use composition having a pH adjuster in an amount sufficient to provide a use pH at or below 7, an anionic surfactant in an amount to remove a portion of the metal oxide soil, and a carrier, (2) removing the metal oxide soil from the surface with the use composition, and (3) rinsing the surface to remove the use composition and the metal oxide soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Peitersen, Robert D. Hei, Richard K. Staub, Rick O. Ruhr
  • Integrated operating room sheet system and method for using the same
    Patent number: 7604007
    Abstract: Disposable operating room surgical draping systems are disclosed. Methods of using disposable operating room surgical draping systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Microtek Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Deborah M. Wooley
  • Container, such as a food or beverage container, lubrication method
    Patent number: 7600631
    Abstract: A process for lubricating a container, such as a beverage container, or a conveyor for containers, by applying to the container or conveyor, a thin continuous, substantially non-dripping layer of a liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional dilute aqueous lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Method and apparatus to control dispensing rate of a solid product with changing temperature
    Patent number: 7597861
    Abstract: A dispenser (10) uses first and second flow controls (70, 73). The flow controls maintain first and second flow ranges independent of diluent pressure within a pressure range, wherein the use solution's concentration is maintained over the pressure range. A third flow control (75) may also be utilized in a third diluent passageway for maintaining a third flow range independent of the diluent pressure within the pressure range. A bypass valve assembly (41) is operatively connected to the third incoming diluent passageway. The bypass valve has a temperature control valve. The temperature control valve having a bypass passageway, wherein additional diluent is added to the use solution, thereby controlling the use solution's concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Robert J. Plantikow, Thomas P. Berg, Thomas Batcher, Daniel F. Brady, Scott T. Russell, Terrence P. Everson
  • Method of forming a binding agent for solidification matrix
    Patent number: 7598218
    Abstract: Material, composition, and manufacturing method alternatives for a solidification matrix that may be used, for example, in solid cleaning compositions, or other technologies. In at least some embodiments, the solidification matrix includes a binding agent that is formed by the use of MGDA, or a salt or derivative thereof, and water to produce a solid binding agent. In some embodiments, the MGDA and water combines and can solidify to act as a binder material or binding agent dispersed throughout a solid composition that may contain other functional ingredients that provide the desired properties and/or functionality to the solid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Ross M. Skadsberg, Scott P. Lyon
  • Bed bug monitor
    Patent number: 7591099
    Abstract: An insect monitoring and trapping device is provided according to the invention. The device includes a base and a lid for covering the base, and is constructed to provide a trap interior and an insect opening for insects to access the trap interior. The device includes a heating device provided within the trap interior for attracting insects, and an adhesive surface provided within the trap for trapping insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Gregory Lang, Joelle Francine Olson, Stephen John Barcay, Stephen X. Skaff
  • Stripping floor finishes using composition that thickens following dilution with water
    Patent number: 7588645
    Abstract: Floor finishes can be stripped using a substantially nonchlorinated concentrate comprising a floor finish dissolver and an at least partially water-unactivated water thickener. The concentrate is diluted with water at an intended use location to activate the water thickener and noticeably increase within sixty minutes or less the viscosity of the resulting mixture, then applied to a hardened floor finish atop a floor and allowed to soften or dissolve the floor finish so that the finish may be removed from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Mark D. Levitt, Brian R. Leafblad, Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Steven J. Lange, Jan E. Shulman
  • Bottle
    Patent number: D601028
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Brown