Patents Represented by Attorney Andrew D. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7452853
    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: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    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
  • Patent number: 7441301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mopping device for mopping surfaces to be cleaned. The mopping device is characterized in that the mop covering holder (1) has a reservoir (6) for holding a large quantity of cleaning liquid which can flow via at least one discharge opening (7) inside the mop covering holder (1) to the mop covering (5) attached to the mop covering holder (1). In addition, the mop covering holder (1) has at least one ventilation opening (8), via which air can escape from the reservoir (6) when filling the reservoir (6) with cleaning liquid, and air can flow into the reservoir (6) when cleaning liquid is discharged from said reservoir (6). The mop covering holder (1) itself serves as a conveying element to the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Kresse, Heiko Faubel
  • Patent number: 7442679
    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: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Ross Michael Skadsberg, Scott Philip Lyon
  • Patent number: 7435303
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of agents, which contain at least one disinfection system based on selected organic peracids and combinations of peracids, in automatically functioning systems, in which fragile medical appliances, in particular, endoscopes, are cleaned and disinfected. According to the invention, the appliances are brought into contact with an aqueous disinfection agent solution after they have been treated and/or at the same time they are being treated with an aqueous cleaning solution. The invention also relates to cleaning and disinfection agents and methods which are all suited for carrying out this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Holger Biering, Rudolf Glasmacher, Hubert Schwidden, Jorg Sorns
  • Patent number: 7423005
    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 hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), or a derivative thereof, and water to produce a solid binding agent. In some embodiments, the HEDTA 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: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Michael E. Besse, Terry J. Klos, Kevin R. Bradt, Michael P. Dziuk
  • Patent number: 7415983
    Abstract: An acidic detergent composition can be used for removing soils on articles in a dish machine. The acidic detergent composition may be inserted into a dish machine dispenser and a use solution may be formed that contacts a soil on an article and removes the soil on the article. The composition comprises an acid and a surfactant. The composition may be a solid, liquid, gel, paste or pellet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Eddie D. Sowle, Karen G. Peterson, Christopher D. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7399316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using heterogeneous cleaning compositions, particularily for cleaning an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fine, Terry J. Klos, Gretchen L. King, Richard D. Stardig
  • Patent number: 7394389
    Abstract: A wall-mountable system of the present invention detects and suppresses pests. The system includes a housing, a pest detection device, and a line. The housing is mounted to a wall and penetrates into a remote area behind the wall. The housing also has an access hole. The pest detection device is positioned behind the wall. The line is connected to the housing at a first end and is connected to the pest detection device at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7392811
    Abstract: A delivery head is provided that includes a delivery arm and a spray diverter constructed to divert a multiple phase treatment composition flowing through the delivery arm and diverted by the spray diverter to provide a target spray pattern. The delivery head includes an open area sufficient to provide the target spray pattern and to provide a back pressure of less than about 10 psig when a multiple phase treatment composition is flowing through the delivery head at a liquid flow rate of about 2 gal/min. to about 20 gal/min., and the volumetric ratio of the gas to liquid is between about 5:1 and about 75,000:1 at atmospheric pressure. A vessel including a delivery head and a method for treating a vessel interior surface are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Staub, Mark R. Altier, Paul F. Schacht, Robert D. P. Hei, Gabriel M. Miller, Thomas L. Harris, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 7390467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method suitable for dispensing heterogeneous compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fine, Terry James Klos, Brian Chute, Quang Dao, Brandon Carlson
  • Patent number: 7381697
    Abstract: A fabric softener composition is provided by melt mixing a fabric softener component and a carrier component to provide a fabric softener composition exhibiting a melting point greater than 90° C. The weight ratio of the fabric softener component to the carrier component can be between about 1:19 and about 19:1. Methods for manufacturing the fabric softener composition and using the fabric softener composition to soften fabric while drying laundry in a dryer are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Jaclyn J. Tilleskjor
  • Patent number: 7364033
    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: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 7365046
    Abstract: A method for stripping a floor using a concentrate prepared by mixing a substantially nonchlorinated concentrate containing a floor finish solvent and an at least partially unactivated water thickener. The concentrate is diluted merely with water at an intended use location to activate the water thickener and noticeably increase within ten 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: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Mark D. Levitt, Brian R. Leafblad, Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 7348302
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a metal bisulfate and metal inorganic salt acid package, and at least one surfactant. The cleaning composition can be a one-step wheel cleaner/brightener. The composition preferably contains no HF, no bifluoride, no oxalic acid, or other poisonous and highly toxic materials commonly found in both industrial and consumer wheel cleaners. Further, the wheel cleaner/brightener composition matches or exceeds the performance of those hazardous formulations and does not damage aluminum wheels even when applied to hot metal. The composition can be a foam composition, provided in a foam dispenser. The foam dispenser includes a container and a mechanical foaming head. The container includes a cleaning composition containing a metal bisulfate and metal sulfate acid package, and at least one surfactant, water, and a foam-boosting solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7303587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of employing heterogeneous cleaning compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fine, Terry James Klos, Gretchen Louise King, Richard D. Stardig
  • Patent number: 7299951
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a foot activated dispenser and more particularly to a foot activated dispenser for dispensing a liquid product such as a skin care product (i.e. hand soap, hand sanitizer, surgical scrub, lotion, etc.). More specifically, the foot activated dispenser includes a bladder connected to tubing that is connected to a piston pump. The piston pump is located within a shroud that is removably attached to a wall bracket. The wall bracket includes a bottle retainer for holding a bottle having a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Darren M. Jahnke, Wesley M. Nelson, Joshua J. Lanz, Warren D. Pannkuk
  • Patent number: 7297666
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an O/W emulsion, in particular a PIT emulsion, for lubricating conveyor belt systems in food industries as well as a lubricant concentrate based on an O/W emulsion, in particular a PIT emulsion, of wax esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Küpper, Christina Kohlstedde, Michael Schneider
  • Patent number: 7250086
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment method for dispensing a use solution from a solid product into a dishwashing machine includes placing a solid product in a dispenser. The product dispenser (10) for dispensing a use solution from a solid product includes a chamber (11) having a front (12), a back (15), and a bottom (16). The chamber (11) defines a cavity (20) configured and arranged to receive a solid product and a diluent. An inlet (21) proximate the back (15) of the chamber (11) is configured and arranged to receive the diluent, and an outlet portion (26) is in fluid communication with the inlet (21). The outlet portion (26) spans a length of the back (15) and includes a plurality of apertures (27) along the length of the back (15). The plurality of apertures (27) allows diluent to fan out along the back (15), flow down the back (15), and cascade evenly with relatively even pressure from proximate the back (15) toward proximate the front (12) of the chamber (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Furber, Yvonne M. Killeen
  • Patent number: 7247210
    Abstract: A method for treating CIP equipment is provided according to the present invention. The CIP equipment includes process equipment. The method includes steps of treating the CIP equipment with a multiple phase treating composition comprising a treating liquid phase and a treating gaseous phase and rinsing the CIP equipment with a multiple phase rinsing composition comprising a rinsing liquid phase and a rinsing gaseous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Staub, Mark R. Altier, Paul F. Schacht, Robert D. P. Hei, Gabriel M. Miller, Thomas L. Harris, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: D565271
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: David Falbaum