Patents Assigned to Ecolab USA
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Patent number: 11985997Abstract: An automated robotic food handling or preparation apparatus includes one or more food contact surfaces and an antimicrobial lighting fixture. The antimicrobial lighting fixture includes an enclosure forming a sanitization chamber and one or more antimicrobial lighting elements, wherein each element emits light at a wavelength, irradiance, and direction sufficient to inactivate one or more microorganisms on a target surface(s) within the sanitization chamber. The automated food handling apparatus subjects itself to an antimicrobial lighting treatment within the sanitization chamber upon detection of one or more conditions. The systems and/or methods of the present disclosure may sanitize food contact surfaces of automated robotic food equipment and help reduce the frequency at which such food contact surfaces need to be manually sanitized to keep microbial growth below acceptable levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventor: Jeremy B. Finison
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Patent number: 11987505Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for purifying and/or removing multiply charged cations and suspended solids from water. In particular the process relates to an additive composition that has the appropriate surfactant characteristics for effectively removing multiply charged cations and suspended solids from an aqueous or oil/aqueous mixed phase via foam fractionation. According to the invention, a hydrophobically modified polymer that acts as an associative thickener is used in the presence of a source of alkalinity or anionic reactant as well as surfactant in appropriate ratios to facilitate multiply charged cation and suspended solids removal for water purification in any of a number of commercial, environmental and industrial applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles Denoma
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Patent number: 11981625Abstract: Disclosed are sulfide-based compounds which are a product of a Michael addition reaction between a sulfur-containing donor group and an unsaturated hydrocarbon moiety. The sulfide-based compounds may be used in compositions and methods for inhibiting corrosion.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Moloney, Ashish Dhawan, Carter Silvernail
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Patent number: 11981817Abstract: Scavenging compounds and compositions useful in reducing sulfide emissions from asphalt, such as polymer-treated asphalt, are disclosed. The scavenger compositions may include sulfide-scavenging agents. The scavenger compositions also include a metal-containing compound and optionally a solvent. Any of the compositions, sulfide-scavenging agents and metal-containing compounds may be anhydrous. Methods of using the compositions to reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions from asphalt are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2020Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: ECOLAB USA Inc.Inventors: Xiaowei Tong, Jennifer L. Sorrells, Elizabeth Balapitiya, Ravindranath Mukkamala
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Patent number: 11982055Abstract: Creping adhesives and processes for making and using same. In some embodiments, the creping adhesive can include a solvent, a modified polyvinyl alcohol, and a crosslinked resin. The crosslinked resin can include polyamidoamine backbones crosslinked by primary crosslinking moieties and propanediyl moieties, where the primary crosslinking moieties can be derived from a functionally symmetric crosslinker. In other embodiments, the crosslinked resin can include polyamidoamine backbones crosslinked by primary crosslinking moieties and secondary crosslinking moieties, where the primary crosslinking moieties can be derived from a first functionally symmetric crosslinker and the secondary crosslinking moieties can be derived from a second functionally symmetric crosslinker. In other embodiments, the crosslinked resin can include polyamidoamine backbones crosslinked by primary crosslinking moieties, where the primary crosslinking moieties can be derived from a functionally symmetric crosslinker.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: ECOLABS USA INC.Inventors: Ashish Dhawan, David J. Castro, Gary S. Furman, Christopher Kaley
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Publication number: 20240150961Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for reducing the viscosity of black liquor. Also provided are methods of inhibiting deposition of scale and methods of processing black liquor. In some embodiments, the compositions include a carboxylate-containing polymer and an inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the compositions include a carboxylate-containing polymer, an inorganic salt, and a surfactant.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2024Publication date: May 9, 2024Applicant: ECOLAB USA Inc.Inventors: Luiz Wanderley Bratfisch PACE, Prasad Yogendra DUGGIRALA
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Publication number: 20240148222Abstract: A dishwashing machine is used for pre-rinse operation of soiled dishes. A cavity is configured and arranged to contain the soiled dishes. A nozzle is proximate the cavity and is in fluid communication with the cavity. An accumulator pan accumulates wash and rinse water including cleaning chemicals used in a previous cycle of the dishwashing machine. A fluid passageway interconnects the nozzle and the accumulator pan. A pump directs the accumulated wash and rinse water from the accumulator pan to the nozzle via the fluid passageway for pre-rinse operation of the soiled dishes in the cavity, and the nozzle directs the accumulated wash and rinse water into the cavity with the soiled dishes to assist in removing soil from the soiled dishes prior to a wash cycle of the dishwashing machine. The wash cycle utilizes fresh wash water.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2023Publication date: May 9, 2024Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventor: Adrian E. Hartz
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Publication number: 20240150275Abstract: Antifouling compositions are provided. The antifouling compositions include a dispersing agent including an imidazoline, a solvator including a phthalate, and a promoter agent including an acylamide. Methods of mitigating fouling caused by the polymerization of monomers using the compositions of the disclosure are also provided. The methods of mitigating fouling of monomers include a step of adding a composition of the disclosure to the monomer. In some instances, the monomer is an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, such as (meth)acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, an acrylic acid ester, methacrylamide sulfate, vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile, acrolein, an acrylate, a methacrylate, 1,3-butadiene, styrene, isoprene, and any combination thereof. Methods of preparing the antifouling compositions are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2023Publication date: May 9, 2024Applicant: ECOLAB USA Inc.Inventor: Meng KONG
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Publication number: 20240150967Abstract: Creping adhesives and processes for making and using same. In some embodiments, the creping adhesive can include a solvent, a modified polyvinyl alcohol, and a crosslinked resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2024Publication date: May 9, 2024Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Ashish Dhawan, David J. Castro, Gary S. Furman, Christopher Kaley
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Patent number: 11976255Abstract: The invention relates to solidification of liquid amine oxide, betaine, and/or sultaine surfactants with a binder to form a solidified surfactant composition. In particular, the invention relates to solidification of liquid surfactants utilizing drying device(s), wherein the feed composition contains at least one liquid surfactant and a binder and optional carrier to form a solidified surfactant composition. The solidified surfactant compositions can be useful in various cleaning compositions.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2023Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Wendy Lo, Erik C. Olson, Jon D. Hansen, Katherine J. Molinaro, Corey Rosenthal
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Patent number: 11976955Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for determining a fluid level of and the amount of fluid remaining in a container. A portable measuring device can include a housing, a sensor, and a measurement system. The sensor can be supported by the housing and can detect a fluid level of the container. The measurement system can be configured to receive information including a measurement of the container, to determine an amount of fluid in the container based on a measurement of the container and a detected fluid level of the container, and to output the amount of fluid in the container and geometric information of the container. A method can include supplying such a device, placing the device proximal to or in abutment with and moving the device along an outer surface of the container, providing a signal to a user, and outputting the amount of fluid in a container.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Ashish Agarwal, Brandon M. Davis, William Von Drasek, Divigar Lakshmanan
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Patent number: 11970393Abstract: A method of controlling a chemical reaction is disclosed. The method may include feeding a solution at a first flow rate into a reactor and detecting a sound in the reactor using a sound sensor that is adjacent to the reactor. The sound sensor may convert the sound into a sound signal. After the sound signal is acquired, it is compared to a stored sound signal or a stored sound threshold to detect a reaction event. The method may include adjusting the flow rate of solutions into the reactor in response to the reaction event.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: ECOLAB USA Inc.Inventors: Kun Xiong, Nicholas Ryan Denny, Stephen Joseph Hinterlong, Emily Rader, David R. Papanek, Shawn Dalke
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Publication number: 20240133120Abstract: Processes for imparting oil and grease resistance to paper products. In some embodiments, the process can include combining a plurality of fibers and water to produce a slurry; forming the slurry into a wet web; pressing and draining the wet web to produce a wet sheet; and drying the wet sheet to produce a dried sheet. A sizing composition and a barrier compound can independently be applied to at least one of the slurry, the wet web, the wet sheet, and the dried sheet. The sizing composition can include one or more alkenyl succinic anhydride compounds. The barrier compound can include a polyolefin dispersion, a styrene acrylate emulsion, a sucrose ester, a modified starch, styrene maleic anhydride, an ethylene acrylic acid dispersion, a styrene acrylic acid, a polyvinyl alcohol, an ethylene vinyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof. The dried sheet can have an average KIT Value of at least 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: William C. Johnson, Victoria R. Holmes
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Patent number: 11958091Abstract: Fluid delivery devices (114), systems (100), and methods are disclosed. A fluid delivery device (114) includes a body (115), a solution flow path (144), and a flush flow path (166). The solution flow path and the flush flow path are defined at the body. The solution flow path extends from a solution inlet (116), defined at the body, to a solution outlet (146), also defined at the body. The solution flow path includes a cross channel (148), an inlet channel (150), and an outlet channel (152). The inlet channel extends from the solution inlet to the cross channel. The outlet channel extends from the cross channel to the solution outlet. The flush flow path extends from a flush inlet (118), defined at the body, to a flush outlet (120), also defined at the body. The solution outlet fluidly connects the solution flow path to the flush flow path.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Katharina Horn, Heribert Lohwieser, Brock Mueggenborg
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Patent number: 11959644Abstract: A system for controlling the initiation of a cleaning process for an interior of an appliance may include a detection sensor and a processor in communication with the detection sensor. The detection sensor may be configured to generate detection sensor data based on a sensed condition in a field of detection of the detection sensor which may comprise one or more pre-determined locations. The processor may control the initiation of an appliance cleaning process. The appliance cleaning process may comprise receiving detection sensor data representative of a first time and a second time, generating an initial condition based on the received detection sensor data representative of the first time, and generating a new condition based on the received detection sensor data representative of the second time. The processor may be additionally configured to compare the initial condition and the new condition and determine if cleaning product is present.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Frank Anthony Bocci, Joseph C. Plante, Devon Beau Hammel
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Patent number: 11959046Abstract: A method of creating a protective coating on an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is provided. The method includes providing carbon dioxide to an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid and allowing the alkali metal hydroxide and carbon dioxide to react thereby forming a carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer on the exterior of the solid wherein the carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer is non-hygroscopic and water soluble, and wherein greater than 80% of the hydroxide in the hydroxide-containing solid does not react with the carbon dioxide, and further wherein the alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is substantially free of lithium hydroxide. A method of testing for the presence of carbonate-containing coating on an alkali metal hydroxide containing solid is also provided. The method includes exposing the coated solid to 95 weight percent ethanol, collecting the ethanol effluent and testing the effluent for alkali metal hydroxide.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark P. Peterson, Keith E. Olson
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Patent number: 11959050Abstract: The invention includes ware detergent compositions which provides superior cleaning and removal of oily and fatty soils, without the production of excessive foam. According to the invention applicants have discovered that use of a quaternary cationic surfactant in combination with a nonionic low foaming surfactant can provide oily soil removal from ware that is superior to traditional warewash detergent formulations. Compositions for alkaline, preferably solid, warewash detergents are disclosed, as well as their use in dish machines and methods of manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: David Dotzauer, Richard Fu, Lisa M. Sanders, Monique Roerdink Lander, John Mansergh, Carter M. Silvernail, Matthew Luedtke
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Patent number: 11958945Abstract: Low concentration surfactant emulsions and methods of making and using the same are disclosed herein. The emulsions have the benefit of employing less surfactant than conventional emulsions. Further, the emulsions are dilutable and retain their stability upon dilution. A benefit of the emulsions is that they leave a low residue, preferably no residue, on a surface after contact.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Altony J. Miralles, Claire Lucille Notermann
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Patent number: 11950595Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions including at least one acid and at least one anionic surfactant are provided. In particular, food contact antimicrobial compositions including at least one acid and at least one anionic surfactant provide a no-rinse compositions efficacious against Norovirus, having acceptable use solution pH that do not require use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are surface compatible and do not leave residues on treated surfaces are provided. Methods of cleaning a surface with the compositions are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Catherine Hanson, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Stacy Fawbush, Kaitlin Lake, Gerard Hinrichs, Joshua Luedtke, Richard Staub, Derrick Anderson
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Patent number: 11953458Abstract: A method for characterizing a process fluid comprising applying electrical power to a first resistance temperature detector (RTD) in contact with a fluid to increase the temperature of the first RTD; allowing the first RTD to cool toward a fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the first RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; applying electrical power to a second RTD in contact with the fluid to increase the temperature of the second RTD; allowing the second RTD to cool toward the fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the second RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; comparing the thermal characteristics of the first and second RTD to determining one or more characteristics of the fluid based; and performing a corrective action. The first RTD has a first coating and the second RTD has a second coating different than the first coating.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia, Alexander P. Mantis, Craig W. Myers