Patents by Inventor Michael E. Besse

Michael E. Besse has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20080274930
    Abstract: A warewashing composition includes a cleaning agent having a detersive amount of a surfactant, an alkaline source in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8 when the use composition is measured at a solids concentration of about 0.5 wt %, and a corrosion inhibitor in an amount sufficient for reducing corrosion of glass when the warewashing composition is combined with water of dilution at a dilution ratio of at least about 20:1 water of dilution to detergent composition o form a use composition. The corrosion inhibitor includes a salt of calcium, magnesium, or a mixture of calcium and magnesium. The salt has a water solubility of less than about 0.5 wt % in water at about 20° C. and atmospheric pressure so that the salt precipitates to form a protective layer on a substrate in contact with the use composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Michael E. Besse, Michael J. Bartelme
  • Publication number: 20080223791
    Abstract: A method for treating feedwater is provided. The method includes steps of introducing a treatment composition into a feedwater stream to provide a treated feedwater stream containing scale inhibitor at a concentration of at least about 0.1 ppm, and combining the treated feedwater stream with a detersive composition. The scale inhibitor can include a phosphate scale inhibitor, a carbonate scale inhibitor, or a combination of a phosphate scale inhibitor and a carbonate scale inhibitor. The detersive composition can be provided as a cleaning composition, a rinse agent composition, or a drying agent composition. A treatment composition and an apparatus for treating feedwater are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM G. MIZUNO, Michael E. Besse, Brenda L. Tjelta
  • 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: 7384895
    Abstract: Thermally formed thermoplastic articles can be protected from stress cracking in the presence of stress cracking promoting compounds by forming a shaped article comprising a thermoplastic and a liquid hydrocarbon oil composition. We have found that the liquid hydrocarbon oil composition prevents the stress cracking promoting materials from interacting with the polymeric structure of the stressed container to prevent or inhibit stress cracking in such materials. The methods and compositions of the invention are particularly useful in preventing stress cracking in polyethylene terephthalate beverage containers during bottling operations during which the bottle is contacted with aqueous and non-aqueous materials such as cleaners and lubricants that can interact with the polyester to cause stress cracking particularly in the container base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Li Minyu, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Quang-Jong Jason Wei, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 7223722
    Abstract: A composition and method for use in imparting or maintaining a glossy or shiny finish on a hard surface. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a base polish component or components, and at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant. In another embodiment, a method of imparting a glossy finish on a hard surface by applying a composition to the hard surface, the composition comprising at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant. In some such embodiments, the composition comprises a base polish and the poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant is dispersed in the base polish. Preferably, the poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant comprises in the range of about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, more preferably in the range of about 0.05 to about 5 wt. %, and more preferably in the range of about 0.1 to about 1 wt. % of the total composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Conrad, Michael E. Besse, Terry J. Klos
  • Patent number: 7008913
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment of a plant gaseous stream containing odor compounds including hydrogen sulfide, an alkyl mercaptan or an alkyl thiol and mixtures thereof by contacting the plant stream with an oxidizing agent that reduces the odor but forms elemental sulfur. The elemental sulfur, and other inorganic, scales that form, or deposit, can be suppressed or removed using a specific aromatic substituted nonionic surfactant material. The use of such a process produces a significant improvement in odor quality while maintaining a clean process facility and low operating pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 6982241
    Abstract: A cleaning composition is provided according to the invention. The cleaning composition includes a product of mixing an acid component, a source of phosphoric acid component, and an oxidant component. The molar ratio of oxidant component to phosphoric acid component is preferably between about 2:1 and about 1:2, and the molar ratio of oxidant component to acid component is preferably between about 1:3 and about 1:5. A method of cleaning an aluminum surface is provided. The method includes a step of applying the cleaning composition to an aluminum surface, and rinsing the cleaning composition from the aluminum surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R Smith, Robert D P. Hei, Michael E Besse, Jerry D. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 6864220
    Abstract: A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems. The compositions may comprise, for example, one or more solutions that each or collectively contain or comprises: a) at least one anionic surfactant; b) at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant; and c) an alkaline agent. Optional additional ingredients may comprise at least one polycarboxylic acid chelating agent (preferably an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent), at least one non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant, at least one hydrotrope, inorganic and/or organic acids and at least one silicate. The alkaline agent may provide a pH (when the finished product is diluted to 0.5 to 5% by weight in water) will be between about 9 to 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 6806240
    Abstract: Thermally formed thermoplastic articles can be protected from stress cracking in the presence of stress cracking promoting compounds by forming a shaped article comprising a thermoplastic and a liquid hydrocarbon oil composition. We have found that the liquid hydrocarbon oil composition prevents the stress cracking promoting materials from interacting with the polymeric structure of the stressed container to prevent or inhibit stress cracking in such materials. The methods and compositions of the invention are particularly useful in preventing stress cracking in polyethylene terephthalate beverage containers during bottling operations during which the bottle in contacted with aqueous and non-aqueous materials such as cleaners and lubricants that can interact with the polyester to cause stress cracking particularly in the container base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. P. Hei, Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Joy G. Herdt, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20040194810
    Abstract: A method of warewashing for the removal of starch is described herein. The method includes applying an alkaline composition to a dish, then applying an acidic composition to a dish, and then applying a second alkaline composition to the dish. The method may include additional steps. Compositions for using with the method are also disclosed. Finally, dish machines that may be used in accordance with the method are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Werner Strothoff, Winfried Troll, Helmut Maier, John P. Furber, Bryan A. Maser, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 6756347
    Abstract: Lubricating solutions are used on conveying systems in the beverage industry during the filling of containers with beverages. Lubricating compositions of the present invention, especially those designed for use in beverage conveying systems for contained beverages, comprise at least the following components: a) an alkyl alkoxylated (e.g., ethoxylated or propoxylated, preferably ethoxylated) phosphate ester, b) aryl (e.g., aromatic, such as phenol) alkoxylated (e.g., ethoxylated or propoxylated) phosphate ester, c) an aromatic or linear quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent, and d) a liquid carrier, such as water. These lubricating solutions are capable of providing good lubricity and antimicrobial activity over a prolonged time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Joy G. Herdt, Kimberly L. Person Hei
  • Publication number: 20040058829
    Abstract: Thermally formed thermoplastic articles can be protected from stress cracking in the presence of stress cracking promoting compounds by forming a shaped article comprising a thermoplastic and a liquid hydrocarbon oil composition. We have found that the liquid hydrocarbon oil composition prevents the stress cracking promoting materials from interacting with the polymeric structure of the stressed container to prevent or inhibit stress cracking in such materials. The methods and compositions of the invention are particularly useful in preventing stress cracking in polyethylene terephthalate beverage containers during bottling operations during which the bottle is contacted with aqueous and non-aqueous materials such as cleaners and lubricants that can interact with the polyester to cause stress cracking particularly in the container base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20040020426
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a finish product with the concurrent in-line addition of an additive to the finish product onto vehicles in a vehicle wash station includes providing a base product, adding the additive to the base product to create a resultant solution, and applying the resultant solution to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Paul J. Mattia, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Jerry D. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 6686325
    Abstract: An alkaline sensitive metal cleaning composition is provided. The alkaline sensitive metal cleaning composition contains an alkaline concentrate and a corrosion inhibitor concentrate. The alkaline concentrate includes a source of alkalinity in an amount sufficient to provide a use solution having a pH of at least 10.0, and a first chelant component that exhibits soil removal properties when used at a pH of at least 10.0. The corrosion inhibitor concentrate includes a corrosion inhibitor component for reducing corrosion of alkaline sensitive metals when used in a use solution having a pH of at least 10.0, a second chelant component for stabilizing the corrosion inhibitor in the corrosion inhibitor concentrate when the corrosion inhibitor concentrate is provided at a pH that is less than 8.0, and a surfactant component for providing cleaning properties when used at a pH of at least 10.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Hoyt, Michael E. Besse, Terry J. Klos, Mark Levitt, Richard O. Ruhr
  • Patent number: 6673753
    Abstract: Thermally formed thermoplastic articles can be protected from stress cracking in the presence of stress cracking promoting compounds by forming a shaped article comprising a thermoplastic and a liquid hydrocarbon oil composition. We have found that the liquid hydrocarbon oil composition prevents the stress cracking promoting materials from interacting with the polymeric structure of the stressed container to prevent or inhibit stress cracking in such materials. The methods and compositions of the invention are particularly useful in preventing stress cracking in polyethylene terephthalate beverage containers during bottling operations during which the bottle is contacted with aqueous and non-aqueous materials such as cleaners and lubricants that can interact with the polyester to cause stress cracking particularly in the container base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 6667283
    Abstract: Lubricating solutions are used on conveying systems in the beverage industry during the filling of containers with dairy products or other beverages. Lubricating compositions of the present invention, especially those designed for use in heavy load bearing conveyors such as those in the dairy industry conveying systems for contained beverages, comprise at least the following components: a) an alkyl alkoxylated (e.g., ethoxylated or propoxylated, preferably ethoxylated) phosphate ester, b) a secondary alcohol alkoxylate, (with an optional aryl [e.g., aromatic, such as phenol] alkoxylated [e.g., ethoxylated or propoxylated] phosphate ester), c) an aromatic or linear quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent, and d) a liquid carrier, such as water. These lubricating solutions are capable of providing good lubricity and antimicrobial activity over a prolonged time and under high stress and heavy loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Joy G. Herdt, Kimberly L. Person Hei, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20030207781
    Abstract: A composition and method for use in imparting or maintaining a glossy or shiny finish on a hard surface. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a base polish component or components, and at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant. In another embodiment, a method of imparting a glossy finish on a hard surface by applying a composition to the hard surface, the composition comprising at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant. In some such embodiments, the composition comprises a base polish and the poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant is dispersed in the base polish. Preferably, the poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant comprises in the range of about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, more preferably in the range of about 0.05 to about 5 wt. %, and more preferably in the range of about 0.1 to about 1 wt. % of the total composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Conrad, Michael E. Besse, Terry J. Klos
  • Publication number: 20030199410
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions that include:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Jeffy D. Hoyt, Terry J. Klos, Robert D.P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6630434
    Abstract: A low viscosity aqueous cleaning composition provides increasing viscosity upon dilution which provides a high viscosity diluted cleaning composition having solvents compatible with the rod micelle thickener and the cleaning system that clings for an extended period of time in a thickened form containing cleaning system ingredients that can penetrate and remove hard baked-on soils on vertical surfaces in cleaning units. The composition contains active cleaning ingredients (acid, alkaline and enzyme) that, in combination with thickening systems, provide the useful properties. The thickened materials can be applied on cold or hot surfaces and can successfully penetrate, soften and remove baked-on food soil on a variety of surfaces including oven walls, doors and grills, baking dishes, utensils, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Richard O. Ruhr, Gerald K. Wichmann, Timothy A. Gutzmann
  • Publication number: 20030176305
    Abstract: An alkaline sensitive metal cleaning composition is provided. The alkaline sensitive metal cleaning composition contains an alkaline concentrate and a corrosion inhibitor concentrate. The alkaline concentrate includes a source of alkalinity in an amount sufficient to provide a use solution having a pH of at least 10.0, and a first chelant component that exhibits soil removal properties when used at a pH of at least 10.0. The corrosion inhibitor concentrate includes a corrosion inhibitor component for reducing corrosion of alkaline sensitive metals when used in a use solution having a pH of at least 10.0, a second chelant component for stabilizing the corrosion inhibitor in the corrosion inhibitor concentrate when the corrosion inhibitor concentrate is provided at a pH that is less than 8.0, and a surfactant component for providing cleaning properties when used at a pH of at least 10.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Jerry D. Hoyt, Michael E. Besse, Terry J. Klos, Mark Levitt, Richard O. Ruhr