Patents Represented by Attorney Andrew D. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8349782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophobic and particulate soil removal composition and method for removal of hydrophobic and particulate soil from an article. Stubborn hydrophobic greasy or oily soils, including associated organic particulate soils, such as finely divided elemental carbon, are frequently encountered on hard surfaces including vehicle parts. The composition is selected to provide enhanced soil removal, preferably in vehicle cleaning applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lucia J. Byrne, David J. Falbaum, Jerry D. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 8338352
    Abstract: A cleaning composition includes methacrylate, sodium carbonate, and water. The methacrylate, sodium carbonate, and water interact to form a hydrate solid having a growth exponent of less than about 3% when heated. The composition may also include one or more functional ingredients such as surfactants, builders and alkaline sources, but is generally substantially free of phosphorous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 8329630
    Abstract: Cleaner compositions, methods of making cleaners, and methods of use are disclosed. Disclosed is a method of formulating a ready-to-use degreaser composition that has extended to infinite cling time. The method of making the cleaner results in thickened compositions that are capable of removing from vertical and inverted surfaces fresh, greasy and baked-on soils encountered in the food industry. The compositions include one or more alkalinity sources, one or more chelants, one or more surfactants, one or more thickening agents, one or more solvents, one or more buffers, and as a remainder, water. Compositions prepared according to the method of the invention are substantially free of phosphorous and have a low caustic content making them user friendly, having a lower pH than commercially available cleaners. Yet the cleaners prepared according to the method of the invention are surprisingly effective at removing tenacious baked-on soils encountered in the food service industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Finison, Daniel L. Moran, Stephen T. Smith, Thomas J. Vinson, Karen O. Rigley
  • Patent number: 8317879
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods to reduce smoking and/or haze during a heated laundry process. The compositions include a smoke reducing surfactant package and a detersive surfactant containing an amount of free alcohol. The smoke reducing surfactant package includes an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof. The surfactants are selected such that the amount of smoke or haze produced is reduced and or eliminated when garments contacted with the compositions containing the surfactants are heated to at least about 250° F. Methods of using the compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eddie D. Sowle, Matthew A. Bilski, Max M. Guzman, Stephan M. Hubig
  • Patent number: 8318231
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an improved two-part oxidizing system, as well as oxidizing compositions and methods for making and using the same, and in a particular embodiment to a two-part oxidizing system that, when mixed, yields an oxidizing composition. The two-part oxidizing system includes a metal chlorite first part, and an acid second part where the acid is sodium acid sulfate or a derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: C. Cayce Warf, Jr., Nahed M. Kotrola
  • Patent number: 8313650
    Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater. A reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. A concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receive the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. A concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream from their respective storage tank. An institutional dishmachine receives the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream during a rinse cycle of the institutional dishmachine. A control system is operatively connected to the concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve and control flow of the rinse streams into the institutional dishmachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Adrian E. Hartz
  • Patent number: 8308074
    Abstract: A series of implementations of open access sleeves for holding one or more closed containers of sterile fluid for use in medical procedures are disclosed. The open access sleeves may be adapted to provide heat to maintain the containers of sterile fluid above the ambient air temperature of the room. The provision of heat may be controlled by a control system. The control system may use a temperature measurement device to obtain a temperature representative of the container of sterile fluid and of the sterile fluid in the container. The access sleeve may be included in a device for maintaining an open volume of sterile fluid within a range of a target temperature to maintain the closed containers of sterile fluid at a temperature near target temperature for open volume of sterile fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: C Change Surgical LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Kammer, Kevin J. Rackers, Mark Martel, Todd Cassidy
  • Patent number: 8309891
    Abstract: A liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids in a removable container is described with emphasis on the properties of the container interaction with the liquid warming device and with a drape that works with the container to maintain a sterile field above the drape and the top of the container. The interactions between a temperature sensor and a temperature well integrated in the removable container are disclosed. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for a control system for a liquid warming device are provided. The liquid warming device can selectively employ a adapter in order to receive a container limited to a smaller diameter than the largest container diameter that can be accommodated by the liquid warming device. The small diameter container may receive a volume of sterile fluid so that the liquid warming device can maintain the sterile fluid in the small diameter container within a prescribed range of temperatures above ambient air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: C Change Surgical LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Kammer, Kevin Joseph Rackers, Mark Martel, Todd Cassidy
  • Patent number: 8292536
    Abstract: An applicator tool for applying a liquid onto a surface of a floor includes an applicator and a handle connected to the applicator. The applicator includes a housing having a bottom surface and a plurality of sidewalls. The bottom surface is connected to the sidewalls to define a reservoir. The bottom surface has at least one opening in fluid for substantially continuously dispensing the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven James Lange, Minyu Li, Eric Richard Balz, Brian Philip Carlson
  • Patent number: 8287658
    Abstract: A degreasing composition is disclosed comprising an alkyl polyglucoside; and a nonionic surfactant having a carbon chain of C6 or less. The nonionic surfactant comprises linear C6 alcohol ethoxylate. In an embodiment the linear C6 alcohol ethoxylate comprises from about 3 to about 6 moles of ethylene oxide. In another embodiment the alkyl polyglucoside and the alcohol ethoxylate comprise an active ratio of from about 3:1 to about 1:1 in the composition. The composition of the invention is useful in formulating a laundry detergent, a hard surface cleaner, an automatic dishwashing detergent, a hand dishwashing detergent, an oven cleaner, hand soap, or an automotive detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Altony J. Miralles, Amanda R. Blattner, Charles A. Hodge
  • Patent number: 8277733
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David D. McSherry, Richard K. Staub, Dan N. Tallman, Junzhong Li, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 8246429
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for washing eviscerated poultry carcasses (12) has a housing (11), a conveyor (15a) for moving the shackled poultry carcasses through the housing. A guide bar (24) tilts the poultry carcasses (12) from a vertical position for spraying by a first set of nozzles (23). The first set of nozzles (23) delivers a cleaning solution (100) at a sufficient flow rate and line pressure, whereby a portion of the cleaning solution (100) is deflected back out the rear opening (12d) of the poultry carcass (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Scott P. Bennett, Gabriel M. Miller
  • Patent number: 8247367
    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: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Ross M. Skadsberg, Scott P. Lyon
  • Patent number: 8246906
    Abstract: A method for antimicrobial treatment (e.g. antimicrobial treatment of food packaging and equipment) comprising applying to microbes a composition containing a diluting solvent (e.g., water), an antimicrobially-active solvent having a density different from the density of the diluting solvent, and an optional cosolvent, surfactant, or additional antimicrobial agent, wherein the amount of antimicrobially-active solvent or additional antimicrobial agent is sufficiently high and the amount of cosolvent or surfactant is sufficiently low so that the composition will provide greater than a 1-log order reduction in the population of bacteria or spores of Bacillus cereus within 10 seconds at 60° C. Preferred methods of the invention employ compositions containing an additional antimicrobial agent such as peroxyacetic acid. Compositions for use in the method can be prepared as concentrates, and used full strength or in diluted form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Guang-jong J. Wei, David A. Halsrud, Kim R. Smith, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Patent number: 8247363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for removing or preventing scale formation in a liquid food processing operation. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for increasing the solubility of insoluble calcium salts in an acidic environment. Aqueous antiscalant solutions comprising soluble magnesium salts are used to prevent the precipitation of insoluble calcium salts and/or to increase the solubility of insoluble calcium salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, John W. Bolduc, Paul F. Schacht, Michael E. Besse, Anthony W. Erickson, Eric V. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8246758
    Abstract: The present invention relates to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions of neutral or alkaline pH, to methods of making these compositions, and to methods employing these compositions. The methods include methods of cleaning. The compositions include cleaning compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Gina M. Danielson, Nathan D. Peitersen, Mark R. Altier
  • Patent number: 8216989
    Abstract: A composition is provided for removing protein soil and preventing redeposition of soils onto a surface. The composition includes between about 1% and about 90% by weight sugar, between about 1% and about 80% by weight alkalinity source and between about 15 and about 10% by weight surfactant composition. The sugar may be a saccharide or a non-saccharide based sugar. The composition is substantially free of phosphorus-containing compounds and includes less than about 0.05% by weight alkali earth metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Carter Silvernail, Erik Olson, Devon Beau Hammel
  • Patent number: 8216994
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a C12 phosphate functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Amanda R. Blattner
  • Patent number: 8216988
    Abstract: A method of using a cleaning composition including a sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a co-surfactant, a water conditioning agent and water. The sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside is one of a C12 sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a C10-C12 blend of a sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside or a C10 sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside. The co-surfactant comprises a C6-C12 alcohol ethoxylate having between 3 and 10 moles of EO. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins and has a neutral pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Amanda R. Blattner
  • Patent number: 8211851
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Janel M. Kieffer, Victor F. Man, Steven E. Lentsch