Patents Represented by Attorney Andrew D. Sorensen

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  • Cleaning compositions containing water soluble magnesium compounds and methods of using them
    Patent number: 7828905
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Keith E. Olson
  • Low foaming conveyor lubricant composition and methods
    Patent number: 7820603
    Abstract: The invention relates to lubricant compositions, and methods especially as lubricants for the transport of glass, aluminum, and PET containers. The lubricant compositions contain a phosphate ester, an amine salt, and a nonionic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Court, Antonella Petrella
  • Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions with reduced odor
    Patent number: 7816555
    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: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. Hei
  • Articles suitable for use as a medical device cover and methods of making and using the same
    Patent number: 7806267
    Abstract: Article suitable for use as a medical device cover are disclosed. Methods of making and using the articles are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Microtek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ginger Carol Pack-Walden, Mark S. Dillon, David Alan Daugherty
  • Stable antimicrobial compositions including spore, bacteria, fungi, and/or enzyme
    Patent number: 7795199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable antimicrobial and cleaning compositions including an amine antimicrobial agent; a borate salt; and spores (bacterial or fungal), vegetative bacteria, fungi, or enzyme, and to methods of using the composition. The composition can also include a polyol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine J. Molinaro, Daniel E. Pedersen, Joshua P. Magnuson, Michael E. Besse, Jaclyn Steep, Victor F. Man
  • Fly trap with multiple light patterns
    Patent number: 7788845
    Abstract: An insect trap using attractant light, comprising a source of insect attractant light and a housing that can be mounted on a generally planar or flat mounting surface. The housing and the source of light cooperate to form a bidirectional or a multidirectional (overlapping or non-overlapping) pattern of insect attractant light. The housing comprises one, two or more openings for the insect attractant light that is reflected and radiated onto the flat mounting surface. The housing and the source of insect attractant light can cooperate to form a light pattern directed in a continuous display pattern that can surround the housing. The housing openings further facilitate the entry of flying insect pests into the trap. As the insects enter the trap, they are immobilized on an insect immobilization surface mounted within the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, Oliver A. Ossanna, Douglas G. Anderson
  • Multiple use solid fabric conditioning compositions and treatment in a dryer
    Patent number: 7786069
    Abstract: A fabric treatment composition is provided. The fabric treatment composition includes a fabric treatment agent and a carrier component for containing the fabric treatment agent in a solid form during operation conditions in a dryer. The fabric treatment composition is constructed for transferring the composition to wet fabric as a result of solubilizing the fabric treatment composition by contacting the fabric treatment composition with the wet fabric during a drying operation in a dryer. A method for treating fabric is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Monica P. Tindel-Koukal, Robert D. Hei, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig
  • Warewashing composition for use in automatic dishwashing machines
    Patent number: 7759299
    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 at least one of a source of calcium ion or a source of magnesium ion. The amounts of calcium ion or magnesium ion can be selected depending upon the hardness of the water of dilution. Methods for using a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Michael J. Bartelme, Keith E. Olson
  • Surfactant peroxycarboxylic acid compositions
    Patent number: 7754670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including surfactant peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Lange, Junzhong Li
  • Foot activated dispenser
    Patent number: 7753235
    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: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Darren M. Jahnke, Wesley M. Nelson, Joshua J. Lanz, Warren D. Pannkuk
  • Methods of using heterogeneous cleaning compositions
    Patent number: 7749282
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using heterogeneous cleaning compositions, particularly for cleaning an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fine, Terry J. Klos, Gretchen L. King, Richard D. Stardig
  • Cleaning compositions containing water soluble magnesium compounds and methods of using them
    Patent number: 7749329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Michael E. Besse, Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Keith E. Olson
  • Aqueous compositions useful in filling and conveying of beverage bottles wherein the compositions comprise hardness ions and have improved compatibility with pet
    Patent number: 7741255
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is facilitated by applying to the container or conveyor aqueous compositions containing hardness ions. The compatibility of the aqueous compositions with PET bottles is improved when the ratio of hardness as CaCO3 to alkalinity as CaCO3 is greater than about 1 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Morrison, Megan W. Malvey, Richard D. Johnson, Jeffrey S. Hutchison
  • Compositions including hardness ions and gluconate and methods employing them to reduce corrosion and etch
    Patent number: 7741262
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including a water soluble magnesium salt, water soluble calcium salt, and gluconate, which have a beneficial effect on corrosion during cleaning. The present compositions can reduce corrosion of a variety of surfaces including glass, aluminum, chrome, copper, and steel. The present invention also relates to methods employing these compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Michel M. Lawrence, Michael J. Bartelme
  • Silicone conveyor lubricant with stoichiometric amount of an acid
    Patent number: 7727941
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a composition comprising a water-miscible silicone material wherein the composition comprises a stoichiometric amount of an organic acid. The compatibility of the lubricating composition with polyethylene terephthalate is increased because of the presence of a stoichiometric amount of acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Morrison, Richard D. Johnson, Robert D. Hei
  • Solid product dispenser
    Patent number: 7708023
    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: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Robert J. Plantikow, Thomas P. Berg, Thomas Batcher, Daniel F. Brady, Scott T. Russell, Terrence P. Everson
  • Compositions including Ca and Mg ions and gluconate and methods employing them to reduce corrosion and etch
    Patent number: 7709434
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including a water soluble magnesium salt, water soluble calcium salt, and gluconate, which have a beneficial effect on corrosion during cleaning. The present compositions can reduce corrosion of glass, aluminum, or steel. The present invention also relates to methods employing these compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Michael E. Besse, Michael Bartelme, Michel M. Lawrence
  • Surgical drape having a fluid collection pouch with an inflatable rim
    Patent number: 7690380
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end, an inflatable bladder substantially surrounding a perimeter of the open end, and a pump coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder. According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end with a perimeter, a channel surrounding approximately one half of the perimeter of the open end, an inflatable bladder disposed within the channel, and a pump disposed within the channel and coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Dan R. Lee, Michael A. Gil, Lewis Dorsey Cox, Lloyd G. B. Cooper
  • Method for treating laundry
    Patent number: 7682403
    Abstract: A method for treating laundry is provided. The method includes steps of applying a bleaching and antimicrobial composition to laundry in a laundry washing machine at a first pH that favors bleaching properties and at a second pH that favors antimicrobial properties, wherein the first pH and the second pH are different, and draining the bleaching and antimicrobial composition from the laundry. The step of applying a bleaching and antimicrobial composition to laundry can include a step of washing the laundry with a detergent composition for the removal of soil. In addition, the step of applying a bleaching and antimicrobial composition to laundry can precede or follow a step of washing laundry with a detergent composition for the removal of soil. A bleaching and antimicrobial composition and a laundry washing machine are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, John Birckbichler, Brandon Carlson, Terry J. Klos, Julio Rey Panama, Victor F. Man
  • Acidic aqueous chlorite teat dip with improved visual indicator stability, extended shelf life, sanitizing capacity and tissue protection
    Patent number: RE41279
    Abstract: The mastitis control teat dip composition having a visible indicator aspect of the invention provides a softening, soothing, smoothing, relaxing property, a rapid initial kill, a useful highly pseudoplastic rheology, a barrier/film-forming capacity, a unique antimicrobial composition that is stable over an extended period of time, and unexpected long term microbial control when compared to the prior art materials disclosed in patents and used in the marketplace. The indicator aspect provides ease of visually detecting the material on the animal skin and can indicate efficacy of the material. The compositions of the invention are made by combining an aqueous liquid composition containing the visual indicator combined with the organic components which can be combined with a simple aqueous solution of a salt of chlorous acid, preferably an alkali metal chlorite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David D. McSherry, Francis L. Richter