Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Lubricant coated beverage container or conveyor therefor
    Patent number: 7067182
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricating coating that is thermally cured at less than 200° C. or radiation-cured. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts and with relatively low or no water content, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping, renewable lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide dry lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Keith Edward Olson
  • Foam soap dispenser for push operation
    Patent number: 7066356
    Abstract: The present invention is a foam soap dispenser (10) for push operation. The dispenser (10) houses a product bottle (18 and 18?), and the dispenser (10) includes lock-out members (12a and 12b) while the product bottle (18 and 18?) includes mating lock-out members (19a, 19b, and 19?) to ensure that the correct product is used with the dispenser (10). The dispenser (10) includes a push handle (13) that pivots on a pivot point (16) to dispense product when the push handle (13) is compressed. Pushing the push handle (13) moves the handle lever assembly (25 and 25?) components, which in turn activates a product outlet (23) to dispense the product. As the handle (13) is being compressed and released, a gap (22) is created and an anti-pinch member (14) helps prevent pinching of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Allan L. Schuman, Tina O. Outlaw, Darren M. Jahnke, Louis M. Holzman, Randall S. Williams, Paul A. Pilosi, Timothy W. Kidder
  • Method of dispensing cyanuric acid
    Patent number: 7065803
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment method for dispensing a product (121) such as cyanuric acid into an existing swimming pool circulation system includes providing a product (121) placed within a permeable bag (120). The permeable bag (120) containing the product (121) is placed into a cavity (104) of a flood feeder (100) having an inlet (105) and an outlet (108). The inlet (105) and the outlet (108) are in fluid communication with the cavity (104) of the feeder (100). A diluent is supplied to the inlet (105) and the diluent is allowed to flood the cavity (104) thereby contacting the permeable bag (120) and dissolving a portion of the product (121) to create a use solution within the cavity (104). The use solution is allowed to exit the cavity (104) through the outlet (108) and to flow into the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James Richard Mock, Sr., Roy Siqueiros
  • Polyalkylene glycol based solutions with enhanced high temperature stability
    Publication number: 20060135377
    Abstract: This invention pertains to polyalkylene glycol based polymers with enhanced high temperature stability. More particularly, the invention pertains to compositions with enhanced high temperature stability comprising a polyalkylene glycol based polymer and an anionic surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kim Hei, Amy McBroom
  • Floor finish application system using applicator pad and matched floor finish composition
    Patent number: 7063474
    Abstract: A system for the formation of a thick robust transparent floor finish layer from a high solids formulation with an applicator device utilizing micro fiber technology. A micro fiber applicator device can be configured to apply a sufficient amount of an aqueous high solids floor finish to obtain a thick robust finish layer in a single application. One system for applying the floor finish can comprise a source of aqueous floor finish and an applicator wand comprising an application nozzle and application surface. Application surface can comprise micro fiber technology in a pad structure comprising a reservoir foam and a micro fiber applicator surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott DeFields, Scott Olson
  • Drain washing apparatus
    Patent number: 7063095
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for washing drains. The apparatus includes a support and a nozzle, which are adapted and configured to convey fluid to and to wash a drain. Typically, the apparatus includes a wand as the support and a ball or head as the nozzle. The apparatus can also include a fluid retainer, which can keep the dispensed fluid in and/or near the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: S. John Barcay, Jamie W. Lerbs, John A. Mathisrud, Thomas L. Harris
  • Molded detergent composition and methods for manufacturing and using a molded detergent composition
    Publication number: 20060128593
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded detergent composition is provided. The method includes a step of mixing a hydrated component and a hydratable component to provide a mixture, and molding the mixture to provide a molded detergent composition having a melting point greater than about 30° C. The hydrated component has a melting point below about 100° C. and includes a transhydration product of anhydrous material and water of hydration. The hydrated component is provided in a solid state during the step of mixing. The anhydrous material has a melting point greater than about 300° C. The hydratable component includes water, if present at all, at a level of less than about 2 wt. % based on the weight of the hydratable component. A molded detergent composition and a method for using the molded detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim Smith, Victor Man, Wendy Wiseth, Richard Stardig
  • Warewashing composition for use in automatic dishwashing machines, and methods for manufacturing and using
    Publication number: 20060128602
    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 solution having a pH of at least about 8. The corrosion inhibitor includes a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. Methods for using and manufacturing a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Lentsch, Michael Bartelme, Victor Man, Burton Baum, Terence Everson
  • mono-or diester dicarboxylate compositions
    Patent number: 7060301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to in situ compositions of mono- or diester dicarboxylates, methods employing these in situ compositions, and methods of making these in situ compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to mono- or diester dicarboxylate antimicrobial compositions that can reduce the population of microbes on various surfaces such as facilities, containers, or equipment found in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical processing, or in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industries, at temperatures between about ?70° C. to about 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Larry A. Grab, Robert Dale Hei, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Biocidic detergent
    Publication number: 20060122090
    Abstract: A disinfecting composition comprising an organic peroxyacid and a surfactant wherein the organic peroxyacid is selected from phthalimidopercarboxylic acids of the general formula (I) wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 5, and the surfactant is selected from at least one non-ionic surfactant of the general formula (II), R1—(OC2H4)n—(OC3H6)m—OH, wherein R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group containing 7 to 20 carbon atoms, the sum of the mean degree of ethoxylation n and the mean degree of propoxylation m lies between 0.5 and 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Thorsten Spanier, Thomas Merz
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Patent number: 7055761
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) includes a product (31, 131, 431, 531) operatively connected to a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) releasably attaches to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer to releasabty operatively connect the product (31, 131, 431, 531) thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Steven E. Lentsch, Jamie W. Lerbs
  • Alkaline, hydrous paste
    Patent number: 7056876
    Abstract: Hydrous, paste-like, thixotropic detergent or cleaning agent containing, based on the whole agent, a) an alkalinity support, selected from alkali hydroxide and/or alkali carbonate, in a quantity of 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably 8 to 30 wt. %, b) at least 5 wt. %, preferably 15 to 40 wt. % water, and c) more than 3 wt. %, preferably 5.5 to 30 wt. %, particularly preferably 6 to 15 wt. % non-ionic surfactants, wherein, at 25° C., the agent has a viscosity of 50,000 mPas to 250,000 mPas, measured using a Brookfield rotational viscometer (spindle no. 7) at 5 revolutions per minute and, under otherwise identical conditions, at 50 revolutions per minute has a viscosity of 12,000 mPas to 80,000 mPas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Khalil Shamayeli
  • Non-corrosive sterilant composition
    Patent number: 7056536
    Abstract: A non-corrosive, liquid, aqueous sterilant composition (as a concentrate or ready-to-use solution), which may be provided in two parts which are mixed prior to application, may comprise a peracid (in an equilibrium solution with an underlying carboxylic acid or mixtures of alkyl carboxylic acids and peroxide), inorganic buffering agent, and water. It has been found that the use of this simplified system, even in the absence of additional components which have been thought to be desirable for sterilants used on metal parts (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Sally K. Swart
  • Cleaning solutions for carbon removal
    Patent number: 7056874
    Abstract: Cleaning compositions are disclosed. Methods of making and using the cleaning compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Tami J. Tadrowski, Jennifer Mayhall, Kim R. Smith
  • Neutral or alkaline medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions and methods employing them
    Publication number: 20060113506
    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: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Victor Man, Gina Fasching, Nathan Peitersen, Mark Altier
  • Methods and compositions for removing metal oxides
    Publication number: 20060112972
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for removing metal oxide soils from surfaces. The compositions include an anionic surfactant and a pH adjuster at an acidic pH. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method of removing a metal oxide soil from a surface by (1) applying a use composition to the surface, the use composition having a pH adjuster in an amount sufficient to provide a use pH at or below 7, an anionic surfactant in an amount to remove a portion of the metal oxide soil, and a carrier, (2) removing the metal oxide soil from the surface with the use composition, and (3) rinsing the surface to remove the use composition and the metal oxide soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Peitersen, D. Robert, Richard Staub, Rick Ruhr
  • Phase-separating solvent composition
    Patent number: 7053037
    Abstract: A pseudo-stable phase-splitting solvent composition that forms a single liquid phase when subjected to mild agitation and retains that single phase while the composition is applied to a surface, but which forms two or more laminar liquid phases promptly after being applied. A concentrated solvent film forms on the surface, under a film containing the other phase. The solvent preferably is denser than water, and the composition preferably is diluted with water. This enables the solvent to attack the surface at near full strength, and provides a water seal over the solvent film. The solvent composition can be used full strength or in diluted form for cleaning, reducing the microbial population of, or degreasing a variety of surfaces, and for stripping a variety of difficult-to-remove coatings from surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark D. Levitt, Robert D. P. Hei, Keith E. Olson, Bryan M. Anderson
  • Notification of time-critical situations occurring at destination facilities
    Patent number: 7054822
    Abstract: A network advisory system that provides advisory information to a field service provider and/or a management system is disclosed. The network advisory system receives collected data from one or more destination facilities and analyzes the information to generate advisory information. If the advisory information is deemed time-critical, the information is automatically transmitted to a management system to alert the system that a time-critical situation is resident at a destination facility. The management system may determine one or more appropriate field service providers to address the time-critical situation. If the advisory information is not deemed time-critical, the information may be stored by the network advisory system until access by a requesting entity—either a management system or a field service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. McCall
  • Roll dispenser
    Patent number: 7051972
    Abstract: An adhesive tape or label roll dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser is preferable manufactured from a single piece and includes a front panel with connected adjacent side panels. Each side panel includes a protruding pin. The user centers the adhesive tape or label roll on one protruding pin and bends the front panel and the other side panel around the label, centering the other protruding pin through the roll. The distal end of each pin includes an engaging clip enabling the distal ends of each pin to fixedly engage and secure the roll within the dispenser. The dispenser also includes a hook on each side panel at the edge opposite the front panel, enabling the user to suspend the dispenser from a utility shelf or wall bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Milliorn, Andrew Brian Milliorn
  • Method and apparatus for in-room glass washing
    Publication number: 20060111260
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus of cleaning glassware, for example, in a hotel room or a motel room. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method and apparatus for cleaning, rinsing, and sanitizing glassware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Peterson, Mary Dawson, John Thomas