Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Patent number: 6991106
    Abstract: A modular container system for storing and dispensing labels, the container system including a plurality of individual container modules configured for mutual coupling. Each container module having a first engagement element on a first wall and a complementary second engagement element on a second wall and each container module further including a receptacle configured for receiving a roll of labels and an opening for dispensing the labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Milliorn
  • Patent number: 6991685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Gerald K. Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6991131
    Abstract: A container, method and system for dispensing a solid product held in a distributable container having an opening. A mechanical interlock secures the opening of the container preventing contact with the solid product by a user. A dispenser, fixed at a dispensing location, is adapted to receive the mechanical interlock of the container. A power source is operatively coupled to the dispenser and adapted to power the mechanical interlock allowing dispensing of the solid product from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan A. Maser
  • Publication number: 20060019863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for removing hydrophobic soils from textiles. The methods include contacting a soiled textile with a penetrant composition and then washing the textile. The present compositions include penetrant compositions that can also include wetting agent and hydrotrope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Stephan Hubig, Robert Hei, Terry Klos
  • Patent number: 6990411
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for controlling concentration of a component chemical product in a chemical solution. The chemical solution is formed in a solution tank by combining the component chemical product with water. The component chemical product is dispensed to the solution tank by a chemical dispenser that is controlled by measured conductivity readings of the chemical solution taken in the solution tank. The conductivity readings are analyzed against a conductivity setpoint to determine whether the component chemical product should be added to the chemical solution. A conductivity offset is determined and applied to the analysis thereby taking into consideration any conductivity that may be attributable to constituents of the chemical solution other than the component chemical product. Such constituents include soil washed from the articles and the water used to form the chemical solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff W. Peterson, Ronald Bruce Howes, Jr., Robert Eugene May
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20050288204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing the population of (e.g., killing) arthropods employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to an arthropod or a surface or area suspected of housing an arthropod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Emory Matts, Victor Man, Joshua Magnuson, S. Barcay, James Tarara, Thomas Nelson
  • Publication number: 20050288191
    Abstract: A conveyor lubricant including an effective lubricating amount of at least one lubricant and at least one protectant which is an alkanolamide, alkyl ether sulfonate, acetylenic diol, alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof, alkylated diphenyl oxide disulfonic acid or salt thereof or a mixture thereof, and methods of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Lawrence, Gerald Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6967189
    Abstract: A method of lubricating a moving surface is herein described wherein the lubricant composition contains a fatty acid, a neutralization agent, a pH buffer, and a carrier. Also described are compositions in both concentrate and dilute form. The compositions may also comprise additional functional ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Paul J. Wang, Lawrence A. Grab
  • Publication number: 20050255247
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tire dressing fluid to a tire surface is provided. The apparatus includes a tire engagement arm having an applicator manifold and leveling pad. The applicator manifold has an opening for receiving a tire dressing fluid and a plurality of openings for dispensing the tire dressing fluid directly onto the tire surface. The leveling pad is provided for engaging the tire surface and spreading the tire dressing fluid over the tire surface. A method for applying a tire dressing fluid onto a tire surface is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mattia, Kyle Schindel, Brian Chute
  • Patent number: 6964787
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for reducing microbial burden on a food product. The method includes contacting the food product with an antimicrobial agent and irradiating the food product. The system includes an applicator adapted and configured for contacting a food product with an antimicrobial agent and an irradiator adapted and configured for irradiating a food product. The antimicrobial agent can be a peroxycarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Sally Kay Swart, Shaun Patrick Kennedy, Thomas L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20050250661
    Abstract: Vehicle cleaning compositions containing one or more selected components with complexing properties, the use thereof for removing firmly adhering metal dust-containing and/or abraded metal-containing residues and for cleaning wheel rims, the production of corresponding vehicle cleaning solutions and a method for cleaning vehicles which is particularly protective of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Siegfried Bragulla
  • Patent number: 6962714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions including a critical, near critical, or supercritical (densified) fluid and an antimicrobial agent, to methods of forming these compositions, and to methods employing these compositions. An antimicrobial agent can be generated in the presence of a densified fluid, for example, by reacting an oxidizing agent with a precursor to the antimicrobial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Keith E. Olson, Robert J. Ryther, Richard K. Staub
  • Patent number: 6962266
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a unit dose product (11) from a unit dose package (10) is disclosed. The unit dose package (10) includes a first continuous strip (12) operatively connected to a second continuous strip (13) so as to provide individual segments (17) containing the unit dose of product (11). The unit dose of product (11) is dispensed by suitable method which separates the strips (12, 13) and dispensing the unit dose of product (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Morgan, Eddie D. Sowle, Tareasa L. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6962897
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of formulations containing selected fluorinated components for reducing friction between conveyor systems and the containers transported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Küpper, Michael Schneider, Walter Grosse Böwing, Alfred Laufenberg, Harald Kluschanzoff
  • Patent number: 6959510
    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: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, Oliver A. Ossanna, Douglas G. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20050236017
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Kravitz, Francis Richter, Duane Reinhardt, Gerald Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6956019
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a monionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6955490
    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: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Jane Ann Chase, Christopher John Lancette, Scott Randall Olson
  • Publication number: 20050227884
    Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a method and composition for removing waxy soils. The invention also pertains to a method and composition for removing lip cosmetic soils such as lipsticks, Chapsticks™, and the like. The invention further pertains to a method and composition for removing lip cosmetic soils from the surface of drinkware. Finally, the invention pertains to a method and composition for removing lip cosmetic soils from the surface of drinkware wherein the drinkware is first pretreated with an effective amount of a pretreating composition and the drinkware is then treated with a normal washing process. In an embodiment, the drinkware is first pretreated with an effective amount of a pretreating composition to remove substantially all of the lip cosmetic soil from the drinkware. In an embodiment, the drinkware is first pretreated with an effective amount of a pretreating composition to loosen the lip cosmetic soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Maser, Denise Chandler, Tareasa Bradley