Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Publication number: 20030083216
    Abstract: A plastics compatible detergent composition is provided by the invention. The plastics compatible detergent composition includes about 0.01 wt. % to about 10 wt. % anionic surfactant; about 0.01 wt. % to about 10 wt. % cationic surfactant; about 0.01 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of at least one of reverse polyoxyalkylene block copolymer surfactant, alcohol alkoxylate surfactant having polyoxypropylene and/or polyoxybutylene end groups, and mixtures thereof; about 0.01 wt. % to about 10 wt. % alkylpolyglycoside surfactant; and about 0.01 wt. % to about 20 wt. % silicone surfactant. A method for washing an article having a plastic surface is provided by the invention. The method includes a step of applying the detergent composition to the plastic surface, and rinsing the detergent composition from the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Karen G. Klaers
  • Patent number: 6555012
    Abstract: A composition and method particularly designed to treat blackwater deposit. In at least one example, a composition for use in removing and preventing buildup of blackwater deposits in blackwater collection/treatment systems. The composition includes in the range of about 2 to about 15 wt. % of acidic solubilizing agent; in the range of about 0.2 to about 8 wt. % of wetting agent; in the range of about 0 to about 1 wt. % corrosion inhibitor; and a solvent/carrier medium. Another aspect is a concentrated composition to be diluted before or during use, the concentrated composition comprising in the range of about 10 to about 70 wt. % of acidic solubilizing agent; in the range of about 1 to about 40 wt. % of wetting agent; in the range of about 0 to about 5 wt. % corrosion inhibitor; and a solvent. In another example, a method for removing and preventing buildup of blackwater deposit in a blackwater collection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, Don Southworth, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6554005
    Abstract: A method for cleaning polyethylene terephthalate containers including contacting the PET container with an alkaline wash solution having a temperature ranging of less than about 60° C. is disclosed. The alkaline wash solution is formulated from a first concentrate, a second concentrate, an alkalinity source, and a balance of water. The first concentrate preferably has a first nonionic surfactant, a first builder, and acid in an amount effective to provide a phase stable solution. The second concentrate preferably has a second nonionic surfactant and a second builder. The first and second concentrate are present in the wash solution in a concentration ranging from about 0.3 wt. % to 2.0 wt. %. Preferably, the first nonionic surfactant has a cloud point ranging from about 5° C. to 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Cords, Gerald K. Wichmann, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, David D. McSherry, Brandon L. Herdt, Arturo Valencia
  • Patent number: 6551974
    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: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Conrad, Michael E. Besse, Terry J. Klos
  • Patent number: 6544942
    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: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark D. Levitt, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6545047
    Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Gutzmann, Brian J. Anderson, Pamela J. Reed, Bruce R. Cords, Lawrence A. Grab, Edward H. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6542568
    Abstract: A system for rewarding and encouraging compliance with a predetermined personal hygiene standard in a hygiene compliance program. The system comprises a fluid dispenser. The fluid dispenser includes an actuator. A sensor is connected to the actuator. A processor in electrical communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to increment a count when the sensor is actuated, relate the count to the identification code, and compare the count to a predetermined number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Bruce Howes, Jr., James L. Copeland
  • Patent number: 6540081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable dispenser (10) for dispensing a unit dose of a solid product contained in a disposable blister pack (25). The dispenser (10) includes a housing (11), a back plate (30), and a dispensing tray (40). The blister pack (25) containing product is positioned between the housing (11) and the back plate (30), and the product is dispensed through the back plate (30) into the dispensing tray (40) where it can be acquired for use. A puncture tab (35) is integrated into the back plate (30) for aiding in rupturing the backing (28) of the blister pack (25) to dispense the product more easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Balz, Joshua J. Lanz
  • Patent number: 6537960
    Abstract: A low foaming surfactant blend for use in highly alkaline conditions including at least one C3 to C10 alkyl polyglucoside, at least one amine oxide, at least one polycarboxylated alcohol alkoxylate, and at least one alcohol alkoxylate. The blend may combined with other optional ingredients including a source of alkalinity, water conditioning agents, a source of chlorine, silicates, solvents, high foam amine oxides, other surfactants, and so forth to form a cleaning concentrate. The concentrate may be diluted to use solutions with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ruhr, Nathan D. Peitersen
  • Publication number: 20030051765
    Abstract: A fill probe with an in-line mixer accelerates and facilitates automation of a fill and mix procedure required in formulating certain chemical products. In some formulas, the concentrated chemical components that combine to form the resulting formula (e.g., teat dip) have a wide range of viscosities. The in-line positioning of the mixing attachment with the fill probe on the outside of the fill probe creates a dual action mixing operation that mixes the components as they are deliver to a mixing container and continues to mix them after they are combined with other chemicals within the mixing container. By using a combination fill probe and in-line mixer of the claimed design, a user can automate the fill and mix process, decrease the required mix time, and reduce foaming and spillage of chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Roy F. Johnson, Richard V. Mullen
  • Patent number: 6534075
    Abstract: An antimicrobial and antiviral composition in powder form or in the form of a two part liquid concentrate for washing and sanitizing foods, food surfaces, food ware, process waters, animal quarters, and animal carcasses is described. The composition may also be used to reduce the microbial and viral population on animals; reducing human pathogenic microbes, reducing opportunistic pathogenic microbes on eggs, and treating skin diseases. The composition includes three reactive species which in solution form an oxidizing species, and optionally a food grade acid source. The reactive species include a natural source of a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound which is acceptable on foods, an oxidant and a halide source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Kim R. Smith, Polly D. Laugen, Bruce R. Cords, Shaun P. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20030042167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable dispenser (10) for dispensing a unit dose of a solid product contained in a disposable blister pack (25). The dispenser (10) includes a housing (11), a back plate (30), and a dispensing tray (40). The blister pack (25) containing product is positioned between the housing (11) and the back plate (30), and the product is dispensed through the back plate (30) into the dispensing tray (40) where it can be acquired for use. A puncture tab (35) is integrated into the back plate (30) for aiding in rupturing the backing (28) of the blister pack (25) to dispense the product more easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Balz, Joshua J. Lanz
  • Publication number: 20030040458
    Abstract: A solid detergent composition is provided including an effective amount of a cleaning agent to provide soil removal and a binding agent dispersed throughout the solid detergent composition. The binding agent comprises a result of mixing alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonate, and water. The binding agent preferably includes alkali metal sesquicarbonate. A method for solidifying a detergent composition is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Elizabeth A. Trinkle, James J. Tarara, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6525005
    Abstract: Lubricant compositions are used on conveying systems in the beverage industry during the filling of containers with dairy products or other beverages. An antimicrobial conveyor lubricant composition according to the invention includes alkyl alkoxylated phosphate ester, antimicrobial agent comprising at least one of quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent and protonated amine antimicrobial agent, extreme pressure additive, water, and neutralizing agent in an amount sufficient to provide a use solution having a pH in the range of about 4 to about 9. The composition can include an extreme pressure additive and/or a corrosion inhibitor. A method for using an antimicrobial lubricant composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Joy G. Herdt, Kimberly L. Person Hei, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 6525015
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20030026846
    Abstract: A method of using peracid/acid compositions, where the mole ratio of acid to peracid is less than about 3:1, to treat field or greenhouse grown plant tissue, seeds, fruits, and growing media and containers is described. The peracid/acid system can lower the natural, plant pathogen and human pathogenic microbial load resulting in less waste to molding, spoilage, and destruction because of pathogenic poisons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, John Dennis Hilgren, Joy Ann Salverda, Brandon Leon Herdt
  • Patent number: 6514556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid and methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry. The methods include the step of applying a mixed peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Publication number: 20030022806
    Abstract: A solid functional material comprises a functional agent such as a cleaning composition, a sanitizing agent, where a rinse agent, etc. in a solid block format. The solid block is formed by a binding agent that forms the active ingredients into a solid block. The binding agent comprises a phosphonate or amino acetate sequestrant, a carbonate salt and water in an E-Form hydrate. These materials at a specific mole ratio form a novel binding agent that can form functional materials into a solid matrix form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jason Wei, Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20030015221
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits and processes for the brightening of metal surfaces by the application of the chemical compositions. These compositions act to release hydrofluoric acid as a brightening agent. The solutions are preferably mixed during application of the brightening composition to a metal surface by mixing the solutions immediately prior to or even during application of the solution. This can be readily accomplished by mixing two solutions, one having a fluoride source and the other having a strong acid to release hydrofluoric acid from the fluoride source, the mixing occurring immediately before spray application, during spraying, or immediately after spraying of the two solutions. Mixing may be done on-site, which means that mixing is performed at the site of use, usually on the same day of use or even within a few (less than 10) minutes of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-jong Jason Wei, David Daniel McSherry, Mark D. Levitt
  • Patent number: 6509302
    Abstract: We have found that a clear, stable microemulsion can be used during container transport operations during which the container is contacted with a transparent dispersion of hydrophilic and oleophilic materials. A process for lubricating a container, such as a beverage container, or a conveyor for containers, by applying to the container or conveyor, a thin continuous, substantially non-dripping layer of a transparent dispersed liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional lubricant diluted with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kimberly Person Hei, Amy Haupert