Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Publication number: 20020155978
    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: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20020155142
    Abstract: A method of preparing a rapid acting bait composition which is water based and contains a water-sensitive insecticide as an active ingredient is described. The composition is easily applied into cracks and crevices and voids or other pest harborage areas to rapidly kill insect pests, particularly cockroaches. A kit is also described for preparation of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: S. John Barcay, Douglas G. Anderson, Thomas D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6468954
    Abstract: A blood, coffee or fruit juice removing cleaning composition, and methods for using such, which may take the form of a detergent additive or pre-spotter, generally including an amount of carbonate source effective to remove blood, coffee or fruit juice from textiles. In other preferred forms the compositions disclosed herein may include surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Levitt, Kim R. Smith, Laurie Ehlers
  • Publication number: 20020150198
    Abstract: A device which measures individual employee usage of a liquid product or hand soap dispenser as part of an overall hygiene compliance program. The dispenser consists of a self-contained keypad/display module which is attached to a standard hand soap dispenser. An employee enters a unique personal ID code and then activates the dispenser. The dispenser counts all inputs to the dispenser in order to generate meaningful data for management. Alternatively, the dispenser may only track and report total usage and not account for individual employee usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Luke P. Thompson, James L. Copeland, Ronald B. Howes
  • Patent number: 6463611
    Abstract: An apparatus that prevents an undesirable chemical reaction between different liquid chemical streams in a dispenser comprising a dispenser having a common manifold leading to a use locus. The common manifold has a pumping station directed to the common manifold and the pumping station has at least two chemical input lines. The dispenser is controlled by an electromechanical controller that prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams in sequence without an intervening water flush and prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams simultaneously. The liquid inputs to the pumping station are keyed such that the inputs can be connected only to containers that fit the keyed inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Mattia, James L. Copeland, Oliver Murphy, III, Kaye Kit-han Yuen
  • Patent number: 6463940
    Abstract: A method and system provide an automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning various types of articles, wherein each type of article is detected and washed according to its own pre-determined combination. The cleaning apparatus has a storage device storing an array of pre-determined chemical combinations and cleaning parameters, including specifying cleaning chemicals to be used on the various identified article types. A transponder is provided with identifying information of the article type. A transceiver detects the type of article from the transponder and communicates that identifying information to a processor. Based on the detected identifier, the processor selects from the storage device the proper chemical combination and cleaning parameters for washing the identified type of article. A control device coupled to the processor delivers the chemicals specified by the selected chemical combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, David Neal Demattia, James L. Copeland
  • Patent number: 6458268
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling waste water treatment is disclosed. A feed-forward controller adjusts chemical injection pumps in response to signals from the contaminant zone, while delays to accommodate the time required for the contaminated water to reach the reaction or DAF tank are provided. Flow rate information from downstream of an equalization tank, but upstream of the chemical injection pumps, is monitored. By using both the data from the contamination points and the flow meter, the chemical injection pumps more accurately provide the necessary amount of chemicals to accommodate both volume of contaminated water and contaminant concentrations in the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Grandprey, Gary Lee Champion
  • Patent number: 6455484
    Abstract: The invention is a solid chemical concentrate system of at least two cooperative shapes. The first shape is an inwardly curved bar having an inner opening. The second shape is an insert which is capable of interlocking with the bar by insertion into the bar inner opening. The solid chemical concentrate provides chemical systems having active constituents which may be the same, different but compatible or functionally and chemically incompatible combined within one matrix to provide at least one substantially continuous surface. The system may also comprise an aqueous soluble or dispersible polymeric film cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20020128169
    Abstract: A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: ECOLAB, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 6440910
    Abstract: A hydrophobic and particulate soil removal composition is provided. The composition can be used for removing organic hydrophobic soils, such as oily or greasy soils, from a laundry item and/or from a hard surface such as an engine part and/or from skin. The composition can be used in a liquid or solid form and can be applied to individual laundry items in the form of a solid stick or liquid spray prior to introduction to the laundry machine. Laundry items can also be contacted in the laundry machine with the pre-spot or pre-treatment composition in the form of an aqueous presoak, preflush, prewash, or other step prior to the cleaning step. The treatment composition can be used as a recirculating liquid stream or bath for the cleaning of hard surfaces. The composition includes an ethoxylate component and a fatty acid ester component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei, Carrie Armstrong, Paul Mattia, Wendy Wiseth, Jennifer Layton, Mark Levitt
  • Patent number: 6440224
    Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a metal is provided. A source of fluoride ion is mixed with a source of acid to form hydrofluoric acid and, when applied to a metal surface to be treated, the hydrofluoric acid acts as a brightening agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-jong Jason Wei, David Daniel McSherry, Mark D. Levitt
  • Patent number: 6436445
    Abstract: An oxidizing species is described herein as a reaction product through an in situ preparation combining a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound, an oxidant compound and a halide source at controlled proportions in an aqueous, non-aqueous, gel, aerosol, solid-phase or powdered media. The oxidizing species can be used to reduce microbial and viral populations on a surface or object or in a body or stream of water. The invention thus finds applications as a bleach, sanitizer, oxidant, or in any other application in which an oxidizing agent can be beneficially used alone or in a formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Kim R. Smith, Polly D. Laugen, Shaun P. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6436893
    Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6436444
    Abstract: The mastitis control teat dip composition of the invention provides 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 compositions of the invention are made by combining an aqueous thickened liquid composition containing the organic components which can be combined with a simple aqueous solution of a salt of chlorous acid, preferably an alkali metal chlorite. The materials can be combined, blended into a smooth viscous material and can be immediately contacted with the target animals. The .compositions of the invention provide rapid initial kill, consistent long term kill and chemical and rheological stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, Cathy M. Paquette, Richard K. Staub
  • Patent number: 6432906
    Abstract: A stable, substantially homogeneous, solid block cleaning composition can be made for general purpose cleaning and for cleaning hard surfaces such as floors of varying surface composition. Unique solid block materials contain substantially useful concentrations of liquid acid materials, but are in the form of a stable solid. The acidic solid detergent can be dispensed using a water spray creating a concentrate which can then be diluted in proper ratio to form the use-solution. Such use-solutions may be applied to remove a variety of soils subject to acid cleaning including soils containing water hardness components, inorganic soils, and the like. The acid cleaners can be used alone or in combination with other cleaners in a cleaning protocol for a variety of hospitality, industrial or institutional cleaning locations having a broad spectrum of contaminated soil residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Paula J. Carlson, Cathleen M. Norland, Nicol M. Larson, John J. Rolando
  • Publication number: 20020107164
    Abstract: A solid block detergent composition is described which can be dispensed with a water spray to form an aqueous detergent for cutting and removing grease, removing and suspending soils and rinsing easily leaving cleaned ware. The aqueous detergent concentrate can be used in a cleaning liquid having exceptional soil, particularly grease removing properties with stable foam properties. The solid block detergent contains a package of surfactants including a neutralized anionic surfactant with either one or a mixture of an alkali and alkaline earth metal salt thereof and an alkylpolyglycoside. The active ingredients and polyethylene glycol as a hardening agent are dispersed in a matrix which hardens to form a solid block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Karen G. Klaers, Helen B. Bailly
  • Patent number: 6427826
    Abstract: 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 liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional dilute aqueous lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keight Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6425959
    Abstract: Organic compositions, used neat or in concentrate, are effective in removing complex organic soils from wood, metal and other hard surfaces. The compositions comprise nonionic surfactants, silicone surfactants, hydrotropes and other optional functional materials including sequestrants. Substrates such as laundry and heavily soiled hard surfaces containing a substantial proportion of organic/inorganic soils such as greases, oils and other hard to remove soil materials are readily cleaned by the cleaner compositions of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20020096537
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in associating with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner
  • Patent number: D464570
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan A. Maser, Scott A. Johansen, Todd W. Heeringa, Tom D. Laventure, Oliver Murphy, Kaye Kit-Han Yuen