Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Publication number: 20020028751
    Abstract: A lubricant composition is provided. The lubricant composition includes a machinery lubricant and an antimicrobially effective amount of an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent exhibits a partition coefficient between water and the machinery lubricant of between about 0.01 and about 1,000, and the lubricant composition provides at least a two log reduction in bacteria in water in about two weeks or at least a two log reduction in mold and yeast in water in about one month from a concentration of bacteria of between 105 and 106 CFU/ml and a mold and yeast concentration of between about 105 and 106 CFU/ml. Methods for manufacturing and using a lubricant composition are provided. A method for manufacturing a lubricant composition is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Joel James Schilling, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6350725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful in the removal of road film and dirt from vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and the like. These compositions contain propoxylated quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants. Alternatively, the solution can contain quaternary surfactants containing both an ethoxylated group and a propoxylated group. These solutions contain at least one anionic surfactant such as a linear alkyl benzyl sulfonate, alpha olefin sulfonates, alkyl sulfates and secondary alkane sulfonates. The pH of the composition can be adjusted with either an alkaline or an acidulating agent such as metal hydroxides, sodium hydroxide, aminopolycarboxylic acids, and the like. The pH of the solution is between 2.0 and 13, preferably between 8.0 and 13.0. An example solution contains zeolite, citric acid, linear dodecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, nonylphenol ethoxylate, quaternary cationic surfactant (as described above), and a glycol ether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen Norland, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 6339054
    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. The compositions may comprise, for example, one or more solutions that each or collectively contain or comprises: a) at least one anionic surfactant; b) at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant; and c) an alkaline agent. Optional additional ingredients may comprise at least one polycarboxylic acid chelating agent (preferably an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent), at least one non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant, at least one hydrotrope, inorganic and/or organic acids and at least one silicate. The alkaline agent may provide a pH (when the finished product is diluted to 0.5 to 5% by weight in water) will be between about 9 to 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20020004468
    Abstract: A hand soap concentrate and a hand soap use solution are provided. The hand soap concentrate is provided with a viscosity of less than about 200 cps. The hand soap concentrate can be mixed with an aqueous solution to provide a use solution having a viscosity of greater than about 1,000 cps. A method for modifying a hand soap concentrate to provide a higher viscosity hand soap use solution is provided. The hand soap concentrate includes a surfactant component for removal of soil, and a component for increasing viscosity with mixing with an aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Christopher J. Uecker
  • Patent number: 6335004
    Abstract: Reduced odor or odorless antimicrobial phenolic compositions containing collagen amino acids and methods of use are disclosed. The compositions can be formulated for use as a soap, emollient or hard surface cleaner. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, a composition of the invention is formulated as an antimicribial cleaner including an amount of collagen amino acids sufficient to decrease the odor of the phenolic compound below its initial levels and an amount of at least one of a soap or hard surface cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20010051493
    Abstract: A cleaning and restoration system 10 for floors 11 and other hard surfaces is disclosed. The system 10 has an cleaning head 12 which can be moved across a floor 11 or other hard surface. The cleaning head 12 impinges particulate media upon the floor 11 to remove soils and provide a slip-resistant surface. The media is entrained into the air by a pressure tank 17 which includes a classifier 18 for reclaiming a portion of the media for reuse. The pressure tank 17 has a series of dispersion bars 68 for separating the heavy particles to be re-used. The dust, soils, and other undesirable materials are filtered in a dust collector 57 having a cyclonic filter 71. A compressor 20, a vacuum/blower 22, and other components of the system are mounted on a truck 19. A method for utilizing the restoration system 10 is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Shane M. Kelton, Tina O. Outlaw, Terry J. Klos
  • Patent number: 6326032
    Abstract: A peroxyacid antimicrobial concentrate and use composition is provided comprising a C1 to C4 peroxycarboxylic acid or a C1 to C4 peroxycarboxylic acid combined with a C6 to C18 peroxyacid in beverage processing. The combination of these materials produces a synergistic effect, providing a much more potent biocide than can be obtained by using these components separately. Other components can be added to the composition such as hydrotrope coupling agents, stabilizers, etc. An effective antimicrobial use solution is formed at low concentrations when the concentrate composition is diluted with water to a pH in the range of about 2 to 8. Sanitizing of substantially fixed, “in-place” processing lines in dairies, breweries, and other food and beverage processing operations is one utility of the composition. Another utility is in processes including aseptic cold filling of beverage containers such as cans, glass bottles or two liter PET bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, Bruce R. Cords, Michael E. Besse, Kenji Nogami
  • Patent number: 6326344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carpet cleaning composition comprising about 50% by weight to about 98% by weight water; about 0.05% by weight to about 2% wt-% of at least one emulsifier that is an acrylic copolymer; about 1% by weight to about 50% by weight of at least one solvent; 0% to about 1% by weight of at least one surfactant; and at least one alkaline compound for buffering. The resultant cleaning composition has an adjusted pH from about 4 to about 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Dennis Levitt
  • Publication number: 20010045343
    Abstract: A method for automatically cleaning and lubricating conveyor belt systems is disclosed. A microprocessor controlled control unit senses the movement of the conveyor belt and the presence of items, for example bottles, on the conveyor. The control unit initiates the application of lubricant, detergent and rinse water onto the conveyor according to the speed of the conveyor, the presence of items and the time passed since the previous application. If the conveyor is stationary, that is, is not in motion, no lubricant or cleaning solution is applied. If the conveyor is moving but no items are on the belt, a reduced amount of lubricant is dispensed onto the conveyor system. The conveyor cleaning and lubricating process may be carried out during normal production operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Bennett, James M. Zell
  • Publication number: 20010044396
    Abstract: An alkaline cleaner composition comprising an alkyl or alkylaryl ethoxy carboxylate, a strong chelating agent and a source of alkalinity, its manufacture and use in removing greasy soil from hard surface areas is described. The compositions are especially effective in removing lime-soaps in such greasy soil especially on institutional and commercial kitchen floors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Publication number: 20010043987
    Abstract: Continuous coatings can be prepared using novel two part compositions and methods. The two part compositions of the invention comprise, in separate containers, a powder polymer composition and a coalescing agent. The powder composition has preferred particle size distribution and composition for use in the compositions or methods of the invention. The coalescing agents of the invention cooperate with the powder part to result in a excellent finish having the appropriate drying hardness, durability, etc. The novel method of the invention involves contacting a coalescing agent with polymer particles in a variety of coating methods. The particles and the coalescing agent interact to form a continuous coating layer or finish layer. The basic coating formation methods of the invention can be embodied in a number of methods or protocols including applying a sold polymer to the liquid coalescing agent, applying the agent to the polymer particulate or applying the liquid and polymer simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Bryan M. Anderson, Robert D.P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6319888
    Abstract: A system for forming and releasing an aqueous peracid solution is disclosed. The system includes a container and a peracid forming composition provided within the container. The container is permeable to the passage of water and aqueous peracid solution. The peracid forming composition includes a peracid precursor and a peroxygen source. Preferably, the peracid forming composition includes a chemical heater capable of releasing heat upon hydration. When placed in water, water enters the container and interacts with the peracid forming composition provided within the container. The water combines with the peracid precursor and peroxygen source to provide an aqueous peracid composition. The presence of a chemical heater within the container provides for the generation of heat within the container which enhances the rate of peracid formation. The peracid solution leaves the container and forms an effective sanitizing amount of sanitizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jason Wei, David D. McSherry
  • Patent number: 6309471
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of removing iodine stains comprising contacting a surface having an iodine stain with a liquid cleaning composition for a sufficient time to decolorize the stain said cleaning composition comprising about 1% to about 100% by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, salicylic acid derivatives and mixtures thereof, and at least one solvent. The liquid cleaning composition has an adjusted pH of about 1-14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei, Mark Levitt
  • Patent number: 6310013
    Abstract: A lubricant composition is provided. The lubricant composition includes a machinery lubricant and an antimicrobially effective amount of an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent exhibits a partition coefficient between water and the machinery lubricant of between about 0.01 and about 1,000, and the lubricant composition provides at least a two log reduction in bacteria in water in about two weeks or at least a two log reduction in mold and yeast in water in about one month from a concentration of bacteria of between 105 and 106 CFU/ml and a mold and yeast concentration of between about 105 and 106 CFU/ml. Methods for manufacturing and using a lubricant composition are provided. A method for manufacturing a lubricant composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Joel James Schilling, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Publication number: 20010033855
    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: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: S. John Barcay, Douglas G. Anderson, Thomas D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6302968
    Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for sanitizing ware without staining, spotting or corroding. In its most preferred mode, the method comprises the steps of washing the ware in an automated ware washing machine and rinsing the ware at either high or low temperatures with a sanitizing rinse composition. The destaining, sanitizing concentrate composition preferably comprises peroxyacetic acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide using higher levels of acetic and peroxyacetic acid and a lower level of hydrogen peroxide. The sanitizing rinse composition may preferably be used at a concentration of peroxyacetic acid of at least 30 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Burton M. Baum, Steven E. Lentsch, Thomas R. Oakes
  • Patent number: 6302263
    Abstract: A method for automatically cleaning and lubricating conveyor belt systems is disclosed. A microprocessor controlled control unit senses the movement of the conveyor belt and the presence of items, for example bottles, on the conveyor. The control unit initiates the application of lubricant, detergent and rinse water onto the conveyor according to the speed of the conveyor, the presence of items and the time passed since the previous application. If the conveyor is stationary, that is, is not in motion, no lubricant or cleaning solution is applied. If the conveyor is moving but no items are on the belt, a reduced amount of lubricant is dispensed onto the conveyor system. The conveyor cleaning and lubricating process may be carried out during normal production operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Bennett, James M. Zell
  • Patent number: 6294515
    Abstract: Nonionic surfactants comprising a mixture of fatty acid esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides comprising predominantly the mono, di- or tri ester condensed with approximately 15 or more moles of an alkylene oxide in combination with an effective defoamer and a water soluble diluent form surprisingly useful and effective low foaming rinse agent composition or concentrate. The rinse agent can achieve adequate sheeting in common aqueous rinses at typical rinse temperatures at a concentration of the nonionic sorbitan ester in water at concentrations about 500 parts of the fully formulated rise agent per million parts of water. The rinse agents can be used in a rinse cycle in common warewashing machines after washing with commonly available warewashing compositions. The rinse agents can take the form of thickened pourable or semi-pourable aqueous liquids or cast solid materials packaged within a disposable wrapper, capsule or other package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Burton M. Baum
  • Patent number: D448289
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kaye Kit-Han Yuen, Oliver Murphy, III, Richard C. Schoenert, Paul Anthony Pilosi
  • Patent number: D449881
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James Richard Mock, Sr.