Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Publication number: 20010000251
    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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: April 12, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jason Wei, David D. McSherry
  • Patent number: 6214777
    Abstract: A lubricant composition comprising a lubricating agent and a quaternary phosphonium compound is useful as a conveyor, container or beverage lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kim L. Person-Hei, Bruce R. Cords, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Joy G. Herdt
  • Patent number: 6209184
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser 10 for liquid soap having a cartridge 13 with a groove 32. A housing 12 encloses the cartridge 13 and mounting bracket 15. The dispenser's mounting bracket 15 has a rib 34 which corresponds with the groove 32 on the cartridge 13. Depression of a push plate 14 activates a pump 65 to expel liquid soap 41 from the cartridge 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Copeland, Jeff W. Peterson, Paul Anthony Pilosi
  • Patent number: 6211129
    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: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6196522
    Abstract: Disclosed is a geometric lockout coupler assembly comprising a probe capable of reversibly moving between an open position and a closed position, the open position permitting fluid to pass through the probe; and a bung cup sized and configured to accept the probe. The probe further comprises a geometric configuration which cooperates with the complementarily shaped bung cup to allow fluid to flow through the probe while not permitting other probes to cooperate with the bung cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaye Kit-Han Yuen, Oliver Murphy, III
  • Patent number: 6197321
    Abstract: A drain sanitizing article (9) for reducing microbiological activity in drain runoff areas having a housing (10), the housing having an inner wall (16) defining an inner opening (18) in the housing, an outer wall (12), and a bottom wall (14) defining a central cavity (15) in the housing (10), a tear strip (20) for destructibly removing the housing outer wall and a portion of the bottom wall (14), a handle (30) spanning the inner opening (18) of the housing (10) and joined to the inner wall (16) of said housing (10); and a chemical sanitizing agent (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, James Wilson, Daniel E. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6197739
    Abstract: Compositions for use as soil removing agents in the food processing industry are disclosed. Food soiled surfaces in food manufacturing and preparation areas can be cleaned. The compositions are manufactured in the form of a concentrate which is diluted with water and used. The cleaning materials are made in a two part system which are diluted with a diluent source and mixed prior to use. The products contain high quality cleaning compositions and use a variety of active ingredients. The preferred materials, in a two part system contain detergent compositions, enzymes that degrade food compositions, surfactants, low alkaline builders, water conditioning (softening) agents, and optionally a variety of formulary adjuvants depending on product form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Oakes, Kristine K. Wick, Bruce R. Cords, Sandra L. Bull, Francis L. Richter
  • Patent number: 6194371
    Abstract: An alkaline emulsion detergent composition with improved phase stability, useful viscosity and excellent soil removal properties can comprise in an aqueous phase, an emulsion comprising a source of alkalinity, a nonionic surfactant blend, a water conditioning agent and an alkyl polyglucoside. The improved stable emulsions can be used in laundry applications or other soil removal processes. The compositions are typically prepared by forming an alkaline nonionic blend combining the blend with a water conditioning agent and the alkyl polyglucoside and shearing the resulting aqueous mixture to form an emulsion characterized by a preferred particle size and viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Donovan, Lynne A. Olson
  • Patent number: 6183708
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the pretreatment of a plant fluid effluent containing odor compounds including an alkyl mercaptan or an alkyl thiol, an amine compound, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and mixtures thereof by contacting the plant effluent with an atomized aqueous solution comprising a peroxy acid compound. When contacted with the peroxy acid, odor compounds in the effluent are oxidized and converted from the gaseous phase into a chemically modified highly aqueous soluble phase in the aqueous treatment. The use of such a process produces a significant improvement in odor quality index as measured by a conventional process using an expert panel when compared to conventional treatment methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Scott P. Bennett, Jay H. McLaren, Guang-jong Jason Wei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 6184340
    Abstract: With the advent of disposable items made from or bonded by polyvinylalcohol polymers, particularly highly hydrolyzed polyvinylalcohol of limited water solubility, the disposal of used contaminated items has become a significant problem. These disposable products are typically used once and then discarded. During use, the items often come into contact with infective biological liquids and solids that can contain bacteria, viral particles, fecal matter, blood, mucus, etc. This large volume of disposable and often contaminated materials poses a significant problem to the hospitality and healthcare industries. Previously, such disposables are often sterilized using autoclave (high temperature steam) digestion to render the pathogen content substantially harmless. Such a process is time consuming due to the large volume of disposable materials and can be energy wastefull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Shaun P. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6183807
    Abstract: An 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 meat product 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: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Gutzmann, Brian J. Anderson, Bruce R. Cords, Lawrence A. Grab, Edward H. Richardson, Pamela Reed McKay
  • Patent number: 6180592
    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: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei, Carrie Armstrong, Paul Mattia, Wendy Wiseth, Jennifer Layton, Mark Levitt
  • Patent number: 6177392
    Abstract: The dimensionally stable alkaline solid block warewashing detergent uses an E-form binder forming a solid comprising a sodium carbonate source of alkalinity, a sequestrant, a surfactant package and other optional material. The solid block is dimensionally stable and highly effective in removing soil from the surfaces of dishware in the institutional and industrial environment. The E-form hydrate comprises an organic phosphonate and a hydrated carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, G. Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6170166
    Abstract: A water-driven jet or venturi extraction means is used to remove, capture and cool the hot, highly humid air created within commercial dishwashers during a wash rinse or sanitization cycle. A cold water spray is used to create a pressure reduction zone which serves to draw in hot, highly humid air from the dishwasher. Water vapor cools and condenses on contact with the cold water spray within the venturi. The invention also serves to help vent the dishwasher. Cool, fresh air is drawn into the dishwasher while the hot air is drawn into the venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Johansen, Kent R. Britain, Lee J. Monsrud, Glen W. Davidson
  • Patent number: 6165483
    Abstract: Both a process and a method of using peracid compositions, especially mixed peracid systems, to treat field or greenhouse grown plant tissue, seeds, fruits, and growing media and containers. The peracid 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: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Leanne J. Adkins, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Heidi M. Hanson, Bruce R. Cords
  • Patent number: 6164296
    Abstract: A highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties is provided. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning waxy-fatty soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6158486
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus (10) includes a container (70) for holding a liquid product to be dispensed. A docking station (20) receives the container (70). A reservoir tank (50) is positioned in the docking station (20) for receiving the liquid to be dispensed. A docking cup is connected to the docking station for opening a bottle insert (90) which is contained in the container (70). By use of the present invention, contact with the product to be dispensed is reduced as is chemical odor. The lockout feature prevents the wrong product from being dispensed. The product, independent of the viscosity, may be completely emptied from the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Olson, Keith D. Johnson, Lynne A. Olson
  • Patent number: 6158673
    Abstract: The invention includes a first dispenser for providing a first dilute concentrate of a use solution in a bottle. This bottle is then used in a portable delivery/dilution device which provides for a second level of concentration of the use solution. The bottles in which the solution is placed has both a vertical and horizontal lockout. The horizontal lockout is useful in making certain the right bottles are utilized with each dispenser and the vertical lockouts are useful in guiding the bottle upwards as the first concentration of liquid is placed in the bottle. The portable delivery/dilution system is easily portable, easily filled with water which can be easily poured from a system after use. The battery is rechargeable and can be used in most any application where spraying is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Toetschinger, Mary M. Dawson, Daniel E. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6156715
    Abstract: The dimensionally stable alkaline solid block warewashing detergent uses an E-form binder forming a solid comprising a sodium carbonate source of alkalinity, a metal corrosion protecting alkali metal silicate composition, a sequestrant, a surfactant package and other optional material. The solid block is dimensionally stable and highly effective in removing soil from the surfaces of dishware in the institutional and industrial environment. The E-form hydrate comprises an organic phosphonate and a hydrated carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: D438119
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Meyer, Dennis R. Breining, Tammy A. Bailey, Todd W. Heeringa, James R. Johnson