Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Patent number: 6060444
    Abstract: A process for preparing a homogeneous, solid cleaning composition that comprises a cleaning agent, and optionally an additive agent and a hardening agent. The compositions are processed in a continuous mixing system at high shear, at or below the melting temperature of the ingredients. Preferably, the ingredients are processed in an extruder, and the mixture is extruded directly into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the cleaning composition. The consistency of the composition ranges from that of a fused block solid to a malleable article. The cleaning compositions are useful for warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, laundry detergents, conveyor lubricants, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Rhonda Kay Schulz, Helmut K. Maier
  • Patent number: 6056012
    Abstract: A container (10) has a valve (20) to control flow of liquid out of the container (10). The valve (20) has an inline check valve (30) positioned in the inlet section (22) of the valve (20). The inlet section (22) of the valve (20) is in turn positioned in the discharge port (13) of the container (10), thereby positioning the check valve (30) on the inlet side of the valve (20) and in the container (10) so as to be tamper-resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kaye Kit-Han Yuen, Ronald Dennis Jungmann, Scott Randall Olson
  • Patent number: 6028104
    Abstract: A method of preventing growth of hairy warts and preventing hairy wart disease in dairy cattle by applying to a potentially infected area of the cattle, e.g. hooves, a solution comprising a peroxycarboxylic acid, e.g. of C.sub.2 -C.sub.18 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, particularly peracetic acid, is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: William Schmidt, Deborah Anastasia Ihns
  • Patent number: 6024986
    Abstract: The direct introduction or injection of peroxy compounds into a transpiration layer in a plant structure found inside the protective layer, bark or husk of a growing plant is described as an effective method in treating plant disease and can achieve levels of protection unavailable in the simple application of the materials to the leaf, stem, root or plant environment including air or soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D.P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6017163
    Abstract: A liquid floor finish application applicator comprising a mobile unit and a wand unit. The mobile unit comprises a handle and wheels. In the cart is positioned one or more sources of floor finish, and a pump for delivering the floor finish to a length of liquid conduit. The wand comprises a distribution head typically a mop installation. The wand also comprises a spray head that can deliver the liquid floor finish to the floor. The conduit is in liquid communication with the wand. The spray head is configured to avoid dripping between finish application. The drip free head results from the aperture size of the spray aperture surface. The lengthy conduit between the cart and the wand permits ease of application by a two man team. A first man operates the cart while a second man operates the wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Keppers, James L. Copeland, James R. Johnson, James D. Decker
  • Patent number: 6017872
    Abstract: Hard surfaces such as tile, metal, glass, etc. typically in hospitality locations can be cleaned to a bright, shiny, residue-free appearance using a process comprising cleaning the surface with a first cleaning composition and removing the resulting cleaner residue with a finish cleaner composition. The finish cleaner composition removes all trace of soil and cleaner from the first step and dries to a bright, shiny, spot-free, streak-free, and film-free appearance without a need for a final wipe step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Pedersen, Keith G. LaScotte
  • Patent number: 6017864
    Abstract: We have found that long standing problems relating to the stability of organic materials in alkaline detergents, including the reversion or hydrolysis of condensed phosphate sequestrants in alkaline solid detergent compositions can be alleviated by the use of an organic composition having vicinal hydroxyls. Such a solid block detergent can be manufactured by a process in which a source of alkalinity, a functional material including a condensed phosphate sequestering agent, an organic compound having two vicinal hydroxyl groups, are combined in a pourable composition or liquid. Such a liquid can be introduced into a plastic capsule and solidified. During manufacture and solidification, we have found that the vicinal hydroxyl compound prevents substantial hydrolysis or reversion of the condensed phosphate maintaining effective hardness ion sequestration during the use of the detergent. The stabilizer can also stabilizes color, chlorine content and dispensing properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kent R. Brittain, Bernard J. Heile, Helmut K. Maier, Charles A. Hodge, G. Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6015536
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment 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 in either a counterflow or cocurrent flow process. In the process, the effluent is contacted with an aqueous solution comprising a peracid compound. When contacted with the peracid, 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. In this way, odor removal from the gas is preferred and odor compounds are efficiently transferred into the aqueous treatment solution. 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: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Robert D. Hei, Joel J. Schilling
  • Patent number: 6012567
    Abstract: A transmission assembly capable of driving a dishwasher conveyor at different speeds to accommodate different needs, without requiring a multiple speed motor. Moreover, speed adjustments can be made without stopping the conveyor and without any risk of damage to the motor. Adjustments are effected by varying the radial distance between a driven member and an axis about which the drive assembly pivots. A detent arrangement provides a positive indication that the speed is set at a particular setting corresponding to a particular radial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Allen Ferguson, Dwayne Becknell
  • Patent number: 6010729
    Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using an antimicrobial composition. 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 C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 peroxycarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Gutzmann, Brian J. Anderson, Pamela J. Reed, Bruce R. Cords, Lawrence A. Grab, Edward H. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6007735
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of dispensing an aqueous bleach solution created by dissolving a continuously advancing substantially coated bleach tablet in a stack of such coated tablets. The invention uses a coated solid active bleach tablet which provides reduced swelling upon contact with water as well a s reduced odor and dusting. Active bleach sources suitable for a coated bleach tablet of the invention include active halogen and oxygen bleaches. Suitable coatings include water soluble organic and inorganic materials. The coated bleach tablets are particularly beneficial for continuous advancement in known solid dispenser systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Creed
  • Patent number: 5996907
    Abstract: The system of the invention comprises a container with a spout that can be filled with water from a tub. The container having a housing positioned above the container for electrical and pumping components. The housing comprises a dry side and a wet side and a source of liquid cleaner concentrate. The wet side is proximate the container and diluent water. The system also comprises a spray wand that can be used to spray both cleaner and rinse water on a cleanable surface. The housing comprises a wet portion containing a pump drive and tubing providing liquid communication between the container, source of aqueous concentrate and diluent, venturi and liquid communication to a spray head. The dry side containing wiring switches, rechargeable batteries and other electrical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Toetschinger, Mary M. Dawson
  • Patent number: 5998358
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for cleaning typically organic beverage and food soils. The cleaning composition is formulated to remove carbohydrate and proteinaceous soils from hard surfaces. The formulations of the invention are directed to remove carbohydrate and proteinaceous soils from beverage manufacturing locations such as soils arising in the manufacture of malt beverages, fruit juices, dairy products, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon L. Herdt, David A. Halsrud
  • Patent number: 5992698
    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: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Copeland, Jeff W. Peterson, Paul Anthony Pilosi
  • Patent number: 5986554
    Abstract: The alarm mechanism of the invention signals the absence of a liquid from a source of aqueous liquid. The alarm mechanism comprises an alarm body having an inlet port and an outlet port; the inlet port in liquid communication with a source of liquid, the outlet port in liquid communication with a use locus. The alarm mechanism additionally comprises a float chamber placed in liquid parallel communication with the inlet port and the outlet port. The float chamber containing a float operably connected to an alarm. The float, when a chamber is filled with fluid, disables the switch from generating a signal. The float, as the chamber is emptied of liquid, reaches a position and is detected energizing the switch to send a "low or empty product" signal. The apparatus operates by passing liquid through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John Furber, Mark Toetchinger, Jim Decker, Roger Keppers, Lee J. Monsrud
  • Patent number: 5975352
    Abstract: A dispenser 100 for dispensing a chemical product that is dissolved by diluent. The dispenser includes a package 170 having a diaphragm, or fingered collar 180 attached to its opening. The diaphragm 180 has a plurality of flexible members or flexible fingers 185. The dispenser may utilize an injection manifold 109 that is sized and configured to be positioned on a washing machine top proximate the gap between the washing machine's top and lid. Still further, the invention includes a low level chemical product indicator. The indicator includes a focused light source 98a and 98a. The focused light source is a high intensity light emitting diode having a viewing angle of less than 6.degree. and an intensity of above 10,000 mcd. The dispenser also includes an apparatus and method in which a dispensing time of a dispenser is dynamically varied in response to diluent temperature during operation of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John Ross Spriggs, Loleta T. Tolliver-Rogers, Daniel K. Boche, Ronald Bruce Howes, Douglas Sherwin Hoerning
  • Patent number: D419262
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Karen Gail Klaers, Scott T. Russell, Tina Opal Outlaw
  • Patent number: D423743
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mary M. Dawson, Mark J. Toetschinger
  • Patent number: D423933
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara L. Fritz, James D. Decker
  • Patent number: D424167
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaye Kit-Han Yuen, Oliver Murphy, III