Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Patent number: 5972866
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for cleaning food preparation surfaces are disclosed. The method includes applying a thickened, noncorrosive composition to the surface. The composition is formulated from a hypochlorite bleach used to reduce staining on the surface, an alkalinity source to provide a pH of from about 10 to 14, a thickening agent used to promote adhesion of the composition to the surface upon application, and a balance of water. Optionally, the composition may also contain a surfactant and a builder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventor: Fahim Uddin Ahmed
  • Patent number: 5967202
    Abstract: An automatic dispensing method and apparatus for transporting separate concentrated chemicals to the site of use and then dispensing the concentrated chemicals into a storage container to create a final or intermediate composition. The automatic dispensing apparatus includes a computer program that calculates the appropriate formulation and then interfaces with a controller to cause the appropriate chemical concentrates and the appropriate volumes of those concentrates to be dispensed. A method of generating a desired formulation is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard V. Mullen, Scott P. Bennett, Steve E. Pasek, Cathy M. Paquette, David R. Strehlow
  • Patent number: 5961011
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fitment for insertion into the neck of a container for liquid concentrate that can be opened by insertion of the container into a reservoir. The fitment comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising an exterior mating surface that can sealingly engage the container and an internal web within the cylindrical body closing the fitment having a fracture zone permitting opening the fitment. The web also comprises a hinged fracture zone defined by a straight hinge portion and a partially circular recess in the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Daniel K. Boche, John E. McCall, Jr., Eric R. Balz, Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Daniel E. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 5932526
    Abstract: The invention is a lubricant concentrate and a lubricant use-solution as well as methods of use. The lubricant concentrate and lubricant use-solution each include one or more ether amine compounds, and a surfactant. Each of the ether amine compounds has a formula selected from the group consisting of R.sub.1 --O--R.sub.2 NH.sub.2, R.sub.1 --O--R.sub.2 --NH--R.sub.3 --NH.sub.2, and mixtures thereof, wherein R.sub.1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 alkyl, R.sub.2 is a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkylene, and R.sub.3 is a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkylene group. The compositions of the invention also include a surfactant to solubilize the amine compound, and optionally, a source of alkalinity and an antimicrobial agent, among other adjuvants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Michael E. Besse, Christopher S. Sykes
  • Patent number: 5925601
    Abstract: A method of lubricating conveyors with a lubricating concentrate formulated to contain about 0.5 wt-% to 90 wt-% of a fatty amide ethoxylate phosphate ester diluted to a use solution formulated to contain about 5 ppm to 1000 ppm of a fatty amide ethoxylate phosphate ester is described. The use solution is applied to an intended surface for lubrication. The lubricant can contain a variety of other chemical agents to provide additional desired properties including surfactants, chelating agents, sanitizing agents, and others. The lubricant concentrate or use solution is especially useful on conveyor systems with moving beverage containers such as glass, metal or plastic containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David Daniel McSherry, Guang-jong Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 5915592
    Abstract: An apparatus for diluting a liquid concentrate with a liquid diluent to form a use solution is provided. The apparatus includes an aspirator having a first inlet port, second inlet port, and an outlet port. A liquid diluent conducting means is connected to the first inlet port and a liquid concentrate conducting means is connected to the second inlet port of the aspirator for supplying thereto the liquid diluent and liquid concentrate respectively. Movement of a shut off valve and actuator valve operator controls both the shut off valve which is in fluid communication with the outlet port and the actuator valve which is in fluid communication with the liquid diluent conducting means to control flow of the liquid diluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jondall Mehus, Royce Dale Johnson, Thomas Craig Thalhuber
  • Patent number: 5914105
    Abstract: Novel fat-like petroleum based, water-free, insecticidal compositions are described which are particularly effective against insect pests such as cockroaches, ants, termites, flies, etc. The compositions may be used in various forms depending on the targeted pests. As an example, the composition in the form of a paste can be applied into cracks and crevices for control of such pests and have the advantage of superior durability and prolonged attractiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen John Barcay, Douglas G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5904162
    Abstract: Disclosed is a warewashing assembly comprising a batch-loading warewashing machine and a movable tray or cart capable of holding a rack in a position that departs form the horizontal outside of the warewashing machine for convenient operations; said tray or cart comprising a flat tray of a size complementary to said rack, wherein the flat tray comprises side and rear fences capable of holding the ware rack against horizontal motion and wherein the tray is attached to a support structure in such a way that it is supported at the desired angle .alpha. and can be inserted into the machine when quiescent; wherein the support structure is of a height approximately equal to that of the warewashing machine and comprises means to move horizontally in relation to the warewashing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Ferguson, Dwayne A. Becknell, Daniel F. Brady, Martin D. Schenk
  • Patent number: 5899215
    Abstract: A diverter member is installed in a dishwasher to reduce detergent consumption therein. The diverter member includes an upwardly disposed liquid receiving surface in fluid communication with a drain for receiving a portion of the rinse liquid sprayed on dishware in a rinse section of the dishwasher to increase the amount of rinse liquid communicated to the drain. A lesser amount of rinse liquid returns to the wash tank, thereby reducing dilution of the wash liquid and consumption of detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Carleton J. Parker, III, Richard E. Bittner, Mary J. Schumacher, Ralph J. Van Hoven, Keith L. Ware
  • Patent number: 5880088
    Abstract: A rinse aid composition for use on plasticware is herein described which requires lower concentration of conventional hydrocarbon surfactants, exhibits adequate sheeting on the plasticware and acceptable drying time which prior rinse aids have failed to provide without special handling. The compositions described contain hydrocarbon surfactants and a polyether or polybetaine polysiloxane copolymer surfactant alone or in combination with a fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactant. The composition may be formulated as a solid or liquid suitable for dilution to form an aqueous rinse used to contact the plasticware in a warewashing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Matthew J. Sopha
  • Patent number: 5880089
    Abstract: A rinse aid composition for use on plasticware is herein described which requires lower concentration of conventional hydrocarbon surfactants, exhibits adequate sheeting on the plasticware and acceptable drying time which prior rinse aids have failed to provide without special handling. The compositions described contain hydrocarbon surfactants and a polyether or polybetaine polysiloxane copolymer surfactant in combination with a fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactant. The composition may be formulated as a solid or liquid suitable for dilution to form an aqueous rinse used to contact the plasticware in a warewashing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Matthew J. Sopha
  • Patent number: 5876514
    Abstract: We have found an alkaline warewashing detergent composition that can contain a critical amount of a nonionic rinse agent that when used in automatic warewashing machines permits the use of a potable water rinse without the addition of a separate rinse agent. Sufficient residual nonionic surfactant from the alkaline detergent remains on the surface ware and internal machine and rack surfaces after washing to promote adequate sheeting in the rinse cycle. The residual nonionic surfactant on internal surfaces dissolves in the rinse water to create an effective aqueous rinse agent. The nonionic rinse agents can be a single nonionic for both foam reduction cleaning and sheeting or can be a blend of nonionic materials providing these functions. The detergent can be in the form of a particulate, pelletized or block solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Rolando, Terry J. Klos
  • Patent number: 5873268
    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 99a. 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: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John Ross Spriggs, Loleta T. Tolliver-Rogers, Daniel K. Boche, Ronald Bruce Howes, Douglas Sherwin Hoerning
  • Patent number: 5871590
    Abstract: A touchless car wash composition, that can be made from a concentrate and diluted to use concentration using commonly available service water can comprise an ether amine or diamine in particular a fatty ether amine or diamine. The novel compositions are typically free of hydrocarbon solvents and silicone materials that are common in prior art compositions. The compositions are used in touchless car wash processes in which the materials are sprayed in the form of an aqueous dilute solution to remove soil from the vehicle surface. The aqueous compositions are self removing and very small amounts of the aqueous solutions remain to create water spotting on cleaned vehicle surfaces. The novel compositions of the invention can also contain a variety of other ingredients in a fully formulated system. Such ingredients include rapid dewatering of painted surfaces, improved cleanliness of glass and painted surfaces. A substantial reduction of water spotting and concentrates stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Michael E. Besse, Terry J. Klos, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, James J. Tarara, Kimberly L. Person Hei
  • Patent number: 5868859
    Abstract: The creation of a substantial volume of foam on the surface of an aqueous medium can reduce the apparent thermal IR emission substantially when compared to that of the aqueous medium free of foam. This difference in temperature (infrared emission) can be used to control a defoaming process or the addition of a defoaming agent to control foam in the aqueous medium. The apparent thermal infrared emission of foam is less than that of the aqueous medium. As the thermal IR emissions drop as foam develops, the difference between the apparent temperature of the foam and the temperature of aqueous medium increases. Such a difference in temperature can be used to control use of a defoaming process or agent. As the foam volume is reduced, the addition of a defoaming composition is substantially reduced or stopped. During the control method, a predetermined limit is established at which the defoaming process or composition is introduced into the aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Jay T. Kummet, Scott P. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5863871
    Abstract: Lubricating solutions are used on conveying systems in the beverage industry during the filling of containers with beverages. Lubricating compositions of the present invention, especially those designed for use in beverage conveying systems for contained beverages, comprise at least the following components:a) an alkyl alkoxylated (e.g., ethoxylated or propoxylated, preferably ethoxylated) phosphate ester,b) aryl (e.g., aromatic, such as phenol) alkoxylated (e.g., ethoxylated or propoxylated) phosphate ester,c) an aromatic or linear quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent, andd) a liquid carrier, such as water.These lubricating solutions are capable of providing good lubricity and antimicrobial activity over a prolonged time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Joy G. Dressel, Kimberly L. Person Hei
  • Patent number: 5863874
    Abstract: The invention includes lubricant concentrate and use solution compositions having an amine compound of the formula,R.sub.1 --O--R.sub.2 --NH.sub.2,R.sub.1 --O--R.sub.2 --NH--R.sub.3 --NH.sub.2,and mixtures thereofwherein R.sub.1 may be a linear saturated or unsaturated C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 alkyl, R.sub.2 is a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, and R.sub.3 may be a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl. The concentrate also comprises an acidulant, optionally a stabilizing hydrotrope, and a surfactant. The lubricant use solution resulting from dilution of the concentrate has an amine compound in a concentration ranging from about 10 ppm to 10000 ppm. Also disclosed is a method of lubricating a conveyor system which includes providing a use solution of the lubricant concentrate composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Michael E. Besse, Bruce E. Schmidt, Christopher S. Sykes, Timothy A. Gutzmann
  • Patent number: D406635
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Timothy Russell, Tina Opal Outlaw
  • Patent number: D407463
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Tina Opal Outlaw, Scott Timothy Russell, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: D414895
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Scott T. Russell, Tina O. Outlaw, Steven E. Lentsch