Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Patent number: 5370708
    Abstract: A process for creating decolorized areas in dyed fabric, the process comprising the step of contacting wet dyed fabric with a pelletized decolorizing agent and optionally also including quenching the active decolorant present in the decolorizing pellet with a decolorant neutralizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne A. Olson, Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Wendell D. Burch
  • Patent number: 5370729
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous coating composition a film or barrier layer. The aqueous coating, in a pseudoplastic thixotropic mixture having a yield point, can be applied to surfaces in heated food preparation units. The composition can be easily applied to a variety of surfaces, and can advantageously cling to vertical or substantially inclined surfaces in order to form a barrier film or coating. The coating can result in a smooth uniform coating. The film, upon heating forms a barrier layer which can facilitate the removal of food soils which can form during food preparation activities after formation of the barrier film layer. The compositions of the invention can be used in methods for coating the interior heated surface of food preparation units by applying the aqueous material through a spray or other aerosol apparatus to form a clinging aqueous coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 5365690
    Abstract: An insect trap using attractant light, comprising a source of light and a housing can be mounted on a vertical surface or placed near a ceiling surface. The housing and the source of light cooperate to form an upwardly facing opening for the facilitated entry of flying insect pests and for the reflection of light onto the vertical surface. Insects that enter the trap are immobilized on a surface within the trap. Cooperation between direct radiant light, reflected light and an upwardly facing entrance for insects substantially increase capture rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, Douglas G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5364551
    Abstract: Spray-on cleaners that can be delivered by pump or pressurized gas aerosol spray head have been known to cause respiratory distress in the form of a choking mist. The choking mist associated with aerosol use can be reduced or eliminated by formulating surface cleaning compositions that can be dispensed through a spray head resulting in an aerosol or mist droplet having a median particle size greater than about 170 .mu.m, more preferably 200 .mu.m. We have found that typical spray-on cleaners have a median particle size less than about 170 .mu.m and, depending on the concentration and degree of irritation of strong base or strong acid components can cause severe respiratory distress. Preferred thickeners have been found for use in the non-choking aerosol or mist compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Cynthia A. Keller, Gregory T. Bona, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 5358653
    Abstract: The invention relates to rinse aid compositions useful in warewashing, that provide sanitizing properties and stain control. The rinse aids of the invention provide a highly active available chlorine source which is incorporated into solid systems containing sheeting agents. The chlorine source is sufficiently stable to permit manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and consumption without loss of substantial proportions of active chlorine, while allowing for a broad selection of surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, James L. Copeland, Stephen A. Morganson, Keith Olson
  • Patent number: 5352376
    Abstract: A thermoplastic compatible lubricant concentrate containing alkylpolyglycoside suitable for use in lubricating conveyor belts in the transporting of thermoplastic article of manufacture. The hydrophobic group of the alkylpolyglycoside is a long chain alkyl group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms. The degree of polymerization of the saccharide units in the polyglycoside is less than 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Gutzmann
  • Patent number: 5344074
    Abstract: A system for diluting and dispensing concentrated liquid products is disclosed. The system includes a dispensing device (10, 150) containing a removable proportioning means such as an aspirator assembly (40, 154). A concentrate pickup tube (114) attaches to the dispensing device and is in fluid communication with the aspirator assembly. The dispensing device can utilize a rigid outlet tube (20, 159) which is removably attached to nozzle tip (18, 158) for dispensing to large containers. Also disclosed is a method for diluting and dispensing chemical solutions using the dispensing device of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Spriggs, James D. Decker, James L. Copeland, Spencer B. Larson
  • Patent number: 5342584
    Abstract: An air freshener device (200) has a cartridge (100). The cartridge (100) has a housing (101) having a tray (102). A first fragrance (105) is in a first cavity (103) and a second fragrance (106) is in a second cavity (104). A fragrance diffuser (130) is operatively connected to the tray (102) and positioned over the compartments of the tray. A removable cover is operatively connected to the tray to seal the open tops of the cavities. A battery cover (116) has a first side operatively connected to the housing and a second side connected to the housing after a battery is enclosed in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara L. Fritz, John T. Olson, Stephen A. Morganson, William E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5340501
    Abstract: A solid, cast, highly chelated, alkaline detergent composition which includes (i) a potassium salt of an aminocarboxylic acid sequestrant, such as ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), (ii) optionally a sodium salt of the aminocarboxylic acid sequestrant, (iii) a source of alkalinity, such as sodium and/or potassium hydroxide, and (iv) a solidifying agent. The composition contains at least one of the sodium salt of the aminocarboxylic acid sequestrant and/or the sodium form of the alkaline source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Steindorf
  • Patent number: 5336500
    Abstract: The invention generally comprises a composition capable of sanitizing and disinfecting antimicrobial efficacy while also being ingestible as a food additive residue by humans and mammals. Specifically, the microbicidal composition of the invention generally comprises a carrier and an antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent generally comprises a C.sub.5 to C.sub.4 unsaturated monocarboxylic acid such as sorbic acid, in combination with an aromatic carboxylic acid such as benzoic acid. The antimicrobial composition of the invention is useful for both hard and soft surface sanitizing in environments such as farms, milk and food processing, fluid milk operations, institutional food preparation and serving areas, health care and child care facilities, as well as any other number of contact sensitive environments which require compositions having high antimicrobial efficacy and which will not contaminate food stocks and which pose no danger to humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, Daniel E. Pedersen, May J. Biedscheid, Dale L. Fredell
  • Patent number: 5328082
    Abstract: A unit dose package dispenser (1) including a drawer (13) and ramp (7) such that unit dose packages are urged through an aperture ( 10) and into the drawer ( 13). The ramp ( 7) is elevated from the bottom region (6) of the container (1) so as to isolate the contents of the container from moisture. A cover (14) formed integrally with the container front wall (4) tends to protect the contents of the drawer (13) from moisture in the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara L. Fritz, Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw
  • Patent number: 5320118
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing solid rinse aids is disclosed. The dissolved solid rinse aid is dispensed from a dispenser (100) to a solution tank or reservoir (40) which uses the heat of a high temperature warewash machine (10) to prevent bacterial or microbial growth and degradation of rinse aid solutions held within the reservoir (40). The dispenser (100) is a solid rinse aid dissolving unit that is preferably a gravity feed device dispensing solutions to the solution tank (40) located within the warewash machine (10). The dispenser (100) is fed with hot tap water or final rinse water to dissolve the solid rinse aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 5316688
    Abstract: The invention is an alkaline cleaning system which includes an alkaline detergent composition having a pH greater than 10.5 when diluted to a 1 wt-% aqueous solution, and an alkali stable continuous polymeric film dispersible or soluble in aqueous liquids covering the detergent composition. The invention also includes methods of using the alkaline cleaning system by applying an aqueous diluent automatically (by machine) or manually through partial or complete dissolution of the film covered solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5314687
    Abstract: A peroxyacid antimicrobial concentrate and use composition is provided comprising a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 peroxycarboxylic acid, and a C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 peroxyacid. The combination of these acids 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 processing operations is one utility of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Oakes, Patricia M. Stanley, Jerome D. Keller
  • Patent number: 5312624
    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: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, James Wilson, Daniel E. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 5310430
    Abstract: A solid cast block of water soluble detergent is dispensed by obtaining a solid detergent article of at least twenty liters cast onto a longitudinally extending structural core and placing the article within the spray chamber of a dispenser such that the article is supported on the structural core. The detergent article is then rotated upon the structural core while dissolving solvent is sprayed upon the rotating article. The resulting detergent solution is dispensed to an end use point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: John E. McCall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5310549
    Abstract: A solid iodine concentrate composition comprising an iodine complex, and a solidifier wherein said iodine complex comprises a complexing agent and an iodine source present in a ratio of at least 1.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Sandra L. Bull
  • Patent number: 5268002
    Abstract: A process for creating decolorized areas in dyed fabric, the process comprising the step of contacting wet dyed fabric with a pelletized decolorizing agent and optionally also including quenching the active decolorant present in the decolorizing pellet with a decolorant neutralizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne A. Olson, Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Wendell D. Burch
  • Patent number: 5259557
    Abstract: A system for proportioning and dispensing concentrated liquid products is disclosed. The components of the system's first embodiment are mounted upon a cart (12). A concentrate solution tube (14) is interconnected to a dilution assembly (61) containing an aspirator (26). A water supply assembly (69), containing a valve (75) and backflow preventer (74), is connected to the aspirator assembly (26) when dilution of the concentrated product (13) is desired. A discharge tube (68) carries the diluted product from the aspirator assembly (26) to a container (60). The system's second embodiment has a spray gun assembly (150) containing an aspirator (167), a valve (166), and preferably though not necessarily, a backflow preventer (165). The concentrate pickup tube (114) attaches to the spray gun assembly (150) with a releasable connector (170). The spray gun assembly has a rigid delivery tube (153) for dispensing to large containers (160), and a nozzle tip (180) for attachment to an inlet port (119) of a jug (111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Spriggs, James D. Decker, James L. Copeland, John E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5255820
    Abstract: A system for diluting and dispensing concentrated liquid products is disclosed. The system's components are mounted upon a cart (12). A concentrate solution tube (14) is interconnected to a dilution assembly (61) containing an aspirator (26). A water supply assembly (69), containing a valve (73) and backflow preventer (74), is connected to the aspirator assembly (26) when dilution of the concentrated product (13) is desired. A discharge tube (68) carries the diluted product from the aspirator assembly (26) to a container (60). Also disclosed is a method for diluting and handling solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Thomas