Patents Assigned to Ecolab Inc.
  • Patent number: 5194230
    Abstract: A solid product static brake (10) is provided which is employed in cast solid chemical block dispensing systems for slowing a generally downward gravitationally driven movement of the solid chemical block when placed or installed in a chemical dispenser. The brake provides the ability to prevent the destruction of the cast solid during installation due to mechanical shock. The static brake comprises a horizontal base frame (12), and a plurality of rigid blade members (18) extending from the base frame in a generally perpendicular direction. When a new solid block is installed, the blade members contact and slow the solid block as it falls into the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. PeKarna, Greg M. Grandprey, John M. Lavorata, Daniel K. Boche
  • Patent number: 5186912
    Abstract: A dispenser (10) and method for washing dishes and utensils in a dishwashing machine are disclosed. The dispenser (10) is comprised of a container (11) and lid (12), the dispenser containing a solid detergent composition (13). A slot (23) in a side wall (17) and baffle (26) allow for controlled drainage of the detergent solution. The lid (12) has a plurality of openings (18) through which water from the dishwashing machine enters, so as to dissolve the solid detergent (13). The dispenser (10) is positioned within the washing chamber (20) of a dishwashing machine (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Steindorf, Katsumi Maeda, Daniel K. Boche, Yoichi Satoh
  • Patent number: 5182035
    Abstract: Concentrated solid and liquid antimicrobial lubricating compositions which include (-) about 1-20 wt % of a diamine acetate salt having the formula [(R.sup.1 )NH(R.sup.2)NH.sub.3 ].sup.+ (CH/COO).sup. - or [(R.sup.1)NH.sub.2 (R.sup.2)NH.sub.3.sup.++ ](CH.sub.3 COO).sub.2.sup.- wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.10-18 aliphatic group or an ether group having the formula R.sup.10 O(R.sup.11) wherein R.sup.10 is a C.sub.10-18 aliphatic group and R.sup.11 is a C.sub.1-5 alkyl group; and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.1-5 alkylene group, (-) about 0-30 wt % of an alcohol for the purpose of enhancing the physical stability of the composition, and (-) about 0-20 wt % of a nonionic surfactant. The liquid form of the lubricant composition includes a major proportion of water while the solid form of the lubricant composition includes an amount of a solidification agent effective for assisting in solidification of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Schmidt, Robert E. F. Swerts
  • Patent number: 5174914
    Abstract: Concentrated liquid and solid lubricating compositions having superior compatability with synthetic polymeric packaging materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), linear high density polyethylene (LHDPE), polystyrene, polymeric coated papers, and the like, can include 1 to 50 wt % of a fatty acid diamine salt having the formula [(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)N(R.sup.5)NH(R.sup.3)(R.sup.4)].sup.+ (R.sup.6 COO).sup.- or [(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)NH(R.sup.5)NH(R.sup.3)(R.sup.4)].sup.++ (R.sup.6 COO).sub.2.sup.- wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.10-18 aliphatic group; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen or an alkoxy group containing one to five alkylene oxide units; R.sup.5 is a C.sub.1-5 alkylene group; and R.sup.6 is a C.sub.10-18 aliphatic group. The lubricating compositions are particularly useful on the load bearing surfaces of conveyor belts used in the bottling of carbonated beverages in polyethylene terephthalate bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Gutzmann
  • Patent number: 5158766
    Abstract: A single-part aqueous, storage stable, antimicrobial film-forming composition comprising a major portion of water, an antimicrobially effective amount of a cationic germicidal agent having the structure (R) (R.sub.1) (R.sub.2) (R.sub.3) N.sup.+ X.sup.-, wherein R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are independently selected from groups including benzyl, alkyl, benzyl, halo benzyl, C.sub.1-14 alkyl, C.sub.5-24 alkyl or C.sub.1-4 hydroxyalkyl and X.sup.- represents an anion capable of imparting water solubility or dispersability to the compound, and a stoichemetrically effective amount of acid functional anionic polymer, wherein said cationic germicidal agent and anionic polymer remain dissolved as a homogeneous aqueous solution until used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Greenwald, David A. Halsrud
  • Patent number: 5158778
    Abstract: A stable, solid or semi-solid, antimicrobial composition is provided comprising a dialdehyde antimicrobial agent such as glutaraldehyde, and a carbohydrate such as a sugar or a polyol such as a sugar alcohol. The composition can be employed to preserve, sanitize, disinfect, or sterilize a contaminated surface or area. The composition can also be combined with an absorbing agent to produce a moisture absorbent antimicrobial composition which can be used to absorb and disinfect biological spills such as body fluid spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Donovan, David D. McSherry, Dale L. Fredell
  • Patent number: 5154920
    Abstract: Liquid disinfectant compositions are disclosed which can be used to surface-coat substrates with polymeric films which are adherent, water-resistant and which can impart prolonged germicidal properties to the treated surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Flesher, Robert T. Hall, Richard C. Chromecek, Michael C. Braun
  • Patent number: 5145608
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more ethoxylated fatty amines corresponding to the following general formula ##STR1## in which n is an integer of from 2 to 30.R.sup.1 is a C.sub.8-24 straight-chain or branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl, andR.sup.2 has the formula--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.m --H (11)or the formula ##STR2## where R.sup.3 is a C.sub.2-6 alkylene, andm, x, and y are each an integer of from 0 to 30, as solution promoters in detergent concentrates for detergent solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Wershofen
  • Patent number: 5139788
    Abstract: An antimicrobial surface sanitizing composition comprising a major portion of diluent and an active antimicrobial agent, said agent comprising an antimicrobial effective amount of an alpha-hydroxy substituted mono- or di-carboxylic acid, and an antimicrobial effective amount of hydrogen peroxide, wherein after contact with the intended surface said antimicrobial composition leaves a noncontaminating residue upon that surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: William Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5137694
    Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Copeland, Henry A. Snyder, Sherwood A. Bergseid, Thomas H. Indieke
  • Patent number: 5122538
    Abstract: We have found a new and useful process to generate peroxy acid sanitizing and bleaching compositions at the point-of-use, the process comprising introducing hydrogen peroxide and a carboxylic acid into a reactor at about 0.1 to 10 moles of hydrogen peroxide per mole of acid, and contacting the hydrogen peroxide and carboxylic acid in the presence of a sulfonic acid resin and in the substantial abssence of active metal ions which forms an aqueous peroxy acid composition at a concentration from about up to 20 wt %. Using this process, warewashing, laundry sanitizing and bleach, and hard surface sanitizing compositions can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Thomas R. Oakes
  • Patent number: 5122159
    Abstract: Aqueous processes and compositions of the invention for obtaining a "stone-washed", distressed or "used and abused" look in clothing, particularly in the panels and seams of denim jeans and jackets involve compositions that are stone-free that avoid mechanical abrasion of the fabric. In particular, the process and composition of the invention used to obtain the distressed, "stone-washed" or "acid washed look" are free of common pumice or pumice-bleach compositions, used in large institutional-size laundry machines, and rely solely on the chemical action of aqueous treatment compositions. The aqeuous treatments can be made from liquid or solid concentrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne A. Olson, Patricia M. Stanley
  • Patent number: 5108740
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid composition that yields an abrasion resistant polymeric film on a surface that provides extended protection from microbial growth through slow release of a potent antimicrobial agent. The active ingredient of the liquid composition has the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R=H, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.1)alkyl, --COOH, --CH.sub.2 --COOH, --C.sub.6 H.sub.11, or -phenyl;R'=H, or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3)alkyl, --CH.sub.2 --COOH, --C.sub.6 H.sub.11, or -phenyl;R"=H, or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5)alkyl; andX=a single bond; ##STR2## where m=2-4; and Z=H or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3)alkyl;as well as homopolymers, copolymers, or terpolymers comprising said active ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Greenwald, Isaac S. Y. Sze
  • Patent number: 5102874
    Abstract: Antimicrobial mixtures contain quaternary ammonium compounds and quaternary phosphonium compounds in a ratio by weight of from 1:9 to 9:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Lintner, Reinhard Orth, Rudolf Lehmann, Hans-Juergen Mueller
  • Patent number: 5100032
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser (10) for dispensing a wash chemical solution which has been created by dissolving a solid wash chemical (65) in a diluent. The dispenser (10) has a sump (48) which is positioned beneath an outlet port (40) for the wash chemical solution, so that the sump (48) collects the dissolved wash chemical. The sump (48) is contained within a reservoir (17), and overflow from the sump (48) is collected within the reservoir (17). A pick-up tube (27) withdraws the wash chemical solution from the reservoir (17). The sump (48) is retained within the reservoir (17) by flexible tabs (72) and a support member (51) against which the sump (48) is positioned. A screen is provided above the sump (48) for filtering unwanted particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Burdorf, John E. Thomas, Dale W. Groth, Lee J. Monsrud
  • Patent number: 5080819
    Abstract: A solid cast warewashing composition is produced for use in automatic washing machines at low temperatures. A liquid detergent composition is cast into a mold where it is allowed to solidify. The solid cast detergent, surrounded on all but its upper surface by the mold, is used in automatic washing machines having a dispensing device designed to dispense a liquid aqueous detergent formed from the solid cast detergent using an impinging liquid spray. The liquid aqueous detergent flows out of the dispensing device generally simultaneously with its formation in the dispenser. The cast detergent composition includes about 5 to 12 wt-% of a nonionic surfactant, an alkali metal hydroxide, a sequestrant, water of hydration and optionally further includes one or more preformed cores or plugs comprising an available chlorine source, a defoamer, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Morganson, Bernard J. Heile, Kim J. Ashton
  • Patent number: 5078301
    Abstract: An article comprising a water soluble container containing a multiple use amount of a pelletized functional composition such as a fabric treatment composition, a warewashing composition, a laundry composition, a pot and pan presoak composition, a silverware presoak composition, a floor cleaner composition, a rinse additive composition, a disinfectant composition, a sanitizer composition, a general purpose cleaner composition, etc. The article may be optionally enclosed in a water impervious outerwrap. A method for using the article by placing the article inside a dispenser wherein the article is contacted with water having a sufficient temperature and pressure to dissolve the water soluble bag and the pelletized functional material contained therein in order to form a solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Sheryl D. Slocumb
  • Patent number: 5062979
    Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous, clear solution-forming, substantially soap free lubricant compositions and to the use of the lubricant compositions according to the invention, especially as lubricants for the transport of glass bottles or poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles. The substantially neutral aqueous lubricant compositions (pH 6-8) contain alkyl benzenesulfonates, partial phosphate esters with alkoxylated aliphatic alcohols, and aliphatic carboxylic acids, optionally in addition to typical solubilizers, solvents, foam inhibitors and disinfectants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Rolf Scharf, Karl-Heinz Schmitz
  • Patent number: 5061485
    Abstract: Liquid disinfectant compositions are disclosed which can be used to surface-coat substrates with polymeric films which are adherent, water-resistant and which can impart prolonged germicidal properties to the treated surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Oakes, Daniel E. Pedersen, Donna M. Majewski
  • Patent number: D334227
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson