Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Method for reduced encrustation of textiles using a polymer comprising maleic acid, vinyl acetate, and alkyl acrylate
    Patent number: 8740993
    Abstract: A laundry detergent composition includes an alkalinity source, at least one nonionic surfactant and a polymer comprising maleic acid, vinyl acetate and alkyl acrylate monomers. The alkalinity source is present in an amount between about 1% and about 75% by weight of the laundry detergent composition and includes at least one member selected from alkali metal hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates. The polymer comprising maleic acid, vinyl acetate and alkyl acrylate monomers is present in an amount equal to or greater than about 0.5% by weight of the laundry detergent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Christensen, Lauren M. Hunker, Carter Silvernail, Brandon G. Beyer, Kerrie E. Walters
  • Volumetric metering device
    Patent number: 8740022
    Abstract: A metering device meters and dispenses of a known volume of a liquid product. The metering device includes a receptacle and a moveable slug sized to fit within the receptacle, leaving a remaining volume within the receptacle equivalent to a desired amount of a liquid product to be dispensed. Application of a vacuum at the outlet end draws the known volume of liquid product out of the receptacle and causes the moveable slug to move from a first position at the inlet end of the receptacle to a second position at the outlet end of the receptacle. At the same time, additional liquid product is drawn in via the inlet aperture. When the vacuum is removed, the slug returns through the additionally drawn-in liquid product back to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan S. Carroll
  • Timed dispenser and audit system
    Patent number: 8744623
    Abstract: A chemical product dispenser includes one or more timing features. The chemical product may include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or other chemical products typically dispensed using a conventional spray bottle or other chemical product applicator used in the cleaning industry. The timed dispenser includes a timer and one or more indicators that are activated when one or more predetermined periods of time (such as a contact time or cure time) have elapsed. A timed dispenser audit system further monitors and analyzes use of the timed dispensers throughout one or more facilities, and may generate reports based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Drake, Sherri L. Tischler, Paul R. Kraus
  • Method and system for monitoring operation of a dispensing system
    Patent number: 8742883
    Abstract: A method and system provides for monitoring, troubleshooting and acquiring diagnostics information from an aspirating dispensing system (10). The dispensing system (10) uses an aspirator (12) with a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a flow meter (30) connected in liquid communication with at least one of the liquid inlet ports and a liquid source. The system monitors, troubleshoots and acquires diagnostics information from one or more components of the dispensing system by monitoring operation of the flow meter (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Pelkey, Robert Eugene May, Ryan Jacob Urban, Quang Van Dao
  • MASS-BASED DISPENSING USING OPTICAL DISPLACEMENT MEASUREMENT
    Publication number: 20140144936
    Abstract: A dispensing system and methods employed therein uses optical displacement sensing to control dispensation of one or more products. An optical displacement sensor measures displacement of a load beam supporting a vessel from which the product is to be dispensed. The displacement of the load beam is related to the amount (weight) of the product remaining in the vessel. The system may thus control dispensation of the product based on the optical displacement measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Mihnea A. Popa
  • ACIDIC VISCOELASTIC SURFACTANT BASED CLEANING COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20140148372
    Abstract: Acidic viscoelastic cleaning compositions are disclosed which use non polymer thickening agents. According to the invention, cleaning compositions have been developed using viscoelastic surfactants in acidic cleaning formulations. These provide the dual benefit of thickening as well as an additional cleaning, thereby improving performance. Applicants have also identified several pseudo linking agents which when, used with viscoelastic surfactants provide enhanced viscoelasticity and cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles Denoma, Yvonne Marie Killeen, Susan Maloney Viall
  • CONTROL OF MERCURY EMISSIONS
    Publication number: 20140145111
    Abstract: Methods for controlling mercury emissions and/or reducing corrosion of equipment used in combustion processes are provided, and more particularly, methods for controlling mercury re-emissions from a wet flue gas desulfurizer and/or reducing corrosion of the wet flue gas desulfurizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Keiser, Robert W. Dorner, Jianwei Yuan, Jitendra Shah, Wayne M. Carlson
  • FOAM STABILIZATION WITH POLYETHYLENEIMINE ETHOXYLATES
    Publication number: 20140148374
    Abstract: The invention involves foam stabilization compositions that rely upon an electrostatic charge interaction. According to the invention, the positively charged class of polymers such as polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers are used to provide a long range electrostatic interaction with detersive anionic or amphoteric surfactants present in the same. The interaction must be of sufficient character so that the components do not precipitate out, instead causing longer lasting and increased foam production. The system provides an environmentally friendly alternative for traditional foaming enhancers such as cocamide DEA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Yvonne Marie Killeen
  • VISCOELASTIC SURFACTANT BASED CLEANING COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20140148371
    Abstract: Alkaline or neutral viscoelastic cleaning compositions are disclosed which use non polymer thickening agents. According to the invention, cleaning compositions have been developed using viscoelastic surfactants in a neutral, acidic or alkaline cleaning formulations. These provide the dual benefit of thickening as well as an additional cleaning, thereby improving performance. Applicants have also identified several pseudo linking agents which when, used with viscoelastic surfactants provide viscoelasticity in alkaline cleaning compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles DeNoma, Yvonne Marie Killeen, Susan Maloney Viall
  • METHOD OF KILLING BEDBUG EGGS
    Publication number: 20140142196
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pre-rinsing laundry and treating other surfaces employing a composition that can kill bedbug eggs. The composition includes a fatty alcohol and an alcohol ethoxylate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Yvonne M. Killeen, Victor F. Man, Joelle F. Olson, Erin F. Loosbrock
  • METHOD OF KILLING BEDBUG EGGS
    Publication number: 20140140948
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pre-rinsing laundry and treating other surfaces employing a composition that can kill bedbug eggs. The composition includes an anionic compound and is at pH just above neutral, e.g., about 7 to about 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik Olson, Yvonne Killeen, Victor Man, Joelle Olson, Erin Loosbrock
  • Glycerol-based polymers for reducing deposition of organic contaminants in papermaking processes
    Patent number: 8728275
    Abstract: Described herein are methods of reducing the deposition of organic contaminants, such as pitch and stickies, in papermaking processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojin Harry Li, Paul F. Richardson, Sergey M. Shevchenko
  • Driving circuit for powering a bi-directional load
    Patent number: 8730701
    Abstract: An H-bridge control circuit comprises an input stage, comparator stage, inverter stage. The operation of the H-bridge can be controlled by a single analog input signal provided by a feedback stage. Shoot-through protection is provided for the H-bridge circuit through the inclusion of a dead gap determined by inputs to the comparator stage. The dead gap can be adjusted, allowing for adjustment of the precision operation of the load. The H-bridge can be used to drive a bi-directional load such as, for example, a Peltier conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Skirda, Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Viktor Slobodyan
  • Conveyor chain tension monitor
    Patent number: 8727102
    Abstract: At least one single link of a conveyor chain is configured to support a tension load cell. A main body portion of the link includes a central cavity sized to contain the load cell, which has been inserted therein through an opening of the main body portion, and at least one auxiliary cavity to contain at least one battery cell and circuitry. A cap portion of the link closes off the opening into the cavity to enclose the load cell therein. One or both of the main body and cap portions may include a bore to receive a fastener for attaching to an end of the inserted load cell, and both portions include a bore oriented to receive a pin of a mating dual link of the conveyor chain. The cap portion may also include anti-rotation surfaces to mate with one or both of: the load cell and the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, William M. Christensen, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Richard Ruhr, Paul R. Kraus, Mark Lorenz
  • Generation of peroxycarboxylic acids at alkaline pH, and their use as textile bleaching and antimicrobial agents
    Patent number: 8729296
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating percarboxylic acid compositions and/or peroxycarboxylic acid compositions formed external to a point of use in non-equilibrium reactions for use in certain bleaching and antimicrobial applications, in particular laundry applications. The compositions are generated external to a point of use, at alkaline pH levels, viz. greater than about pH 12, and optionally suitable for use with detergents and/or surfactants for synergistic bleaching efficacy. Methods of bleaching and/or disinfecting are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Fast, Robert D. P. Hei, Richard Staub, Thomas J. Dürrschmidt, Peter J. Forth, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Thomas Merz, Johannes G. Winter
  • Methods and compositions using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as scale control agent
    Patent number: 8729006
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions that employ sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a scale inhibitor. According to the invention, scale inhibiting compositions are disclosed which include, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and a polymer such as polymaleic acid, polyacrylic acid or mixtures, copolymers or terpolymers of the same and optionally may also include a phosphonate. The scale control composition may be incorporated into a detergent/cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Altony Miralles, Xin Sun, Michelle Fung, John Krueger
  • EMULSIFICATION OF ALKENYL SUCCINIC ANHYDRIDE WITH AN AMINE-CONTAINING HOMOPOLYMER OR COPOLYMER
    Publication number: 20140130994
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method of preparing and using an emulsion for treating a papermaking process. The emulsion is an oil-in-water emulsion of alkenyl succinic anhydride emulsified with a polymer comprising at least one primary or secondary amine containing monomer. The method comprises adding an oil-in-water emulsion to the papermaking process; wherein the oil-in-water emulsion comprises alkenyl succinic anhydride emulsified with a polymer comprising at least one primary or secondary amine containing monomer; and wherein the oil-in-water emulsion is added in an amount sufficient to improve sizing of the paper produced by the papermaking process. The primary or secondary amine may be a secondary amine comprising diallylamine, and the polymer may be a diallylamine-acrylamide copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. St. John, David J. Castro, Mei Liu
  • ANTIMICROBIAL PERACID COMPOSITIONS WITH SELECTED CATALASE ENZYMES AND METHODS OF USE IN ASEPTIC PACKAGING
    Publication number: 20140134047
    Abstract: The present invention relates to specially selected catalase enzymes and their use in reducing hydrogen peroxide in applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Brandon L. Herdt, Joshua P. Magnuson, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Krista L. Owens
  • Method of using rinse aid compositions in automatic dishwashing machines
    Patent number: 8721801
    Abstract: A method of warewashing is provided. A combination detergent rinse aid composition is used according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes an alkaline source and a water-soluble anion. The rinse aid composition comprises an acid. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8. The anion is present in sufficient amount to leave a residue of anions on the surface of the wares. The acid of the rinse aid has a sufficiently low pKa to react with the anions to form an insoluble oxide on the surface of the wares. The insoluble oxide reduces the surface tension of water on the surface of the wares thus reducing water spotting. Methods for using and manufacturing a combination warewashing detergent-rinse aid composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Limescale and soap scum removing composition containing methane sulfonic acid
    Patent number: 8722609
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including an acid component is provided, along with methods for using the composition to remove soil from hard surfaces. The concentrate cleaning composition includes between about 1 and about 70 wt % of methane sulfonic acid, about 0.1 to about 15 wt % of a surfactant component, up to about 90% of a solvent and other adjuvants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc
    Inventors: Barbara G. Choczaj, Michael J. Bartelme, Steven E. Lentsch, Katherine O. Vetter, Marvin C. Trulsen, Erik C. Olson, Mark D. Levitt