Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Solid chemical product dilution control
    Patent number: 8602069
    Abstract: A solid chemical product is dispensed to prepare a requested amount of a use solution having a requested concentration of the chemical product. In some examples, a target amount of a diluent and a target amount of the chemical product required to prepare the requested use solution are determined. The target amount of the diluent is dispensed into a container. At least some of the diluent in the container is applied to the solid chemical product to create a resultant use solution, which is directed back into the container. The diluent from the container is applied to the chemical product until the amount of the use solution in the container satisfies the requested amount. In some examples, the target amount of the diluent and the target amount of the chemical product are measured by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mihnea A. Popa, Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Sherri L. Tischler, Blake Roberts Otting
  • Apparatus for control of on site mixing of solid peroxide source and catalyst
    Patent number: 8603408
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling on site generation and mixing of a two or more part chemistry, such as a peroxide source and a catalyst. In particular, the invention discloses an apparatus and dispensing method for separating solid surfaces that undergo an uncontrolled, continuous reaction when contacted with water and allows for delivery of solid reactive chemistries at the same time in a standard spray from the bottom dispensing configuration while preventing continued reaction after the dosing is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine M. Sanville, John E. Thomas
  • Electrolyzed water system
    Patent number: 8603392
    Abstract: Corrosion-inhibited hypochlorite compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Corrosion inhibitors including sugar acids and calcium compounds, polyacrylate and calcium compounds, and/or zinc and calcium compounds are used with hypochlorite sources to enhance the longevity and performance of electrochemical cells as well as reducing corrosion of metal in contact with the generated hypochlorite sources. The methods for generation employ a variety of electrochemical cells, beneficially including use of portable electrochemical cell system for production of corrosion-inhibited hypochlorite cleaning solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jenna Johnson, Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • SOLIDIFICATION MECHANISM INCORPORATING IONIC LIQUIDS
    Publication number: 20130324455
    Abstract: A solid cleaning composition including an ionic liquid and a hardening agent is provided. The compositions are substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates, including nonyl phenol ethoxylates. The solid cleaning compositions remain solid at room temperature despite the inclusion of ionic liquids, providing an effective, biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylate cleaning compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Amanda Ruth Blattner, Charles Allen Hodge
  • OPTICAL SENSOR FOR DETERMINING QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND CONCENTRATION
    Publication number: 20130323854
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a dye that signals when the concentration of a quaternary ammonium compound in antimicrobial solution changes. A sensor is used to monitor changes in the dye wavelength as an indicator of the quat concentration. The use of a sensor leads to improved precision in measuring quat concentration by eliminating or reducing operator bias in reading color or wavelength changes. The dye can be incorporated into a variety of articles including towels, labels, containers, buckets, trays, sinks, spray bottles, liners for containers, buckets, sinks, or spray bottles, indictor wands or strips, and test kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Sherri Tischler, Kim R. Smith
  • ACIDIC COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING REDUCING AGENTS FOR ELIMINATION OF HARD WATER SCALE AND DECOLORIZATION OF METAL STAINS
    Publication number: 20130319467
    Abstract: An acidic destaining composition for removing hard water and metal stains is disclosed. The composition comprises an acid in combination with a reducing agent and may preferably be formulated as a solid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Mohs, Jennifer Bergerson
  • Apparatus, method and system for calibrating a liquid dispensing system
    Patent number: 8590362
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs to a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Carbone, II, Richard J. Mehus, Kevin C. Tauer, Anatoly Skirda, Eugene Tokhtuev, William M. Christensen
  • Method of reusing rinse water from disinfecting packages with peracid and catalase
    Patent number: 8586031
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon L. Herdt, Joshua P. Magnuson, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Krista L. Owens
  • Soil resistant floor cleaner
    Patent number: 8585829
    Abstract: A cleaning composition includes a fatty acid salt constituting up to about 50% by weight of the composition, an anti-slip agent constituting up to about 20% by weight of the composition, a soil resistant agent constituting up to about 20% by weight of the composition and water. Methods of cleaning coated and uncoated surfaces, and particularly stone surfaces, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Catherine Hanson, Kim R. Smith, Robert D. Hei, Robert Crowley, Traci Gioino, Andrew Steven Wold, Mark D. Levitt
  • LABEL REMOVAL SOLUTION FOR RETURNABLE BEVERAGE BOTTLES
    Publication number: 20130303422
    Abstract: According to the invention, the compositions and methods provide for the complete removal of synthetic glues or adhesives from a plurality of surfaces through the use of organic solvents and/or amine solvents in combination with surfactants, chelants, acidulants and/or additional bottle wash additives. Beneficially, the compositions and methods are suitable for use at lower temperatures and pH conditions that conventional caustic-based adhesive removal compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, JR., Ralf Krack, Duc Nguyen, Terrence P. Everson
  • Customizable disposable mop
    Patent number: 8578545
    Abstract: A customizable, disposable mop and method for customizing a disposable mop to have different floor contacting surface properties is disclosed. The mop (10) includes a floor contacting surface area (26) having a length and width and floor contacting surface properties. The outer layer (24) of the mop (10) has two or more partitions in covering relation over an inner layer (22). One or more of the outer layer partitions (28, 30, 32) is selectably separable along a seam from covering relation over the inner layer (22) or over two or more respective partitions (34, 36, 38) in the inner layer (22). The outer layer (24) and inner layer (22) partitions have a selectable mopping characteristic for customizing the properties of the floor contacting surface area (26) of the mop (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Boyd Wolf, Beth Hohl, Elke Leuchten
  • Reduced caustic laundry detergents based on extended chain surfactants
    Patent number: 8580727
    Abstract: The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. In another embodiment anionic surfactants are combined with a solvent, and amine oxide to remove sunscreen stains. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles DeNoma, Yvonne Marie Killeen, Steven Eugene Lentsch
  • APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STANDARDIZING HAND CARE
    Publication number: 20130291947
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for providing and dispensing various hand care alternatives from a common point of dispension, such as a faucet, for standardizing the hand care, washing, sanitizing, and drying process is disclosed. Included is a liquid flow path having an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid source and an outlet in fluid communication with a user reception point. A secondary flow path has an inlet in communication with one or more hand care alternatives and an outlet in communication with the user reception point. A user-perceivable output provides notification of the hand care operation being provided at the user reception point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Denise Chandler, Anthony Lee Kramer, Brian Philip Carlson, Sarah Gilbertson, Kenneth Thomas Dobizl
  • FLUID DISPENSERS WITH ADJUSTABLE DOSING
    Publication number: 20130292410
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes an adjustable dosing mechanism that permits adjustment of the amount of fluid to be dispensed. An adjustable dosing mechanism may be inserted into the dispenser in either a high dose orientation or a low dose orientation. The body further includes pair of dose adjusting flanges. When the adjustable dosing mechanism body is received into the dispenser in the high dose orientation, a relatively larger quantity of fluid product is dispensed. When the adjustable dosing mechanism body is received into the dispenser in the low dose orientation, a relatively smaller quantity of fluid product is dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Pelkey, Brian P. Carlson, Troy A. Anderson, Brian K. Stahel
  • COLLAPSIBLE BOTTLE
    Publication number: 20130292355
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to rigid, collapsible bottles that may be drained of their contents by gravity. The structural features of the bottle design help facilitate controlled bottle collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Lausted, Brian P. Carlson, Troy A. Anderson, John T. Pelkey, Bryce A. Keilman, Monis Bangi
  • DISPENSER WITH LOCKABLE PUSHBUTTON
    Publication number: 20130292417
    Abstract: A lockable pushbutton includes a locking mechanism configurable to provide a pushbutton locked position and a pushbutton unlocked position. When the locking mechanism is positioned in the locked orientation, the locking mechanism prevents actuation of the pushbutton. When the locking mechanism body is positioned in the unlocked orientation the locking mechanism permits actuation of the pushbutton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Pelkey, Brian P. Carlson, Troy A. Anderson, Brian K. Stahel
  • SELF-CLEANING OPTICAL SENSOR
    Publication number: 20130293881
    Abstract: An optical sensor may include a sensor head that has an optical window for directing light into a flow of fluid and/or receiving optical energy from the fluid. The optical sensor may also include a flow chamber that includes a housing defining a cavity into which the sensor head can be inserted. In some examples, the flow chamber includes an inlet port defining a flow nozzle that is configured to direct fluid entering the flow chamber against the optical window of the sensor head. In operation, the force of the incoming fluid impacting the optical window may prevent fouling materials from accumulating on the optical window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Eugene TOKHTUEV, Christopher J. OWEN, Anatoly SKIRDA, William M. CHRISTENSEN
  • Insect trap
    Patent number: 8572890
    Abstract: An insect trap includes a support structure and a lid. The support structure includes a bottom portion and a rear portion extending upward from a rear of the bottom portion. The rear portion includes a first connector. The lid is pivotally connected to the rear portion, and the lid includes an inside surface with a second connector. The support structure and the lid define a cavity and have an open position and a closed position. The bottom portion is configured and arranged to receive a first panel member, the first connector is configured and arranged to receive a second panel member, and the second connector is configured and arranged to receive a third panel member. A bracket could be used to support a fourth panel member. The support structure could include a bracket about which a power cord is windable to vary the length of the power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Mitch Lark, Brian Philip Carlson, Scott R. Limback
  • ICE HANDLING CONTAINER
    Publication number: 20130284306
    Abstract: The invention is an improved ice handling container and methods for using the container. The container includes a bottom wall with upstanding sidewalls terminating in a mouth. A bail having an apex and opposing ends is pivotally attached to opposing sidewalls of the container. The bail has a handle generally at the apex and a hook extending generally outwardly from the bail generally near the apex of the bail for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally upward. One sidewall has a handle generally adjacent the bottom wall and a hook generally adjacent the handle extending generally outwardly and upwardly from the sidewall for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Brian Philip Carlson, Ryan Allen Chernik, Eric Richard Balz, Christopher Carroll Wagner
  • Wetting agents for aseptic filling
    Patent number: 8567161
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to wetting agent compositions and methods for making and using the wetting agent compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional wetting agents. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Janel M. Kieffer, Michael C. Denoma, Yvonne M. Killeen, Joshua P. Magnuson