Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • SOLID CONCENTRATE DISPENSING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20130153602
    Abstract: Dispensing systems facilitates formation and dispensation of a use solution from a solid concentrate. The dispensing system may include a cartridge attached to a spray bottle or other dispensing apparatus. The cartridge defines a reservoir configured to store a solid product concentrate. A diluent, such as water, is placed in a fluid reservoir of the dispensing apparatus. Activation of a dispensing mechanism, such as a trigger, creates a vacuum in the cartridge reservoir, opening a valve and drawing diluent from the fluid reservoir into the cartridge reservoir and onto the solid product. The flow of diluent onto the solid product causes a portion of the solid product to be dissolved, eroded, and/or otherwise mixed with the diluent to form a use solution. Actuation of the dispense mechanism may further draw the use solution from the cartridge reservoir and dispense the use solution through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Gregory G. Griese
  • METHOD OF SEPARATING CHEMISTRIES IN A DOOR-TYPE DISHMACHINE
    Publication number: 20130146099
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dishmachine that includes at least two tanks and methods of using the tanks to isolate, substantially isolate, or incrementally isolate different chemistries from each other during a cycle. The disclosed dishmachine design and method allows for the use of two different, and potentially incompatible, reactive, or offsetting chemistries to be used in the same dishmachine cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: ECOLAB USA INC.
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AND OPENING PRODUCT PACKAGING
    Publication number: 20130145731
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring product packaging and removal of the packaging from a product is disclosed. The labeled product packaging includes a shrink wrap packaging adapted for sealing around a product. A predefined point of failure is configured in the packaging and includes a failure mode for when pulled in at least one direction. A label is sealed to the packaging and adhered to the predefined point of failure in covering relation over the predefined point of failure. Lifting the label from the packaging tears open the packaging starting at the predefined point of failure so the product can be removed from the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Ryan David Lucey, Christopher John Opelt, David M. Shoberg, Brian P. Carlson, Paul R. Kraus
  • ACID REGENERATION OF ION EXCHANGE RESINS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20130146086
    Abstract: Methods and systems for acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a water source use a treated, softened, acidic water source according to the invention. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: Ecolab USA Inc.
  • CONCENTRATED WAREWASHING COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20130146102
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to concentrated warewashing compositions and methods of using the same. In some aspects, the invention uses concentrated compositions in methods of warewashing where the concentrate is applied directly to the article to be cleaned, rather than dispensed into a sump and applied to the article as a ready-to-use composition. In additional aspects, the methods of using highly concentrated alkaline and/or acid compositions in an alternating pattern of alkaline-acid-alkaline or acid-alkaline-acid, or the like, provide substantially similar or superior cleaning efficacy while reducing the overall consumption of the alkaline and/or acid compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Steven J. Lange, Altony J. Miralles, Michael S. Rischmiller
  • CONVEYOR CHAIN TENSION MONITOR
    Publication number: 20130146425
    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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: Ecolab USA Inc.
  • INTEGRATED ACID REGENERATION OF ION EXCHANGE RESINS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20130146087
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed for use in cleaning applications. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a treated, softened, acidic water source are disclosed. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins within a cleaning application, e.g. ware wash machine, are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: Ecolab USA Inc.
  • In-situ cleaning system
    Patent number: 8459275
    Abstract: The in situ cleaning system provides an inlet capable of providing feed water to an in situ cleaning component, one or more in situ cleaning components, including water treatment components, an oxidizing agent generating component and/or alkalinity generating component, and an outlet in fluid communication with a washing system, providing a cleaning use solution to the washing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Erik C. Olson, Michael S. Rischmiller
  • Ethoxylated alcohol and monoethoxylated quaternary amines for enhanced food soil removal
    Patent number: 8460477
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including an ethoxylated alcohol and monoethoxylated quaternary amine blend, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins. The cleaning compositions include a biodegradable, volatile organic compound free, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates with substantially similar cleaning of food soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • LOW FOAMING SOLID SINK DETERGENT
    Publication number: 20130139856
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions for use in open washing devices and methods of cleaning articles in open washing devices using the disclosed compositions. The disclosed compositions are effective at cleaning articles using the relatively less intense mechanical action of an open washing device (versus the more intense mechanical action of a closed automatic dishwasher). The disclosed compositions also generate some foam to provide visual confirmation that there is a composition in the sink, but not so much foam that the foam becomes excessive when the agitator is turned on or that the generated foam overflows the sink. Finally, the disclosed compositions are less irritating to an operator's skin, which is at least partly attributed to the lower levels of free alkalinity in the composition as measured as percent sodium oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: Ecolab USA Inc.
  • Dry lubricant for conveying containers
    Patent number: 8455409
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Arturo S. Valencia Sil, Lawrence A. Grab, Bruce E. Schmidt, David A. Halsrud, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Eric D. Morrison, Hector R. Dibenedetto
  • Cleaning compositions employing extended chain anionic surfactants
    Patent number: 8454709
    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. 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: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles DeNoma, Susan Maloney Viall, Steven E. Lentsch, Yvonne Marie Killeen
  • FOAMING ALCOHOL COMPOSITIONS WITH SELECTED DIMETHICONE SURFACTANTS
    Publication number: 20130137777
    Abstract: Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants are disclosed. The dimethicone surfactants are PEG-8 to PEG-12 linear dimethicone surfactants and in particular PEG-10 linear dimethicone surfactant. The compositions are useful as antimicrobial products and in particular handcare or skincare products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: Ecolab USA Inc.
  • Fast drying and fast draining rinse aid
    Patent number: 8450264
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Janel Marie Kieffer, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Steven E. Lentsch
  • METHOD FOR PRODUCING RESERVOIR LAYER FOR HOOF TREATMENT AND RESERVOIR LAYER
    Publication number: 20130129637
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kit or article of manufacture comprising as separate components: (a) a polymeric metal astringent; (b) an anionic surfactant; wherein combining component (a) and (b) provides a reaction product of said polymeric metal astringent and said anionic surfactant in form of a precipitate comprising said metal astringent and said anionic surfactant, for use in the preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of hoof or foot disease in cattle and other types of hoofed animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Iris C. Beckert, Petra Vogt
  • SOLIDIFICATION MATRIX USING A CARBOXYMETHYL CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER BINDING AGENT
    Publication number: 20130130964
    Abstract: A cleaning composition includes a carboxymethyl carbohydrate polymer, sodium carbonate, and water. The carboxymethyl carbohydrate polymer, sodium carbonate, and water interact to form a hydrate solid. The solid cleaning composition exhibits little or no swelling even when heated to temperatures up to 120° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: ECOLAB USA INC.
  • AUTOMATED SANTIZATION AND DISINFECTION OF RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL BODIES OF WATER
    Publication number: 20130126403
    Abstract: An automated chemical feeder system maintains sanitizer concentration and pH in a body of water, such as a pool, spa, water feature, or other such body of water, at desired levels. A manifold includes a plurality of inlets, each of which receives the addition of a different chemical product to be added to the pool water. The system connects to the pool circulation system via two injection ports; a pool water sample port and a pool return port. Because the system requires only two injection ports into the pool circulation system, the ease of installation of system may be increased and the time required to install the system may be reduced. In another example, an automated chemical feeder system is adapted to maintain sanitizer concentration and pH in two bodies of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Kilawee, Leonard J. Kadlec, James R. Mock, SR., Marnie J. Lietz
  • SOLID AIR FRESHENER
    Publication number: 20130126634
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid pressed air freshener and odor neutralizer composition which can include greater than 10% fragrance. The air freshener comprises a fragrance; preferably the fragrance is impregnated within a water soluble substrate made from a foamed vegetable starch, a surfactant and a solidifier. The solid formulations break down easily in the presence of water and may be sprayed, within the area to be freshened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Amanda Ruth Blattner, Charles Allen Hodge, Timothy John Kohnke, Mark Dennis Levitt, Julie Ellen Marquardt
  • Antimicrobial compositions for use on food products
    Patent number: 8445419
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of treating food products by applying an antimicrobial composition and processing the food product using selected processing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gutzmann Allen Timothy, Scott L. Burnett, Richard Keith Staub, Erin Mertz, Seth Young Raley
  • Wipe and seal product pump
    Patent number: 8444019
    Abstract: A product dispensing system is provided. The product dispensing system includes a dispensing device and a sealing assembly. The dispensing device is configured and arranged to pass product out of a dispensing orifice in the product dispensing system. The sealing assembly is configured and arranged to wipe and seal the dispensing orifice to prevent exposure of unused product with ambient air when the product dispensing system is not dispensing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Lucey, Anthony L. Kramer, Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Sherri L. Tischler, Mihnea A. Popa, Brian P. Carlson