Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Publication number: 20120311920
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to treating articles suspected of being infested with bed bugs using carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Joelle Francine Olson, Kim R. Smith, John E. Thomas, Andrew M. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8329630
    Abstract: Cleaner compositions, methods of making cleaners, and methods of use are disclosed. Disclosed is a method of formulating a ready-to-use degreaser composition that has extended to infinite cling time. The method of making the cleaner results in thickened compositions that are capable of removing from vertical and inverted surfaces fresh, greasy and baked-on soils encountered in the food industry. The compositions include one or more alkalinity sources, one or more chelants, one or more surfactants, one or more thickening agents, one or more solvents, one or more buffers, and as a remainder, water. Compositions prepared according to the method of the invention are substantially free of phosphorous and have a low caustic content making them user friendly, having a lower pH than commercially available cleaners. Yet the cleaners prepared according to the method of the invention are surprisingly effective at removing tenacious baked-on soils encountered in the food service industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Finison, Daniel L. Moran, Stephen T. Smith, Thomas J. Vinson, Karen O. Rigley
  • Patent number: 8329633
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a poly quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, 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 biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • Publication number: 20120309830
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions including a fatty acid soap/fatty acid mixture, and methods of use thereof. The compositions include a C5 to C12 fatty acid or mixtures thereof. The compositions show increased activity, e.g., insecticidal, soil removal, antimicrobial activity, at a controlled pH range of about 7.5 to about 9.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Yvonne M. Killeen, Michael C. DeNoma, Kelly J. Herrera, S. John Barcay, William J. Pattison
  • Publication number: 20120307431
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: BRIAN P. CARLSON, RYAN A. CHERNIK, ARON D. DAHLGREN, WESLEY M. NELSON
  • Patent number: 8324147
    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: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Janel Marie Kieffer, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20120303159
    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: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Drake, Sherri L. Tischler, Paul R. Kraus
  • Patent number: 8318231
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an improved two-part oxidizing system, as well as oxidizing compositions and methods for making and using the same, and in a particular embodiment to a two-part oxidizing system that, when mixed, yields an oxidizing composition. The two-part oxidizing system includes a metal chlorite first part, and an acid second part where the acid is sodium acid sulfate or a derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: C. Cayce Warf, Jr., Nahed M. Kotrola
  • Patent number: 8318188
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism. The compositions can include advantageously high levels of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, can be readily made, and/or can exhibit reduced odor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Joshua P. Magnuson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 8317879
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods to reduce smoking and/or haze during a heated laundry process. The compositions include a smoke reducing surfactant package and a detersive surfactant containing an amount of free alcohol. The smoke reducing surfactant package includes an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof. The surfactants are selected such that the amount of smoke or haze produced is reduced and or eliminated when garments contacted with the compositions containing the surfactants are heated to at least about 250° F. Methods of using the compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eddie D. Sowle, Matthew A. Bilski, Max M. Guzman, Stephan M. Hubig
  • Publication number: 20120296447
    Abstract: A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: CHRIS D. DILLER, LOUIS M. HOLZMAN, RONALD B. HOWES, JR., STEPHEN X. SKAFF, QUANG VAN DAO, CHRISTOPHER A. BUCK
  • Publication number: 20120291820
    Abstract: A method of warewashing for the removal of starch is described herein. The method includes applying an alkaline composition to a dish, then applying an acidic composition to a dish, and then applying a second alkaline composition to the dish. The method may include additional steps. Compositions for using with the method are also disclosed. Finally, dish machines that may be used in accordance with the method are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Strothoff, Winfried Troll, Helmut Maier, John P. Furber, Bryan A. Maser, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20120291808
    Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for cleaning articles by direct application of concentrated product to a soiled surface of the article is disclosed. The article type is identified and a product dispensing sequence is activated to control the type of product dispensed onto the articles based on the article type and/or soil type on the article. Product, duration, and other parameters are tailored according to the article type and/or soil type during each sequence of the wash cycle. Product, wash and rinse liquids are applied at specific locations and from specific directions from within the cleaning apparatus based upon the article type and/or soil type on the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: LEE J. MONSRUD, PAUL J. MATTIA
  • Publication number: 20120295830
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided for use for in cleaning of alkaline sensitive metals such as aluminum or aluminum containing alloys. The compositions include alternatives to sodium tripolyphosphate and/or other phosphorous containing raw materials, while retaining cleaning performance and corrosion prevention. According to the invention, a synergistic combination of polyacrylic and polymaleic polymers is used as corrosion inhibitors in traditional alkaline detergent compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Erik Christian OLSON, Devon Beau HAMMEL
  • Publication number: 20120295829
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-corrosive degreasing concentrate and ready to use formulation. In particular, non-corrosive compositions capable of removing polymerized grease as effectively as some alkali metal hydroxide (i.e. caustic) based degreasers without requiring the use of personal protective equipment are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Peitersen, Gregory G. Griese
  • Publication number: 20120291815
    Abstract: Methods of acidic warewashing are disclosed. The compositions can include other materials including surfactants and chelating agents, and are preferably phosphorous free. Methods of using the acidic compositions are also disclosed. Exemplary methods include using the acidic compositions together with other compositions, including alkaline compositions and rinse aids employed in an alternating alkaline/acid/alkaline manner. The methods also include acidic compositions that serve multiple roles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Michael S. Rischmiller, Daniel Osterberg, John Mansergh
  • Publication number: 20120291800
    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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Jenna Johnson, Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20120291818
    Abstract: A method of warewashing for the optimization of cleaning is obtained, excess detergent usage is minimized and further where deposit of film on ware is reduced in an alternating acidic and alkaline cleaning method. According to the invention, the type of acid and alkalinity used, or acid salt formed upon application of the acidic and alkaline washes is important to cleaning performance and phosphate or silicates should be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Michael S. Rischmiller, John Mansergh, Daniel Osterberg
  • Patent number: 8314057
    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 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Christensen, Joanna A. Pham, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles DeNoma, Yvonne Marie Killeen, Steven Eugene Lentsch, Dawn Lock
  • Patent number: 8313650
    Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater. A reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. A concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receive the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. A concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream from their respective storage tank. An institutional dishmachine receives the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream during a rinse cycle of the institutional dishmachine. A control system is operatively connected to the concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve and control flow of the rinse streams into the institutional dishmachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Adrian E. Hartz