Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Solid product dispenser
    Patent number: 8313707
    Abstract: A product housing for use with a vacuum breaker, a solid product dispenser, and a solid product having a bottom surface comprises a product holder, an overflow outlet, and a flood plane. The product holder has a bottom and is configured and arranged to receive the solid product with the bottom surface proximate the bottom. The bottom of the product holder is positioned proximate above the solid product dispenser and proximate below the vacuum breaker. The overflow outlet is proximate the bottom, and the flood plane is proximate the overflow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Limback, Thomas P. Berg, Kristine J. Williams, Brian P. Carlson
  • COUPLERS FOR MEDIUM-CHAIN FATTY ACIDS AND DISINFECTING COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20120289599
    Abstract: A disinfecting shower cleaner composition including a medium-chain fatty acid coupled with a nonionic surfactant providing temperature stable antimicrobial compositions. The invention specifically relates to antimicrobial compositions including fatty acid antimicrobial agents coupled with an ethoxylated amine and methods of using the antimicrobial compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Elizabeth R. Kiesel, Michael E. Besse, Lisa A. Hellickson, Mark D. Levitt, Daniel E. Pedersen
  • CLEANING COMPOSITIONS EMPLOYING EXTENDED CHAIN ANIONIC SURFACTANTS
    Publication number: 20120289448
    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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles DeNoma, Susan Maloney Viall, Steven Eugene Lentsch, Yvonne Marie Killeen
  • Fast dissolving solid detergent
    Patent number: 8309509
    Abstract: A solid block or unit dosed detergent composition as described which can be utilized in a variety of applications for cleaning surfaces and objects, removing suspending soils, and rinsing easily. The detergent composition, when exposed to an aqueous solution such as water, dissolves quickly and completely to create the use solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bartelme, Julie Marquardt, Steve E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Brian Robert Leafblad
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CLEANING POULTRY
    Publication number: 20120282851
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for washing eviscerated poultry carcasses (12) has a housing (11), a conveyor (15a) for moving the shackled poultry carcasses through the housing. A guide bar (24) tilts the poultry carcasses (12) from a vertical position for spraying by a first set of nozzles (23). The first set of nozzles (23) delivers a cleaning solution (100) at a sufficient flow rate and line pressure, whereby a portion of the cleaning solution (100) is deflected back out the rear opening (12d) of the poultry carcass (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Scott P. Bennett, Gabriel M. Miller
  • NEUTRAL OR ALKALINE MEDIUM CHAIN PEROXYCARBOXYLIC ACID COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS EMPLOYING THEM
    Publication number: 20120283165
    Abstract: The present invention relates to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions of neutral or alkaline pH, to methods of making these compositions, and to methods employing these compositions. The methods include methods of cleaning. The compositions include cleaning compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Gina M. Danielson, Nathan D. Peitersen, Mark R. Altier
  • Method of using a versatile pest station with interchangeable inserts
    Patent number: 8302345
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a method of interchanging inserts in a pest station. A lock mechanism interlocking a lid to a base of a pest station is unlocked and the lid is opened. A first insert including an entrance mechanism is removed from a cavity of the pest station and a second insert including at least one of a bait, an attractant, and a snap trap is placed within the cavity of the pest station. The lid is closed and the locking mechanism is secured to interlock the lid to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, William J. Pattison, Joshua James Lanz, Bryan John Henneman, James J. Tarara
  • MICROFLOW ANALYTICAL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120275259
    Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Anna Pilipchenko
  • Fluid Property Determination Based on Partial Least Squares Analysis
    Publication number: 20120273351
    Abstract: An optical sensor determines a characteristic of a fluid medium based on a plurality of detector outputs and a characteristic model. The optical sensor directs light into the fluid medium, detects light at each of a plurality of wavelengths transmitted through the fluid medium, and produces therefrom the plurality of detector outputs. The characteristic model provides an estimate of the characteristic of the fluid medium based on a partial least squares analysis of optical transmission measurements through at least one reference fluid medium having a known characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Victor N. Morin
  • CORROSION INHIBITION OF HYPOCHLORITE SOLUTIONS IN SATURATED WIPES
    Publication number: 20120273374
    Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Corrosion inhibitors are selected from polyacrylate and calcium corrosion inhibitors, zinc and calcium corrosion inhibitors and/or sugar acids and calcium corrosion inhibitors combined with hypochlorite sources provide use solutions for effective corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Erik C. Olson, Kim R. Smith, Steven E. Lentsch, Sherri L. Tischler
  • Betaine functionalized alkyl polyglucosides for enhanced food soil removal
    Patent number: 8299009
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a betaine 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: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • Method and apparatus of applying a floor product solution
    Patent number: 8292536
    Abstract: An applicator tool for applying a liquid onto a surface of a floor includes an applicator and a handle connected to the applicator. The applicator includes a housing having a bottom surface and a plurality of sidewalls. The bottom surface is connected to the sidewalls to define a reservoir. The bottom surface has at least one opening in fluid for substantially continuously dispensing the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven James Lange, Minyu Li, Eric Richard Balz, Brian Philip Carlson
  • Alkaline composition comprising a chelant mixture, including HEIDA, and method of producing same
    Patent number: 8293696
    Abstract: Compositions, such as alkali builder compositions for the laundry industry, are provided and include water, an alkali metal hydroxide component, a chelating component and a hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA) component. Methods for producing such compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. McLaren, Joseph C. Drozd, Gordon Renn
  • Dispenser having vacuum switch controlled pump with bleed valve
    Patent number: 8286831
    Abstract: A dispenser 10 creates a use solution. The dispenser 10 includes a diluent inlet for receiving a source of diluent. A first aspirator 38 is in fluid communication with the diluent inlet. An operator valve 27 controls flow of the diluent. A second aspirator 46 has a diluent inlet, diluent outlet and a venturi port. A vacuum switch 63 is operatively connected to the first venturi port and the flow of the diluent through the aspirator 46 creates a vacuum that activates the vacuum switch. A control board 69 is activated by the vacuum switch and a dosing pump 76 is activated by the control device 69. The dosing pump dispenses a liquid product into the diluent stream, wherein a use solution is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Blansit, Henry Louis Carbone, II, Aron David Dahlgren, Warren Dale Pannkuk
  • Poly phosphate functionalized alkyl polyglucosides for enhanced food soil removal
    Patent number: 8287659
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a primarily C12 poly phosphate 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: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • Biodegradable surfactant blend
    Patent number: 8287658
    Abstract: A degreasing composition is disclosed comprising an alkyl polyglucoside; and a nonionic surfactant having a carbon chain of C6 or less. The nonionic surfactant comprises linear C6 alcohol ethoxylate. In an embodiment the linear C6 alcohol ethoxylate comprises from about 3 to about 6 moles of ethylene oxide. In another embodiment the alkyl polyglucoside and the alcohol ethoxylate comprise an active ratio of from about 3:1 to about 1:1 in the composition. The composition of the invention is useful in formulating a laundry detergent, a hard surface cleaner, an automatic dishwashing detergent, a hand dishwashing detergent, an oven cleaner, hand soap, or an automotive detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Altony J. Miralles, Amanda R. Blattner, Charles A. Hodge
  • Product dispenser connector
    Patent number: 8286835
    Abstract: A product dispenser assembly including a product dispenser, a mounting member, and a connector. The connector includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a receiving member configured and arranged to operatively connect the product dispenser thereto. The second portion includes a connecting member configured and arranged to operatively connect the mounting member thereto. The first and second portions are rotatably operatively connected to position the receiving member and the connecting member in different positions relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Morey, Brian Philip Carlson, Jay Richard Anderson
  • Alkyl polypentosides and alkyl polyglucosides (C-C) used for enhanced food soil removal
    Patent number: 8283302
    Abstract: The invention comprises a hard surface cleaning composition including an environmentally friendly, surfactant derived from renewable bio-based resources. The cleaning composition includes a mixture of alkyl polypentosides and alkyl polyglucosides having primarily between 8 and 11 carbon atoms as a surfactant, an acid source, an optional solvent, a water conditioning agent and water. The hard surface cleaner is preferably substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates and is effective at removing food soils including 20% protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • BUBBLING AIR THROUGH AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY
    Publication number: 20120247970
    Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemical cell optimization, namely increasing cell efficiency and rate of chemical product, are disclosed. In particular, a device wherein air or an oxygen-containing gas is bubbled through an electrochemical cell and methods of use are disclosed to reduce the voltage demand and power usage of an electrochemical cell. The optimized electrochemical cell also achieves increased chemical generation from electrolysis for using in various settings, including for example, housekeeping applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Erik C. Olson, Kim R. Smith
  • Interchangeable load cell assemblies
    Patent number: 8277745
    Abstract: A mass-based dispensing system includes a set of interchangeable load cell assemblies. The load cell assemblies are sized to be interchangeably received into a mass-based product dispenser. Each of the interchangeable load cell assemblies has a maximum rated load that is different from the maximum rated load of the other load cell assemblies. The interchangeable load cell assemblies are substantially modular (i.e., have substantially similar external geometries), thus enabling the product dispenser to interchangeably receive the load cells. The interchangeable load cell assemblies enable a single product dispenser to accommodate a broad range of differently weighted products and/or product containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Henry J. McCarrick, Bruce W. Weber, Ben J. Wiltsie