Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Detachable module system
    Patent number: 8149582
    Abstract: A detachable module system includes a plurality of modules that couple to a corresponding plurality of module mounts on a mounting plate. To install a selected module into the module system, a user translates the selected module to an engage position on its respective module mount to engage the selected module with a immediately preceding adjacent module. Any one of the modules may be identified and removed from its module mount, without requiring removal of the remaining modules. The modules may house various types of electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Philip Carlson, William Martin Christensen, Chris James Steep, Ryan Jacob Urban
  • CONVEYOR LUBRICANTS INCLUDING EMULSIONS AND METHODS EMPLOYING THEM
    Publication number: 20120073907
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion. The present disclosure also relates to methods of employing such lubricant compositions. In an embodiment, the methods include applying the present lubricant composition to a conveyor with a non-energized nozzle. In an embodiment, the methods include applying the present lubricant composition in a “semi-dry” mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Stefan Seemeyer, Stephan Scharrenbach, Eric Daniel Morrison, Jason Gregory Lang, Jeffery S. Hutchison, Kellen Wesley Chamblee, Chad Aaron Thompson
  • SOIL RESISTANT CLEANER AND SURFACE TREATMENT
    Publication number: 20120077045
    Abstract: A soil resistant laminate composition and a soil resistant treatment use composition are provided. In particular, a laminate composition comprising a multilayer composition of a clean or soiled surface and a dried layer of a soil resistant agent are disclosed. Soil resistant agents according to the invention include copolymers of a maleic/olefin, an olefin/acrylate and combinations thereof and are suitable for delivery with a detergent carrier. A kit and methods for treating a clean or soiled surface using a soil resistant laminate composition and a soil resistant treatment use composition are provided by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Keith E. Olson, Steven E. Lentsch, Minyu Li, Catherine Hanson, Andrew Wold
  • MEDIUM CHAIN PEROXYCARBOXYLIC ACID COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20120077877
    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: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Joshua P. Magnuson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Clean conveyor sensing system
    Patent number: 8141695
    Abstract: A conveyor maintenance system and method determines when a conveyor requires cleaning by determining when the conveyor is soiled beyond a predetermined threshold level. The system comprises a detector that collects optical data indicative of the amount of soil on a conveyor, a memory that stores reference data indicative of a clean conveyor, and a controller that compares the optical data indicative of the amount of soil on the conveyor to the reference data and determines whether the conveyor requires cleaning based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Stefan Seemeyer
  • Mg++ chemistry and method for fouling inhibition in heat processing of liquid foods and industrial processes
    Patent number: 8143204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for removing or preventing scale formation in a liquid food processing operation. Aqueous antiscalant solutions comprising soluble magnesium salts are used to prevent the precipitation of insoluble calcium salts and/or to increase the solubility of insoluble calcium salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, John W. Bolduc, Paul F. Schacht, Michael E. Besse, Anthony W. Erickson
  • Optical cell
    Patent number: 8143070
    Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Anna Pilipchenko, Paul Schilling, Daniel Kamben
  • METHOD OF TREATING A FOOD PRODUCT WITH AN ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT COMPOSITION AND A TREATED FOOD PRODUCT
    Publication number: 20120070549
    Abstract: A method of treating a food product with an antimicrobial agent composition is described. The method includes steps of applying an antimicrobial agent composition to a food product, subjecting the food product to a negative pressure environment wherein the negative pressure environment comprises a pressure that is at least 10 mm Hg below atmospheric pressure, and releasing the negative pressure environment to atmospheric pressure at a rate sufficient to cause a reduction in the amount of microbes as compared to applying an antimicrobial agent without the application of negative pressure. The method of the invention may cause infusion of at least a portion of the antimicrobial agent composition into the food product. A food product treated with an antimicrobial agent composition is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Gutzmann, John D. Hilgren
  • CLEANING COMPOSITIONS EMPLOYING EXTENDED CHAIN ANIONIC SURFACTANTS
    Publication number: 20120066839
    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: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: VICTOR FUK-PONG MAN, MICHAEL CHARLES DeNOMA, SUSAN MALONEY VIALL, STEVEN EUGENE LENTSCH, YVONNE MARIE KILLEEN
  • QUATERNARY FUNCTIONALIZED ALKYL POLYGLUCOSIDES FOR ENHANCED FOOD SOIL REMOVAL
    Publication number: 20120071385
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a primarily C12 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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES ALLEN HODGE, ERIN JANE DAHLQUIST, AMANDA RUTH BLATTNER
  • REDUCED CAUSTIC LAUNDRY DETERGENTS BASED ON EXTENDED CHAIN SURFACTANTS
    Publication number: 20120066840
    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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: VICTOR FUK-PONG MAN, MICHAEL CHARLES DeNOMA, YVONNE MARIE KILLEEN, STEVEN EUGENE LENTSCH
  • BETAINE FUNCTIONALIZED ALKYL POLYGLUCOSIDES FOR ENHANCED FOOD SOIL REMOVAL
    Publication number: 20120071389
    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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • CLEANING COMPOSITIONS AND EMULSIONS OR MICROEMULSIONS EMPLOYING EXTENDED CHAIN NONIONIC SURFACTANTS
    Publication number: 20120070388
    Abstract: The invention discloses synergistic combinations extended chain surfactants and co-surfactants, emulsions or microemulsions and cleaning compositions incorporating the same. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended nonionic surfactants, and a linker surfactant. This system forms stable emulsions or microemulsions with oils, including non-trans fats and fatty acids and these emulsions or microemulsions are stable, irreversible and can be created at low temperature. The cleaning compositions may include the surfactant system alone, a stable emulsion or microemulsion with oil and the surfactant system, a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or soft surface and hard surface cleaning compositions comprising the surfactant combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: VICTOR FUK-PONG MAN, YVONNE MARIE KILLEEN, STEVEN EUGENE LENTSCH, MICHAEL CHARLES DeNOMA
  • ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING CATIONIC ACTIVE INGREDIENTS AND QUATERNARY SUGAR DERIVED SURFACTANTS
    Publication number: 20120071438
    Abstract: The antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises a cationic active ingredient, a quaternized sugar-derived surfactant, and an optional foam boosting surfactant. These formulations have a high cidal activity in a short amount of time and provide stable copious foam. The formulations of the present invention also exhibit enhanced tissue (e.g. skin) compatibility as defined by an in vitro whole toxicology assessment method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Pedersen, Angela R. Eder, Charles A. Hodge
  • ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING CATIONIC ACTIVE INGREDIENTS AND QUATERNARY SUGAR DERIVED SURFACTANTS
    Publication number: 20120070341
    Abstract: The antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises a cationic active ingredient, a quaternized sugar-derived surfactant, and an optional foam boosting surfactant. The present antimicrobial compositions are free of the antimicrobial agent triclosan (i.e., 2,4,4?-trichloro-2?hydroxy-diphenylether), have a high cidal activity in a short amount of time, provide stable copious foam and exhibit enhanced tissue (e.g. skin) compatibility as defined by an in vitro whole toxicology assessment method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Angela R. Eder, Daniel E. Pedersen, Charles A. Hodge
  • POLY QUATERNARY FUNCTIONALIZED ALKYL POLYGLUCOSIDES FOR ENHANCED FOOD SOIL REMOVAL
    Publication number: 20120071386
    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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES ALLEN HODGE, ERIN JANE DAHLQUIST, AMANDA RUTH BLATTNER
  • LAUNDRY COMPOSITION FOR TREATMENT OF SUNSCREEN STAINS BASED ON EXTENDED CHAIN SURFACTANTS
    Publication number: 20120071384
    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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: STEPHEN B. CHRISTENSEN, JOANNA A. PHAM, VICTOR FUK-PONG MAN, MICHAEL CHARLES DeNOMA, YVONNE MARIE KILLEEN, STEVEN EUGENE LENTSCH
  • POLY SULFONATE FUNCTIONALIZED ALKYL POLYGLUCOSIDES FOR ENHANCED FOOD SOIL REMOVAL
    Publication number: 20120071388
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a primarily C12 poly sulfonate 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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • Solidification matrix using a polycarboxylic acid polymer
    Patent number: 8138138
    Abstract: A solidification matrix includes a polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water. Exemplary polycarboxylic acid polymers include a polyacrylic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 100,000, a modified polyacrylic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 100,000, and a polymaleic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 500 and about 5,000. The polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water interact to form a hydrate solid. The solidification matrix may be used, for example, in a solid detergent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Michael E. Besse
  • POLY PHOSPHATE FUNCTIONALIZED ALKYL POLYGLUCOSIDES FOR ENHANCED FOOD SOIL REMOVAL
    Publication number: 20120058926
    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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner