Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • NOVEL METHOD OF TREATING TEXTILES WITH STARCH TO ELIMINATE STICKING
    Publication number: 20120085250
    Abstract: A method of treating textiles is disclosed. In an embodiment the method involves applying a liquid combination comprising ethoxylated starch, silicon dioxide, and water to damp textiles, allowing the liquid combination to contact the textiles for a discrete amount of time before draining excess liquid from the textiles, and pressing the textiles using heat. The method of the invention reduces sticking and gumming of the starch on a pressing device such as an iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Max M. Guzman, Matthew A. Bilski, Eddie D. Sowle, Carrie L. Armstrong
  • SOIL RESISTANT SURFACE TREATMENT
    Publication number: 20120088420
    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 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 water or other organic solvent carrier. A kit and methods for treating a clean 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: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Keith E. Olson, Steven E. Lentsch, Minyu Li, Catherine Hanson, Andrew Wold
  • HIGH SURFACE ACTIVITY PESTICIDES
    Publication number: 20120088828
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of pesticides. In particular, the present disclosure relates to pesticide compositions that include high surface activity and slower drying surfactant pesticides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Yvonne M. Killeen, Michael C. DeNoma, Susan M. Viall, Kelly J. Herrera, S. John Barcay
  • Development of an aluminum hydroxycarboxylate builder
    Patent number: 8153573
    Abstract: A cleaning composition for removing soils includes an aluminum salt, a hydroxycarboxylate, an alkalinity source and optionally, a surfactant system. The cleaning composition has a pH of between about 9 and about 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Altony Miralles, Gina F. Danielson, Richard Dana Johnson, Michel Lawrence, Jocelyn H. Chopskie
  • Thermal treatment system instrument rack and method of selectively thermally treating medical instrument portions
    Patent number: 8153937
    Abstract: A system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a basin positioned within the cabinet to contain and thermally treat a liquid bath, and a rack or tray disposed on the cabinet that supports exposed scope optics above the liquid bath within the basin. The scope optics resides outside of the bath in a dry state, thereby permitting the remaining scope portions within the bath to be thermally treated. This enables accurate temperature warming of the scope to reduce trauma of tissue and retrieval of enhanced images by the scope during a medical procedure. The present invention permits medical personnel or operating room staff to warm scopes in a controlled environment while maintaining scope optics in a dry state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I Faries, Bruce R Heymann, David Hendrix
  • SOLID CLEANING COMPOSITION
    Publication number: 20120083437
    Abstract: A solid detergent composition is disclosed including a alcohol ethoxylate surfactant and a sole hardening agent consisting of polyethylene glycol 4000 wherein the composition does not include any free water or alkali metal hydroxides and may include a chlorine-free bleaching agent and activator. The detergent composition may further include citrate, a water conditioner, a sequestrant. The solid detergent composition may be formed into an amorphous solid. Compositions of the invention may further include a crystal modifier consisting of sodium xylene sulfonate. The detergent composition may further optionally include an optical brightener, defoamer, enzyme, antiredeposition agent, buffering agent, stabilizer or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Barbara G. Choczaj, Steven E. Lentsch
  • DRY LUBRICANT FOR CONVEYING CONTAINERS
    Publication number: 20120083434
    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: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • 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
  • Thermal treatment system instrument rack and method of selectively thermally treating medical instrument portions
    Patent number: 8148667
    Abstract: A system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a basin positioned within the cabinet to contain and thermally treat a liquid bath, and a support assembly that stabilizes a surgical scope. The support assembly may include a first support that elevates scope optics above the liquid bath within the basin, and a second support that positions the shaft of the scope within the liquid bath, but above the floor and away from the walls of the basin. The scope optics resides outside of the bath in a dry state, while the remaining scope portions are positioned within the bath so the portions can be thermally treated. The support assembly enables a user to warm selected portions of the scope, while protecting the scope, the basin, and/or a drape lining the basin from damage caused when the scope contacts the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, David Hendrix
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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 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