Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Publication number: 20120046211
    Abstract: Methods for use of enzymes for sustainable wash water maintenance are disclosed. The invention relates to use of enzymes for removing soils from wash water sources in a variety of cleaning applications. The invention cleans wash water sources, prevents the re-deposition of soils on treated surfaces and enhances detergency. Methods of wash water maintenance according to the invention provide sustainable practices by improving water quality and minimizing water and energy consumption in wash systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: SARA PETERS, STEVEN LENTSCH
  • Publication number: 20120046215
    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: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES ALLEN HODGE, ERIN JANE DAHLQUIST, AMANDA RUTH BLATTNER
  • Publication number: 20120046216
    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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES ALLEN HODGE, ERIN JANE DAHLQUIST, AMANDA RUTH BLATTNER
  • Publication number: 20120046208
    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: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES ALLEN HODGE, ERIN JANE DAHLQUIST, AMANDA RUTH BLATTNER
  • Patent number: 8119412
    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. Response data obtained by the detector is indicative of the optical absorbance of the sample mixture as a function of time. A processor analyzes the response data to determine a corresponding best fit linear relationship. The initial absorbance of the sample mixture is indicative of the concentration of peracid in the use composition, while the slope of the best fit equation is indicative of the concentration of peroxide in the use composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Kraus
  • Patent number: 8120500
    Abstract: An acoustic sensor detects presence and/or absence of fluid in a fluid delivery medium. The acoustic sensor detects fluid absence based on the difference of the speed of sound between air and a fluid. For example, the acoustic sensor may detect fluid absence based on a phase shift between acoustic signals transmitted through the fluid delivery medium when fluid is present as compared to acoustic signals transmitted through the fluid delivery medium when fluid is absent, e.g., when air or bubbles are present in the fluid delivery medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Anna Pilipchenko
  • Publication number: 20120037185
    Abstract: A dish machine includes optimized dish machine operating parameters that may result in increased energy efficiency and reduced utility costs. The operating parameters may include one or more of a wash water temperature, a rinse water temperature, and/or a rinse flow rate. In some examples, the optimized parameters may include a wash water temperature in the range of 160° F. to 164.5° F., a rinse water temperature in the range of 182° F. and 211° F., and a rinse flow rate in the range of 0.4 gal/rack and of 0.66 gal/rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff P. Ellingson, Bryan J. Henneman, Andrew M. Jensen, Jason A. Kahlhamer
  • Publication number: 20120040882
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a co-surfactant, a water conditioning agent and water. The sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside is one of a C12 sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a C10-C12 blend of a sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside or a C10 sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside. The co-surfactant comprises a C6-C12 alcohol ethoxylate having between 3 and 10 moles of EO. 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 and has a neutral pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Amanda R. Blattner
  • Publication number: 20120040883
    Abstract: A method of using a cleaning composition including a sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a co-surfactant, a water conditioning agent and water. The sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside is one of a C12 sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a C10-C12 blend of a sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside or a C10 sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside. The co-surfactant comprises a C6-C12 alcohol ethoxylate having between 3 and 10 moles of EO. 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 and has a neutral pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Amanda R. Blattner
  • Patent number: 8114222
    Abstract: A method of cleaning equipment such as heat exchangers, evaporators, tanks and other industrial equipment using clean-in-place procedures and a pre-treatment solution prior to the conventional CIP cleaning process. The pre-treatment step improves the degree of softening of the soil, and thus facilitates its removal. The pre-treatment solution can be a strong acidic solution, a strong alkaline solution, or comprise a penetrant. A preferred strong acidic solution is an acid peroxide solution. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment may include no strong alkali or acid ingredient; rather, the penetrant provides acceptable levels of pre-treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, Brandon L. Herdt
  • Patent number: 8114344
    Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Sugar acids and calcium corrosion inhibitors combined with hypochlorite sources provide use solutions for effective corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 8114343
    Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Zinc and calcium corrosion inhibitors combined with hypochlorite sources provide use solutions for effective corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 8114827
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrous, paste-like cleaning or detergent composition comprising an emulsion having an aqueous phase and an oil phase, the composition comprises based on the whole concentrate 1 to 50 wt-% of one or more alkalinity source, 1 to 60 wt-% of a guerbet alcohol ethoxylate of the formula R1—(OC2H4)n—OH, wherein R1 is a branched C9 to C20 alkyl group and n is from 2 to 10, 1 to 30 wt-% of a linear alkoxylated fatty alcohol of the formula R2—(OC2H4)x—(OC3H6)y—OH, wherein R2 is a linear C10 to C16 group and n is from 3 to 7 and m is from 3 to 7, 0.01-10 wt-% of one or more crosslinked or partly crosslinked polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid or mixtures thereof, 1-10 wt-% of a thickener system comprising the following components: 1-5 wt-% of a polyacrylate, 0-5 wt-% of a swellable phyllosilicate, 0-2 wt-% of a polyethylene glycol with the provision that the thickener system comprises at least two of these components, and the rest up to 100 wt-% is water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Khalil Shamayeli, Thomas Merz
  • Publication number: 20120031195
    Abstract: Fluid flow meters and methods for measuring different aspects of fluid flow with a non-contact sensor are provided. In some cases a fluid flow gear meter is provided with a fluid chamber that is sealed with a cover portion carrying the non-contact sensor. An optional separation member may be located between the cover portion and the chamber to seal the chamber. In some cases the cover portion and/or separation member are configured to transmit visible light to allow viewing of the fluid chamber, through material selection and/or the presence of viewing cavities within the material. The flow meter is optionally configured to prevent or reduce the transmission of ambient environmental radiation into the flow meter to lessen the likelihood that it may adversely affect an optical non-contact sensor used to detect movement of gears within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Anatoly Skirda, Richard Mehus, William M. Christensen, Scott Limback
  • Publication number: 20120030880
    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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Eddie D. Sowle, Matthew A. Bilski, Max M. Guzman, Stephan M. Hubig
  • Publication number: 20120030882
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for treating a textile under industrial and institutional fabric care conditions to impart softness with reduced yellowing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a solid fabric conditioning composition and a method for treating a textile with a solid fabric conditioning composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Amanda L. Wetrosky, Caleb W. Jones, Charles A. Hodge, Erin J. Dahlquist, Amanda R. Blattner
  • Patent number: 8110608
    Abstract: A pesticide composition and method of eliminating pests combines water and a solid form of sodium lauryl sulfate to form a pesticide composition effective to cause mortality in pests. The pesticide composition is applied to the indoor structure in an area which the pests inhabit. The sodium lauryl sulfate can be in needle form, pellet form or powder form and constitutes between about 1% and about 10% by weight of the pesticide composition. The pesticide composition may be applied to an area inhabited by cockroaches, including, but not limited to, in crevices, cracks, corners, wall and floor junctures or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Herrera, Stephen John Barcay
  • Patent number: 8110233
    Abstract: A product packaging for a solid product comprises a base, a lid, and a seal. The base has a top, sides, and a bottom forming a cavity configured and arranged to receive a solid product, and the base has an exterior surface. A texture is on the exterior surface of the base, whereby the texture enhances a user's ability to grip the base when the base is inverted. The seal interconnects the top of the base and the lid and allows the lid to be peeled away from the top of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Amie L Beavers Blanks, Kristine Jeanette Williams, Nicole M Balamucki
  • Patent number: 8110537
    Abstract: A liquid detergent composition is described. The liquid detergent composition includes an emulsion having a water phase and an oil phase. The liquid detergent composition includes a detersive amount of a nonionic surfactant component, an emulsion stabilizing amount of a cationic surfactant component, about 5 wt. % to about 94 wt. % water, and at least about 5 wt. % of a suspended particulate component. A detergent use solution and methods for using a liquid detergent composition are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Kim R. Smith, Josh Kassanchuk, Brandon Carlson
  • Publication number: 20120024665
    Abstract: A process for lubricating a container, such as a beverage container, or a conveyor for containers, by applying to the container or conveyor, a thin continuous, substantially non-dripping layer of a liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional dilute aqueous lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei