Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Publication number: 20120024080
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs to a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: HENRY L. CARBONE, II, RICHARD J. MEHUS, KEVIN C. TAUER, ANATOLY SKIRDA, EUGENE TOKHTUEV, WILLIAM M. CHRISTENSEN
  • Publication number: 20120028364
    Abstract: Analytical systems and methods are provided for simultaneously dispensing metered volumes of fluids at different rates and mixing the fluids to generate a mixed sample having the fluids in proportion to the different rates at which they were dispensed. In some cases two or more of the fluids are premixed prior to mixing with other fluids. In some cases a use composition and diluent are simultaneously dispensed at different rates and premixed to form a diluted sample. One or more reagents may be mixed with the diluted sample and the sample mixture can be analyzed to determine characteristics of the use composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, William M. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20120028876
    Abstract: A stability enhancement agent for use in a solid detergent and solid detergent compositions is described. Stability enhancement is provided by a hydratable salt, water and a polyepoxysuccinic acid or polyepoxysuccinic acid metal salt binding agent forming a dimensionally stable composition. Preferred polyepoxysuccinic acid or polyepoxysuccinic acid metal salts have a molecular weight of between about 400 and about 1,500 g/mol. The stability enhancement composition for use in a solid detergent and solid detergent compositions are preferably biodegradable and substantially free of phosphorus and NTA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Carter Silvernail, Kerrie Walters
  • Patent number: 8105531
    Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Polyacrylate 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: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20120018458
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately measuring and dispensing a predetermined amount of product from a dispensing system to a given surface area is disclosed. The dispensing system (100) includes a container (102) having a main chamber (106) to hold product and a dosing chamber (108) having an opening (110) in communication with the main chamber (106). The dosing chamber (108) is configured to hold a metered amount of product (112) received from the main chamber (106). A spray head (128) when connected to the container (102) is brought into operable and fluid communication with a dip tube (114), optionally cut to a selected length, which is positioned within the dosing chamber (108) for dispensing by activation of a trigger (136) product (112) to a given surface area or air space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Chernik, Brian P. Carlson, Richard J. Mehus
  • Patent number: 8097568
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is facilitated by applying to the container or conveyor aqueous compositions containing hardness ions. The compatibility of the aqueous compositions with PET bottles is improved when the ratio of hardness as CaCO3 to alkalinity as CaCO3 is greater than about 1 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Morrison, Megan W. Malvey, Richard D. Johnson, Jeffrey S. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 8097265
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous foam disinfectant comprised of a special surfactant system, which consists of non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants, and of a synergistic disinfectant constituent, which consists of an antimicrobial agent having amino groups and of at least one additional antimicrobial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Holger Biering, Michael Decker
  • Patent number: 8092613
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Strothoff, Winfried Troll, Helmut Maier, John P. Furber, Bryan A. Maser, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 8093200
    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: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bartelme, Julie Marquardt, Steve E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Brian Robert Leafblad
  • Patent number: 8093195
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an aqueous composition comprising one or more amphoteric, organic polynitrogen-compounds having at least 3 nitrogen atoms contained in the molecule in the form of an amine and/or amide and one or more types of inorganic nanoparticles, a concentrate comprising said composition and to a method for treating and/or cleaning a surface which uses said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Uhl, Jacqueline Thöne
  • Publication number: 20120000488
    Abstract: Control systems for use of electrolysis solutions for automated recirculating or single-pass cleaning systems, such as clean-in-place (CIP) applications are disclosed. Control systems and methods for using automated chlorine output solutions for various cleaning applications are measurable over broad pH ranges. The control systems generate consistent and predictable electrolytic solutions and include a measurement system that identifies chlorine oxyanion concentration across broad ranges of pH, overcoming the sensitivity of chlorine monitors to pH and permitting use of the control systems to control cleaning systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: BRANDON HERDT, ROBERT RYTHER
  • Publication number: 20110319489
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to stabilized peracid compositions. Stabilizing compositions including a metal salt and a chelating agent are added to compositions including peracids. The results stabilized peracid compositions have increased shelf life and storage stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Keith G. Lascotte, Yvonne M. Killeen, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20110319364
    Abstract: Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants are disclosed. The dimethicone surfactants are PEG-8 to PEG-12 linear dimethicone surfactants and in particular PEG-10 linear dimethicone surfactant. The compositions are useful as antimicrobial products and in particular handcare or skincare products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC
    Inventors: JOSEPH R. WEGNER, CHERYL A. LITTAU
  • Publication number: 20110319312
    Abstract: A single phase alkaline composition comprising by weight about 10 to about 25 percent of nonionic surfactant blend comprising a ratio of between about 1:1 to about 1:2 of alcohol ethoxylate:fatty alcohol alkoxylate, about 3-10% of at least one water soluble solvent, about 1-10% of a chelant, 2-12% of an alkalinity source, 0.5-2% of an anionic surfactant blend comprised of at least about 40-70% of a sulfosuccinate, the balance being water. Compositions of the invention are useful for re-moving hydrophobic soils or oils whether they are located on a hard surface or on a linen. A method of cleaning a hard surface is also disclosed comprising the steps of diluting the composition of the invention with water to about 1 to about 3 weight percent, applying the diluted composition to the surface, and wiping the surface, wherein the surface is substantially free of oil or residue and the surface is substantially free of corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Schwerter, Katja Teusch, Matthias Menzel
  • Publication number: 20110320133
    Abstract: A concentration monitor for monitoring a concentration of a plurality of use solutions, each of the plurality of use solutions being, at least, a concentrate in a diluent, each of the plurality of use solutions having a resistivity which varies as a function of both temperature and an amount of the concentrate contained in a given amount of the diluent. A resistivity probe is adapted for use with at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the resistivity of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions. A temperature sensor is adapted for use with the at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the temperature of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Charles A. Hodge, Quang Van Dao
  • Patent number: 8084756
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) fluorometric sensor measures a chemical concentration in a sample based on the measured fluorescence of the sample. The sensor includes a controller, at least one UV light source, and at least one UV detector. The sensor emits UV light in a wavelength range of 245-265 nm from the light source through the sample in an analytical area. The UV detector measures the fluorescence emission from the sample. The controller transforms output signals from the UV detector into fluorescence values or optical densities for one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 265-340 nm. The controller calculates the chemical concentration of the chemical in the sample based on the measured fluorescence emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Viktor Slobodyan, Anatoly Skirda, Paul Schilling, Anna Pilipchenko, Paul R. Kraus, Katherine M. Sanville, Joseph Phillip Erickson
  • Patent number: 8082764
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for indicating satisfactory times for titrating a chemical solution, e.g., cleaning product, used by a utility device to clean and/or sanitize various types of articles. The utility device is described in an exemplary embodiment as being a warewashing machine that applies the chemical solution to articles provided to the machine on racks. The chemical solution is formed in a solution tank from a combination of at least one chemical product and at least one rinse agent. Whereas the chemical product is described as a detergent, the rinse agent is described as water. Over a time period including multiple wash cycles, the chemical product and the rinse agent are added to the solution tank, thereby changing conductivity of the chemical solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Robert E. May, David Howland
  • Publication number: 20110308553
    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: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Strothoff, Winfried Troll, Helmut Maier, John P. Furber, Bryan A. Maser, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20110312867
    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: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES ALLEN HODGE, ERIN JANE DAHLQUIST, AMANDA RUTH BLATTNER
  • Publication number: 20110312871
    Abstract: A cleaning composition for removing soils includes an aluminum salt, a hydroxydicarboxylate, an alkalinity source and optionally, a surfactant system. The cleaning composition has a pH of between about 9 and about 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Altony Miralles, Gina Fasching Danielson, Richard D. Johnson, Michel Lawrence, Jocelyn Heltemes Chopskie