Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Publication number: 20100315244
    Abstract: A system and associated processes monitor hand hygiene compliance. The system includes hand hygiene product dispensers positioned within areas of concern (AOC) in a facility in which hand hygiene events are to be monitored. The dispensers detect dispense events initiated at the dispenser and transmit a dispense event signal indicative that a dispense event occurred along with dispenser identification information. The system also includes a plurality of compliance badges, each worn by a different person in the facility. Each compliance badge receives dispense event signals corresponding dispenser identification information associated with dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. The badges store dispense event records associated with each dispense event initiated by the wearer and thus keep track of all dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.,
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Paul S. Schilling, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Joseph P. Erickson, Cheryl A. Littau
  • Publication number: 20100315243
    Abstract: A system and associated processes monitor hand hygiene compliance. The system includes hand hygiene product dispensers positioned within areas of concern (AOC) in a facility in which hand hygiene events are to be monitored. The dispensers detect dispense events initiated at the dispenser and transmit a dispense event signal indicative that a dispense event occurred along with dispenser identification information. The system also includes a plurality of compliance badges, each worn by a different person in the facility. Each compliance badge receives dispense event signals corresponding dispenser identification information associated with dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. The badges store dispense event records associated with each dispense event initiated by the wearer and thus keep track of all dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Paul S. Schilling, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Joseph P. Erickson, Cheryl A. Littau, Christopher A. Buck
  • Publication number: 20100316533
    Abstract: A system and/or method formulates a chemical solution using both volumetric and weight based measurements of components of the chemical solution. The components of the chemical solution include water and at least one other component, which may take any form, such as, without limitation, liquid, solid, powder or gaseous form. Formulation of the chemical solution is administered by combining water with the one or more other components at an output port, from which this combination is dispensed to a solution storage tank. In response to a user's request to formulate a specified amount of the chemical solution, the volume of water provided to the output port is monitored by a flow meter and the weight of the other component(s) provided to the output port is monitored by one or more load cells. Based on such monitoring, appropriate amounts of water and the other component(s) are combined together to formulate the specified amount of the chemical solution in the solution storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Mitchell Lark, Darren Jahnke, Eric Willman, Warren Pannkuk
  • Patent number: 7850772
    Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage surfactant composition that includes a surfactant, a phosphonium compound, and a carrier; wherein the beverage surfactant composition exhibits stability as a solution or as a dispersion at a temperature of about 0 EC to about 8 EC. The present invention also provides a container or a conveyor for a container having a surface that is at least partially coated with the composition. The present invention also provides a process for lubricating a container that includes contacting at least a portion of a surface of the container and the composition together. The present invention also provides a process for lubricating a conveyor that includes contacting at least a portion of a surface of the conveyor and the composition together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kim Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Amy Haupert
  • Patent number: 7850602
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for removing a cover from a medical instrument includes a flexible cover configured to cover at least a portion of a medical instrument, an insertion element coupled proximate a first end of the flexible cover, a pair of substantially parallel perforations formed in the insertion element, a pair of substantially parallel score lines formed in the cover and aligned with the pair of substantially parallel perforations. A portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations is removable from the insertion element and a portion of the flexible cover between the pair of substantially parallel score lines is removable from the flexible cover when a force is applied to the portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Charles Humble, Alexander S. Withers, Kathy W. Zachry, Mark S. Dillon, Michael A. Gil
  • Publication number: 20100311633
    Abstract: A detergent composition as described which can be utilized in a variety of applications for cleaning surfaces and objects, removing suspended soils, and rinsing easily. The detergent composition is particularly effective at removing soils caused by raw fish soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Jenna M. Johnson, Victor F. Man, Kim R. Smith, Tomoko Nakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20100304494
    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: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Anna Pilipchenko
  • Publication number: 20100300493
    Abstract: A soaking composition including an alkalinity source, a metal protector, a surfactant, water, a threshold agent, a binding agent, and a polymer blend that functions as a binding agent and a hard water modifier. The polymer blend includes a polymaleic acid, a polycarboxylic acid and a sodium polyacrylate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. Snodgrass, Jaclyn J. Steep
  • Publication number: 20100305014
    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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Altony J. Miralles, Amanda R. Blattner, Charles A. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20100300044
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to wetting agent compositions and methods for making and using the wetting agent compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional wetting agents. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Janel M. Kieffer, Michael C. Denoma, Yvonne M. Killeen, Joshua P. Magnuson
  • Patent number: 7842725
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Wegner, Cheryl A. Littau
  • Patent number: 7841131
    Abstract: Several embodiments of an insect trap using attractant light displayed on a projection surface are disclosed. The insect trap can be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall or on a horizontal surface such as a ceiling. The trap has a light source configured to direct substantially all light from the source to the projection surface. Insects attracted by the light pattern on the projection surface are immobilized on an adhesive surface. A method of trapping insects is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100298193
    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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20100293809
    Abstract: A fabric treatment composition is provided. The fabric treatment composition includes a fabric treatment agent and a carrier component for containing the fabric treatment agent in a solid form during operation conditions in a dryer. The fabric treatment composition is constructed for transferring the composition to wet fabric as a result of solubilizing the fabric treatment composition by contacting the fabric treatment composition with the wet fabric during a drying operation in a dryer. A method for treating fabric is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Monica P. Tindel-Koukal, Robert D. Hei, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig
  • Publication number: 20100297316
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of treating food products by applying an antimicrobial composition and processing the food product using selected processing methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Allen Gutzmann, Scott L. Burnett, Richard Keith Staub, Erin Mertz, Seth Young Raley
  • Publication number: 20100298190
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable antimicrobial and cleaning compositions including an amine antimicrobial agent; a borate salt; and spores (bacterial or fungal), vegetative bacteria, fungi, or enzyme, and to methods of using the composition. The composition can also include a polyol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Katherine J. Molinaro, Daniel E. Pedersen, Joshua P. Magnuson, Michael E. Besse, Jaclyn J. Steep, Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20100294307
    Abstract: The invention relates to a acidic composition for cleaning surfaces of metal or alloys which are susceptible to corrosion comprising i) an ester of phosphoric acid, diphosphoric acid or polyphosphoric acid, ii) a benzotriazole derivative of the general formula (I) in which each of the groups R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is the same or different and is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or an acyl group, iii) a phosphonic acid of the general formula R6—PO—(OH)2 (II) in which the group R6 is alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, or arylalkyl group and iv) an acidic source. The invention further relates to a use solution and to a method for cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Tyborski
  • Publication number: 20100297029
    Abstract: The invention relates to a virucidal composition comprising based on the composition from 80 to 99 wt-% of a C2-C4 monoalcohol or a mixture thereof, from 0.1 to lower 2 wt-% of an organic acid, from 0.1 to 1 wt-% of an alkoxylated monoglyceride and/or alkoxylated diglyceride, wherein the pH value of the composition is from pH 3.3 to 5 and the remainder up to 100 wt-% is water. The invention further describes a method of inactivating viruses, and a product comprising the virucidal composition and means for applying it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Holger Biering, Silke Denzin, Friedrich Von Rheinbaben, Bernhard Meyer
  • Patent number: 7838484
    Abstract: Cleaner concentrates, associated cleaners, and associated methods are disclosed. The cleaner concentrates are capable for use in making cleaners that are capable of removing from surfaces fresh, greasy soils and polymerized soils more recently encountered in the food service industry originating from non-trans-fat oils. The cleaner concentrates include one or more alkalinity sources, one or more chelants, one or more surfactants, and as a remainder, water. The one or more alkalinity sources may be present in an amount sufficient to provide a free alkalinity (expressible as Na2O) of greater than about 3.6 wt % and a total alkalinity (expressible as Na2O) of greater than about 6.1 wt %, based on the total weight of the cleaner concentrate. The one or more chelants may be present in an amount sufficient to permit a use of a water having a hardness number up to about 600 ppm (600 mg/L) or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle Elise Underwood, Tami Jo Tadrowski, Karen Odom Rigley
  • Publication number: 20100292125
    Abstract: The invention discloses compositions, methods and systems for generating alkalinity in situ. The compositions, methods and systems relate to the use of a manganese decomposition agent to catalyze the decomposition of a dilute peroxygen source providing highly alkaline cleaning compositions in situ. Methods of cleaning are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: KIM R. SMITH, THOMAS R. MOHS, ERIK C. OLSON, ANTHONY W. ERICKSON, GREGORY G. GRIESE, ERIC R. BALZ, JOY G. HERDT, KEITH E. OLSON