Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • UV fluorometric sensor and method for using the same
    Patent number: 7652267
    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: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene T. Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Viktor Slobodyan, Anatoly Skirda, Paul Schilling, Anna Pilipchenko, Paul R. Kraus, Katherine M. Sanville, Joseph Phillip Erickson
  • METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING AND USING A CLEANING COMPOSITION FOR HANDLING WATER HARDNESS
    Publication number: 20100009886
    Abstract: A method for providing a ready to use cleaning composition is provided. The method includes diluting a concentrate with water of dilution. The concentrate includes an anionic surfactant, an alkanolamine and a water hardness anti-precipitant mixture. The water hardness anti-precipitant mixture includes a maleic anhydride/olefin co-polymer and an EO-PO co-polymer. The EO-PO co-polymer having the formula: (EO)x(PO)y(EO)x (PO)y(EO)x(PO)y (PO)y(EO)x(PO)y(EO)x(PO)y EO is an ethylene oxide group, PO is a propylene oxide group, x is between about 10 to about 130 and y is between about 15 to about 70.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark D. Levitt, Stephen Engel, David J. Falbaum, Jerry D. Hoyt
  • Use of aminocarboxylate functionalized catechols for cleaning applications
    Patent number: 7645731
    Abstract: A detergent composition is provided for preventing calcium, magnesium and iron precipitation and for removing soils. The detergent composition includes a caustic, a surfactant and an aminocarboxylate functionalized catechol. The detergent composition may include less than about 10% by weight phosphorous-containing compounds, NTA, and EDTA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Carter Silvernail, Erik Olson
  • USE OF ACTIVATOR COMPLEXES TO ENHANCE LOWER TEMPERATURE CLEANING IN ALKALINE PEROXIDE CLEANING SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20090325841
    Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of activator complexes to enhance lower temperature cleaning in alkaline peroxide cleaning systems. Compositions including at least one of an activator complex, an active oxygen source, and a source of alkalinity are applied to the surface to be cleaned at temperatures between about 5° C. and about 50° C. The methods and compositions of the present invention provide for enhanced soil removal with reduced energy, water, and chemistry consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Anthony W. Erickson, Thomas R. Mohs, Peter J. Fernholz, Robert J. Ryther
  • CONTAINER, SUCH AS A FOOD OR BEVERAGE CONTAINER, LUBRICATION METHOD
    Publication number: 20090321222
    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: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECONDITIONING FOOD PROCESSING FLUIDS
    Publication number: 20090324790
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for reconditioning a used food processing fluid. The reconditioned fluids can be used in an upstream or downstream food processing application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Stefanie E. Gilbreth
  • METHOD OF STABLE COMPOSITIONS OF SPORES, BACTERIA, AND/OR FUNGI
    Publication number: 20090325843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of a stable cleaning composition including a borate salt and spores (bacterial or fungal), vegetative bacteria, or fungi. The composition can also include a polyol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Joshua P. Magnuson, Lisa M. Sanders, Steven E. Lentsch
  • LIQUID MEMBRANE-COMPATIBLE DETERGENT COMPOSITION
    Publication number: 20090320214
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid detergent concentrate composition comprising an emulsion having a water phase and an oil phase, the composition comprising 5-30 wt-% of one or more alkalinity source 1-70 wt-% of at least one nonionic surfactant 0.01-10 wt-% of at least one crosslinked or partly crosslinked polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Furthermore the invention relates to a stable aqueous use solution, comprising a liquid detergent concentrate according to the invention and to a method for washing textiles with the aqueous use solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Khalil Shamayeli, Thomas Merz, Ralf-Erbo Knop
  • Food processing effluent refurbishing system and method
    Patent number: 7638067
    Abstract: A food processing effluent refurbishing system of the present invention refurbishes effluent water in a first and a second food processing loop. The system includes first and second circulation systems, first and second balance tanks, and a side stream. The first circulation system circulates water through the first food processing loop. The first balance tank connected to the first circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the first food processing loop. The second circulation system circulates water through the second food processing loop. The second balance tank connected to the second circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the second food processing loop. The side stream connects the first and second circulation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Roger J. Tippett, Scott L. Burnett
  • Warewashing composition for use in automatic dishwashing machines, and methods for manufacturing and using
    Patent number: 7638473
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes a cleaning agent, an alkaline source, and a corrosion inhibitor. The cleaning agent comprises a detersive amount of a surfactant. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8. The corrosion inhibitor includes a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. The relative amounts of the source of zinc ion and the source of aluminum ion can be controlled to reduce visible filming when the warewashing detergent composition is used in the presence of hard water. Methods for using and manufacturing a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Howie Kestell, Michael J. Bartelme, Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Burton M. Baum, Terence P. Everson
  • Hepatitis a viricide
    Patent number: 7638504
    Abstract: The invention relates to agents which combat the hepatitis A virus, containing only minimal amounts of chlorine-containing and/or chlorine cleaving active ingredients, or none of said substances. The inventions also relates to the use of these agents and to a method for their production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Friedrich Von Rheinbaben, Holger Biering, Klaus-Peter Bansemir, Sabine Glaeser
  • INSECT BAIT STATION AND METHOD OF USING
    Publication number: 20090313883
    Abstract: A device for controlling blood-feeding insects is disclosed. The device includes a membrane containing a solution suitable for consumption by blood-feeding insects wherein the solution is comprised of a base, the base selected from the group consisting of up to 70 wt % NaCl in water, phosphate buffer, citric acid in water, and sodium lauryl sulfate in water,; and wherein the solution has a pH of between about 6 and 8. An additional active ingredient may be added to the solution. The solution may be referred to as liquid bait. The membrane is suitable for blood-feeding insects to pierce or puncture in order to feed. A method of exterminating or controlling blood feeding insects is also disclosed along with novel bait solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Joelle F. Olson, Kelly J. Herrera, James J. Tarara, L. Mitch Lark, Paul M. Sanderson
  • Binding agent for solidification matrix
    Publication number: 20090318327
    Abstract: Material, composition, and manufacturing method alternatives for a solidification matrix that may be used, for example, in solid cleaning compositions, or other technologies. In at least some embodiments, the solidification matrix includes a binding agent that is formed by the use of MGDA, or a salt or derivative thereof, and water to produce a solid binding agent. In some embodiments, the MGDA and water combines and can solidify to act as a binder material or binding agent dispersed throughout a solid composition that may contain other functional ingredients that provide the desired properties and/or functionality to the solid composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Ross M. Skadsberg, Scott P. Lyon
  • Method and apparatus for in-room glass washing
    Patent number: 7635002
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus of cleaning glassware, for example, in a hotel room or a motel room. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method and apparatus for cleaning, rinsing, and sanitizing glassware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff W. Peterson, Mary M. Dawson, John E. Thomas
  • SOLID FORM SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) PESTICIDE COMPOSITION
    Publication number: 20090306206
    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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Herrera, Stephen John Barcay
  • ALKALINE PEROXYGEN FOOD SOIL CLEANER
    Publication number: 20090288683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for removing soils, e.g., thermally degraded food soils, from surfaces. The cleaning compositions of the present invention can be activated using heat and/or an activator complex to generate oxygen gas in situ on and in the soil to be removed. Surfaces suitable for cleaning using the compositions and methods of the present invention include any surface that can be heated during use and/or cleaning, e.g., smokers, ovens, fryers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Walter D. Cummings, Robert J. Ryther, Richard O. Ruhr, Anthony W. Erickson, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Rucksack applicator device
    Patent number: 7621686
    Abstract: A device, for applying a flowable medium to a surface, includes a container, equipment to be worn on a back, a hose and a hose adapter, which can attach the hose to an outlet opening of the container, and which includes a ventilating element. The device further includes a handle having an end to which a wiping or applying device is mounted. The equipment includes a mounting plate, which is attached to supporting straps, to hold the container. A duct of the device extends from a first end of the hose, such that, when the hose is attached to the container, at the first end thereof, by the hose adapter, the duct conducts the flowable medium, from the container, to an outlet of the handle, which outlet is spaced apart from the wiping or applying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Hans-Leo Fernschild, Heiko Faubel, Karl-Heinz Rogmann, Ulrike Scheuvens
  • Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions with reduced odor
    Patent number: 7622606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of peroxycarboxylic acid that have reduced odor compared to conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions, methods employing these reduced-odor compositions, and methods of making these compositions. Typically, the reduced-odor compositions include an amine oxide surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei
  • WASHING MACHINE WITH A TITRATION INDICATOR BASED ON MEASUREMENTS OF SOLUTION CONDUCTIVITY
    Publication number: 20090283112
    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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Bruce Howes, JR., Robert Eugene May, David Howland
  • Method and apparatus for dispensing a use solution
    Patent number: 7615122
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for dispensing a liquid concentrate. The source pressure of a liquid diluent is changed by a boost pump (52) to bring the pressure of the diluent to an elevated pressure. The diluent then enters an aspirator assembly (10) wherein the concentrate and diluent are mixed to form a use solution. The dynamic pressure of the diluent entering the aspirator assembly (10) is sufficient so that the amount of concentrate delivered over time is more constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Charles A. Hodge