Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Patent number: 7588645
    Abstract: Floor finishes can be stripped using a substantially nonchlorinated concentrate comprising a floor finish dissolver and an at least partially water-unactivated water thickener. The concentrate is diluted with water at an intended use location to activate the water thickener and noticeably increase within sixty minutes or less the viscosity of the resulting mixture, then applied to a hardened floor finish atop a floor and allowed to soften or dissolve the floor finish so that the finish may be removed from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Mark D. Levitt, Brian R. Leafblad, Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Steven J. Lange, Jan E. Shulman
  • Publication number: 20090223115
    Abstract: An insect monitoring and trapping device is provided according to the invention. The device includes a base and a lid for covering the base, and is constructed to provide a trap interior and an insect opening for insects to access the trap interior. The device includes a heating device provided within the trap interior for attracting insects, and an adhesive surface provided within the trap for trapping insects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Jason Gregory Lang, Joelle Francine Olson, Stephen John Barcay
  • Patent number: 7584762
    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: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Bruce Howes, Jr., Robert Eugene May, David Howland
  • Publication number: 20090212236
    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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20090215656
    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: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kim Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Amy Haupert
  • Publication number: 20090208365
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: David D. McSherry, Richard K. Staub, Dan Tallman, Junzhong Li, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Publication number: 20090203569
    Abstract: The present invention is a solid rinse aid composition and methods of making and using the same. The solid rinse aid composition generally includes sodium sulfate and urea as solidification agents and an effective amount of an alcohol ethoxylate compound sheeting agent component and an effective amount of defoamer component. The solid rinse aid composition may also incorporate a preservative system including sodium bisulfate. The solid rinse aid composition may be phosphate-free, aminocarboxylate-free, and GRAS if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Janel M. Kieffer, Michael Bartelme, Kent Brittain, Matthew F. Zurbey, Yvonne M. Killeen
  • Publication number: 20090199875
    Abstract: A method of cleaning equipment such as heat exchangers, evaporators, tanks and other industrial equipment using clean-in-place procedures comprising applying a pre-treatment solution prior to the application of an override use solution. A gas generating use solution is present in either the pretreatment or the override use solution. The gas generating use solution is capable of releasing gas on and in a soil, resulting in a soil disruption effect and enhanced cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, Anthony W. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20090200234
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for cleaning surfaces that are sensitive to high temperatures and/or that have pH limitations. Exemplary surfaces to be cleaned using the methods of the present invention include membranes. The methods of the present invention include applying an active oxygen use solution including an active oxygen source to the surface. An activator complex and an alkaline override use solution are applied to the surface, either in combination, or in a stepwise manner, before, after or simultaneously with the active oxygen use solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Paul F. Schacht, Peter J. Fernholz, Nathan D. Peitersen, Joseph P. Curran, Ralf Krack, Mark R. Altier, Gina F. Danielson, Victor F. Man, Joshua P. Magnuson, John W. Bolduc, Keith G. Lascotte, Jeffrey S. Hutchison, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20090203567
    Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of activator complexes to enhance lower temperature cleaning in alkaline peroxide cleaning systems. Compositions including 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 of the present invention provide for enhanced soil removal with reduced energy, water, and chemistry consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, Robert J. Ryther, Anthony W. Erickson, Thomas R. Mohs, Kim R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7572759
    Abstract: A heterogenous cleaning composition comprises more than 75 wt % active ingredients, the active ingredients comprising at least about 20 wt % surfactant and at least about 20 wt % sequestrant, wherein the composition comprises at least one liquid and at least one powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fine, Terry J. Klos, Gretchen L. King, Richard D. Stardig
  • Publication number: 20090196939
    Abstract: A method for antimicrobial treatment (e.g. antimicrobial treatment of food packaging and equipment) comprising applying to microbes a composition containing a diluting solvent (e.g., water), an antimicrobially-active solvent having a density different from the density of the diluting solvent, and an optional cosolvent, surfactant, or additional antimicrobial agent, wherein the amount of antimicrobially-active solvent or additional antimicrobial agent is sufficiently high and the amount of cosolvent or surfactant is sufficiently low so that the composition will provide greater than a 1-log order reduction in the population of bacteria or spores of Bacillus cereus within 10 seconds at 60° C. Preferred methods of the invention employ compositions containing an additional antimicrobial agent such as peroxyacetic acid. Compositions for use in the method can be prepared as concentrates, and used full strength or in diluted form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, Guang-jong J. Wei, David A. Halsrud, Kim R. Smith, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Publication number: 20090196897
    Abstract: The invention is a solid chemical concentrate system of at least two cooperative shapes. The first shape is an inwardly curved bar having an inner opening. The second shape is an insert which is capable of interlocking with the bar by insertion into the bar inner opening. The solid chemical concentrate provides chemical systems having active constituents which may be the same, different but compatible or functionally and chemically incompatible combined within one matrix to provide at least one substantially continuous surface. The system may also comprise an aqueous soluble or dispersible polymeric film cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7569232
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Joshua Paul Magnuson, Steven Eugene Lentsch
  • Patent number: 7569150
    Abstract: A sanitizer generation system supplies power to a first and a second sanitizer generator. Each of the sanitizer generators is connected to a body of water by a circulation system. The system includes a power supply and a control system connected to the power supply and the sanitizer generators. The control system selectively delivers electric current from the power supply to the first and second sanitizer generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Kilawee, Clyde A. Bailey, Leonard J. Kadlec
  • Patent number: 7569532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid enzyme cleaning composition in which the enzyme is stable at alkaline pH and: at high concentration of boric acid salt; in the absence of sodium ion; and/or in the presence of at least about 40 wt-% water. In an embodiment, water is present at concentrations of at least about 60 weight percent. The present enzyme cleaning composition typically yields superior soil (especially protein soil) removal properties. In an embodiment, the composition of the invention stabilizes the enzyme with potassium and/or alkanolamine borate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Steven E. Lentsch, Nathan D. Peitersen, Amy B. McBroom, Paul F. Schacht, Rick O. Ruhr, Jaclyn Tilleskjor
  • Publication number: 20090192064
    Abstract: The liquid composition is based on surfactants and enzymes, and is particularly useful for manual cleaning of instruments. In manual and ultrasonic application the composition in use concentration shows low foaming and gives a cleaning solution which is not cloudy at least at a temperature in the range from 16° C. to 40° C. In addition, the composition has good cleaning efficacy over a broad temperature range (20 to 55° C.) and shows good material compatibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Laurence Geret, Carola Stingl, Silke Denzin
  • Publication number: 20090188533
    Abstract: A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems. The compositions may comprise, for example, one or more solutions that each or collectively contain or comprises: a) at least one anionic surfactant; b) at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant; and c) an alkaline agent. Optional additional ingredients may comprise at least one polycarboxylic acid chelating agent (preferably an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent), at least one non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant, at least one hydrotrope, inorganic and/or organic acids and at least one silicate. The alkaline agent may provide a pH (when the finished product is diluted to 0.5 to 5% by weight in water) will be between about 9 to 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 7563759
    Abstract: Aqueous floor cleaning and/or care composition, containing, based on the total composition, at least 3% by weight of a nonionic surfactant of formula I: wherein R1 represents hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 18 C atoms, and R2, independently of R1, represents hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 18 C atoms, and the sum of the C atoms present overall in R1 and R2 is between 6 and 18, and R3 represents an alkyl radical having 4 to 18 C atoms, and R4 hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 C atoms and n is a number from 1 to 30 and m a number from 0 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Rogmann, Nicola Kriens, Heiko Faubel
  • Patent number: D599012
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David Falbaum, Brian Philip Carlson, Michael Patrick Kremer