Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Floor cleaning and care compositions comprising two nonionic surfactants
    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
  • SOLIDIFICATION MATRIX USING A POLYCARBOXYLIC ACID POLYMER
    Publication number: 20090176687
    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: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Michael E. Besse
  • SOLIDIFICATION MATRIX USING AN AMINOCARBOXYLATE
    Publication number: 20090176688
    Abstract: A solidification matrix includes a biodegradable aminocarboxylate, sodium carbonate, and water. The biodegradable aminocarboxylate, 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: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Michael E. Besse
  • CLEANING COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING WATER SOLUBLE MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS AND METHODS OF USING THEM
    Publication number: 20090165818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Michael E. Besse, Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Keith E. Olson
  • METHOD OF DISPOSING OF SOILED LIQUID FROM A SUMP ASSEMBLY FOR A RE-CIRCULATING WAREWASHING MACHINE
    Publication number: 20090165820
    Abstract: A sump assembly includes a sump, a divider, and a drain. The sump has a top, a bottom, and a cavity in which rinse water and soiled water are stored. The divider divides the cavity into a first portion and a second portion, which are in fluid communication. The drain is in fluid communication with the second portion. A first water level is approximately level with the drain's opening. During the rinse cycle, the rinse water enters the first portion proximate the top of the sump and raises the first water level to a second water level in the first portion. The rinse water is proximate the top and the soiled water is proximate the bottom of the sump. The second water level directs soiled water proximate the bottom of the sump from the first portion into the second portion where the soiled water is directed into the drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Ben Jeremiah Wiltsie, Eddie D. Sowle
  • Stable liquid enzyme compositions with enhanced activity
    Patent number: 7553806
    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 water 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: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Steven Eugene Lentsch, Jaclyn Tilleskjor
  • UV fluorometric sensor and method for using the same
    Patent number: 7550746
    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 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    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
  • Low and empty product detection using load cell and load cell bracket
    Publication number: 20090151474
    Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Bruce W. Weber, Ben J. Wiltsie
  • Apparatus and method for making a peroxycarboxylic acid
    Patent number: 7547421
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David D. McSherry, Richard K. Staub, Dan Tallman, Junzhong Li, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING HARDNESS IONS AND GLUCONATE AND METHODS EMPLOYING THEM TO REDUCE CORROSION AND ETCH
    Publication number: 20090149363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including a water soluble magnesium salt, water soluble calcium salt, and gluconate, which have a beneficial effect on corrosion during cleaning. The present compositions can reduce corrosion of a variety of surfaces including glass, aluminum, chrome, copper, and steel. The present invention also relates to methods employing these compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: KIM R. SMITH, MICHEL M. LAWRENCE, MICHAEL J. BARTELME
  • WIDE RANGE KINETIC DETERMINATION OF PERACID AND/OR PEROXIDE CONCENTRATIONS
    Publication number: 20090150086
    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. Depending upon an expected concentration range, the initial absorbance and/or the slope of the best fit equation are used to calculate the concentrations of the peracid and peroxide in the use composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Paul Kraus, Joseph Erickson, Paul Schilling, Daniel Kamben, William Christensen, Viktor Slobodyan
  • TEMPERATURE STABILIZED OPTICAL CELL
    Publication number: 20090147822
    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. A temperature stabilized optical cell is disclosed which enhance consistency of response data obtained from the optical detector, especially when the use composition monitor is utilized on site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, William Christensen, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan
  • OPTICAL CELL
    Publication number: 20090145202
    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. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Anna Pilipchenko, Paul Schilling, Daniel Kamben
  • METHODS FOR WASHING POULTRY DURING PROCESSING WITH MEDIUM CHAIN PEROXYCARBOXYLIC ACID COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20090145859
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry, or on surfaces used in processing poultry, employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry or to the surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Joshua P. Magnuson, John D. Hilgren
  • METHOD OF CALIBRATION FOR NONLINEAR OPTICAL SENSOR
    Publication number: 20090150106
    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 used to determine the concentrations of peracid and/or peroxide in the use composition based upon an evaluation function determined by a calibration method. The calibration method includes determining coefficients of the evaluation function based upon known concentrations, and measured response data of calibration samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Erickson, Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Paul Schilling
  • Method and apparatus for dispensing fragrances
    Patent number: 7543761
    Abstract: A method and apparatus dispenses first and second fragrances by utilizing a fog nozzle in a ductwork of a facility. The first fragrance is dispensed, at intervals, through the fog nozzle into the ductwork and the second fragrance is dispensed after the first fragrance is dispensed, wherein fragrance desensitivity is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jondall Mehus, Charles Allen Hodge
  • METHODS FOR WASHING CARCASSES, MEAT, OR MEAT PRODUCTS WITH MEDIUM CHAIN PEROXYCARBOXLYIC ACID COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20090143481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on carcass, meat, or meat product; or on surfaces used in processing the carcass, meat, or meat product; employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to carcass, meat, meat product or surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Joshua P. Magnuson
  • Method for treating feedwater
    Patent number: 7537705
    Abstract: A method for treating feedwater is provided. The method includes steps of introducing a treatment composition into a feedwater stream to provide a treated feedwater stream containing scale inhibitor at a concentration of at least about 0.1 ppm, and combining the treated feedwater stream with a detersive composition. The scale inhibitor can include a phosphate scale inhibitor, a carbonate scale inhibitor, or a combination of a phosphate scale inhibitor and a carbonate scale inhibitor. The detersive composition can be provided as a cleaning composition, a rinse agent composition, or a drying agent composition. A treatment composition and an apparatus for treating feedwater are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen Voeller, legal representative, Michael E. Besse, Brenda L. Tjelta, William G. Mizuno
  • Detergent composition containing branched alcohol alkoxylate and compatibilizing surfactant, and method for using
    Patent number: 7530361
    Abstract: A detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The detergent composition includes a branched alcohol alkoxylate having the formula: wherein R1 is a C2-C20 alkyl, R2 is H or a C1-C4 alkyl, n is 2-20, and m is 1-40, and a compatibililizing surfactant. The compatibilizing surfactant can be selected so that an aqueous composition containing 5 wt. % of the branched alcohol alkoxylate and at least 2.5 wt. % of the compatibilizing surfactant provides a clear aqueous composition. A clear aqueous composition refers to an aqueous composition that is free of haze visible to the naked eye. In general, a clear aqueous composition resembles a composition containing only water. A method for using the detergent composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Yvonne Killeen, Kim R. Smith, Max Guzman, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Bottle
    Patent number: D592517
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Brown