Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Publication number: 20090069211
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded detergent composition is provided. The method includes mixing a hydrated component and a hydratable component without heating to provide a mixture, molding the mixture to provide a molded detergent composition, and solidifying the molded detergent composition as a result of movement of the water of hydration from the hydrated component to the hydratable component to provide the molded detergent composition as a solid under conditions of room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The hydratable component includes water, if present at all, at a level of less than about 2 wt. % based on the weight of the hydratable component. The hydratable component is a component which successfully competes with the hydrated component for at least a portion of the water of hydration. Solidification of the mixture takes between about 1 minute and about 15 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Wendy Wiseth, Richard Stardig
  • Patent number: 7498051
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Joshua Paul Magnuson, John D. Hilgren
  • Publication number: 20090054290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for removing or preventing scale formation in a liquid food processing operation. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for increasing the solubility of insoluble calcium salts in an acidic environment. Aqueous antiscalant solutions comprising soluble magnesium salts are used to prevent the precipitation of insoluble calcium salts and/or to increase the solubility of insoluble calcium salts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, John W. Bolduc, Paul F. Schacht, Michael E. Besse, Anthony W. Erickson, Eric V. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20090054287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising conversion agents and methods of using them. The conversion agents of the present invention comprise water insoluble compounds such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof. The compositions can be substantially free of a builder, e.g., a chelating agent, sequestrant, and/or threshold agent, while still achieving effective soil removal, and reduced spotting, scaling or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Kristen A. Mills, Lee J. Monsrud, Michael Rischmiller
  • Patent number: 7491366
    Abstract: A portable multi-channel device for optically testing of a liquid sample includes a controller; and a sample holder with a cylindrical sample compartment and at least two optical channels respectively for measuring turbidity of the sample liquid and for measuring one other optical property of the sample liquid. Each of the optical channels including: a light source placed at one end of the channel, a main detector placed across the sample compartment from the light source, a reference detector for measuring an intensity of light emitted by the light source, and an excitation focusing optic for directing a light emitted by the light source through the sample compartment towards the main detector. Signals from the reference detector of the channel, the main detector of the channel, and another main detector of another channel perpendicular to the channel are processed by the controller to evaluate the turbidity of the liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Viktor Slobodyan, Christopher J. Owen, Christopher A. Buck, Anatoly Skirda, William M. Christensen
  • Patent number: 7491362
    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 efficiacy over a broad temperature range (20 to 55° C.) and shows good material compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence Geret, Carola Stingl, Silke Denzin
  • Publication number: 20090038649
    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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 7487567
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flat mop cover for a flat mopping device, comprising a large area backing textile (1) having longitudinal edges and transversal edges and having a mopping side (4), which is active in cleaning, and a top side (7), which is used to attach the mop cover to a mop holder (5) of a mopping device (6), wherein insertion pockets, holding strips or other attachment means (13) for the mop holder (5) are provided on the top side (7) of the backing textile (1). This mop cover is particularly efficient in floor cleaning, because the backing textile (1) is a knitted fabric, preferably of polyester micro-fiber material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Kresse, Ulrich Kröcker
  • Patent number: 7482315
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20090018046
    Abstract: A treated oxidizing agent is provided according to the invention. The treated oxidizing agent includes an oxidizing agent that is solid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and a chemical barrier composition provided on the oxidizing agent. The chemical barrier composition includes a hydrocarbon component having about 10 to about 85 carbon atoms, and wherein the chemical barrier composition is provided as a liquid at 25° C. A solid detergent composition is provided including the treated oxidizing agent. Methods for manufacturing are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Hoyt, Brenda L. Tjelta, Michael E. Besse, Kent Richard Brittain
  • Publication number: 20090018049
    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: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Ross M. Skadsberg, Scott P. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20090017243
    Abstract: Thermally formed thermoplastic articles can be protected from stress cracking in the presence of stress cracking promoting compounds by forming a shaped article comprising a thermoplastic and a liquid hydrocarbon oil composition. We have found that the liquid hydrocarbon oil composition prevents the stress cracking promoting materials from interacting with the polymeric structure of the stressed container to prevent or inhibit stress cracking in such materials. The methods and compositions of the invention are particularly useful in preventing stress cracking in polyethylene terephthalate beverage containers during bottling operations during which the bottle is contacted with aqueous and non-aqueous materials such as cleaners and lubricants that can interact with the polyester to cause stress cracking particularly in the container base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Publication number: 20090011973
    Abstract: A solidification matrix includes a straight chain saturated carboxylic acid salt, sodium carbonate, and water. The straight chain saturated carboxylic acid salt is selected from a salt of a mono-, di-, or tri-carboxylic acid. The solidification matrix may be used, for example, in a solid detergent composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders
  • Patent number: 7469499
    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 or on a ceiling surface. The wall-mounted housing forms an upwardly facing opening for facilitating entry of flying insect pests and for the reflection of light onto the vertical surface. The ceiling-mounted housing has a lateral opening for facilitating entry of pests and for reflection of light onto the ceiling and/or opposite wall. Insects that enter the trap are immobilized on an adhesive surface within the trap. A method of trapping insects is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, Douglas G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7470655
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of inactivating prions located on surfaces. In an embodiment, the invention pertains to a method of inactivating prions located on surfaces using a composition including a peracid. In an embodiment, the invention pertains to a method of inactivating prions located on surfaces using a composition including a peracid and a surfactant. The composition may comprise additional functional ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Holger Biering, Thomas Merz, Bernhard Meyer, Friedrich Von Rheinbaben
  • Publication number: 20080318826
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of agents, which contain at least one disinfection system based on selected organic peracids and combinations of peracids, in automatically functioning systems, in which fragile medical appliances, in particular, endoscopes, are cleaned and disinfected. According to the invention, the appliances are brought into contact with an aqueous disinfection agent solution after they have been treated and/or at the same time they are being treated with an aqueous cleaning solution. The invention also relates to cleaning and disinfection agents and methods which are all suited for carrying out this purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Holger Biering, Rudolf Glasmacher, Hubert Schwidden, Jorg Sorns
  • Patent number: 7468346
    Abstract: A low-foaming, liquid composition is disclosed. Methods of making and using the low-foaming, liquid composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thekkekandam, Anna Starobin, Frank Lama
  • Publication number: 20080307586
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of conditioning fabrics, comprising contacting fabric with a liquid composition comprising an amino-functional silicone and a quaternary ammonium, and drying said fabric at 200 degrees F. or greater. The invention includes a method of conditioning fabrics, comprising washing fabric in a detergent having a wash pH of greater than 10, contacting fabric with a liquid composition comprising an amino-functional silicone and a quaternary ammonium, and drying said fabric at less than 200 degrees F. The invention further provides a method of conditioning fabrics wherein softness, anti-static, and anti-wrinkle properties are imparted to the fabric wherein the conditioned fabric resists yellowing in industrial and institutional conditions wherein the wash pH is greater than 9 and/or the fabric temperature is 200 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Julio R. Panama, Amanda Blattner, Nicholas Popp, David W. Gohl
  • Patent number: 7462584
    Abstract: Lubricant concentrate for conveyors containing at least one alcohol component not containing nitrogen, selected from monohydroxy, dihydroxy and trihydroxy compounds as well as their esters and ethers, and in addition at least one further component selected from a) nitrogen-containing, organic, preferably aliphatic compounds with fewer than 14 C atoms in the molecule and fewer than 8 C atoms in the molecule directly joined to one another, and/or b) an organic acid with 1 to 18, preferably 1 to 10 C atoms in the molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Küpper, Michael Schneider
  • Patent number: D584551
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Philip Carlson