Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Method for creating a ready-to-use product from a concentrated form
    Patent number: 7131468
    Abstract: A method for creating a ready-to-use product from a concentrated form comprises providing a source of locally supplied diluent to a dispenser having a fill station, providing a container of first concentrate at a remote site, providing a first product container, identifying the container by the dispenser, placing indicia with the fill date on the first product container and filling the container with the diluent and the concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Allan L. Schuman, Tina O. Outlaw, Keith E. Olson, James E. Skavnak
  • Mopping device for mopping surfaces to be cleaned
    Publication number: 20060245820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mopping device for mopping surfaces to be cleaned. Said device is provided with a longitudinally extended mop covering holder (1), which forms a mopping side and a top side, with a handle sleeve (3), which is placed on the top side of the mop covering holder (1), with a handle (4), which is inserted into the handle sleeve (3) or integrated with this handle sleeve (3), and with a mop covering (5). This mop covering is placed on the mopping side of the mop covering holder (1), can be attached in a manner that enables it to be replaced and is made of a textile or textile-like material. The mopping device is characterized in that the mop covering holder (1) has a reservoir (6) for holding a large quantity of cleaning liquid which can flow via at least one discharge opening (7) inside the mop covering holder (1) to the mop covering (5) attached to the mop covering holder (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Kresse, Heiko Faubel
  • Lubricant composition having a fatty acid, a polyalkylene glycol polymer, and an anionic surfactant, wherein the lubricant is for a conveyor system
    Patent number: 7125827
    Abstract: A method of lubricating conveyor tracks or belts is herein described wherein the lubricant composition contains a polyalkylene glycol polymer, a fatty acid, and an anionic surfactant; also described is a lubricant composition with reduced sensitivity to low pHs. The composition may also comprise additional functional ingredients and be composed of ingredients that can be safely administered to humans and mammals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kimberly L. P. Hei, Amy McBroom
  • Conductivity probe with toroid keeper
    Patent number: 7126343
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated process for constructing a conductivity probe are disclosed. The conductivity probe includes at least two magnetic circuits in toroidal shape. Each of these “toroids” includes a ferrite core around which is wrapped a conductive wire (i.e., coil winding). To construct the conductivity probe, a toroid keeper having an upper annulus and a lower annulus separated by a spacer is provided. One of the two toroids is set on the upper annulus and the other toroid is set on the lower annulus. Connection leads extending from the coil wrappings of the toroids are routed from the keeper through wiring channels build into an elongated neck coupled to the keeper. The connection leads terminate at the distal end of the elongated neck relative to the keeper for connection to a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Bruce Howes, Jr., John Ellwood Thomas, Paul Joseph Pankratz
  • Method for stripping floor finishes using composition that thickens upon dilution with water
    Publication number: 20060234889
    Abstract: A method for stripping a floor using a concentrate prepared by mixing a substantially nonchlorinated concentrate containing a floor finish solvent and an at least partially unactivated water thickener. The concentrate is diluted merely with water at an intended use location to activate the water thickener and noticeably increase within ten 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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Griese, Mark Levitt, Brian Leafblad, Minyu Li, Robert Hei
  • System for covering floors
    Patent number: 7118785
    Abstract: A coating system for floors, containing a) one or more agents in which, together or separately, a polymer/wax dispersion and aziridine and, where desired, a flatting component are present, for application on the floor in order to form a crosslinked base film that is not capable of being removed by wet chemical means, as well as b) an aziridine-free agent containing conventional floor-maintenance components, in particular a polymer/wax dispersion, for the purpose of generating a sacrificial film on said base film that is capable of being removed by wet chemical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Rogmann, Ulrike Scheuvens, Heiko Faubel, Michael Decker
  • Thickened quaternary ammonium compound sanitizer
    Patent number: 7112559
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a thickened rinseless hand sanitizer composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound. The invention also pertains to a method of applying to the skin of a human a thickened rinseless hand sanitizer composition that comprises a quaternary ammonium compound that evaporates off the skin. The invention further pertains to a thickened rinseless hand sanitizer composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound with additional functional ingredients. Finally, the invention pertains to a thickened rinseless hand sanitizer composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound composed of food additive ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Mayhall, Margaret Bissell, Anna Starobin
  • Low foaming conveyor lubricant composition and methods
    Publication number: 20060211584
    Abstract: The invention relates to lubricant compositions, and methods especially as lubricants for the transport of glass, aluminum, and PET containers. The lubricant compositions contain a phosphate ester, an amine salt, and a nonionic surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Colin Court, Antonella Petrella
  • Dry lubricant for conveying containers
    Publication number: 20060211583
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Arturo Valencia Sil, Lawrence Grab, Bruce Schmidt, David Halsrud, Guang-Jong Wei, Eric Morrison, Hector DiBenedetto
  • Lubricant for conveying containers
    Publication number: 20060211582
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricant composition comprising a water-miscible silicone material having a silicone emulsion wherein the silicone emulsion contains less than 500 ppm of a triethanolamine salts of alkyl benzene sulfonic acid compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Arturo Valencia Sil, Lawrence Grab, Bruce Schmidt, David Halsrud, Guang-Jong Wei, Eric Morrison, Hector DiBenedetto, Jessica Anacker, Richard Johnson, Megan Malvey, Scott Bennett, Stefan Seemeyer
  • Antimicrobial compositions formulated for use in cold temperature conditions and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 7109241
    Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions containing a carboxylic acid, for example, a fatty acid, and a carrier medium including a freezing point depressant are disclosed. The compositions can be formulated for use as a teat dip, for use on milk producing animals. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, a composition is formulated as a teat dip and includes suitable emollients, skin conditioners and lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Lawrence Richter, Duane Joseph Reinhardt
  • Hydroalcoholic antimicrobial composition with skin health benefits
    Publication number: 20060204467
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an alcohol based antimicrobial skincare composition. The invention also pertains to an alcohol based antimicrobial skincare composition with skin health benefits including moisturization and skin barrier maintenance effects. The invention further pertains to an alcohol based antimicrobial skincare composition that is a stable emulsion that has a certain viscosity to it that provides containment, for example on a user's hands. The invention pertains to an alcohol based antimicrobial skincare composition that may be used in the healthcare industry, for example as a surgical scrub, healthcare personnel handwash, or patient pre-operative site preparation. Finally, the invention pertains to an alcohol based antimicrobial skincare composition that is effective against a wide variety of microbes and methods of using the composition to kill a wide variety of microbes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Cheryl Littau, Mai Le
  • Foot activated dispenser
    Publication number: 20060201973
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a foot activated dispenser and more particularly to a foot activated dispenser for dispensing a liquid product such as a skin care product (i.e. hand soap, hand sanitizer, surgical scrub, lotion, etc.). More specifically, the foot activated dispenser includes a bladder connected to tubing that is connected to a piston pump. The piston pump is located within a shroud that is removably attached to a wall bracket. The wall bracket includes a bottle retainer for holding a bottle having a pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Darren Jahnke, Wesley Nelson, Joshua Lanz, Warren Pannkuk
  • Hydroalcoholic antimicrobial composition with skin health benefits
    Publication number: 20060204466
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an alcohol based antimicrobial skincare composition. The invention also pertains to an alcohol based antimicrobial skincare composition with skin health benefits including moisturization and skin barrier maintenance effects. The invention further pertains to an alcohol based antimicrobial skincare composition that is a stable emulsion that has a certain viscosity to it that provides containment, for example on a user's hands. Finally, the invention pertains to an alcohol based antimicrobial skincare composition that may be used in the healthcare industry, for example as a surgical scrub, healthcare personnel handwash, or patient pre-operative site preparation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Cheryl Littau, Mai Le
  • THICKENED QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND SANITIZER
    Publication number: 20060205619
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a thickened rinseless hand sanitizer composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound. The invention also pertains to a method of applying to the skin of a human a thickened rinseless hand sanitizer composition that comprises a quaternary ammonium compound that evaporates off the skin. The invention further pertains to a thickened rinseless hand sanitizer composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound with additional functional ingredients. Finally, the invention pertains to a thickened rinseless hand sanitizer composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound composed of food additive ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Jennifer Mayhall, Margaret Bissell, Anna Starobin
  • Tablet dispenser with isolated delivery sensor
    Patent number: 7097068
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment proof of delivery system for use with a solid product dispenser includes an outlet conduit and a sensor mechanism. The outlet conduit is light transmissive and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface is exposed to humid conditions. The sensor mechanism is proximate the exterior surface of the outlet conduit, and the sensor mechanism senses delivery of a solid product through the outlet conduit. The outlet conduit provides a barrier to the humid conditions thereby protecting the sensor mechanism from exposure to the humid conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Limback, Louis M. Holzman
  • Light trap for insects
    Patent number: 7096621
    Abstract: A flying insect trap is described including a source of insect attractant light, an insect immobilization device, and a housing partially surrounding the source of light. The housing includes a chassis configured to be attached to a mounting surface, an upper housing pivotally attached to the chassis, and a lower housing that is removably attached to the lower portion of the chassis. In an alternative embodiment, the housing of the trap includes a chassis and a lower housing, where the lower housing includes a lip that surrounds a support structure for an insect immobilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, Paul A. Pilosi, Martijn F. Loerakker
  • Stable solid block detergent composition
    Patent number: 7094746
    Abstract: The dimensionally stable alkaline solid block warewashing detergent uses an E-form binder forming a solid comprising a sodium carbonate source of alkalinity, a sequestrant, a surfactant package and other optional material. The solid block is dimensionally stable and highly effective in removing soil from the surfaces of dishware in the institutional and industrial environment. The E-form hydrate comprises an organic phosphonate and a hydrated carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, G. Jason Wei
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Patent number: 7093771
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Brian A. Chute, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Jamie W. Lerbs, Trevor J. Wihelmson, Scott T. Russell
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Patent number: 7093772
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Brian A. Chute