Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Publication number: 20050255247
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tire dressing fluid to a tire surface is provided. The apparatus includes a tire engagement arm having an applicator manifold and leveling pad. The applicator manifold has an opening for receiving a tire dressing fluid and a plurality of openings for dispensing the tire dressing fluid directly onto the tire surface. The leveling pad is provided for engaging the tire surface and spreading the tire dressing fluid over the tire surface. A method for applying a tire dressing fluid onto a tire surface is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mattia, Kyle Schindel, Brian Chute
  • Patent number: 6964787
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for reducing microbial burden on a food product. The method includes contacting the food product with an antimicrobial agent and irradiating the food product. The system includes an applicator adapted and configured for contacting a food product with an antimicrobial agent and an irradiator adapted and configured for irradiating a food product. The antimicrobial agent can be a peroxycarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Sally Kay Swart, Shaun Patrick Kennedy, Thomas L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20050250661
    Abstract: Vehicle cleaning compositions containing one or more selected components with complexing properties, the use thereof for removing firmly adhering metal dust-containing and/or abraded metal-containing residues and for cleaning wheel rims, the production of corresponding vehicle cleaning solutions and a method for cleaning vehicles which is particularly protective of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Siegfried Bragulla
  • Patent number: 6962897
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of formulations containing selected fluorinated components for reducing friction between conveyor systems and the containers transported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Küpper, Michael Schneider, Walter Grosse Böwing, Alfred Laufenberg, Harald Kluschanzoff
  • Patent number: 6962266
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a unit dose product (11) from a unit dose package (10) is disclosed. The unit dose package (10) includes a first continuous strip (12) operatively connected to a second continuous strip (13) so as to provide individual segments (17) containing the unit dose of product (11). The unit dose of product (11) is dispensed by suitable method which separates the strips (12, 13) and dispensing the unit dose of product (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Morgan, Eddie D. Sowle, Tareasa L. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6962714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions including a critical, near critical, or supercritical (densified) fluid and an antimicrobial agent, to methods of forming these compositions, and to methods employing these compositions. An antimicrobial agent can be generated in the presence of a densified fluid, for example, by reacting an oxidizing agent with a precursor to the antimicrobial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Keith E. Olson, Robert J. Ryther, Richard K. Staub
  • Patent number: 6959510
    Abstract: An insect trap using attractant light, comprising a source of insect attractant light and a housing that can be mounted on a generally planar or flat mounting surface. The housing and the source of light cooperate to form a bidirectional or a multidirectional (overlapping or non-overlapping) pattern of insect attractant light. The housing comprises one, two or more openings for the insect attractant light that is reflected and radiated onto the flat mounting surface. The housing and the source of insect attractant light can cooperate to form a light pattern directed in a continuous display pattern that can surround the housing. The housing openings further facilitate the entry of flying insect pests into the trap. As the insects enter the trap, they are immobilized on an insect immobilization surface mounted within the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, Oliver A. Ossanna, Douglas G. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20050236017
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Kravitz, Francis Richter, Duane Reinhardt, Gerald Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6956019
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a monionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6955490
    Abstract: A system for the formation of a thick robust transparent floor finish layer from a high solids formulation with an applicator device utilizing micro fiber technology. A micro fiber applicator device can be configured to apply a sufficient amount of an aqueous high solids floor finish to obtain a thick robust finish layer in a single application. One system for applying the floor finish can comprise a source of aqueous floor finish and an applicator wand comprising an application nozzle and application surface. Application surface can comprise micro fiber technology in a pad structure comprising a reservoir foam and a micro fiber applicator surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Jane Ann Chase, Christopher John Lancette, Scott Randall Olson
  • Publication number: 20050227884
    Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a method and composition for removing waxy soils. The invention also pertains to a method and composition for removing lip cosmetic soils such as lipsticks, Chapsticks™, and the like. The invention further pertains to a method and composition for removing lip cosmetic soils from the surface of drinkware. Finally, the invention pertains to a method and composition for removing lip cosmetic soils from the surface of drinkware wherein the drinkware is first pretreated with an effective amount of a pretreating composition and the drinkware is then treated with a normal washing process. In an embodiment, the drinkware is first pretreated with an effective amount of a pretreating composition to remove substantially all of the lip cosmetic soil from the drinkware. In an embodiment, the drinkware is first pretreated with an effective amount of a pretreating composition to loosen the lip cosmetic soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Maser, Denise Chandler, Tareasa Bradley
  • Patent number: 6953507
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Gerald K. Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6951430
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying flowing media to a surface. Said device comprises a container for the media with at least one opening which is located above the surface and can be deaerated and a mopping or applicator device which is attached to a handle. In addition, the device has a flow-regulating hose which can be shut off, for conveying the media form the container by force of gravity to an outlet on the mopping or applicator device. In addition, the device has a portable unit which is worn on the back, comprising supporting and fixing straps and a mounting plate which is fitted to said unit and which has a rapid-action coupling device. The container has a resealable exit opening at one end with a connecting sleeve and a resealable fill opening at the opposite end, in addition to a hose adapter which can be connected to the connecting sleeve of the exit opening. Said adapter has a shut-off device and a rapid-action coupling for the hose with a drip-protection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Hans-Leo Fernschild, Heiko Faubel, Karl-Heinz Rogmann, Ulrike Scheuvens
  • Patent number: 6946432
    Abstract: The anti-foaming preparations comprise aqueous formulations, which contain at least one substance, from the group of polyhydroxy compounds, non-ionic detergents and phosphoric acid esters and their salts, preferably alkyl polygluocosides, alkoxylated long-chain alcohols and an alkali salt of a phosphoric acid partial-ester. The particular advantage of said aqueous formulations is that they are stable when included in highly alkaline cleaning concentrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Siegfried Bragulla, Peter Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6946037
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a surface-active agent and to the use of cleaning agents obtained by dilution of said surface-active agent for removing silicone-containing deposits from surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Wilfried Serve, Siegfried Bragulla
  • Publication number: 20050199272
    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 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: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Levitt, Terry Klos, Michael Besse, Robert Hei, Jerry Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Man
  • Patent number: 6943690
    Abstract: A flow verification sensor apparatus (30) is used with a constant volume pump (11) that pumps a liquid product (13) from a container (12). A plummet (32) is positioned in a flow tube (31). A sensor (33) is positioned upward from the lower end of the flow tube (31). A timer (34) measures the length of time for the plummet (32) to move from a first position to a second position after activation of the pump (11). Suitable alarms (50) are operated to indicate low flow or out of product conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20050194090
    Abstract: The present invention relates to adhesive labels for use in food safety labeling systems and methods of using the adhesive labels to enhance food safety and food rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventor: J. Milliorn
  • Publication number: 20050197276
    Abstract: Solid cleaning products suitable for use as a floor cleaner are disclosed. Methods of making and using solid cleaning products are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Karen Rigley, Tami Tadrowski, Peter Barnett
  • Patent number: 6939405
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tire dressing fluid to a tire surface is provided. The apparatus includes a tire engagement arm having an applicator manifold and leveling pad. The applicator manifold has an opening for receiving a tire dressing fluid and a plurality of openings for dispensing the tire dressing fluid directly onto the tire surface. The leveling pad is provided for engaging the tire surface and spreading the tire dressing fluid over the tire surface. A method for applying a tire dressing fluid onto a tire surface is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mattia, Kyle F. Schindel, Brian Chute