Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Method for manufacturing a molded detergent composition
    Patent number: 6730653
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded detergent composition is provided. The method includes a step of mixing a hydrated component and a hydratable component to provide a mixture, and molding the mixture to provide a molded detergent composition having a melting point greater than about 30° C. The hydrated component has a melting point below about 100° C. and includes a transhydration product of anhydrous material and water of hydration. The anhydrous material has a melting point greater than about 300° C. 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 of the water of a molded detergent composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Wendy Wiseth, Richard Stardig
  • Shaped solid comprising oxidant bleach with encapsulate source of bleach
    Publication number: 20040082491
    Abstract: Aqueous bleach solutions can be made by directing a spray of water onto a bulk or shaped solid (brick, tablet, block, etc.) comprising a continuous solid phase of an encapsulated source of an active halogen bleach or a solid comprising a source of an oxidizing active halogen bleach, and an encapsulated oxidizing halogen bleach source. Such shaped solids can be used to dispense an aqueous bleach concentrate to bleaching locus such as a washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Center Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Pest control device
    Patent number: 6725597
    Abstract: A pest control device (10), and a method of suppressing a pest, which can be discretely and easily placed, serviced and removed from the proximity of areas where pests, including rodents and insects, are likely to frequent, including the area near the floor-wall juncture (54) behind shelving (44) and/or products (52) or equipment. The pest control device (10) has a pest suppression device (18) having an ingress for the pest and an elongate arm (20) having a proximate end (24) and a distal end (26), the proximate end (24) of the elongate arm (20) connected to the pest suppression device (20) communicating with the ingress and facilitating a pathway for the pest from the distal end (26) of the elongate arm (20) to the ingress. The pest suppression device (10) may be mounted on a platform (12 or 14) and the elongate arm (20) mounted instead to the platform (12 or 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, Vince R. Harris, Martijn Loerakker
  • Method for washing a vehicle
    Patent number: 6726779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying a detergent use solution to a washing surface of a motor vehicle, including the steps of: (a) providing a liquid detergent concentrate that includes an active ingredient level from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %; (b) introducing the liquid detergent concentrate into a water stream to provide a detergent use solution that includes an active ingredient level from about 0.03 wt. % and 1 wt. %; and (c) applying the detergent use solution to a washing surface of a motor vehicle. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for washing a washing surface of a vehicle, wherein the method includes: (a) providing a liquid detergent concentrate having an active ingredients level from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terry James Klos, Scott A. Johansen, Paul J. Mattia, Michael Edward Besse, Kenneth W. Shaw, Thomas M. Pederson
  • Detergent composition and method for removing soil
    Publication number: 20040077516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Stable solid enzyme compositions and methods employing them
    Publication number: 20040072714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid enzyme cleaning composition in which the enzyme is stable in the presence of mixtures of carbonate and bicarbonate at alkaline pH, and methods employing this composition. The enzyme cleaning composition preferably employs weight ratios of carbonate and bicarbonate to stabilize one or more enzymes in a solid, a concentrate, and/or a use composition, and at temperatures higher than ambient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Tarara, Sally K. Swart, Tareasa Lynn Bradley, Reid Rabon, Denise Chandler
  • Process and an arrangement for machine dishwashing
    Patent number: 6718991
    Abstract: The process of dishwashing in an institutional dishwashing machine by adding to the wash liquor of the dishwashing machine a low-alkali content detergent composition and adding to a washing tank of the dishwashing machine a detergency booster composition containing an enzyme. Apparatus to practice the process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Jacques Breyer, Guenter Hellmann, Dieter Hemm, Klaus Wilbert
  • Point-of-use generation of chlorinated alkaline cleaning solutions by electrolysis
    Patent number: 6719891
    Abstract: An on-site apparatus and method for preparing aqueous cleaning compositions, including an electrolytic cell for producing and dispensing chlorine and sodium hydroxide for use in various cleaning and/or sanitizing formulations at the point of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Ruhr, Nathan Peitersen, Joel Schilling, Harold Matson, Sara Peters, Bryan Anderson, Mike Shulman, Paul Pankratz
  • Hydrofluoric acid generating composition and method of treating surfaces
    Publication number: 20040065346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits and processes for the brightening of metal surfaces by the application of the chemical compositions. These compositions act to release hydrofluoric acid as a brightening agent. The solutions are preferably mixed during application of the brightening composition to a metal surface by mixing the solutions immediately prior to or even during application of the solution. This can be readily accomplished by mixing two solutions, one having a fluoride source and the other having a strong acid to release hydrofluoric acid from the fluoride source, the mixing occurring immediately before spray application, during spraying, or immediately after spraying of the two solutions. Mixing may be done on-site, which means that mixing is performed at the site of use, usually on the same day of use or even within a few (less than 10) minutes of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-Jong Jason Wei, David Daniel McSherry, Mark D. Levitt
  • Peroxy acid treatment to control pathogenic organisms on growing plants
    Publication number: 20040068008
    Abstract: A method of using peracid/acid compositions, where the mole ratio of acid to peracid is less than about 3:1, to treat field or greenhouse grown plant tissue, seeds, fruits, and growing media and containers is described. The peracid/acid system can lower the natural, plant pathogen and human pathogenic microbial load resulting in less waste to molding, spoilage, and destruction because of pathogenic poisons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, John Dennis Hilgren, Joy Ann Salverda, Brandon Leon Herdt
  • Non-polymer thickening agent and cleaning composition
    Publication number: 20040067866
    Abstract: A non-polymer thickening medium, and the inclusion of such a non-polymer thickening medium in a cleaning composition. In some embodiments, the non-polymer thickening medium includes a sparingly water soluble surfactant, and an organic solvent including an OH group, an ether group, or both an OH group and an ether group. At lease some of the two components of the thickening medium interact with each other thicken a composition to which they are added. In some embodiments, the thickening medium components are included within a cleaning composition which further includes a source of alkalinity, and a polar carrier. Some other embodiments relate to methods of making, and methods of using such thickening medium and cleaning compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: ECOLAB, INC.
    Inventors: Greg G. Griese, Mike J. Bartelme, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Ed D. Sowle
  • Dispensing methods and apparatus for automobile finish products
    Patent number: 6715692
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes at least one source of pressurized air and reservoirs for multiple automobile finish products. A discrete spray gun is provided for each of the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Peterson, Patrick Secord
  • Conveyor lubricant, passivation of a thermoplastic container to stress cracking and thermoplastic stress crack inhibitor
    Publication number: 20040058829
    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: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Michael E. Besse
  • Water-based pest bait compositions having water-sensitive insecticides and methods of making and use thereof
    Publication number: 20040057977
    Abstract: Compositions, methods-of-preparing, and methods-of-use of a water-based rapid acting insecticidal bait containing a stabilized water-sensitive insecticide as an active ingredient are described. Also described is a storage stable composition containing the water-sensitive insecticide and an insecticide stabilizer, such as boric acid or a nanoparticle. The composition can be easily applied into cracks, crevices, voids, or other pest harborage areas to rapidly kill insect pests, particularly cockroaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, S. John Barcay, Emory H. Matts, Steven J. Lange, Thomas R. Mohs, Robert D. Hei
  • Usage competent hand soap dispenser with data collection and display capabilities
    Patent number: 6707873
    Abstract: A device which measures individual employee usage of a liquid product or hand soap dispenser as part of an overall hygiene compliance program. The dispenser consists of a self-contained keypad/display module which is attached to a standard hand soap dispenser. An employee enters a unique personal ID code and then activates the dispenser. The dispenser counts all inputs to the dispenser in order to generate meaningful data for management. Alternatively, the dispenser may only track and report total usage and not account for individual employee usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Luke P. Thompson, James L. Copeland, Ronald B. Howes, Jr.
  • Methods and compositions for cleaning, rinsing, and antimicrobial treatment of medical equipment
    Publication number: 20040048760
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for cleaning, rinsing, and/or antimicrobial treatment of medical carts, medical cages, and other medical instruments, devices or equipment. The method for cleaning employs a solid alkaline, for example a solid carbonate, cleaning composition for cleaning the medical cart, cage, instrument, device, or equipment. The method for rinsing employs a solid neutral or neutralizing rinse composition for rinsing the medical cart, cage, instrument, device, or equipment. The method for antimicrobial treatment employs a solid, for example a solid quaternary ammonium or solid halogen, antimicrobial composition, for antimicrobial treatment of the medical cart, cage, instrument, device, or equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Reid Rabon, Sally K. Swart, Denise Chandler, Terrence P. Everson
  • Acidic aqueous chlorite teat dip with improved visual indicator stability, extended shelf life, sanitizing capacity and tissue protection
    Patent number: 6699510
    Abstract: The mastitis control teat dip composition having a visible indicator aspect of the invention provides a softening, soothing, smoothing, relaxing property, a rapid initial kill, a useful highly pseudoplastic rheology, a barrier/film-forming capacity, a unique antimicrobial composition that is stable over an extended period of time, and unexpected long term microbial control when compared to the prior art materials disclosed in patents and used in the marketplace. The indicator aspect provides ease of visually detecting the material on the animal skin and can indicate efficacy of the material. The compositions of the invention are made by combining an aqueous liquid composition containing the visual indicator combined with the organic components which can be combined with a simple aqueous solution of a salt of chlorous acid, preferably an alkali metal chlorite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David D. McSherry, Francis L. Richter
  • Conveyor lubricants for use in the food and beverage industries
    Patent number: 6696394
    Abstract: A lubricant concentrate comprising an effective lubricating amount of at least one sulfo methyl ester, and methods of using the same. The lubricant concentrate may diluted with water prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ruhr, Gerald Wichman, Cathy Paquette, Tim Gutzman
  • Multi-step post detergent treatment method
    Patent number: 6694989
    Abstract: Thus use of a post detergent step for removing aqueous residue from ware combined with a subsequent step using a potable rinse or a dilute solution of an aqueous food grade rinse aid to rinse alkaline washed ware provides significant advantages. The two step rinse method insures complete and sanitary cleaning of ware while permitting the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and the subsequent rinse step. Such process conditions permit the use of differing times and temperatures in the post detergent step and in the rinse step and permits the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and in the rinse step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Shaun P. Kennedy, Charles A. Hodge
  • Floor finish application system using applicator pad and matched floor finish composition
    Patent number: 6695516
    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: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott DeFields, Scott Olson