Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Patent number: 6664219
    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 nonionic 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: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6660335
    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. The apparatus additionally includes at least two swing arms and an anchor. The at least two swing arms have a first end rotatably attached to the tire engagement arm, and a second end rotatably attached to the anchor. A method for applying a tire dressing fluid onto a tire surface is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mattia, Kyle F. Schindel, Brian Chute
  • Patent number: 6660707
    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 metal corrosion protecting alkali metal silicate composition, 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: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: EcoLab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 6656353
    Abstract: A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a measured amount of a chemical (60) into a fluid piping system including a cap member (24) having a fluid inlet port (33) and a fluid outlet port (34) between which is a tubular flow conduit (28). The cap member (24) also includes bypass and control members (44), which align with an inlet passageway (36) and an outlet passageway (42) in the cap member (24). Fluid flows into the cap member (24) through the inlet port (33). The tubular flow conduit (28) has the inlet passageway (36) therein to divert a portion of the fluid passing through the system into a canister (11) operatively connected to the cap (24). A container (16) is disposed within the canister (11) containing the chemical (60), which is partially dissolved by fluid introduced into the container (16) to create a use solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Kilawee, Jamie W. Lerbs, John E. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030220216
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of peracid esters for improving surface wetting during the disinfection of surfaces and to synergistic antimicrobial combinations of peracid esters with further components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: ECOLAB GMBH & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Siegfried Bragulla, Alfred Laufenberg, Harald Kluschanzoff
  • Patent number: 6653263
    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: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Küpper, Michael Schneider, Walter Grosse Böwing, Alfred Laufenberg, Harald Kluschanzoff
  • Patent number: 6653266
    Abstract: A solid functional material comprises a functional agent such as a cleaning composition, a sanitizing agent, where a rinse agent, etc. in a solid block format. The solid block is formed by a binding agent that forms the active ingredients into a solid block. The binding agent comprises a phosphonate or amino acetate sequestrant, a carbonate salt and water in an E-Form hydrate. These materials at a specific mole ratio form a novel binding agent that can form functional materials into a solid matrix form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jason Wei, Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20030216279
    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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, G. Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6649586
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 6645924
    Abstract: A device for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent is provided. The device includes a solid detergent reservoir for holding solid detergent, a stock solution reservoir for holding stock solution, and a hot water heater for controlling the temperature of water used to generate the stock solution from the solid detergent. A method for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent and a method for washing a vehicle are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terry James Klos, Scott A. Johansen, Paul J. Mattia
  • Publication number: 20030205247
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of solutions containing enzymes for cleaning fermentation or storage tanks in the beverage industry, especially for removing residues left over from fermentation processes. Said enzymes are preferably selected from the following: laccases, peroxidases, oxireductases, transferases, hydrolases, isomerases, lyases, ligases and proteases, and are present in the aqueous cleaning solution in a quantity of 0.001 to 1 wt. %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: ECOLAB GMBH & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Marion Lengling, Harald Kluschanzoff
  • Publication number: 20030207781
    Abstract: A composition and method for use in imparting or maintaining a glossy or shiny finish on a hard surface. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a base polish component or components, and at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant. In another embodiment, a method of imparting a glossy finish on a hard surface by applying a composition to the hard surface, the composition comprising at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant. In some such embodiments, the composition comprises a base polish and the poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant is dispersed in the base polish. Preferably, the poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant comprises in the range of about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, more preferably in the range of about 0.05 to about 5 wt. %, and more preferably in the range of about 0.1 to about 1 wt. % of the total composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Conrad, Michael E. Besse, Terry J. Klos
  • Publication number: 20030207782
    Abstract: Hard floor finishes and other stubborn soils can be removed using an aqueous dispersion of an alkylene glycol phenyl ether solvent combined with an ether alcohol solvent/coupler. Each component is used at a concentration that result in the creation of a visible dispersed appearance of the aqueous dilute use solutions. We have found that the alkylene glycol phenyl ether, in combination with at least one ether alcohol coupler or solvent, interacts with the aqueous medium to surprisingly provide enhanced cleaning performances. Hard to remove soils such as highly crosslinked urethanes and acrylic materials can be solubilized and removed by the alcohol solvent dispersions of the invention. We have found that the alkylene phenyl ether solvent requires a specific coupler cosolvent for activity. Such activity can be enhanced by the presence of a second coupler cosolvent and the use of a specific class of nonionic surfactant materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy M. Wiseth, Kim R. Smith, Victor F. Man, Scott I. De Fields, Reid Rabon, Mark D. Levitt
  • Publication number: 20030207040
    Abstract: The interface between a moving conveyor belt and a work piece can be lubricated using an air driven stream of finely divided droplets of a lubricant composition. Droplets of a preferred size are directed by the air stream onto the conveyor with little waste of lubricant off the conveyor. The lubricant provides a very low coefficient of friction and little or no stress cracking in the containers. Using a low pressure and low flow rate air stream in conjunction with a low flow rate liquid lubricant attains the useful particle size in the lubricant add on spray. The liquid lubricant is sheared by the effect of the air flow creating the desirable droplet size and pattern of lubricant on the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Bennett, Kim Person Hei, Minyu Li, Amy Haupert, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 6638902
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Tarara, Sally K. Swart, Tareasa Lynn Bradley, Reid Rabon, Denise Chandler
  • Patent number: 6637478
    Abstract: A fill station for filling various sizes of containers from a liquid dispensing system includes a first stationary platform and second rotatable platform positioned above the first platform. The second platform is hinged to move between a horizontal loading position and a stowed position to provide access to the first platform. A third platform may be positioned above the second platform, wherein the third platform is hinged at an opposite end from the second platform to move between a horizontal load position and a stowed position. Sensors may be used to detect whether a container is positioned on one of the platforms and to detect the positions of the different rotatable platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Gregory B. Laughland
  • Publication number: 20030199410
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions that include:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Jeffy D. Hoyt, Terry J. Klos, Robert D.P. Hei
  • Publication number: 20030199583
    Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Gutzmann, Brian J. Anderson, Pamela J. Reed, Bruce R. Cords, Lawrence A. Grab, Edward H. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6635286
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, John Dennis Hilgren, Joy Ann Salverda, Brandon Leon Herdt
  • Publication number: 20030195657
    Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in associating with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner