Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Publication number: 20030157006
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment of a plant gaseous stream containing odor compounds including hydrogen sulfide, an alkyl mercaptan or an alkyl thiol and mixtures thereof by contacting the plant stream with an oxidizing agent that reduces the odor but forms elemental sulfur. The elemental sulfur, and other inorganic, scales that form, or deposit, can be suppressed or removed using a specific aromatic substituted nonionic surfactant material. The use of such a process produces a significant improvement in odor quality while maintaining a clean process facility and low operating pressure drop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 6607102
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus (10) includes a container (70) for holding a liquid product to be dispensed. A docking station (20) receives the container (70). A reservoir (50) is positioned in the docking station (20) for receiving the liquid to be dispensed. A docking cup is connected to the docking station for opening a bottle insert (90) which is contained in the container (70). The bottle insert includes a body (93) having openings (95). A probe-engaging member is movable between a first and second position without obstructing the openings (95).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Troy A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6608023
    Abstract: A solid block detergent composition is described which can be dispensed with a water spray to form an aqueous detergent for cutting and removing grease, removing and suspending soils and rinsing easily leaving cleaned ware. The aqueous detergent concentrate can be used in a cleaning liquid having exceptional soil, particularly grease removing properties with stable foam properties. The solid block detergent contains a package of surfactants including a neutralized anionic surfactant with either one or a mixture of an alkali and alkaline earth metal salt thereof and an alkylpolyglycoside. The active ingredients and polyethylene glycol as a hardening agent are dispersed in a matrix which hardens to form a solid block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Karen G. Klaers, Helen B. Bailly
  • Publication number: 20030153480
    Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson
  • Publication number: 20030148727
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid and methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry. The methods include the step of applying a mixed peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6602350
    Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in the removal of road film and dirt from vehicles are provided. The compositions can be provided in the form of a concentrate and a ready-to-use or a diluted formulation and can be used to remove a wide range of different types of traffic film. The compositions can contain at least one anionic surfactant, at least one polyoxyalkylene ammonium cationic surfactant and at least one of an alkaline agent and an acidulating agent. Additional components that can be included are a chelating agent, a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a hydrotrope, and a silicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen Norland, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Publication number: 20030139305
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Kupper, Michael Schneider, Walter Grosse Bowing, Alfred Laufenberg, Harald Kluschanzoff
  • Publication number: 20030134752
    Abstract: A process for lubricating a container, such as a beverage container, or a conveyor for containers, by applying to the container or conveyor, a thin continuous, substantially non-dripping layer of a liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional dilute aqueous lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keight Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6591970
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to at least a portion of the container-contacting surface of the conveyor or to at least a portion of the conveyor-contacting surface of the container a coating comprising a hydrophilic material wherein the lubricating properties of the coating are enhanced by contact with a polar liquid; polymerizing or otherwise solidifying the coating; and contacting the coating with such polar liquid. If desired, the coating can be applied or polymerized on the conveyor or container while the conveyor line is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Edward Olson, Minyu Li, Bryan Michael Anderson
  • Patent number: 6593283
    Abstract: A method for antimicrobial treatment comprising applying to microbes a composition containing a diluting solvent (e.g., water), an antimicrobially-active solvent having a density different from the density of the diluting solvent, and an optional cosolvent, surfactant, or additional antimicrobial agent, wherein the amount of antimicrobially-active solvent or additional antimicrobial agent is sufficiently high and the amount of cosolvent or surfactant is sufficiently low so that the composition will provide greater than a 1-log order reduction in the population of bacteria or spores of Bacillus cereus within 10 seconds at 60° C. Preferred methods of the invention employ compositions containing an additional antimicrobial agent such as peroxyacetic acid. Compositions for use in the method can be prepared as concentrates, and used full strength or in diluted form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Guang-jong J. Wei, David A. Halsrud, Kim R. Smith, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Patent number: 6589443
    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 uniform quantities of an aqueous bleach concentrate to bleaching locus such as a washing machine. The tablets can be made from the encapsulated bleach or from a powder mixture of a particulate, granulated or powdered unencapsulated source of active oxidizing bleach and an encapsulated source of active oxidizing bleach by forming the powder mixture into a desired shape. Such a shaped solid bleach can be packaged in a container and can then be contacted with an aqueous spray in a dispenser to create a solution of active bleach for cleaning bleaching processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6589565
    Abstract: A non-corrosive, liquid, aqueous sterilant composition (as a concentrate or ready-to-use solution), which may be provided in two parts which are mixed prior to application, may comprise a peracid (in an equilibrium solution with an underlying carboxylic acid or mixtures of alkyl carboxylic acids and peroxide), inorganic buffering agent, and water. It has been found that the use of this simplified system, even in the absence of additional components which have been thought to be desirable for sterilants used on metal parts (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Sally K. Swart
  • Patent number: 6584633
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for an automated fragrance dispenser for the application of a fragrance to dry fabrics during an industrial laundering process. In one embodiment, the fragrance dispenser is positioned outside the dryer, and preferably on the exit side of the steam tunnel in the laundering process. The fragrance dispenser includes a sensor for determining whether the garment passing on the conveyor is the type of garment to which the fragrance is to be applied, for example, a uniform shirt versus pants. The fragrance dispenser also includes a delivery system for applying the fragrance to selected garments. The delivery system also includes a timing device for dispensing the fragrance onto the garment for a controlled amount of time. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, automated application of the fragrance to fabrics is provided in the dryer within the laundering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Chute, Charles A. Hodge, Richard J. Mehus, Peter W. Rauen, Thomas L. Hennemann, William Crawford, Paul Mattia
  • Publication number: 20030119691
    Abstract: A cleaning composition is provided according to the invention. The cleaning composition includes a product of mixing an acid component, a source of phosphoric acid component, and an oxidant component. The molar ratio of oxidant component to phosphoric acid component is preferably between about 2:1 and about 1:2, and the molar ratio of oxidant component to acid component is preferably between about 1:3 and about 1:5. A method of cleaning an aluminum surface is provided The method includes a step of applying the cleaning composition to an aluminum surface, and rinsing the cleaning composition from the aluminum surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D.P. Hei, Michael E. Besse, Jerry D. Hoyt
  • Publication number: 20030119694
    Abstract: The invention is a solid chemical concentrate system of at least two cooperative shapes. The first shape is an inwardly curved bar having an inner opening. The second shape is an insert which is capable of interlocking with the bar by insertion into the bar inner opening. The solid chemical concentrate provides chemical systems having active constituents which may be the same, different but compatible or functionally and chemically incompatible combined within one matrix to provide at least one substantially continuous surface. The system may also comprise an aqueous soluble or dispersible polymeric film cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6582734
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-part antimicrobial composition comprising at least one chlorine dioxide generating component comprising at least one metal chlorite and at least one acid-forming compound in a solid carrier, and at least one liquid aqueous component. The composition further comprises at least one antimicrobial fatty acid having from about 2 to about 15 carbon atoms, and preferably from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms. The components, upon mixing, form a composition having a pH in the range of about 5 to about 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-jong Jason Wei, David Daniel McSherry, Francis Lawrence Richter, Richard K. Staub
  • Patent number: 6583094
    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: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, G. Jason Wei, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6583101
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy M. Wiseth, Kim R. Smith, Victor F. Man, Scott I. De Fields, Reid Rabon, Mark D. Levitt
  • Publication number: 20030113384
    Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions containing an iodine compound and a carboxylic acid, for example, a fatty acid, are disclosed. The compositions can be formulated for use as a surgical scrub, wound antiseptic, pre-operative skin preparation, industrial sanitizer, antimicrobial soap, teat dip, etc. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, a composition of the invention is formulated as a teat dip further including a rheology modifier, at least one surfactant, suitable emollients, skin conditioners and lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Lind Fredell, Francis Lawrence Richter, Benjamin R. Bode
  • Publication number: 20030111097
    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: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Shaun P. Kennedy, Charles A. Hodge