Patents Assigned to Ecolab
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Patent number: 6550998Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying flowing media to a surface. Said device comprises a container (1) for the media with at least one opening (2, 3) which is located above the surface and can be deaerated and a mopping or applicator device (5) which is attached to a handle (4). In addition, the device has a flow-regulating hose (6) which can be shut off, for conveying the media from the container (1) by force of gravity to an outlet on the mopping or applicator device (5). In addition, the device has a portable unit which is worn on the back, comprising supporting and fixing straps (8) and a mounting plate (9) which is fitted to said unit and which has a rapid-action coupling device. The container has (1) a resealable exit opening at one end (2) with a connecting sleeve and a resealable fill opening (3) at the opposite end, in addition to a hose adapter (11) which can be connected to the connecting sleeve of the exit opening (2).Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. oHGInventors: Hans-Leo Fernschild, Heiko Faubel, Karl-Heinz Rogmann, Ulrike Scheuvens
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Patent number: 6551553Abstract: A process is provided for disinfecting articles at temperatures below 5° C. with an aqueous alcoholic salt solution. The process provides a fast reduction of microorganisms at low temperatures with a wide degree of efficacy.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. oHGInventors: Friedrich von Rheinbaben, Klaus-Peter Bansemir, Holger Biering
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Patent number: 6545047Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Gutzmann, Brian J. Anderson, Pamela J. Reed, Bruce R. Cords, Lawrence A. Grab, Edward H. Richardson
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Patent number: 6543654Abstract: The invention relates to a device for emptying containers (2) filled with liquids, especially canisters and barrels, with an adapter (5)that can be fixed in a bung hole (3) of the container (2). The adapter (5) is fitted with a suction lance (7) pointing towards the container and has a degassing device. The device has a coupling piece (6) that can be attached to the adapter (5) for connecting a suction device (9). The adapter (5) has a set breaking point (10) surrounding the connection of the suction lance (7) by means of which the suction lance (7) can be pushed into the interior of the container. In a special embodiment, the set breaking point (10) is configured as a series of holes surrounding the central part (5b) connected to the suction lance (7).Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OhGInventors: Stephan Uhl, Wolfgang Huber, Frank Rainer Schuster
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Patent number: 6544942Abstract: A pseudo-stable phase-splitting solvent composition that forms a single liquid phase when subjected to mild agitation and retains that single phase while the composition is applied to a surface, but which forms two or more laminar liquid phases promptly after being applied. A concentrated solvent film forms on the surface, under a film containing the other phase. The solvent preferably is denser than water, and the composition preferably is diluted with water. This enables the solvent to attack the surface at near full strength, and provides a water seal over the solvent film. The solvent composition can be used full strength or in diluted form for cleaning, reducing the microbial population of, or degreasing a variety of surfaces, and for stripping a variety of difficult-to-remove coatings from surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark D. Levitt, Robert D. P. Hei
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Patent number: 6542568Abstract: A system for rewarding and encouraging compliance with a predetermined personal hygiene standard in a hygiene compliance program. The system comprises a fluid dispenser. The fluid dispenser includes an actuator. A sensor is connected to the actuator. A processor in electrical communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to increment a count when the sensor is actuated, relate the count to the identification code, and compare the count to a predetermined number.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Ronald Bruce Howes, Jr., James L. Copeland
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Patent number: 6540081Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable dispenser (10) for dispensing a unit dose of a solid product contained in a disposable blister pack (25). The dispenser (10) includes a housing (11), a back plate (30), and a dispensing tray (40). The blister pack (25) containing product is positioned between the housing (11) and the back plate (30), and the product is dispensed through the back plate (30) into the dispensing tray (40) where it can be acquired for use. A puncture tab (35) is integrated into the back plate (30) for aiding in rupturing the backing (28) of the blister pack (25) to dispense the product more easily.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Balz, Joshua J. Lanz
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Patent number: 6540960Abstract: A process useful for disinfecting medical instruments is presented involving reacting a hydrogen peroxide donor with an N-acyl compound in an aqueous medium having a pH of 9 to 11 to form an acylated hydrogen peroxide preparation, reducing the pH of the acylated hydrogen peroxide preparation to pH 7 to 9; and contacting the acylated hydrogen peroxide preparation with a medical instrument. The process provides good antimicrobial activity with little corrosion. The process is effective against mycobacteria.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG (Henkel-Ecolab)Inventors: Holger Biering, Klaus-Peter Bansemir, Joerg Sorns
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Patent number: 6537960Abstract: A low foaming surfactant blend for use in highly alkaline conditions including at least one C3 to C10 alkyl polyglucoside, at least one amine oxide, at least one polycarboxylated alcohol alkoxylate, and at least one alcohol alkoxylate. The blend may combined with other optional ingredients including a source of alkalinity, water conditioning agents, a source of chlorine, silicates, solvents, high foam amine oxides, other surfactants, and so forth to form a cleaning concentrate. The concentrate may be diluted to use solutions with water.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard O. Ruhr, Nathan D. Peitersen
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Publication number: 20030051765Abstract: A fill probe with an in-line mixer accelerates and facilitates automation of a fill and mix procedure required in formulating certain chemical products. In some formulas, the concentrated chemical components that combine to form the resulting formula (e.g., teat dip) have a wide range of viscosities. The in-line positioning of the mixing attachment with the fill probe on the outside of the fill probe creates a dual action mixing operation that mixes the components as they are deliver to a mixing container and continues to mix them after they are combined with other chemicals within the mixing container. By using a combination fill probe and in-line mixer of the claimed design, a user can automate the fill and mix process, decrease the required mix time, and reduce foaming and spillage of chemicals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Roy F. Johnson, Richard V. Mullen
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Patent number: 6534075Abstract: An antimicrobial and antiviral composition in powder form or in the form of a two part liquid concentrate for washing and sanitizing foods, food surfaces, food ware, process waters, animal quarters, and animal carcasses is described. The composition may also be used to reduce the microbial and viral population on animals; reducing human pathogenic microbes, reducing opportunistic pathogenic microbes on eggs, and treating skin diseases. The composition includes three reactive species which in solution form an oxidizing species, and optionally a food grade acid source. The reactive species include a natural source of a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound which is acceptable on foods, an oxidant and a halide source.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1999Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Kim R. Smith, Polly D. Laugen, Bruce R. Cords, Shaun P. Kennedy
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Patent number: 6530383Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous agent which is provided for cleaning hard surfaces and which comprises a pH value of greater than 7. The inventive agent comprises: A) 5 to 45 wt. % of at least one polymer which is soluble in the alkaline medium, which is not cross-linked by metal ions, and which has a temperature of film formation ranging from 0 and 80° C.; and B) 2 to 90 wt.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Karl-Heinz Rogmann, Birgit Skodell, Heiko Faubel
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Patent number: 6530386Abstract: A method for cleaning returnable bottles and similar containers used in the food industry. The method uses an enzymatic solution during the cleaning process. The cleaning results are at least as good as conventional methods, without requiring an increase in the duration of cleaning. The method substantially reduces bottle corrosion and waste water pollution compared to conventional methods.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Henkel Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Siegfried Bragulla, Brian Glanville, Andreas Potthoff, Harald Kluschanzoff, Alfred Laufenberg
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Publication number: 20030042167Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable dispenser (10) for dispensing a unit dose of a solid product contained in a disposable blister pack (25). The dispenser (10) includes a housing (11), a back plate (30), and a dispensing tray (40). The blister pack (25) containing product is positioned between the housing (11) and the back plate (30), and the product is dispensed through the back plate (30) into the dispensing tray (40) where it can be acquired for use. A puncture tab (35) is integrated into the back plate (30) for aiding in rupturing the backing (28) of the blister pack (25) to dispense the product more easily.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Balz, Joshua J. Lanz
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Publication number: 20030040458Abstract: A solid detergent composition is provided including an effective amount of a cleaning agent to provide soil removal and a binding agent dispersed throughout the solid detergent composition. The binding agent comprises a result of mixing alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonate, and water. The binding agent preferably includes alkali metal sesquicarbonate. A method for solidifying a detergent composition is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Elizabeth A. Trinkle, James J. Tarara, Victor F. Man
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Patent number: 6525005Abstract: Lubricant compositions are used on conveying systems in the beverage industry during the filling of containers with dairy products or other beverages. An antimicrobial conveyor lubricant composition according to the invention includes alkyl alkoxylated phosphate ester, antimicrobial agent comprising at least one of quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent and protonated amine antimicrobial agent, extreme pressure additive, water, and neutralizing agent in an amount sufficient to provide a use solution having a pH in the range of about 4 to about 9. The composition can include an extreme pressure additive and/or a corrosion inhibitor. A method for using an antimicrobial lubricant composition is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Joy G. Herdt, Kimberly L. Person Hei, Michael E. Besse
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Patent number: 6525015Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
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Patent number: 6517852Abstract: In order to disinfect objects at low temperatures, which can lie well below 0 ° C., said objects are treated with a hydroalcoholic solution containing an active microbicidal chlorhexidine compound. The Method enables quick reduction of germs even at low temperatures and displays a wide-ranging degree of efficacy.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Ecolab GmbH Co. OHGInventors: Friedrich Von Rheinbaben, Holger Biering, Klaus-Peter Bansemir
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Publication number: 20030026846Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, John Dennis Hilgren, Joy Ann Salverda, Brandon Leon Herdt
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Publication number: 20030027010Abstract: A radiation curable coating contains an agent that imparts greater strippability to the cured coating. The agent can be included in the coating or in one or more subsequently applied maintenance coats.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: EcolabInventors: Keith E. Olson, Victoria Jeanne Jackson