Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Patent number: 6514556
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Publication number: 20030022806
    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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jason Wei, Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20030015221
    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: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-jong Jason Wei, David Daniel McSherry, Mark D. Levitt
  • Patent number: 6509302
    Abstract: We have found that a clear, stable microemulsion can be used during container transport operations during which the container is contacted with a transparent dispersion of hydrophilic and oleophilic materials. 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 transparent dispersed liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional lubricant diluted with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kimberly Person Hei, Amy Haupert
  • Publication number: 20030012081
    Abstract: A method and system for formulating and dispensing a chemical product to a dispense location is disclosed. The chemical product is formulated using one or more chemical concentrates. The chemical concentrates may be stored in concentrate containers and provided to a formulator by associated concentrate pumps. The concentrates are pulled from the containers through a manifold and to the formulator. The formulator discharges the chemical concentrates through a dispense hose having an outlet valve to the dispense location. The dispense location may be a jug or a drum. A flow meter connected between the formulator and the dispense hose. The flow meter monitors the component chemical concentrates flowing through the dispense hose and measures volumetric information associated with each component chemical concentrate. A flow controller analyzes the volumetric information generated by the flow meter and controls the volume of each component chemical concentrate dispensed to the dispense location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Bruce W. Weber, James M. Zell, Clyde A. Bailey, Jun Wu, Gregory B. Laughland
  • Publication number: 20030010397
    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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Gregory B. Laughland
  • Patent number: 6506737
    Abstract: An oxidizing species is described herein as a reaction product through an in situ preparation combining a protonizable phosphorus or sulfur compound, and a halide source at controlled proportions in an aqueous, non-aqueous, gel, aerosol, solid-phase or powdered media. The oxidizing species can be used to reduce microbial and viral populations on a surface or object or in a body or stream of water. The invention thus finds applications as a bleach, sanitizer, oxidant, or in any other application in which an oxidizing agent can be beneficially used alone or in a formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Kim Smith
  • Patent number: 6505761
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for delivering a paste from a flexible supply packing drum to a dosing device. The packing drum is arranged in a dimensionally stable container and has a descending passageway for product guidance. The dosing device draws paste from the packing drum by use of a low pressure. In addition, a follower plate is arranged for positioning on the top of the flexible supply packing drum. An opening is provided in the bottom of the container. The container is sealed against the dosing device, and the follower plate is sealed against and moveable within the container. A low pressure is applied between the container and the flexible supply packing drum for assisting the transfer of paste into the dosing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Guenther Amberg, Wolfgang Huber
  • Patent number: 6506261
    Abstract: Organic compositions, used neat or in concentrate, are effective in removing complex organic soils from wood, metal and other hard surfaces. The compositions comprise nonionic surfactants, silicone surfactants, anionic surfactants, hydrotropes and other optional functional materials including sequestrants. Substrates such as laundry and heavily soiled hard surfaces containing a substantial proportion of organic/inorganic soils such as greases, oils and other hard to remove soil materials are readily cleaned by the cleaner compositions of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6503875
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition that is suitable for lowering the alkalinity of a textile. The composition is also suitable for cleansing or treating a hard surface or a porous surface. The composition exhibits stability as a solution or as a dispersion at a temperature of about 0° C. to about 8° C. The composition includes a carrier, an acid, and a quaternary phosphonium compound, or a suitable salt or solvate thereof. The present invention also provides a method for cleansing or treating a surface. The method includes contacting the surface with an effective amount of a composition of the present invention to provide a treated or cleansed surface having a pH below about 7.5. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a composition of the present invention. The method includes combining the carrier, the acid, and the quaternary phosphonium compound, or a suitable salt or solvate thereof, in any order, to provide the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne Ann Olson, Minyu Li
  • Patent number: 6503879
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6502838
    Abstract: A cleaning cart for accommodating and carrying containers and utensils for cleaning, supply and waste collection purposes. The cleaning cart has a base frame which is on rollers, and step shaped support frames which are mounted on the base frame and support carrying elements, the carrying elements being horizontally and vertically offset from each other. The cleaning cart also has a hanging container located behind the support frame. A base plate is fixed on the base frame. The carrying elements are trays which can be hung in the support frame in a cascade arrangement. Space is provided between the hung trays and the base plate for arranging other containers. The support frame has more than two steps. Containers can be placed on the base plate in front of the support frame, and under at least one hung tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Frank Kresse, Klaus-Peter Bansemir, Heiko Faubel
  • Publication number: 20030004073
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions for removing silver soil from the surface of objects. These compositions contain a reducing agent, and an alkaline source, and may optionally contain various other components including a chelating agent, cleaning agent, filler, an anti-corrosion agent, a defoaming agent, an odorant, a dye, an antioxidant, or a bleaching agent. Methods of using the compositions are also disclosed, wherein the object to be cleaned is contacted with the composition and the object is then washed with an aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Bryan Anderson
  • Patent number: 6495494
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts and with relatively low or no water content, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 6493986
    Abstract: Several embodiments of an insect trap using attractant light displayed on a projection surface are disclosed. The insect trap can be mounted on a vertical surface or on a ceiling surface. The wall-mounted housing forms an upwardly facing opening for facilitating entry of flying insect pests and for the reflection of light onto the vertical surface. The ceiling-mounted housing has a lateral opening for facilitating entry of pests and for reflection of light onto the ceiling and/or opposite wall. Insects that enter the trap are immobilized on an adhesive surface within the trap. A method of trapping insects is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, Douglas G. Anderson, C. William Snedeker
  • Patent number: 6489281
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei, Michael E. Besse, Jerry D. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 6489278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a A highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent which combines a source of alkalinity and with a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning waxy-fatty soils. This blend of surfactants shows surprising cooperation in reducing surface tension and comprises a nonionic or amphoteric surfactant and a silicone containing surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20020177541
    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: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Tarara, Sally K. Swart, Tareasa Lynn Bradley, Reid Rabon, Denise Chandler
  • Patent number: 6484734
    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: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Shaun P. Kennedy, Charles A. Hodge
  • Patent number: 6485794
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricating coating that is thermally cured at less than 200° C. or radiation-cured. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts and with relatively low or no water content, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping, renewable lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide dry lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Keith Edward Olson