Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Composition and method for road-film removal
    Publication number: 20020173438
    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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen Norland, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Treatment of animal carcasses
    Publication number: 20020173545
    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 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Gutzmann, Brian J. Anderson, Pamela J. Reed, Bruce R. Cords, Lawrence A. Grab, Edward H. Richardson
  • Antimicrobial compositions and methods containing hydrogen peroxide and octyl amine oxide
    Patent number: 6479454
    Abstract: A peroxygen antimicrobial composition is provided comprising an amine oxide and peroxygen compound. The combination of the two components produces an effective antimicrobial composition, providing a more potent biocide than can be obtained by using these compounds separately. Other components can be added to the composition such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrotrope coupling agents, etc. The composition can be used to sanitize various surfaces such as hard surfaces found in food processing, food service and health care industries as well as to sanitize the surfaces of food and in the treatment of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Alkaline cleaners based on alcohol ethoxy carboxylates
    Patent number: 6479453
    Abstract: An alkaline cleaner composition comprising an alkyl or alkylaryl ethoxy carboxylate, a strong chelating agent and a source of alkalinity, its manufacture and use in removing greasy soil from hard surface areas is described. The compositions are especially effective in removing lime-soaps in such greasy soil especially on institutional and commercial kitchen floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Lubricant compositions having antimicrobial properties and methods for manufacturing and using lubricant compositions having antimicrobial properties
    Patent number: 6475961
    Abstract: A lubricant composition is provided. The lubricant composition includes a machinery lubricant and an antimicrobially effective amount of an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent exhibits a partition coefficient between water and the machinery lubricant of between about 0.01 and about 1,000, and the lubricant composition provides at least a two log reduction in bacteria in water in about two weeks or at least a two log reduction in mold and yeast in water in about one month from a concentration of bacteria of between 105 and 106 CFU/ml and a mold and yeast concentration of between about 105 and 106 CFU/ml. Methods for manufacturing and using a lubricant composition are provided. A method for manufacturing a lubricant composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Joel James Schilling, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Removal of blood stains
    Patent number: 6471728
    Abstract: A blood removing cleaning composition which may take the form of a detergent builder, detergent additive, or detergent pre-spotter, generally including an amount of amine compound effective to remove blood from fabric; and, optionally, an effective soil degrading amount of enzyme, wherein the composition is generally free of any neutral salt. In other preferred forms, the compositions disclosed herein may comprise surfactants, sources of alkalinity, and sequestrants, among other adjuvants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Incorporated
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Lynne Ann Olson
  • Acid sanitizing and cleaning compositions containing protonated carboxylic acids
    Patent number: 6472358
    Abstract: A sanitizing composition comprising at least one aliphatic short chain antimicrobially effective C5 to C14 fatty acid or mixture thereof, at least one carboxylic weak acid and a strong mineral acid which may be nitric or a mixture of nitric and phosphoric acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: EcoLab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Lawrence Richter, Duane Joseph Reinhardt, Richard R. Staub, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Detergent composition and method for removing soil
    Publication number: 20020155978
    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: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Process for using water-sensitive insecticides as an active ingredient in a water-based pest bait
    Publication number: 20020155142
    Abstract: A method of preparing a rapid acting bait composition which is water based and contains a water-sensitive insecticide as an active ingredient is described. The composition is easily applied into cracks and crevices and voids or other pest harborage areas to rapidly kill insect pests, particularly cockroaches. A kit is also described for preparation of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: S. John Barcay, Douglas G. Anderson, Thomas D. Nelson
  • Blood, coffee or fruit juice stain remover in an alkaline composition
    Patent number: 6468954
    Abstract: A blood, coffee or fruit juice removing cleaning composition, and methods for using such, which may take the form of a detergent additive or pre-spotter, generally including an amount of carbonate source effective to remove blood, coffee or fruit juice from textiles. In other preferred forms the compositions disclosed herein may include surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Levitt, Kim R. Smith, Laurie Ehlers
  • Usage competent hand soap dispenser with data collection and display capabilities
    Publication number: 20020150198
    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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Luke P. Thompson, James L. Copeland, Ronald B. Howes
  • Apparatus for dispensing incompatible chemicals to a common utilization point
    Patent number: 6463611
    Abstract: An apparatus that prevents an undesirable chemical reaction between different liquid chemical streams in a dispenser comprising a dispenser having a common manifold leading to a use locus. The common manifold has a pumping station directed to the common manifold and the pumping station has at least two chemical input lines. The dispenser is controlled by an electromechanical controller that prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams in sequence without an intervening water flush and prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams simultaneously. The liquid inputs to the pumping station are keyed such that the inputs can be connected only to containers that fit the keyed inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Mattia, James L. Copeland, Oliver Murphy, III, Kaye Kit-han Yuen
  • Smart rack and machine system
    Patent number: 6463940
    Abstract: A method and system provide an automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning various types of articles, wherein each type of article is detected and washed according to its own pre-determined combination. The cleaning apparatus has a storage device storing an array of pre-determined chemical combinations and cleaning parameters, including specifying cleaning chemicals to be used on the various identified article types. A transponder is provided with identifying information of the article type. A transceiver detects the type of article from the transponder and communicates that identifying information to a processor. Based on the detected identifier, the processor selects from the storage device the proper chemical combination and cleaning parameters for washing the identified type of article. A control device coupled to the processor delivers the chemicals specified by the selected chemical combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, David Neal Demattia, James L. Copeland
  • Industrial waste water treatment cleaning apparatus
    Patent number: 6458268
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling waste water treatment is disclosed. A feed-forward controller adjusts chemical injection pumps in response to signals from the contaminant zone, while delays to accommodate the time required for the contaminated water to reach the reaction or DAF tank are provided. Flow rate information from downstream of an equalization tank, but upstream of the chemical injection pumps, is monitored. By using both the data from the contamination points and the flow meter, the chemical injection pumps more accurately provide the necessary amount of chemicals to accommodate both volume of contaminated water and contaminant concentrations in the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Grandprey, Gary Lee Champion
  • Two part chemical concentrate
    Patent number: 6455484
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Tina O. Outlaw, James L. Copeland, Rhonda K. Schulz, Daniel K. Boche, Jeff W. Peterson
  • Composition and method for road-film removal
    Publication number: 20020128169
    Abstract: A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: ECOLAB, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Liquid laundry starch concentrate
    Patent number: 6444023
    Abstract: A process for preserving a liquid laundry starch concentrate containing starch or starch derivatives suspended in an aqueous xanthan solution by adding to the concentrate ethanol and a quaternary ammonium compound corresponding to general formula (I): R1R2(CH3)2N+A−  (1) In which R1 and R2 independently of one another represent a linear or branched alkyl group containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms and A− is a charge equalizing anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel Ecolab GmbH & Co, OHG
    Inventor: Heinz-Manfred Wilsberg
  • Hydrophobic and particulate soil removal composition and method for removal of hydrophobic and particulate soil
    Patent number: 6440910
    Abstract: A hydrophobic and particulate soil removal composition is provided. The composition can be used for removing organic hydrophobic soils, such as oily or greasy soils, from a laundry item and/or from a hard surface such as an engine part and/or from skin. The composition can be used in a liquid or solid form and can be applied to individual laundry items in the form of a solid stick or liquid spray prior to introduction to the laundry machine. Laundry items can also be contacted in the laundry machine with the pre-spot or pre-treatment composition in the form of an aqueous presoak, preflush, prewash, or other step prior to the cleaning step. The treatment composition can be used as a recirculating liquid stream or bath for the cleaning of hard surfaces. The composition includes an ethoxylate component and a fatty acid ester component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei, Carrie Armstrong, Paul Mattia, Wendy Wiseth, Jennifer Layton, Mark Levitt
  • Hydrofluoric acid generating composition and method of treating surfaces
    Patent number: 6440224
    Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a metal is provided. A source of fluoride ion is mixed with a source of acid to form hydrofluoric acid and, when applied to a metal surface to be treated, the hydrofluoric acid acts as a brightening agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-jong Jason Wei, David Daniel McSherry, Mark D. Levitt
  • Bottle
    Patent number: D464570
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan A. Maser, Scott A. Johansen, Todd W. Heeringa, Tom D. Laventure, Oliver Murphy, Kaye Kit-Han Yuen