Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Patent number: 6436445
    Abstract: An oxidizing species is described herein as a reaction product through an in situ preparation combining a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound, an oxidant 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: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Kim R. Smith, Polly D. Laugen, Shaun P. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6436444
    Abstract: The mastitis control teat dip composition of the invention provides rapid initial kill, a useful highly pseudoplastic rheology, a barrier/film-forming capacity, a unique antimicrobial composition that is stable over an extended period of time, and unexpected long term microbial control when compared to the prior art materials disclosed in patents and used in the marketplace. The compositions of the invention are made by combining an aqueous thickened liquid composition containing the organic components which can be combined with a simple aqueous solution of a salt of chlorous acid, preferably an alkali metal chlorite. The materials can be combined, blended into a smooth viscous material and can be immediately contacted with the target animals. The .compositions of the invention provide rapid initial kill, consistent long term kill and chemical and rheological stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, Cathy M. Paquette, Richard K. Staub
  • Patent number: 6436893
    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: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20020108838
    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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab
    Inventors: Keith Edward Olson, Minyu Li, Bryan Michael Anderson
  • Patent number: 6432906
    Abstract: A stable, substantially homogeneous, solid block cleaning composition can be made for general purpose cleaning and for cleaning hard surfaces such as floors of varying surface composition. Unique solid block materials contain substantially useful concentrations of liquid acid materials, but are in the form of a stable solid. The acidic solid detergent can be dispensed using a water spray creating a concentrate which can then be diluted in proper ratio to form the use-solution. Such use-solutions may be applied to remove a variety of soils subject to acid cleaning including soils containing water hardness components, inorganic soils, and the like. The acid cleaners can be used alone or in combination with other cleaners in a cleaning protocol for a variety of hospitality, industrial or institutional cleaning locations having a broad spectrum of contaminated soil residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Paula J. Carlson, Cathleen M. Norland, Nicol M. Larson, John J. Rolando
  • Publication number: 20020107164
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Karen G. Klaers, Helen B. Bailly
  • Patent number: 6427826
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keight Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6425959
    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, 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: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20020096537
    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: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Gardner
  • Patent number: 6423280
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an effective concentration of alkaline detergent in an aqueous medium in a warewashing machine, which apparatus comprises a batch-fill warewashing machine having an aqueous rinse system, an alkaline detergent dispenser and a sump sized for a predetermined volume of an aqueous solution of the alkaline detergent in the aqueous medium; a source of the aqueous medium fluidly connected to the rinse system; means for controlling the flow of the aqueous medium through the rinse system; diverting means for obtaining a predetermined portion of the aqueous flow from the rinse system and for directing the diverted portion through a metering cap and volume control to the alkaline detergent dispenser, thereby to dissolve the alkaline detergent; and means for directing the dissolved alkaline detergent to the sump; wherein the detergent is dispensed only in a rinse cycle and an effective concentration of alkaline detergent is maintained in the warewashing machine sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Tarara, Glen W. Davidson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20020082178
    Abstract: A low viscosity aqueous cleaning composition provides increasing viscosity upon dilution which provides a high viscosity diluted cleaning composition having solvents compatible with the rod micelle thickener and the cleaning system that clings for an extended period of time in a thickened form containing cleaning system ingredients that can penetrate and remove hard baked-on soils on vertical surfaces in cleaning units. The composition contains active cleaning ingredients (acid, alkaline and enzyme) that, in combination with thickening systems, provide the useful properties. The thickened materials can be applied on cold or hot surfaces and can successfully penetrate, soften and remove baked-on food soil on a variety of surfaces including oven walls, doors and grills, baking dishes, utensils, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Richard O. Ruhr, Gerald K. Wichmann, Timothy A. Gutzmann
  • Publication number: 20020078620
    Abstract: An insect trap using attractant light, comprising a source of insect attractant light and a housing that can be mounted on a generally planar or flat mounting surface. The housing and the source of light cooperate to form a bidirectional or a multidirectional (overlapping or non-overlapping) pattern of insect attractant light. The housing comprises one, two or more openings for the insect attractant light that is reflected and radiated onto the flat mounting surface. The housing and the source of insect attractant light can cooperate to form a light pattern directed in a continuous display pattern that can surround the housing. The housing openings further facilitate the entry of flying insect pests into the trap. As the insects enter the trap, they are immobilized on an insect immobilization surface mounted within the trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Nelson, Oliver A. Ossanna, Douglas G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6410495
    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: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 6407051
    Abstract: The invention relates to microemulsion compositions containing water, a mixture of nonionic surfactants, and oil. The microemulsion provides for the removal of hydrophobic particularly oily soils from a variety of substrates. The compositions can be used for hard surface, laundry cleaning, hand washing, and car washing. Typical hydrophobic soils are oily based soils derived from petroleum oils or natural fats and oils also containing a significant proportion of particulate soils such as carbon, common dirt and other non-water soluble typically hydrophobic soil particulate. The microemulsion composition can include a splitting agent such as an amphoteric surfactant for controlling the conditions under which the microemulsion will split.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim Smith, Wendy Wiseth, Robert D.P. Hei, David Falbaum, Paul Mattia, Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20020072288
    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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, Guang-jong J. Wei, David A. Halsrud, Kim R. Smith, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Patent number: 6404837
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke P. Thompson, James L. Copeland, Ronald B. Howes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6398820
    Abstract: A process for washing laundry is provided in which a washing alkali component and a surfactant component are combined with water to form a wash liquor, the wash liquor is combined with laundry in a standard washing machine for institutional laundries, and the wastewater from the wash is treated by membrane filtration, where the throughflow rate is reduced by less than 10 percent over an operating time of 120 hours. The washing alkali component is composed of an anionic surfactant and a water-soluble silicate; an alkali metal hydroxide and a complexing agent; or an anionic surfactant and water-soluble silicate and an alkali metal hydroxide, a complexing agent, or a mixture of an alkali metal hydroxide and a complexing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Thomas Merz, Christine Schnepf, Khalil Shamayeli
  • Patent number: 6398961
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for sensing low levels of iodine in an aqueous solution by using an extraction procedure whereby iodine from the aqueous solution is extracted into a substantially water-insoluble organic phase, and testing measuring the concentration of iodine in the organic phase using optical absorption techniques. The measured concentration of iodine can then be equated with concentration of iodine or iodine in the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-jong Jason Wei, Louis Mark Holzman
  • Patent number: 6399556
    Abstract: The ability of aqueous laundry compositions to remove organic hydrophobic soils, such as oily, greasy or particulate soils, from a laundry item is substantially improved by pre-spotting or pre-treating such a soiled item with a treatment composition having a surfactant comprising a unique hydrophillic ethoxylate surfactant with less than two moles of ethylene oxide or a or blend of at least two surfactant compositions with a blended HLB value of about 7-12. The blend of surfactants with this HLB value penetrates soils and renders the soil more easily removed from the item using aqueous laundry detergent. The treatment 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Carrie L. Armstrong, Paul J. Mattia, Mark Levitt, Robert D. P. Hei, Wendy M. Wiseth
  • Patent number: 6391925
    Abstract: A liquid composition of phenolic compounds can be formed in the substantial absence of a solvent and a surfactant. This composition includes at least one substituted phenol and a halo-substituted phenol. In one embodiment, the composition includes benzylchlorophenol and at least one of phenylphenol and tert-pentylphenol. In another embodiment, the composition includes benzylchlorophenol, phenylphenol, and tert-pentylphenol. The composition may be useful for preparing an antimicrobial material. A liquid phenolic composition can be prepared by forming a composition having at least one substituted phenol and a halo-substituted phenol in the substantial absence of a solvent and surfactant and mixing the composition until a liquid phenolic composition is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith