Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Synthetic lubricity additives for hydrocarbon fuels
    Patent number: 11629304
    Abstract: Lubricity additives for hydrocarbon fuels are provided according to formula I: wherein n is 1 or 0; each Q is independently selected from oxygen and sulfur; each R is independently selected from C8-C60 alkenyl groups which are substituted or unsubstituted; and L is a linking group comprising 0-20 carbons which may be substituted or unsubstituted and may optionally comprise catenary heteroatoms. Fuel mixtures comprising a hydrocarbon fuel; and a lubricity additive according to the present disclosure are also provided. Methods of making lubricity additives comprise reacting an alkenyl succinic anhydrides (ASA's) with certain bisamides or bisthioamides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Suresh R. Sriram, Nestor U. Soriano, Jr., Karina Eureste
  • Solvent application in bottle wash using amidine based formulas
    Patent number: 11629312
    Abstract: According to the invention, the compositions and methods provide for the complete removal of labels, synthetic glues and/or adhesives from a plurality of surfaces through the use of an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and/or an amidine, optionally in combination with surfactants, chelants, acidulants and/or additional bottle wash additives. Beneficially, the compositions and methods are suitable for use at lower temperatures and pH conditions, along with under caustic-free and/or reduced caustic conditions to effectively remove such labels, synthetic glues and/or adhesives from a surface within less than about 30 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, Jr., Michael Chen
  • Control of cleaning machine cycles using machine vision
    Patent number: 11627861
    Abstract: Image classification is used to dynamically control one or more wash parameters in an automated cleaning machine. An imaging device installed in the wash chamber of the cleaning machine captures one or more image(s) of articles to be cleaned at various times throughout a cleaning process. A computing device analyzes the captured image(s) to classify the images as to an article type and a rack volume. Based on the article type classification and the rack volume, the computing device dynamically controls one or more parameters of the cleaning process to achieve a satisfactory cleaning and/or sanitizing result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Conor Sylvester Smith, Paul Dominic Christian, Elizabeth Minhee Han, Paul R. Kraus, Rachel Marie McGinness
  • High alkaline solvent-based degreaser and cleaner with diutan gum as a primary thickening system
    Patent number: 11624042
    Abstract: Cleaning and degreasing compositions containing a diutan gum thickener are provided for removing burnt on, polymerized, carbonized food soils with minimum manual effort. The compositions are ready to use compositions and beneficially remain on a treated surface for sufficient time to permit soil penetration without drying out. The compositions can be easily removed with minimal manual effort, such as use of low pressure water applied to the treated surface, and beneficially do not leave residues. Methods for cleaning and degreasing a surface with the compositions are also provided. Thickening systems employing the diutan gum and laponite clays are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Hilina Emiru, Kerrie E. Walters, Madeline G. Faubion
  • Solid rinse aid composition comprising polyacrylic acid
    Patent number: 11624043
    Abstract: Solid rinse aid compositions, methods of use, and methods of making said composition are disclosed. Rinse aid is provided by a solidification agent, a sheeting agent, a defoamer component, and a polyacrylic acid homopolymer or alkali metal salt thereof forming a solid composition. Preferred solidification agents include aromatic sulfonates. Preferred sheeting agents include one or more alcohol ethoxylates. Preferred defoamer components include a polymer compound including one or more ethylene oxide groups. The solid rinse aid compositions are preferably substantially free of sulfate and sulfate-containing compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Carter M. Silvernail, Erik C. Olson
  • System and technique for detecting cleaning chemical usage to control cleaning efficacy
    Patent number: 11610467
    Abstract: A system may monitor usage of a cleaning chemical and indicate when the chemical has expired and needs to be replaced. In some examples, the system includes a reservoir containing the chemical and a sensor associated with the reservoir that can detect user interaction with the chemical in the reservoir. The system may track an amount of time until the chemical in the reservoir is deemed to have expired and provide a user alert indicating expiration of the chemical. The system can control the amount of time remaining until the chemical is deemed to have expired based on the detected addition of the object to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Donna Thi Nguyen, Conor Sylvester Smith, Daniel Wald, Amani Eltahir Babekir, Kyle David Wood
  • Method for determination of diversity and viability thresholds used to assess microorganisms in process samples
    Patent number: 11608516
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the specific microorganisms present in a particular potion of a water process system. The method involves obtaining a sample from the process and determining if a problematic organism exceeds an acceptable threshold. If so a remedial bio-control procedure can be applied long before any unwanted defects or problems occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Laura E. Rice, Liliya Lund
  • NOVEL COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR PAPERMAKING
    Publication number: 20230078847
    Abstract: Compositions and colloidal particles are provided that may be used to improve a papermaking process. The compositions and colloidal particles may include a polymer and an inorganic salt. A papermaking process carried out using the presently disclosed compositions and colloidal particles may produce a paper product that has increased strength properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Mingli WEI, Heqing HUANG, David Steven JORDAN, Weiguo CHENG, Mei LIU, Zhi CHEN, J. Matthew CHUDOMEL, Meng ZHANG
  • Phosphorus free low temperature ware wash detergent for reducing scale build-up
    Patent number: 11603511
    Abstract: Phosphorus-free detergent compositions are provided. Detergent compositions including an aminocarboxylate, water conditioning agent, source of alkalinity and water beneficially do not require the use of additional surfactants and/or polymers to provide suitable detergency and prevent scale build-up on treated surfaces. The detergent compositions are used with a sanitizer to employ the phosphorus-free detergent compositions for use as low temperature ware wash detergents that beneficially reduce scale build-up. Methods of employing the phosphorus-free detergent compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erin Dahlquist Howlett, Carter Martin Silvernail, Steven E. Lentsch, Terrence P. Everson
  • Product dispenser holder with compliance module
    Patent number: 11602248
    Abstract: A product dispenser holder comprises a dispenser holder body configured to receive a product dispenser that stores a supply of a product to be dispensed, an actuation sensor that senses actuations of the product dispenser, and an actuation button, such that when an actuation force is applied to a pump of the product dispenser, a substantially downward force is applied to the actuation button causing the actuation button to rotate substantially downwardly and actuate the actuation sensor to generate a dispenser actuation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Steinmetz, Jeffrey Rospierski, Sarah E. Johnson, Viktor Slobodyan
  • Synergistic surfactant package for cleaning of food and oily soils
    Patent number: 11603508
    Abstract: The disclosure relates a surfactant package for use in hard surface cleaning compositions, preferably floor cleaning compositions which pair an anionic linear alkyl sulfonate surfactant and a nonionic surfactant in a ratio of 1:1 to 9:1. This combination provides for synergistic cleaning of both proteinaceous food soils (red soils) and hydrocarbon-based oily soils (black soils) while also reducing foam produced by the composition. Synergistic nonionic surfactants include EO/PO alcohol alkoxylates or EO/PO fatty alcohol surfactants with a propylene oxide to ethylene oxide to ratio of greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erin Jane Dahlquist Howlett, Renee Elizabeth Mueggenborg, Matthew Paul Molinaro
  • Concentrated solid hard surface cleaner
    Patent number: 11603510
    Abstract: A solid hard surface cleaning composition suitable for replacing liquid formulations while providing at least equivalent or enhanced cleaning performance, including at lower concentrations, is provided. The solid hard surface cleaning compositions include alkali metal carbonate alkalinity source(s), aminocarboxylic acid chelant(s), amphoteric surfactant(s), polyacrylate polymer(s) and anionic surfactant(s). The solid hard surface cleaning compositions can include additional functional ingredients, such as corrosion inhibitors. The solid hard surface cleaning compositions do not include hydroxide alkalinity and beneficially provide stable ready-to-use formulations that are safe for contact without the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and are compatible with soft metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Hilina Emiru, Erik C. Olson
  • System for determining an operating state of a dishwasher and an according method
    Patent number: 11596288
    Abstract: A washing system for determining an operating state of a dishwasher comprises a dishwasher, in particular wherein the dishwasher comprises a dishwasher interface, a dispenser unit, in particular wherein the dispenser unit comprises a dispenser interface, wherein the dispenser unit is connected to the dishwasher for dosing a detergent to the dishwasher, a logic unit, in particular wherein the logic unit is connectable to the dishwasher interface and the dispenser interface, and a current sensor for measuring an electrical current consumed by the dishwasher, wherein the current sensor is connected to the logic unit. By replacing costly water meters by a current sensor, the cost efficiency of the washing system may be increased. In addition, the assembling and maintenance effort of the washing system may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk Kullwitz, Jeremy Nowak, Freek Schepers
  • Solid laundry softener composition
    Patent number: 11597893
    Abstract: Solid laundry softening compositions and applications of use are disclosed. Solid laundry softening compositions combine quaternary ammonium compounds with an inorganic carrier to provide a flowable powder for solidification in a pressed or extruded solid composition. A high loading of quaternary ammonium compound in the inorganic carrier, including an inorganic salt, can be further combined with softening boosters, processing aids, surfactants, and/or additional functional ingredients to provide stable solid compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Derrick Anderson, Emily Chen, Kaustav Ghosh, Kelsey West, Erik C. Olson
  • Antimicrobial compositions containing cationic active ingredients
    Patent number: 11590065
    Abstract: The antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises a cationic active ingredient, a foam boosting surfactant, a foam boosting copolymer, a foam stabilizer, and a chelating agent. The present antimicrobial compositions are free of the antimicrobial agent triclosan (i.e., 2,4,4?-trichloro-2?hydroxy-diphenylether), have rapid cidal activity, provide stable copious foam and exhibit enhanced tissue (e.g. skin) compatibility as defined by an in vitro whole toxicology assessment method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Pedersen, Carter M. Silvernail, Kerrie E. Walters, Hilina Emiru
  • Compositions comprising cellulase with a nonionic surfactant and a quaternary ammonium compound
    Patent number: 11591550
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to cleaning compositions, methods of making the cleaning compositions, and methods of using the cleaning compositions. The cleaning compositions comprise an enzyme composition, a nonionic surfactant, and a quaternary amine. Preferably, the enzyme compositions included in the cleaning compositions comprise a cellulase, an AA9 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, a hemicellulase, an esterase, an expansin, a laccase, a ligninolytic enzyme, a pectinase, a peroxidase, a protease, a swollenin, or a combination or mixture thereof. The compositions are useful for degradation of bacterial cellulose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Murphy, Lyndal Jensen
  • Cleaning compositions employing extended chain anionic surfactants
    Patent number: 11591546
    Abstract: The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactant blends and cleaning compositions employing the same. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes an extended anionic surfactant with novel co-surfactants including one or more of an alkyl glycerol ether, an ethoxylated alkyl glycerol ether, an alcohol ethoxylate and/or a gemini surfactant. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Derrick Richard Anderson
  • Reducing microbial growth on food preparation, storage, or processing apparatus
    Patent number: 11583597
    Abstract: A lighting array including one or more antimicrobial light segments configured to emit light sufficient to inactivate one or more microorganisms at a target surface may be installed within identified contamination zones of food or beverage preparation, processing, storing or packaging equipment or machinery. In an ice machine, for example, an array controller is configured for communication with an ice machine controller to receive ice machine status information signals. The status information signals are usable by the array controller to determine cycle, state, and/or usage information associated with the ice machine. The array controller may individually control activation of the one or more antimicrobial light segments based on the status information signals received from the machine controller to achieve inactivation of one or more microorganisms on target surfaces within the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dominic Christian, Paul R. Kraus, Gina McDowell, Amani Babekir, Anna Starobin
  • Method for the rapid detection of bacterial spores in an industrial process
    Patent number: 11584947
    Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of bacterial spores is described by measuring microbial metabolic activity over time. Spores are distinguished from vegetative cells and other microorganisms by detecting a burst of metabolic activity indicating germination of spores. This method may be used to detect bacterial spores in a commercial process system, such as a papermaking system within the time frame of a typical work shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Liliya Lund, Laura Rice
  • ONE-POT HOMOGENEOUS PROCESS FOR THE LARGE SCALE MANUFACTURE OF 2-SUBSTITUTED BENZIMIDAZOLES
    Publication number: 20230053321
    Abstract: 2-substituted benzimidazoles and methods of preparing the same are disclosed. The compositions may include a compound or salt thereof, a strong acid, and a carboxylic acid. The compositions may exclude a polar aprotic solvent. The compositions may be used to inhibit corrosion of a metal surface in contact with an aqueous system, and provide enhanced protection against corrosion of metals in the aqueous system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Pradeep CHERUKU, Patricia GILLENWATER, Nicolas LEFLEMME, Alexander MANTIS, James Joseph MICHELS, Suresh R. SRIRAM