Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Patent number: 6331518
    Abstract: A water-containing solid detergent having a delayed, controllable and variable hardening time after addition of all the components produced by providing a) aqueous 42 to 55% lye, in a quantity of 21 to 70% by weight, b) mixing with the aqueous lye a compound selected from the group corresponding to formula (I): HOCH2CH(R1)OR2  (I) in which R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R2, independent of R1, is a hydrogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl group, a group CH2CH(R3)0R4 or a group CH2CH(R5)OCH2—CH(R6)OR7, where R3, R5, and R6 represent hydrogen atoms or methyl groups and R4and R7 represent hydrogen atoms or C1-4 alkyl groups, and compounds corresponding to formula II: [HOCH2CH(R8)3−xNHx  (II) in which R8 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and x is the number 0, 1 or 2, in a total quantity of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Dieter Hemm, Guenter Hellmann
  • Publication number: 20010051493
    Abstract: A cleaning and restoration system 10 for floors 11 and other hard surfaces is disclosed. The system 10 has an cleaning head 12 which can be moved across a floor 11 or other hard surface. The cleaning head 12 impinges particulate media upon the floor 11 to remove soils and provide a slip-resistant surface. The media is entrained into the air by a pressure tank 17 which includes a classifier 18 for reclaiming a portion of the media for reuse. The pressure tank 17 has a series of dispersion bars 68 for separating the heavy particles to be re-used. The dust, soils, and other undesirable materials are filtered in a dust collector 57 having a cyclonic filter 71. A compressor 20, a vacuum/blower 22, and other components of the system are mounted on a truck 19. A method for utilizing the restoration system 10 is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Shane M. Kelton, Tina O. Outlaw, Terry J. Klos
  • Patent number: 6329333
    Abstract: A paste-form detergent and process of making the detergent is presented. The detergent is composed of: 5 to 30 percent by weight of an ethoxylated alcohol of the formula R1—(OC2H4)m—OH where R1 is an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 9 to 15 carbon atoms and the average degree of ethoxylation m is 1 to 8; 1 to 20 percent by weight of an ethoxylated alcohol of the formula R2—(OC2H4)nOH where R2 is an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms and the average degree of ethoxylation n is 3 to 14, and n is greater than m by at least 1.0; 1 to 20 percent by weight of an alcohol or alkyl ether corresponding to the formula R3—O—R4 where R3 is an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms and R4 is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; 20 to 80 percent by weight of an alkalizing agent, and 0 to 15 percent by weight of an organic builder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Thomas Merz, Khalil Shamayeli, Edgar Koeppelmann
  • Patent number: 6326344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carpet cleaning composition comprising about 50% by weight to about 98% by weight water; about 0.05% by weight to about 2% wt-% of at least one emulsifier that is an acrylic copolymer; about 1% by weight to about 50% by weight of at least one solvent; 0% to about 1% by weight of at least one surfactant; and at least one alkaline compound for buffering. The resultant cleaning composition has an adjusted pH from about 4 to about 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Dennis Levitt
  • Patent number: 6326032
    Abstract: A peroxyacid antimicrobial concentrate and use composition is provided comprising a C1 to C4 peroxycarboxylic acid or a C1 to C4 peroxycarboxylic acid combined with a C6 to C18 peroxyacid in beverage processing. The combination of these materials produces a synergistic effect, providing a much more potent biocide than can be obtained by using these components separately. Other components can be added to the composition such as hydrotrope coupling agents, stabilizers, etc. An effective antimicrobial use solution is formed at low concentrations when the concentrate composition is diluted with water to a pH in the range of about 2 to 8. Sanitizing of substantially fixed, “in-place” processing lines in dairies, breweries, and other food and beverage processing operations is one utility of the composition. Another utility is in processes including aseptic cold filling of beverage containers such as cans, glass bottles or two liter PET bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, Bruce R. Cords, Michael E. Besse, Kenji Nogami
  • Publication number: 20010045343
    Abstract: A method for automatically cleaning and lubricating conveyor belt systems is disclosed. A microprocessor controlled control unit senses the movement of the conveyor belt and the presence of items, for example bottles, on the conveyor. The control unit initiates the application of lubricant, detergent and rinse water onto the conveyor according to the speed of the conveyor, the presence of items and the time passed since the previous application. If the conveyor is stationary, that is, is not in motion, no lubricant or cleaning solution is applied. If the conveyor is moving but no items are on the belt, a reduced amount of lubricant is dispensed onto the conveyor system. The conveyor cleaning and lubricating process may be carried out during normal production operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Bennett, James M. Zell
  • Publication number: 20010044396
    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: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Publication number: 20010043987
    Abstract: Continuous coatings can be prepared using novel two part compositions and methods. The two part compositions of the invention comprise, in separate containers, a powder polymer composition and a coalescing agent. The powder composition has preferred particle size distribution and composition for use in the compositions or methods of the invention. The coalescing agents of the invention cooperate with the powder part to result in a excellent finish having the appropriate drying hardness, durability, etc. The novel method of the invention involves contacting a coalescing agent with polymer particles in a variety of coating methods. The particles and the coalescing agent interact to form a continuous coating layer or finish layer. The basic coating formation methods of the invention can be embodied in a number of methods or protocols including applying a sold polymer to the liquid coalescing agent, applying the agent to the polymer particulate or applying the liquid and polymer simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Bryan M. Anderson, Robert D.P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6319888
    Abstract: A system for forming and releasing an aqueous peracid solution is disclosed. The system includes a container and a peracid forming composition provided within the container. The container is permeable to the passage of water and aqueous peracid solution. The peracid forming composition includes a peracid precursor and a peroxygen source. Preferably, the peracid forming composition includes a chemical heater capable of releasing heat upon hydration. When placed in water, water enters the container and interacts with the peracid forming composition provided within the container. The water combines with the peracid precursor and peroxygen source to provide an aqueous peracid composition. The presence of a chemical heater within the container provides for the generation of heat within the container which enhances the rate of peracid formation. The peracid solution leaves the container and forms an effective sanitizing amount of sanitizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jason Wei, David D. McSherry
  • Patent number: 6309471
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of removing iodine stains comprising contacting a surface having an iodine stain with a liquid cleaning composition for a sufficient time to decolorize the stain said cleaning composition comprising about 1% to about 100% by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, salicylic acid derivatives and mixtures thereof, and at least one solvent. The liquid cleaning composition has an adjusted pH of about 1-14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei, Mark Levitt
  • Patent number: 6310013
    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: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Joel James Schilling, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Publication number: 20010033855
    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: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: S. John Barcay, Douglas G. Anderson, Thomas D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6302968
    Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for sanitizing ware without staining, spotting or corroding. In its most preferred mode, the method comprises the steps of washing the ware in an automated ware washing machine and rinsing the ware at either high or low temperatures with a sanitizing rinse composition. The destaining, sanitizing concentrate composition preferably comprises peroxyacetic acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide using higher levels of acetic and peroxyacetic acid and a lower level of hydrogen peroxide. The sanitizing rinse composition may preferably be used at a concentration of peroxyacetic acid of at least 30 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Burton M. Baum, Steven E. Lentsch, Thomas R. Oakes
  • Patent number: 6302263
    Abstract: A method for automatically cleaning and lubricating conveyor belt systems is disclosed. A microprocessor controlled control unit senses the movement of the conveyor belt and the presence of items, for example bottles, on the conveyor. The control unit initiates the application of lubricant, detergent and rinse water onto the conveyor according to the speed of the conveyor, the presence of items and the time passed since the previous application. If the conveyor is stationary, that is, is not in motion, no lubricant or cleaning solution is applied. If the conveyor is moving but no items are on the belt, a reduced amount of lubricant is dispensed onto the conveyor system. The conveyor cleaning and lubricating process may be carried out during normal production operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Bennett, James M. Zell
  • Patent number: 6294515
    Abstract: Nonionic surfactants comprising a mixture of fatty acid esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides comprising predominantly the mono, di- or tri ester condensed with approximately 15 or more moles of an alkylene oxide in combination with an effective defoamer and a water soluble diluent form surprisingly useful and effective low foaming rinse agent composition or concentrate. The rinse agent can achieve adequate sheeting in common aqueous rinses at typical rinse temperatures at a concentration of the nonionic sorbitan ester in water at concentrations about 500 parts of the fully formulated rise agent per million parts of water. The rinse agents can be used in a rinse cycle in common warewashing machines after washing with commonly available warewashing compositions. The rinse agents can take the form of thickened pourable or semi-pourable aqueous liquids or cast solid materials packaged within a disposable wrapper, capsule or other package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Burton M. Baum
  • Publication number: 20010023239
    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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 6290732
    Abstract: An improved process for removing ink soil from porous substrates, preferably from woven fabrics which include cellulosic materials such as cotton towels is described herein. The process includes an initial contacting step with an alkyl fatty acid ester, a wash step with a conventional detergent and a final water rinse step. A chelating agent is used during one of the first two steps or, alternatively, between the first two steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Kim R. Smith, Wendy Wiseth
  • Patent number: 6287347
    Abstract: A method of washing textiles in an institutional washing machine wherein soil-containing wastewater is regenerated through a nanofiltration membrane and recycled to the washing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel Ecolab GmbH & Co OHG
    Inventors: Ralf Krack, Alfred Laufenberg, Joerg Brockhaus, Christine Schnepf, Thomas Merz, Dietmar Rossner
  • Patent number: D448289
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kaye Kit-Han Yuen, Oliver Murphy, III, Richard C. Schoenert, Paul Anthony Pilosi
  • Patent number: D449881
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: James Richard Mock, Sr.