Patents Assigned to Ecolab
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Patent number: 6015536Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment of a plant fluid effluent containing odor compounds including an alkyl mercaptan or an alkyl thiol, an amine compound, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and mixtures thereof by contacting the plant effluent in either a counterflow or cocurrent flow process. In the process, the effluent is contacted with an aqueous solution comprising a peracid compound. When contacted with the peracid, odor compounds in the effluent are oxidized and converted from the gaseous phase into a chemically modified highly aqueous soluble phase in the aqueous treatment. In this way, odor removal from the gas is preferred and odor compounds are efficiently transferred into the aqueous treatment solution. The use of such a process produces a significant improvement in odor quality index as measured by a conventional process using an expert panel when compared to conventional treatment methods.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Robert D. Hei, Joel J. Schilling
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Patent number: 6012567Abstract: A transmission assembly capable of driving a dishwasher conveyor at different speeds to accommodate different needs, without requiring a multiple speed motor. Moreover, speed adjustments can be made without stopping the conveyor and without any risk of damage to the motor. Adjustments are effected by varying the radial distance between a driven member and an axis about which the drive assembly pivots. A detent arrangement provides a positive indication that the speed is set at a particular setting corresponding to a particular radial distance.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Mark Allen Ferguson, Dwayne Becknell
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Patent number: 6010729Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using an antimicrobial composition. 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 C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 peroxycarboxylic acid.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Gutzmann, Brian J. Anderson, Pamela J. Reed, Bruce R. Cords, Lawrence A. Grab, Edward H. Richardson
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Patent number: 6007735Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of dispensing an aqueous bleach solution created by dissolving a continuously advancing substantially coated bleach tablet in a stack of such coated tablets. The invention uses a coated solid active bleach tablet which provides reduced swelling upon contact with water as well a s reduced odor and dusting. Active bleach sources suitable for a coated bleach tablet of the invention include active halogen and oxygen bleaches. Suitable coatings include water soluble organic and inorganic materials. The coated bleach tablets are particularly beneficial for continuous advancement in known solid dispenser systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Creed
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Patent number: 5996907Abstract: The system of the invention comprises a container with a spout that can be filled with water from a tub. The container having a housing positioned above the container for electrical and pumping components. The housing comprises a dry side and a wet side and a source of liquid cleaner concentrate. The wet side is proximate the container and diluent water. The system also comprises a spray wand that can be used to spray both cleaner and rinse water on a cleanable surface. The housing comprises a wet portion containing a pump drive and tubing providing liquid communication between the container, source of aqueous concentrate and diluent, venturi and liquid communication to a spray head. The dry side containing wiring switches, rechargeable batteries and other electrical systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Toetschinger, Mary M. Dawson
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Patent number: 5998358Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for cleaning typically organic beverage and food soils. The cleaning composition is formulated to remove carbohydrate and proteinaceous soils from hard surfaces. The formulations of the invention are directed to remove carbohydrate and proteinaceous soils from beverage manufacturing locations such as soils arising in the manufacture of malt beverages, fruit juices, dairy products, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Brandon L. Herdt, David A. Halsrud
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Patent number: 5992698Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser 10 for liquid soap having a cartridge 13 with a groove 32. A housing 12 encloses the cartridge 13 and mounting bracket 15. The dispenser's mounting bracket 15 has a rib 34 which corresponds with the groove 32 on the cartridge 13. Depression of a push plate 14 activates a pump 65 to expel liquid soap 41 from the cartridge 13.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: James L. Copeland, Jeff W. Peterson, Paul Anthony Pilosi
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Patent number: 5986554Abstract: The alarm mechanism of the invention signals the absence of a liquid from a source of aqueous liquid. The alarm mechanism comprises an alarm body having an inlet port and an outlet port; the inlet port in liquid communication with a source of liquid, the outlet port in liquid communication with a use locus. The alarm mechanism additionally comprises a float chamber placed in liquid parallel communication with the inlet port and the outlet port. The float chamber containing a float operably connected to an alarm. The float, when a chamber is filled with fluid, disables the switch from generating a signal. The float, as the chamber is emptied of liquid, reaches a position and is detected energizing the switch to send a "low or empty product" signal. The apparatus operates by passing liquid through the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: John Furber, Mark Toetchinger, Jim Decker, Roger Keppers, Lee J. Monsrud
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Patent number: 5979696Abstract: A packing container for liquid products comprises a closure which opens and closes automatically when the pressure in the container varies, such that the container is easy to handle irrespective of its filling level and can be reliably secured to a wall or the like. The container also includes at least one flat side wall for securing it to a flat surface, and at least one concave or convex actuation surface in the region of opposing side walls such that the user can apply manual pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Jens Bode, Lutz Mehlhorn, Georg Muehlhausen
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Patent number: 5975544Abstract: The present trolley is suitable for accommodating and conveying containers and apparatus for the commercial cleaning and disinfecting of floors and other surfaces, and as a collector for valuable substances and for other tasks involved in the commercial cleaning of buildings. The trolley has a base plate and substantially vertically aligned uprights. The base plate comprises at least one downwardly projecting shaft which is suitable for accommodating the uprights, and is additionally connected by struts to the underside of the base plate. The danger of breakage at the points where the uprights are secured to the base plate is considerably reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Franz Kresse, Roland Schunter, Rainer Osberghaus, Hans-Leo Fernschild
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Patent number: 5975352Abstract: A dispenser 100 for dispensing a chemical product that is dissolved by diluent. The dispenser includes a package 170 having a diaphragm, or fingered collar 180 attached to its opening. The diaphragm 180 has a plurality of flexible members or flexible fingers 185. The dispenser may utilize an injection manifold 109 that is sized and configured to be positioned on a washing machine top proximate the gap between the washing machine's top and lid. Still further, the invention includes a low level chemical product indicator. The indicator includes a focused light source 98a and 98a. The focused light source is a high intensity light emitting diode having a viewing angle of less than 6.degree. and an intensity of above 10,000 mcd. The dispenser also includes an apparatus and method in which a dispensing time of a dispenser is dynamically varied in response to diluent temperature during operation of the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: John Ross Spriggs, Loleta T. Tolliver-Rogers, Daniel K. Boche, Ronald Bruce Howes, Douglas Sherwin Hoerning
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Patent number: 5972866Abstract: Methods and compositions for cleaning food preparation surfaces are disclosed. The method includes applying a thickened, noncorrosive composition to the surface. The composition is formulated from a hypochlorite bleach used to reduce staining on the surface, an alkalinity source to provide a pH of from about 10 to 14, a thickening agent used to promote adhesion of the composition to the surface upon application, and a balance of water. Optionally, the composition may also contain a surfactant and a builder.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.Inventor: Fahim Uddin Ahmed
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Patent number: 5967202Abstract: An automatic dispensing method and apparatus for transporting separate concentrated chemicals to the site of use and then dispensing the concentrated chemicals into a storage container to create a final or intermediate composition. The automatic dispensing apparatus includes a computer program that calculates the appropriate formulation and then interfaces with a controller to cause the appropriate chemical concentrates and the appropriate volumes of those concentrates to be dispensed. A method of generating a desired formulation is also disclosed and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard V. Mullen, Scott P. Bennett, Steve E. Pasek, Cathy M. Paquette, David R. Strehlow
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Patent number: 5961011Abstract: Disclosed is a fitment for insertion into the neck of a container for liquid concentrate that can be opened by insertion of the container into a reservoir. The fitment comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising an exterior mating surface that can sealingly engage the container and an internal web within the cylindrical body closing the fitment having a fracture zone permitting opening the fitment. The web also comprises a hinged fracture zone defined by a straight hinge portion and a partially circular recess in the web.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: John E. Thomas, Daniel K. Boche, John E. McCall, Jr., Eric R. Balz, Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Daniel E. Pedersen
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Patent number: 5958862Abstract: Transport- and storage-stable paste-form detergents based on sodium hydroxide that are easily processed and handled are obtained by thickening concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide preparations with glycols, glycol derivatives, alkanolamines, or alkanolamine derivatives. The detergents also can contain builders and other typical detergent composition ingredients.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Dieter Hemm, Guenter Hellmann, Klaus Wilbert, Horst Pruehs
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Patent number: 5932526Abstract: The invention is a lubricant concentrate and a lubricant use-solution as well as methods of use. The lubricant concentrate and lubricant use-solution each include one or more ether amine compounds, and a surfactant. Each of the ether amine compounds has a formula selected from the group consisting of R.sub.1 --O--R.sub.2 NH.sub.2, R.sub.1 --O--R.sub.2 --NH--R.sub.3 --NH.sub.2, and mixtures thereof, wherein R.sub.1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 alkyl, R.sub.2 is a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkylene, and R.sub.3 is a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkylene group. The compositions of the invention also include a surfactant to solubilize the amine compound, and optionally, a source of alkalinity and an antimicrobial agent, among other adjuvants.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Michael E. Besse, Christopher S. Sykes
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Patent number: 5929014Abstract: A storable, substantially water-free flowable surfactant mixture containing 40% by weight to 70% by weight of a nonionic surfactant of the formula R.sup.1 --(OC.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.n --OH wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 10 to 20 carbon atoms and an average degree of ethoxylation n of from 1 to 8; 20% by weight to 50% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, liquid at room temperature, of the formula: R.sup.2 --(OC.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.r --(OC.sub.3 H.sub.6).sub.p --OH wherein R.sup.2 is an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 10 to 20 carbon atoms, an average degree of ethoxylation r of from 2 to 8 and an average degree of propoxylation p of from 1 to 6; and 1% by weight to 10% by weight of a C.sub.10 to C.sub.22 carboxylic acid and/or alkali metal salts thereof. The flowable surfactant mixture provides a base for forming a pseudo-plastic detergent formulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Hans-Josef Beaujean, Thomas Merz, Erich Holz, Thomas Holderbaum, Guenther Amberg, Khalil Shamayeli, Michael Marschner, Hubert Harth
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Patent number: 5925601Abstract: A method of lubricating conveyors with a lubricating concentrate formulated to contain about 0.5 wt-% to 90 wt-% of a fatty amide ethoxylate phosphate ester diluted to a use solution formulated to contain about 5 ppm to 1000 ppm of a fatty amide ethoxylate phosphate ester is described. The use solution is applied to an intended surface for lubrication. The lubricant can contain a variety of other chemical agents to provide additional desired properties including surfactants, chelating agents, sanitizing agents, and others. The lubricant concentrate or use solution is especially useful on conveyor systems with moving beverage containers such as glass, metal or plastic containers.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: David Daniel McSherry, Guang-jong Jason Wei
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Patent number: D414895Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Scott T. Russell, Tina O. Outlaw, Steven E. Lentsch
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Patent number: D419262Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Karen Gail Klaers, Scott T. Russell, Tina Opal Outlaw