Patents Assigned to Ecolab
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Patent number: 5915592Abstract: An apparatus for diluting a liquid concentrate with a liquid diluent to form a use solution is provided. The apparatus includes an aspirator having a first inlet port, second inlet port, and an outlet port. A liquid diluent conducting means is connected to the first inlet port and a liquid concentrate conducting means is connected to the second inlet port of the aspirator for supplying thereto the liquid diluent and liquid concentrate respectively. Movement of a shut off valve and actuator valve operator controls both the shut off valve which is in fluid communication with the outlet port and the actuator valve which is in fluid communication with the liquid diluent conducting means to control flow of the liquid diluent.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard Jondall Mehus, Royce Dale Johnson, Thomas Craig Thalhuber
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Patent number: 5914309Abstract: A process for producing detergent tablets by exposing a detergent composition to microwave radiation in the frequency range from 3 to 300,000 MHz while treating the detergent composition with hot air having a temperature of 50.degree. C. to 300.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Mario Ulbl, Andreas Potthoff, Sandra Witt, Manfred Klemm
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Patent number: 5914105Abstract: Novel fat-like petroleum based, water-free, insecticidal compositions are described which are particularly effective against insect pests such as cockroaches, ants, termites, flies, etc. The compositions may be used in various forms depending on the targeted pests. As an example, the composition in the form of a paste can be applied into cracks and crevices for control of such pests and have the advantage of superior durability and prolonged attractiveness.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1995Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Stephen John Barcay, Douglas G. Anderson
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Patent number: 5913528Abstract: A cleaning vehicle which is suitable for holding and transporting containers and devices for the commercial cleaning and disinfection of floors and other surfaces, consists of a main vehicle with wheels and a trailer with wheels and a coupling for connecting the trailer to the main vehicle. The coupling consists of at least one tow-hook and corresponding eyes in which the hook can engage. The shape of the hook and eyes is such that the coupling allows the trailer to rotate about the connecting line of the eyes of the main vehicle and/or the vertical movement of the trailer in relation to the main vehicle, but no movement of the trailer in the plane of travel in relation to the main vehicle. The wheels of the main vehicle do not lock when taking curves and are stable even on uneven surfaces. At the same time the trailer can be properly steered by the main vehicle without any undesired movements of the trailer. The improvement is also simple and economical.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Franz Kresse, Rainer Osberghaus, Roland Schunter, Hans-Leo Fernschild
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Patent number: 5906973Abstract: Aqueous detergents that thicken when mixed with water contain a combination of at least one tertiary amine oxide, at least one alkyl polyglycoside, and at least one water-soluble organic solvent. Also disclosed is the use of these detergents for cleaning hard surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Dimitrios Ouzounis, Wolfgang Nierhaus
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Patent number: 5904162Abstract: Disclosed is a warewashing assembly comprising a batch-loading warewashing machine and a movable tray or cart capable of holding a rack in a position that departs form the horizontal outside of the warewashing machine for convenient operations; said tray or cart comprising a flat tray of a size complementary to said rack, wherein the flat tray comprises side and rear fences capable of holding the ware rack against horizontal motion and wherein the tray is attached to a support structure in such a way that it is supported at the desired angle .alpha. and can be inserted into the machine when quiescent; wherein the support structure is of a height approximately equal to that of the warewashing machine and comprises means to move horizontally in relation to the warewashing machine.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Ferguson, Dwayne A. Becknell, Daniel F. Brady, Martin D. Schenk
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Patent number: 5899215Abstract: A diverter member is installed in a dishwasher to reduce detergent consumption therein. The diverter member includes an upwardly disposed liquid receiving surface in fluid communication with a drain for receiving a portion of the rinse liquid sprayed on dishware in a rinse section of the dishwasher to increase the amount of rinse liquid communicated to the drain. A lesser amount of rinse liquid returns to the wash tank, thereby reducing dilution of the wash liquid and consumption of detergent.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Carleton J. Parker, III, Richard E. Bittner, Mary J. Schumacher, Ralph J. Van Hoven, Keith L. Ware
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Patent number: 5887311Abstract: A flat mop head for cleaning floors includes a cover panel with structure fastening on its top surface and a highly absorbent material at least partially made of cotton and/or viscose in the central area of its bottom surface. At least the longitudinal sides of the cover panel are provided with a hem. A textile rim both at least partially surrounds the edges of the cover panel, and forms the hem. The cover panel consists of at least partially mixed yarns made of synthetic and natural fibers. This wash-resistant cover panel is inexpensive to produce, may be used both for wet and dry cleaning tasks, slides easily on the floor, and has high cleaning power both for water-soluble and solid soil.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Franz Kresse, Rainer Osberghaus
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Patent number: 5888311Abstract: A process for cleaning processing equipment for beverages or foods including the steps of(a) pumping a cleaning solution from its holding tank through the processing equipment in the absence of a pre-rinsing step,(b) collecting a first portion of the cleaning solution returning from the processing equipment into a recycling tank,(c) returning to the holding tank for the cleaning solution the main portion of the cleaning solution flowing through the processing equipment,(d) subjecting the first portion of the cleaning solution collected into the recycling tank to a separation process to provide a soil-rich concentrate and a low soil content regenerate,(e) transferring the regenerate to the holding tank for the cleaning solution, and(f) disposing of the soil-rich concentrate as waste.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Alfred Laufenberg, Dietmar Rossner, Ralf Krack
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Patent number: 5880089Abstract: A rinse aid composition for use on plasticware is herein described which requires lower concentration of conventional hydrocarbon surfactants, exhibits adequate sheeting on the plasticware and acceptable drying time which prior rinse aids have failed to provide without special handling. The compositions described contain hydrocarbon surfactants and a polyether or polybetaine polysiloxane copolymer surfactant in combination with a fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactant. The composition may be formulated as a solid or liquid suitable for dilution to form an aqueous rinse used to contact the plasticware in a warewashing machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Matthew J. Sopha
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Patent number: 5880088Abstract: A rinse aid composition for use on plasticware is herein described which requires lower concentration of conventional hydrocarbon surfactants, exhibits adequate sheeting on the plasticware and acceptable drying time which prior rinse aids have failed to provide without special handling. The compositions described contain hydrocarbon surfactants and a polyether or polybetaine polysiloxane copolymer surfactant alone or in combination with a fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactant. The composition may be formulated as a solid or liquid suitable for dilution to form an aqueous rinse used to contact the plasticware in a warewashing machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Matthew J. Sopha
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Patent number: 5876514Abstract: We have found an alkaline warewashing detergent composition that can contain a critical amount of a nonionic rinse agent that when used in automatic warewashing machines permits the use of a potable water rinse without the addition of a separate rinse agent. Sufficient residual nonionic surfactant from the alkaline detergent remains on the surface ware and internal machine and rack surfaces after washing to promote adequate sheeting in the rinse cycle. The residual nonionic surfactant on internal surfaces dissolves in the rinse water to create an effective aqueous rinse agent. The nonionic rinse agents can be a single nonionic for both foam reduction cleaning and sheeting or can be a blend of nonionic materials providing these functions. The detergent can be in the form of a particulate, pelletized or block solid.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: John J. Rolando, Terry J. Klos
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Patent number: 5873946Abstract: An installation for lubricating, cleaning and/or disinfecting conveyor belts for containers, more particularly for foods, such as bottles, glasses, cans, bags and the like, comprising a central metering station connectable to a water pipe used to dilute a concentrated lubricant, cleaner or disinfectant, and several distributing pipes connected to the metering station lead to the points of use. At each point of use there is a mixing valve (13-19) connectable to distribution line (52) and the water pipe (23) and individually adjustable for each point of use and a pressure reducer (50, 51) fitted upstream of each mixing valve. Varying concentration can be provided for each point of use (31-37) with little technical complexity. In another embodiment, the invention is the process carried out by the installation.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OhgInventor: Bernhard Hantmann
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Patent number: 5873268Abstract: 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 99a. 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: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 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: 5871590Abstract: A touchless car wash composition, that can be made from a concentrate and diluted to use concentration using commonly available service water can comprise an ether amine or diamine in particular a fatty ether amine or diamine. The novel compositions are typically free of hydrocarbon solvents and silicone materials that are common in prior art compositions. The compositions are used in touchless car wash processes in which the materials are sprayed in the form of an aqueous dilute solution to remove soil from the vehicle surface. The aqueous compositions are self removing and very small amounts of the aqueous solutions remain to create water spotting on cleaned vehicle surfaces. The novel compositions of the invention can also contain a variety of other ingredients in a fully formulated system. Such ingredients include rapid dewatering of painted surfaces, improved cleanliness of glass and painted surfaces. A substantial reduction of water spotting and concentrates stability.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Michael E. Besse, Terry J. Klos, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, James J. Tarara, Kimberly L. Person Hei
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Patent number: 5868859Abstract: The creation of a substantial volume of foam on the surface of an aqueous medium can reduce the apparent thermal IR emission substantially when compared to that of the aqueous medium free of foam. This difference in temperature (infrared emission) can be used to control a defoaming process or the addition of a defoaming agent to control foam in the aqueous medium. The apparent thermal infrared emission of foam is less than that of the aqueous medium. As the thermal IR emissions drop as foam develops, the difference between the apparent temperature of the foam and the temperature of aqueous medium increases. Such a difference in temperature can be used to control use of a defoaming process or agent. As the foam volume is reduced, the addition of a defoaming composition is substantially reduced or stopped. During the control method, a predetermined limit is established at which the defoaming process or composition is introduced into the aqueous medium.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Jay T. Kummet, Scott P. Bennett
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Patent number: 5863874Abstract: The invention includes lubricant concentrate and use solution compositions having an amine compound of the formula,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 thereofwherein R.sub.1 may be a linear saturated or unsaturated C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 alkyl, R.sub.2 is a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, and R.sub.3 may be a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl. The concentrate also comprises an acidulant, optionally a stabilizing hydrotrope, and a surfactant. The lubricant use solution resulting from dilution of the concentrate has an amine compound in a concentration ranging from about 10 ppm to 10000 ppm. Also disclosed is a method of lubricating a conveyor system which includes providing a use solution of the lubricant concentrate composition.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Michael E. Besse, Bruce E. Schmidt, Christopher S. Sykes, Timothy A. Gutzmann
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Patent number: 5863871Abstract: Lubricating solutions are used on conveying systems in the beverage industry during the filling of containers with beverages. Lubricating compositions of the present invention, especially those designed for use in beverage conveying systems for contained beverages, comprise at least the following components:a) an alkyl alkoxylated (e.g., ethoxylated or propoxylated, preferably ethoxylated) phosphate ester,b) aryl (e.g., aromatic, such as phenol) alkoxylated (e.g., ethoxylated or propoxylated) phosphate ester,c) an aromatic or linear quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent, andd) a liquid carrier, such as water.These lubricating solutions are capable of providing good lubricity and antimicrobial activity over a prolonged time.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1998Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Ecolab IncInventors: Michael E. Besse, Joy G. Dressel, Kimberly L. Person Hei
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Patent number: D406635Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1998Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.Inventors: Scott Timothy Russell, Tina Opal Outlaw
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Patent number: D407463Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1998Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.Inventors: Tina Opal Outlaw, Scott Timothy Russell, Steven E. Lentsch