Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Patent number: 5505915
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser 10 for a solid chemical 13 and a method of dispensing the chemical 13. Water enters via an inlet line 22 and is sprayed from a spray nozzle 21, so that the solid chemical 13 is dispensed in the form of an aqueous chemical solution via outlet line 17. The solution's concentration is adjustable by varying the distance between the spray nozzle 21 and the exposed dissolving surface of the chemical 13. The spray nozzle's position is adjusted by means of a screw jack 68, a push-pull cable 93, a solenoid 100, or a lever 117.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Copeland, John E. Thomas, Daniel K. Boche, Daniel F. Brady
  • Patent number: 5503838
    Abstract: A protective aqueous antimicrobial film forming composition that can be applied to dairy animals to form a protective film. The film can be used to reduce the incidence of both contagious and environmental mastitis in dairy herds and can be formed from an aqueous composition that can contain a nonionic iodine complex, a polyvinyl alcohol composition, having a degree of hydrolysis greater than 92%, preferably greater than 98%, and a thickener. The aqueous mixture can be applied to udder and teats of dairy herds to form a protective coating that can prevent infection from staphlococcus, streptococcus, klebsiella and other pathogens. The film can be removed using water in a convenient short period of time permitting efficient milking operations. After milking, the composition can be reapplied to the herd and can protect the herd from mastitis until the herd is again milked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: William Schmidt, Deborah A. Ihns
  • Patent number: 5501742
    Abstract: A method for dispensing solid rinse aids. The dissolved solid rinse aid is dispensed from a dispenser (100) to a solution tank or reservoir (40) which uses the heat of a high temperature warewash machine (10) to prevent bacterial or microbial growth and degradation of rinse aid solutions held within the reservoir (40). The dispenser (100) is a solid rinse aid dissolving unit that is preferably a gravity feed device dispensing solutions to the solution tank (40) located within the warewash machine (10). The dispenser (100) is fed with hot tap water or final rinse water to dissolve the solid rinse aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 5501815
    Abstract: A plasticware-compatible low-foaming rinse aid and method for using such rinse-aid to effectuate sheeting of aqueous rinse liquid from solid surface. The rinse aid comprises alkyl polyglycoside (APG) and reverse, polyoxyethylene-containing polyoxyalkylene block copolymer. The aqueous rinse solution obtained by diluting the rinse aid with water is compatible with thermoplastics such as polycarbonate and polysulfone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 5494503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition film or barrier layer containing an inorganic salt composition having a phosphate and a carbonate source and a surfactant composition. The aqueous coating can be applied to surfaces in food preparation units. The compositions of the invention can be used in methods for coating hard surfaces of food preparation units by applying the aqueous material through a spray or other aerosol apparatus to form a uniform coating. Upon drying, the water from the coating can evaporate leaving an organic/inorganic film which can support baked-on food soil and promote easy removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia L. Ross, Michael E. Besse, Timothy A. Gutzmann
  • Patent number: 5494644
    Abstract: A multiple product dispensing system includes a plurality of use solution dispensers and a controller for selecting one of the dispensers according to a preset regimen, e.g., selecting different dispensers on different days of the week. Each dispenser dispenses a controlled concentration of use solution using a diluent delivery apparatus that delivers a diluent to form a liquid concentrate from a solid chemical composition, and to form make-up diluent for diluting the liquid concentrate and forming a use solution of controlled concentration. A foam reducer reduces the kinetic energy of the make-up diluent prior to mixing with the liquid concentrate to reduce foaming. An unskilled operator may operate the dispensing system to dispense a use solution of carefully controlled concentration, and the controller will automatically select the proper dispenser according to the preset regimen, without any additional input on the part of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, John E. McCall, Daniel K. Boche, John J. Rolando, Terry J. Klos
  • Patent number: 5489434
    Abstract: A peroxyacid antimicrobial concentrate and use composition is provided comprising a C.sub.5 peroxyacid in combination with a C.sub.1 14 C.sub.4 peroxyacid, a C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 peroxyacid, or mixtures thereof. The combination of these peracids 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. Sanitizing of substantially fixed, "in-place" processing lines in dairies, breweries, and other food processing operations is one utility of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Oakes, Thomas G. Boufford
  • Patent number: 5484549
    Abstract: A pH greater than 7 aqueous ozonized cleaning composition can be used for cleaning a tenacious residue or film from solid surfaces. The cleaning properties can be potentiated by additive materials. Ozone, generated by electrical discharge, can be blended into effective aqueous cleaning compositions that can efficiently clean proteinaceous, oily or carbohydrate soil from a variety of surfaces. Immediately after ozone generation, the ozone containing gas stream comprising ozone and the residual air is injected through a hose into an aqueous potentiating additive containing carrier solution, forming a cleaning solution which is applied immediately to a soiled solid surface to remove a contaminating residue or film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Hei, Thomas R. Oakes, Guang-jong J. Wei
  • Patent number: 5480643
    Abstract: A stable, solid or semi-solid, antimicrobial composition is provided comprising a dialdehyde antimicrobial agent such as glutaraldehyde, and a carbohydrate such as a sugar or a polyol such as a sugar alcohol. The composition can be employed to preserve, sanitize, disinfect, or sterilize a contaminated surface or area. The composition can also be combined with an absorbing agent to produce a moisture absorbent antimicrobial composition which can be used to absorb and disinfect biological spills such as body fluid spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Donovan, David D. McSherry, Dale L. Fredell
  • Patent number: 5474698
    Abstract: The invention provides a urea based solid composition and a process for preparing a homogeneous, urea-based, solid cleaning composition. Cleaning compositions for use in warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, and the like, made by the method are also provided. The ingredients are charged into a heated mixing apparatus and when uniform are transferred into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the detergent. The consistency of the composition ranges from that of a fused solid block to a malleable article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Rolando, Bernard J. Heile, Kent R. Brittain
  • Patent number: 5464613
    Abstract: Novel fat-based, substantially 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Barcay, Douglas G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5462681
    Abstract: The invention is a particulate suspending, antimicrobial concentrate composition. The concentrate may be used in any number of environments including food service and processing environments such as brewing and bottling facilities. Generally the concentrate may be entrained in a product or introduced directly into the environment of use. The concentrate generally comprises an antimicrobial cationic compound such as a quaternary ammonium compound, and a particulate suspending surfactant such as an amphoteric propionic acid salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Gutzmann, Mark R. Altier
  • Patent number: 5447648
    Abstract: A concentrated, extremely active, solid, food grade rinse aid which includes a sorbitan fatty acid ester, a sucrose fatty acid ester, a polyglycerol fatty acid ester, a water soluble filler, and optionally a processing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Steindorf
  • Patent number: 5443094
    Abstract: A product dilution system constructed according to the present invention includes an aspirator wherein a product delivery means allows a product concentrate to flow into the aspirator, and is sized in combination with the size of an outlet orifice of the aspirator to achieve a predetermined dilution ratio. A product package includes an inner flexible receptacle which collapses during product dilution to allow complete evacuation of the product concentrate from the product package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Olson, Steven E. Pasek
  • Patent number: 5437868
    Abstract: A peroxyacid antimicrobial concentrate and use composition is provided comprising a C.sub.5 peroxyacid in combination with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 peroxyacid, a C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 peroxyacid, or mixtures thereof. The combination of these peracids 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. Sanitizing of substantially fixed, "in-place" processing lines in dairies, breweries, and other food processing operations is one utility of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Oakes, Thomas G. Boufford
  • Patent number: 5436008
    Abstract: This invention is a microbicidal and tuberculocidal composition comprising a major portion of carrier and an effective sanitizing amount of octanoic acid, or octanoic acid derivatives, and a sulfur containing compound. Optionally, the invention may also comprise any variety of formulatory ingredient options or application adjuvants. The invention comprises concentrate compositions and methods of sanitizing and disinfecting using the antimicrobial composition of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 5419908
    Abstract: The invention generally comprises a composition capable of sanitizing and disinfecting antimicrobial efficacy while also being ingestible as a food additive residue by humans and mammals. Specifically, the microbicidal composition of the invention generally comprises a carrier and an antimicrobial agent, wherein the antimicrobial agent generally comprises a C.sub.5 to C.sub.14 unsaturated monocarboxylic acid such as sorbic acid, in combination with an aromatic carboxylic acid such as benzoic acid. The antimicrobial composition of the invention is useful for both hard and soft surface sanitizing in environments such as farms, milk and food processing, fluid milk operations, institutional food preparation and serving areas, health care and child care facilities, as well as any other number of contact sensitive environments which require compositions having high antimicrobial efficacy and which will not contaminate food stocks and which pose no danger to humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Richter, Daniel E. Pedersen, May J. Biedscheid, Dale L. Fredell
  • Patent number: 5417233
    Abstract: A low product level detector is disclosed which utilizes a sensor comprised of an infrared emitter and receiver to project a beam of light across a cavity/enclosure which contains a solid product. When the product reaches a level at which more solid product should be added, an alarm indicia means is triggered. The alarm indicia means is comprised of an audible horn and a visually perceptible light. The low product alarm is utilized in a dispenser for dispensing a wash chemical solution which has been created by dissolving a solid wash chemical in a diluent. By maintaining a predetermined amount of solid wash chemical in the dispenser, the wash chemical solution maintains a more constant concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Dale W. Groth
  • Patent number: D360135
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Eric R. Balz
  • Patent number: D361180
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab B.V.
    Inventors: Hugo Van Der Zwan, Robert D. Hartoog