Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Patent number: 11241009
    Abstract: Peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other contaminants and impurities from industrial processing hard surfaces are disclosed. In particular, peroxyformic acid compositions may be dosed on site and/or generated in situ for the reduction and prevention of biofilms on the hard surfaces. Methods of employing the peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other impurities such as aldehydes and alcohols from industrial CO2 effluent are also disclosed which beneficially provide ambient biofilm control and break down more rapidly than other peracids, allowing for extended runs between CIP cleaning, including a reduction and/or elimination of cleaning of the scrubbers and other industrial surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John Bolduc, Chris Nagel, Junzhong Li, Catherine Hanson, Peter Fernholz
  • Patent number: 11242500
    Abstract: The invention discloses cleaning compositions which employ a synergistic combination of an ester solvent, preferably a fatty acid methyl ester in combination with one or more linear alkyl amines. The alkyl amines act as to remove and suspend organic oils which have been burnt or adhered to a surface with heat and may even be used alone as a soil removal agent. The cleaning compositions have particular use in cleaning of distillation towers associated with biofuel, and vegetable oil refining, but also find use in cleaning ovens, food cooking surfaces and even dry cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Nagel, Eric Victor Schmidt, Mark D. Levitt, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 11236040
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are the multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds, methods of making thereof, and articles or compositions comprising thereof. The disclosed multiple charged cationic or anionic compounds are derived from polyamines through two reactions: an aza-Michael addition with an activated olefin having an ionic group and a ring-opening reaction with an epoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish Dhawan, Carter M. Silvernail
  • Patent number: 11236291
    Abstract: The present invention comprises chlorinated and non-chlorinated alkaline cleaning compositions for removal of proteinaceous and fatty soils at low temperature, i.e. less than 120° F., with little or no deleterious affect on cleaning performance. According to the invention, applicants have found that adding additional alkalinity makes protein removal more difficult and reducing the amount of alkalinity actually improves performance. According to the invention optimized combinations of chlorine and alkalinity components for low temperature cleaning as well as a surfactant system optimized for low temperature fatty soil removal are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Sun, Jacquilyne Gandara, Robert J. Ryther, Thomas R. Mohs, Walter D. Cummings
  • Patent number: 11235293
    Abstract: A material wetting system for wetting a powder material includes a liquid supply system, a material mixing unit, a material supply system, and a shroud assembly. The liquid supply system includes a supply line. The material mixing unit is in fluid communication with the supply line and includes a central cavity having an open upper end configured to receive a supply of powder material. The material mixing unit is configured to receive liquid from the supply line and is operatively connected to a reduced pressure source to draw air into the central cavity. The material supply system includes an orifice and is configured to feed powder material through the orifice, with the orifice disposed above the central cavity of the material mixing unit. The shroud assembly is disposed about the open upper end of the central cavity of the material mixing unit and the orifice of the material supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Davis Anderson, Brock Stephen Mueggenborg, Karl Heinbuch, David W. Scheimann, Alex Bodga, Thomas E. Peacock
  • Patent number: 11235899
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring product packaging and removal of the packaging from a product is disclosed. The labeled product packaging includes a shrink wrap packaging adapted for sealing around a product. A predefined point of failure is configured in the packaging and includes a failure mode for when pulled in at least one direction. A label is sealed to the packaging and adhered to the predefined point of failure in covering relation over the predefined point of failure. Lifting the label from the packaging tears open the packaging starting at the predefined point of failure so the product can be removed from the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan David Lucey, Christopher John Opelt, David M. Shoberg, Brian P. Carlson, Paul R. Kraus
  • Patent number: 11226070
    Abstract: During the production of consumable liquids such as milk, soup, and juice, the liquid consumable may be transferred from one location to another location through a fluid conduit. For example, a consumable liquid may be transferred from a storage tank to another destination through piping. At the end of the process, the piping may be purged with a flushing fluid to push the liquid consumable remaining in the piping to the end destination, thus preventing the volume of liquid remaining in the piping from being wasted. To control the flushing processing, fluid flowing through the piping may be fluorometrically analyzed to determine a concentration of product in the fluid. The flushing liquid can then be controlled based on the determined concentration. For example, the supply of flushing liquid may be terminated when the concentration of product falls below a threshold, indicating the flushing liquid is diluting the liquid consumable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, Anthony Erickson, Rodney H. Banks
  • Patent number: 11225631
    Abstract: Bleach catalyst detergent compositions are provided. The compositions are suitable for use with additional detergent and/or bleaching compositions while providing bleach catalysts within a detergent composition. The detergent compositions are free of anionic surfactant, are highly aqueous and have a pH of less than 6. Methods of use for cleaning are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Lundberg, Jonathan P. Fast
  • Patent number: 11225421
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of treating process water using a reactor for generating chlorine dioxide onsite. The onsite generation system may include double ensured precursor feeding, effective reactor, automated control/alarm, and effective product delivery. The reactor may include a mixing device, a first feed line connected to the mixing device, and a second feed line connected to the mixing device. The reactor may include a proximal portion in fluid communication with the mixing device and a distal portion in fluid communication with a motive water line. The mixing device, the reactor, a portion of the first feed line, and a portion of the second feed line may be positioned within the motive water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kun Xiong, Felice DiMascio, Nicholas Ryan Denny, Shawn Dalke
  • Patent number: 11225746
    Abstract: A filtration-free liquid sampling system may be used to extract particulate or debris-containing liquid samples that may otherwise plug a filter over its service life. For example, such a system may be used to extract liquid sample from an industrial textile washer to monitor and/or validate the quality of wash conditions within the washer. In some examples, the system includes a pump that creates a vacuum on a backstroke, drawing liquid into a sensor housing positioned between the pump and the washer. After holding the liquid in the sensor housing long enough to measure its properties, the pump can be driven in a reverse stroke to pressurize the contents in the sensor housing and force the liquid back into the washer. This vacuum fill/pressure purge can keep the sensor housing free of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Maxwell Stokes, Jason Gregory Lang, Timothy Charles Nygaard
  • Patent number: 11220379
    Abstract: A dispensing fitment assembly includes a fitment assembly and a dispensing probe. The fitment assembly includes a fitment housing and a plug. The fitment housing is configured to operatively couple to a container opening of a fluid container. The plug is positioned within an interior portion of the fitment housing. The plug is slidingly movable between an open and closed position. Engagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured to move the plug from the closed position to the open position. Disengagement between the dispensing probe and the interior surface of the plug is configured to move the plug from the open to closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Alan Heinbuch, Matthew D. Lausted, Jeffrey Michael Schultz, Kevin Michael Welle, Bradley Jacob Johnson
  • Patent number: 11214919
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for treating a web of chopped nonwoven mineral fibers passing through a chopped nonwoven mineral fiber mat process are provided. The methods comprise spraying strength aid onto the web of chopped nonwoven mineral fibers in a forming section of the chopped nonwoven mineral fiber mat process. The systems comprise a first spray bar comprising a delivery conduit configured to provide a flow of strength aid at a flow rate to one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the delivery conduit. The one or more nozzles are configured to receive the strength aid from the delivery conduit and to spray of the strength aid onto the web of chopped nonwoven mineral fibers in the forming section of the chopped nonwoven mineral fiber mat process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Krause, James Rieck, David Lucas, Eric J. Ouderkirk, Janet R. Kirkman, Robert M. Lowe, Alexandra Knoth
  • Patent number: 11214763
    Abstract: The invention relates to solidification of liquid amine oxide, betaine, and/or sultaine surfactants with a carrier to form a solidified surfactant composition. In particular, the invention relates to solidification of liquid surfactants utilizing drying device(s), wherein the feed composition contains at least one liquid surfactant and a carrier to form a solidified surfactant composition. The solidified surfactant compositions can be useful in various cleaning compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy Lo, Erik C. Olson, Jon D. Hansen, Katherine Molinaro, Corey Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 11214926
    Abstract: A method of incorporating a low molecular weight polymer (e.g., polymer strength aid) into an industrial process (e.g., papermaking process) is provided. The method comprises treating an industrial process (e.g., paper sheet precursor) with a powder or wetted powder, wherein the powder comprises a polymer dry polymer (e.g., polymer strength aid), wherein the polymer dry polymer (e.g., polymer strength aid) has a weight average molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 2,000 kDa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Lowe, Weiguo Cheng, David Jordan, Heqing Huang
  • Patent number: 11213041
    Abstract: A chiller bath includes a tank for holding a volume of chiller water; a dosing system for dosing a first solution and a second solution into the chiller water, arranged to create a plurality of zones within the volume of water, wherein each zone has a higher concentration of either the first or the second solution than surrounding portions of the volume of water; and a meat or poultry immersion arrangement for immersing and moving carcasses in the chiller water. A method for reducing bacterial load on meat or poultry includes generating a plurality of zones within a chiller bath containing water by dosing a source of alkalinity and antimicrobial into the water, wherein the plurality of zones comprises at least one alkaline zone with a pH above 8.5, and at least one antimicrobial zone with pH below 8.5; and submersing meat or poultry in the bath. The zones can also be generated using spray nozzles in a meat or poultry operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Walsh, William Coby, Oriana Nicole Leishman
  • Publication number: 20210403343
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recycling automotive phosphate rinse water. An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating process water containing phosphate. The apparatus may include a process water line. The process water line may be in fluid communication with a sample process water line. The sample process water line may be in fluid communication with a dilution line. The sample process water line, the dilution line, and a phosphate analyzer may be in fluid communication with a diluted process water line. The apparatus may also include a chemical additive feed line in fluid communication with the process water line downstream from the sample process water line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Williams, Tony Veljan Mackovski, Bruce Tait, Joseph Peter Miknevich, Alex Michael Bogda, Aarthi Narayanan, William A. Von Drasek
  • Patent number: 11208332
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving performance of flocculants in an industrial production process. Methods include pH triggered cross-linking reaction between a flocculating agent, such as dextran, and a composition comprising a boronic acid-containing polymer. The pH trigger can be provided by a fluid having a pH of 8 or more. The production process can be a Bayer Process and the fluid is caustic liquor or slurry in the fluid circuit of the Bayer, wherein the reaction time is reduced over conventional methods and the cross-linked dextran composition effectuates improved flocculation of the trihydrate particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Wang, Kevin O'Brien, Mingli Wei, Weiguo Cheng, Jinfeng Wang, Kevin McDonald, Xinyu C. Huang
  • Patent number: 11208613
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous foaming cleaning composition for removing soil at low temperatures from a surface to be cleaned, characterized in, that the aqueous foaming cleaning composition comprises: a linear and/or branched C12-alkyl dimethylamine oxide or C12-alkyl diethylamine oxide or C12-alkyl methylethylamine oxide; a linear and/or branched C14-alkyl dimethylamine oxide or C14-alkyl diethylamine oxide or C14-alkyl methylethylamine oxide; at least one anion tenside of: a dodecyl (oxyethylen)w sulfat, wherein w represents an average addition mole number ranging from about 1 to about 10, and/or at least one polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I): RO—(AO)n?1—A?—COOmM (I) wherein, R represents a linear and/or branched alkyl group having about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms; AO represents an alkylene oxy group having about 2 to about 4 carbon atoms; n represents an average addition mole number ranging from about 1 to about 20; A? represents an alkylene group
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tillmann Kleine, Michael Schmidt, Gunnar Nöding, Daniela Richter, Christine Fehlis, Virginie Maas, Claudia Caussin De Schneck
  • Patent number: 11206826
    Abstract: Low foaming, highly acidic peroxycarboxylic acid sanitizing compositions are disclosed as having both improved antimicrobial efficacy in comparison to conventional peroxyoctanoic acid and peroxyacetic acid compositions for sanitizing applications. The compositions include a combination of a low-foaming surfactant and an aluminum sulfate (or other metal salt) defoaming agent that is compatible with the highly acidic peroxycarboxylic acid sanitizing compositions. In particular, the sanitizing peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are also low odor and low/no VOC dual functioning acid wash and sanitizing compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Junzhong Li, Richard Staub, David D. McSherry
  • Patent number: 11198836
    Abstract: Surfactant systems and compositions incorporating the same are disclosed for use as rinse aids on plastics and other wares. The surfactant systems and compositions include both liquid and solid formulations, along with methods of use for treating plastics and other wares. The surfactant systems and compositions provide synergistic combinations allowing lower actives in composition formulations of the plastic-compatible surfactant systems providing good sheeting, wetting and drying properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Janel Marie Kieffer, Terrence P. Everson, James S. Dailey, Thomas Gessner, Juergen Tropsch