Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Eccentric gear drive with reduced backlash
    Patent number: 10767732
    Abstract: A gear drive system is provided having a first gear and a second gear. The second gear has a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion. A first set of gear teeth can be defined peripherally over the first peripheral portion and/or the second peripheral portion. The first peripheral portion and/or the second peripheral portion can be more resilient, resulting in a first backlash between the first set of gear teeth and the teeth of the first gear, less than a second backlash between the second set of gear teeth and the teeth of the first gear. Each gear tooth of the second gear can have a gear tooth spacing between adjacent gear teeth. The gear tooth spacing over the first peripheral portion and/or the second peripheral portion can be less than the gear tooth spacing at portions other than the first peripheral portion and/or the second peripheral portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Hunklinger, Rudolf Albrecht
  • Compositions for enhanced oil recovery
    Patent number: 10767104
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for increasing recovery of hydrocarbon compounds from hydrocarbon-containing subterranean fractured rock formations. Novel emulsions and fracturing fluids are provided. The fracturing fluids convert oil-wet rocks to water-wet, yet exhibit a low tendency of composition components to sorb to the rock. The fracturing fluids do not cause formation of emulsions with hydrocarbon compounds within the subterranean fractured rock formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Linh Do, Brian Mueller, Duy T. Nguyen
  • Synergistic protein soil removal through novel chelator combination
    Patent number: 10767139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a concentrated detergent composition comprising surfactant, alkali metal carbonate, methylglycinediacetic acid, glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, and alkali metal tripolyphosphate. The composition is particularly suited to remove protein soil in warewashing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Meier, David Dotzauer, Tobias Neil Foster, John Mansergh
  • HYDROGEN SULFIDE SCAVENGERS FOR ASPHALT
    Publication number: 20200277498
    Abstract: Scavenging compounds and compositions useful in reducing sulfide emissions from asphalt, such as polymer-treated asphalt, are disclosed. The scavenger compositions may include sulfide-scavenging agents. The scavenger compositions also include a metal-containing compound and optionally a solvent. Any of the compositions, sulfide-scavenging agents and metal-containing compounds may be anhydrous. Methods of using the compositions to reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions from asphalt are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Xiaowei Tong, Jennifer L. Sorrells, Elizabeth Balapitiya, Ravindranath Mukkamala
  • Methods and system for performance assessment of cleaning operations
    Patent number: 10762617
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process and a system for assessing the performance of cleaning operations by utilizing an automatic read out routine for test strips subjected to a cleaning operation. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a computer program product capable of performing the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Sanders, Fernanda Furtado de Melo Albino, Sabine Swoboda, Sebastian Niebur, Nadine Göhring, Ann Mangskau, Carola Stingl, Daniel D. Anderson, Florian M. Witt, Christian Lührs, Andreas Krohn, Marc Delling
  • Caustic free low temperature ware wash detergent for reducing scale build-up
    Patent number: 10760038
    Abstract: Caustic-free detergent compositions are provided. Detergent compositions including an aminocarboxylate, water conditioning agent, non-caustic source of alkalinity and water beneficially do not require the use of additional surfactants and/or polymers to provide suitable detergency and prevent scale build-up on treated surfaces. The detergent compositions are used with a sanitizer to employ the caustic-free detergent compositions are particularly suitable for use as low temperature ware wash detergents that beneficially reduce scale build-up. Methods of employing the caustic-free detergent compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erin Jane Dahlquist Howlett, Steven E. Lentsch, Terrence P. Everson, Carter Martin Silvernail
  • Hygiene system for a portable packaged food container
    Patent number: 10758638
    Abstract: A system may automatically conduct hygiene cycles for a confined space such an interior space of a box suitable for storing and/or carrying packaged food. The system may include a hygiene device that can be attached to the box to conduct the hygiene cycles. The system may also automatically collect information related to the hygiene cycles and transmit the collected information to a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Wenbin Wei, Ying Zhang, Zhili Ding, Huarong Yu
  • Temperature-stable paraffin inhibitor compositions
    Patent number: 10759989
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including up to 20 wt % of a paraffin inhibiting polymer and a non-polymeric ester compound, wherein the compositions flow at a temperature between about 0° C. and ?40° C., or between about ?20° C. and ?40° C. The non-polymeric ester compounds are liquids at 20° C. and atmospheric pressure, and have boiling points over 100° C., in many cases over 200° C. The compositions are useful to inhibit paraffin deposition during petroleum recovery, refining, storing, and transporting under field conditions, wherein the concentrates are pumpable and pourable, do not precipitate, and do not exhibit high pressure buildup inside enclosed containers at temperatures as low as ?40° C. and as high as 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Solomon, David Fouchard, Thomas O. Painter, Jennifer Stokes, Kousik Kundu, Carter Silvernail
  • Paraffin deposition inhibitor coatings
    Patent number: 10759951
    Abstract: A containment for crude oil that inhibits paraffin deposition thereon is described. One to twenty coatings of a composition including a polyacrylate are applied to a crude oil contact surface of a crude oil containment; the polyacrylate includes at least about 50 mole % acrylic acid residues or the conjugate base thereof. The coating compositions are suitably delivered from a water dispersion, solution, or emulsion and dried before applying a subsequent coating. Each of the one to twenty coatings are formed from the same or from different polyacrylate coating compositions. The coated containment surfaces inhibit deposition of at least 10 wt % and as much as 90 wt % of paraffin solids from a crude oil compared to the same crude oil contact in the absence of the one to twenty coatings. The coatings inhibit paraffin deposition at temperatures between about 60° C. and ?40° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Crew, Kim R. Solomon, Carter M. Silvernail
  • Aluminum safe degreasing and pre-soak technology for bakery and deli wares and use thereof
    Patent number: 10751762
    Abstract: Aluminum safe degreaser and pre-soak compositions, methods of making, and uses thereof are disclosed. In particular, a solid degreaser composition is described which provides soft metal protection against corrosion, avoids silicate staining, and maintains efficacy for removal of heavy baked-on carbon, shortening, caramelized, and greasy soils from bakery and deli wares.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Bethany Carter, Karen Rigley, Lee Jones
  • Apparatus, method and system for calibrating a liquid dispensing system
    Patent number: 10751680
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs to a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Carbone, II, Richard J. Mehus, Kevin C. Tauer, Anatoly Skirda, Eugene Tokhtuev, William M. Christensen
  • Use of fluorescent polymers in marking compositions for the diagnostic determination of cleaning performance
    Patent number: 10751438
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fluorescent marking compositions and their use to determine whether a surface has been cleaned. More particularly, the marking compositions comprise fluorescent polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Wegner, Erin Brown, Jeffery Atkins, Paul Zinn, Robert Walicki, Lanhua Hu
  • Material supply system with valve assembly
    Patent number: 10753483
    Abstract: A material supply assembly includes a valve assembly having an outer valve member and an inner valve member rotatable relative to the outer valve member. A plurality of discharge seals may be provide between the outer valve member and the inner valve member, with one of the discharge seals extending around openings of the outer valve member or openings of the inner valve member. A first circumferential seal may also be provided. An engagement structure including a plurality of spaced apart vertical engagement projections and a plurality of complementary configured engagement recesses may be provided between the valve assembly and the base. A locking arm having a locking member may be provided with the locking member positioned in a locking receptacle. A projection engages the locking arm to move the locking member from the locking receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus Hans Feiler, Hope Emily Weilage, Kenneth Thomas Dobizl, Michael Henry D'Heilly, Nathan John Millner
  • CIP wash summary and library
    Patent number: 10755210
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for monitoring a CIP process previously performed. The method includes accessing CIP process data stored in a CIP library. The CIP process data includes CIP phase data associated with a plurality of CIP phases in the CIP process previously performed, equipment data associated with objects used in the CIP process during one or more of the CIP phases, and consumable data associated with consumables consumed by corresponding equipment in the CIP process. In addition, the method includes displaying at least a portion of the CIP process data, and providing a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface is configured to: organize the CIP process data into at least one of (i) a plurality of CIP phases or (ii) consumable data, and sort equipment data according to one or more of the plurality of corresponding CIP phases or corresponding consumables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Curran, Finn Jensen, Jonathan Kingsbury, Paul Schacht, Juli Young, James Krohn
  • Process for Improving Protein Recovery in Stillage Processing Streams
    Publication number: 20200263117
    Abstract: Provided is a method of processing stillage from an ethanol production process. The method comprises treating stillage comprising oil, protein, and water upstream of a separation, concentration or evaporation step with at least one coagulant and at least one flocculant, thereby forming treated thin stillage comprising solids which include at least a portion of the oil and protein; and clarifying the treated stillage via a solid/liquid separation process thereby forming clarified stillage and a separated solids phase comprising at least a portion of the solids from the treated stillage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Lan Xiao
  • Anti-foulant formulation for compressors
    Patent number: 10745345
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preventing or reducing polymer formation and polymer deposition in equipment used in petrochemical processes. An antifoulant composition includes a combination of one or more antioxidants; one or more antipolymerants; one or more dispersants; and one or more solvents. A method of preventing or reducing fouling of process equipment used in an industrial process is also described. The method includes introducing into the process equipment an antifoulant composition, the antifoulant composition comprising a combination of one or more antioxidants; one or more antipolymerants; one or more dispersants; and one or more solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Anahita Khanlari, Andrew R. Neilson
  • High alkaline warewash detergent with enhanced scale control and soil dispersion
    Patent number: 10745651
    Abstract: Detergent compositions and methods of preparing and using the detergent compositions are disclosed. The detergent compositions comprise a polymer system comprising at least one polycarboxylic acid polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, an alkalinity source comprising an alkali metal carbonate, a nonionic surfactant and water. The detergent compositions are suitable at alkaline pH and reduce or prevent scale formation, improve soil dispersion, and provide effective detergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David Dotzauer, Timothy Meier, Carter M. Silvernail, John Mansergh
  • Solidification process using low levels of coupler/hydrotrope
    Patent number: 10745650
    Abstract: The invention includes a solid rinse aid that is particularly designed for extrusion solid formation and which is effective for creating spotless surfaces after rinsing. According to the invention, application has identified the critical combination of solid surfactants, coupling agents, hydrotrope, and hardening agents that is acceptable in the extrusion process to create a solid. The hydrotrope includes one or more short-chain alkylbenzene and/or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates. The composition hardens quickly but not so quick as to negatively impact the extrusion process. The compositions may also be used to form pressed or cast solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Janel Marie Kieffer, Katherine Molinaro, Gary Becker, Tobias Foster, Karina Labusga
  • Fluid property determination based on partial least squares analysis
    Patent number: 10746653
    Abstract: An optical sensor determines a characteristic of a fluid medium based on a plurality of detector outputs and a characteristic model. The optical sensor directs light into the fluid medium, detects light at each of a plurality of wavelengths transmitted through the fluid medium, and produces therefrom the plurality of detector outputs. The characteristic model provides an estimate of the characteristic of the fluid medium based on a partial least squares analysis of optical transmission measurements through at least one reference fluid medium having a known characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Victor N. Morin
  • Cleaning and removal of wax deposits in oil and gas wells using cationic polymers
    Patent number: 10745608
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for removing deposits in an oil or gas well by contacting the annular fluid in a batch-wise method with an effective amount of a composition comprising a water-soluble copolymer. These methods are advantageous because they can be used as needed to improve well operation. The methods use a water-soluble copolymer comprised of an acrylamide monomer and one or more cationic monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus D. Faust, Jr., Tri T. Phan, Theophilus Edovia, Mathew Hancock