Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Patent number: 10070639
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the field of pest elimination including all life stages of bed bugs. The present disclosure includes articles, systems, and methods of heat treatment to target and kill pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Pattison, S. John Barcay, Jason G. Lang, Christopher C. Wagner, Christopher D. Diller, Joelle F. Olson
  • Patent number: 10072217
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for resolving water and oil emulsions in the produced fluid of an oil production system comprising adding a reverse emulsion breaker to the produced fluid of the crude oil production system in an amount effective for resolving an oil-in-water emulsion. In particular, these methods for resolving an oil-in-water emulsion can be used in separation processes where the oil and solids in the produced fluid are separated from the produced water in the produced fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Izabela A. Owsik, Virgil T. Little
  • Patent number: 10072962
    Abstract: An out-of-product alarm process includes initiating an out-of-product check by sending a signal to a controller from an optical sensor assembly connected to a fluid delivery medium for delivering a product to a fluid dispensing site, performing an out-of-product check, running an alarm cycle with the controller after receipt of an out-of-product signal, and executing a corrective action. Performing the out-of-product check includes directing light into the fluid delivery medium, generating a detector output based on detected light within the fluid delivery medium, determining an out-of-product state within the fluid delivery medium based on a comparison of the detector output to an out-of-product threshold, starting an out-of-product timer, when the out-of-product state is determined, and determining an out-of-product event when the out-of-product timer reaches a threshold out-of-product time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Husam Ismail, Kenneth Thomas Dobizl, Louis Mark Holzman, Sonya Shailesh Sharpe, Jason Andrew Kahlhamer, Matthew Frank Zurbey
  • Patent number: 10065156
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a dispenser, a logic device, a nozzle, a diluent source, and a solid product. The logic device controls spray on and spray off cycles to pulse diluent supplied to the nozzle. The diluent contacts the solid product to dissolve a portion of the solid product and create a use solution. Pulsing the spray of diluent controls the concentration of the dispensed product in the use solution by limiting the amount of excess dilutant added to the dispensed product. The product is more consistently dispensed and the concentration of the dispensed product in the use solution is more consistent. Additionally, the concentration of the dispensed product in the use solution can be controlled by changing at least one of a volume of diluent dispensed through the nozzle, a pressure of diluent, a pulsed diluent spray frequency, and a pulsed diluent spray duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: R. Ryan S. Carroll, Henry L. Carbone, II, Charles E. Wensman, Bruce W. White, John D. Morey
  • Publication number: 20180244550
    Abstract: The methods disclosed generally relate to treatment of process water using chlorine dioxide. Specifically, reactants may be fed asynchronously into a diluent line or a tank where the reactants may mix and react to form chlorine dioxide. The chlorine dioxide levels may fluctuate in the diluent line or the tank thereby inhibiting or reducing the growth of microbes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Amit Gupta
  • Patent number: 10060665
    Abstract: The invention is an improved ice handling container and methods for using the container. The container includes a bottom wall with upstanding sidewalls terminating in a mouth. A bail having an apex and opposing ends is pivotally attached to opposing sidewalls of the container. The bail has a handle generally at the apex and a hook extending generally outwardly from the bail generally near the apex of the bail for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally upward. One sidewall has a handle generally adjacent the bottom wall and a hook generally adjacent the handle extending generally outwardly and upwardly from the sidewall for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Philip Carlson, Ryan A. Chernik, Eric R. Balz, Christopher C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 10059910
    Abstract: Methods for use of enzymes for sustainable wash water maintenance are disclosed. The invention relates to use of enzymes for removing soils from wash water sources in a variety of cleaning applications. The invention cleans wash water sources, prevents the re-deposition of soils on treated surfaces and enhances detergency. Methods of wash water maintenance according to the invention provide sustainable practices by improving water quality and minimizing water and energy consumption in wash systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Sara Peters, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 10059635
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for preventing dusting problems in mineral supplement. The method involves treating the mineral supplement or a dust releasing material with a composition comprising polymerized organic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. T. Hay, Peter A. Dimas
  • Patent number: 10058858
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed for use in cleaning applications. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a treated, softened, acidic water source are disclosed. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins within a cleaning application, e.g. ware wash machine, are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Li Wen, Lylien Tan, Peter Voss, Mark Toetschinger
  • Patent number: 10053394
    Abstract: Methods of coating seeds with polymers and seeds coated with such polymers are disclosed herein. The polymers can be phosphonates, sulfonates, polymers of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polysuccinic oligomers, acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, blends of acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide, blends of sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polymaleic acid, acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymers, polyacrylic acid, trimethylglycine hydrochloride, blends of polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate with trimethylglycine hydrochloride, and any combination or salt of such polymers. Methods of monitoring, determining, and controlling the concentration of scale inhibitors in an agricultural irrigation system are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Jasbir S. Gill, Manian Ramesh, David R. Szymborski, William H. Morris
  • Patent number: 10053652
    Abstract: The present invention is a dimensionally stable solid detergent composition which can be used as a soaking composition. The composition includes a bio-based content of 58% or greater and includes an alkalinity source, a metal protector, a surfactant system, water, a threshold agent, and a polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition. The polymer the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition includes a polysaccharide residue present in an amount from approximately 5% to 90% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and a residue of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer or salts thereof present in an amount from approximately 10% to 75% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Amanda Ruth Blattner, Charles Allen Hodge, Carter M. Silvernail
  • Patent number: 10052625
    Abstract: Methods and systems for acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a water source use a treated, softened, acidic water source according to the invention. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Li Wen, Lylien Tan, Peter Voss, Mark Toetschinger
  • Patent number: 10047325
    Abstract: Phosphorus-free detergent compositions are provided. Detergent compositions including an aminocarboxylate, water conditioning agent, 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 phosphorus-free detergent compositions for use as low temperature ware wash detergents that beneficially reduce scale build-up. Methods of employing the phosphorus-free detergent compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erin Jane Dahlquist Howlett, Carter M. Silvernail, Steven E. Lentsch, Terrence P. Everson
  • Patent number: 10045529
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sanitizing compositions containing glycerin ether ethoxylate solfactant compounds and cationic active antimicrobial agents containing quaternary ammonium groups. Beneficially the compositions provide sanitizing efficacy without diminished performance requiring either increased concentrations of sanitizing agent and/or increased contact time for surfaces treated with the compositions. The compositions are suitable for use as antimicrobials and/or sanitizing agents in various formulations and methods of employing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Carter M. Silvernail, David D. McSherry
  • Patent number: 10047273
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are beta-amino ester surfactant compounds and compositions useful in applications relating to inhibition of gas hydrate agglomerates in the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the compounds and compositions as gas hydrate inhibitors, particularly in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erick J. Acosta, Tran-Bich Cao
  • Patent number: 10046990
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and methods of its use to generate chlorine dioxide. The apparatus comprises three cation exchange resin chambers in fluidic communication to convert chlorite salt into chlorine dioxide. Unlike previous converters, the invention utilizes an novel method of acidifying some of the chlorite to produce a more effective process. The invention can achieve a 100% theoretical yield which is s significant improvement over the 80% theoretical yield in previous attempts using non-acidifying chemistry. The method also avoids the need for expensive catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Felice DiMascio
  • Patent number: 10047301
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for resolving emulsions formed from oils present in quench waters of ethylene manufacturing operations. The methods include adding a cationic oligomer to the base of a water quench tower having an emulsion formed therein, and collecting a water phase therefrom. The water phase can be applied to a water recycling loop within the manufacturing facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignees: ECOLAB USA INC., SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Fabrice Cuoq, Steven Leen, Jerome Vachon, Anthoni van Zijl, Ian Robson, Roy van Lier, Theodore C. Arnst
  • Patent number: 10047274
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are inversion systems and methods of diluting w/o lattices including about 10 wt % to 80 wt % of a water soluble polymer. Using the inversion systems and methods described herein, dilution of w/o lattices is carried out in a single step to form dilute lattices having 10,000 ppm or less polymer; the dilute lattices form polymer solutions with no further addition of mixing force or water. The solution viscosities of the polymer solutions obtained using the systems and methods of the invention are at least about 80% of solution viscosity expected in the absence of shear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Wilson Logan, William J. Andrews, Kerry C. Brinkman, Peter E. Reed, Warren T. Gillenwater, Heinrich Bode, Martin David Biggs
  • Patent number: 10039423
    Abstract: A flexible mounting system for a chemical product dispenser includes a dispenser holder and at least one mounting apparatus. The dispenser holder may be attached to the mounting apparatus by means of a releasable connection mechanism. The releasable connection mechanism may provide for attachment of the dispenser holder to the mounting apparatus in multiple orientations. In one example, the mounting apparatus includes a mounting bracket configured for mounting to a support object, such as a wall, table, counter top, cabinet, shelf, cart etc. In another example, the mounting apparatus includes a mounting clamp configured for mounting to ledges, poles, bedrails, handles, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Schultz, Sarah E. Gilbertson, Daniel D. Anderson, Cheryl A. Littau
  • Patent number: 10041021
    Abstract: Cleaning compositions that include a non-functionalized alkyl polyglycoside, a nonionic surfactant system, and water. In certain embodiments, the cleaning compositions are substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. Additionally, some embodiments of the invention are substantially free of butyl cellosolve. The cleaning composition is capable of removing both proteinaceous food soils and hydrocarbon-based oily soils. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Amanda Ruth Blattner, Mark Levitt, Victor Fuk-Pong Man