Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • System for handling displacement of liquid products
    Patent number: 9475017
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for dispensing an off-gassing liquid product mixed with a diluting product are provided. A liquid product or product solution is moved through an unprimed product line and towards a dispenser. The liquid product is combined with the diluting product to create a solution. The solution is dispensed. The product line is cleared of unused liquid product to unprime the product line after the dispensement of the solution. The unused product may be directed back into a product container from which it was held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jared R. Freudenberg, Troy A. Anderson, Henry Louis Carbone, II, Ryan Carroll, Ryan Jacob Urban
  • Antimicrobial compositions containing cationic active ingredients and quaternary sugar derived surfactants
    Patent number: 9474703
    Abstract: The antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises a cationic active ingredient, a quaternized sugar-derived surfactant, and an optional foam boosting surfactant. These formulations have a high cidal activity in a short amount of time and provide stable copious foam. The formulations of the present invention also exhibit enhanced tissue (e.g. skin) compatibility as defined by an in vitro whole toxicology assessment method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Pedersen, Angela R. Eder, Charles Allen Hodge
  • METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF DIVERSITY AND VIABILITY THRESHOLDS USED TO ASSESS MICROORGANISMS IN PROCESS SAMPLES
    Publication number: 20160304931
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the specific microorganisms present in a particular potion of a water process system. The method involves obtaining a sample from the process and determining if a problematic organism exceeds an acceptable threshold. If so a remedial bio-control procedure can be applied long before any unwanted defects or problems occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Laura E. Rice, Liliya Lund
  • Closed loop connector for dispensing systems
    Patent number: 9469452
    Abstract: A closed loop dispensing system comprises a connector connectable to a container for selectively dispensing the fluids from the container. The connector includes an outer cap having a first passage with an interior surface. The first passage can have variable cross-sectional areas over different regions of the first passage. The connector comprises a plug slidingly movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, the plug allows passage of fluids present in the container in the open position, and the plug prevents passage of fluids out of the container in the closed position. The plug can have a variable cross-sectional area thereby preventing the plug from being disengaged with the outer cap or sliding out of the connector and into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Schultz, Jr., Thaddeus Feiler, Erika Theresa Erlandson, Peter Swenson
  • DISPOSABLE ANTIMICROBIAL WIPES AND METHODS OF MAKING
    Publication number: 20160295859
    Abstract: An antimicrobial wipe is provided including a textile comprised of natural fibers untreated with a chemical bonding agent, the textile is treated with an antimicrobial composition, the antimicrobial composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound and an organic acid, wherein the antimicrobial composition is surfactant free, emollient free, and polymeric free. A method of preparing such wipes is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Wendy Chan, Sherri Tischler
  • Use of peroxycarboxylic acids for cold aseptic filling
    Patent number: 9462806
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods of making and their use as cleaning composition and/or antimicrobial agent, for example in the field of cold aseptic filling (CAF), that are effective at lower concentration, having improved wetting and rinsing properties, wherein the liquid composition comprises a mixture of: a) a C6 to C22 sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid, b) a C1 to C4 percarboxylic acid, c) a C5 to C10 percarboxylic acid, d) a peroxide agent, e) a liquid; wherein the composition comprises free sulfocarboxylic acid, free C1 to C4 carboxylic acid and free C5 to C10 carboxylic acid, wherein the weight ratio of C6 to C22 sulfocarboxylic acid to C6 to C22 sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid is about 0.1:1 to about 25:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Julia Tiekemeier, Petra Vogt, Junzhong Li, David McSherry
  • Self-cleaning optical sensor
    Patent number: 9464982
    Abstract: An optical sensor may include a sensor head that has an optical window for directing light into a flow of fluid and/or receiving optical energy from the fluid. The optical sensor may also include a flow chamber that includes a housing defining a cavity into which the sensor head can be inserted. In some examples, the flow chamber includes an inlet port defining a flow nozzle that is configured to direct fluid entering the flow chamber against the optical window of the sensor head. In operation, the force of the incoming fluid impacting the optical window may prevent fouling materials from accumulating on the optical window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Anatoly Skirda, William M. Christensen
  • Acid regeneration of ion exchange resins for industrial applications
    Patent number: 9463455
    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: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Li Wen, Lylien Tan, Peter Voss, Mark Toetschinger
  • FREEZE CONDITIONING AGENTS UTILIZING CRUDE GLYCERIN AND FLOWBACK AND PRODUCED WATER
    Publication number: 20160289522
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for freeze conditioning particulating materials. The invention includes the use of the combination of crude glycerin with flowback or produced water. This combination prevents unwanted agglomeration when frozen. This combination also is non-corrosive and best of all facilitates the safe clean recycling of what would otherwise be unwanted dangerous waste material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Ronald V. Davis, Jing Wang, Stephen J. Blubaugh, Walter Gerlach
  • Method for Measuring Polymer Concentration in Water Systems
    Publication number: 20160290929
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring the concentration of anionic polymers in an industrial water system. Specifically, the concentration of anionic polymer can be measured by combining an indicator dye composition comprising an acridine compound or a salt thereof to a water sample and measuring the absorbance of the mixture. The concentration can be determined by comparing the absorbance of the mixture to absorbance values on a pre-determined calibration curve. The dosage of anionic polymer can be optionally adjusted based on the concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Zheng
  • Composition and method for reducing hydrate agglomeration
    Patent number: 9458373
    Abstract: Compositions and methods of inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in fluids including water, gas, and optionally liquid hydrocarbons are disclosed. The compositions may include counterions, such as halides or carboxylates. The compositions may also include a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor, a kinetic hydrate inhibitor, an additional anti-agglomerant, an asphaltene inhibitor, a paraffin inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor, a scale inhibitor, an emulsifier, a water clarifier, a dispersant, an emulsion breaker, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Webber
  • Hydantoins as hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan scavengers
    Patent number: 9458393
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for scavenging hydrogen sulfide and/or mercaptans from fluids. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of hydantoin compounds as a hydrogen sulfide or a mercaptan scavenger for hydrocarbon fluids, particularly for natural gas, crude oil, field oil, fuel oil, naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, slurry oil, gas oil, resid, refinery gas, coal gas, tar, asphalt, coke gas, ammonia synthesis gas, gas from a sulfurization plant, or industrial gas streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Juan M. Garcia, III
  • Foaming drain cleaner
    Patent number: 9458413
    Abstract: A drain cleaner may be used on a periodic basis to clean soil residues from residential and commercial waste drains. The drain cleaner may chemically self-foam to fill a waste drain with the foam. For example, the drain cleaner may be provided in two or more parts that are physically intermixed during use of the drain cleaner. One part may include hydrogen peroxide and water while another part may include a catalase, an amylase, a protease, and an enzyme stabilizer. The drain cleaner may also include a surfactant present in at least one of the first part and the second part. Additionally, in some examples, the drain cleaner includes a sanitizing agent present in either of the two parts or in yet a third physically separate part. During use, the different drain cleaner parts can be dispensed simultaneously into a drain to generate a cleaning and/or sanitizing foam in-situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Nathan R. Ortmann, Anthony Erickson, Thomas R. Mohs
  • Quantification of asphaltene inhibitors in crude oil using thermal analysis coupled with mass spectrometry
    Patent number: 9453830
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a novel method for the characterization and quantification of involatile macromolecules in hydrocarbon samples of crude oil. More particularly, the method utilizes pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (PY/GC/MS, PY/GC/MS/MS or PY/GC/triple quad MS) to detect and quantify polymeric asphaltene inhibitors in crude oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ying Zhang, Emerilis Casado-Rivera
  • Fast drying and fast draining rinse aid comprising a mixture of alkoxylated alcohol surfactants
    Patent number: 9453184
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA, INC.
    Inventors: Janel Marie Kieffer, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Dialdehyde Modified Acrylamide Type Polymer and Method for Preparing Same
    Publication number: 20160273167
    Abstract: The invention provides a dialdehyde modified acrylamide type polymer for paper making, which is obtained by reacting a dialdehyde with an acrylamide type base polymer, wherein the acrylamide type base polymer is formed by copolymerization of an acrylamide type monomer, a cationic monomer and/or an anionic monomer and a cross linking agent. The invention further provides a method for preparing said dialdehyde modified acrylamide type polymer. The dialdehyde modified acrylamide type polymer according to the invention has improved stability while maintains excellent enhanced performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Meng Zhang, Bo Zhu, Yulin Zhao, Jian Kun Shen, Na Xu
  • COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR BIOFOULING INHIBITION OF MEMBRANE SEPARATION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20160271565
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a combination for inhibiting or removing biofouling and a method for inhibiting biofouling growth or removing biofouling. This disclosure also relates to a combination including halogen-type oxidizers, sulfur-containing compounds, and ammonium salts and/or urea. Also disclosed are methods for inhibiting the biofouling growth in a reverse osmosis membrane separation device or nanofiltration membrane separation device or removing the biofouling in a reverse osmosis membrane separation device or nanofiltration membrane separation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Yutie LIU, Wenjin YE, Lingfeng HAN, Harshada LOHOKARE, Wenli TU
  • Composition and method for improvement in froth flotation
    Patent number: 9446416
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving a froth flotation type separation. The method uses a thickener to improve the effectiveness of an emulsifier. The improvement allows for low dosages of emulsifier to work well so the emulsifier does not cancel out the effectiveness of other additives in the slurry such as collectors, frothing agents, regulators, depressors, deactivators, and/or activators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jianjun Liu, Kevin L. O'Brien
  • Kit for polishing sapphire surfaces
    Patent number: 9446493
    Abstract: Kits for polishing sapphire surfaces are disclosed. The kits have compositions including colloidal silica and the colloidal silica has a broad particle size distribution. The kits also include a polishing pad. The polishing pad may include polyurethane impregnated with polyester and it may have a compressibility of about 1% to about 40% and a Shore D hardness of about 50 to about 60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim Marie Long, Michael A. Kamrath, Sean P. McCue
  • Frothers for mineral flotation
    Patent number: 9440242
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving a froth flotation type separation. The method uses a microemulsion to improve the effectiveness of a frother. The improvement allows for low dosages of frother to work as well as much greater amounts of non-microemulsified frother.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: James Adrian Counter, John D. Kildea