Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Wash water maintenance for sustainable practices
    Patent number: 9388369
    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: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sara Peters, Steven Lentsch
  • Solid concentrated fabric softener composition
    Patent number: 9388366
    Abstract: A solid fabric softening composition is disclosed which includes a quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound which is stabilized to form a solid with a mixture of a water soluble organic salt and a medium to long chain carboxylic acid. This stabilizing combination has been shown to effectively form a solid quaternary ammonium based fabric softening composition with up to as much as 70% by weight of quaternary ammonium compound. The formulations are stable at typical storage temperatures of up to 110° F. and provide fabric softening similar to and even superior to other traditional liquid formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Christensen, Joanna A. Pham, Jessica Bull
  • Mercury sorbents
    Patent number: 9387434
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the on-site manufacture of aqueous-based mercury sorbent compositions prepared using a process water. The sorbent compositions may be aqueous-based materials manufactured from a silica containing precursor, a metal species, and a sulfur-based species, in the presence of a process waters, such as a process water from a coal-fired power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ergang, Bruce Keiser, Rebecca Stiles, Brett Showalter
  • Mercury sorbents
    Patent number: 9387435
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the on-site manufacture of aqueous-based mercury sorbent compositions prepared using a process water. The sorbent compositions may be aqueous-based materials manufactured from a silica containing precursor, a metal species, and a sulfur-based species, in the presence of a process waters, such as a process water from a coal-fired power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ergang, Bruce Keiser, Rebecca Stiles, Brett Showalter
  • Acid regeneration of ion exchange resins for industrial applications
    Patent number: 9387471
    Abstract: Methods and systems for employing softened acidified water sources from an acid regenerated ion exchange resins are disclosed. Various methods of dispensing and/or using the softened acidic water generated by an acid regenerate-able ion exchange resin are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, including water conditioning agents, 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: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Li Wen, Lylien Tan, Peter Voss, Mark Toetschinger, Terry J. Klos, Mark Dennis Levitt, Sara Treder, Toyin Alowonle
  • Oxoanion concentration determination using aluminum reagents
    Patent number: 9389209
    Abstract: To determine the concentration of an oxoanion in an aqueous solution, an aluminum reagent is added to the aqueous solution to form an optical analysis solution. Addition of the aluminum reagent may or may not form an alumino-oxoanion hydroxide hydrate precipitate. Light is directed into the optical analysis solution to determine an optical response of the optical analysis solution. Thereafter, the concentration of the oxoanion in the aqueous solution is determined based on the optical response of the optical analysis solution. For example, the concentration of the oxoanion may be calculated using a molar ratio relating oxoanion concentration to aluminum reagent concentration, when the aluminum reagent concentration corresponds to an inflection point of the optical response of the optical analysis solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ergang, Ronald V. Davis
  • Methods of determining biocide efficacy or mechanism of action using flow cytometry
    Patent number: 9382572
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of determining biocide efficacy using flow cytometry. The methods can be used to determine the synergy between at least two biocides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Tidwell, Zachary Richard Broussard
  • Stearyl and lauryl dimoniumhydroxy alkyl polyglucosides for enhanced food soil removal
    Patent number: 9382505
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a primarily C12 quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside selected from the group consisting of stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosides chloride and lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl cocoglucosides chloride, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • Fluid flow meter
    Patent number: 9383235
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a flow rate or volume of fluid. The system includes a positive displacement meter including a plurality of non-contact sensors and gears configured to rotate in response to fluid flow through the meter. The gears may include detectable areas that may be sensed by the plurality of non-contact sensors to determine a rotational direction of the gears. The plurality of non-contact sensors may also be configured to generate respective detection signals indicative of a rotation state of the gears. The controller may be configured to receive the detection signals, determine a current rotation state, and increment a rotational count based on the changes in the current rotation state. The controller may use the rotational count to determine a flow rate or volume of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Anatoly Skirda, Christopher J. Owen, William M. Christensen, Paul S. Schilling
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL METHOD FOR MEMBRANE PROTECTION AND BIOFOULING CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160185630
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the protection of a membrane from both biofouling and from damage caused by a biocide. The invention utilizes PAA as both a biocide and as a reducing agent for other oxidizing biocides. This is especially beneficial because without the invention one would be forced to choose between preventing membrane biofouling or preventing membrane damage from oxidizing biocides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Amit Gupta, Harshada Lohokare
  • MITIGATION OF CORROSION IN GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20160186040
    Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor blends including one or more ether compounds, one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, and one or more fatty acid amine condensates are disclosed. The corrosion inhibitor blends can be used in methods of inhibiting corrosion of a metallic surface in a geothermal process. In one method, an effective amount of a corrosion inhibitor blend may be added to a production well in a geothermal process. In another method, an effective amount of a corrosion inhibitor blend may be added to a geothermal medium, which could be, for example, steam or liquid brine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA, INC.
    Inventor: Jasbir S. Gill
  • Biocide compositions
    Patent number: 9374999
    Abstract: Disclosed are biocide compositions. The compositions are useful in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions, particularly in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Keasler, Jeffery Caleb Clark, Carrie Keller-Schultz, Brian Bennett
  • Methods of dispensing
    Patent number: 9376306
    Abstract: Methods of dispensing an ingredient and measuring an amount of the ingredient dispensed, e.g., at a customer's location usually as the ingredient is used by the customer, in order to improve the dispensing process by adjusting future dispense cycles, accurately dispensing the ingredient, predicting an amount of ingredient to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, John E. Thomas, Thomas J. Batcher, Bryan A. Maser, Michael N. Shulman
  • Soil resistant floor treatment
    Patent number: 9376651
    Abstract: A soil resistant floor surface treatment composition is provided. In particular, a composition comprises a maleic/olefin copolymer and an optional cleaning agent. Methods for treating a porous floor surface with a soil resistant agent and kits comprising a floor treatment composition, an applicator, a removal agent for removing a plurality of soils from a treated surface, and instructions for use are further provided by the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Catherine Hanson, Minyu Li, Andrew S. Wold, Mark D. Levitt
  • ONLINE MONITORING OF POLYMERIZATION INHIBITORS FOR CONTROL OF UNDESIRABLE POLYMERIZATION
    Publication number: 20160176788
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for monitoring and controlling a nitroxide-based polymerization inhibitor in vinyl-based monomers. A dosage of the nitroxide-based polymerization inhibitor is provided in the vinyl-based monomers. A residual concentration of the nitroxide-based polymerization inhibitor is measured substantially in real time, and an optimized dosage of the nitroxide-based polymerization inhibitor is provided in response to the measured residual concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Ramon Colorado, JR., Vincent E. Lewis, Robert A. Geiger, Jessica M. Hancock, Andrew R. Neilson
  • METHOD OF COATING A FLOOR WITH POLYURETHANE FLOOR FINISHES WITH HYBRID
    Publication number: 20160177126
    Abstract: VOC-compliant aqueous polyurethane floor coating compositions and components are provided. Embodiments include at least one organic solvent having a vapor pressure of less than 0.1 mm Hg under ambient conditions and a viscosity of less than 60 cps for at least three hours after being formed. The coating compositions exhibit application characteristics of acrylic floor coatings and durability characteristics of polyurethane floor coatings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Catherine Hanson, Robert D.P. Hei, Mark D. Levitt, Lauren K. Carlson, Nathan D. Peitersen, Anita Thomasser
  • CONTROL OVER ETCHING MOLECULE LEVELS IN ETCHING COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20160178507
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of hydrofluoric acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of hydrofluoric acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of hydrofluoric acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the hydrofluoric acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Amy M. Tseng, Brian V. Jenkins, Robert M. Mack
  • Method of increasing paper surface strength by using polyaluminum chloride in a size press formulation containing starch
    Patent number: 9365979
    Abstract: Size press formulations and methods of treating a substrate using the size press formulations. The size press formulations may include solids. The solids may include a polyaluminum chloride compound, starch, an optical brightening agent, and a salt. Suitable polyaluminum chloride compounds include phosphated polyaluminum chloride, sulfated polyaluminum chloride, polyaluminum chloride, polyaluminum silica sulfate chloride, and any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: David J. Castro, William Andrews, Daniel E. Schwarz
  • Continuous on-line adjustable disinfectant/sanitizer/bleach generator
    Patent number: 9365509
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site, continuous generation of peracid chemistry, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions, are disclosed. In particular, an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system is designed for on-site generation of peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions from sugar esters. Methods of using the in situ generated peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Lubricant for conveying containers
    Patent number: 9365798
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricant composition comprising a water-miscible silicone material having a silicone emulsion wherein the silicone emulsion contains less than 500 ppm of a triethanolamine salts of alkyl benzene sulfonic acid compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Arturo S. Valencia Sil, Lawrence A. Grab, Bruce E. Schmidt, David A. Halsrud, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Eric D. Morrison, Hector R. Dibenedetto, Jessica L. Anacker, Richard D. Johnson, Megan W. Malvey, Scott P. Bennett, Stefan Seemeyer