Abstract: The invention generally relates to concentrated warewashing compositions and methods of using the same. In some aspects, the invention uses concentrated compositions in methods of warewashing where the concentrate is applied directly to the article to be cleaned, rather than dispensed into a sump and applied to the article as a ready-to-use composition. In additional aspects, the methods of using highly concentrated alkaline and/or acid compositions in an alternating pattern of alkaline-acid-alkaline or acid-alkaline-acid, or the like, provide substantially similar or superior cleaning efficacy while reducing the overall consumption of the alkaline and/or acid compositions.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 18, 2012
Date of Patent:
September 22, 2015
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Lee J. Monsrud, Steven J. Lange, Altony J. Miralles, Michael S. Rischmiller
Abstract: An optical sensor may have multiple detection channels to detect different characteristics of a fluid. For example, an optical sensor used in industrial cleaning and sanitizing applications may have multiple detection channels to detect when a system is both clean and properly sanitized. In one example, an optical sensor includes an optical emitter that directs light into a fluid, a first optical detector that detects light transmitted through the fluid, a second optical detector that detects light scattered by the fluid, and a third optical detector that detects fluorescent emissions emitted by the fluid. The optical emitter and optical detectors can be positioned around an optical analysis area. Depending on the application, the optical emitter may be positioned to direct light adjacent a wall of the optical analysis area rather than at a center of the optical analysis area, which may increase the strength of signal on the detection channels.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 12, 2013
Date of Patent:
September 22, 2015
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Paul Simon Schilling, William M. Christensen
Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for cleaning medical and dental instruments. The disclosed compositions are preferably non-foaming or generate low foam to allow visual inspection of the cleaning process as well as safe handling of the instruments. The disclosed compositions preferably employ select proteases, a carbonate and a nonionic surfactant.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 8, 2013
Date of Patent:
September 15, 2015
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Nathan R. Ortmann, Katherine Vetter, Thomas R. Mohs, Anthony W. Erickson
Abstract: Methods for use of select organic compounds for the activation and stabilization of thermally labile enzymes, including proteases, are disclosed. The invention further relates to compositions of certain organic compounds with enzymes to enable the use of such enzymes at high temperature conditions, such as for warewash temperatures and conditions. In particular, organic activator-stabilizers including heat-deactivated proteases and zwitterionic materials are combined with enzymes according to the invention. As a result, the invention provides enzyme cleaning efficacy for various high temperature conditions, including warewash applications.
Abstract: According to the invention, the compositions and methods provide for the complete removal of synthetic glues or adhesives from a plurality of surfaces through the use of organic solvents and/or amine solvents in combination with surfactants, chelants, acidulants and/or additional bottle wash additives. Beneficially, the compositions and methods are suitable for use at lower temperatures and pH conditions that conventional caustic-based adhesive removal compositions.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 8, 2013
Date of Patent:
September 15, 2015
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Clinton Hunt, Jr., Ralf Krack, Duc Nguyen, Terrence P. Everson
Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately measuring and dispensing a predetermined amount of product from a dispensing system to a given surface area is disclosed. The dispensing system (100) includes a container (102) having a main chamber (106) to hold product and a dosing chamber (108) having an opening (110) in communication with the main chamber (106). The dosing chamber (108) is configured to hold a metered amount of product (112) received from the main chamber (106). A spray head (128) when connected to the container (102) is brought into operable and fluid communication with a dip tube (114), optionally cut to a selected length, which is positioned within the dosing chamber (108) for dispensing by activation of a trigger (136) product (112) to a given surface area or air space.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 3, 2013
Date of Patent:
September 15, 2015
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Ryan A. Chernik, Brian Philip Carlson, Richard J. Mehus
Abstract: Warewashing detergents suitable for dishwashing, immersion or dipping cleaning, and hard surface cleaning are disclosed for use on hard surfaces, including for example alkaline sensitive metals, such as aluminum or aluminum containing alloys. Alkaline compositions of a mixture of phosphono ethane carboxylates phosphono oligomers and methods employing the same are disclosed. The compositions eliminate the use of highly abrasive silicates, while retaining cleaning performance and corrosion prevention. The compositions according to the invention prevent the corrosive effect of highly alkaline compositions on aluminum or aluminum containing alloys.
Abstract: Grain-based hot cereal compositions having reduced foam capacity are disclosed. The compositions can include wheat farina, oat groats, rolled oats, and steel cut oats. The compositions comprise a stearyl antifoam agent that prevents boil over of the compositions during stove top or microwave cooking without adversely affecting the taste, texture, or appearance of the finished product.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 8, 2013
Date of Patent:
September 15, 2015
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
David Klaus Duffy, Molly Elizabeth McGurk Moen
Abstract: The present invention comprises a hard surface cleaning composition including an environmentally friendly alkyl amide solvent, derived from renewable bio-based resources that works at least as well as d-limonene. In one embodiment, the present invention is a cleaning composition including an anionic surfactant salt, a saturated C8 to C10 alkyl amide solvent, a cosolvent and water. The composition is substantially free of d-limonene and can remove red food soils with up to 20 percent protein, and also functions as an asphalt removal composition.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 7, 2014
Publication date:
September 10, 2015
Applicant:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Amanda Ruth Blattner, Charles Allen Hodge, Mark Dennis Levitt, Nathan D. Peitersen
Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection system and method and a water treatment system and method. The detection system according to the present invention is capable of detecting particle state in a medium. Said detection system comprises: an optical probe comprising of at least one transmitting optical fiber for transmitting light to the medium, and at least two receiving optical fibers for receiving light reflected or backscattered from the medium, with at least the end of the optical probe being positioned in the medium when detection is carried out by the detection system; and a signal processing module connected to the optical probe, for converting optical signals from the receiving optical fibers of the optical probe into electrical signals and determining particle state in the medium on the basis of the electrical signals.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 24, 2013
Publication date:
September 10, 2015
Applicant:
Ecolab USA, Inc.
Inventors:
Liang Cheng, Rodney H. Banks, Guo Chen, Heng Li, Chunbo Yu, Jian Xu, Pu Chen
Abstract: The invention involves foam stabilization compositions that rely upon an electrostatic charge interaction. According to the invention, the positively charged class of polymers such as polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers are used to provide a long range electrostatic interaction with detersive anionic or amphoteric surfactants present in the same. The interaction must be of sufficient character so that the components do not precipitate out, instead causing longer lasting and increased foam production. The system provides an environmentally friendly alternative for traditional foaming enhancers such as cocamide DEA.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 28, 2014
Date of Patent:
September 8, 2015
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Yvonne Marie Killeen
Abstract: A highly alkaline detergent is described which includes the use of a carboxylic acid terpolymer in combination with an alkali metal hydroxide. The detergent maintains cleaning functions and also prevents hard water scaling at application temperatures, for example at temperatures of between about 145-180 degrees Fahrenheit and, for example, at a pH of 9.5 to about 13.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 9, 2013
Date of Patent:
September 8, 2015
Assignees:
ECOLAB USA INC., BASF SE
Inventors:
Carter M. Silvernail, Erik C. Olson, Kerrie Walters, Juergen Detering, Arend Jouke Kingma, James S. Dailey
Abstract: A non-Newtonian concentrate composition includes a sensitizer or irritant, a surfactant, an anti-mist component and optionally a stability component. Example sensitizers and irritants include, but are not limited to, acids, quaternary compounds, and amines, and example anti-mist components include, but are not limited to, polyethylene oxide and polyacrylamide.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 19, 2012
Date of Patent:
September 8, 2015
Assignee:
ECOLAB USA INC.
Inventors:
Charles A. Hodge, Christopher M. McGuirk, Mark D. Levitt, Dale Larson, Elizabeth R. Kiesel, Amanda R. Blattner
Abstract: Methods for monitoring scale deposition in a water-containing industrial process are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the water-containing industrial process is an aqueous cooling system. In certain embodiments, the methods incorporate fluorometric monitoring and control techniques along with a piezoelectric microbalance sensor. A particular embodiment of a piezoelectric microbalance sensor is additionally disclosed, along with at least one method for using the particular embodiment that is independent of whether fluorometric monitoring and control techniques are utilized.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 14, 2013
Date of Patent:
September 8, 2015
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Arthur J Kahaian, Dmitri L Kouznetsov, John E Hoots, Rodney H Banks, David Ambrose
Abstract: The present disclosure relates to rigid, collapsible bottles that may be drained of their contents by gravity. The structural features of the bottle design help facilitate controlled bottle collapse.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 14, 2013
Date of Patent:
September 8, 2015
Assignee:
Ecolab USA Inc.
Inventors:
Matthew D. Lausted, Brian P. Carlson, Troy A. Anderson, John T. Pelkey, Bryce A. Keilman, Monis Bangi
Abstract: An alkaline detergent is described which includes the use of a copolymer in combination with an alkali metal hydroxide. The detergent maintains cleaning functions and also prevents hard water scaling, for example at application temperatures of between 145-180 degrees Fahrenheit and with a pH of 9.5 to about 13.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 9, 2013
Date of Patent:
September 8, 2015
Assignees:
ECOLAB USA INC., BASF SE
Inventors:
Carter M. Silvernail, Erik C. Olson, Kerrie Walters, Juergen Detering, Arend Jouke Kingma, James S. Dailey
Abstract: A stirrer having a motor; a hollow shaft that is drivable via the motor and is provided with at least one additive outlet opening, via which an additive passed through the hollow shaft can be discharged; and a rotor arranged on the hollow shaft and having rotor blades, characterized in that a second rotor having rotor blades is provided on the hollow shaft at a distance from the first rotor, and in that the at least one additive outlet opening is provided between the two rotors, wherein the rotors are designed and drivable such that, during operation, a negative pressure and a centrifugal force are generated in the intermediate space defined between the rotors.
Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor compositions, methods of inhibiting or reducing corrosion, and methods of manufacturing corrosion inhibitor compositions are disclosed herein. In certain methods, the corrosion inhibitor compositions may be added to an aqueous industrial system having at least one surface. The aqueous industrial system may be a water recirculating system, a cooling water system, a boiler water system, a pulp slurry, a papermaking process, a ceramic slurry, a mixed solid/liquid system, or an oil-field system. A method of manufacturing a corrosion inhibitor composition may include reacting an alkanolamine with a fatty acid to form a fatty acid ester reaction product and reacting the fatty acid ester reaction product with an alkyl halide or an acrylate.
Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving dewatering of mineral slurry. The method comprises adding an R-Succinic Compound (such as octadecenyl succinic acid, hexadecenyl succinic acid, and/or dodecenyl succinic acid) to the slurry. The R-Succinic Compound removes water that would otherwise be trapped within the filtered slurry cake.