Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • ALKALINE DETERGENT COMPOSITION CONTAINING A CARBOXYLIC ACID TERPOLYMER FOR HARD WATER SCALE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150099686
    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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicants: BASF SE, ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Carter M. Silvernail, Erik C. Olson, Kerrie Walters, Juergen Detering, Arend Jouke Kingma, James S. Dailey
  • SOLIDIFICATION MATRIX COMPRISING A CARBOXYLIC ACID TERPOLYMER
    Publication number: 20150099687
    Abstract: Stability enhancement agents for use in a solidification matrices and solid detergent compositions are described. Stability enhancement is provided by a hydratable salt, water and a carboxylic acid terpolymer forming a dimensionally stable solid compositions. Preferred carboxylic acid terpolymers include from about 40 to 90% by weight of a carboxylic acid monomer, anhydride or salt thereof, from about 4 to 40% by weight of a monomer comprising sulfo groups, and from about 4 to 40% by weight of a nonionic monomer set forth in formula (I). The stability enhancement composition for use in solid detergent compositions are preferably biodegradable and may be substantially free of phosphate and/or NTA-free and provide beneficial hard water scale control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicants: BASF SE, ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kerrie Walters, Carter M. Silvernail, Juergen Detering, Arend Jouke Kingma, James S. Dailey
  • Method of increasing paper surface strength by using acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymer in a size press formulation containing starch
    Patent number: 8999111
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the strengthening effect of a starch coating on paper. The method involves contacting the starch with a synthetic polymer before the starch is cooked. This changes how the starch gelatinizes and how the polymer gets distributed on the paper resulting in greater paper surface strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David J Castro, Mei Liu, Gary S Furman, Dorota Smoron, Shawnee M Wilson, Zhiyi Zhang
  • Self-cleaning optical sensor
    Patent number: 9001319
    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: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Anatoly Skirda, William M. Christensen
  • Methods for washing and processing fruits, vegetables, and other produce with medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions
    Patent number: 8999175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for reducing microbial contamination on fruit, vegetable, or other produce; in waters used to transport or process fruit, vegetable, or other produce; or on surfaces employed in transporting or processing fruit, vegetable, or other produce. The present invention also relates to the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to fruit, vegetable, or other produce; into waters used to transport or process fruit, vegetable, or other produce; or to surfaces employed in transporting or processing fruit, vegetable, or other produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Joshua Paul Magnuson
  • COLLECTORS FOR MINERAL FLOTATION
    Publication number: 20150090666
    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 collector. The improvement allows for low dosages of collector to work as well as much greater amounts of non-microemulsified collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: James Adrian Counter, John D. Kildea
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECAPTURING AND REUSING UNREACTED ANTIMICROBIAL SOLUTIONS IN SPRAY APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20150093481
    Abstract: A system providing for on-site reclamation and re-use of reclaimed antimicrobial solution includes a dispenser, at least one receptacle, piping, and at least one pump. The dispenser sprays antimicrobial solution toward moving raw food products. Unspent antimicrobial solution that did not contact the moving raw food products and rebound antimicrobial solution that did contact the raw food products combine to form a reclaimed antimicrobial solution. The reclaimed antimicrobial solution is collected in the receptacle and is pumped through the piping to a location for reuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Chandler Adams, Cayce Warf, Roger J. Tippett
  • FROTHERS FOR MINERAL FLOTATION
    Publication number: 20150090919
    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: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: James Adrian Counter, John D. Kildea
  • Lignin separation from lignocellulosic hydrolizates and acidified pulp mill liquors
    Patent number: 8992688
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the removal of lignin from water suspensions originating from lignocellulosic feedstocks. The method involves adding coagulants and flocculants to the suspension. While hydrolysis does remove some lignin, the pitch in many feedstocks prevents the hydrolysis from coming into contact with all of the lignin or so effectively blocks it that the lignin can re-condense. This is especially the case with low lignin grass based lignocellulosic feedstock. But with the addition of the inventive coagulants and flocculants, a phase separation substantially accelerates and lignin forms flocs that forms that physically separates the lignin from the pitch and the cellulose thereby makes removal the lignin from aqueous suspensions by decanting and filtration effective and easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey M. Shevchenko, Jane B. Wong Shing, Olivier Clot
  • Reduction of hydrogen sulfide and/or malodor gassing from water via the addition of peroxyacetic acid/hydrogen peroxide product
    Patent number: 8992780
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for reducing the malodorous sulfide gas released by a wastewater treatment system. The method preserves the vitality of waste consuming organisms within the system. The method comprises the steps of: determining the SRP PAA demand of the system, determining the aerobic PAA demand of the system, and adding a composition in an amount such that it is in excess of the SRP PAA demand but is below the aerobic PAA demand. Even though the composition increases the amount of sulfates within the wastewater it reduces the amount of SRP which prevents the malodorous sulfite gas release. The composition comprises at least one percarboxyacid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc
    Inventors: Gary L. Champion, Victor Keasler, Robert J Ryther
  • Fluid dispensers with increased mechanical advantage
    Patent number: 8991655
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a dispense mechanism that provides for increased mechanical advantage. The dispense mechanism includes a lever member and an actuator. The lever member includes a first lever section that receives application of an input force and a second lever section that applies an output force to the actuator. The lever member and/or the actuator are configured to provide at least two contact points between the actuator and the second lever section during the course of a dispensing stroke such that the mechanical advantage provided at a first one of the at least two contact points is greater than the mechanical advantage provided at a second one of the at least two contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Pelkey
  • PRESSED, SELF-SOLIDIFYING, SOLID CLEANING COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF MAKING THEM
    Publication number: 20150084224
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a solid cleaning composition. The method can include pressing and/or vibrating a flowable solid of a self-solidifying cleaning composition. For a self-solidifying cleaning composition, pressing and/or vibrating a flowable solid determines the shape and density of the solid but is not required for forming a solid. The method can employ a concrete block machine for pressing and/or vibrating. The present invention also relates to a solid cleaning composition made by the method and to solid cleaning compositions including particles bound together by a binding agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Michael P. Dziuk, Melissa C. Meinke, Matthew C. Porter
  • Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
    Patent number: 8990098
    Abstract: A validated healthcare facility cleaning and sanitizing system provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to cleaning and sanitizing practices at a hospital or other healthcare facility. The validated hospital cleaning system identifies hospital vectors of contamination; that is, sources through which hospital acquired infections (HAIs) may be spread. The validated system defines a plurality of modules within a healthcare facility, each having an associated cleaning process map designed to meet the particular cleaning and/or sanitizing needs and challenges faced by that module. Various stages of the cleaning process map include validation points, at which certain parameters designed to ensure proper cleaning and/or sanitizing of the module are verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Sally K. Swart, Ryan D. Meek, Kirsten M. Thompson, Kimberly Severin Johnston, Henry L. Carbone, II, Scott P. Lyon, John R. Bucholz
  • Multi-Compartment Package
    Publication number: 20150079688
    Abstract: A package comprising a body comprising a first compartment containing a first substance and a second compartment containing a second substance. The package includes a first state in which the first compartment is isolated from the second compartment such that the first substance is separated from the second substance, and a second state in which the first compartment communicates with the second compartment such that the first substance and the second substance combine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Kahaian, Sascha J. Weiz, Joe L. Schwartz, Adam J. Bauer, Lyle Sampson
  • Automatic titrator
    Patent number: 8980636
    Abstract: A system and method for performing automated titrations. An automatic titrator utilizes control devices and sensors adapted for various chemical reactions to perform titrations and determine the content of a desired component of a solution. Batch and continuous mode titrations are possible. Titrant is added to a sample either in varying amounts or rates and a titration endpoint is observed via sensors. Control devices detect when the titration endpoint occurs and calculates the desired content. Various reactions within the solution may be suppressed in order to titrate isolated components individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John Wilhelm Bolduc, Blake Roberts Otting, Paul R. Kraus, Robert Ryther
  • Method for producing reservoir layer for hoof treatment and reservoir layer
    Patent number: 8974834
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kit or article of manufacture comprising as separate components: (a) a polymeric metal astringent; (b) an anionic surfactant; wherein combining component (a) and (b) provides a reaction product of said polymeric metal astringent and said anionic surfactant in form of a precipitate comprising said metal astringent and said anionic surfactant, for use in the preventive and/or therapeutic treatment of hoof or foot disease in cattle and other types of hoofed animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Iris C. Beckert, Petra Vogt
  • Use of sugars in a stabilization matrix and solid compositions
    Patent number: 8975221
    Abstract: The use of sugars in a stabilization matrix and solid detergent compositions is disclosed along with methods of making and using the solid detergent compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Kiesel, Matthew Zurbey, Dorothy Williams, Michael E. Besse
  • Highly wettable, water dispersible, granules including two pesticides
    Patent number: 8968757
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to water dispersible granular pesticide compositions, and methods of making and using the compositions. The pesticide compositions include an inner layer including a first pesticide coated on to a substrate, and an outer layer comprising a second pesticide coated on the inner layer. The outer layer increases the water dispersibility of the granular composition, and protects the first pesticide against hydrolysis and photolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Yvonne M. Killeen, Susan M. Viall
  • Composition with surface modifying properties
    Patent number: 8969278
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an aqueous composition comprising one or more amphoteric, organic polynitrogen-compounds having at least 3 nitrogen atoms contained in the molecule in the form of an amine and/or amide and one or more types of inorganic nanoparticles, a concentrate comprising said composition and to a method for treating and/or cleaning a surface which uses said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Uhl, Jacqueline Thöne
  • Phosphate functionalized alkyl polyglucosides used for enhanced food soil removal
    Patent number: 8969285
    Abstract: A method of removing food soil using a cleaning composition including a C12 phosphate functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Amanda R. Blattner