Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Patent number: 8945371
    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: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitri L Kouznetsov, John E Hoots, Arthur J Kahaian, Rodney H Banks, David Ambrose
  • Patent number: 8946141
    Abstract: The invention discloses compositions, methods and systems for generating alkalinity in situ. The compositions, methods and systems relate to the use of a manganese decomposition agent to catalyze the decomposition of a dilute peroxygen source providing highly alkaline cleaning compositions in situ. Methods of cleaning are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Thomas R. Mohs, Erik C. Olson, Anthony W. Erickson, Gregory G. Griese, Eric R. Balz, Joy G. Herdt, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 8945939
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Amy M. Tseng, Brian V. Jenkins, Robert Mack
  • Patent number: 8945476
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Carroll, John D. Morey, Andrew Schultz, Ryan Drake, John E. Thomas, Troy A. Anderson, Joshua J. Lanz
  • Patent number: 8944286
    Abstract: A dispensing system and methods employed therein uses optical displacement sensing to control dispensation of one or more products. An optical displacement sensor measures displacement of a load beam supporting a vessel from which the product is to be dispensed. The displacement of the load beam is related to the amount (weight) of the product remaining in the vessel. The system may thus control dispensation of the product based on the optical displacement measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Mihnea A. Popa
  • Publication number: 20150027955
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatuses for preventing the formation of scale in heap leach process solution distribution systems comprised of piping, spray nozzels, or emitter tubes. Solution distribution system components often become fouled by scale because of local hot spots more prone to form scale than other locations along the systems length. Positioning sensors that detect periods of high temperature stress and adjusting scale control reagent dosage to send the right amount to inhibit hot spot deposition allows for the control of scale without using wasteful excessive amounts of scale control reagents. This can vastly improve scale control performance under high temperature stress conditions while minimizing scale control reagent waste under less severe stress conditions to reduce the total operating cost of running heap leach mining operations which depend upon well-functioning solution distribution systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Coleman, Rolf Arndt
  • Publication number: 20150029496
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for measuring the formation of scale within a process system. The method involves measuring changes in the cell fouling as reflected on the refraction index measurements of a liquid medium with a refractometer and determining the scale formation from changes in the cell fouling factor. This allows for a refractometer to determine the formation of scale in locations that otherwise would not be measureable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad Y. Duggirala, Sergey M. Shevchenko, Michael J. Murcia
  • Patent number: 8940797
    Abstract: Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants are disclosed. The dimethicone surfactants are PEG-8 to PEG-12 linear dimethicone surfactants and in particular PEG-10 linear dimethicone surfactant. The compositions are useful as antimicrobial products and in particular handcare or skincare products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Wegner, Cheryl A. Littau
  • Patent number: 8940682
    Abstract: The invention discloses compositions and methods for generating alkalinity in situ. The compositions and methods relate to the use of a fabric source containing a decomposition agent to catalyze the decomposition of a dilute peroxygen source. The methods provide a highly alkaline cleaning composition produced at a desired time and place of use. Methods of cleaning are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Sherri L. Tischler, Thomas R. Mohs, Erik C. Olson, Keith E. Olson
  • Publication number: 20150020988
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method of preparing and using an emulsion for treating a papermaking process. The emulsion is an oil-in-water emulsion of alkenyl succinic anhydride emulsified with a polymer comprising at least one primary or secondary amine containing monomer. The method comprises adding an oil-in-water emulsion to the papermaking process; wherein the oil-in-water emulsion comprises alkenyl succinic anhydride emulsified with a polymer comprising at least one primary or secondary amine containing monomer; and wherein the oil-in-water emulsion is added in an amount sufficient to improve sizing of the paper produced by the papermaking process. The primary or secondary amine may be a secondary amine comprising diallylamine, and the polymer may be a diallylamine-acrylamide copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. St. John, David J. Castro, Mei Liu
  • Patent number: 8937037
    Abstract: A device for in-situ production of caustic and increasing alkalinity of a detergent and methods for increasing alkalinity of a detergent are disclosed. In particular, in situ electrochemical conversion of bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate or carbonate sources into caustic provides a safe means for increasing alkalinity of a detergent for a variety of cleaning applications. The invention further discloses methods for cleaning using the electrochemically enhanced detergent according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson
  • Patent number: 8936772
    Abstract: A silica containing composition is disclosed. The silica composition comprising a compound having the following formula (SiO2)x(OH)yMzOaF: wherein M optionally exists and said M is at least one of the following metal or metalloid cations: boron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, titanium, vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, palladium, silver, cadmium, tin, platinum, gold, and bismuth; wherein F optionally exists and said F is at least one of the following: a functionalized organosilane, a sulfur-containing organosilane, an amine-containing organosilane, and an alkyl-containing organosilane at a surface area coverage of 0.01-100%; and wherein the molar ratio of y/x is equal to 0.01-0.5, the molar ratio of x/z is equal to 0.1-300, and the molar ratio of a/z is dependent on the nature of the metal oxide formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Keiser, Nicholas S. Ergang, Richard Mimna
  • Patent number: 8931206
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to treating articles suspected of being infested with bed bugs using carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Joelle Francine Olson, Kim R. Smith, John E. Thomas, Andrew M. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8933009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of membrane separation processes and clean in place compositions for cleaning such membranes. The cleaning compositions can remove proteins, fats, and other food, beverage, and brewery based soils and offer an environmentally friendly alternative surfactant system to NPE. According to the invention, surfactants and polymers useful for this process are unpredictable and specific surfactants, polymers, and combinations of the same are disclosed for use alone, as part of a cleaning composition. Methods of use of the same are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Schacht, Jeffrey Weilage, Eric Schmidt, Joseph P. Curran, Ralf Krack, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Charles Allen Hodge
  • Patent number: 8933055
    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: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Pedersen, Angela R. Eder, Charles A. Hodge
  • Patent number: 8933263
    Abstract: Methods and systems for temperature-controlled, on-site generation of peracids, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are disclosed. In particular, methods for using an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system overcome the limitations of temperature on the kinetics of the peracid generation and/or peracid decomposition inside an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system. The methods include the controlling of the temperature of at least one raw starting material, namely water, to improve upon methods of on-site generation of peracids. The methods allow for the generation of user-selected chemistry without regard to the ambient temperatures of the raw starting materials and/or the biocide formulator or generator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Herdt, Richard Staub, Thomas C. Rustad, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Paul R. Kraus, Richard Walsh
  • Patent number: 8932549
    Abstract: A silica-containing composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a compound having the following formula: (SiO2)x(OH)yMzOaF.B: wherein M is at least one of the following: boron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, titanium, vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, palladium, silver, cadmium, tin, platinum, gold, and bismuth; wherein F optionally exists and comprises at least one of the following: a functionalized organosilane, a sulfur-containing organosilane, an amine-containing organosilane, and an alkyl-containing organosilane at a surface area coverage of about 0.01 to about 100%. The molar ratio of y/x is equal to about 0.01 to about 0.5, the molar ratio of x/z is equal to about 0.5 to about 300, and the molar ratio of a/z is dependent on the nature of the metal oxide. B comprises a hygroscopic solid and preferably comprises at least one alkaline earth oxide, lanthanide oxide, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ergang, Ian Saratovsky, Hung-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 8935118
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to wetting agent compositions and methods for making and using the wetting agent compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional wetting agents. The wetting agent compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Janel M. Kieffer, Michael C. Denoma, Yvonne M. Killeen, Joshua P. Magnuson
  • Publication number: 20150010646
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods of making and their use as cleaning composition, as antimicrobials and/or bleaching agent having improved storage stability and effective at lower concentration, wherein the liquid, storage stable composition comprises a mixture of: a) a sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid, b) a C1 to C4 percarboxylic acid, c) a C5 to C10 percarboxylic acid, d) a peroxide agent, e) a hydrotrope, f) an acidulant, g) a liquid; wherein the composition comprises free sulfocarboxylic acid, free C1 to C4 carboxylic acid and free C5 to C10 carboxylic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Julia Tiekemeier, Petra Vogt, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry
  • Patent number: 8926939
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the addition of a CGM to precipitation liquor of a Bayer process. The CGM comprises a neopolyol, an ester derived from a neopolyol, and/or an ether derived from a neopolyol. Optionally the CGM may comprise water and/or an antifoaming agent and/or a hydrocarbon carrier liquid. The CGM is quite effective and results in a significant increase in mean particle size of produced alumina crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitri L. Kouznetsov, Jianjun Liu, David H. Slinkman