Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Crystallization aids for bayer aluminum hydroxide
    Patent number: 8920768
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions, and methods for producing aluminum hydroxide crystals from a precipitation liquor. The precipitation liquor may be located in a Bayer process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: James Counter, John T. Malito
  • Acidic cleaner for metal surfaces
    Patent number: 8921298
    Abstract: The invention relates to a acidic composition for cleaning surfaces of metal or alloys which are susceptible to corrosion comprising i) an ester of phosphoric acid, diphosphoric acid or polyphosphoric acid, ii) a benzotriazole derivative of the general formula (I) in which each of the groups R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is the same or different and is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or an acyl group, iii) a phosphonic acid of the general formula R6—PO—(OH)2 (II) in which the group R6 is alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, or arylalkyl group and iv) an acidic source. The invention further relates to a use solution and to a method for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Tyborski
  • Antimicrobial compositions for use on food products
    Patent number: 8916510
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of treating food products by applying an antimicrobial composition and processing the food product using selected processing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Allen Gutzmann, Scott L. Burnett, Richard Keith Staub, Erin Mertz, Seth Young Raley
  • Method and system for recapturing and reusing unreacted antimicrobial solutions in spray applications
    Patent number: 8916094
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Chandler Adams, Claudie Cayce Warf, Roger Tippett
  • Microflow analytical system
    Patent number: 8912009
    Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Anna Pilipchenko
  • Deodorization of peracids
    Patent number: 8906963
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of peracids, such as peroxycarboxylic acids, having reduced odor compared to conventional peracid compositions. The invention further relates to methods employing such compositions, and methods of making these compositions. Typically, the reduced-odor antimicrobial compositions include an alcohol for the esterification reaction to remove short- to mid-chain length malodorous carboxylic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc
    Inventor: David D. McSherry
  • Method for multiple dosage of liquid products, dosing apparatus and dosing system
    Patent number: 8905266
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the multiple dosage of one or more liquid products or both liquid and solid products wherein the dosing amount of at least one liquid product is measured by a weight cell. Moreover, dosing apparatus and dosing systems for applying those methods are provided. Additionally, the present invention refers to a method for washing textiles comprising a dosing step in which at least one of the inventive dosing methods, and/or at least one of the inventive dosing apparatus or dosing systems, respectively, are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk De Brabanter
  • Alkaline detergent containing mixing organic and inorganic sequestrants resulting in improved soil removal
    Patent number: 8906839
    Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson
  • Use of a starch base copolymer in conjunction with a maleic polymer and a hydroxypolycarboxylic acid to control hardness under alkaline conditions
    Patent number: 8901057
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions control hard water in an alkaline environment. According to the invention, a unique combination of polymers has been developed which helps to completely control and eliminate hard water. The composition includes a maleic polymer, a hydroxypolycarboxylic acid, and a starch based polymer in a unique synergistic combination that can be used alone, or in combination with standard alkaline detergents in any cleaning regime (laundry, warewash, etc.) where hard water conditions exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Altony Miralles
  • Reducing viscosity utilizing glycerin short-chain aliphatic ether compounds
    Patent number: 8901056
    Abstract: A solvent or composition that includes a glycerin short-chain aliphatic ether may be used in a method for coupling, coalescing or adjusting viscosity of a composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Mark D. Levitt, Carter M. Silvernail
  • APE-free laundry emulsifier
    Patent number: 8901063
    Abstract: A detergent emulsifier for laundry and other hard surface cleaning using an APE-free surfactant blend is disclosed. The emulsifier system is efficacious for removal of oily soils and greasy food removal. The compositions according to the invention include linear and branched fatty alcohol ethoxylates and ethoxylate propoxylate block copolymers. Methods of using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sukhwan Soontravanich, Stephan Hubig, Yang Zhang
  • DRY LUBRICANT FOR CONVEYING CONTAINERS
    Publication number: 20140349899
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: 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
  • Pressed, waxy, solid cleaning compositions and methods of making them
    Patent number: 8894898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a solid cleaning composition. The method can include pressing and/or vibrating flowable waxy particles of a waxy cleaning composition. For a waxy cleaning composition, pressing and/or vibrating flowable waxy particles 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Michael P. Dziuk, Melissa C. Meinke, Matthew C. Porter
  • Wet end chemicals for dry end strength
    Patent number: 8894817
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the dry strength of paper. The invention utilizes a tailored strength agent whose size and shape is tailored to fit into the junction points between flocs of a paper sheet. The strength agents is in contact with the slurry for just enough time to collect at the junction points but not so much that it can migrate away from there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Weiguo Cheng, Mei Liu
  • Concentrated cleaning compositions and their use
    Patent number: 8895491
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a concentrated acidic floor cleaner and methods of using it to clean floors. The concentrated acidic floor cleaner can be diluted to form a use solution that is effective at removing polymerized grease, including animal and vegetable fats and non-trans fats, and other soils from floors. The use solution is especially useful for cleaning floors in commercial kitchens of full service and quick service restaurants and is effective on a variety of floors, including quarry tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas John Vinson, Melissa Collazo-Martinez
  • Pressed, self-solidifying, solid cleaning compositions and methods of making them
    Patent number: 8894897
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Michael P. Dziuk, Melissa C. Meinke, Matthew C. Porter
  • MASS BASED LOW PRODUCT INDICATOR
    Publication number: 20140339255
    Abstract: A dispenser dispenses a consumable product from a container. The container is supported within a housing by a container holder. The container holder is vertically moveable within a movement range in the housing. A biasing structure biases the container holder upwardly. A sign is connected to move up and down with the container holder. An indicator associated with the sign is vertically fixed relative to the housing. When an amount of product remaining in the container reaches a low level, the biasing force of the biasing structure will lift the container holder, causing the indicator to be aligned with a portion of the sign that gives a visual cue to a user that the amount of product remaining is at a low level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Jared R. Freudenberg, Ryan Urban, Ryan Joseph Drake, Ryan A. Chernik, Troy A. Anderson
  • DISPENSER WITH CONCENTRATED CHEMISTRY SECONDARY CONTAINER
    Publication number: 20140339259
    Abstract: A dispenser dispenses a consumable product from a container. The container is supported within a housing by a container holder. The container holder is vertically movable within a movement range in the housing. A biasing structure biases the container holder upwardly. A sign is connected to move up and down with the container holder. An indicator associated with the sign is vertically fixed relative to the housing. When an amount of product remaining in the container reaches a low level, the biasing force of the biasing structure will lift the container holder, causing the indicator to be aligned with a portion of the sign that gives a visual cue to a user that the amount of product remaining is at a low level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Jared R. Freudenberg, Troy A. Anderson, Ryan A. Chernik, Ryan Urban
  • Freestanding detergent composition not requiring an automated dispenser
    Patent number: 8888924
    Abstract: A solid controlled release composition according to the present invention includes at least one cellulosic material, water, at least one active ingredient, and optionally at least one of a saccharide, sugar alcohol or salt. The active ingredient can be a polycarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Carter Silvernail, Erik C. Olson, Michael E. Besse
  • Sugar ester peracid on site generator and formulator
    Patent number: 8889900
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site 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: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Katherine M. Sanville, Thomas C. Rustad