Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Pressed, self-solidifying, solid cleaning compositions and methods of making them
    Patent number: 8889048
    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: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Stolte, Michael P. Dziuk, Melissa C. Meinke, Matthew C. Porter, Michael E. Besse
  • Foaming drain cleaner
    Patent number: 8888922
    Abstract: A drain cleaner may be used on a periodic basis to clean soil residues from residential and commercial waste drains. The drain cleaner may chemically self-foam to fill a waste drain with the foam. For example, the drain cleaner may be provided in two or more parts that are physically intermixed during use of the drain cleaner. One part may include hydrogen peroxide and water while another part may include a catalase, an amylase, a protease, and an enzyme stabilizer. The drain cleaner may also include a surfactant present in at least one of the first part and the second part. Additionally, in some examples, the drain cleaner includes a sanitizing agent present in either of the two parts or in yet a third physically separate part. During use, the different drain cleaner parts can be dispensed simultaneously into a drain to generate a cleaning and/or sanitizing foam in-situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan R. Ortmann, Anthony Erickson, Thomas R. Mohs
  • High alkaline warewash detergent for controlling hard water scale
    Patent number: 8889613
    Abstract: A detergent comprises an alkalinity source, a homopolymer of acrylic acid or a salt thereof, a homopolymer of methacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and a homopolymer of maleic acid or a salt thereof. Suitable weight ratios include a weight ratio of the homopolymer of methacrylic acid or a salt thereof to the homopolymer of acrylic acid or a salt thereof between approximately 1:3 and approximately 3:1, a weight ratio of the homopolymer of acrylic acid or a salt thereof to the homopolymer of maleic acid or a salt thereof between approximately 3:1 and approximately 1:6, and a weight ratio of the homopolymer of methacrylic acid or a salt thereof to the homopolymer of maleic acid or a salt thereof between approximately 2:1 and approximately 1:4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Carter Silvernail, Altony Miralles
  • Thermal phase separation simulator
    Patent number: 8888362
    Abstract: A thermal phase separation simulator and method for testing chemicals is disclosed. The simulator comprises a circular block heater carousel mounted for rotation on a stage. The carousel includes a circular array of test wells for receiving a plurality of test bottles, a plurality of heating elements and thermocouples disposed between the wells. Each well has an illumination port and a vertical slit to the outside to allow visual observation or imaging of a vertical swatch of the bottle. An illumination source aligns with the illumination port of each well in response to rotation of the carousel. The method includes adding a mixed phase fluid to a plurality of bottles, adding a chemical agent to each bottle, and simulating a thermal phase separation. Images of the fluid in each bottle are captured and analyzed to determine the performance of the one or more chemical agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Hart, Lee E. Nuebling, Robert R. Cleary, Virgil T. Little, Jan H. Beetge
  • USE OF O/W EMULSIONS FOR CHAIN LUBRICATION
    Publication number: 20140336091
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an O/W emulsion, in particular a PIT emulsion, for lubricating conveyor belt systems in food industries as well as a lubricant concentrate based on an O/W emulsion, in particular a PIT emulsion, of wax esters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Stefan Küpper, Christina Kohlstedde, Michael Schneider
  • REDUCTION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE AND/OR MALODOR GASSING FROM WATER VIA THE ADDITION OF PEROXYACETIC ACID/HYDROGEN PEROXIDE PRODUCT
    Publication number: 20140332463
    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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Gary L. Champion, Victor Keasler, Robert J. Ryther
  • DEVICE FOR EMPTYING A CANISTER
    Publication number: 20140332554
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for emptying a canister (12) with a nozzle (14) with a first opening (16), comprising an adapter (18) to be at least partially arranged inside the nozzle (14), in particular inside the first opening (16), a connector (34) connectable to the adapter (18) for connecting a suction machine to the adapter (18), and a reclosable fitment (36) comprising a first fitment part (38) and a second fitment part (40), wherein the first fitment part (36) is arranged on the adapter (18) and the second fitment (40) part is arranged on the connector (34). Thus, the safety of handling an emptied canister (12) with a residue fluid may be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Brian Haworth, Thomas Mai
  • METHOD OF USING ALDEHYDE-FUNCTIONALIZED POLYMERS TO INCREASE PAPERMACHINE PERFORMANCE AND ENHANCE SIZING
    Publication number: 20140336314
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods to increase paper machine performance and enhance sizing. The compositions include a sizing agent, an emulsifier, and an aqueous component. The emulsifier may be an aldehyde-functionalized polymer. The sizing agent may be selected from rosin size, an alkyl ketene dimer, an alkenyl succinic anhydride, and any combination of these sizing agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicants: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Benz, William C. Johnson, Mei Liu, Shawnee Wilson, Mark Grimm, Michael R. St. John
  • Methods and compositions for the removal of starch
    Patent number: 8882932
    Abstract: A method of warewashing for the removal of starch is described herein. The method includes applying an alkaline composition to a dish, then applying an acidic composition to a dish, and then applying a second alkaline composition to the dish. The method may include additional steps. Compositions for using with the method are also disclosed. Finally, dish machines that may be used in accordance with the method are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Strothoff, Winfried Troll, Helmut Maier, John P. Furber, Bryan A. Maser, Michael E. Besse
  • Enhanced microbial peracid compositions and methods of use at reduced temperatures in aseptic cleaning
    Patent number: 8883848
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of peracids, such as peroxycarboxylic acids, having improved antimicrobial efficacy due to ethanol solubilization of the compositions. The enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of the peracid compositions beneficially have a lower use concentration. The invention further relates to methods employing such compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Bolduc, David D. McSherry
  • Formulation of a ware washing solid controlling hardness
    Patent number: 8883035
    Abstract: A water hardness controlling agent includes a polyacrylic acid or salt thereof having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 50,000 g/mol, an acrylic-maleic acid copolymer or salt thereof having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 100,000 g/mol and a phosphonocarboxylic acid or salt thereof. A ratio of acrylic-maleic acid copolymer or salt thereof to polyacrylic acid or salt thereof to phosphonocarboxylic acid or salt thereof in parts per million is about 1-30:10-80:6-20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Altony J. Miralles, Carter M. Silvernail
  • Support of ion exchange membranes
    Patent number: 8882972
    Abstract: A support member for an improved three-chambered electrolytic cell is disclosed. A porous synthetic support system for exchange membranes in electrolytic cells is used for exchange membrane protection in electrolytic cells for the in situ generation of electrolysis solutions, such as bleach or hypochlorous acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc
    Inventors: Kevin A. Wuebben, Scott R. Limback, Barry R. Taylor
  • RHEOLOGY MODIFYING AGENTS FOR SLURRIES
    Publication number: 20140326675
    Abstract: Rheology modifying agents and methods of modifying the rheology of a slurry are disclosed, in addition to methods for the prevention of fouling. The slurry can be a lime slurry or a magnesium oxide slurry. The rheology modifying agent can be a low molecular weight anionic polymer, a high molecular weight polymer, a mixture of a low molecular weight anionic polymer and a high molecular weight polymer, a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a chelating agent, and a mixture of a chelating agent, a high molecular weight polymer, and a low molecular weight anionic polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jasbir Gill, Tzu Y Chen, Reagan Faith, Adam Coulterman
  • Stearyl and lauryl dimoniumhydroxy alkyl polyglucosides for enhanced food soil removal
    Patent number: 8877703
    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: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • In situ generation of peroxycarboxylic acids at alkaline pH, and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 8877254
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to percarboxylic acid compositions formed in situ in non-equilibrium reactions. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are formed using ester based starting materials. Methods for using the percarboxylic acid compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Richard Staub
  • POLYMER DISSOLUTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140319071
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymer dissolution system comprising a mix tank, a strainer, and a pump. The mix tank is configured to receive polymers, water, and an inlet stream, to form a polymer solution including swollen polymers, and to discharge the polymer solution. The strainer is configured to receive the polymer solution, and to withdraw at least a portion of the swollen polymers therethrough substantially without shear degradation, thereby forming a resultant solution, wherein the swollen polymers are dissolved at least in part. The pump is configured to receive the resultant solution, and to return the resultant solution to the inlet stream. In some embodiments, the strainer and the pump cooperate together to maintain a viscosity of the resultant solution substantially within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Mayur Patel, Jeffrey R. Cramm, Stephen B. Smith
  • MEDIUM CHAIN PEROXYCARBOXYLIC ACID COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20140322407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism. The compositions can include advantageously high levels of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, can be readily made, and/or can exhibit reduced odor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Joshua P. Magnuson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • FAST DISSOLVING SOLID DETERGENT
    Publication number: 20140323385
    Abstract: A solid block or unit dosed detergent composition as described which can be utilized in a variety of applications for cleaning surfaces and objects, removing suspending soils, and rinsing easily. The detergent composition, when exposed to an aqueous solution such as water, dissolves quickly and completely to create the use solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bartelme, Julie Marquardt, Steve E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Brian Robert Leafblad
  • Detergent composition comprising phosphinosuccinic acid adducts and methods of use
    Patent number: 8871699
    Abstract: Detergent compositions effective for controlling hard water scale accumulation are disclosed. Detergent compositions employing phosphinosuccinic acid and mono-, bis- and oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid (PSO) derivatives with alkali metal carbonate and/or alkali metal hydroxide reduce had water scale accumulation on treated surfaces at alkaline conditions between about pH of 9 and 12.5. Methods employing the detergent compositions and preventing hard water scale accumulation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Carter Martin Silvernail, Erik C. Olson
  • Detergents capable of cleaning, bleaching, sanitizing and/or disinfecting textiles including sulfoperoxycarboxylic acids
    Patent number: 8871807
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel combined laundry detergent, bleach, and antimicrobial composition incorporating novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds used in compositions of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Compositions of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds useful in preparing compositions of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Robert D. P. Hei, Thomas Merz, Peter Jens Forth, Matthias Kreysel, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Jonathan P. Fast