Patents by Inventor Charles Hodge

Charles Hodge has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20040265174
    Abstract: A concentration monitor for monitoring a concentration of a plurality of use solutions, each of the plurality of use solutions being, at least, a concentrate in a diluent, each of the plurality of use solutions having a resistivity which varies as a function of both temperature and an amount of the concentrate contained in a given amount of the diluent. A resistivity probe is adapted for use with at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the resistivity of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions. A temperature sensor is adapted for use with the at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the temperature of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Charles A. Hodge, Quang Van Dao
  • Patent number: 6694989
    Abstract: Thus use of a post detergent step for removing aqueous residue from ware combined with a subsequent step using a potable rinse or a dilute solution of an aqueous food grade rinse aid to rinse alkaline washed ware provides significant advantages. The two step rinse method insures complete and sanitary cleaning of ware while permitting the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and the subsequent rinse step. Such process conditions permit the use of differing times and temperatures in the post detergent step and in the rinse step and permits the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and in the rinse step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Shaun P. Kennedy, Charles A. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20040029757
    Abstract: A hand dishwashing detergent composition as provided according to the invention. The hand dishwashing detergent composition includes an anionic surfactant blend, a betaine surfactant, and water. The anionic surfactant blend includes a first anionic surfactant component and a second anionic surfactant component. The first anionic surfactant component can include at least one of an alkyl aryl sulfonate wherein the alkyl group contains 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and the aryl group comprises at least one of benzene, toluene, xylene, and a secondary alkane sulfonate wherein the alkane group includes about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Keith E. Olson, Lisa M. Sanders, Charles A. Hodge
  • Patent number: 6584633
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for an automated fragrance dispenser for the application of a fragrance to dry fabrics during an industrial laundering process. In one embodiment, the fragrance dispenser is positioned outside the dryer, and preferably on the exit side of the steam tunnel in the laundering process. The fragrance dispenser includes a sensor for determining whether the garment passing on the conveyor is the type of garment to which the fragrance is to be applied, for example, a uniform shirt versus pants. The fragrance dispenser also includes a delivery system for applying the fragrance to selected garments. The delivery system also includes a timing device for dispensing the fragrance onto the garment for a controlled amount of time. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, automated application of the fragrance to fabrics is provided in the dryer within the laundering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Chute, Charles A. Hodge, Richard J. Mehus, Peter W. Rauen, Thomas L. Hennemann, William Crawford, Paul Mattia
  • Publication number: 20030111097
    Abstract: Thus use of a post detergent step for removing aqueous residue from ware combined with a subsequent step using a potable rinse or a dilute solution of an aqueous food grade rinse aid to rinse alkaline washed ware provides significant advantages. The two step rinse method insures complete and sanitary cleaning of ware while permitting the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and the subsequent rinse step. Such process conditions permit the use of differing times and temperatures in the post detergent step and in the rinse step and permits the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and in the rinse step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Shaun P. Kennedy, Charles A. Hodge
  • Patent number: 6484734
    Abstract: Thus use of a post detergent step for removing aqueous residue from ware combined with a subsequent step using a potable rinse or a dilute solution of an aqueous food grade rinse aid to rinse alkaline washed ware provides significant advantages. The two step rinse method insures complete and sanitary cleaning of ware while permitting the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and the subsequent rinse step. Such process conditions permit the use of differing times and temperatures in the post detergent step and in the rinse step and permits the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and in the rinse step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Shaun P. Kennedy, Charles A. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20020069465
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for an automated fragrance dispenser for the application of a fragrance to dry fabrics during an industrial laundering process. In one embodiment, the fragrance dispenser is positioned outside the dryer, and preferably on the exit side of the steam tunnel in the laundering process. The fragrance dispenser includes a sensor for determining whether the garment passing on the conveyor is the type of garment to which the fragrance is to be applied, for example, a uniform shirt versus pants. The fragrance dispenser also includes a delivery system for applying the fragrance to selected garments. The delivery system also includes a timing device for dispensing the fragrance onto the garment for a controlled amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Brian Chute, Charles A. Hodge, Richard J. Mehus, Peter W. Rauen, Thomas L. Hennemann, William Crawford, Paul Mattia
  • Publication number: 20020004468
    Abstract: A hand soap concentrate and a hand soap use solution are provided. The hand soap concentrate is provided with a viscosity of less than about 200 cps. The hand soap concentrate can be mixed with an aqueous solution to provide a use solution having a viscosity of greater than about 1,000 cps. A method for modifying a hand soap concentrate to provide a higher viscosity hand soap use solution is provided. The hand soap concentrate includes a surfactant component for removal of soil, and a component for increasing viscosity with mixing with an aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Christopher J. Uecker
  • Patent number: 6271187
    Abstract: A hand soap concentrate and a hand soap use solution are provided. The hand soap concentrate is provided with a viscosity of less than about 200 cps. The hand soap concentrate can be mixed with an aqueous solution to provide a use solution having a viscosity of greater than about 1,000 cps. A method for modifying a hand soap concentrate to provide a higher viscosity hand soap use solution is provided. The hand soap concentrate includes a surfactant component for removal of soil, and a component for increasing viscosity with mixing with an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Christopher J. Uecker
  • Patent number: 6017864
    Abstract: We have found that long standing problems relating to the stability of organic materials in alkaline detergents, including the reversion or hydrolysis of condensed phosphate sequestrants in alkaline solid detergent compositions can be alleviated by the use of an organic composition having vicinal hydroxyls. Such a solid block detergent can be manufactured by a process in which a source of alkalinity, a functional material including a condensed phosphate sequestering agent, an organic compound having two vicinal hydroxyl groups, are combined in a pourable composition or liquid. Such a liquid can be introduced into a plastic capsule and solidified. During manufacture and solidification, we have found that the vicinal hydroxyl compound prevents substantial hydrolysis or reversion of the condensed phosphate maintaining effective hardness ion sequestration during the use of the detergent. The stabilizer can also stabilizes color, chlorine content and dispensing properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kent R. Brittain, Bernard J. Heile, Helmut K. Maier, Charles A. Hodge, G. Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 5816446
    Abstract: An apparatus for diluting and dispensing a liquid concentrate with a liquid diluent to form a use solution wherein the use solution has a higher viscosity than either the concentrate or the diluent is provided. The apparatus includes an aspirator, a liquid diluent conducting path, a liquid concentrate conducting path, and a liquid conducting outlet path. The aspirator has a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. The first inlet port is connected to the liquid diluent conducting path for receiving a stream of the liquid diluent and the second inlet port is connected to the liquid concentrate conducting path for receiving a stream of the liquid concentrate at atmospheric pressure. The liquid conducting outlet is connected to the outlet port for dispensing the use solution from the apparatus. The geometry of the aspirator nozzle and the fluid passageways in the dispenser are adapted to a high viscosity dilute product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Steindorf, Charles A. Hodge, Carleton J. Parker, Richard H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4790509
    Abstract: A collar (10) for supporting a tubular concrete form (12) for cylindrical bridge supports or the like. The collar (10) includes cooperating sections (14) and (16) dimensioned for receiving the circumference of a tubular concrete form (12). The sections can be adjusted to receive forms (12) having various diameters. In the preferred embodiment, the collar (10) includes brackets (46) suitable for being connected to a frame (60) which support the collar (10) while concrete cures in the form (12). As necessary or desired, a template (66) is mounted on the collar for positioning anchor bolts (74) and (76) at selected locations in concrete curing in the form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventors: William L. Cardwell, Charles A. Hodge
  • Patent number: D484316
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: John Charles Hodges
  • Patent number: D484317
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: John Charles Hodges
  • Patent number: D484318
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: John Charles Hodges
  • Patent number: D484706
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: John Charles Hodges