Patents by Inventor Gerald K. Wichmann

Gerald K. Wichmann 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).

  • Patent number: 6991685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Gerald K. Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6953507
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Gerald K. Wichmann
  • Publication number: 20040182425
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Gerald K. Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6630434
    Abstract: A low viscosity aqueous cleaning composition provides increasing viscosity upon dilution which provides a high viscosity diluted cleaning composition having solvents compatible with the rod micelle thickener and the cleaning system that clings for an extended period of time in a thickened form containing cleaning system ingredients that can penetrate and remove hard baked-on soils on vertical surfaces in cleaning units. The composition contains active cleaning ingredients (acid, alkaline and enzyme) that, in combination with thickening systems, provide the useful properties. The thickened materials can be applied on cold or hot surfaces and can successfully penetrate, soften and remove baked-on food soil on a variety of surfaces including oven walls, doors and grills, baking dishes, utensils, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Richard O. Ruhr, Gerald K. Wichmann, Timothy A. Gutzmann
  • Patent number: 6554005
    Abstract: A method for cleaning polyethylene terephthalate containers including contacting the PET container with an alkaline wash solution having a temperature ranging of less than about 60° C. is disclosed. The alkaline wash solution is formulated from a first concentrate, a second concentrate, an alkalinity source, and a balance of water. The first concentrate preferably has a first nonionic surfactant, a first builder, and acid in an amount effective to provide a phase stable solution. The second concentrate preferably has a second nonionic surfactant and a second builder. The first and second concentrate are present in the wash solution in a concentration ranging from about 0.3 wt. % to 2.0 wt. %. Preferably, the first nonionic surfactant has a cloud point ranging from about 5° C. to 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Cords, Gerald K. Wichmann, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, David D. McSherry, Brandon L. Herdt, Arturo Valencia
  • Publication number: 20020082178
    Abstract: A low viscosity aqueous cleaning composition provides increasing viscosity upon dilution which provides a high viscosity diluted cleaning composition having solvents compatible with the rod micelle thickener and the cleaning system that clings for an extended period of time in a thickened form containing cleaning system ingredients that can penetrate and remove hard baked-on soils on vertical surfaces in cleaning units. The composition contains active cleaning ingredients (acid, alkaline and enzyme) that, in combination with thickening systems, provide the useful properties. The thickened materials can be applied on cold or hot surfaces and can successfully penetrate, soften and remove baked-on food soil on a variety of surfaces including oven walls, doors and grills, baking dishes, utensils, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Richard O. Ruhr, Gerald K. Wichmann, Timothy A. Gutzmann
  • Patent number: 6268324
    Abstract: A low viscosity aqueous cleaning composition provides increasing viscosity upon dilution which provides a high viscosity diluted cleaning composition having solvents compatible with the rod micelle thickener and the cleaning system that clings for an extended period of time in a thickened form containing cleaning system ingredients that can penetrate and remove hard baked-on soils on vertical surfaces in cleaning units. The composition contains active cleaning ingredients (acid, alkaline and enzyme) that, in combination with thickening systems, provide the useful properties. The thickened materials can be applied on cold or hot surfaces and can successfully penetrate, soften and remove baked-on food soil on a variety of surfaces including oven walls, doors and grills, baking dishes, utensils, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Richard O. Ruhr, Gerald K. Wichmann, Timothy A. Gutzmann
  • Patent number: 6247478
    Abstract: A method for cleaning polyethylene terephthalate containers including contacting the PET container with an alkaline wash solution having a temperature ranging of less than about 60° C. is disclosed. The alkaline wash solution is formulated from a first concentrate, a second concentrate, an alkalinity source, and a balance of water. The first concentrate preferably has a first nonionic surfactant, a first builder, and acid in an amount effect to provide a phase stable solution. The second concentrate preferably has a second nonionic surfactant and a second builder. The first and second concentrate are present in the wash solution in a concentration ranging from about 0.3 wt. % to 2.0 wt. %. Preferably, the first nonionic surfactant has a cloud point ranging from about 5° C. to 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Cords, Gerald K. Wichmann, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, David D. McSherry, Brandon L. Herdt, Arturo Valencia