Patents by Inventor Helmut K. Maier

Helmut K. Maier 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: 7199095
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6956019
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a monionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20040254090
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning waxy-fatty soils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6767884
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20040087459
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6673765
    Abstract: A process for preparing a homogeneous, solid cleaning composition that comprises a cleaning agent, and optionally an additive agent and a hardening agent is provided. The compositions are processed in a continuous mixing system at high shear, at or below the melting temperature of the ingredients. Preferably, the ingredients are processed in an extruder, and the mixture is extruded directly into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the cleaning composition. The consistency of the composition ranges from that of a fused block solid to a malleable article. The cleaning compositions are useful for warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, laundry detergents, conveyor lubricants, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Rhonda Kay Schulz, Helmut K. Maier
  • Patent number: 6664219
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6489278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a A highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent which combines a source of alkalinity and with a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning waxy-fatty soils. This blend of surfactants shows surprising cooperation in reducing surface tension and comprises a nonionic or amphoteric surfactant and a silicone containing surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6164296
    Abstract: A highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties is provided. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning waxy-fatty soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6060444
    Abstract: A process for preparing a homogeneous, solid cleaning composition that comprises a cleaning agent, and optionally an additive agent and a hardening agent. The compositions are processed in a continuous mixing system at high shear, at or below the melting temperature of the ingredients. Preferably, the ingredients are processed in an extruder, and the mixture is extruded directly into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the cleaning composition. The consistency of the composition ranges from that of a fused block solid to a malleable article. The cleaning compositions are useful for warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, laundry detergents, conveyor lubricants, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Rhonda Kay Schulz, Helmut K. Maier
  • 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: 5750484
    Abstract: Improved separation of emulsified hydrophobic organic soils can be obtained from aqueous effluents using an amphoteric carboxylate surfactant material in combination with cationic destabilizer or flocculent materials. Such a treatment in combination with an acidic pH adjustment causes the rapid separation of hydrophobic organic soils from the aqueous stream. The treated aqueous stream is environmentally compatible.Improved laundry detergents comprising an organic amphoteric carboxylate surfactant and selected nonionic surfactants provide both cleaning for fiber and fabric containing items soiled with substantial quantities of hydrophobic soil. The pH of an effluent generated in such cleaning processes can be adjusted to an acid pH and treated with a cationic material causing a break that permits rapid and substantially complete separation of the hydrophobic organic soils from the effluent. Residual concentrations of organic soil in effluent water can be less than 250 ppm and can be as low as 10 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Falbaum, Robert D. Hei, Helmut K. Maier, Paul J. Mattia
  • Patent number: 5741768
    Abstract: Improved separation of emulsified hydrophobic organic soils can be obtained from aqueous effluents using an amphoteric dicarboxylate surfactant material in combination with cationic destabilizer or floeculent materials. Such a treatment in combination with an acidic pH adjustment causes the rapid separation of hydrophobic organic soils from the aqueous stream, the treated aqueous stream is environmentally compatible.Improved laundry detergents comprising an organic amphoteric carboxylate surfactant and selected nonionic surfactants provide both cleaning for fiber and fabric containing items soiled with substantial quantities of hydrophobic soil. The pH of an effluent generated in such cleaning processes can be adjusted to an acid pH and treated with a cationic material causing a break that permits rapid and substantially complete separation of the hydrophobic organic soils from the effluent. Residual concentrations of organic soil in effluent water can be less than 250 ppm and can be as low as 10 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Falbaum, Robert D. Hei, Helmut K. Maier, Paul J. Mattia
  • Patent number: 5523000
    Abstract: Improved separation of emulsified hydrophobic organic soils can be obtained from aqueous effluents using an amphoteric dicarboxylate surfactant material in combination with cationic destabilizer or flocculent materials. Such a treatment in combination with an acidic pH adjustment causes the rapid separation of hydrophobic organic soils from the aqueous stream. The treated aqueous stream is environmentally compatible.Improved laundry detergents comprising an organic amphoteric carboxylate surfactant and selected nonionic surfactants provide both cleaning for fiber and fabric containing items soiled with substantial quantities of hydrophobic soil. The pH of an effluent generated in such cleaning processes can be adjusted to an acid pH and treated with a cationic material causing a break that permits rapid and substantially complete separation of the hydrophobic organic soils from the effluent. Residual concentrations of organic soil in effluent water can be less than 250 ppm and can be as low as 10 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Falbaum, Robert D. Hei, Helmut K. Maier, Paul J. Mattia
  • Patent number: 4695453
    Abstract: A thickened alcoholic antibacterial composition is provided which contains as a thickener a polymer having as the recurring structural unit an acrylamidoalkanesulfonic acid monomer or ammonium salt thereof. Methods of thickening an alcoholic antibacterial composition and methods of controlling bacteria with such compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Francis W. Tuominen, Helmut K. Maier, Warren W. Howland
  • Patent number: 4645812
    Abstract: A method of preparing polyvinyl chloride via the suspension polymerization method which includes utilizing an effective amount of hydroxypropyl guar as the suspending agent with a secondary suspending agent selected from the group of cellulose derivatives, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetates, copolymers of polyvinyl acetates or polyvinylpyrrolidones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventor: Helmut K. Maier
  • Patent number: 4532314
    Abstract: A method of preparing polyvinyl chloride via the suspension polymerization method which includes utilizing an effective amount of hydroxypropyl guar as the suspending agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventor: Helmut K. Maier