Patents by Inventor Kaj A. Johnson

Kaj A. Johnson 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: 11723362
    Abstract: Compositions comprising synergistic blends of organic acids and hydrazones and methods of reducing bacterial and fungal contamination using the blends are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignees: -The United States of America, as represented by The Secretary of Agriculture, Method Products, PBC
    Inventors: William M. Hart-Cooper, William J. Orts, Anna C. Kundmann, Diana M. Franquivillanueva, Kaj Johnson, Dirk Develter, James D. McManus
  • Publication number: 20220098146
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions containing a UV-inhibitor, optionally a carrier, and optionally anions; wherein the UV-inhibitor is at least one compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is an aryl derivative, N-acyl, guanidine or aminoguanidine group, and R2 and R3 are independently an aryl group substituted with a straight or branched chain alkyl or an electron donating or withdrawing group. Also disclosed are methods for protecting a product from UV light, involving applying to said product, in an amount sufficient to protect said product from UV light, the composition. Furthermore, there is disclosed methods for providing a reversible dye to a product, involving applying to said product, in an amount sufficient to provide a visible color to said product, the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: WILLIAM M. HART-COOPER, WILLIAM J. ORTS, AUBRI J. THOMPSON, KAJ A. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20220015367
    Abstract: A self-assembled active agent may be formed by a process including covalently bonding at least a first component molecule and a second component molecule, the two component molecules displaying synergy such that the effective amount of the self-assembled active agent is lower than the sum of the effective amounts of the first component molecule and the second component molecule. The component molecules may be chosen such that the covalent bonding is reversible, for example through a hydrazone bond between an amine and an aldehyde. The active agent may thus have controllable activity such as an antimicrobial agent, a biocide, an antiviral agent, a preservative, an antifouling agent, a disinfectant, or a sensor agent, such as for a particular molecule or for pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: WILLIAM M. HART-COOPER, WILLIAM J. ORTS, KAJ JOHNSON, LAUREN E. LYNN, DIANA M. FRANQUIVILLANUEVA
  • Patent number: 11166464
    Abstract: A self-assembled active agent may be formed by a process including covalently bonding at least a first component molecule and a second component molecule, the two component molecules displaying synergy such that the effective amount of the self-assembled active agent is lower than the sum of the effective amounts of the first component molecule and the second component molecule. The component molecules may be chosen such that the covalent bonding is reversible, for example through a hydrazone bond between an amine and an aldehyde. The active agent may thus have controllable activity such as an antimicrobial agent, a biocide, an antiviral agent, a preservative, an antifouling agent, a disinfectant, or a sensor agent, such as for a particular molecule or for pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignees: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, METHOD PRODUCTS, PBC
    Inventors: William M. Hart-Cooper, William J. Orts, Kaj Johnson, Lauren E. Lynn, Diana M. Franqui-Villanueva
  • Publication number: 20210155777
    Abstract: A packaging material composition may be biodegradable and water-soluble. The packaging material may include a biodegradable nonionic polysaccharide, a biodegradable ionic polysaccharide, and a plasticizer. Optionally, additional components may be added to the packaging material for a desired purpose. Additional components may include a biocide, clay, metal oxides (i.e. titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), modified nanoclays, one or more crosslinkers, other functional agents, and residual solvent from the packaging material production process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: WILLIAM M. HART-COOPER, WILLIAM J. ORTS, Julia C. Cunniffe, NABEEL N. KALLA, LENNARD C. TORRES, KAJ JOHNSON, DIRK DEVELTER
  • Publication number: 20210084896
    Abstract: Compositions comprising synergistic blends of organic acids and hydrazones and methods of reducing bacterial and fungal contamination using the blends are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: William M. Hart-Cooper, William J. Orts, Anna C. Kundmann, Diana M. Franquivillanueva, Kaj Johnson, Dirk Develter, James D. McManus
  • Publication number: 20180303100
    Abstract: A self-assembled active agent may be formed by a process including covalently bonding at least a first component molecule and a second component molecule, the two component molecules displaying synergy such that the effective amount of the self-assembled active agent is lower than the sum of the effective amounts of the first component molecule and the second component molecule. The component molecules may be chosen such that the covalent bonding is reversible, for example through a hydrazone bond between an amine and an aldehyde. The active agent may thus have controllable activity such as an antimicrobial agent, a biocide, an antiviral agent, a preservative, an antifouling agent, a disinfectant, or a sensor agent, such as for a particular molecule or for pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: William M. Hart-Cooper, William J. Orts, Kaj Johnson, Lauren E. Lynn, Diana M. Franqui-Villanueva
  • Patent number: 9909087
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cleaning composition includes a surfactant system having an invert structure; and at least one enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: METHOD PRODUCTS, PBC
    Inventors: Frederick W. Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson
  • Patent number: 9879204
    Abstract: A cleaning composition according to one embodiment includes a surfactant system comprising a nonionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant; and an amine neutralized organic acid (ANOA). A concentrated composition according to yet another embodiment includes an amine neutralized organic acid (ANOA) present in an effective amount to lower a freezing point of the concentrated composition, wherein the ANOA is present at no more than about 5 wt % based on a total weight of the concentrated composition. A concentrated cleaning composition in yet another embodiment includes a surfactant system having an invert structure, the surfactant system comprising a nonionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant; an organic acid present in a concentration of greater than 0 to about 5 wt % based on a total weight of the cleaning composition; and an alkaline component. Methods of making are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: METHOD PRODUCTS, PBC
    Inventors: Frederick W. Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson
  • Patent number: 9139798
    Abstract: A cleaning composition according to one embodiment includes a surfactant system comprising a nonionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant; water present in an amount from 0 to about 40 wt % based on a total weight of the cleaning composition; a solvent system comprising a polyalcohol, the solvent system being present in an amount effective to solubilize the surfactant system in the water; and an enzyme present in an amount of less than about 15 wt %; wherein the cleaning composition is in a form of a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein the cleaning composition is characterized as exhibiting about a constant cleaning efficacy as measured using test procedure ASTM D4265 when the cleaning composition is added to 69 liters of exterior water in amounts ranging from about 9 to about 22 grams of cleaning composition. Methods for pretreating and cleaning laundry and nontextile surfaces are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Method Products, PBC
    Inventors: Frederick W. Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson
  • Patent number: 8992632
    Abstract: A cleaning composition according to one embodiment includes a surfactant system comprising nonionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant; water present in an amount from 0 to about 40 wt % based on a total weight of the cleaning composition; a solvent system comprising a polyalcohol, the solvent system being present in an amount effective to solubilize the surfactant system in the water; and an enzyme present in an amount of less than about 15 wt %; wherein the cleaning composition is in a form of a continuous phase, wherein the cleaning composition is characterized as exhibiting about a constant cleaning efficacy as measured using test procedure ASTM D4265 when the cleaning composition is added to 69 liters of exterior water in amounts ranging from about 9 to about 22 grams of cleaning composition. Methods for pretreating and cleaning laundry and nontextile surfaces are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Method Products, PBC
    Inventors: Frederick W. Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130053298
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cleaning composition includes a surfactant system having an invert structure; and at least one enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: METHOD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120277138
    Abstract: The present invention includes a consumer product packet comprising a capsule and a fill composition within the capsule. The capsule has a tack temperature of about 110° F. or higher and substantially dissolves in water within a predetermined time period at a temperature of about 70° F. or lower. In one example, the capsule comprises a film having at least one polymer, at least one plasticizer, and at least one temperature adjusting agent. Dependent on the fill composition, the consumer product packet may be used for any household or personal use. In one example, the fill composition is a detergent concentrate comprises one or more surfactants, one or more humectants, and a coalescing solvent which has hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value from about 7 to about 9, wherein the ratio of the one or more humectants to the coalescing solvent is more than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: METHOD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Fred Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson, Mike Ratko
  • Patent number: 8236747
    Abstract: The present invention includes a consumer product packet comprising a capsule and a fill composition within the capsule. The capsule has a tack temperature of about 110° F. or higher and substantially dissolves in water within a predetermined time period at a temperature of about 70° F. or lower. In one example, the capsule comprises a film having at least one polymer, at least one plasticizer, and at least one temperature adjusting agent. Dependent on the fill composition, the consumer product packet may be used for any household or personal use. In one example, the fill composition is a detergent concentrate comprises one or more surfactants, one or more humectants, and a coalescing solvent which has hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value from about 7 to about 9, wherein the ratio of the one or more humectants to the coalescing solvent is more than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Method Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson, Mike Ratko
  • Patent number: 8232238
    Abstract: A water soluble strip that includes a carrier film that include water soluble polymer, one or more actives and one or more agents such as heat forming agent and/or degrading accelerator. The water soluble strip can optionally include other additives. The actives includes antimicrobial agent, cleaning agent and/or surfactant. The water soluble strip can include other materials. The heat forming agent and/or degrading accelerator, when used, are designed facilitate in degrading or dissolving the water soluble strip and/or increase the activity of the one or more actives. The water soluble film can be used for a variety of applications such as a hard surface cleaning strip, dishwashing strip, laundry cleaning strip, stop removing strip, drain unclogging strip, toilet bowl cleaning strip and the like. The water soluble strip eliminates the need to purchase and store numerous containers and/or heavy containers of cleaner that take up large amounts of shelf space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Maria Ochomogo, Nancy Falk, Aram Garabedian, Jessica Diaz, Kaj Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110230380
    Abstract: A cleaning composition according to one embodiment includes a surfactant system comprising a nonionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant; and an amine neutralized organic acid (ANOA). A concentrated composition according to yet another embodiment includes an amine neutralized organic acid (ANOA) present in an effective amount to lower a freezing point of the concentrated composition, wherein the ANOA is present at no more than about 5 wt % based on a total weight of the concentrated composition. A concentrated cleaning composition in yet another embodiment includes a surfactant system having an invert structure, the surfactant system comprising a nonionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant; an organic acid present in a concentration of greater than 0 to about 5 wt % based on a total weight of the cleaning composition; and an alkaline component. Methods of making are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: METHOD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100299846
    Abstract: A cleaning composition according to one embodiment includes a surfactant system comprising nonionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant; water present in an amount from 0 to about 40 wt % based on a total weight of the cleaning composition; a solvent system comprising a polyalcohol, the solvent system being present in an amount effective to solubilize the surfactant system in the water; and an enzyme present in an amount of less than about 15 wt %; wherein the cleaning composition is in a form of a continuous phase, wherein the cleaning composition is characterized as exhibiting about a constant cleaning efficacy as measured using test procedure ASTM D4265 when the cleaning composition is added to 69 liters of exterior water in amounts ranging from about 9 to about 22 grams of cleaning composition. Methods for pretreating and cleaning laundry and nontextile surfaces are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Method Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100093595
    Abstract: A cleaning composition according to one embodiment includes a surfactant system comprising a nonionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant; water present in an amount from 0 to about 40 wt % based on a total weight of the cleaning composition; a solvent system comprising a polyalcohol, the solvent system being present in an amount effective to solubilize the surfactant system in the water; and an enzyme present in an amount of less than about 15 wt %; wherein the cleaning composition is in a form of a continuous phase, wherein the cleaning composition is characterized as exhibiting about a constant cleaning efficacy as measured using test procedure ASTM D4265 when the cleaning composition is added to 69 liters of exterior water in amounts ranging from about 9 to about 22 grams of cleaning composition. Methods for pretreating and cleaning laundry and nontextile surfaces are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Frederick W. Holzhauer, Kaj Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090217462
    Abstract: The present invention includes a consumer product packet comprising a capsule and a fill composition within the capsule. The capsule has a tack temperature of about 110° F. or higher and substantially dissolves in water within a predetermined time period at a temperature of about 70° F. or lower. In one example, the capsule comprises a film having at least one polymer, at least one plasticizer, and at least one temperature adjusting agent. Dependent on the fill composition, the consumer product packet may be used for any household or personal use. In one example, the fill composition is a detergent concentrate comprises one or more surfactants, one or more humectants, and a coalescing solvent which has hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value from about 7 to about 9, wherein the ratio of the one or more humectants to the coalescing solvent is more than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Fred HOLZHAUER, Kaj JOHNSON, Mike RATKO
  • Publication number: 20080093476
    Abstract: A liquid sprayer which may be removably attached to a liquid reservoir and thus readily interchangeable with a variety of liquid reservoirs. The sprayer includes a discharge nozzle, a manually or electrically powered pump and an actuation mechanism for the pump. The sprayer includes a quick-release coupling means for attaching the sprayer to a complementary quick-release coupling means fitted to the product reservoir. In some embodiments of the present invention, a signaling means on the reservoir communicates with a corresponding receiver means on the sprayer to provide information relating to the liquid contents of the reservoir so that the user will act on the information in a way that optimizes product safety, efficacy, convenience or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Kaj Johnson, Ricardo de Gopegui, Marcus Wang