Patents by Inventor Kim R. Smith

Kim R. Smith 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: 11959046
    Abstract: A method of creating a protective coating on an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is provided. The method includes providing carbon dioxide to an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid and allowing the alkali metal hydroxide and carbon dioxide to react thereby forming a carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer on the exterior of the solid wherein the carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer is non-hygroscopic and water soluble, and wherein greater than 80% of the hydroxide in the hydroxide-containing solid does not react with the carbon dioxide, and further wherein the alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is substantially free of lithium hydroxide. A method of testing for the presence of carbonate-containing coating on an alkali metal hydroxide containing solid is also provided. The method includes exposing the coated solid to 95 weight percent ethanol, collecting the ethanol effluent and testing the effluent for alkali metal hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark P. Peterson, Keith E. Olson
  • Publication number: 20220080479
    Abstract: A system for controlling dust during hydraulic fracturing operations includes a manifold having a plurality of ports for capturing dust when negative air pressure is applied to the manifold. A support frame positions the manifold above a piece of hydraulic fracturing equipment receiving sand from a sand source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Cody Baker, Kim R. Smith
  • Patent number: 11185900
    Abstract: A system for controlling dust during hydraulic fracturing operations includes a manifold having a plurality of ports for capturing dust when negative air pressure is applied to the manifold. A support frame positions the manifold above a piece of hydraulic fracturing equipment receiving sand from a sand source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: SIERRA DUST CONTROL, LLC
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Cody Baker
  • Patent number: 11104531
    Abstract: A system for controlling dust during hydraulic fracturing operations includes a manifold having a plurality of ports for capturing dust when negative air pressure is applied to the manifold. A support frame positions the manifold above a piece of hydraulic fracturing equipment receiving sand from a sand source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: SIERRA DUST CONTROL, LLC
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Cody Baker
  • Patent number: 10526713
    Abstract: A device for in-situ production of caustic and increasing alkalinity of a detergent and methods for increasing alkalinity of a detergent are disclosed. In particular, in situ electrochemical conversion of bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate or carbonate sources into caustic provides a safe means for increasing alkalinity of a detergent for a variety of cleaning applications. The invention further discloses methods for cleaning using the electrochemically enhanced detergent according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson
  • Patent number: 10514367
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a color indicator that signals when the concentration of an antimicrobial solution changes. In some embodiments, the color indicator is specific for changes in the concentration of an antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound in an antimicrobial solution. The color indicator can be incorporated into a variety of articles including towels, labels, containers, buckets, trays, sinks, spray bottles, liners for containers, buckets, sinks, or spray bottles, indictor wands or strips, and test kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Balz, Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Sherri Tischler
  • Publication number: 20190194583
    Abstract: A method of creating a protective coating on an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is provided. The method includes providing carbon dioxide to an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid and allowing the alkali metal hydroxide and carbon dioxide to react thereby forming a carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer on the exterior of the solid wherein the carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer is non-hygroscopic and water soluble, and wherein greater than 80% of the hydroxide in the hydroxide-containing solid does not react with the carbon dioxide, and further wherein the alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is substantially free of lithium hydroxide. A method of testing for the presence of carbonate-containing coating on an alkali metal hydroxide containing solid is also provided. The method includes exposing the coated solid to 95 weight percent ethanol, collecting the ethanol effluent and testing the effluent for alkali metal hydroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark P. Peterson, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 10184097
    Abstract: A method of creating a protective coating on an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is provided. The method includes providing carbon dioxide to an alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid and allowing the alkali metal hydroxide and carbon dioxide to react thereby forming a carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer on the exterior of the solid wherein the carbonate or bicarbonate-containing layer is non-hygroscopic and water soluble, and wherein greater than 80% of the hydroxide in the hydroxide-containing solid does not react with the carbon dioxide, and further wherein the alkali metal hydroxide-containing solid is substantially free of lithium hydroxide. A method of testing for the presence of carbonate-containing coating on an alkali metal hydroxide containing solid is also provided. The method includes exposing the coated solid to 95 weight percent ethanol, collecting the ethanol effluent and testing the effluent for alkali metal hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark P. Peterson, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 10143199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pre-rinsing laundry and treating other surfaces employing a composition that can kill bedbug eggs. The composition includes an anionic compound and is at pH just above neutral, e.g., about 7 to about 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik Olson, Yvonne Killeen, Victor Man, Joelle Olson, Erin Loosbrock
  • Patent number: 10113101
    Abstract: A composition of co-polymers, surfactants and solvents is provided for use in methods of reducing paraffin and wax deposition from crude oils in storage and transportation vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nestor U. Soriano, Jr., Kim B. Peyton, Kim R. Smith, Joseph L. Stark, Dennis R. Compton
  • Patent number: 9920281
    Abstract: A soil resistant laminate composition and a soil resistant treatment use composition are provided. In particular, a laminate composition comprising a multilayer composition of a clean surface and a dried layer of a soil resistant agent are disclosed. Soil resistant agents according to the invention include copolymers of a maleic/olefin, an olefin/acrylate and combinations thereof and are suitable for delivery with a water or other organic solvent carrier. A kit and methods for treating a clean surface using a soil resistant laminate composition and a soil resistant treatment use composition are provided by the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Keith E. Olson, Steven E. Lentsch, Minyu Li, Catherine Hanson, Andrew Wold
  • Patent number: 9896364
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for treating water. The methods, apparatuses and systems reduce scaling associated with solubilized water hardness using a sequence of water treatment agents, including an inlet, one or more treatment reservoirs containing a first treatment agent that is an exhausted ionic resin that is incapable of performing ion exchange and a second treatment agent consisting of a metal oxide and/or hydroxide compound, an outlet, and a treated water delivery line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Lee J. Monsrud, Keith E. Olson, Kristen Mills, Erik C. Olson, Erin Jane Dahlquist Howlett
  • Patent number: 9879206
    Abstract: A cleaning composition is provided including an alkalinity source, builder, surfactant, water, a reducing agent and amylase in the ratio of from about 1:1 to about 1:3 wherein the total amount of amylase in the composition is equal to or less than about 1.0 weight percent; and wherein the composition is substantially free of polyols, alkanolamine, phosphates, and boric acid. A method of presoaking soiled substrates is further provided. The method including the steps of providing presoak solution to a soiled substrate at a temperature of between about 65.5° C. up to about 80° C., the presoak solution including the provided composition; draining the presoak solution from the substrate; providing a detergent to a soiled substrate including the composition of the present invention; and removing or draining the detergent; and rinsing the substrate with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Rischmiller, Kim R. Smith, Sara B. Peters, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 9752237
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning sugar evaporators with a cleaning composition comprising a sugar or sugar-moiety containing compound are disclosed. The methods are capable of improved scale and fouling removal from treated surfaces, including scale containing calcium oxalate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, silica and/or other components from sugar evaporators. The methods reduce time required for scale removal without the need for highly alkaline cleaning compositions, elevated temperatures and/or mechanical force applied to the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 9743661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pre-rinsing laundry and treating other surfaces employing a composition that can kill bedbug eggs. The composition includes a fatty alcohol and an alcohol ethoxylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Yvonne M. Killeen, Victor F. Man, Joelle F. Olson, Erin F. Loosbrock
  • Patent number: 9630223
    Abstract: A system for capturing dust during the movement of sand between a container and a fracing blender includes a conveyor system having a lateral portion for transporting sand discharged from the container, a lifting portion for lifting sand received from the lateral portion, and a spout for discharging sand received from the lifting portion into a bin of the fracing blender. An enclosure encloses a substantial length of the lateral portion of the conveyor, with portions of the enclosure disposed above and along opposing sides of a belt of the lateral portion of the conveyor system. A manifold is supported on the ground and is coupled in fluid communication with a flexible conduit, which has an inlet disposed in an area proximate a discharge end of the spout. An air system is coupled in fluid communication with the manifold and the flexible conduit for drawing air through the inlet of flexible hose to capture dust around the discharge end of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Sierra Dust Control, LLC
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Patent number: 9512384
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for improved cleaning using neutral cleaners are disclosed. In particular, neutral pH cleaning compositions according to the invention employ a synergistic combination of water insoluble surfactants and an anionic hydrotropes capable of forming a stable, low-foaming solution. The neutral cleaning solutions provide significant benefits over water insoluble microemulsions traditionally used for neutral cleaning compositions and provide at least equivalent cleaning efficacy as non-neutral cleaning compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine Hanson, Andrew Wold, Traci Gioino, Kim R. Smith, Yvonne Marie Killeen
  • Patent number: 9487735
    Abstract: According to the invention, the compositions and methods provide for the complete removal of synthetic glues or adhesives from a plurality of surfaces through the use of amide solvents in combination with surfactants, chelants, acidulants and/or additional bottle wash additives. Beneficially, the compositions and methods are suitable for use at lower temperatures, including below 35° C., and lower pH conditions, including from 5 to 10, from 6 to 9, and from 6 to 8, in comparison to conventional caustic-based adhesive removal compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, Jr., Kim R. Smith, Ralf Krack
  • Publication number: 20160280480
    Abstract: A system for controlling dust during hydraulic fracturing operations includes a manifold having a plurality of ports for capturing dust when negative air pressure is applied to the manifold. A support frame positions the manifold above a piece of hydraulic fracturing equipment receiving sand from a sand source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Cody Baker
  • Patent number: 9421586
    Abstract: In situ cleaning systems and methods of use are disclosed and provide cleaning use solutions with minimal chemical additives providing environmentally-friendly cleaning compositions. The in situ cleaning system provides one or more in situ cleaning components, including water treatment components, oxidizing agent generating component and/or alkalinity generating component, providing a cleaning use solution to a washing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Erik C. Olson, Michael S. Rischmiller