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: 9376651
    Abstract: A soil resistant floor surface treatment composition is provided. In particular, a composition comprises a maleic/olefin copolymer and an optional cleaning agent. Methods for treating a porous floor surface with a soil resistant agent and kits comprising a floor treatment composition, an applicator, a removal agent for removing a plurality of soils from a treated surface, and instructions for use are further provided by the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Catherine Hanson, Minyu Li, Andrew S. Wold, Mark D. Levitt
  • Publication number: 20160137538
    Abstract: The present invention is related to methods, apparatuses, and compositions for controlling water hardness. The methods, apparatuses and compositions also reduce scale formation. The present invention includes substantially water insoluble resin materials. The resin materials may be loaded with a plurality of cations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Xin Sun, Kristen Mills, Douglas J. Prideaux, Beth E. Benson, Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson
  • Publication number: 20160115369
    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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Nestor U. Soriano, JR., Kim B. Peyton, Kim R. Smith, Joseph L. Stark, Dennis R. Compton
  • Patent number: 9316005
    Abstract: A flooring is disclosed including a substrate having a coating composition thereon, the coating composition comprising a hardenable film-former and at least 0.5 weight percent of an oxidizing agent sufficient to decolorize a stain on the film-former is disclosed, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, and organo-chlorine bleaches and will at least partially decolorize a plurality of stains when applied to the hardened coating, allowed to stand for one hour at room temperature, and evaluated by visual observation of the stain under average overhead fluorescent illumination. The oxidizing agent is not consumed as a catalyst or initiator to polymerize or otherwise cause a reaction in the floor coating before it is applied and before it has hardened. A coating composition of the invention may include from about 0.8 to about 5 weight percent oxidizing agent and the film-former forms a hardened film resistant to rinsing with tap water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson
  • Publication number: 20160058012
    Abstract: Anti-microbial compositions comprising (a) a quaternary ammonium compound and (b) a cationic biocide. Applicant has discovered a synergistic combination of the two components with the ration of cationic biocide to quaternary ammonium being less than 1:10 or with a single quaternary compound in a ratio of less than 1.6 to 1 provide a film forming coating that has residual anti-bacterial activity and improved durability with strong resistance to general wear between applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Brandon Herdt, Richard Staub, Jr., Kevin Tauer, Kim R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160031735
    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 a first threshold agent shedding weak cation exchange resin and a second magnesium compound conversion agent water treatment. The system or apparatus and methods according to the invention provide synergistic reduction of hard water scaling and elimination of cementing on the insoluble magnesium compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: KIM R. SMITH, LEE J. MONSRUD, KEITH E. OLSON, KRISTEN MILLS, ERIK C. OLSON, ERIN JANE DAHLQUIST-HOWLETT
  • Patent number: 9222058
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning composition and method for reducing yellow stains caused by sunscreen components such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene or combinations thereof. The cleaning composition employs a synergistic combination of an amine oxide/solvent and a souring agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Dawn N. Lock, Stephan M. Hubig, Kim R. Smith, Joshua A. Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20150362466
    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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Eric Balz, Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Sherri Tischler
  • Publication number: 20150345032
    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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 9193610
    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 a first threshold agent shedding weak cation exchange resin and a second magnesium compound conversion agent water treatment. The system or apparatus and methods according to the invention provide synergistic reduction of hard water scaling and elimination of cementing on the insoluble magnesium compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA, INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Lee Monsrud, Keith E. Olson, Kristen Mills, Erik C. Olson, Erin J. Dahlquist
  • Patent number: 9168482
    Abstract: A method for capturing dust generated during movement of sand through a sand delivery system includes positioning an inlet at a first end of each of a plurality of conduits for collecting dust in a corresponding space surrounding a corresponding point along a conveyor. A second end of each of the plurality of conduits is coupled in fluid communication with a manifold system including at least one manifold extending generally parallel to the ground. Substantially an entire length of the conveyor, including the space corresponding to the inlet of each of the plurality of conduits, is covered with a cover for containing dust generated during movement of sand along the conveyor. Air is drawn through the manifold system and the plurality of conduits to capture dust generated during the movement of sand along the conveyor through the inlet of each of the plurality of conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sierra Dust Control, LLC
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Patent number: 9162261
    Abstract: A system for controlling silica dust generated during the transfer of frac sand from a storage container through a conveyor system includes a system of conduits having a plurality of inlets for collecting silica dust generated at selected points along the conveyor system. An air system pneumatically coupled to the system of conduits generates a negative pressure at each of the inlets to induce the collection of silica dust at the selected points along the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sierra Dust Control, LLC
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Patent number: 9144620
    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, indicator wands or strips, and test kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Balz, Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Sherri Tischler
  • Patent number: 9133424
    Abstract: Methods for use of select organic compounds for the activation and stabilization of thermally labile enzymes, including proteases, are disclosed. The invention further relates to compositions of certain organic compounds with enzymes to enable the use of such enzymes at high temperature conditions, such as for warewash temperatures and conditions. In particular, organic activator-stabilizers including heat-deactivated proteases and zwitterionic materials are combined with enzymes according to the invention. As a result, the invention provides enzyme cleaning efficacy for various high temperature conditions, including warewash applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Thomas R. Mohs
  • Patent number: 9125392
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to treating articles suspected of being infested with bed bugs using carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Joelle Francine Olson, Kim R. Smith, John E. Thomas, Andrew M. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20150210958
    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: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Catherine Hanson, Andrew Wold, Traci Gioino, Kim R. Smith, Yvonne Marie Killeen
  • Publication number: 20150150234
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to treating articles suspected of being infested with bed bugs using carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Joelle Francine Olson, Kim R. Smith, John E. Thomas, Andrew M. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9029309
    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: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine Hanson, Andrew Wold, Traci Gioino, Kim R. Smith, Yvonne Marie Killeen
  • Publication number: 20150121790
    Abstract: A flooring is disclosed including a substrate having a coating composition thereon, the coating composition comprising a hardenable film-former and at least 0.5 weight percent of an oxidizing agent sufficient to decolorize a stain on the film-former is disclosed, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, and organo-chlorine bleaches and will at least partially decolorize a plurality of stains when applied to the hardened coating, allowed to stand for one hour at room temperature, and evaluated by visual observation of the stain under average overhead fluorescent illumination. The oxidizing agent is not consumed as a catalyst or initiator to polymerize or otherwise cause a reaction in the floor coating before it is applied and before it has hardened. A coating composition of the invention may include from about 0.8 to about 5 weight percent oxidizing agent and the film-former forms a hardened film resistant to rinsing with tap water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson
  • Patent number: 9012504
    Abstract: Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions having reduced hydrogen peroxide content are generated according to the invention, having enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. Simultaneously, a stable hydrogen peroxide and active oxygen coordinating compound complex is generated and has utility as a recycled bleaching component. In particular, methods of using an active oxygen coordinating compound to selectively and non-destructively remove hydrogen peroxide are provided. Preferred active oxygen coordinating compounds suitable for use with the peroxycarboxylic acid compositions include nitrogen-containing compounds, preferably urea, urea copolymers and/or derivatives, PVP, PVP copolymers and/or derivatives, and/or inorganic carbonates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erik C. Olson, Kim R. Smith