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).

  • Publication number: 20150099688
    Abstract: The invention discloses compositions and methods for generating alkalinity in situ. The compositions and methods relate to the use of a fabric source containing a decomposition agent to catalyze the decomposition of a dilute peroxygen source. The methods provide a highly alkaline cleaning composition produced at a desired time and place of use. Methods of cleaning are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Sherri L. Tischler, Thomas R. Mohs, Erik C. Olson, Keith E. Olson
  • Publication number: 20150094254
    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: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson
  • Patent number: 8962738
    Abstract: A 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 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: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson
  • Patent number: 8962544
    Abstract: A detergent composition as described which can be utilized in a variety of applications for cleaning surfaces and objects, removing suspended soils, and rinsing easily. The detergent composition is particularly effective at removing soils caused by raw fish soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jenna M. Johnson, Victor F. Man, Kim R. Smith, Tomoko Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8946141
    Abstract: The invention discloses compositions, methods and systems for generating alkalinity in situ. The compositions, methods and systems relate to the use of a manganese decomposition agent to catalyze the decomposition of a dilute peroxygen source providing highly alkaline cleaning compositions in situ. Methods of cleaning are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Thomas R. Mohs, Erik C. Olson, Anthony W. Erickson, Gregory G. Griese, Eric R. Balz, Joy G. Herdt, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 8946140
    Abstract: The invention discloses compositions, methods and systems for generating alkalinity in situ. The compositions, methods and systems relate to the use of a silver decomposition agent to catalyze the decomposition of a dilute peroxygen source providing highly alkaline cleaning compositions in situ. Methods of cleaning are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Thomas R. Mohs, Erik C. Olson, Gregory G. Griese, Eric R. Balz, Joy G. Herdt, Keith E. Olson, Anthony W. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8940682
    Abstract: The invention discloses compositions and methods for generating alkalinity in situ. The compositions and methods relate to the use of a fabric source containing a decomposition agent to catalyze the decomposition of a dilute peroxygen source. The methods provide a highly alkaline cleaning composition produced at a desired time and place of use. Methods of cleaning are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Sherri L. Tischler, Thomas R. Mohs, Erik C. Olson, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 8937037
    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: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson
  • Patent number: 8931206
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to treating articles suspected of being infested with bed bugs using carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Joelle Francine Olson, Kim R. Smith, John E. Thomas, Andrew M. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20140352740
    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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, JR., Kim R. Smith, Ralf Krack
  • Patent number: 8881749
    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 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Dust Control, LLC
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140259440
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Dawn N. Lock, Stephan M. Hubig, Kim R. Smith, Joshua A. Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20140261562
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Rischmiller, Kim R. Smith, Sara B. Peters, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20140227333
    Abstract: Active oxygen compounds, such as equilibrium peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are incorporated within an adsorbed outer layer of hydrophobic particulate component that remains undissolved from the active oxygen component. The dry powder compositions containing the active oxygen compounds provide a stable, controlled release composition having various applications of use. Beneficially, the dry powders delivering active oxygen compounds are low or no odor compositions and do not require the use of personal protective equipment for persons handling the compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20140227790
    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: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark P. Peterson, Keith E. Olson
  • Publication number: 20140140948
    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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik Olson, Yvonne Killeen, Victor Man, Joelle Olson, Erin Loosbrock
  • Publication number: 20140142196
    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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Yvonne M. Killeen, Victor F. Man, Joelle F. Olson, Erin F. Loosbrock
  • Patent number: 8721801
    Abstract: A method of warewashing is provided. A combination detergent rinse aid composition is used according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes an alkaline source and a water-soluble anion. The rinse aid composition comprises an acid. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8. The anion is present in sufficient amount to leave a residue of anions on the surface of the wares. The acid of the rinse aid has a sufficiently low pKa to react with the anions to form an insoluble oxide on the surface of the wares. The insoluble oxide reduces the surface tension of water on the surface of the wares thus reducing water spotting. Methods for using and manufacturing a combination warewashing detergent-rinse aid composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140120179
    Abstract: Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions and methods of using the same are provided to enhance stability and increase shelf-life over conventional peracid compositions. Peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are formulated or treated with amine salts of acetic acid and/or sulfuric acid, ammonium salts, sodium salts of acetic acid and/or sulfuric acid, polymeric amines and/or other stabilizing agents according to the invention. The invention further relates to methods employing such compositions, and methods of making these compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Benjamin F. Reid
  • Publication number: 20140121271
    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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erik C. Olson, Kim R. Smith