Patents by Inventor Minyu Li

Minyu Li 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: 20050059564
    Abstract: A composition and method of lubricating conveyor tracks or belts is herein described wherein the lubricant composition contains a fatty acid, a neutralizing agent, a polyalkylene glycol polymer and a monomeric polyol; also described are methods of manufacture of such lubricant compositions. The compositions may also comprise additional functional ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Richard Johnson
  • Patent number: 6855676
    Abstract: A method of lubricating conveyor tracks or belts is herein described wherein the lubricant composition contains a polyalkylene glycol polymer and a fatty acid; also described are methods of manufacture of such lubricant compositions in both concentrate and diluted form. The compositions may also comprise additional functional ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab., Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kim Person Hei, Amy Haupert
  • Patent number: 6821568
    Abstract: The interface between a moving conveyor belt and a work piece can be lubricated using an air driven stream of finely divided droplets of a lubricant composition. Droplets of a preferred size are directed by the air stream onto the conveyor with little waste of lubricant off the conveyor. The lubricant provides a very low coefficient of friction and little or no stress cracking in the containers. Using a low pressure and low flow rate air stream in conjunction with a low flow rate liquid lubricant attains the useful particle size in the lubricant add on spray. The liquid lubricant is sheared by the effect of the air flow creating the desirable droplet size and pattern of lubricant on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Bennett, Kim Person Hei, Minyu Li, Amy Haupert, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 6806240
    Abstract: Thermally formed thermoplastic articles can be protected from stress cracking in the presence of stress cracking promoting compounds by forming a shaped article comprising a thermoplastic and a liquid hydrocarbon oil composition. We have found that the liquid hydrocarbon oil composition prevents the stress cracking promoting materials from interacting with the polymeric structure of the stressed container to prevent or inhibit stress cracking in such materials. The methods and compositions of the invention are particularly useful in preventing stress cracking in polyethylene terephthalate beverage containers during bottling operations during which the bottle in contacted with aqueous and non-aqueous materials such as cleaners and lubricants that can interact with the polyester to cause stress cracking particularly in the container base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. P. Hei, Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Joy G. Herdt, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 6780823
    Abstract: A process for lubricating a container, such as a beverage container, or a conveyor for containers, by applying to the container or conveyor, a thin continuous, substantially non-dripping layer of a liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional dilute aqueous lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keight Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6743758
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts and with relatively low or no water content, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe
  • Publication number: 20040102337
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts and with relatively low or no water content, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe
  • Publication number: 20040102334
    Abstract: A method of lubricating a moving surface is herein described wherein the lubricant composition contains a fatty acid, a neutralization agent, a pH buffer, and a carrier. Also described are compositions in both concentrate and dilute form. The compositions may also comprise additional functional ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Paul J. Wang, Lawrence A. Grab
  • Publication number: 20040097382
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts and with relatively low or no water content, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe
  • Publication number: 20040058829
    Abstract: Thermally formed thermoplastic articles can be protected from stress cracking in the presence of stress cracking promoting compounds by forming a shaped article comprising a thermoplastic and a liquid hydrocarbon oil composition. We have found that the liquid hydrocarbon oil composition prevents the stress cracking promoting materials from interacting with the polymeric structure of the stressed container to prevent or inhibit stress cracking in such materials. The methods and compositions of the invention are particularly useful in preventing stress cracking in polyethylene terephthalate beverage containers during bottling operations during which the bottle is contacted with aqueous and non-aqueous materials such as cleaners and lubricants that can interact with the polyester to cause stress cracking particularly in the container base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20040053793
    Abstract: A method of lubricating conveyor tracks or belts is herein described wherein the lubricant composition contains a polyalkylene glycol polymer, a fatty acid, and an anionic surfactant; also described is a lubricant composition with reduced sensitivity to low pHs. The composition may also comprise additional functional ingredients and be composed of ingredients that can be safely administered to humans and mammals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kimberly L.P. Hei, Amy McBroom
  • Patent number: 6673753
    Abstract: Thermally formed thermoplastic articles can be protected from stress cracking in the presence of stress cracking promoting compounds by forming a shaped article comprising a thermoplastic and a liquid hydrocarbon oil composition. We have found that the liquid hydrocarbon oil composition prevents the stress cracking promoting materials from interacting with the polymeric structure of the stressed container to prevent or inhibit stress cracking in such materials. The methods and compositions of the invention are particularly useful in preventing stress cracking in polyethylene terephthalate beverage containers during bottling operations during which the bottle is contacted with aqueous and non-aqueous materials such as cleaners and lubricants that can interact with the polyester to cause stress cracking particularly in the container base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20030207040
    Abstract: The interface between a moving conveyor belt and a work piece can be lubricated using an air driven stream of finely divided droplets of a lubricant composition. Droplets of a preferred size are directed by the air stream onto the conveyor with little waste of lubricant off the conveyor. The lubricant provides a very low coefficient of friction and little or no stress cracking in the containers. Using a low pressure and low flow rate air stream in conjunction with a low flow rate liquid lubricant attains the useful particle size in the lubricant add on spray. The liquid lubricant is sheared by the effect of the air flow creating the desirable droplet size and pattern of lubricant on the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Bennett, Kim Person Hei, Minyu Li, Amy Haupert, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Publication number: 20030176302
    Abstract: A method of lubricating conveyor tracks or belts is herein described wherein the lubricant composition contains a polyalkylene glycol polymer and a fatty acid; also described are methods of manufacture of such lubricant compositions in both concentrate and diluted form. The compositions may also comprise additional functional ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kim Person Hei, Amy Haupert
  • Patent number: 6613727
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition that is suitable for lowering the alkalinity of a textile. The composition is also suitable for cleansing or treating a hard surface or a porous surface. The composition exhibits stability as a solution or as a dispersion at a temperature of about 0° C. to about 8° C. The composition includes a carrier, an acid, and a quaternary phosphonium compound, or a suitable salt or solvate thereof. The present invention also provides a method for cleansing or treating a surface. The method includes contacting the surface with an effective amount of a composition of the present invention to provide a treated or cleansed surface having a pH below about 7.5. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a composition of the present invention. The method includes combining the carrier, the acid, and the quaternary phosphonium compound, or a suitable salt or solvate thereof, in any order, to provide the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne Ann Olson, Minyu Li
  • Publication number: 20030134752
    Abstract: A process for lubricating a container, such as a beverage container, or a conveyor for containers, by applying to the container or conveyor, a thin continuous, substantially non-dripping layer of a liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional dilute aqueous lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keight Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6591970
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to at least a portion of the container-contacting surface of the conveyor or to at least a portion of the conveyor-contacting surface of the container a coating comprising a hydrophilic material wherein the lubricating properties of the coating are enhanced by contact with a polar liquid; polymerizing or otherwise solidifying the coating; and contacting the coating with such polar liquid. If desired, the coating can be applied or polymerized on the conveyor or container while the conveyor line is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Edward Olson, Minyu Li, Bryan Michael Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030118744
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricating coating that is thermally cured at less than 200° C. or radiation-cured. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts and with relatively low or no water content, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping, renewable lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide dry lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Keith Edward Olson
  • Publication number: 20030109402
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition that is suitable for lowering the alkalinity of a textile. The composition is also suitable for cleansing or treating a hard surface or a porous surface. The composition exhibits stability as a solution or as a dispersion at a temperature of about 0° C. to about 8° C. The composition includes a carrier, an acid, and a quaternary phosphonium compound, or a suitable salt or solvate thereof. The present invention also provides a method for cleansing or treating a surface. The method includes contacting the surface with an effective amount of a composition of the present invention to provide a treated or cleansed surface having a pH below about 7.5. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a composition of the present invention. The method includes combining the carrier, the acid, and the quaternary phosphonium compound, or a suitable salt or solvate thereof, in any order, to provide the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Lynne Ann Olson, Minyu Li
  • Patent number: 6576298
    Abstract: The interface between a moving conveyor belt and a work piece can be lubricated using an air driven stream of finely divided droplets of a lubricant composition. Droplets of a preferred size are directed by the air stream onto the conveyor with little waste of lubricant off the conveyor. The lubricant provides a very low coefficient of friction and little or no stress cracking in the containers. Using a low pressure and low flow rate air stream in conjunction with a low flow rate liquid lubricant attains the useful particle size in the lubricant add on spray. The liquid lubricant is sheared by the effect of the air flow creating the desirable droplet size and pattern of lubricant on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Bennett, Kim Person Hei, Minyu Li, Amy Haupert, Keith D. Lokkesmoe