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: 20030091770
    Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage surfactant composition that includes a surfactant, a phosphonium compound, and a carrier; wherein the beverage surfactant composition exhibits stability as a solution or as a dispersion at a temperature of about 0° C. to about 8° C. The present invention also provides a container or a conveyor for a container having a surface that is at least partially coated with the composition. The present invention also provides a process for lubricating a container that includes contacting at least a portion of a surface of the container and the composition together. The present invention also provides a process for lubricating a conveyor that includes contacting at least a portion of a surface of the conveyor and the composition together. The present invention also provides a method for enhancing stability as a solution or a dispersion of a composition containing a surfactant and a carrier, involving incorporating a phosphonium compound into the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kim Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Amy Haupert
  • Publication number: 20030073589
    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 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 6509302
    Abstract: We have found that a clear, stable microemulsion can be used during container transport operations during which the container is contacted with a transparent dispersion of hydrophilic and oleophilic materials. 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 transparent dispersed liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional lubricant diluted with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kimberly Person Hei, Amy Haupert
  • Patent number: 6503875
    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: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Lynne Ann Olson, Minyu Li
  • Patent number: 6495494
    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: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 6485794
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Keith Edward Olson
  • Publication number: 20020115574
    Abstract: We have found that a clear, stable microemulsion can be used during container transport operations during which the container is contacted with a transparent dispersion of hydrophilic and oleophilic materials. 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 transparent dispersed liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional lubricant diluted with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kimberly Person Hei, Amy Haupert
  • Publication number: 20020115573
    Abstract: A food container conveyor device having improved lubricant properties can be lubricated using a lubricant composition that can become ingested by a user from a food or a container for the food, can come into incidental contact or direct content with a food composition, can be incorporated at measurable concentrations into the food, or can be used generally on food conveyor surfaces wherein the food is exposed to the lubricant. Such lubricant compositions can be formulated in aqueous or non-aqueous compositions containing approved lubricant ingredients. Food containers lubricated using the compositions of the invention can be distributed to the public even in the substantial occurrence of contact between the food composition and the approved lubricant materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Kim Person Hei, Minyu Li, Amy Haupert, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Publication number: 20020108838
    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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab
    Inventors: Keith Edward Olson, Minyu Li, Bryan Michael Anderson
  • Patent number: 6427826
    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: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keight Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Publication number: 20020051850
    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 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Scott Bennett, Kim Person Hei, Minyu Li, Amy Haupert, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Publication number: 20020025912
    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: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Person Hei, Joy G. Herdt, Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei, Michael E. Besse
  • Patent number: 6342324
    Abstract: Release compositions include (a) from zero to about 30 parts by weight of a polymer selected from the group consisting of wherein R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, R10, R11, and R12 are each independently selected from an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, and an aralkyl group, such that at least one of R6 and R7 is an alkenyl group, l, m, and n are each independently an integer so long as the polymer contains greater than 3 mol % vinyl-containing siloxane groups; a (vinyl siloxy)(siloxy)-modified silica having a vinyl content of at least about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, M. Zaki Ali, Eric D. Morrison, Charles W. Simpson, Leonard J. Stulc, Ramnath Subramaniam, Jiayi Zhu
  • Patent number: 6288012
    Abstract: A process for lubrication a container, such as a beverage container, by applying to the container, a substantially non-aqueous lubricant. The process provides many advantages as compared to the use of an aqueous lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Guang-Jong Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6221545
    Abstract: An adhesive composition that includes the reaction product of (a) a polyester-based polyurethane; (b) an epoxy resin; (c) an epoxy-functional silane; and (d) an isocyanate-functional compound, and multilayer laminates in which this adhesive composition is used to bond two polymeric substrates together where at least one of the substrates has an ink-bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Bao Tran, Minyu Li, Eric D. Morrison, Claire A. Jalbert, Jai Venkateson, James A. Baker, Gay L. Herman
  • Patent number: 6214777
    Abstract: A lubricant composition comprising a lubricating agent and a quaternary phosphonium compound is useful as a conveyor, container or beverage lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Kim L. Person-Hei, Bruce R. Cords, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Joy G. Herdt
  • Patent number: 6207622
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a phase-separating mixture of a hydrophilic lubricating material and an oleophilic lubricating material whose specific gravity is less than or equal to the specific gravity of the hydrophilic lubricating material. Prior to being applied to the container or conveyor, the mixture is agitated or otherwise maintained in a mixed but unstable state. Following application, the hydrophilic lubricating material and oleophilic lubricating material tend to undergo phase-separation, with the oleophilic lubricating material typically forming a film atop the hydrophilic lubricating material, thereby providing a water-repelling lubricating layer having reduced water sensitivity. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Keith Darrell Lokkesmoe, Michael Edward Besse
  • Patent number: 6171735
    Abstract: A photosensitive composition is prepared containing a polymer of the formula B(X)(Y) wherein B represents an organic backbone, each X independently is an acidic group or salt thereof and each Y independently is a photocurable group and a photoinitiating compound or compounds. Preferably, free-radically polymerizable multi-functional monomer and/or oligomer is added to the photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition can be coated on a suitable substrate for planographic printing plate applications. Imagewise irradiation causes the light struck regions to photocure, becoming insoluble in aqueous and organic mediums, while the non-light struck regions remain highly soluble/dispersable. Printing plates of this construction do not require processing prior to being run on a press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Minyu Li, James P. Gardner, John E. Kluge, Sumita B. Mitra
  • Patent number: 6027857
    Abstract: A photosensitive composition is prepared containing a polymer of the formula B(X)(Y) wherein B represents an organic backbone, each X independently is an acidic group or salt thereof and each Y independently is a photocurable group and a photoinitiating compound or compounds. Preferably, free-radically polymerizable multi-functional monomer and/or oligomer is added to the photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition can be coated on a suitable substrate for planographic printing plate applications. Imagewise irradiation causes the light struck regions to photocure, becoming insoluble in aqueous and organic mediums, while the non-light struck regions remain highly soluble/dispersable. Printing plates of this construction do not require processing prior to being run on a press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Minyu Li, James P. Gardner, John E. Kluge, Sumita B. Mitra
  • Patent number: 5925497
    Abstract: A photosensitive composition is prepared containing a polymer of the formula B(X)(Y) wherein B represents an organic backbone, each X independently is an acidic group or salt thereof and each Y independently is a photocurable group and a photoinitating compound or compounds. Preferably, free-radically polymerizable multi-functional monomer and/or oligomer is added to the photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition can be coated on a suitable substrate for planographic printing plate applications. Imagewise irradiation causes the light struck regions to photocure, becoming insoluble in aqueous and organic mediums, while the non-light struck regions remain highly soluble/dispersable. Printing plates of this construction do not require processing prior to being run on a press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Minyu Li, James P. Gardner, John E. Kluge, Sumita B. Mitra