Patents by Inventor Paul R. Kraus

Paul R. Kraus 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: 20200289683
    Abstract: A lighting array including one or more antimicrobial light segments configured to emit light sufficient to inactivate one or more microorganisms at a target surface may be installed within identified contamination zones of food or beverage preparation, processing, storing or packaging equipment or machinery. In an ice machine, for example, an array controller is configured for communication with an ice machine controller to receive ice machine status information signals. The status information signals are usable by the array controller to determine cycle, state, and/or usage information associated with the ice machine. The array controller may individually control activation of the one or more antimicrobial light segments based on the status information signals received from the machine controller to achieve inactivation of one or more microorganisms on target surfaces within the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Paul Dominic Christian, Paul R. Kraus, Gina McDowell, Amani Babekir, Anna Starobin
  • Patent number: 10746653
    Abstract: An optical sensor determines a characteristic of a fluid medium based on a plurality of detector outputs and a characteristic model. The optical sensor directs light into the fluid medium, detects light at each of a plurality of wavelengths transmitted through the fluid medium, and produces therefrom the plurality of detector outputs. The characteristic model provides an estimate of the characteristic of the fluid medium based on a partial least squares analysis of optical transmission measurements through at least one reference fluid medium having a known characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Victor N. Morin
  • Patent number: 10729131
    Abstract: Methods of generating performic acid by contacting aqueous oxidizing agent and aqueous formic acid source in liquid phase are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the in situ production of the performic acid chemistries is further disclosed. In particular, a continuous flow reactor is provided to generate performic acid at variable rates. Methods of employing the oxidizing biocide for various disinfection applications are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Benjamin Crew, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Ramakrishnan Balasubramanian, Richard Staub, Ariel Chatman Kleczewski, Minh Tran, Catherine Hanson, Irwan Yunus, Jeffery D. Breshears, Brian Paul Brunner
  • Publication number: 20200122202
    Abstract: A soil-based coupon having an electronically readable verification code printed thereon is used for verification of soil removal by a cleaning process. The coupon includes a soil overlay covering the verification code. The verification code is at least partially revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlay during the cleaning process. If the data encoded in the verification code can be correctly decoded after completion of the cleaning process, the cleaning process can be verified. The soil overlay can be designed to match the application. The coupons may be used in a cleaning process verification procedure in which one or more computing devices analyze images of the verification codes to determine whether or not cleaning processes can be verified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Rachel Marie Rahn
  • Publication number: 20200002151
    Abstract: A fluid-driven chemical product dispensing system dispenses fluid chemical product concentrates. The dispensing system includes a fluid drive unit powered by flow of a fluid, such as a diluent, and a pump which delivers the fluid chemical product concentrate from a supply to a destination. Upon exit from the fluid drive unit, the diluent is also delivered to the destination, where it mixes with the dispensed fluid chemical product concentrate to form a use solution. The dilution ratio of the volume of fluid chemical product concentrate dispensed per unit time versus the volume of diluent exiting the drive unit per unit time is constant over a defined range of diluent flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Eric A. Dean, Brock S. Mueggenborg, Alissa R. Ellingson
  • Publication number: 20190317063
    Abstract: Systems for quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution are provided and can be used, for example, in methods for quantifying a target analyte concentration. These systems and methods include continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes and can include methods that provide for methods that provide a dynamic range for measurement of target analyte concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Robert J. Ryther
  • Publication number: 20190310235
    Abstract: Systems for quantifying one or more target analyte concentrations in a process solution are provided and can be used, for example, in methods for quantifying a target analyte concentration. These systems and methods include continuous and batchwise automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution using a multiwavelength detector. The methods provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes and can include methods that analyze more than one analyte and that provide for a dynamic range for measurement of more than one target analyte concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, John Wilhelm Bolduc, Robert J. Ryther
  • Patent number: 10392242
    Abstract: A fluid product dispenser is sized to removably receive a product package containing a supply of the fluid product. The product package includes an internally integrated fluid pump, and the dispenser includes a drive unit powered by flow of a fluid. Flow of the fluid powers the drive unit, which in turn drives the pump internal to the product package, resulting in dispensation of the fluid product in a product/fluid ratio that is independent of the fluid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Keith E. Olson, Sherri L. Tischler
  • Patent number: 10379091
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to continuous methods quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution. These methods are continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Robert Ryther
  • Publication number: 20190241299
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring product packaging and removal of the packaging from a product is disclosed. The labeled product packaging includes a shrink wrap packaging adapted for sealing around a product. A predefined point of failure is configured in the packaging and includes a failure mode for when pulled in at least one direction. A label is sealed to the packaging and adhered to the predefined point of failure in covering relation over the predefined point of failure. Lifting the label from the packaging tears open the packaging starting at the predefined point of failure so the product can be removed from the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan David Lucey, Christopher John Opelt, David M. Shoberg, Brian P. Carlson, Paul R. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20190166832
    Abstract: Methods and systems for temperature-controlled, on-site generation of peracids, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are disclosed. In particular, methods for using an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system overcome the limitations of temperature on the kinetics of the peracid generation and/or peracid decomposition inside an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system. The methods include the controlling of the temperature of at least one raw starting material, namely water, to improve upon methods of on-site generation of peracids. The methods allow for the generation of user-selected chemistry without regard to the ambient temperatures of the raw starting materials and/or the biocide formulator or generator system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Brandon Herdt, Richard Staub, Thomas C. Rustad, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Paul R. Kraus, Richard Walsh
  • Publication number: 20190124922
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site, continuous generation of peracid chemistry, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions, are disclosed. In particular, an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system is designed for on-site generation of peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions from sugar esters. Methods of using the in situ generated peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Patent number: 10244751
    Abstract: Methods and systems for temperature-controlled, on-site generation of peracids, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are disclosed. In particular, methods for using an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system overcome the limitations of temperature on the kinetics of the peracid generation and/or peracid decomposition inside an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system. The methods include the controlling of the temperature of at least one raw starting material, namely water, to improve upon methods of on-site generation of peracids. The methods allow for the generation of user-selected chemistry without regard to the ambient temperatures of the raw starting materials and/or the biocide formulator or generator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Herdt, Richard Staub, Thomas C. Rustad, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Paul R. Kraus, Richard Walsh
  • Publication number: 20190086375
    Abstract: Systems for quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution are provided and can be used, for example, in methods for quantifying a target analyte concentration. These systems and methods include continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes and can include methods that provide for methods that provide a dynamic range for measurement of target analyte concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Robert J. Ryther, Paul R. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20190069547
    Abstract: Methods of generating performic acid by contacting aqueous oxidizing agent and aqueous formic acid source in liquid phase are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the in situ production of the performic acid chemistries is further disclosed. In particular, a continuous flow reactor is provided to generate performic acid at variable rates. Methods of employing the oxidizing biocide for various disinfection applications are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Benjamin Crew, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Ramakrishnan Balasubramanian, Richard Staub, Ariel Chatman Kleczewski, Minh Tran, Catherine Hanson, Irwan Yunus, Jeffery D. Breshears, Brian Paul Brunner
  • Patent number: 10201156
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site, continuous generation of peracid chemistry, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions, are disclosed. In particular, an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system is designed for on-site generation of peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions from sugar esters. Methods of using the in situ generated peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Publication number: 20190033273
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to continuous methods quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution. These methods are continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Robert Ryther
  • Patent number: 10172351
    Abstract: Methods of generating performic acid by contacting aqueous oxidizing agent and aqueous formic acid source in liquid phase are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the in situ production of the performic acid chemistries is further disclosed. In particular, a continuous flow reactor is provided to generate performic acid at variable rates. Methods of employing the oxidizing biocide for various disinfection applications are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Benjamin Crew, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Ramakrishnan Balasubramanian, Richard Staub, Ariel Chatman Kleczewski, Minh Tran, Catherine Hanson, Irwan Yunus, Jeffery D. Breshears, Brian Paul Brunner
  • Publication number: 20180206490
    Abstract: Methods and systems for temperature-controlled, on-site generation of peracids, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are disclosed. In particular, methods for using an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system overcome the limitations of temperature on the kinetics of the peracid generation and/or peracid decomposition inside an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system. The methods include the controlling of the temperature of at least one raw starting material, namely water, to improve upon methods of on-site generation of peracids. The methods allow for the generation of user-selected chemistry without regard to the ambient temperatures of the raw starting materials and/or the biocide formulator or generator system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: BRANDON HERDT, RICHARD STAUB, THOMAS C. RUSTAD, JUNZHONG LI, DAVID D. MCSHERRY, PAUL R. KRAUS, RICHARD WALSH
  • Patent number: 10010075
    Abstract: Methods and systems for temperature-controlled, on-site generation of peracids, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are disclosed. In particular, methods for using an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system overcome the limitations of temperature on the kinetics of the peracid generation and/or peracid decomposition inside an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system. The methods include the controlling of the temperature of at least one raw starting material, namely water, to improve upon methods of on-site generation of peracids. The methods allow for the generation of user-selected chemistry without regard to the ambient temperatures of the raw starting materials and/or the biocide formulator or generator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Herdt, Richard Staub, Thomas C. Rustad, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Paul R. Kraus, Richard Walsh