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).

  • Patent number: 8933263
    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 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Herdt, Richard Staub, Thomas C. Rustad, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Paul R. Kraus, Richard Walsh
  • Publication number: 20140378544
    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: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Patent number: 8889900
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site 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 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Katherine M. Sanville, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Patent number: 8858895
    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 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Publication number: 20140273244
    Abstract: A system and method for performing automated titrations. An automatic titrator utilizes control devices and sensors adapted for various chemical reactions to perform titrations and determine the content of a desired component of a solution. Batch and continuous mode titrations are possible. Titrant is added to a sample either in varying amounts or rates and a titration endpoint is observed via sensors. Control devices detect when the titration endpoint occurs and calculates the desired content. Various reactions within the solution may be suppressed in order to titrate isolated components individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: John Wilhelm Bolduc, Blake Roberts Otting, Paul R. Kraus, Robert Ryther
  • Publication number: 20140261870
    Abstract: A dilute chemical solution may be prepared in response to a dispense request by combining multiple concentrated chemicals with a diluent. In one example, a target amount of diluent is dispensed into a container until a measured weight of the diluent reaches a target weight. A first concentrated chemical is also dispensed into the container until a measured weight of the first concentrated chemical reaches a target weight. The liquid solution containing the diluent and the first concentrated chemical is withdrawn from the container and applied on a second concentrated chemical that is a solid state product so as to cause the second concentrated chemical to at least partially dissolve and enter the container. In some applications, the first and second concentrated chemicals react with one another to generate an active molecule in the chemical solution that is not present in either of the two concentrated chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Keith E. OLSON, Paul R. KRAUS, Sherri TISCHLER, Brandon J. SCHIRMER
  • Patent number: 8748191
    Abstract: Analytical systems and methods are provided for simultaneously dispensing metered volumes of fluids at different rates and mixing the fluids to generate a mixed sample having the fluids in proportion to the different rates at which they were dispensed. In some cases two or more of the fluids are premixed prior to mixing with other fluids. In some cases a use composition and diluent are simultaneously dispensed at different rates and premixed to form a diluted sample. One or more reagents may be mixed with the diluted sample and the sample mixture can be analyzed to determine characteristics of the use composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, William M. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8744623
    Abstract: A chemical product dispenser includes one or more timing features. The chemical product may include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or other chemical products typically dispensed using a conventional spray bottle or other chemical product applicator used in the cleaning industry. The timed dispenser includes a timer and one or more indicators that are activated when one or more predetermined periods of time (such as a contact time or cure time) have elapsed. A timed dispenser audit system further monitors and analyzes use of the timed dispensers throughout one or more facilities, and may generate reports based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Drake, Sherri L. Tischler, Paul R. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20140144936
    Abstract: A dispensing system and methods employed therein uses optical displacement sensing to control dispensation of one or more products. An optical displacement sensor measures displacement of a load beam supporting a vessel from which the product is to be dispensed. The displacement of the load beam is related to the amount (weight) of the product remaining in the vessel. The system may thus control dispensation of the product based on the optical displacement measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Mihnea A. Popa
  • Patent number: 8727102
    Abstract: At least one single link of a conveyor chain is configured to support a tension load cell. A main body portion of the link includes a central cavity sized to contain the load cell, which has been inserted therein through an opening of the main body portion, and at least one auxiliary cavity to contain at least one battery cell and circuitry. A cap portion of the link closes off the opening into the cavity to enclose the load cell therein. One or both of the main body and cap portions may include a bore to receive a fastener for attaching to an end of the inserted load cell, and both portions include a bore oriented to receive a pin of a mating dual link of the conveyor chain. The cap portion may also include anti-rotation surfaces to mate with one or both of: the load cell and the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, William M. Christensen, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Richard Ruhr, Paul R. Kraus, Mark Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8602069
    Abstract: A solid chemical product is dispensed to prepare a requested amount of a use solution having a requested concentration of the chemical product. In some examples, a target amount of a diluent and a target amount of the chemical product required to prepare the requested use solution are determined. The target amount of the diluent is dispensed into a container. At least some of the diluent in the container is applied to the solid chemical product to create a resultant use solution, which is directed back into the container. The diluent from the container is applied to the chemical product until the amount of the use solution in the container satisfies the requested amount. In some examples, the target amount of the diluent and the target amount of the chemical product are measured by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mihnea A. Popa, Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Sherri L. Tischler, Blake Roberts Otting
  • Publication number: 20130323854
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a dye that signals when the concentration of a quaternary ammonium compound in antimicrobial solution changes. A sensor is used to monitor changes in the dye wavelength as an indicator of the quat concentration. The use of a sensor leads to improved precision in measuring quat concentration by eliminating or reducing operator bias in reading color or wavelength changes. The dye 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: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Sherri Tischler, Kim R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130145731
    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: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Ryan David Lucey, Christopher John Opelt, David M. Shoberg, Brian P. Carlson, Paul R. Kraus
  • Patent number: 8444019
    Abstract: A product dispensing system is provided. The product dispensing system includes a dispensing device and a sealing assembly. The dispensing device is configured and arranged to pass product out of a dispensing orifice in the product dispensing system. The sealing assembly is configured and arranged to wipe and seal the dispensing orifice to prevent exposure of unused product with ambient air when the product dispensing system is not dispensing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Lucey, Anthony L. Kramer, Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Sherri L. Tischler, Mihnea A. Popa, Brian P. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8387777
    Abstract: At least one single link of a conveyor chain is configured to support a tension load cell. A main body portion of the link includes a central cavity sized to contain the load cell, which has been inserted therein through an opening of the main body portion, and at least one auxiliary cavity to contain at least one battery cell and circuitry. A cap portion of the link closes off the opening into the cavity to enclose the load cell therein. One or both of the main body and cap portions may include a bore to receive a fastener for attaching to an end of the inserted load cell, and both portions include a bore oriented to receive a pin of a mating dual link of the conveyor chain. The cap portion may also include anti-rotation surfaces to mate with one or both of: the load cell and the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, William M. Christensen, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Richard O. Ruhr, Paul R. Kraus, Mark Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8383207
    Abstract: A tire dressing system includes an imaging device that captures an image of a vehicle tire or portion thereof and at least one application device that applies tire dressing to the tire based on the captured image. The system determines one or more tire parameters based on the captured image. The tire dressing system configures the at least one application device based on the tire parameter(s) such that the application device substantially restricts application of tire dressing to within the boundaries of the tire sidewalls. By determining the tire parameters, the tire dressing system may apply the tire dressing to the tire sidewalls while reducing or minimizing application of tire dressing to the body or rims of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ZEP IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: David J. Falbaum, Darren M. Jahnke, Paul R. Kraus, Paul S. Schilling, Mark Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20120322872
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site 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 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Katherine M. Sanville, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Publication number: 20120303159
    Abstract: A chemical product dispenser includes one or more timing features. The chemical product may include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or other chemical products typically dispensed using a conventional spray bottle or other chemical product applicator used in the cleaning industry. The timed dispenser includes a timer and one or more indicators that are activated when one or more predetermined periods of time (such as a contact time or cure time) have elapsed. A timed dispenser audit system further monitors and analyzes use of the timed dispensers throughout one or more facilities, and may generate reports based on the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Drake, Sherri L. Tischler, Paul R. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20120273351
    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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Victor N. Morin
  • Patent number: 8269193
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a handheld fluorometer and method of determining a concentration of a product within a sample. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes an immersible sensor head that measures a fluorescence of the product and a controller that calculates the concentration of product. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes a handheld controller module, an immersible sensor head connected to the controller module, a sample cup for containing a water sample, and a fastener that removably fastens the sample cup about the immersible sensor head. In some cases the sensor head is angled with respect to the controller module and the fluorometer provides a substantially stable base. The sample cup can be removed to acquire a sample of water containing the product and then refastened about the sensor head for determining the concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Christensen, Eugene Tokhtuev, Brian Philip Carlson, Paul R. Kraus, Benedict F. Pesigan, Jill Marie Klegin, Adrian Eugene Hartz, Michael Patrick Kremer