Patents by Inventor Ralf Krack

Ralf Krack 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: 20240327759
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of dairy membrane cleaning. In particular, the methods comprise stepwise treatment of the dairy membranes to beneficially remove fouling and clean the membranes. The methods are suitable for dairy membranes including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis membranes utilized in dairy production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Stephan Doerries, Matthias Schmitz, Ralf Krack, Paige Mary Owens-Polta, Krista Otting, Sukhwan Soontravanich, Jesse Ray Murphy
  • Publication number: 20240306644
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to concentrated, alkaline, hypochlorite compositions with a magnesium salt. The disclosed compositions have improved stability and can be used for cleaning, bleaching, or as an antimicrobial composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Virginie Aristide Maas, Matthias Schmitz, Anja Patten, Michael Schneider, Ralf Krack
  • Publication number: 20240076576
    Abstract: A composition for cleaning membranes used in food processing comprising an amine oxide and an alkyl sulfate, the composition maintaining good cleaning performance whilst leaving a low residue of surfactant on the membrane that is cleaned using the composition. A method of use of the composition is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Stephan Dörries, Matthias Schmitz, Ralf Krack, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11851633
    Abstract: A composition for cleaning membranes used in food processing comprising an amine oxide and an alkyl sulfate, the composition maintaining good cleaning performance whilst leaving a low residue of surfactant on the membrane that is cleaned using the composition. A method of use of the composition is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Stephan Dörries, Matthias Schmitz, Ralf Krack, Michael Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20220025296
    Abstract: A composition for cleaning membranes used in food processing comprising an amine oxide and an alkyl sulfate, the composition maintaining good cleaning performance whilst leaving a low residue of surfactant on the membrane that is cleaned using the composition. A method of use of the composition is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Stephan Dörries, Matthias Schmitz, Ralf Krack, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11168285
    Abstract: A composition for cleaning membranes used in food processing comprising an amine oxide and an alkyl sulfate, the composition maintaining good cleaning performance whilst leaving a low residue of surfactant on the membrane that is cleaned using the composition. A method of use of the composition is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Dörries, Matthias Schmitz, Ralf Krack, Michael Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20200308506
    Abstract: A composition for cleaning membranes used in food processing comprising an amine oxide and an alkyl sulfate, the composition maintaining good cleaning performance whilst leaving a low residue of surfactant on the membrane that is cleaned using the composition. A method of use of the composition is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Stephan Dörries, Matthias Schmitz, Ralf Krack, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10597615
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, Jr., Kim R. Solomon, Ralf Krack
  • Publication number: 20180201882
    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: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, JR., Kim R. Solomon, Ralf Krack
  • Patent number: 9951302
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, Jr., Kim R. Solomon, Ralf Krack
  • Patent number: 9856434
    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 organic solvents and/or amine 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 and pH conditions that conventional caustic-based adhesive removal compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, Jr., Ralf Krack, Duc Nguyen, Terrence P. Everson
  • Publication number: 20170029746
    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: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, JR., Kim R. Solomon, Ralf Krack
  • Patent number: 9487735
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, Jr., Kim R. Smith, Ralf Krack
  • Publication number: 20150322382
    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 organic solvents and/or amine 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 and pH conditions that conventional caustic-based adhesive removal compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, JR., Ralf Krack, Duc Nguyen, Terrence P. Everson
  • Patent number: 9133426
    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 organic solvents and/or amine 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 and pH conditions that conventional caustic-based adhesive removal compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, Jr., Ralf Krack, Duc Nguyen, Terrence P. Everson
  • Patent number: 8970829
    Abstract: The invention refers to a fouling detection setup (I) and method for determining the amount of fouling (5) of surfaces (3) of fluid (6) treating devices (2) and/or internal functional components (4) of such devices, which are exposed to said fluid and are subjected to fouling. Fouling detection setups and methods are useful for monitoring the amount of fouling of surfaces, e.g. heat-transfer surfaces and also for monitoring the cleaning procedure of such fluid treating devices and/or internal functional components of such devices. According to the invention the detection setup (I) comprises at least one first sensor (7), with means (9) for measuring the optical transparency T and/or electrical conductive conductivity Q of said fluid (6). The Sensor includes at least one sensitive area (8) that is located nearby and/or within said surfaces (3) and wherein said area is at least temporarily exposed to said fluid (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Claudia Caussin De Schneck, Hartmut Forster, Karl Helminger, Ralf Krack, Robert Najman
  • Patent number: 8933009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of membrane separation processes and clean in place compositions for cleaning such membranes. The cleaning compositions can remove proteins, fats, and other food, beverage, and brewery based soils and offer an environmentally friendly alternative surfactant system to NPE. According to the invention, surfactants and polymers useful for this process are unpredictable and specific surfactants, polymers, and combinations of the same are disclosed for use alone, as part of a cleaning composition. Methods of use of the same are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Schacht, Jeffrey Weilage, Eric Schmidt, Joseph P. Curran, Ralf Krack, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Charles Allen Hodge
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140274857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of membrane separation processes and clean in place compositions for cleaning such membranes. The cleaning compositions can remove proteins, fats, and other food, beverage, and brewery based soils and offer an environmentally friendly alternative surfactant system to NPE. According to the invention, surfactants and polymers useful for this process are unpredictable and specific surfactants, polymers, and combinations of the same are disclosed for use alone, as part of a cleaning composition. Methods of use of the same are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul Schacht, Jeffrey Weilage, Eric Schmidt, Joseph P. Curran, Ralf Krack, Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Charles Allen Hodge
  • Publication number: 20130303422
    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 organic solvents and/or amine 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 and pH conditions that conventional caustic-based adhesive removal compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, JR., Ralf Krack, Duc Nguyen, Terrence P. Everson