Patents by Inventor Robert D. Hei

Robert D. Hei 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: 20090188533
    Abstract: A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems. The compositions may comprise, for example, one or more solutions that each or collectively contain or comprises: a) at least one anionic surfactant; b) at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant; and c) an alkaline agent. Optional additional ingredients may comprise at least one polycarboxylic acid chelating agent (preferably an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent), at least one non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant, at least one hydrotrope, inorganic and/or organic acids and at least one silicate. The alkaline agent may provide a pH (when the finished product is diluted to 0.5 to 5% by weight in water) will be between about 9 to 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 7482315
    Abstract: A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems. The compositions may comprise, for example, one or more solutions that each or collectively contain or comprises: a) at least one anionic surfactant; b) at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant; and c) an alkaline agent. Optional additional ingredients may comprise at least one polycarboxylic acid chelating agent (preferably an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent), at least one non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant, at least one hydrotrope, inorganic and/or organic acids and at least one silicate. The alkaline agent may provide a pH (when the finished product is diluted to 0.5 to 5% by weight in water) will be between about 9 to 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Publication number: 20080199562
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid and methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry. The methods include the step of applying a mixed peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Robert D. Hei
  • Patent number: 6897188
    Abstract: A liquid detergent concentrate is provided. The liquid detergent concentrate includes about 1 wt. % to about 40 wt. % combination anionic surfactant component and nonionic surfactant component containing about 0.5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % anionic surfactant and about 0.5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % nonionic surfactant, about 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of a water conditioning agent, and about 40 wt. % to about 95 wt. % water. The liquid detergent concentrate can be diluted with water to provide a liquid detergent use solution containing greater than 95 wt. % water. A method for washing textiles is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Paul J. Mattia, Robert D. Hei, John W. Birckbichler, Richard D. Stardig
  • Patent number: 6864220
    Abstract: A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems. The compositions may comprise, for example, one or more solutions that each or collectively contain or comprises: a) at least one anionic surfactant; b) at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant; and c) an alkaline agent. Optional additional ingredients may comprise at least one polycarboxylic acid chelating agent (preferably an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent), at least one non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant, at least one hydrotrope, inorganic and/or organic acids and at least one silicate. The alkaline agent may provide a pH (when the finished product is diluted to 0.5 to 5% by weight in water) will be between about 9 to 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Publication number: 20040057977
    Abstract: Compositions, methods-of-preparing, and methods-of-use of a water-based rapid acting insecticidal bait containing a stabilized water-sensitive insecticide as an active ingredient are described. Also described is a storage stable composition containing the water-sensitive insecticide and an insecticide stabilizer, such as boric acid or a nanoparticle. The composition can be easily applied into cracks, crevices, voids, or other pest harborage areas to rapidly kill insect pests, particularly cockroaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, S. John Barcay, Emory H. Matts, Steven J. Lange, Thomas R. Mohs, Robert D. Hei
  • Patent number: 6602350
    Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in the removal of road film and dirt from vehicles are provided. The compositions can be provided in the form of a concentrate and a ready-to-use or a diluted formulation and can be used to remove a wide range of different types of traffic film. The compositions can contain at least one anionic surfactant, at least one polyoxyalkylene ammonium cationic surfactant and at least one of an alkaline agent and an acidulating agent. Additional components that can be included are a chelating agent, a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a hydrotrope, and a silicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen Norland, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Publication number: 20030064905
    Abstract: A liquid detergent concentrate is provided. The liquid detergent concentrate includes about 1 wt. % to about 40 wt. % combination anionic surfactant component and nonionic surfactant component containing about 0.5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % anionic surfactant and about 0.5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % nonionic surfactant, about 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of a water conditioning agent, and about 40 wt. % to about 95 wt. % water. The liquid detergent concentrate can be diluted with water to provide a liquid detergent use solution containing greater than 95 wt. % water. A method for washing textiles is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Paul J. Mattia, Robert D. Hei, John W. Birckbichler, Richard D. Stardig
  • Publication number: 20020173438
    Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in the removal of road film and dirt from vehicles are provided. The compositions can be provided in the form of a concentrate and a ready-to-use or a diluted formulation and can be used to remove a wide range of different types of traffic film. The compositions can contain at least one anionic surfactant, at least one polyoxyalkylene ammonium cationic surfactant and at least one of an alkaline agent and an acidulating agent. Additional components that can be included are a chelating agent, a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a hydrotrope, and a silicate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen Norland, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Publication number: 20020128169
    Abstract: A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: ECOLAB, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 6350725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful in the removal of road film and dirt from vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and the like. These compositions contain propoxylated quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants. Alternatively, the solution can contain quaternary surfactants containing both an ethoxylated group and a propoxylated group. These solutions contain at least one anionic surfactant such as a linear alkyl benzyl sulfonate, alpha olefin sulfonates, alkyl sulfates and secondary alkane sulfonates. The pH of the composition can be adjusted with either an alkaline or an acidulating agent such as metal hydroxides, sodium hydroxide, aminopolycarboxylic acids, and the like. The pH of the solution is between 2.0 and 13, preferably between 8.0 and 13.0. An example solution contains zeolite, citric acid, linear dodecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, nonylphenol ethoxylate, quaternary cationic surfactant (as described above), and a glycol ether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen Norland, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 6339054
    Abstract: A concentrate and a ready-to-use or diluted formulation for an aqueous vehicle cleaner can remove a wide range of different types of traffic film using either low pressure application, hand pressure application, water jet spray apparatus, clean-in-place systems or other manual or mechanical washing systems. The compositions may comprise, for example, one or more solutions that each or collectively contain or comprises: a) at least one anionic surfactant; b) at least one poly[oxyalkylene] ammonium cationic surfactant; and c) an alkaline agent. Optional additional ingredients may comprise at least one polycarboxylic acid chelating agent (preferably an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent), at least one non-ionic or amphoteric surfactant, at least one hydrotrope, inorganic and/or organic acids and at least one silicate. The alkaline agent may provide a pH (when the finished product is diluted to 0.5 to 5% by weight in water) will be between about 9 to 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Terry J. Klos, Michael E. Besse, Robert D. Hei, Jerry D. Hoyt, Cathleen O'Connor, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 6015536
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment of a plant fluid effluent containing odor compounds including an alkyl mercaptan or an alkyl thiol, an amine compound, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and mixtures thereof by contacting the plant effluent in either a counterflow or cocurrent flow process. In the process, the effluent is contacted with an aqueous solution comprising a peracid compound. When contacted with the peracid, odor compounds in the effluent are oxidized and converted from the gaseous phase into a chemically modified highly aqueous soluble phase in the aqueous treatment. In this way, odor removal from the gas is preferred and odor compounds are efficiently transferred into the aqueous treatment solution. The use of such a process produces a significant improvement in odor quality index as measured by a conventional process using an expert panel when compared to conventional treatment methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Robert D. Hei, Joel J. Schilling
  • Patent number: 5868859
    Abstract: The creation of a substantial volume of foam on the surface of an aqueous medium can reduce the apparent thermal IR emission substantially when compared to that of the aqueous medium free of foam. This difference in temperature (infrared emission) can be used to control a defoaming process or the addition of a defoaming agent to control foam in the aqueous medium. The apparent thermal infrared emission of foam is less than that of the aqueous medium. As the thermal IR emissions drop as foam develops, the difference between the apparent temperature of the foam and the temperature of aqueous medium increases. Such a difference in temperature can be used to control use of a defoaming process or agent. As the foam volume is reduced, the addition of a defoaming composition is substantially reduced or stopped. During the control method, a predetermined limit is established at which the defoaming process or composition is introduced into the aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Jay T. Kummet, Scott P. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5858443
    Abstract: The invention relates to treatment of aqueous streams and aqueous systems with ozone. The aqueous stream comprises a closed loop system providing transport from a production locus to a processing locus for a variety of products. The aqueous stream can contain a challenge soil load and a microbial load. A treatment zone is defined through which the aqueous stream passes. The treatment zone is contacted with a sufficient concentration of ozone to substantially reduce the microbial population and to substantially reduce the number of microorganisms that can generate slime on the interior of the system. An amount of ozone is added to the aqueous stream in the treatment zone such that once the microbial populations are reduced to a safe level, the ozone concentration is also reduced to a level substantially safe for contact with operating personnel and product. Typically, such concentration is less than one part by weight of ozone per million parts by weight of aqueous system, preferably less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Guang-jong J. Wei, Bruce R. Cords
  • Patent number: 5750484
    Abstract: Improved separation of emulsified hydrophobic organic soils can be obtained from aqueous effluents using an amphoteric carboxylate surfactant material in combination with cationic destabilizer or flocculent materials. Such a treatment in combination with an acidic pH adjustment causes the rapid separation of hydrophobic organic soils from the aqueous stream. The treated aqueous stream is environmentally compatible.Improved laundry detergents comprising an organic amphoteric carboxylate surfactant and selected nonionic surfactants provide both cleaning for fiber and fabric containing items soiled with substantial quantities of hydrophobic soil. The pH of an effluent generated in such cleaning processes can be adjusted to an acid pH and treated with a cationic material causing a break that permits rapid and substantially complete separation of the hydrophobic organic soils from the effluent. Residual concentrations of organic soil in effluent water can be less than 250 ppm and can be as low as 10 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Falbaum, Robert D. Hei, Helmut K. Maier, Paul J. Mattia
  • Patent number: 5741768
    Abstract: Improved separation of emulsified hydrophobic organic soils can be obtained from aqueous effluents using an amphoteric dicarboxylate surfactant material in combination with cationic destabilizer or floeculent materials. Such a treatment in combination with an acidic pH adjustment causes the rapid separation of hydrophobic organic soils from the aqueous stream, the treated aqueous stream is environmentally compatible.Improved laundry detergents comprising an organic amphoteric carboxylate surfactant and selected nonionic surfactants provide both cleaning for fiber and fabric containing items soiled with substantial quantities of hydrophobic soil. The pH of an effluent generated in such cleaning processes can be adjusted to an acid pH and treated with a cationic material causing a break that permits rapid and substantially complete separation of the hydrophobic organic soils from the effluent. Residual concentrations of organic soil in effluent water can be less than 250 ppm and can be as low as 10 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Falbaum, Robert D. Hei, Helmut K. Maier, Paul J. Mattia
  • Patent number: 5567444
    Abstract: A cleaning and sanitizing method for soiled solid surfaces, especially clean-in-place process facilities, is described which involves contacting the surfaces first with an aqueous ozone cleaning composition having a pH greater than 7, wherein the ozone is generated by electrical discharge, then quenching the excess ozone and simultaneously sanitizing the surfaces by contact with an aqueous composition containing hydrogen peroxide, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 peroxyaliphatic carboxylic acid or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Hei, Guange-jong J. Wei, Bruce R. Cords, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 5523000
    Abstract: Improved separation of emulsified hydrophobic organic soils can be obtained from aqueous effluents using an amphoteric dicarboxylate surfactant material in combination with cationic destabilizer or flocculent materials. Such a treatment in combination with an acidic pH adjustment causes the rapid separation of hydrophobic organic soils from the aqueous stream. The treated aqueous stream is environmentally compatible.Improved laundry detergents comprising an organic amphoteric carboxylate surfactant and selected nonionic surfactants provide both cleaning for fiber and fabric containing items soiled with substantial quantities of hydrophobic soil. The pH of an effluent generated in such cleaning processes can be adjusted to an acid pH and treated with a cationic material causing a break that permits rapid and substantially complete separation of the hydrophobic organic soils from the effluent. Residual concentrations of organic soil in effluent water can be less than 250 ppm and can be as low as 10 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Falbaum, Robert D. Hei, Helmut K. Maier, Paul J. Mattia
  • Patent number: 5484549
    Abstract: A pH greater than 7 aqueous ozonized cleaning composition can be used for cleaning a tenacious residue or film from solid surfaces. The cleaning properties can be potentiated by additive materials. Ozone, generated by electrical discharge, can be blended into effective aqueous cleaning compositions that can efficiently clean proteinaceous, oily or carbohydrate soil from a variety of surfaces. Immediately after ozone generation, the ozone containing gas stream comprising ozone and the residual air is injected through a hose into an aqueous potentiating additive containing carrier solution, forming a cleaning solution which is applied immediately to a soiled solid surface to remove a contaminating residue or film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Hei, Thomas R. Oakes, Guang-jong J. Wei