Patents by Inventor Robert D. P. Hei

Robert D. P. 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: 20120225943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel combined laundry detergent, bleach, and antimicrobial composition incorporating novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds used in compositions of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Compositions of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds useful in preparing compositions of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: David W. Gohl, Robert D.P. Hei, Thomas Merz, Peter Jens Forth, Matthias Kreysel, David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Jonathan P. Fast
  • Patent number: 8246906
    Abstract: A method for antimicrobial treatment (e.g. antimicrobial treatment of food packaging and equipment) comprising applying to microbes a composition containing a diluting solvent (e.g., water), an antimicrobially-active solvent having a density different from the density of the diluting solvent, and an optional cosolvent, surfactant, or additional antimicrobial agent, wherein the amount of antimicrobially-active solvent or additional antimicrobial agent is sufficiently high and the amount of cosolvent or surfactant is sufficiently low so that the composition will provide greater than a 1-log order reduction in the population of bacteria or spores of Bacillus cereus within 10 seconds at 60° C. Preferred methods of the invention employ compositions containing an additional antimicrobial agent such as peroxyacetic acid. Compositions for use in the method can be prepared as concentrates, and used full strength or in diluted form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Guang-jong J. Wei, David A. Halsrud, Kim R. Smith, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Patent number: 8232239
    Abstract: Disclosed are concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium cation and benzylated alcohol solvent having between 50% to 90% weight active ingredients. Benzyl alcohol is disclosed as a preferred solvent to produce a clear liquid solution formulation rather than emulsion. The concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions of the present invention possess desirable stability, sustainability and fabric-softening properties. Methods of use are further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica Carlson, Stephen Christensen, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Publication number: 20120172439
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for generating percarboxylic acid compositions and/or peroxycarboxylic acid compositions formed external to a point of use in non-equilibrium reactions for use in certain bleaching and antimicrobial applications, in particular laundry applications. The compositions are generated external to a point of use, at alkaline pH levels, viz. greater than about pH 12, and optionally suitable for use with detergents and/or surfactants for synergistic bleaching efficacy. Methods of bleaching and/or disinfecting are further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Fast, Robert D.P. Hei, Richard Staub, Thomas J. Dürrschmidt, Peter J. Forth, Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Thomas Merz, Johannes G. Winter
  • Patent number: 8128998
    Abstract: Ultrafine zinc oxide can initiate hardening of polyurethane coatings and decrease the coating tack-free time. The decreased tack-free times facilitate earlier application of additional polyurethane layers and earlier return of a coated article to service, and can provide improved floor finishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Mark D. Levitt, Lauren K. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20110287187
    Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous floor coating composition, comprising water, at least one polymer film forming agent, and a plasticizing agent, wherein at least a portion of the plasticizing agent is a synergistic combination of tributoxyethyl phosphate and a benzoate ester blend. Such compositions have reduced phosphorus content, yet retain the leveling and gloss of tributoxyethyl phosphate plasticizers and also exhibit improved soil resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: TIMOTHY JOHN KOHNKE, DALE CURTIS LARSON, III, ROBERT D.P. HEI, MINYU LI, CATHERINE HANSON
  • Publication number: 20110219549
    Abstract: Disclosed are concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium cation and benzylated alcohol solvent having between 50% to 90% weight active ingredients. Benzyl alcohol is disclosed as a preferred solvent to produce a clear liquid solution formulation rather than emulsion. The concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions of the present invention possess desirable stability, sustainability and fabric-softening properties. Methods of use are further described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: JESSICA CARLSON, STEPHEN CHRISTENSEN, ROBERT D. P. HEI
  • Patent number: 7674760
    Abstract: Floor finishes are stripped or deep scrubbed using a floor stripper/cleaner composition containing sparingly water-soluble floor finish solvent; water; sulfonic acid, sulfate acid, phosphonic acid, phosphate acid or aromatic acid coupler in an amount sufficient to provide a homogenous aqueous liquid phase and no or low foaming during shaking; and sufficient organic amine so that the composition pH is about 2 to about 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Brian R. Leafblad, Minyu Li, Lauren K. Carlson, Nicola Kriens, Christian Franz Liko
  • Patent number: 7655718
    Abstract: Zinc carbonates such as carbonic acid zinc salt, zinc carbonate hydroxide monohydrate, zinc bicarbonate, zinc tetraamine carbonate, zinc ammonium carbonate, carbamic acid zinc salt and zinc carbamate can initiate hardening of polyurethane coatings and decrease the coating tack-free time. The decreased tack-free times facilitate earlier application of additional polyurethane layers and earlier return of a coated article to service, and can provide improved floor finishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Levitt, Lauren K. Carlson, Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Publication number: 20100022644
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of peroxycarboxylic acid that have reduced odor compared to conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions, methods employing these reduced-odor compositions, and methods of making these compositions. Typically, the reduced-odor compositions include an amine oxide surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D.P. Hei
  • Patent number: 7622606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of peroxycarboxylic acid that have reduced odor compared to conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions, methods employing these reduced-odor compositions, and methods of making these compositions. Typically, the reduced-odor compositions include an amine oxide surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 7588645
    Abstract: Floor finishes can be stripped using a substantially nonchlorinated concentrate comprising a floor finish dissolver and an at least partially water-unactivated water thickener. The concentrate is diluted with water at an intended use location to activate the water thickener and noticeably increase within sixty minutes or less the viscosity of the resulting mixture, then applied to a hardened floor finish atop a floor and allowed to soften or dissolve the floor finish so that the finish may be removed from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Mark D. Levitt, Brian R. Leafblad, Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Steven J. Lange, Jan E. Shulman
  • Publication number: 20090196939
    Abstract: A method for antimicrobial treatment (e.g. antimicrobial treatment of food packaging and equipment) comprising applying to microbes a composition containing a diluting solvent (e.g., water), an antimicrobially-active solvent having a density different from the density of the diluting solvent, and an optional cosolvent, surfactant, or additional antimicrobial agent, wherein the amount of antimicrobially-active solvent or additional antimicrobial agent is sufficiently high and the amount of cosolvent or surfactant is sufficiently low so that the composition will provide greater than a 1-log order reduction in the population of bacteria or spores of Bacillus cereus within 10 seconds at 60° C. Preferred methods of the invention employ compositions containing an additional antimicrobial agent such as peroxyacetic acid. Compositions for use in the method can be prepared as concentrates, and used full strength or in diluted form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, Guang-jong J. Wei, David A. Halsrud, Kim R. Smith, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Patent number: 7527861
    Abstract: A jobsite-renewable multilayer floor finish system has an undercoat employing a first hardening system, an autohardenable (e.g., two-part) topcoat employing a second hardening system, and at least one initiator for the topcoat hardening system in at least the undercoat. The initiator increases the topcoat hardening rate while reducing the topcoat pot life to a lesser extent than would be the case if the initiator were included only in the topcoat. The increased topcoat hardening rate facilitates earlier application of additional topcoat layers, or earlier return of the floor to service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Mark D. Levitt, Lauren K. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7392811
    Abstract: A delivery head is provided that includes a delivery arm and a spray diverter constructed to divert a multiple phase treatment composition flowing through the delivery arm and diverted by the spray diverter to provide a target spray pattern. The delivery head includes an open area sufficient to provide the target spray pattern and to provide a back pressure of less than about 10 psig when a multiple phase treatment composition is flowing through the delivery head at a liquid flow rate of about 2 gal/min. to about 20 gal/min., and the volumetric ratio of the gas to liquid is between about 5:1 and about 75,000:1 at atmospheric pressure. A vessel including a delivery head and a method for treating a vessel interior surface are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Staub, Mark R. Altier, Paul F. Schacht, Robert D. P. Hei, Gabriel M. Miller, Thomas L. Harris, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 7381439
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 7365046
    Abstract: A method for stripping a floor using a concentrate prepared by mixing a substantially nonchlorinated concentrate containing a floor finish solvent and an at least partially unactivated water thickener. The concentrate is diluted merely with water at an intended use location to activate the water thickener and noticeably increase within ten minutes or less the viscosity of the resulting mixture, then applied to a hardened floor finish atop a floor and allowed to soften or dissolve the floor finish so that the finish may be removed from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Mark D. Levitt, Brian R. Leafblad, Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 7316824
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Robert D. P. Hei, Roger J. A. Tippett
  • Patent number: 7247210
    Abstract: A method for treating CIP equipment is provided according to the present invention. The CIP equipment includes process equipment. The method includes steps of treating the CIP equipment with a multiple phase treating composition comprising a treating liquid phase and a treating gaseous phase and rinsing the CIP equipment with a multiple phase rinsing composition comprising a rinsing liquid phase and a rinsing gaseous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Staub, Mark R. Altier, Paul F. Schacht, Robert D. P. Hei, Gabriel M. Miller, Thomas L. Harris, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 7220358
    Abstract: A method for treating a separation facility is provided according to the invention. The separation facility includes a plurality of membranes for providing separation of a feed product. The method includes steps of providing liquid flow through a plurality of membranes; treating the plurality of membranes with a multiple phase treatment composition comprising a gaseous phase and a liquid phase at a volumetric ratio of the gaseous phase to the liquid phase of at least about 5:1; and providing a liquid flow through the plurality of membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Schacht, Amy B. McBroom, Robert D. P. Hei, Richard K. Staub, Ralf Krack, Peter J. Fernholz, Srinivas Somayajula