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: 20030204003
    Abstract: Continuous coatings including floor finishes can be prepared using novel two part compositions and methods. The two part compositions comprise a solid particulate polymer part and a liquid coalescing agent part. A novel method of the invention involves contacting the coalescing agent with the polymer in a variety of coating methods including applying the polymer to the coalescing agent, applying the coalescing agent to the polymer or applying the coalescing agent and polymer simultaneously. The polymer and coalescing agent interact to form a continuous coating layer or finish layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Bryan M. Anderson, Robert D.P. Hei
  • Publication number: 20030199410
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions that include:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Jeffy D. Hoyt, Terry J. Klos, Robert D.P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6635286
    Abstract: A method of using peracid/acid compositions, where the mole ratio of acid to peracid is less than about 3:1, to treat field or greenhouse grown plant tissue, seeds, fruits, and growing media and containers is described. The peracid/acid system can lower the natural, plant pathogen and human pathogenic microbial load resulting in less waste to molding, spoilage, and destruction because of pathogenic poisons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, John Dennis Hilgren, Joy Ann Salverda, Brandon Leon Herdt
  • Publication number: 20030194433
    Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions containing a singlet oxygen-generating agent and a lubricant exhibit very effective antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms, including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, fungi and yeast. The compositions have particular utility as beverage container lubricants. The passage of a container along a conveyor is antimicrobially lubricated by applying a lubricant to at least a portion of the container-contacting surface of the conveyor or to at least a portion of the conveyor-contacting surface of the container and generating singlet oxygen in situ. This method provides effective control of microbes on a beverage conveyor line, at rates comparable to purely chemical biocidal systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, Stephan M. Hubig, Matthew J. Finley
  • Publication number: 20030185902
    Abstract: An improved antimicrobial composition is described as a liquid concentrate. The liquid concentrate includes a complex resulting from an in-situ reaction of a cation source, an oxidant, a halide source having at least one iodine atom, and a non-mineral acid, or a mixture of a non-mineral acid to about 50% of a hydrophilic solvent by volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, Francis L. Richter, Duane Joseph Reinhardt, Brian R. Leafblad
  • Publication number: 20030157006
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment of a plant gaseous stream containing odor compounds including hydrogen sulfide, an alkyl mercaptan or an alkyl thiol and mixtures thereof by contacting the plant stream with an oxidizing agent that reduces the odor but forms elemental sulfur. The elemental sulfur, and other inorganic, scales that form, or deposit, can be suppressed or removed using a specific aromatic substituted nonionic surfactant material. The use of such a process produces a significant improvement in odor quality while maintaining a clean process facility and low operating pressure drop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20030148911
    Abstract: A pseudo-stable phase-splitting solvent composition that forms a single liquid phase when subjected to mild agitation and retains that single phase while the composition is applied to a surface, but which forms two or more laminar liquid phases promptly after being applied. A concentrated solvent film forms on the surface, under a film containing the other phase. The solvent preferably is denser than water, and the composition preferably is diluted with water. This enables the solvent to attack the surface at near full strength, and provides a water seal over the solvent film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark D. Levitt, Robert D. P. Hei, Keith E. Olson, Bryan M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030148727
    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 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6593283
    Abstract: A method for antimicrobial treatment 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 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Guang-jong J. Wei, David A. Halsrud, Kim R. Smith, Teresa C. Podtburg
  • Publication number: 20030119691
    Abstract: A cleaning composition is provided according to the invention. The cleaning composition includes a product of mixing an acid component, a source of phosphoric acid component, and an oxidant component. The molar ratio of oxidant component to phosphoric acid component is preferably between about 2:1 and about 1:2, and the molar ratio of oxidant component to acid component is preferably between about 1:3 and about 1:5. A method of cleaning an aluminum surface is provided The method includes a step of applying the cleaning composition to an aluminum surface, and rinsing the cleaning composition from the aluminum surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D.P. Hei, Michael E. Besse, Jerry D. Hoyt
  • Publication number: 20030118744
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricating coating that is thermally cured at less than 200° C. or radiation-cured. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts and with relatively low or no water content, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping, renewable lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide dry lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Keith Edward Olson
  • Patent number: 6544942
    Abstract: A pseudo-stable phase-splitting solvent composition that forms a single liquid phase when subjected to mild agitation and retains that single phase while the composition is applied to a surface, but which forms two or more laminar liquid phases promptly after being applied. A concentrated solvent film forms on the surface, under a film containing the other phase. The solvent preferably is denser than water, and the composition preferably is diluted with water. This enables the solvent to attack the surface at near full strength, and provides a water seal over the solvent film. The solvent composition can be used full strength or in diluted form for cleaning, reducing the microbial population of, or degreasing a variety of surfaces, and for stripping a variety of difficult-to-remove coatings from surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Mark D. Levitt, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6534075
    Abstract: An antimicrobial and antiviral composition in powder form or in the form of a two part liquid concentrate for washing and sanitizing foods, food surfaces, food ware, process waters, animal quarters, and animal carcasses is described. The composition may also be used to reduce the microbial and viral population on animals; reducing human pathogenic microbes, reducing opportunistic pathogenic microbes on eggs, and treating skin diseases. The composition includes three reactive species which in solution form an oxidizing species, and optionally a food grade acid source. The reactive species include a natural source of a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound which is acceptable on foods, an oxidant and a halide source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Kim R. Smith, Polly D. Laugen, Bruce R. Cords, Shaun P. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20030026846
    Abstract: A method of using peracid/acid compositions, where the mole ratio of acid to peracid is less than about 3:1, to treat field or greenhouse grown plant tissue, seeds, fruits, and growing media and containers is described. The peracid/acid system can lower the natural, plant pathogen and human pathogenic microbial load resulting in less waste to molding, spoilage, and destruction because of pathogenic poisons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, John Dennis Hilgren, Joy Ann Salverda, Brandon Leon Herdt
  • Patent number: 6514556
    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: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hilgren, Timothy A. Gutzmann, Robert D. P. Hei
  • Patent number: 6506737
    Abstract: An oxidizing species is described herein as a reaction product through an in situ preparation combining a protonizable phosphorus or sulfur compound, and a halide source at controlled proportions in an aqueous, non-aqueous, gel, aerosol, solid-phase or powdered media. The oxidizing species can be used to reduce microbial and viral populations on a surface or object or in a body or stream of water. The invention thus finds applications as a bleach, sanitizer, oxidant, or in any other application in which an oxidizing agent can be beneficially used alone or in a formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. P. Hei, Kim Smith
  • Patent number: 6489281
    Abstract: A cleaning composition is provided according to the invention. The cleaning composition includes a product of mixing an acid component, a source of phosphoric acid component, and an oxidant component. The molar ratio of oxidant component to phosphoric acid component is preferably between about 2:1 and about 1:2, and the molar ratio of oxidant component to acid component is preferably between about 1:3 and about 1:5. A method of cleaning an aluminum surface is provided. The method includes a step of applying the cleaning composition to an aluminum surface, and rinsing the cleaning composition from the aluminum surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei, Michael E. Besse, Jerry D. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 6485794
    Abstract: The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricating coating that is thermally cured at less than 200° C. or radiation-cured. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts and with relatively low or no water content, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping, renewable lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide dry lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Minyu Li, Robert D. P. Hei, Keith D. Lokkesmoe, Keith Edward Olson
  • Publication number: 20020168422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to two solvent antimicrobial compositions and methods employing these two solvent compositions. The two solvent compositions typically contain a second solvent that is not or is only sparingly soluble in a diluting solvent. The two solvent composition can form a clear single-phase solution. The two solvent antimicrobial compositions can reduce the population of microbes on various surfaces such as facilities, containers, or equipment found in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industries at temperatures between about −70° C. to about 100° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Robert D.P. Hei, Brandon Herdt, Lawrence Grab
  • Patent number: 6479454
    Abstract: A peroxygen antimicrobial composition is provided comprising an amine oxide and peroxygen compound. The combination of the two components produces an effective antimicrobial composition, providing a more potent biocide than can be obtained by using these compounds separately. Other components can be added to the composition such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrotrope coupling agents, etc. The composition can be used to sanitize various surfaces such as hard surfaces found in food processing, food service and health care industries as well as to sanitize the surfaces of food and in the treatment of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Robert D. P. Hei