Patents by Inventor Steven E. Lentsch

Steven E. Lentsch 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: 6302968
    Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for sanitizing ware without staining, spotting or corroding. In its most preferred mode, the method comprises the steps of washing the ware in an automated ware washing machine and rinsing the ware at either high or low temperatures with a sanitizing rinse composition. The destaining, sanitizing concentrate composition preferably comprises peroxyacetic acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide using higher levels of acetic and peroxyacetic acid and a lower level of hydrogen peroxide. The sanitizing rinse composition may preferably be used at a concentration of peroxyacetic acid of at least 30 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Burton M. Baum, Steven E. Lentsch, Thomas R. Oakes
  • Publication number: 20010023239
    Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 6258765
    Abstract: A solid functional material comprises a functional agent such as a cleaning composition, a sanitizing agent, where a rinse agent, etc. in a solid block format. The solid block is formed by a binding agent that forms the active ingredients into a solid block. The binding agent comprises a phosphonate or amino acetate sequestrant, a carbonate salt and water in an E-Form hydrate. These materials at a specific mole ratio form a novel binding agent that can form functional materials into a solid matrix form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jason Wei, Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6177392
    Abstract: The dimensionally stable alkaline solid block warewashing detergent uses an E-form binder forming a solid comprising a sodium carbonate source of alkalinity, a sequestrant, a surfactant package and other optional material. The solid block is dimensionally stable and highly effective in removing soil from the surfaces of dishware in the institutional and industrial environment. The E-form hydrate comprises an organic phosphonate and a hydrated carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, G. Jason Wei
  • Patent number: 6164296
    Abstract: A highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties is provided. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning waxy-fatty soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6156715
    Abstract: The dimensionally stable alkaline solid block warewashing detergent uses an E-form binder forming a solid comprising a sodium carbonate source of alkalinity, a metal corrosion protecting alkali metal silicate composition, a sequestrant, a surfactant package and other optional material. The solid block is dimensionally stable and highly effective in removing soil from the surfaces of dishware in the institutional and industrial environment. The E-form hydrate comprises an organic phosphonate and a hydrated carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 6150324
    Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 5880089
    Abstract: A rinse aid composition for use on plasticware is herein described which requires lower concentration of conventional hydrocarbon surfactants, exhibits adequate sheeting on the plasticware and acceptable drying time which prior rinse aids have failed to provide without special handling. The compositions described contain hydrocarbon surfactants and a polyether or polybetaine polysiloxane copolymer surfactant in combination with a fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactant. The composition may be formulated as a solid or liquid suitable for dilution to form an aqueous rinse used to contact the plasticware in a warewashing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Matthew J. Sopha
  • Patent number: 5880088
    Abstract: A rinse aid composition for use on plasticware is herein described which requires lower concentration of conventional hydrocarbon surfactants, exhibits adequate sheeting on the plasticware and acceptable drying time which prior rinse aids have failed to provide without special handling. The compositions described contain hydrocarbon surfactants and a polyether or polybetaine polysiloxane copolymer surfactant alone or in combination with a fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactant. The composition may be formulated as a solid or liquid suitable for dilution to form an aqueous rinse used to contact the plasticware in a warewashing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Matthew J. Sopha
  • Patent number: 5603776
    Abstract: A method for cleaning plasticware wherein the rinse cycle employs a rinse aid composition requires lower concentration of conventional hydrocarbon surfactants, exhibits adequate sheeting on the plasticware and acceptable drying time which prior rinse aids have failed to provide without special handling. The compositions contain hydrocarbon surfactants and a combination of a fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactant and a polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane surfactant. The composition may be formulated as a solid or liquid suitable for dilution to form an aqueous rinse used to contact the plasticware in a warewashing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Matthew J. Sopha
  • Patent number: 5578134
    Abstract: A method of sanitizing and destaining ware, including silverware includes the steps of applying a sanitizing concentrate composition to silverware at a rate of 100 ppm to 2000 ppm, the sanitizing concentrate composition including from about 1 wt-% to 20 wt-% of peroxycarboxylic acid, from about 10 wt-% to 50 wt-% of carboxylic acid containing a mixture of acetic acid, and octanoic acid, the acetic acid and the octanoic acid present in a ratio ranging from about 10 to 1 to about 1 to 1, respectively, from about 3 wt-% to 35 wt-% of hydrogen peroxide, and a balance of carrier wherein said peroxycarboxylic acid is the reaction product of the acetic acid, octanoic acid, and hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Dale W. Groth, Thomas R. Oakes, Burton M. Baum
  • Patent number: 5407700
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous coating composition a film or barrier layer. The aqueous coating, in a pseudoplastic thixotropic mixture having a yield point, can be applied to surfaces in heated food preparation units. The composition can be easily applied to a variety of surfaces, and can advantageously cling to vertical or substantially inclined surfaces in order to form a barrier film or coating. The coating can result in a smooth uniform coating. The film, upon heating forms a barrier layer which can facilitate the removal of food soils which can form during food preparation activities after formation of the barrier film layer. The compositions of the invention can be used in methods for coating the interior heated surface of food preparation units by applying the aqueous material through a spray or other aerosol apparatus to form a clinging aqueous coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 5370729
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous coating composition a film or barrier layer. The aqueous coating, in a pseudoplastic thixotropic mixture having a yield point, can be applied to surfaces in heated food preparation units. The composition can be easily applied to a variety of surfaces, and can advantageously cling to vertical or substantially inclined surfaces in order to form a barrier film or coating. The coating can result in a smooth uniform coating. The film, upon heating forms a barrier layer which can facilitate the removal of food soils which can form during food preparation activities after formation of the barrier film layer. The compositions of the invention can be used in methods for coating the interior heated surface of food preparation units by applying the aqueous material through a spray or other aerosol apparatus to form a clinging aqueous coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 5364551
    Abstract: Spray-on cleaners that can be delivered by pump or pressurized gas aerosol spray head have been known to cause respiratory distress in the form of a choking mist. The choking mist associated with aerosol use can be reduced or eliminated by formulating surface cleaning compositions that can be dispensed through a spray head resulting in an aerosol or mist droplet having a median particle size greater than about 170 .mu.m, more preferably 200 .mu.m. We have found that typical spray-on cleaners have a median particle size less than about 170 .mu.m and, depending on the concentration and degree of irritation of strong base or strong acid components can cause severe respiratory distress. Preferred thickeners have been found for use in the non-choking aerosol or mist compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Cynthia A. Keller, Gregory T. Bona, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 5116543
    Abstract: A whole body cleansing agent for bathing with a small quantity of water in microgravity conditions which consists essentially of a paste comprising an acyltaurate, a skin conditioner, a hair conditioner, and a preservative. Also disclosed is a method of bathing with a small quantity of water which includes the steps of wetting the skin and hair with a small quantity of water, lathering the skin with the paste, rinsing the lather from the skin and hair with a small quantity of water to produce a rinse water containing the cleansing agent, defoaming the rinse water and supplying the defoamed rinse water to a water reclamation unit for recycle thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 4846993
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition with an improved builder system having zero phosphate that conditions service water by holding or suspending divalent or trivalent hardness ions in solution and by preventing precipitation of the hardness ions beyond their stoichiometric concentration. The composition comprises a source of alkalinity, a water-conditioning vinyl polymer with pendant --CO.sub.2 H groups, a soil-dispersing phosphinopolycarboxylic acid, and a water-conditioning organic phosphonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Thomas R. Oakes
  • Patent number: 4376787
    Abstract: A mastitis controlling method and composition based upon anionic surfactants of the formulaR--AO.sub.x.sup.- M.sup.+which generally includes organic sulfonates, sulfonic acids, phosphonates and phosphates, the composition being maintained in a pH range of 2.0 to 5.0 (preferably 2.1 to 4.0, and most preferably 2.5 to 3.5). Rapid kill of mastitis-causing gram positive and gram negative microorganisms is achieved in the practice of the instant method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Assignee: Economics Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, William Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4258056
    Abstract: Neutral to mildly acidic externally-applied mastitis control agents comparable to iodophor teat dips in activity can be obtained from the combination of an anionic surfactant (e.g. an aromatic sulfonate or sulfonic acid) and an aminocarboxylic-type chelating agent. A nitroalkanol antibacterial can be included in the composition. The full strength teat dip contains a major amount of water (but less than 98%) and typically includes an emollient, a buffering agent, and a thickener. The anionic surfactant (which is believed to be effective against gram positive mastitis-causing organisms) and the chelating agent appear to cooperate in the pH range above 4 and below 7. The chelating agent is believed to improve the cell wall permeability of the mastitis-causing organisms, even in this pH range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Economics Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: D407463
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Tina Opal Outlaw, Scott Timothy Russell, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: D414895
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Scott T. Russell, Tina O. Outlaw, Steven E. Lentsch