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).

  • ENHANCED DISPENSING OF SOLID COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20110112003
    Abstract: A solid detergent composition includes an ethoxylated and propoxylated surfactant, an alkalinity source, a solidification agent and a chelating agent. The ethoxylated and propoxylated surfactant can include a surfactant blend of naturally sourced ethoxylated and propoxylated surfactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Mohs, Jennifer L. Bergerson, Amanda R. Blattner, Charles A. Hodge, Steven E. Lentsch, Jacob Pitt
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Publication number: 20110031330
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Jamie W. Lerbs, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, JR., Eric R. Balz
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Patent number: 7874501
    Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Jamie W. Lerbs, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Eric R. Balz
  • Solid fabric conditioning compositions and treatment in a dryer
    Patent number: 7871975
    Abstract: A fabric treatment composition is provided. The fabric treatment composition includes a fabric treatment agent and a carrier component for containing the fabric treatment agent in a solid form during operation conditions in a dryer. The fabric treatment composition is constructed for transferring the composition to wet fabric as a result of solubilizing the fabric treatment composition by contacting the fabric treatment composition with the wet fabric during a drying operation in a dryer. A method for treating fabric is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Monica P. Tindel-Koukal, Robert D. Hei, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig
  • ALKALINE DETERGENT CONTAINING MIXING ORGANIC AND INORGANIC SEQUESTRANTS RESULTING IN IMPROVED SOIL REMOVAL
    Publication number: 20100323940
    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: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson
  • SOLID FABRIC CONDITIONING COMPOSITIONS AND TREATMENT IN A DRYER
    Publication number: 20100293809
    Abstract: A fabric treatment composition is provided. The fabric treatment composition includes a fabric treatment agent and a carrier component for containing the fabric treatment agent in a solid form during operation conditions in a dryer. The fabric treatment composition is constructed for transferring the composition to wet fabric as a result of solubilizing the fabric treatment composition by contacting the fabric treatment composition with the wet fabric during a drying operation in a dryer. A method for treating fabric is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Monica P. Tindel-Koukal, Robert D. Hei, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig
  • FAST DRYING AND FAST DRAINING RINSE AID
    Publication number: 20100292127
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Janel M. Kieffer, Victor F. Man, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Warewashing composition comprising a Zn/Al corrosion inhibitor for use in automatic dishwashing machines
    Patent number: 7829516
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes a cleaning agent, an alkaline source, and a corrosion inhibitor. The cleaning agent comprises a detersive amount of a surfactant. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8. The corrosion inhibitor includes a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. The relative amounts of the source of zinc ion and the source of aluminum ion can be controlled to reduce visible filming when the warewashing detergent composition is used in the presence of hard water. Methods for using and manufacturing a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Howie Kestell, Michael J. Bartelme, Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Burton M. Baum, Terence P. Everson
  • Multiple use solid fabric conditioning compositions and treatment in a dryer
    Patent number: 7786069
    Abstract: A fabric treatment composition is provided. The fabric treatment composition includes a fabric treatment agent and a carrier component for containing the fabric treatment agent in a solid form during operation conditions in a dryer. The fabric treatment composition is constructed for transferring the composition to wet fabric as a result of solubilizing the fabric treatment composition by contacting the fabric treatment composition with the wet fabric during a drying operation in a dryer. A method for treating fabric is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Monica P. Tindel-Koukal, Robert D. Hei, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig
  • COMPOSITION FOR ENHANCED REMOVAL OF BLOOD SOILS
    Publication number: 20100190676
    Abstract: A composition for blood-containing soils is provided. The composition is useful in warewashing, hard surface cleaning, laundry, and in cleaning medical, dental, and animal care instruments and implements. A composition of the invention comprises an iron chelant, a reducing agent, and lysing agent. Compositions of the invention may be provided in concentrated form or as ready-to-use solutions and may be provided in liquid, powder, solid, or granulated forms. Optional additional ingredients include but are not limited to surfactants, pH modifiers, viscosity modifiers, water, builders, corrosion inhibitors, threshhold agents, anti-redeposition agents, aesthetic aids, antimicrobial agents, solidification agents, and processing aids. A desirable feature of the invention lies in its ability to clean blood-containing soils at low active concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Melissa C. Meinke, Robin M. Blank, Yvonne M. Killeen, Victor F. Man, Steven E. Lentsch, Kristen A. Mills
  • ENHANCED STABILITY PERACID COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20100108942
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to stabilized peracid compositions. Stabilizing compositions including a metal salt and a chelating agent are added to compositions including peracids. The results stabilized peracid compositions have increased shelf life and storage stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Keith G. LaScotte, Yvonne M. Killeen, Steven E. Lentsch
  • WAREWASHING COMPOSITION FOR USE IN AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING MACHINES, AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING AND USING
    Publication number: 20100056414
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes a cleaning agent, an alkaline source, and a corrosion inhibitor. The cleaning agent comprises a detersive amount of a surfactant. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8. The corrosion inhibitor includes a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. The relative amounts of the source of zinc ion and the source of aluminum ion can be controlled to reduce visible filming when the warewashing detergent composition is used in the presence of hard water. Methods for using and manufacturing a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Howie Kestell, Michael J. Bartelme, Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Burton M. Baum, Terence P. Everson
  • METHOD OF STABLE COMPOSITIONS OF SPORES, BACTERIA, AND/OR FUNGI
    Publication number: 20090325843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of a stable cleaning composition including a borate salt and spores (bacterial or fungal), vegetative bacteria, or fungi. The composition can also include a polyol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Joshua P. Magnuson, Lisa M. Sanders, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Warewashing composition for use in automatic dishwashing machines, and methods for manufacturing and using
    Patent number: 7638473
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes a cleaning agent, an alkaline source, and a corrosion inhibitor. The cleaning agent comprises a detersive amount of a surfactant. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8. The corrosion inhibitor includes a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. The relative amounts of the source of zinc ion and the source of aluminum ion can be controlled to reduce visible filming when the warewashing detergent composition is used in the presence of hard water. Methods for using and manufacturing a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Keith E. Olson, Howie Kestell, Michael J. Bartelme, Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Burton M. Baum, Terence P. Everson
  • LIMESCALE AND SOAP SCUM REMOVING COMPOSITION CONTAINING METHANE SULFONIC ACID
    Publication number: 20090260659
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including an acid component is provided, along with methods for using the composition to remove soil from hard surfaces. The concentrate cleaning composition includes between about 1 and about 70 wt % of methane sulfonic acid, about 0.1 to about 15 wt % of a surfactant component, up to about 90% of a solvent and other adjuvants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Barbara G. Choczaj, Michael J. Bartelme, Steven E. Lentsch, Katherine O. Vetter, Marvin C. Trulsen, Erik C. Olson, Mark D. Levitt
  • METHODS FOR CLEANING SURFACES WITH ACTIVATED OXYGEN
    Publication number: 20090200234
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for cleaning surfaces that are sensitive to high temperatures and/or that have pH limitations. Exemplary surfaces to be cleaned using the methods of the present invention include membranes. The methods of the present invention include applying an active oxygen use solution including an active oxygen source to the surface. An activator complex and an alkaline override use solution are applied to the surface, either in combination, or in a stepwise manner, before, after or simultaneously with the active oxygen use solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Paul F. Schacht, Peter J. Fernholz, Nathan D. Peitersen, Joseph P. Curran, Ralf Krack, Mark R. Altier, Gina F. Danielson, Victor F. Man, Joshua P. Magnuson, John W. Bolduc, Keith G. Lascotte, Jeffrey S. Hutchison, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Stable liquid enzyme compositions
    Patent number: 7569532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid enzyme cleaning composition in which the enzyme is stable at alkaline pH and: at high concentration of boric acid salt; in the absence of sodium ion; and/or in the presence of at least about 40 wt-% water. In an embodiment, water is present at concentrations of at least about 60 weight percent. The present enzyme cleaning composition typically yields superior soil (especially protein soil) removal properties. In an embodiment, the composition of the invention stabilizes the enzyme with potassium and/or alkanolamine borate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Steven E. Lentsch, Nathan D. Peitersen, Amy B. McBroom, Paul F. Schacht, Rick O. Ruhr, Jaclyn Tilleskjor
  • Detergent composition containing branched alcohol alkoxylate and compatibilizing surfactant, and method for using
    Patent number: 7530361
    Abstract: A detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The detergent composition includes a branched alcohol alkoxylate having the formula: wherein R1 is a C2-C20 alkyl, R2 is H or a C1-C4 alkyl, n is 2-20, and m is 1-40, and a compatibililizing surfactant. The compatibilizing surfactant can be selected so that an aqueous composition containing 5 wt. % of the branched alcohol alkoxylate and at least 2.5 wt. % of the compatibilizing surfactant provides a clear aqueous composition. A clear aqueous composition refers to an aqueous composition that is free of haze visible to the naked eye. In general, a clear aqueous composition resembles a composition containing only water. A method for using the detergent composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Yvonne Killeen, Kim R. Smith, Max Guzman, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Warewashing composition for use in automatic dishwashing machines comprising an aluminum/zinc ion mixture
    Patent number: 7524803
    Abstract: A warewashing detergent composition is provided according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes a cleaning agent, an alkaline source, and a corrosion inhibitor. The cleaning agent comprises a detersive amount of a surfactant. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use solution having a pH of at least about 8. The corrosion inhibitor includes a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. Methods for using and manufacturing a warewashing detergent composition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Michael J. Bartelme, Victor F. Man, Burton M. Baum, Terence P. Everson
  • MEDIUM CHAIN PEROXYCARBOXYLIC ACID COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20090081311
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism. The compositions can include advantageously high levels of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, can be readily made, and/or can exhibit reduced odor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: ECOLAB INC.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Joshua P. Magnuson, Steven E. Lentsch