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).

  • Combination of a nonionic silicone surfactant and a nonionic surfactant in a solid block detergent
    Patent number: 6956019
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a monionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Patent number: 6910640
    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: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Eric R. Balz, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, Jr.
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Patent number: 6908041
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Brian A. Chute, Kathryn A. Netschke, Jamie W. Lerbs
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Patent number: 6899281
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) includes a product (31, 131, 431, 531) operatively connected to a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) releasably attaches to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer to releasably operatively connect the product (31, 131, 431, 531) thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Steven E. Lentsch, Brian A. Chute
  • Alkaline detergent containing mixed organic and inorganic sequestrants resulting in improved soil removal
    Patent number: 6835706
    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 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Publication number: 20040256481
    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: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Jamie W. Lerbs, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Combination of a nonionic silicone surfactant and a nonionic surfactant in a solid block detergent
    Publication number: 20040254090
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning waxy-fatty soils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Stable solid block detergent composition
    Patent number: 6831054
    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: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, G. Jason Wei
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Publication number: 20040222313
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Gregory G. Griese, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Brian A. Chute, Kathryn A. Netschke, Jamie W. Lerbs
  • Detergent composition and method for removing soil
    Patent number: 6812202
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Fabric treatment compositions and methods for treating fabric in a dryer
    Publication number: 20040167056
    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: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Jaclyn J. Tilleskjor, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Patent number: 6779740
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Gregory G. Griese, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Brian A. Chute, Kathryn A. Netschke, Jamie W. Lerbs
  • Combination of a nonionic silicone surfactant and a nonionic surfactant in a solid block detergent
    Patent number: 6767884
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Rinse agent composition and method for rinsing a substrate surface
    Publication number: 20040110660
    Abstract: A rinse agent composition is provided. The rinse agent composition includes a sheeting agent for promoting draining of sheets of water from a surface, and a humectant. The humectant is a component which retains at least 5 wt. % water when the humectant has been contained at an equilibrium of 50% relative humidity and room temperature. The sheeting agent and humectant are preferably provided at a ratio of between about 5:1 and about 1:3. A method for rinsing a substrate surface in the presence of high solids containing water is provided. High solids containing water is generally considered to be water having a total dissolved solids content in excess of 200 ppm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Yvonne M. Killeen
  • Binding agent for solid block functional material
    Publication number: 20040106535
    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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jason Wei, Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Stable solid block metal protecting warewashing detergent composition
    Publication number: 20040102353
    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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Keith E. Olson
  • Product dispenser and carrier
    Publication number: 20040089731
    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: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Eric R. Balz, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes
  • Combination of a nonionic silicone surfactant and a nonionic surfactant in a solid block detergent
    Publication number: 20040087459
    Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Detergent composition and method for removing soil
    Publication number: 20040077516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Rinse agent composition and method for rinsing a substrate surface
    Patent number: 6673760
    Abstract: A rinse agent composition is provided. The rinse agent composition includes a sheeting agent for promoting draining of sheets of water from a surface, and a humectant. The humectant is a component which retains at least 5 wt. % water when the humectant has been contained at an equilibrium of 50% relative humidity and room temperature. The sheeting agent and humectant are preferably provided at a ratio of between about 5:1 and about 1:3. A method for rinsing a substrate surface in the presence of high solids containing water is provided. High solids containing water is generally considered to be water having a total dissolved solids content in excess of 200 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Yvonne M. Killeen