Patents by Inventor Victor F. Man

Victor F. Man 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: 20030207782
    Abstract: Hard floor finishes and other stubborn soils can be removed using an aqueous dispersion of an alkylene glycol phenyl ether solvent combined with an ether alcohol solvent/coupler. Each component is used at a concentration that result in the creation of a visible dispersed appearance of the aqueous dilute use solutions. We have found that the alkylene glycol phenyl ether, in combination with at least one ether alcohol coupler or solvent, interacts with the aqueous medium to surprisingly provide enhanced cleaning performances. Hard to remove soils such as highly crosslinked urethanes and acrylic materials can be solubilized and removed by the alcohol solvent dispersions of the invention. We have found that the alkylene phenyl ether solvent requires a specific coupler cosolvent for activity. Such activity can be enhanced by the presence of a second coupler cosolvent and the use of a specific class of nonionic surfactant materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy M. Wiseth, Kim R. Smith, Victor F. Man, Scott I. De Fields, Reid Rabon, Mark D. Levitt
  • Publication number: 20030195130
    Abstract: A fabric softener composition is provided by melt mixing a fabric softener component and a carrier component to provide a fabric softener composition exhibiting a melting point greater than 90° C. The weight ratio of the fabric softener component to the carrier component can be between about 1:19 and about 19:1. Methods for manufacturing the fabric softener composition and using the fabric softener composition to soften fabric while drying laundry in a dryer are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Jaclyn J. Tilleskjor
  • Publication number: 20030166494
    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: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 6589443
    Abstract: Aqueous bleach solutions can be made by directing a spray of water onto a bulk or shaped solid (brick, tablet, block, etc.) comprising a continuous solid phase of an encapsulated source of an active halogen bleach or a solid comprising a source of an oxidizing active halogen bleach, and an encapsulated oxidizing halogen bleach source. Such shaped solids can be used to dispense uniform quantities of an aqueous bleach concentrate to bleaching locus such as a washing machine. The tablets can be made from the encapsulated bleach or from a powder mixture of a particulate, granulated or powdered unencapsulated source of active oxidizing bleach and an encapsulated source of active oxidizing bleach by forming the powder mixture into a desired shape. Such a shaped solid bleach can be packaged in a container and can then be contacted with an aqueous spray in a dispenser to create a solution of active bleach for cleaning bleaching processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6583094
    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: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, G. Jason Wei, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6583101
    Abstract: Hard floor finishes and other stubborn soils can be removed using an aqueous dispersion of an alkylene glycol phenyl ether solvent combined with an ether alcohol solvent/coupler. Each component is used at a concentration that result in the creation of a visible dispersed appearance of the aqueous dilute use solutions. We have found that the alkylene glycol phenyl ether, in combination with at least one ether alcohol coupler or solvent, interacts with the aqueous medium to surprisingly provide enhanced cleaning performances. Hard to remove soils such as highly crosslinked urethanes and acrylic materials can be solubilized and removed by the alcohol solvent dispersions of the invention. We have found that the alkylene phenyl ether solvent requires a specific coupler cosolvent for activity. Such activity can be enhanced by the presence of a second coupler cosolvent and the use of a specific class of nonionic surfactant materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy M. Wiseth, Kim R. Smith, Victor F. Man, Scott I. De Fields, Reid Rabon, Mark D. Levitt
  • Publication number: 20030109394
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to cleaning compositions for metal surfaces, including both concentrates and ready-to-use solutions. These compositions include a source of calcium ion, a source of alkalinity, a chelating agent, and a surfactant. In some embodiments, a water-soluble or water-dispersible acid-substituted polymer is also included. Additionally, in some embodiments, specific surfactants or chelating agents are used to enhance the performance of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard O. Ruhr, Mark D. Levitt, Edward H. Richardson, Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20030104961
    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: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Keith E. Olson
  • Publication number: 20030083216
    Abstract: A plastics compatible detergent composition is provided by the invention. The plastics compatible detergent composition includes about 0.01 wt. % to about 10 wt. % anionic surfactant; about 0.01 wt. % to about 10 wt. % cationic surfactant; about 0.01 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of at least one of reverse polyoxyalkylene block copolymer surfactant, alcohol alkoxylate surfactant having polyoxypropylene and/or polyoxybutylene end groups, and mixtures thereof; about 0.01 wt. % to about 10 wt. % alkylpolyglycoside surfactant; and about 0.01 wt. % to about 20 wt. % silicone surfactant. A method for washing an article having a plastic surface is provided by the invention. The method includes a step of applying the detergent composition to the plastic surface, and rinsing the detergent composition from the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Karen G. Klaers
  • Patent number: 6555012
    Abstract: A composition and method particularly designed to treat blackwater deposit. In at least one example, a composition for use in removing and preventing buildup of blackwater deposits in blackwater collection/treatment systems. The composition includes in the range of about 2 to about 15 wt. % of acidic solubilizing agent; in the range of about 0.2 to about 8 wt. % of wetting agent; in the range of about 0 to about 1 wt. % corrosion inhibitor; and a solvent/carrier medium. Another aspect is a concentrated composition to be diluted before or during use, the concentrated composition comprising in the range of about 10 to about 70 wt. % of acidic solubilizing agent; in the range of about 1 to about 40 wt. % of wetting agent; in the range of about 0 to about 5 wt. % corrosion inhibitor; and a solvent. In another example, a method for removing and preventing buildup of blackwater deposit in a blackwater collection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, Don Southworth, Victor F. Man
  • Publication number: 20030040458
    Abstract: A solid detergent composition is provided including an effective amount of a cleaning agent to provide soil removal and a binding agent dispersed throughout the solid detergent composition. The binding agent comprises a result of mixing alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonate, and water. The binding agent preferably includes alkali metal sesquicarbonate. A method for solidifying a detergent composition is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Olson, Elizabeth A. Trinkle, James J. Tarara, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6525015
    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: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Publication number: 20030022806
    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: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jason Wei, Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6506261
    Abstract: Organic compositions, used neat or in concentrate, are effective in removing complex organic soils from wood, metal and other hard surfaces. The compositions comprise nonionic surfactants, silicone surfactants, anionic surfactants, hydrotropes and other optional functional materials including sequestrants. Substrates such as laundry and heavily soiled hard surfaces containing a substantial proportion of organic/inorganic soils such as greases, oils and other hard to remove soil materials are readily cleaned by the cleaner compositions of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6503879
    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: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6489278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a A highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent which combines a source of alkalinity and with a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning waxy-fatty soils. This blend of surfactants shows surprising cooperation in reducing surface tension and comprises a nonionic or amphoteric surfactant and a silicone containing surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Deborah A. Ihns, Helmut K. Maier, Rhonda K. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20020155978
    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: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Victor F. Man, Terrence P. Everson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 6436893
    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: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Keith E. Olson, Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6425959
    Abstract: Organic compositions, used neat or in concentrate, are effective in removing complex organic soils from wood, metal and other hard surfaces. The compositions comprise nonionic surfactants, silicone surfactants, hydrotropes and other optional functional materials including sequestrants. Substrates such as laundry and heavily soiled hard surfaces containing a substantial proportion of organic/inorganic soils such as greases, oils and other hard to remove soil materials are readily cleaned by the cleaner compositions of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Victor F. Man
  • Patent number: 6410495
    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: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Keith E. Olson