Kitchen Or Tableware Patents (Class 134/25.2)
  • Patent number: 11414629
    Abstract: A method of washing dishware in a dishwasher comprising the step of delivering into the dishwasher: a) a first composition comprising oxygen bleach and substantially free of enzymes; followed by b) a second composition comprising enzymes wherein the first composition has a pH of at least 11 and the pH of the first composition is at least 1 pH unit greater the pH of the second composition wherein the pH is measured at wash concentration at 20° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nathalie Sophie Letzelter, Shari Joy Soper, Sylvan Amos, Kristopher L. Delgado, Elliott Stowe, Sarah Galea
  • Patent number: 11382483
    Abstract: A dishwasher is proposed. The dishwasher includes a case accommodating a cleaning target therein, a sump connected to an interior of the case to collect wash water, a wash pump into which the wash water flows from the sump, and generating steam, a steam nozzle into which the steam flows from the wash pump, and spraying the steam into the case, and a bubble filter disposed on a steam path between the wash pump and the steam nozzle to remove a bubble in the steam path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ilhwan Kim, Seunghun Kim, Sangwoo Woo
  • Patent number: 11366075
    Abstract: A household appliance and method for determining if an amount of deposition of scale exceeds a reference amount of deposition of scale may include obtaining a start temperature of a heating element, turning on the heating element at first point in time to heat the liquid from the liquid start temperature and simultaneously starting measuring a time interval from the first point in time, monitoring, at a second point in time, a behavior of the measured temperature of the heating element during heating of the liquid in the heating space in order to determine if a boiling temperature of the liquid has been reached, comparing the measured time interval with a reference heating duration and determining if the amount of deposition of scale on the heating element exceeds the reference amount of deposition of scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventors: Vendela Törnquist, Johan Waldebäck
  • Patent number: 11350811
    Abstract: Dishwashing appliances and methods, as provided herein, may include features or steps such as detecting a pressure (P1) at a pressure sensor upstream from a pump while maintaining the pump in an inactive state and activating the pump from the inactive state for an activation period during which the pump remains active to motivate a continuous fluid flow. Dishwashing appliances and methods may further include features or steps for detecting a pressure (P2) at the pressure sensor upstream from the pump during the activation period and initiating a response sequence at the pump based on P1 and P2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross, Craig Curtis, Mark Thomas Fryman
  • Patent number: 11337579
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of automatic dishwashing in a dishwasher having a wash tank, comprising: in a first step, delivering a first composition to dishware in the tank in the form of a mist; and afterwards, in a second step, delivering a second composition to the dishware in the tank in the form of a jet; wherein the first and second compositions are different, the first composition comprises a bleach, and the second composition is alkaline and comprises a builder. The invention also provides a dishwasher adapted to carry out the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: RECKITT BENCKISER (BRANDS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Stuart Campbell, Frank Dierkes, Karl-Heinz Mohrhard, Caroline Rigobert, Boris Seitz, Dietmar Van Loyen
  • Patent number: 11317632
    Abstract: The invention provides buffers stable to oxidants, including chlorine and hypochlorous acid, which are usable in the pH range 3-7. The invention also provides stable, buffered solutions comprising hypochlorous acid, having a pH between 3 and 7, and disposable wiping articles impregnated with these solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Pharmocon LLC
    Inventors: John F O'Connell, Jr., James P Demers, Darryl C Rideout
  • Patent number: 11291346
    Abstract: A device for customizing a washing program for removing soiling from items being washed in a water-conducting household appliance includes a sensor configured to acquire spectral measurement values of organic compounds in washing water in the water-conducting household appliance. A determination unit determines functional groups of the organic compounds based on the acquired spectral measurement values of the organic compounds, and a customization unit customizes washing parameters of a current washing program based on the determined functional groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Caroline Heiligenmann, Matthias Arnold, Ersin Isbilen
  • Patent number: 11261406
    Abstract: A solid block or unit dosed detergent composition as described which can be utilized in a variety of applications for cleaning surfaces and objects, removing suspending soils, and rinsing easily. The detergent composition, when exposed to an aqueous solution such as water, dissolves quickly and completely to create the use solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Michael Bartelme, Julie Marquardt, Steve E. Lentsch, Victor F. Man, Brian Robert Leafblad
  • Patent number: 11254897
    Abstract: Cleaning compositions that include a non-functionalized alkyl polyglycoside, a nonionic surfactant system, and water. In certain embodiments, the cleaning compositions are substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. Additionally, some embodiments of the invention are substantially free of butyl cellosolve. The cleaning composition is capable of removing both proteinaceous food soils and hydrocarbon-based oily soils. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Mark D. Levitt, Amanda Ruth Blattner, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 11166617
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher having a heat pump, including a dishwasher body provided with a tub configured with a washing space therein and a sump provided at a bottom of the tub to temporarily accommodate washing water; a spray arm provided inside the washing space to spray washing water; a circulation pump that pumps the washing water of the sump; a washing water guide that guides the washing water pumped by the circulation pump to the spray arm; a heat pump provided with a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion apparatus, and a condenser provided to exchange heat in contact with the washing water of the washing water guide; and a controller that controls the heat pump to increase the temperature of the washing water of the washing water guide. As a result, it may be possible to suppress heat loss from being generated while heating washing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sangheon Yoon, Changyoon Jung
  • Patent number: 11071436
    Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Mark D. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 11058279
    Abstract: A method and dishwasher utilize one or more tubular spray elements that are both rotatable about longitudinal axes thereof and discretely directable by one or more tubular spray element drives between a plurality of rotational positions about the longitudinal axes thereof. Thus, through the provision of discretely directable tubular spray elements, fluid such as wash fluid and/or pressurized air may be focused in a wash tub, in many cases providing more efficient resource usage in the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Robert M. Digman, Mark W. Wilson, Timothy Martin Wetzel
  • Patent number: 11060230
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dispenser assembly for a laundry treating appliance. The dispenser assembly includes a frame defining an opening, and at least one dispenser container mounted to the frame for movement between extended and retracted positions. A dispenser door is mounted to the frame for movement between closed and opened positions. The dispenser door closes the opening in the closed position and the dispenser door opens the opening in the opened position. The at least one dispenser container is operably coupled to the dispenser door such that movement of the dispenser door between the closed and opened positions effects a corresponding movement of the at least one dispenser container between the retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Ayers, Seth Bixby, Sayer J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11001787
    Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of enzymes for removing soil from a surface during the rising of the surface, wherein the rinsing is following a washing cycle. The invention further concerns a rinse aid composition for rinsing the surface and a method for removing soil from the surface during a rinsing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventors: Elena Genesca Pont, Sofia Arnehed, Maria Norman Hockauf, Ana Maria Pardos Blasco, Bitten Plesner
  • Patent number: 10980230
    Abstract: An antimicrobial composition that includes: an antimicrobial component having at least one quaternary ammonium compound; a synthetic polymer that includes: at least one cationic monomer Ab, optionally, at least one anionic monomer Ba, and optionally, at least one non-ionic monomer Ca; an organic acid; and a surfactant selected from cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and combinations thereof, wherein the composition is free of non-ionic surfactants. This composition when applied to a surface provides robust long lasting disinfection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Rhodia Operations
    Inventors: Amit Sehgal, Kamel Ramdani, Christopher Plummer, Huw Evans
  • Patent number: 10925460
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dishmachine that includes at least two tanks and methods of using the tanks to isolate, substantially isolate, or incrementally isolate different chemistries from each other during a cycle. The disclosed dishmachine design and method allows for the use of two different, and potentially incompatible, reactive, or offsetting chemistries to be used in the same dishmachine cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Jeffrey P. Ellingson, Brian P. Carlson, Louis M. Holzman
  • Patent number: 10736483
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher includes a tub that at least partially forms a treating chamber and a reuse tank fluidly coupled to the tub for storing liquid from the tub for subsequent reuse in the treating chamber. The method includes supplying liquid from the reuse tank to the tub, sanitizing liquid in the tub by heating the liquid to a sanitizing temperature by operating a heating element located in the tub and maintaining the liquid at or above the sanitizing temperature for a sanitizing time period sufficient to sanitize the liquid, and supplying the liquid in the tub to the reuse tank after sanitizing to sanitize the reuse tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Josef A. Buser, Kristopher L. Delgado, Scott D. Slabbekoorn, Cristian A. Soto, Elliott V. Stowe
  • Patent number: 10696935
    Abstract: Liquid detergent compositions can be stably structured using amides of an aliphatic polyamine with two, three or four molecules of fully saturated hydroxyl alkyl acids, even in the presence of hydrolysing detergent ingredients such as lipase enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble
    Inventors: Liesbet Maria Cornelia Detroch, Susana Fernandez-Prieto, Vincenzoi Guida, Michael Klostermann, Hans-Jurgen Kohle, Bruno Jean-Pierre Matthys, Johan Smets, Gonglu Tian
  • Patent number: 10676380
    Abstract: A method of removing food soils from a recirculated washing solution includes adding a flocculating agent to the recirculated washing solution and separating the particulates from the recirculated washing solution using a hydrocyclone. The flocculating agent causes a portion of the food soils to combine into particulates having a higher density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Besse, Brenda L. Tjelta, Daniel M. Osterberg
  • Patent number: 10667667
    Abstract: A dishwasher (100) is disclosed. The dishwasher (100) includes a cabinet (1) having an opening (11), a tub (2) provided in the cabinet (1) for receiving objects to be washed, a spray arm (711, 713) for spraying wash water to the objects, a sump (3) for storing wash water, a pump (8) for supplying the wash water stored in the sump (3) to the spray arm (711, 713), a door (13) for opening and closing the opening (11), a first steam nozzle (42) provided in the tub (2), a docking unit (62) provided at the door (13) and connected to the first steam nozzle (42) for supplying steam to the first steam nozzle (42), and a docking connector (64) provided at the tub (2) and is connected to a steam source for supplying steam to the docking unit (62), wherein, when the door (13) is opened, the docking unit (62) is disconnected from the docking connector (64), and, when the door (139 is closed, the docking unit (62) is connected to the docking connector (64) to define a closed path along which steam flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seunghun Kim, Sangwoo Woo
  • Patent number: 10612059
    Abstract: A two-step method for activating a cellulosic feedstock is described. The feedstock is subjected to a first high temperature activation step at a temperature greater than 190° C. and a second activation step at a lower temperature under alkali conditions. Also described are methods and compositions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of activated cellulose using one or more cellulase enzymes, a surfactant and polyaspartic acid. Also described are products of the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Comet Biorefining Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Richard, Dennis D'Agostino
  • Patent number: 10604725
    Abstract: The invention meets the needs above by providing a surfactant system, mixture or blend that can be used as a part of a soaking composition. The surfactant system is capable of forming emulsions with, and thus removing, oily and greasy stains. In a preferred embodiment the surfactant compositions of the invention can remove non-trans fat and fatty acid stains. The invention involves foaming soaking compositions that have some or part of the anionic surfactant present in the same replaced with an extended chain anionic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Yvonne Marie Killeen, Derrick Richard Anderson
  • Patent number: 10538721
    Abstract: An automatic dishwashing detergent composition in unit dose form wherein the composition comprises at least about 0.2 mg of active starch degrading enzyme per gram of composition and wherein the weight of the composition is less than about 25 grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Penny Sue Dirr, Corrine Nichol Case, Kathleen Anne Perry, Pamala Gail Begley
  • Patent number: 10472594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixture of sulfonated copolymers for detergent compositions which mixture of copolymers offer chelating capability as well as the ability to remain soluble in aqueous environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Itaconix Corporation
    Inventors: Bo Jiang, Yvon Durant, John Shaw
  • Patent number: 10421927
    Abstract: A neutral or acidic automatic dishwashing detergent composition including a nitrogen containing compound selected from the group consisting of imidazoles, pyrazoles, benzothiazoles, benzimidazoles, indoles, benzotriazoles, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Philip Frank Souter, Alan Thomas Brooker, Lindsay Suzanne Bewick, Colin Ure
  • Patent number: 10413153
    Abstract: A dispensing device (1) is to be mounted in a wall (W) of a rotatable door (D) associated with the washing chamber (WC) of a dishwashing machine, wherein in said washing chamber (WC) there is rotatably mounted at least one spraying impeller (S) adapted to periodically address a flow (F) of washing liquid towards a portion of said wall (W) above the dispensing device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: BITRON POLAND SP. Z O.O.
    Inventor: Lukasz Detko
  • Patent number: 10405725
    Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid supply conduit, and a rotatable sprayer that is rotatable about a rotation axis and has an inlet and multiple nozzles collectively forming an outlet. The dishwasher further includes a hydraulic drive fluidly coupling the liquid supply conduit to the rotatable sprayer. The hydraulic drive is mechanically coupled to the rotatable sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick T. Roderick, Antony M. Rappette, Daniel Lottinville, David Brightbill
  • Patent number: 10390675
    Abstract: A warewash machine includes in-situ tank soil load reduction that involves at least one of: (i) prior to addition of fresh water, draining the collection tank via a path that exits the collection tank at a location lower than a primary overflow path until wash liquid level in the collection tank drops below a standard operating level, and thereafter adding fresh water; or (ii) draining the collection tank via a path that exits the collection tank at a location lower than a primary overflow path while simultaneously adding fresh water; or (iii) adding fresh water such that wash liquid level in the collection tank rises above a standard operating level, and thereafter carrying out draining of the collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Anim-Mensah, Shawn D. Waterman, Nicholas T. Weiss
  • Patent number: 10377557
    Abstract: An aerosolized disinfectant assembly for automatically disinfecting a room with an aerosolized disinfectant includes an aerosol that includes a chemical disinfectant. A canister is provided and the aerosol is contained under pressure within the canister. A fogger is coupled to the canister and the fogger is in fluid communication with an interior of the canister. The fogger is positionable in an open position thereby facilitating the aerosol to be released from the canister and into the room. In this way the chemical disinfectant is distributed around the room to disinfect the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: John Edmond
  • Patent number: 10323213
    Abstract: The present application relates to a detergent with an improved cleaning performance, in particular on greasy stains, said detergent comprising a surfactant mixture containing amine oxide, alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkyl ether sulfate, and fatty alcohol ethoxylate. The invention also relates to the use of said detergent and to a method for improving the cleaning performance of a detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Inga Kerstin Vockenroth, Eva-Maria Wikker
  • Patent number: 10308899
    Abstract: The stabilization of subtilisins by peptide aldehydes, hydrosulfite adducts thereof or peptide methyl ketones, is particularly effective in liquid ADW detergents which contain a strong sequestering builder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Hanne Philbert Nielsen, Lise Munch Mikkelsen, Martin Noerby, Juan Jiang
  • Patent number: 10273438
    Abstract: Container comprising a single unit dose of a detergent composition containing at least one complexing agent (A) dissolved in an aqueous medium, said complexing agent (A) being a mixture of the L- and D-enantiomers of glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA) or its respective mono-, di-, tri- or tetraalkali metal salts or its mono-, di-, tri- or tetraammonium salts, said mixture containing predominantly the respective L-isomer with an enantiomeric excess (ee) in the range of from 5 to 90%, wherein said container is made from a polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Markus Hartmann, Frank Jaekel, Constanze Franzke
  • Patent number: 10244919
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a device (40) for, detecting an operational state of a dishwasher (10), in particular activation of extra wash zones and overfill situations. The device (40) is arranged to operate a motor (22) driving a dishwasher circulation pump (21) at at least one rotational speed differing from a nominal rotational speed and measure operating current of the motor (22) driving the dishwasher circulation pump (21). Further, the device is arranged to determine whether the dishwasher (10) operates in an operational state differing from a nominal operational state based on the measured circulation pump motor operating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Per-Erik Pers, Petter Svanbom
  • Patent number: 10240109
    Abstract: A dishwasher detergent composition, preferably pH neutral, and comprising a strong biodegradable builder and optionally a bleach, and optionally a sulfonated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: RECKITT BENCKISER FINISH B.V.
    Inventors: Judith Preuschen, Ralf Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 10233406
    Abstract: The present invention describes a composition of nonionic surfactants comprising a mixture of Guerbet alcohols and natural fatty alcohols with different ethoxylation gradients for producing a surface cleaning formulation. Preferably, the natural fatty alcohols are the 4 EO and 6 EO lauryl alcohols. This cleaning formulation has the advantage of being more environmental-friendly and providing a similar efficiency of formulations from fossil origin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Oxiteno S.A. Industria e Comercio
    Inventors: Elvis Araujo Barreto, Rafaela Pepineli, Rafael Fernando De Santi Ungarato
  • Patent number: 10221376
    Abstract: The invention includes a solid rinse aid that is particularly designed for extrusion solid formation and which is effective for creating spotless surfaces after rinsing. According to the invention, application has identified the critical combination of solid surfactants, coupling agents, hydrotrope, and hardening agents that is acceptable in the extrusion process to create a solid. The hydrotrope includes one or more short-chain alkylbenzene and/or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates. The composition hardens quickly but not so quick as to negatively impact the extrusion process. The compositions may also be used to form pressed or cast solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Janel M. Kieffer, Katherine Molinaro, Gary Becker, Tobias Foster, Karina Labusga
  • Patent number: 10150936
    Abstract: A surfactant of structure (I) is useful as a biodegradable low foaming surfactant: where m is a value in a range of 3 to 10, n is a value in a range of 5 to 20 and z is a value in a range of 10 to 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: Dow Global Technologies LLC, Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Wanglin Yu, Kara S. Weber, Jan E. Shulman, John Hayes
  • Patent number: 10138312
    Abstract: To provide an inhibitor for inhibiting protein adhesion capable of easily forming a coating layer which is excellent in water resistance, from which coating components are less likely to be eluted, on which protein is less likely to be adsorbed and which is excellent in biocompatibility; a coating solution; a medical device having a coating layer employing this inhibitor for inhibiting protein adhesion; a method for producing the same; and a fluoropolymer to be used in this inhibitor for inhibiting protein adhesion. A compound for inhibiting protein adhesion comprising a fluoropolymer that has units having a biocompatible group, a fluorine atom content of from 5 to 60 mass % and a proportion P represented by the following formula of from 0.1 to 4.5%. (Proportion P)=((proportion (mass %) of units having a biocompatible group to all units of the fluoropolymer))/(fluorine atom content (mass %) of the fluoropolymer))×100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Ryohei Koguchi, Kyoko Yamamoto, Yuriko Kaida, Tohru Itoh, Aya Wada, Hajime Eguchi
  • Patent number: 10081781
    Abstract: Solid rinse aid compositions and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Solid rinse aid compositions include in a single concentrate composition a pyrithione preservative system to replace conventional preservatives in the isothiazolinone family, such as chloromethylisothiazolinone. Beneficially, the pyrithione preservative systems eliminate the need for any personal protective equipment to handle the solid rinse aid compositions. Methods of making and use using the rinse aids are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tobias Foster, Andrew M. Jensen, Katherine Molinaro, Nathan D. Peitersen, Elaine Black
  • Patent number: 10039433
    Abstract: A spray arm for a dishwasher is described in which the spray arm may include an inlet for a cleaning liquid, at least one spray nozzle and a feed channel for feeding the cleaning liquid from the inlet to the spray nozzle. In order to prevent larger dirt particles from reaching any of the spray nozzles, a filter may be provided within the feed channel between the inlet and the spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Winfried Steiner, Finn Svensson, Maciej Zienkiewicz
  • Patent number: 10041021
    Abstract: Cleaning compositions that include a non-functionalized alkyl polyglycoside, a nonionic surfactant system, and water. In certain embodiments, the cleaning compositions are substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. Additionally, some embodiments of the invention are substantially free of butyl cellosolve. The cleaning composition is capable of removing both proteinaceous food soils and hydrocarbon-based oily soils. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Amanda Ruth Blattner, Mark Levitt, Victor Fuk-Pong Man
  • Patent number: 10035975
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including a primarily C12 quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside selected from the group consisting of stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl laurylglucosides chloride and lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl cocoglucosides chloride, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Hodge, Erin Jane Dahlquist Howlett, Amanda Ruth Blattner
  • Patent number: 9999317
    Abstract: A device for descaling flow passages of a pod-type beverage machine, comprising: a container having a bottom wall and a sidewall extending from the bottom wall, the sidewall defining an opening at a top of the container, wherein the container is configured to be received by the beverage machine; a dry, liquid-absorbing material disposed within the container adjacent to the bottom wall, and configured to retard a flow of liquid therethrough; a dry powder descaler disposed within the container, wherein at least a portion of the dry powder descaler is disposed on a surface of the absorbing material opposite the bottom wall; and a cover over the opening at the top of the container and configured to seal the liquid-absorbing material and the dry powder descaler in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Jerige
  • Patent number: 9986885
    Abstract: A dish treating appliance has a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for holding dishes for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation. An access opening provides access to the treating chamber. There are multiple sprayers that emit liquid into the treating chamber, multiple feed tubes fluidly coupled to the multiple sprayers, a diverter valve selectively fluidly connecting to the multiple feed tubes, and a pump having an inlet fluidly coupled to the treating chamber and an outlet fluidly coupled to the diverter valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: David Chen, Kristopher L. Delgado, Kevin Miller
  • Patent number: 9938489
    Abstract: Process for cleaning dishware soiled with fatty residue, characterized in that said process is carried out at a temperature in the range of from 45 to 65° C. and using at least one formulation, comprising (A) in the range of from 1 to 50% by weight of at least one complexing agent, selected from the alkali metal salts of citric acid, aminocarboxylic acids and from sodium tripolyphosphate, (B) in the range of from 2 to 8% by weight of at least one non-ionic surfactant of general formula (I) R1—CH(OH)—CH2—O-(AO)x—R2 (I) (C) in the range of from 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Holger Tuerk, Heike Weber, Juergen Detering, Gazi Tuerkoglu
  • Patent number: 9920283
    Abstract: A dishwasher detergent composition, preferably pH neutral, and comprising a strong biodegradable builder and optionally a bleach, and optionally a sulfonated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: RECKITT BENCKISER FINISH B.V.
    Inventors: Judith Preuschen, Ralf Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 9872931
    Abstract: A removable sterilization rack for supporting objects to be sterilized inside a sterilization apparatus is disclosed. The sterilization rack includes a support structure for supporting the objections; at least one opening for directing a flow of a fluid towards the objects when the objects are supported by the support structure; a docking port for docking with a fluid supply port in the sterilization apparatus and for receiving the fluid from the fluid supply port of the sterilization apparatus; and a conduit arranged and configured to bring the docking port in fluid connection with the at least one opening. The sterilization rack further includes a marker configured to provide a contactless positioning indication to the sterilization apparatus when the docking port is in a position to receive the fluid from the fluid supply port of the sterilization apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: GETINGE STERILIZATION AB
    Inventors: Jonas Andersson, Ola Kristiansson, Henrik Einarsson
  • Patent number: 9814366
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a first spray assembly and a second spray assembly disposed within a wash chamber of a tub. A hydraulic switch of the dishwasher appliance has a first outlet conduit that extends towards the first spray assembly and a second outlet conduit that extends towards the second spray assembly. A plug of the hydraulic switch is movable between the first outlet conduit and the second outlet conduit. The hydraulic switch may permit a flow of wash fluid to either the first spray assembly or the second spray assembly. A related method for operating a dishwasher appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Lazaro Galban
  • Patent number: 9766633
    Abstract: For the purpose of balancing (S3) a group of consumers in a fluid transport system in which each consumer is configured with a motorized regulating valve for the purpose of regulating the flow through the consumer, characteristic data for the consumer is saved (S2) which determines a valve position of the corresponding regulating valve for the target throughput through each consumer. A momentary total throughput through the group of consumers is determined (S32) by means of a common throughput sensor, and based on the momentary total throughput and a sum of the desired target throughputs through the consumers, a balancing factor is determined (S34). By setting (S31) the valve positions of the corresponding regulating valves based on the characteristic data and the balancing factor, a dynamic balancing of the consumers is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: BELIMO HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Norbert Markus Lederle, Urs Keller, Reto Hobi, Peter Schmidlin
  • Patent number: 9752100
    Abstract: Phosphate-free dishwasher detergents which contain a builder, bleaching agents, a nonionic surfactant, and also a) a copolymer comprising i) sulfonic acid group-containing monomers, ii) further ionic and/or nonionic monomers, b) methyl glycine diacetic acid. The detergents according to the invention have good cleaning and rinsing results which are comparable to those of phosphate-containing dishwasher detergents or even outdo them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Nadine Warkotsch, Johannes Zipfel, Arnd Kessler, Christian Nitsch, Arno Dueffels, Thomas Holderbaum